SONIC BOOM! MAGAZINE Issue 6

ALTERNATIVE, PUNK, HEAVY METAL, ROCK N’ ROLL

Volume 1, Number 6, November, 2017

Breach Billy “Bones” Baxley Mark Makes A Mix Tape Reviews . . . and more

ATTENTION BANDS! WE WANT TO REVIEW YOUR MUSIC email us at SBPalz@outlook.com Subject line “SONIC SOUNDS!” for more information

Issue number six of Sonic Boom! Magazine is finally here.

I had quite a few setbacks in producing this issue but no excuses the show must go on. This issue is a little lighter in content but I think you will enjoy what we have for you this time around.

The world lost three important musicians in the last few months and we have given them a simple little tribute throughout the pages of this issue, just to say thank you guys for doing what you did for us.

Sonic Boom! Magazine would like to thank everyone who has read this magazine, shared it with the world, and given support to us as we try to spread the good word about the music that you may not know about. We will work hard to keep providing you the best in local rock music and hopefully give you access to some new and wonderful things.

Music is best when you find something that you didn’t know existed and you share it with the world.

- Kevin P. Johnson

ROCKIN DEM’ BONES by Hex Windham . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. page 6 MARK MAKES A MIX TAPE by Kevin P. Johnson. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. page 16 BREACH: TO SAVE THE SCENE OR DIE TRYING by Kevin P. Johnson. .. ..page 20 TAKE ME TO THE SHOW - Show listings in the New Orleans area . .. .. .. page 32 SONIC SOUNDS! - Reviews . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Page 33

SONIC BOOM! MAGAZINE, VOLUME 1, NUMBER 6, NOVEMBER, 2017 - Published by Kevin P. Johnson. SONIC BOOM! MAGAZINE is Copyright ©2017 Kevin P. Johnson. All rights reserved, no part of this work may be reproduced without express written consent of Kevin P. Johnson. Published in the United States of America.

This issue: Kevin P. Johnson - Publisher, all layout design, all photography unless otherwise noted, writer, reviews, editing (attemted editing) Hex Windham - Writer.

“You take it on faith, you take it to the heart, The waiting is the hardest part” -Tom Petty

TOM PETTY October 20, 1950 – October 2, 2017

If you’ve gone to a punk show in New Orleans any time in the last 20 years without hearing Billy “Bones” Baxley, you’ve somehow ended up going to all the wrong shows. From his early years in West Bank pop-punk band Ginger Quail, to long-running horror punks Antarctica vs. The World, to cult heroes The Ghostwood, all the way up to today with 4 bands (maybe 5 depending on inter-band relationships), Billy’s distinctive cap-and-beard combo have been gracing the rhythm section of New Orleans punk bands for over 2 decades at this point. He caught up with old friend Hex Windham at the Holy Ground on Canal and Jeff Davis, formerly the site of their old high school stomping grounds, the New Orleans punk Mecca known as the Dixie Tavern.

Sonic Boom!: When we first started hanging out, you were living on the West Bank. Did you grow up there?

Billy “Bones” Baxley: Yeah, sure . . . the Gretna/ Terrytown area.

Sonic Boom!: Wow, you and Bobby Bergeron are both repping the West Bank in A Hanging, then!

Billy: Yeah we do. I’m more Gretna, and he’s more Marrero . . . He thinks everything is “DUMB,” and I know all the secret spots for seafood [laughs].

together, so we were friends. He brought over Screeching Weasel’s Wiggle one day, and soon we were just listening to punk and skateboarding. We started a band called Mad 4Deez — it was very West Bank. We played one house show that got shut down after 2 songs, and that was it for that band.

Sonic Boom!: What about Ginger Quail? How did you meet James and Rob [i.e. James Whitten and Rob Hingle, bassist and guitarist of Ginger Quail, respectively]?

Billy: I was working at C&M Music on Stumpf; James walks in with a Lunachicks shirt, with Rob staying off at a distance. They had played the night before in a band called Crappucino with Ted Mineo, and they were looking for a drummer. A week later we got together to jam, and Ginger Quail was born. We started playing the Faubourg; then we got hooked up with Deborah from Devil Dolls, and we started playing Jimmy’s, the State Palace, Underground Sounds, . . . We always got lucky with good shows.

Sonic Boom!: Yeah, the first time I saw you was at Jimmy’s with The Leopolds and RF7. I remember it clearly because it was my 16th birthday, and my friend Peter bought a Ginger Quail cassette tape that night and Sonic Boom!: What high school did you go to? West gave it to me later.

Jeff ? Do you wanna represent?

Billy: I remember that night! It was a last-minute show Billy: Ha, I try not to! I was a fucking Buccaneer at West for us; Mark from The Leopolds called us up on a whim.

Jeff. I tried out for band; it was the silliest thing ever, but it We had been at Pancho’s right before that eating shitty was a public school, and I could just write that all off.

Mexican, and James threw up right before we played.

That was fun.

Sonic Boom!: Did you ever have DJ Jubilee as a teacher? [Hex’s note: Bounce legend DJ Jubilee has been Sonic Boom!: Those parties you used to have in the teaching PE at West Jeff for a long-ass time] late 90’s/early 2000’s seemed to have been attended by Billy: Sure did. Had him as a substitute or something. everyone in the old Dixie Tavern scene. How did all of that get started?

Sonic Boom!: I remember Guns ‘N’ Roses and Poison Billy: Me and my mom were living together at the posters on the wall behind your drum set in your old time, and she would go on these weekend trips. Ginger practice room at your house. Were they big influences on Quail was hanging out a lot with Face First, and word just you early on? got around. It got pretty wild: lots of booze, late night Billy: My sister got me into hair metal. In 6th grade barbecues . . . and this was over the course of 3 different I stole her Metallica shirt and rocked that at elementary houses. One time I walked out of a room, and I saw this school. To this day, I’m still a big fan of 80’s hair metal: L.A. dude Toasty arguing with my friend Nathaniel, who put Guns, G’n’R . . . I also stole my uncle’s copy of Appetite; a knife to Toasty’s throat. He almost got stabbed in my I loved looking at that centerfold. Back then I definitely kitchen. I forgot who resolved that, but it wasn’t me. didn’t know what “Mr. Brownstone” was, though!

Sonic Boom!: Compared to now, those do seem like Sonic Boom!: How did you end up discovering punk wild, lawless times; but I feel like the scene was a lot more in the first place? close-knit back then.

Billy: From my good friend Joe Laubach, who now Billy: Yeah, like Ginger Quail and Face First shared a plays with The Pallbearers . . . Our moms grew up practice space over at Overhead Door, and one day thieves

broke in through the roof! There was a corrugated “sun roof,” which was very easy to take off with a screw gun.

They came in, dropped down through the roof, and took a bunch of stuff. There was no GoFundMe back then, so it was hard struggling without a crash cymbal; but people were nice, and we shared equipment at shows.

