Swedish band Ghost, the opener for this tour, has been generating a lot of buzz in the metal community, so much so that the venue was almost completely full when they played. Not only is this rare for an opening band, but the venue’s doors opened right before they hit the stage. So at a time when people are usually trickling in and getting situated, the crowd was already seated and watching with rapt attention. It’s no wonder since Ghost has so much mystery surrounding them and they write damn good songs. They practically came out of nowhere with a 3 track demo in 2010 and their first full length album, Opus Eponymous, in 2011. Read more…
By Colette Claire Posted in Features, Reviews, Show Reviews ghost, Mastodon, Mikael Åkerfeldt, Opeth, Ronnie James Dio
Alec Empire is a German phenomenon. His time with Atari Teenage Riot in the 90s gained him the reputation of a mad scientist producer of punk electronic. During the decade in between the resurgence of ATR, Empire has put out more content than many musicians do in a lifetime. With their most recent album on Dim Mak records, it seems the world has finally caught up with ATR as their retro sounds once again become relevant. In an interview before their show at the Roxy, Empire sits down with me to explain why this is so. Read more…
By Ryan Stabile Posted in Features Interview
Yes, another South by Southwest music festival is behind us. The 2012 incarnation of Austin’s annual rock-and-roll party town is complete, and this year was somehow crazier than ever. Even more bands packed into even more showcases and parties. And in the midst of it all, hundreds of thousands crammed the streets of downtown Austin either to find the best in music in 2012 or just to have a good time. All-in-all, the level of talent present had increased again, making it harder than ever to pick from the options available. Some of the biggest names in music showed up this time: Eminem, Bruce Springsteen, even Jack White showed up putting on a talk-of-the-festival performance of his new solo material. Read more…
By Raymond Flotat Posted in Features Corrosion of Conformity, gossip, Kasabian, Of Montreal, Pillowfight, Santigold, Sleigh Bells, SXSW, The Big Sleep, the Roots, Zola Jesus
Four dudes from New York find their way to the Bootleg Theater in Los Angeles for the very first time. Like all New Yorkers, they adapt. They sip their beverages, tell jokes and laugh while hanging out in the green room behind the stage with their opening bands, some of whom are practicing while others nap on the floor level mattress in the corner. The mixed demeanor of nervousness and excitement saturate the room alongside the stench of booze and cigarettes.
We sit down at the only table in the room, with just enough chairs to accommodate all of us: Daniel Balk (Vocals, Guitar), Billy Cadden (Drums), David Dargahi (Lead Guitar), and John Speyer (Bass). Read more…
By Ryan Stabile Posted in Features The Postelles
Some these songs helped make our favorite albums the triumphs that they were. Some of them succeeded on their own. Together, they make up MXDWN’s favorite songs of 2011.
Read more…
By Robert Huff Posted in Features
2011 was another great year for both music and MXDWN alike. The sheer wealth and variety of albums and artists that came across our desk this year made picking favorites a near impossible challenge. In fact, no writer’s number one album was the same. A testament to a memorable year if ever there was one. Fortunately, after some hard work, thought and compromise, we are able to proudly present you our Top 40 Albums of 2011. Read on. Listen. Learn. Love.
Read more…
By Robert Huff Posted in Features 2011, Albums, Best of, End of Year
It’s hard enough for any band to lose a member, let alone the vocalist and right before they follow-up a successful debut album. But that’s exactly what happened to experimental rock outfit Battles when Tyondai Braxton left the band to persue his solo career after their 2007 record Mirrored was hailed by critics and fans alike for their intrepid mix of high-speed rock with an electronic edge. Now the band (composed of drummer John Stanier, guitarists Ian Williams and Dave Konopka) has soldiered on as a trio, put out their sophomore effort Gloss Drop, and shown no sign of slowing down. MXDWN got the chance to sit down with prolific drummer John Stanier (formerly of Helmet, currently of the supergroup Tomahawk) to discuss the new evolution of Battles. Read more…
By Karina Halle Posted in Features Battles, John Stanier, Tomahawk
With a sound as hairy as their name suggests, Atlanta quartet Mastodon takes the box that is heavy metal and tramples it to smithereens. On their latest release, The Hunter, the band once again redefines their own sound, as well as the definition of metal itself. Bassist/vocalist Troy Sanders took some time out from the band’s most recent US tour to discuss the new record, personal goals, Record Store Day…and mountains. Read more…
By Josh Neale Posted in Features Mastodon, Troy Sanders
It’s no secret that MXDWN loves Hank III. The endlessly prolific country/metal singer has been for years the most electric and exciting performer in today’s current musical landscape. His shows are a 3-hour extravaganza of outlaw country, hillbilly punk and pure death metal. Now, free from his longtime label Curb Records, Hank III has released four albums all at once on his own imprint Hank 3 records. We caught up with Hank to discuss in details his motivations, inspirations and tribulations. Read more…
By Raymond Flotat Posted in Features Hank III
It’s uncommon to stumble upon a traditional rock band during an electronic music festival. But Infected Mushroom isn’t your typical rock band, nor are they your typical electronic music producers. A five piece band best known for their constantly evolving psychedelic trance sound, they feel right at home playing massive festivals around the world. In the midst of America’s largest electronic music festival, the Electric Daisy Carnival in Las Vegas, Infected Mushroom arrived only hours before their set with just enough time to set up, get drunk, and do an interview with MXDWN. Read more…
By Ryan Stabile Posted in Features Infected Mushroom
