Cryptopsy vocalist Matt McGachy exclusively reveals that the end is in sight for one of the best technical death-metal bands of all time. The reason for the retirement is practical: Flo Mounier, one of metal’s most revered drummers, can’t hammer his percussion kit like a whirling dervish forever. Read my New Noise interview with McGachy for more on the unexpected development, as well as the band’s recent signing to Season of Mist.
Math-rock quartet And So I Watch You From Afar hit their groove on their seventh LP, with the perfect balance of loud-and-quiet dynamics resulting in a positively affirming—and downright fun—listen. Hop over to FLOOD‘s website to read my full review of Megafauna.
Legions of Doom—a project featuring members of The Skull, Trouble and others—are hammering away at a record molded from the ashes of The Skull’s third album. The LP, which Tee Pee Records will release, was left unfinished after the shocking passing of frontman Eric Wagner at Psycho Las Vegas, where he was slated to perform, in 2021. Read more about the record in my news report on New Noise’s website.
Times are tough for young bands these days, to put it mildly. Go to New Noise for some invaluable advice that KEN mode, Cloud Rat, Deaf Club and Undeath told me to tell you.
Following last year’s release of their debut album, L.A. band Draag continue to push forward their dreamy grungegaze romps on a six-song EP. Read my full review on FLOOD‘s website.
After developing their confidence and honing their sound over the course of a decade, Kentucky hardcore quintet Knocked Loose push boundaries in a big way on their third full-length. Read my full review on FLOOD‘s website.
My series on how bands can break through without breaking the bank continues with clever, resourceful and amusing advice from rad bands including Deafheaven, Whores, Elder and Intronaut. Go to New Noise and get schooled.
Go to New Noise to read my live review, previously published on MTV News’ now-shuttered website, of Shellac’s caustic concert at the Knitting Factory in Hollywood on January 28, 2001.
For the sake of good measure and posterity, here’s an email that largely media-averse Shellac guitarist/vocalist Steve Albini sent me before his deeply sad passing on May 7:
“I’d be happy to talk to you. I’m traveling at the moment but I’ll be back on May 6th. I can do a conversation any morning prior to my normal sessions starting at 10 am (Central) or I can answer questions by email, where I will likely be more eloquent.”
The Bad Penny, named after one of Albini’s creations, already misses him more sorely than words can express.
Speaking of “weird,” everyone’s favorite costume-wearing musician, “Weird Al” Yankovic, proved he’s the weirdest one of all at a Hollywood Bowl concert in mid-2016. Check out my FLOOD review of the show.
Take that, politicos.
Should’ve gone with “weird” instead of “bizarre” when I did a little 2024 prognosticating in this FLOOD article from seven months ago. Came this close.
The Bad Penny (beta) 