Breaking Down the Numbers-2018 Independent Band Poll

Post #366

While initially I was not pleased to have to use a different format to conduct my most recent poll for Independent Band of the Year, I did discover that the Google Form approach allowed me to customize the poll a little further. For those of you who voted, you probably noticed that I added an extra question this year, asking you to check the songs you previewed prior to casting your vote. That is, after all, the goal of this contest: to get more people to actually hear the music from these unsigned bands that deserve to be heard. I was very curious to see how many respondents actually were listening to the songs.

The point of the poll, as always, was to determine the most popular band, so the 'Favorite Band' question was required for the poll. The 'Songs Previewed' question was optional. Still, the majority opted to respond- less than 10% did not respond to the 'Songs Previewed' question. The results were interesting, following a slightly skewed Gaussian curve:

There were 125 total responses to this year's Independent Band of the Year poll. Nearly half of those responding (44%) previewed only tracks by the band they voted for. This was expected to a certain degree- I did encourage all contestants to share the contest among their fans and campaign for votes in any way they saw fit. I was encouraged to see that so many respondents took the time to listen to at least one other band, and a fair amount of respondents (almost 22%, more than 1 in 5) listened to at least 1 track from every contestant, if not every single recommended track. (each band except Mediums had 2 tracks featured in the contest.)

Here is a graph depicting how many plays each song received:

(Note: The bands Genotype and Guardsman requested one of their tracks to be changed after the contest was already underway. Hence you see 3 tracks for those bands, but they only had 2 tracks recommended at any given time.)

Clearly the top 2 vote-getting bands, Genotype and Ditchwater, received slightly more song-plays. However, I was quite pleased to see that every band received a good balance of song-plays. 

I look forward to trying this approach again next year. Whether it will again be through Google Forms or some other format I can't say for sure.

Thank you to all who voted for any band in this year's contest. Watch this blog for a review of Genotype's album Genotype III coming very soon!

Happy Headbanging!

Congratulations, Genotype! 2018 Independent Band of the Year!

Post # 365
After a month of voting, sharing, sampling music, and self-promoting from the 7 contestants in this year's contest, ROCKford's metalcore phenoms GENOTYPE have won the Independent Band of the Year poll for 2018-19! Beginning in January they will enjoy a sidebar link to their main website, a full-length review of their latest album Genotype III, and promotions of each of their events throughout 2019 here at www.happyheadbanger.com!

Keep following this site, the Happyheadbanger Facebook page, and of course, Genotype for more to come in 2019!

Lastly I want to thank ALL the bands that were a part of this year's contest not just for agreeing to participate, but also for endeavoring to create, record, perform and promote original rock and metal music in this day and age. I thank you and I'm sure each of your individual followings do as well. Thanks again to:

Genotype
Ditchwater
Guardsman
Shadowstrike
Living Terror
Silverside
and MEDIUMS!

Congratulations to Proudest Angel-2016/17 Independent Band of the Year

Post #345


On November 15th the annual Independent Band of the Year readers-poll contest concluded and Proudest Angel from Chicago, IL won by virtue of getting the most votes. This was another exciting year, and again was an outreach effort as there were bands featured not just from the Chicago and Indiana music scenes, but also from Spain and England! I want to thank all the bands for being a part of another competitive year of promoting independent heavy music through this contest. I hope your fans continue to follow this site.

Proudest Angel will become the featured band on this site for the 2017 calendar year starting in January. They will have a link to their primary website in the sidebar, announcements posted here ahead of each show they play, a review forthcoming of 'The Soundtrack to Your Next Bad Decision'- their first album since 2002, and other content as opportunity presents.


They also will get to nominate a band for the next 3 Independent Band readers polls. For now, you can follow their events and announcements on their facebook page, and stream their album online at their Bandcamp page.


Thanks again, and Happy Headbanging!

