(by David E. Gehlke)
Rewind to September of 2005: ProgPower VI, Atlanta, GA. Yours truly was manning the merch booth for Inside Out Music America (my then-employer), trying to peddle Enchant and Poverty’s No Crime CDs to the prog and power metal contingent. Joining us for the second night was Icarus Witch bass player Jason Myers, [...]

(by David E. Gehlke)

Once known as nothing more than singer Andy B. Franck’s vacation band from Brainstorm, Germany’s Symphorce has gradually evolved into its own heaving beast over the last few years. Starting with 2005’s excellent GodSpeed, the band has impressed many via its agro-yet-melodic brand of power metal. Taking cues from decidedly un-European sounding [...]

(by S. Brook Reed)
(photography by Greg M1)
Looking like a bad acid trip, ‘80s-era (and current) Twisted Sister drummer A.J. Pero and bassist Mark “The Animal” Mendoza would have humiliated you in the presence of your peers. Observing them in their flashy mock-transvestite apparel, you may have been tempted to comment…or simply gaze to long. But [...]

(by Aaron Small)
Alabama Thunderpussy’s Erik Larson found himself pulling double duty on the new Birds Of Prey album. In addition to his expected role as guitarist, he jumped behind the drums at the last minute.
“That wasn’t the plan. Basically Dave [Witte, drummer] was in Europe with Municipal Waste. It was supposed to work out so [...]

(by Jay H. Gorania)
When you’re 18 and you have nothing to do than pick lice off of yourself, playing in a death metal band in your parents’ garage isn’t that much of a strain. However, when you grow into your 20s and 30s, the dealer doles out a hand including college, work, significant others, children, [...]