[Murray — NOLA horror punk spirit animal] on that tour, we definitely bonded a lot. I still keep in touch with them, but neither one is doing music right now. I heard Cosimo “MIGHT” be doing something with C.O.G., but I’m not sure.

Sonic Boom!: Back when I started going to shows Sonic Boom!: One of my favorite memories from at Dixie, Jimmy’s, and the Faubourg, almost every show those parties was Eric Martinez arguing that there was no would include a metal band, a punk band, and a ska band, such thing as “emo,” and that if there were, then if Joey but that never happens nowadays. In a lot of ways, your Ramone were to cry at the end of a song, The Ramones band The NoShows is a bit of a throwback. How did would be the greatest emo band of all time. What’s your that band start? take on this issue?

Billy: Yeah, I’m 36 now, and playing ska-punk is still Billy: Well, I remember that at the time Eric LOVED fun . . . A 5 minute song can get competitive! It started At the Drive In, and his old band Hatchback was the first with me, Johnny, and Matt (who is no longer in the band). and only band around town back then that had that sound They had been in a band called Riot in Progress before . . . I’ll leave it at that. this. Eventually, we kicked Matt out and had a big falling out, then we met Daniel Levy and just recruited more Sonic Boom!: Those Dixie Tavern days were full of members over time. moments when there would be a dozen teenagers on Now we have Chris Francioni, who’s also been in stage singing along to some band doing “Last Caress.” Ghostwood with me. He was just the biggest fan of [Misfits cover] For this and other reasons, in a lot of ways Ghostwood; when he joined the band he was the happiest Antarctica v. the World were the quintessential Dixie kid ever.

Tavern band. What are your fondest memories of being Anyway, a 7 person band takes a lot of coordination to in that band? do shows and practice. Chris may quit any day now, which Billy: Being on tour was awesome; we did that with is an ongoing joke with us. He actually quit once already a later lineup of that band. Hanging with Jim [Pict, also after we recorded the album. I think his girlfriend told from The Picts as well as guitarist in A.v.W.] and Cosimo him to come back to us—and you can quote me on that!

Regardless, he’s back now and better than ever, though he never told us why he quit . . .

day, going out on a barge . . . Later I got hooked up with Jay Gracianette from House of Shock, who turned me on to John Caradona. He and I both want to do it for a living, Sonic Boom!: In addition to The NoShows, you’re in but there’s not a lot of work available. I learned it all from a ton of other bands right now. If I asked you to pick a Johnny, and now I do it on my own. It’s great! I get paid to favorite, would you feel like a parent trying to pick his blow up things. Adrenaline rush . . . Applause . . . 8 hours favorite kid? to set up, a 20 minute show, 4 hour breakdown. It’s a lot of Billy: Too hard . . . I don’t want to piss nobody off. work, but that’s why it pays a lot.

Each one is totally different, so I enjoy it. Finding a good drummer in New Orleans is hard. I’m not the greatest, Sonic Boom!: If we made a pie chart of your life with but I get the job done. years as a musician versus years before you played in a band, I know what the majority would be. Is it safe to say Sonic Boom!: Which band have you been in the longest at this point that you’re a lifer? at this point? A Hanging?

Billy: I would say so. I started playing drums at 13. I Billy: Yes, A Hanging has been playing for at least a played guitar first, decided on drums instead, and got a decade now. set for my next birthday. Yeah, I live for rock’n’roll. It’s great, but we all know it doesn’t pay the bills.

Sonic Boom!: . . . and A Hanging kind of sprang from the ashes of Daisy, right? Y’all were one of my favorite Sonic Boom!: As someone who’s been consistently playing local bands back then. in bands over multiple decades now, do you have any parting Billy: Yeah, they were one of my favorite bands thoughts on the state of our current local punk scene? playing in when I was growing up. Drew Banton doing Billy: Well, it’s there, but it was definitely bigger in backflips & shooting Roman candles out of his ass . . . the late 90s/early 2000s. You’ve got bands like I’m Fine, Ryan Morrisson — Rest in peaceB . . . [raises his beer] . . PEARS, and HiGH taking off, but also bands like The . But yeah A Hanging started with me and Thomas from Pallbearers who’ve been around for 20 years. The shows Daisy, and Scott, and Alix on vocals. We had a falling out aren’t the same, for sure; people don’t come out unless with Thomas, and then Alix quit . . . not sure why really, you get the right bands. If you try to do a diverse show, but she still comes to shows and does a few songs. no one comes out, or maybe they come out for one band and leave. Santos is doing cool punk shows, though, Sonic Boom!: In addition to all the bands, I know you which is nice. I’m trying to get a [Dixie Tavern] reunion also have your own crawfish catering business, you do show going here [at Holy Ground], but that’s all a maybe. custom pyrotechnic displays, and I’ve even caught you If I put it on, will anyone show up? No one even flyers doing a shift at Home Depot. Do you ever sleep? anymore, except for Bill Heintz and Bobby Bergeron.

Billy: My day job at Home Depot allows me to do all that, which is why I do it. Plus, the benefits are great.

Sonic Boom!: If you could leave behind some advice for the next generation of punk drummers, Sonic Boom!: How did you start boiling crawfish for what would it be? a living? Ancient family recipe passed down through the Billy: Play with as many people as you can play with, Baxley bloodline? without burning all bridges or fucking things up for yourself.

Billy: I was always the go-to guy for friends’ boils, so one You’ve got to be sensitive to people’s schedules and treat day I decided to go for it. I started just charging my friends them all like they’re the most important one. Get out there a little, but not that much. My dad taught me everything I and play with whoever you can. You’ve got to play for free; know about it. One day I’ll get a storefront, but that’ll take you can’t demand money. Just get out there, because you over my life and I won’t be able to have 4 bands [chuckles] never know what’ll happen from making connections with . . . But until then I’ll be a mobile caterer. others, not just musically but personally. I say “no” to more things these days because I’ve got 3 other jobs, and I’m Sonic Boom!: Custom fireworks is a bit of an odd busy enough playing with people I like. I’m very fortunate niche. How’d you break into that field? to be in the position that I’m in.

Billy: Growing up, I was always a bit of a fire bug.

Going to see displays, wondering if I could do that one - By Hex Windham

Antoine Dominique “Fats” Domino Jr. (February 26, 1928 – October 24, 2017)

“I’m leavin’ here today, Yes, I’m goin’ back home to stay, Yes, I’m walkin’ to New Orleans” - Fats Domino

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Mark Makes A

By Kevin P. Johnson with Mark Wrenn

Mix

Tape

Back in issue Number 1 of SONIC BOOM! MAGAZINE I wrote an article about making mix tapes and had hoped it would bring in tons of stories about the mixtapes you all made in your past or in the present. Well without a doubt the letter poured in . . . yep letter just the one simple letter from Mark Wrenn the drummer for The Angry 88.