Blog Update: Hiatus for Reader's Polls

Post # 278

My apologies for those of you who always look forward to the monthly reader's polls I've often featured. I've taken a break from posting polls since last December to allow for a busy schedule. I will soon get around to reviewing the recent poll-winners that I have fallen behind on, and once I get caught back up I will resume posting an interesting question about metal music or artists at that point.

I'll let this hiatus continue for a couple more months, but anticipate the reader's polls to resume this coming summer. Until then, enjoy the blog posts and reviews I have planned. Several requested reviews from independent artists across the globe are in progress, and they should keep you intrigued about discovering new and different metal music for the near future.

Have patience, and the reader's polls will return in due time. Until then, Happy Headbanging!

Congratulations Psychopathic Daze-Winner of 2013-2014 Independent Band of the Year!

Post #274

As November came to a close so did the annual Independent Band of the Year reader's poll contest. This year was an exciting competition as always, and this year Psychopathic Daze came out on top. At the start, the competition was as tough as it's ever been! Midway through the polling period 3 bands were vying for the lead. However, persistent self promotion through their social media networks saw Psychopathic Daze slowly extend their lead over the pack until they amassed enough votes to top almost all the other bands combined.

A full review of their music, interviews, and announcements of all their local shows will be coming soon in 2014 here at www.happyheadbanger.com.

Thanks to all of their fans who voted, as well as to the other bands and their fans as well for making this year's contest another exciting one! Happy Headbanging to all!

Metallica Inauguration 2013

Post #228

As winners in the Heavy Metal Madness tournament of 2012, Metallica also have won the title of this blog's symbolic president. Now it is time for their inauguration.

For 2012, Metallica enjoyed a mix of current success and nostalgia for some of their past releases. Beyond Magnetic, an EP of some left-over songs from the Death Magnetic sessions were finished up and released in early 2012. In the summer, they headlined their own music festival: Orion Music + More. Over 30 bands in 2 nights, Metallica headlined both nights, playing the entire 'Black Album' on one night, and Ride the Lightning on the other. These performances can be downloaded through the livemetallica.com catalog page. They are the June 23 and 24 dates in Atlantic City, NJ.

They have also begun work on their next full-length album, to follow-up Death Magnetic. No release date is set, but with the direction they've been heading recently, it should not disappoint fans, new or old.

So Metallica will take the lead in the world of metal music again in 2013. Orion Music + More will return, this time in Detroit, MI. WWW.HAPPYHEADBANGER.COM will follow them here as well. Their 2-year term begins now! So dig your way to something better, get back which used to be, sell your soul to me- I will set you free- pacify your demons, when we start to rock we will never stop again!

Enjoy some music from Metallica!
-Hit the Lights
-Escape
-Disposable Heroes
-The Frayed Ends of Sanity
-Holier Than Thou
-The Outlaw Torn
-Slither
-Whiskey in the Jar
- (-) Human
-The Unnamed Feeling
-All Nightmare Long
-Hate Train

Happy Headbanging!

Heavy Metal Madness Contest Winners Are...

Post #227
As many of you have been voting in the Heavy Metal Madness polls throughout 2012, now that it's over it is time to announce those who have won prizes in the pool. 73 contestants entered, by filling out their predictions of which bands would win the tournament, way back in the Fall of 2011! The contest rules were laid out in Post #166, and these winners have the highest scores based on that 'scoring system'.

Ironically, my wife has won the overall top-score! (I invited my close family to join this contest, just for fun. Myself included!) Luckily for the rest of the field, she has declined to accept the grand-prize package, so I will still be sending the goods out to 7 lucky winners.

Congratulations to these contestants:
1st place with a score of 355: Heather B (Mrs. 'Happy Headbanger' herself!)
2nd place with a score of 326: Lisa R
3rd place with a score of 312: Kitty K
4th place with a score of 279: Sam T
5th place with a score of 275: Dawn K
6th place with a score of 268: Dani G
7th place with a score of 264: Steve G
8th place with a score of 262: Kevin S

...and there will be a futility prize (for the contestant who finished last): in 73rd place with a score of 120: JP!!

Thank you to all my friends, family, followers, collaborators, and of course my HMM selection committee (you are not forgotten!) for participating, month after month, in the massive contest!

Selection Committee members:
Stygian
Rocky The Rockett
foxymophandlematt
Franthrax
Wolf
and Jeremy.

Holiday Wishes from Fist To The Sky, and the HappyHeadbanger

Post #224

Not long ago I received a holiday postcard from the new Independent Band of the Year, Fist To The Sky. I'd also like to take a moment to wish all my readers a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and a Happy New Year. Thank you again for all your support throughout another rockin' year of heavy metal appreciation. Keep following us in 2013!

FIST TO THE SKY

The HappyHeadbanger

Congratulations FIST TO THE SKY!

Post #222

On Nov 30th, the polls for 'Independent Band of the Year' closed and Fist To The Sky became the new champion. Beginning on January 1st, they'll take over the side-bar link that's been occupied by Mortal Wrath for 2012. Fist To The Sky ran a successful campaign, recruiting their fans to vote them to the win. For a while the competition heated up when Indolent pulled ahead mid-way through the contest, but Fist To The Sky reclaimed the lead in the end.

I want to take a moment to thank all the bands who agreed to participate this year. Collectively they introduced www.happyheadbanger.com to over 400 new fans. Thanks to this year's field of independent bands: Shield of Wings, Tetrarch, The Atrocities, BaleScream, In Serenity, Indolent, and of course FIST TO THE SKY.

Watch for frequent new content about Fist To The Sky; including reviews, interviews, announcements of upcoming shows, and breaking news of their forthcoming EP...

For now, you can check them out at their upcoming all-ages show, opening for Janus at Another Hole In The Wall in Steger, IL THIS SATURDAY, Decemeber 15th at 7pm. Tickets: $12 at the door. 9 bands performing! For more info click here http://www.facebook.com/events/218416004957619/

Congratulations again, Fist To The Sky! Looking forward to good things from you in 2013...

Happy Headbanging!

HEAVY METAL MADNESS!! (Extended Deadline: 1-15-12)

Post #179

Hello again readers!
This is just a reminder that if you would like to be eligible for prizes in the HEAVY METAL MADNESS 2012 contest, please request/submit your completed brackets by January 15th, 2012!

The contest is heating up, with the first 8 matches of the first round underway. Over 50 entries have been collected so far. At least the top 5 entries, at the end, will receive prizes in the mail after the madness is over, and Champion of Heavy Metal bands is crowned. I encourage any of you who may already have entered the contest to spread the word to family and friends this weekend, and try to pull in some more entries.

Another reminder: Don't forget that ROCK AMERICA (music memorabilia retailer), has agreed to sponsor this contest with a $20 gift card. This will be awarded to the top overall bracket prediction in a prize-package. For a sample of the kinds of products they have available, here are some examples, featuring the #2 Seeds from each quadrant of the Heavy Metal Madness Bracket:

SLAYER (#2 seed in the Classic/Thrash Metal bracket)

LED ZEPPELIN (#2 seed in the Classic Rock/Hair Metal bracket)

AVENGED SEVENFOLD (#2 seed in the Hardcore/Death/Power Metal bracket)

PEARL JAM (#2 seed in the Alternative/Grunge/Punk Rock bracket)

Don't forget to vote in this month's matches!  >>>>

HEAVY METAL MADNESS 2012 BRACKET: Rules and Scoring

Post #166
It's finally here! The OFFICIAL Bracket for Heavy Metal Madness 2012! This contest will play out over the course of 2012 through numerous reader's polls each month here at Heavy Metal 107. The winner in each match-up will be determined ENTIRELY BY YOUR VOTES! The only exception will be in the event of a tie, in which case the higher seed will advance. So keep an eye on this blog on a monthly basis so you don't miss a chance to vote for your favorite bands! Spread the news to your friends by sharing this blog on your social networks, the more votes the better. There will also be a contest, with prizes, for the most accurately predicted brackets. THERE IS NO ENTRY FEE! All you need to do is completely fill out the bracket with the bands you think will advance in each round, and send it back to me by the deadlines below and you're in!