Lucky for us that it turned out to be a funny little memory from Mark that will take you back to a simpler time when the Simpson girls had fame and got what was coming to them via mix-tape.

Here’s a little bit of Mark Wrenn’s totally fun trip down memory lane . . .

Mark Wrenn: What up SONIC BOOM!? This is Mark Wrenn from The Angry 88. I just finished reading a physical copy of your very first issue. There’s loads of great stuff in there! The interviews are both insightful and comical. The reviews shine a light on some bands that I may have never heard about otherwise. Yet despite all of that soul gravy, my favorite article from that particular issue is most definitely “Make Me a Mixtape.”

Though not nearly as ancient of a being as the writer, I too remember recording songs from the radio onto blank cassette tapes. I also remember recording hours and hours of rock, metal, and punk videos from MTV and VH1 (they used to play these things called “music videos”) to video cassette tapes. I loved these tapes and I’d murder a small child to have them back. What I do still have is almost every mix CD I ever made, except for the ones I made for friends and stupid, stupid girls. Some of the more endearing titles include “Ashlee Simpson Sucks MIX” “Pop SUX!” “Shit Shit Shit Tributes & Shit” “This Mix Kinda Sucks ~ But it’s aight” and my personal favorite “Smells Like Tuna, Tastes Like Chicken, Must Be Jessica Simpson.” I really had it out for those Simpson sisters, apparently.

Now, even though I am in a punk band, and I have plenty of punk-oriented mix cd’s, I thought it would be fun to answer your request for readers’ mix tapes with one of my very first tracklists. My first three ever were simply labelled “Rock Mix I, II, and III.” I regretfully

cannot locate the first mix (a part of me just died) so I must carry on with disc two in this epic trilogy of teen angst and depression. Some of these songs are pretty embarrassing. I was like 13. Don’t judge me.

Here’s the damage: 1. Static-X - Black and White 2. Static-X - Push It 3. KoRn - Shoots and Ladders 4. Puddle of Mudd - Blurry 5. Hoobastank - Crawling in the Dark 6. P.O.D. - Rock the Party (Off the Hook) 7. Eve 6 - Inside Out 8. Limp Bizkit - Break Stuff 9. Staind - For You 10. Lifehouse - Sick Cycle Carousel 11. Nelly - Number 1 12. Busta Rhymes - Break Ya Neck 13. Tantric - Mourning 14. Rob Zombie - Feel So Numb 15. Disturbed - Stupify Cheers!

For an early 2000’s mix tape this one seems to be quite a representative of what was happening in the mainstream of rock and hip hop music at the time.

I’m pretty sure I had a bunch of mix CD’s that included Eve 6, Limp Bizkit, Disturbed, Korn and Static X. I know for sure that I had made my own greatest hits disc for Limp Bizkit (and I don’t care who doesn’t like them).

Thanks to Mark Wrenn for sharing his mix-tape memory with us and we’d love to hear some of yours.

E-mail Sonic Boom! Magazine at SBPalz@outlook. com with the subject line: “Make Me A Mix Tape” and I will share your tapes and memories. Send pictures if you made cool covers or did anything fun or weird.

-Kevin P. Johnson

M Y Malcolm Young Janary 06, 1953 - November 18, 2017

“WE SALUTE YOU”

KPJ DESIGN ALBUM COVERS LOGO DESIGN EVENT/TOUR POSTERS T-SHIRT DESIGN FLYERS

KPJDESIGN@HOTMAIL.COM

Sonic Boom!: Wayne Barras is a well known name in the New Orleans rock scene. Where and when did it all start for you?

Wayne Barras: Well I’ve been going to shows in the scene since I was in seventh and eighth grade. Now actually playing and performing in the NOLA scene I’d have to say the mid to late 90s. I was in a cover band called the Phanboy Menace. We’d take covers and give them a metal/punk sound. Also we’d do medleys of songs that you’d never expect (One/Skulls/With Or Without You, Hammer Smashed Face . . . etc.) Then I talked to some guys we had played with and decided to form a new band (Apartment 213). We were a metal act, we played under that name for awhile until [Hurricane] Katrina. We were confronted by another band that had the same name (they Sonic Boom!: You are currently the lead singer for were dicks and I won’t get into details) and since they had New Orleans based hardcore band BREACH, podcaster the name first we let it go and became Resurrection Man for the M.H.O.G. podcast and concert promoter also and we were that band for 12 years. We played our last under the M.H.O.G. name. This is a lot for most people show on my 40th birthday . . . now as you said I’m singing but it seems for you that it’s all part of the natural flow for Breach with two members of Resurrection Man, one of things. How do you manage all of these ventures and from Phanboy Menace and the new guy . . . So after all of not burn out? that I’d have to say that I’ve been involved in this scene Wayne Barras: Well man to be honest it’s not easy. most of my life.

Most people don’t realize how much I have to do besides the things you list. Not only do I work a full time job I Sonic Boom!: How has the local scene changed over also have a 2 year old son (Wayne the 3rd) and a brand the years? Bands, venues, fans? new wife (Kaitlyn) that also demand my time (which Wayne Barras: Well first off, yes the scene has they come first.) So to answer your question it takes ton changed and I’m not sure if it’s for the better or worse out of me. I look at it like this, I love to play live, I it’s just different. There are tons of new and killer love to host my show and work with my cohost’s and if bands out there (Black Kreole, Tomb of Nick Cage, me booking shows helps the bands that I book and the Sometimes the Fall, People on the Side, the Jak Locke scene grow then I’ve done my job. Honestly man I am Rock Show . . . etc.) way to many to name. This scene is damn proud of all that I do and the mark I have made full of incredible talent and a lot of that gets looked past in our music scene. because they don’t fit the stereotypical act/band. Not Not long ago a new band formed in New Orleans that is bound to save the scene or die trying. Take some fortysomething year old musicians, throw in some thrash metal, add some punk rock, and soak it all in hardcore and you will soon understand what BREACH is all about.

Don’t be confused though these guys bring the energy of a bunch of eighteen year olds trying to make their mark on the world and shove it in your face for every second of their set. The music is fast the vocals are intense and it is unapologetic in it’s effort to bring everyone together and enjoy the music.

I recently asked lead singer Wayne Barras a few questions about the band, his history in the music scene and his part in booking shows in the New Orleans area.

that others in the scene aren’t great it’s just that the New Orleans scene is a fickle princess and she knows what she likes. But if you are a fan of music do yourself a favor and step out of your comfort zone and go experience other bands, different genres and you never know you might be pleasantly surprised.

As for the fans . . . I love all the fans. I’m happy my band has some (ha, ha, ha, ha). But seriously like I said above it’s truly hard for a band, comedian or any type of act to break into this scene. If you’re not the norm (wherever you’re playing) you may not go over as well.

The fans in this scene are incredible. They love you to the end when they love you and they will not give you the time a day if you’re not their cup of tea.

Now you asked about if there was a change in venues.

The answer to that is yes. We had a ton more venues back when I first started in the scene. After [Hurricane] Katrina and Fat City closed we lost a ton of venues. The venues we have now are incredible and I love every last one of them (Babylon, Twist of Lime, Siberia, Poor Boys, Hi-Ho . . . etc.) Each one of our incredible venues offer different things and we are so grateful for them all. Just to have a place to go, to enjoy music, to call our own, and to be able to play the style/genre of music that calls to your heart.

So the only thing I can say is that the scene has changed and I loved it then and love it now!

Sonic Boom!: As I mentioned before you are a concert promoter in the New Orleans area. Your shows are usually comprised of heavy metal bands local and touring but you also do these great mixed genre shows where you might have a hard rock band, a punk band, a metal band and an alternative rock band . . . with a local comedian emceeing the whole thing. Do you have any limitations when it comes to types of shows you will book or is it more about trying to spread as many types of music to as many people as possible?

Wayne Barras: First off no . . . I’ll book anything and anyone. I love all sorts of music/acts/comedy. I’ll give anything a chance because someone gave me a chance once and you never know they might just need that one person to believe in them to make them feel incredible about themselves and their art. I do the mix bag shows for a reason. I love going to metal shows or punk shows I have nothing against them at all, don’t get me wrong, but I feel that when we have 3-4 of the exact same style bands or acts that the shows become stagnant. Me personally I love all types of music and interesting acts period. So I put these shows on (I call them my mixed bag shows) to cross pollinate our beloved scene. As I said above there

are way to many talented bands, comedians, and other acts out there that aren’t able to play certain places (or at least they feel this way) because they don’t fit a specific style of music. So what I do is put these bands with other acts/ bands that don’t match so that all the fans of both acts can experience each others shows. Who knows maybe they might be experiencing something they have never before in their life and fall in love with it. To me shows like this help the community/scene grow and become more eclectic and more harmonious.

Sonic Boom!: You are currently the lead singer of BREACH but you were also the lead singer of a band that was well know in New Orleans called Resurrection Man. Can you tell us a little bit about that band?

Wayne Barras: Wow . . . yeah man I briefly mentioned our story above. We started as the band Apartment 213 and changed our name to Resurrection Man after [Hurricane] Katrina. We were together for a long time, something in the 12-14 years area. When we formed it was me and a punk band called Lame Excuse (David Fitch, Keith St. Pierre and Joe V.) We wanted a second guitarist so Keith and David’s pal had just moved back into town so we asked him (Brett Pastor.) So that was the beginning. We played our first show at a place called Idles (now known as the Twist of Lime.) We put out an E.P. called Apartment 213. Joe left the band and we ended up getting a bad ass to play drums, Dave Morris (former Skin Krawl and Shakespeare in the hell). So we played with that line up for the first 4-5 years I wanna say, honestly I could be wrong one the length (ha, ha, ha). Well we lost Dave to [Hurricane] Katrina and since we didn’t want to stop, we started looking for new members. We lucked out and another one of Keith, David and Brett’s friends moved back [to New Orleans] his name was Richard Wendt. So we crushed the scene with this line up for quite sometime until Brett had to move. When this happened we thought it would be over. We had a show booked for my birthday at the Bar in Fat City. So instead of canceling it we asked a friend of our ( Joe Pano) to fill in. He said yes and that’s how Joe joins the band and actually the same night David comes to me after we played and said he wanted to step down, so that put us on the look for another guitarist.

Luckily we played with a ton of bands so I started asking around and our buddy Eddie Gandolfi was available and joins our insane crew. We played a ton of shows with this line up and we recorded our album “No Tomorrow.” We were going strong until we got word that Richard had to retire due to an illness which eventually he lost his fight with and he passed away (R.I.P. my brother.) I know I

miss him terribly I know we all do. He was an incredible person and I’m a better person for just knowing him. So when Richard was forced to retire we were back to square one. Keith decided to move from playing bass to drums and we were on the hunt for a new bassist which we had several (Michael Koerber, Micheal Chaisson and Micheal Falletta . . . we had a thing for Mikes on bass.) We then started working on our second album “Resurrection Man” (name is a working title). The band still hasn’t finished this album.

We played one last show for my 40th birthday and are all still friends to this day. Myself, Eddie and Keith still talk about finishing the album and maybe doing one last show but who knows if that will ever happen (let’s hope) . . . also you have to excuse me some of the details may be off, it’s been a long ass time and it took a lot to remember all those details (ha, ha, ha) time lines may be a bit askew.

ha, ha, ha, ha) so I can say that music is and will always be my passion. I will play music for as long as I’m able to. Like I tell everyone who asks me, if you love doing it, you get excited to perform, you feel those butterflies just before you step on stage and it makes you so damn happy then keep doing it. The moment it becomes a chore or you feel like you loath doing it . . . that’s when it’s time to stop because your heart and passion are no longer in it and you don’t want to give your fans or yourself a bad performance or memory.

Sonic Boom!: Does the name BREACH have any meaning?

Wayne Barras: The meaning behind BREACH is the actual simple definition pretty much. To bust down or break through . . . we want to break down the walls of this music scene to make our mark! We want to bring back some of the old school mentality to shows. Crowd Sonic Boom!: Resurrection Man released an album participation, come sing with us on stage, and just make called “No Tomorrow” it’s a dark kind of thrash metal the show a full on experience. I want to see the shows effort. Can you tell us anything about this album? Was become more and more like that 80’s and 90’s style of this the only release the band put out? Is the album still hardcore/punk shows. So that’s why we use the name available?

BREACH ‘cause we wanted to breakdown the boundaries Wayne Barras: Yes the album was our first and only and open the eyes of the scene. full length. As I stated above we had two E.P.’s and a second album that wasn’t finished. The two E.P.’s and Sonic Boom!: Breach consist of former members of No Tomorrow were recorded and produced in Goat Land Resurrection Man, We Are Wires and Sometimes The studios by Keith Guillory (Menagerie and Shakespeare In Fall. How did the band come together? Is BREACH a Hell guitarist/songwriter.) You can still get No Tomorrow combination of the styles of those bands or something from one of us. There are some copies left (not many) completely different? but you can get a few songs off our band camp site. Also Wayne Barras: Well we are and always will be friends. All later this year after Breach releases our E.P., I’ll be putting the guys in the band minus Dirtle Tilbury (aka Big County) up the entire album of No Tomorrow for download. our bassist, have been in bands together before and have known each other for years. As for the bands music it is a Sonic Boom!: You’ve been around for a while and at mixture of all our influences not the other bands per say the young age of 40 you are now in a new band called but we bring our own style to everything we write.