HEAVY METAL MADNESS 2012 Scoring, Rules, and how to submit your bracket:
Scoring: For each correctly predicted match-up, each entry will earn points based on the band's original seed multiplied by the number of the round*. The first round of 64 bands begins in January, runs through May, and will be played out in four 30-35 day polling windows. The second round of 32 bands will be conducted over two 30-35 day polling windows in June and July. The Sweet Sixteen is the 3rd round, Elite Eight is 4th, and the Final Four is the 5th AND FINAL round.

*The only exception to the seed-based scoring is in the 'play-in' round (where the 16th and 17th seeds face-off for the chance to face the #1 seed in each quadrant). A correct prediction of this round will count as 1 point, and will only be used to decide a tie-breaker among entries at the conclusion of Heavy Metal Madness. The play-in round is considered a 'bonus round', and is not required to be eligible for this contest. The play-in bonus round does have an earlier deadline than the official deadline to submit a bracket prediction.

In each poll, in the event of a tie, the higher-seeded band will advance, up until the Final Four. If there is a tie for 1st place in the Final Four, there will be a tie-breaking follow-up poll featuring only the 2 bands that tied for first.

Only the correct winner is needed to earn points for any given round.

There is a bonus of 5 points for each correct band to reach the Final Four, and a bonus of 10 points for correctly predicting the overall champion.

Prizes will be given away to at least the 5 highest-scoring brackets, possibly more depending on the number of entries received by the Heavy Metal Madness deadline. Prizes will consist of a variety of the following items: CDs, DVDs, magazines, posters, or stickers featuring bands from the Heavy Metal Madness bracket. I will ship them to the winners at my own expense.

The deadlines for bracket submissions are:

Play-In Bonus Round Deadline: December 5th, 2011

Official Heavy Metal Madness Deadline: January 5th, 2012

To request an email with an attachment containing the official Heavy Metal Madness 2012 Bracket (Excel spreadsheet), send an email to: happyheadbanger@gmail.com

You may also request my mailing address through that email, and I will accept paper-copies of your predictions so long as the envelope is post-marked by the deadlines given above.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or are unclear about any specifics in this competition.

Here is an image of the OFFICIAL bracket:

It can also be found at the bottom of the blog, where it will be updated once the tournament has begun.

HEAVY METAL MADNESS!! (Coming in 2012)

Post #160
For those of you who've been following this blog for a while, you may have noticed that I usually use the phrase 'favorite' in all my reader's polls as opposed to 'best'. This is mostly because saying a thing is your 'favorite' is easier. 'Favorites' can be based on one individual's opinion, and requires no further justification. To say something is the 'best' requires more justification and explanation. Sure, I can easily say whatever I think is the best, but that may differ greatly from what the next guy would say is the best. On this blog I try to let the reader decide for their self what is best.

Well, coming up in 2012, I might make one exception to this rule of thumb I've been following, and try to decide who is actually the 'Best*' heavy metal band. The '*' would reference the following footnote: 'based on reader opinion'. How does that sound to you, dear readers? It will be called HEAVY METAL MADNESS, and be designed after the NCAA's March Madness basketball tournament. Spanning several months (possibly the entire year), I will post numerous reader's polls each month. Each poll representing one match-up in the giant bracket.

The bands I choose to include will represent the most influential bands I can think of from the most relevant genres and sub-genres in hard-rock and heavy metal music, from the early 70's up 'til now. The reviews of each poll-winner will be much briefer since there will be several results each month, but essentially a summary of who advanced and who was knocked-out should suffice.

Hopefully this tournament-style reader-opinion poll will keep your interest peaked, as each month you invest more and more of your own fanaticism into HEAVY METAL MADNESS. I've found that when the NCAA tournament comes around, I'm always more interested in the results in years when I participate in an office pool or two. Hopefully this can have the same effect with Heavy Metal music. Would you agree?

We'll begin to find out in 2012! I plan to initiate this tournament very soon after this fall's annual Independent Band Of The Year poll (formerly called the 'Myspace bands poll'). If all goes well, it will prove to be the ultimate contest for the BEST* Hard-Rock/Heavy Metal band ever!

Blog Update: Check out new features!

Post #159
I want to take a minute to point out a few changes I've made to the blog recently. Most obvious is the relatively new banner at the top of this page. I've mentioned it earlier, shortly after I uploaded it. Again, thank you to Andy at Traynart Graphic design for that.

Next, I want to point out the box on the left hand column where you can now enter an email address for a quick and easy way to follow this blog. If you've enjoyed any of my posts, please take a second to enter your email, so you won't miss a single post!

Other changes I've made include the re-organizing of the links section. I've now split it into 3 sections. First are the links to off-shoots of this blog that I've created myself. These are called 'Happy Headbanger links', and include my Pandora radio station, a Facebook page, and Twitter feed. The second category 'Music, Rock, and Metal Blogs' includes the other music oriented blogs that I follow. The 3rd category, 'Other Blogs' contains the blogs I follow that don't necessarily relate to music or heavy metal in any way, but I still recommend them!

In my blog settings, I have now made comments open to all! This feature used to be restricted to google account holders, but not anymore. You should now be able to comment on any post, remaining anonymous if you choose.

Lastly, the "Coming Soon" section will slowly be phased out. I still want to write about these topics, so I will leave the list there until I get to each item on it. However, since I have a bad habit of adding items to this list faster than I get around to writing them, I'll simply stop adding topics to it.

The "Honorary Vice President" spot was created for the winner of last year's 'Independent Bands Reader's Poll'- DEADMANSWAKE. Unlike the 'President' spot, which lasts for a term of 2 years, the VP spot will last for 1 year (until the next 'Independent Bands Reader's Poll'). Watch for the new 'Independent Bands Poll' coming in October!

I hope these changes make the blog a more enjoyable experience for all of you! I am always open to suggestions. If you have any ideas, feel free to email me at happyheadbanger@gmail.com

later
\m/

Lyric Quotes of the Month (Nov. '08 - Dec.'09)

Post #150
Hey there, readers! It's been awhile since I've posted a collection of my monthly lyric quotes. If you've missed a couple over the last few months, don't worry because I do intend to write posts like this one periodically. So, to pick up from where I left off way back in '08, here we go...

November '08: "Now I know there's trouble in the middle-east. I'll spend all my money when I stop the arms race. All my brothers in the desert gonna have themselves a feast. And when that's done then we'll start on world peace." from 'When I'm President' by Extreme

December '08: "On my Heavy Metal Christmas my true love gave to me... A tattoo of Ozzy!" from 'Heavy Metal Christmas' by Twisted Sister

January '09: "The world is full of kings and queens who blind your eyes and steal your dreams. It's Heaven and Hell" from 'Heaven & Hell' by Black Sabbath

February '09: "Life burns from the touch of the Reaper, all things must pass." from 'Life Burns!' by Apocalyptica

March '09: "When you combine heartache with misery sets up a challenge for destiny." from 'Tainted Past' by Armored Saint

April '09: "As long as one of us is chained, none of us are free." from 'Who Has the Right' by Sammy Hagar

May '09: "I woke the same as any other day except a voice was in my head. It said 'seize the day, pull the trigger, drop the blade and watch the rolling heads.'" from 'The Day I Tried to Live' by Soundgarden