BREACH, sometimes referred to as BREACH (NOLA).

The band is an energetic combination of hardcore punk Sonic Boom!: BREACH is about to release it’s first and heavy metal. What made you decide to start this band E.P. “Time To Wake The World” can you tell us about it? Will at this point in your life? it be available as CD, vinyl, cassette, or digital download?

How many songs will be include? Where was it recorded?

Wayne Barras: Well my good man let me correct you You know all the details. on this . . . I’m 43 (ha, ha, ha, ha) get it right.

Wayne Barras: First off not sure if that will be the Well man let’s just say when you perform for as long title but it is one of the one we are beating around. This as I have, hell as long as all of Breach has it’s something will be our first E.P. and we are recording it ourselves as that’s in your blood. My father was a musician and I used of now. Things may change with that but only time will to watch him play/sing in our living room as a child, hell tell. As of now it will be available as a CD and digital . . . my mother once told me that when she went into labor as for the others again time will tell. The E.P. will only be he was playing and had to finish playing a song before 4-5 songs just because of time constraints and hopefully he brought her to the hospital (not sure how true that is will be released in the next coming months.

Sonic Boom!: I always like to ask people about their influences who are you biggest influences in music on a local level and the rest of the world?

Wayne Barras: Well first and for most my biggest influence hands down is my father. If it wasn’t for him and my mother for constantly playing music and for not hindering me in my music selection , I would not be the person/musician I am today.

As for vocalist I’d have to say Mike Patton (Faith No More/Mr. Bungle), Devin Townsend (Strapping Young Lad/Ocean Machine), Bruce Dickerson (Iron Maiden), Max Cavalera (Sepultura/Soulfly), the Beatles, the Misfits, Gwar and a billion more . . . as for locals I don’t have influences I have people I look up to, so to speak or should I say respect. Because without these guys there wouldn’t be a scene and or because these guys are pushing still to this day to put out incredible music for themselves and their fans.

I’ll start with the old schools guys that basically created our scene . . . Kirk Windstein (Crowbar/Down), Vinnie La Bella (Exhorder/Year Of The Tyrant), Kyle Thomas (Exhorder/Trouble), Mike IX Williams (EYEHATEGOD), Glenn Rambo (Soilent Green), Bobby Bergeron (SIK/A Hanging), Tommy Buckley (Crowbar/ Soilent Green), Ben Falgoust (Paralysis/Soilent Green/

Goatwhore), Sammy Duet (Acid Bath/Goatwhore) and a ton more . . . these guys paved the way for all of us in one way or another.

Now there are a ton of guys that are pushing and clawing and deserve respect for all the new and upcoming bands out there . . . guys like Phil Doty (Bending), Shane Troxler (Demise/Skin Krawl/Like Water ), Missy Mooney and Shawn Mooney (The Tomb of Nick Cage/and too many other bands to name), Chris Rico (Misled), Patrick Plata (People On The Side), Joe Pano (Resurrection Man/C.O.G.), Lewis D’Aubin (C.O.G.), Jak Locke (the Jak Locke Rock Show/and a ton more), Edward Joubert (No Room For Saints/Tomb Of Nick Cage) but those are just a few of the incredible talents this scene has to offer . . . I respect and love everyone on this list. I consider all these people to be my friends and family.

Sonic Boom!: What are some of your favorite local bands and who do you like to play shows with the most?

Wayne Barras: Well damn some of my favorite local bands . . . there are so many. . . ok well here it goes: Black Kreole, Tomb of Nick Cage, People On The Side, The Jak Locke Rock Show, Vivisector, Southern Brutality, A Hanging, Blind Texas Marlin, Sometimes the Fall, Shadow People, Dead Machine Theory, Bending, Inbetween,

Space Metal, The Angry 88, Misled, Mad Dog, Smoke, The Weakness, Forming the Void, Morrison Road, Sideburner, Christworm, House of Goats, Gristnam and the list goes on! We love to play with all bands . . . but it goes without saying we have some of our best shows with our brothers in Black Kreole . . . it’s always a blast to play shows with those guys . . . but we love to play and always have a blast with whoever we are playing with. We love playing with new bands or bands we just haven’t had the chance to play with. All that are listed above if we haven’t played with y’all yet believe me we will and we can’t wait!

wife (Kaitlyn) has been my rock though a lot of stuff (my Mom’s passing/financial/more shit than I want to name) and she gave me my beautiful son. I know this is a bit mushy but hell you asked (ha, ha, ha) . . . I love my family so sue me (ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha.)

Ok now as for the podcast we are kicking ass . . . we are currently 5 years into it and over 400 episodes in . . . it’s been one of the best journeys of my life and I get to do it with three of my best friends (Adam Santino, Justin “the RumGuy” Sheppeck and Kyle Smith.) I couldn’t do it without those guys. We are ready to conquer the world and see what 2018 has in store for us. We will be getting Sonic Boom!: I’m sure there are a lot of things that some major guest on the show soon and we are also I should ask but haven’t, is there anything that the world proud to be on the FCF network . . . amongst a ton of needs to know about BREACH, Wayne, M.H.O.G., the other things coming down the line (don’t want to say to local scene or anything else we may have forgotten? much just yet) . . . just be on the look out and remember Wayne Barras: (Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha) I’m sure there’s we aren’t just a podcast “we are a family” (that pushes the a ton of things you wanna know but I’m sure the world limits on the PC world.) shouldn’t know (he, he, he, he, he.) But seriously know this BREACH was formed to start a movement, to turn Sonic Boom!: Lastly where can fans find you online this scene back into a family, one that supports and loves and all of your music? with a iron fist! We want bands to show respect to the Wayne Barras: You can like our Facebook page (www. bands you’re playing with by staying inside the venues to facebook.com/BreachNola) for updates and if you’re watch all the acts. We are all there for the same reason and interested in the podcast please like our Facebook page as that’s to put out the best performance we can and to show well (www.facebook.com/MhogPodcast). Also check out the world what our art sounds like. So please support all our official podcast website (www.mhogpodcast.com). the acts on your shows no matter if it’s something you’re One more thing is you want a sample of Resurrection into or not . . . like I said before you may be pleasantly Man check out our Bandcamp page and like our Facebook surprised. So come out to see BREACH and join in the page also (www.facebook.com/ResurrectionMan).

“FAMILY” chant !! (you wanna know what that means That’s it, thanks a ton for the opportunity to do this then come to our shows) . . . As for me . . . I just got interview and want to say keep up the amazing work, it’s married and my son is healthy and amazing . . . I’m the a great magazine. happiest I’ve been in a long time. My family is my world and without them I wouldn’t be here . . . my beautiful -Kevin P. Johnson

TAKE ME TO THE SHOW All show times, dates, cover charge, age restrictions and lineups are subject to change.