June '09: "Don't drink from the cup of human kindness. It's a strange brew and poison to the touch." from 'Follow the Tears' by Heaven & Hell

July '09: "I will try to pour all of myself into this life before I die. If I go before my time, then take these words evermore into your life." from 'Into the Mouth of Hell We March' by Trivium

August '09: "Does following faith lead us to violence?" from 'In the Name of God' by Dream Theater

September '09: "I pound the walls, I shake the cage! I will not fall, I will not fail!" from 'Become the Catalyst' by All That Remains

October '09: "I pledge allegiance to the underworld, one nation under Dog, there of which I stand alone. A face in the crowd, unsung, against the mold. Without a doubt, singled out, the only way I know." from 'Minority' by Green Day

November '09: "Sleep my friend and you will see the dream is my reality." from 'Welcome Home (Sanitarium)' by Metallica

December '09: "Stop searching the sky for answers, and look within." from 'Still I Rise' by Shadows Fall

Heavy Metal 107's new banner, by TraynArt Graphic Design!

Post #144
Just recently I uploaded a new, fancy, full-color banner for this blog. It is a concept I've had in mind for years now, and thanks to a friend of mine who is a graphic designer, it has been brought to life. I couldn't have envisioned it any better! I hope you enjoy seeing it atop this blog as much as I do. I need to take a moment to express my gratitude for his fine work. Thanks so much, Andy! If you're looking for someone to do graphics for one of your own blogs or websites, feel free to contact him here: traynart@gmail.com.

Duet/Guest Vocalist Poll Choices

Post #135
For this month's reader's poll, I'm making it a bit interactive with this post, where you can hear all the songs to compare, in case you're not familiar with them all already. Here you go!

Lita Ford with Ozzy Osbourne
Close My Eyes Forever
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zy3fJ8Nmzywube.com/watch?v=Zy3fJ8Nmzyw

Megadeth with Cristina Scabbia
A Tout Le Monde (Set Me Free)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xn01nSG4cvU


Temple of the Dog featuring Eddie Vedder
Hunger Strike
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjNjJR9jUGo

Guns N' Roses with Alice Cooper
The Garden
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9e77IrHBswom/watch?v=-9e77IrHBswcom/watch?v=-9e77IrHBsw

Halford with Bruce Dickinson
One You Love to Hate
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAQavq1CQ68om/watch?v=cAQavq1CQ68


Alice Cooper with Chris Cornell
Stolen Prayer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNqCsGRJHIE&feature=fvwrel


Corrosion of Conformity with James Hetfield

Man or Ash

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5D0ZRedeBDs

Bruce Dickinson- Heavy Metal 107's 2nd President!!

Post #120 [Poll Winner: Heavy Metal Election 2010-Favorite Frontman]
Bruce Dickinson's Inauguration:
In a landslide reader's poll, Bruce Dickinson scored a decisive victory for president of this blog. This convincing result came in timely fashion, as Iron Maiden have recently enjoyed much acclaim for their newest album, The Final Frontier.

Whether this album title may indicate that Maiden are nearing the end of their career remains to be seen. However, for the next 2 years, Bruce will hold office here at happyheadbanger. In the meantime, keep enjoying Iron Maiden's music as well as Bruce's solo material.

Bruce Dickinson would like to thank every reader of happyheadbanger/Heavy Metal 107 who voted for him. Holding the office previously held by James Hetfield will be a welcomed challenge. May the metal music of Iron Maiden stand as my testament to the enduring quality of heavy metal! To use a lyric as my theme for this term as President, here's one from the song 'Born in '58'

"Justice and liberty. You can buy - but you don't get free."

Congratulations, DEADMANSWAKE!

Post #115

In appreciation of the unprecedented and overwhelming response to the recent reader's poll, I would like to thank all of the bands who allowed me to feature them and their myspace.com web page in this poll: Smash Corps, Third Law of Motion, Killcode, Skank, Sutured Psyche, Inn Cinema, and the winner: Deadmanswake!