You should contact the venue and/or bands for further information.

12-3: Motoriot with Dead Machine Theory & The Weakness 9 PM · The Twist of Lime, Metairie, LA, 21+, $7.00 12-6: Hed PE with Trick Bag and Dirtiest Players 7:00 PM · Southport Hall Live Music & Party Hall, New Orleans, LA, 18+, $12.00

12-22: Art Of The Process with Empyrean Design 9 PM · The Twist of Lime, Metairie, LA, 21+, $7.00 12-30: Solunar / Sounding / Tba 9 PM · The Twist of Lime, Metairie, LA, 21+,

12-8: Zync with Misled & The Green Mantles 9 PM · The Twist of Lime, Metairie, LA, 21+, $7.00

1-9: U.S. Bombs with The Turds and The Sickness in the Deckroom at Southport Hall 8 PM · Southport Hall Live Music & Party Hall, New Orleans, LA, 18+, $8.00

12-9: Power Trip with Thou and Suicideyear 9:00 PM · One Eyed Jacks, 615 Toulouse Street New Orleans, LA 70130, 18+, $15.00

1-27: Deadhorse with A Hanging, The Tomb of Nick Cage and Doomstress 8 PM · The Twist of Lime, Metairie, LA, 21+, $10.00

12-9: The Highwinds & More 9 PM · The Twist of Lime, Metairie, LA, 21+, $7.00

1-27: Green Jellö with Breach, Black Kreole and Misled 8:00 PM · Southport Hall Live Music & Party Hall, New Orleans, LA, 18+, $10 - $15

12-10: Clownvis Presley in the Deck Room at Southport Hall 7:00 PM · Southport Hall Live Music & Party Hall, New Orleans, LA, 18+, $7.50 12-12: Event Horizon EP Release Tour Kickoff, with Stepping Sideways, Daemon Grimm, and Solunar 7:30 PM · Southport Hall Live Music & Party Hall, New Orleans, LA, 18+, $7.00 12-15: Teuthida with Chemical City Rebels and Major Wattage 9 PM · The Twist of Lime, Metairie, LA, 21+, $7.00 12-15/16: Gulf Coast Slaughter Fest Doors 5 PM Both Days · Santos Bar, 1135 Decatur, Street, New Orleans, LA, 70116, 21+ $12 per day 12-16: Glamarama & More 9 PM · The Twist of Lime, Metairie, LA, 21+, $7.00 (Check Venue) 12-22: Prof. Fuzz 63/US Nero/Jerk Unicorn 9 PM · Banks Street Bar, 4401 Banks Street, New Orleans, LA 70119, 18+, FREE

1-27: Crazy Town with Davey Suicide 7:30 PM · Southport Hall Live Music & Party Hall, New Orleans, LA, 18+, $13.00 1-27: Insomnium 7:30 PM · Southport Hall Live Music & Party Hall, New Orleans, LA, 18+, $15 - $45 2-12: Exhorder with War Curse and Intrepid Bastards 7:30 PM · Southport Hall Live Music & Party Hall, New Orleans, LA, 18+, $20 - $30

Attention BANDS & Fans We’d like to expand this section.

If you have an upcoming show or know of a show please let us know about it.

We are currently looking for info on late January 2018 - March 2018 shows for our next issue.

Saint Roch

Revelator, 2017 Independent BAD ASS ROCK N’ ROLL FROM NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA! I really don’t need to say anymore just go out and buy this album.

Alright I’ll say more about the full-length debut album Revelator from Saint Roch. This band plays a raw and dirty style of Rock N’ Roll that is loaded with the blues and a bit of punk rock too . . . but the kind of punk rock that legendary band Social Distortion plays where when you’re done listening to them you know you just got your ass kicked. Revelator kicks your ass from the start of “They Don’t Care” a fast paced Punk-a-billy style song that really get’s things going.

The title track “Revelator” is a slow paced nasty, dirty, filthy blues based song that is best to be played in a hole

in the wall bar where some shady business is taking place.

On this track lead vocalist Sickboy Todd Bishop’s voice stands out to me and has a familiar style that reminds me of The Quireboys’ vocalist Spike . . . not a mimic of him but that same raspy throaty blues style. It’s a great style for Rock N’ Roll.

The album contains two cover songs The Weirdos’ -“Life Of Crime,” and The Grateful Dead’s - “New Minglewood Blues” both fitting well into this style of music and showing where this bands influence came from.

“Babylon” is the only instrumental on the album and is more of that slow filthy blues that acts as an intro to the hard rockin’ “Dirty South” another track that is sure to melt your speakers.

Everything on this album is well produced and well played. It hits you in the mouth and makes you want more.

Saint Roch are definitely a band out of time with this style of music, although everything about it is amazing the music is very different and outside of the norm of typical modern music. This is a good thing I just wish these guys had been around in 1987 a record company would have scooped them up and everyone would know who Saint Roch was. Unfortunately it’s 2017 and you are going to have to take my word for it when I say that this album is BAD ASS ROCK N’ ROLL and you better get out there and buy a copy!

Find out more at www.facebook.com/SaintRochBand -Kevin P. Johnson

Rancid

Trouble Maker, 2017 Hellcat Records So before I had a chance to pick up this album I was talking to Zack Cook drummer for Black Kreole and he said that “it might not be your favorite Rancid album but it will make

time away. This album is a love letter to the past as much as a welcome to the future as Rancid shows no signs of slowing down or losing what makes them the greatest punk rock band in the land.

Everything Rancid at www.rancidrancid.com -Kevin P. Johnson

you remember why you like Rancid” and I can’t think of anything better to say about Trouble Maker.

Rancid have been one of my favorite bands since I heard the one song promo single for “Salvation” back in 1995. It’s been a long and great road listening to these guys and they never disappoint.

Trouble Maker starts with a :59 second blistering punk rock anthem called “Track Fast” that leads into the lead single “Ghost Of A Chance” this song is 100% classic Rancid through and through. Tim Armstrong’s voice is so unique and on this track you feel like he means everything that he is saying.

The pace slows down on “Telegraph Avenue” where the lyrics are set to tell us another classic story of hard times and struggles of the common man.

“An Intimate Close Up Of A Street Punk Trouble Maker” is the title track for the album and it’s one that get’s put on that Rancid mix tape you’ve been wanting to send your best bud. It’s fast paced has a sing along chorus and is sure to be a crowd favorite.

We get some ska-punk on “Where I’m Going” that makes my heart dance with glee. Rancid always does these types of songs well harkening back to the Operation Ivy days.

This one is pure fun.

Rancid always seems to have about nineteen songs on their albums and they don’t often have a bad one in the bunch . . . Trouble Maker is no exception to this rule and all nineteen of it’s songs are great spanning the many styles that the band have touched on over the years.

The songs just roll out and if you love Rancid you are loving everything about this album songs like “Farewell Lola Blue,” “Beauty Of The Pool Hall,” and “Say Goodbye To Our Heroes” are like getting to go home again after a long

Blast Bomb

Born To Lose, Single, 2017 Archetype Records Hamburg, Germany has a new punk band that may be something to reckon with in near the future. Blast Bomb first release is the “Born To Lose” single (it contains three songs).

The songs are sung in English and American listeners would never know that these guys were from another country.

The lead track is “Born To Lose” an angst filled rocker that is the losers anthem of 2017 and oddly enough this song wins. With big guitars, thundering drums and the “Just Born To Lose” chant this song should become a classic, SOMEBODY GET THIS ON THE RADIO! The band describes themselves as “Premium Stoner Punk’n’Roll” and you can definitely hear the stoner rock influence on “You’re Going Down.” This song is a bit slower and heavier than the previous track and is a bit less punk rock. It definitely leans a bit to the stoner metal side but that’s okay because it gives the band some range to work with and it’s a great song to do a little head banging to.

The last song on this release is “Maiden Hero” a song

that kicks the pace up into a punk rock anthem . . . or maybe it’s a metal anthem . . . who cares it rocks out and will get the pit stirring.

With this first single it is a little hard to place Blast Bomb into a specific genre and I think that is a good problem to have. A band that has crossover appeal has a better shot of going places in this rock n’ roll world.

Find Blast Bomb at www.facebook.com/blastbombhamburg -Kevin P. Johnson

“Set Your City Free” is another southern rock track but this time the band takes a political stance about people coming in from other places to do what is perceived to be the right thing . . . without asking. I don’t want to go into details about the meaning of the song because I could be wrong but the song is a really good no matter what side of the issue you take.

My favorite song on this album is “Back On Camp,” a slow paced with a big vocal at the chorus. This one is catchy and maybe a bit political as well but it’ll have you singing “Back, Back, Back On Camp” before you know it.

“Brand New Day” is a close second favorite, this one tells a tale of not letting a relationship get away. This song has another catchy chorus and is definitely one you put on that mix tape for your girl after you’ve messed up and want to make things right.

Black Laurel is definitely a different style from what is mainstream these days but is well worth checking out, if you want some good old fashioned southern rock n’ roll.

Find Black Laurel at www.facebook.com/blacklaurelband - Kevin P. Johnson

Black Laurel

Black Laurel, 2017 Independent Black Laurel is a good old fashioned rock n’ roll band, something that seems to be lost these days. These guys just play great rock songs. This band is for fans of bands like The BoDeans, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Slobberbone, and any bands that play southern style alternative rock.

This disc contains seven songs and clocks in at around twenty-four minutes so I’m not sure if it is being considered an album or E.P. but it is twenty-four minutes of rock n’ roll goodness.

The opener is a great little song called “Girl In The Rain” that has a good honest pop rock feel to it, and it will have you nodding your head to the cool little guitar riff and singing along the whole time.

The next two tracks “Yellowstone” and “Saving The Sloth” delve into some southern rock that is infectious. “Saving The Sloth” would have fit in perfectly on the TV show True Blood, it has that dirty rockin’ feel that the show tried to capture.

Various Artist

Murder City Underground, 2005 Social Suicide Productions Well this one came to me with a story and honestly I don’t know how hard it would be to find copies of this one but I think it deserves a proper review because it may never have had one.

Now from what I was told the Murder City Underground

compilation album was comprised of an internet group of punk rock and ska bands from New Orleans, Louisiana back in 2005. The album was released right before Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast and the album did not get proper distribution as a lot of the bands never returned to New Orleans or quit playing after the storm.

So what’s on this compilation? Well it’s 20 songs by 20 different punk rock and ska bands and it’s such a good listen.

The bands that appear on the album are The Ghostwood, The Picts, Dirty Dingus, Samurai Deli, Stereohype, Converts, Face First, Stash Pocket, Fatter Than Albert, Beer Pressure, Suburban Rats, Antarctica vs. The World, Gang Of Creeps, Rhoades D’Ablo & The Devil’s Right Hand, Batchburner, Hello Asphalt, 6 Pack Deep, American Outlaws, The Mexicants, and Radionation. Most of these bands are no longer active but I think you may be able to find some of them on bandcamp.co, facebook.com, and maybe on the dark web.

The songs on this album range from pop-punk to Ska to hardcore and everything in between. Each song seems to be a perfect mesh with the next which is kind of amazing for 20 different bands to come together and make a great albums worth of punk rock.

The bands on this album are quality and just as good as anything that was coming out of California and the West Coast in the 1990’s and early 2000’s.

As there are 20 songs on this one I’m not going to go into a track by track review for this. What I will say is that the pop-punk songs are really good, the ska songs are really good, the regular punk songs (whatever that is) are great, the hardcore songs are great and there is not a bad song on this album.

The album has several websites that I assume were the home of the Murder City Underground but they are no longer active, they bands also list websites and MySpace pages that I have not checked out yet to see if any are still active.

As I said before I don’t know if you will be able to find this album as it’s distribution was interrupted by Hurricane Katrina but if you are interested in it send me an e-mail and I can get you in touch with the person that I got my copy from and maybe they can get you on the right trail to get this music . . . it is so good and to know that this came from New Orleans surprises me and it makes me proud that we once had a good punk scene here.

Email SBPalz@outlook.com with the subject Murder City Underground and we may be able to track down copies for you.

-Kevin P. Johnson

Various Artist

Undead Artist Records Monster Mash-Up, 2017 Undead Artist Records Another great album from Undead Artist Records “Monster Mash-Up” is ten songs by ten bands. Eight of the songs are the bands covering each others songs . . . and it’s so good. The songs are horror-punk songs and great for your next punk rock Halloween party.

The bands featured on this compilation are The Bloodstrings, Motel Transylvania, Dr. Hell, Deadite, Jamey Rottencorpse and the Rising Dead, Lupen Tooth, Silpha and the Corpseboners, Wanto, Cavaverman, and The Undead Artists (not sure who plays on this one).

“Dead In Berlin” kicks it off by the Bloodstrings and is a Punk-a-billy track that with have you dancing to that cool upright bass . . . well at least before you get to the chorus when you’ll have to pump your fist in the air.

Motel Transylvania kicks in with “Stolen By The Night” a heavier track that starts out slow but then picks up the pace and rocks out.

“Don’t Say The Z Word” is next by Dr. Hell . . . this song rips! “Don’t Say The Z[ed] Word” a line made famous in the movie Shaun Of the Dead is a fast paced punk rock zombie apocalypse theme song that quickly has become a favorite of mine.