Over the course of this blog, I've been keeping track of the reader's polls each month. Prior to this year's 2nd annual independent/myspace bands poll, the record for reader response in a poll was 56 votes. This poll has shattered that record with an amazing 1156 votes!

Same as last year, the winner will have a full-length review coming soon. However, as further thanks for all the votes & new readers brought to this blog by the poll-winner, they will soon be featured in a link on this blog for 1 year as 'Honorary Vice President'. I will also try to keep up with their scheduled shows, and mention them ahead of time here in the blog. So keep an eye out for great local shows!

Not to be overlooked, the rest of the poll contestants are likely to be reviewed at a later date. Several of them helped to make this the most competitive reader's poll yet, and a few of them had even held the lead before Deadmanswake pulled ahead at the end.

Again, thanks to all who participated, voted, & rocked out to great new music! I hope you continue to support independent music & local bands!

Second Annual Myspace-Bands Poll

Post #107
In the world of online music and streaming mp3's websites like myspce.com have become more than simply a way to get your music heard; they've become the standard for much of the music industry. Not only will you find your buddy's garage band from around the block with their own myspace-page, but every major recording artist now has at least a couple songs available for free sampling at myspace.com.

To celebrate the spirit of independent music, the Happy Headbanger's blog is once again featuring seven of these up-and-coming bands in a reader's poll. To allow you faithful readers sufficient time to hear a little of each of these bands, and decide on a favorite, this poll will have an extended voting window! Typically I utilize a 30-day polling window, but for this one you'll get no less than 45 days. Use them wisely!

Now here are your contestants
DEADMANSWAKE
Female-fronted metal with lots of balls!
Check out the song "Amy"
http://www.myspace.com/deadmanswakechicago

SMASH CORPS
Great heavy-metal with a thrash-hardcore vibe!
Check out "The Machine"
http://www.myspace.com/smashcorps

THIRD LAW OF MOTION
"For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction."
Post-grunge inspired alternative rock, with mainstream-friendly hooks.
Check out "Golden Age"
http://www.myspace.com/thirdlawofmotion

KILLCODE
A great New York-based band blending a classic-metal sound with a bit of southern rock.
Check out "Truce"
http://www.myspace.com/killcode

SKANK
A little melody, a bunch of hard-core riffs, and of course a little sleazy. These guys rock!
Check out "No Love Lost"
http://www.myspace.com/skankmusic

INN CINEMA
These guys can be intense with a furious metalcore edge, then lighten up to show a melodic side.
Check out "Save Me"
http://www.myspace.com/inncinema

SUTURED PSYCHE
"Music for Bastards!"
Melodic hard rock, mixed with a bit of alternative metal, and catchy grooves in every song!
Check out "The Leap"
http://www.myspace.com/suturedpsyche

Keep in mind, the winner of this poll will get a full-length review within a few weeks of when the poll closes. Not to mention more exposure to the online community, and circulation of their myspace page!

Enjoy!

Coming readers' poll topics...

Post #91
Hello again loyal readers!

I'm just checking in to update you on my next planned series of poll topics for this summer. You may recall last summer the monthly poll topics followed the theme of '80's Heavy Metal Icons', as each month you voted for a favorite album from the 80's by various metal bands. In a similar fashion, this summer's theme will be favorite albums form the 70's! The first band will be the mighty Led Zeppelin (I will include their 1st two albums in the poll, even though they were released in '69), and I'll pick a different 70's hard-rock or metal band for the next few months. I may not include bands from that era if I've already reviewed their 70's material. However if you have a favorite band from that decade you'd like me to include in this series of readers' polls, by all means feel free to suggest them to me. Just leave a comment on this post, or contact me by any means if you know where to find me!

Happy Head-banging!
JB