Deadite ads an alternate version of their song “The Damned,” this version is stripped down to an almost acoustic sound. The dark Goth sound and lyrics are quite chilling “Ohhhhh Here Them Scream, Give Me Brains, To Cease

My Pain, Ohhhhhh Ohhhhh Ohhhh Here Them Scream, Give Me Brains To Cease My Pain.”

Jamie Rottencorpse and The Rising Dead are next with “I Sold My Soul Tonight” This one is a fast paced tale about another dreamer selling his soul for rock n’ roll.

The greatest name for a song may be next . . . “Carl The Metrosexual Werewolf ” performed by Lupen Tooth. This is one of the funniest songs I’ve heard in a while. Trust me you need this song in your life if you have any kind of sense of humor.

“Go Psycho” by Silpha and the Corpseboners is a little strange as it changes styles from this Gothy dark song into this almost lounge singer type of song and then back into a Gothy black metalish song . . . but it’s really good.

“Censor This!” is an original by Wanton. It’s a punka-billy track that’ll have you flipping off the man with chants of “Censor this! Censor this!, No suit or tie won’t make me change my mind, Censor this! Censor This!, Now use your voice and make some fucking noise.”

Cavaverman takes on “In Love With A Monster” the song is credited to The Bloodstrings as the original but I looked it up and found the pop group Fifth Harmony did a song that is very similar in the Hotel Transylvania 2 movie but only in the final chorus. I’m not sure of the origins of this one and the lyrics are not all in English (some Italian I believe) but no matter where it originated it’s a great sounding horror punk rock anthem and I jump around the room every time I hear it.

Now the last song is just amazing, credited to The Undead Artist it is a blistering rendition of Jamey Rottencorpse and the Rising Dead’s “Somewhere Under The Graveyard” the tune is “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” but the lyrics are total Halloween graveyard fun. Every person that I’ve played this song for absolutely loved it, it’s fast and furious and should not be missed.

I’ve found most of the original versions by the original bands on YouTube and those are well worth checking out too as they are all great as well.

You can get this album on bandcamp at the name your price rate, check it out undeadartists.bandcamp.com/ album/monster-mash-up-2 -Kevin P. Johnson

Axeslasher

Anthology Of Terror, Vol. 1, 2013 Dirty Needle Records

reviewing has seven songs which includes the “Anthology of Terror, Vol. 1” tracks plus “The Drifter’s Warning” and “In the Woods There Is No Law” singles. The version the band has on their bandcamp page has only six songs but the two singles are not included and track six is called “Gucci Gucci,” I will be reviewing the casette version of which 420 copies were made available.

With a name like Axesmasher you would have to assume that this is going to be metal . . . thrash metal to be precise and it takes no prisoners. The cassette is made to look like an old VHS horror tape (the case actually has the VHS logo on the spine).

The songs are fast with screeching vocals “Mark of The Pizzagram” and “Invasion Of The Babesnatchers” are brutal and although the lyrics will take a few listens to understand they are not that monster growl that a lot of bands use these days (thanks for that), it seems more like what black metal bands sound like.

The third track “Woodland Tortuary” has comic book style sheet of lyrics and horror art that folds out of the cassette liner notes, which is a nice touch. I wish we had a full lyric sheet for this album. [Note: I found the lyrics later on www.metal-archives.com] The songs are played really well and super thrashy . . . and super fast. If you are into brutal horror metal played at a thousand miles per hour then Axeslasher is for you.

THRASH! THRASH! THRASH!

Get this album at axeslasher.bandcamp.com/album/ The Axeslasher “Anthology of Terror Vol. 1” apparently anthology-of-terror-vol-1 -Kevin P. Johnson has different versions. The cassette version which I am

Venus De Vilo

Bending

Venus De Vilo is an Irish nightmare queen with a voice that is sexy and haunting . . . yet inviting.

“Edgar Allan Ho” is a reissue that now contains eleven tracks, the original E.P. plus five new acoustic and remixed songs. The music is a dark Goth-pop sound that tells horrible little stories that are actually kind of catchy.

“Heartless Horse” starts it off with “Well I don’t just haunt on Halloween, I’m an all year round nightmare queen” and it immediately let’s you know what you are in for. The songs is dark and beautiful the Goth kids will be dancing the night away to this one.

Every song on this is eerily fun even when the subject matter is a murderous love song about Jack The Ripper.

“Penny Dreadful Love” is by far my favorite song on this album . . . I must state that I have no murderous intentions but this song is great. The delivery of “You are Hyde, Jack the Ripper, Sweeney Todd, sweetest killer, Ours is a penny dreadful love, shocking tale, horror hearts, read, read, read all about it, let us tear you apart.” is haunting and lovely and beautiful and terrible. This is one of those songs that you will find gives you joy and nightmares at the same time. The song appears twice on the Anniversary edition the original and an acoustic version.

This is definitely a dark album for just right for the fans of all things Goth and horror.

“A Cause For Fire” is the first E.P. from New Orleans based band Bending. The bands website notes “Brutality and Grace are the only two words to describe a band like Bending.”

The music is a modern alternative rock in the vein of bands like the Deftones, early Breaking Benjamin, and Linkin Park (before they turned into pop stars) where it’s heavy but also accessible to fans that like their music hard but not extreme.

Bending give us four tracks on the “A Cause For Fire” E.P. that are completely radio friendly yet heavy. The songs are energetic and passionate offerings that combine the softness and hard and heavy of modern rock music. This combination is a recipe for success with the mainstream rock audience that exist’s today.

“Started Yet” is the second track, it is a slow paced song that pulls you into it as you sing along and release’s you at the song gets heavier. This one should be big with fans.

The title track “A Cause For Fire” is the closing track, it starts out as a slow song that has the feeling of heaviness about it and it picks up into a heavy rocker and it takes no prisoners.

Bending are riding the line of indie and mainstream on this effort and that is a good thing. The songs here have potential to break through if someone in radio gives them a chance.

Edgar Allan Ho 5th Anniversary Deluxe Re​-R ​ elease (2012 - 2017), 2017 Undead Artist Records

A Cause For Fire, E.P. 2017 Independent

Get it at venusdevilo.bandcamp.com/album/edgar-allan- Find the E.P. for free at www.bendingtheband.com/aho-5th-anniversary-deluxe-re-release-2012-2017 cause-for-fire -Kevin P. Johnson -Kevin P. Johnson

GET YOUR MUSIC REVIEWED

Contact SONIC BOOM! MAGAZINE at SBPalz@outlook.com for information on where to send your CD’s, Records, and Cassettes.

Looking for local, national, or international bands to send in their music to get reviewed.

Rock N’ Roll, Punk Rock, Alternative Rock, or Heavy Metal preferred.

We like all kinds of bands and support the smallest band to the biggest rock stars, so don’t be shy about sending your music in.

Send us an e-mail with the subject SONIC SOUNDS! and let’s see if we can help you find a fantastic new audience.

We hope you have enjoyed the SIXTH issue of