Author: The Anarchist

Kim Thayil Discusses Influential Metal Bands of the ’80s In a recent interview on the Turned Out a Punk podcast, Kim Thayil, the iconic guitarist of Soundgarden, reflected on the metal bands that shaped his musical journey during the ’80s, a crucial period for his band as they were establishing their identity. Thayil’s forthcoming memoir, A Screaming Life: Into The Superunknown With Soundgarden and Beyond, serves as a backdrop for this enlightening conversation. Soundgarden’s Early Days Formed in 1984, Soundgarden emerged in a time before the term “grunge” had been coined. Their sound was characterized by its eccentricity and progressive…

Choosing the Big 4 of Guitar Solos Choosing the Big 4 of guitar solos? Provocative is one word for the task. Thankless is another. The Ubiquity of Guitar Solos in Rock Music As we know, most rock songs worth their salt feature a guitar solo. This means there are hundreds of thousands, maybe even millions, of solos out there. At the elite level, there are countless candidates. Making a list and checking it? Exponentially challenging. You could conjure up dozens of four-packs, each containing different songs, and still be correct in your selections. Criteria for Greatness What makes a guitar…

Parkway Drive Under Scrutiny: Jia O’Connor’s Controversy and the Impact of Past Behaviors Parkway Drive, a prominent name in the Australian metalcore scene, is currently navigating a wave of public scrutiny following revelations about predatory behavior within the band’s inner circle. The latest controversy involves bassist Jia O’Connor, who has come under fire after an investigative report by Australia’s ABC News shed light on the troubling dynamics of the early 2000s Byron Bay music scene. Jed Gordon’s Conviction and Its Fallout The scrutiny intensified after the conviction of Jed Gordon, Parkway Drive’s former merch manager, for sexual offenses involving an…

Sanchez: A Musical Journey of Reunited Brothers From Local Heroes to Global Opportunities A Legacy in the Making The Sanchez project is the culmination of nearly four decades of musical evolution. In the 1990s, brothers Michael and Ed Sanchez began their journey as musicians in their hometown of Albuquerque. Their involvement with local legends, Alma, opened doors to remarkable opportunities, including performances at the Hollywood Palladium and the Santa Monica Civic Center. The duo secured a seven-year record deal with Art LeBeau, building a diverse body of work that spans studio recordings, music production, and film. Life’s demands eventually pulled…

Ace Frehley’s Historic Gibson Les Paul Sells for $512,000 The Iconic Guitar Ace Frehley’s 1975 Gibson Les Paul, an instrument of monumental significance in rock history, was sold for an impressive $512,000 during Julien’s "Music Icons" auction. This two-day live event took place on May 29 and 30 at the Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square, New York City. The guitar, which had been with Frehley since the early days of his career, was expected to fetch between $400,000 and $600,000 and has been a vital part of his musical journey, accompanying him in both live performances and studio sessions…

A.A. Williams’ “Solstice”: A Masterful Blend of Influences A Signature Style Born from Diverse Inspirations Alex, the creative force behind A.A. Williams, has crafted a distinctive sound that seamlessly melds various influences into a cohesive musical experience. Her latest album, Solstice, showcases this artistry, drawing on a wide array of inspirations that enrich each track. Track Highlights Outlines: A Timeless Emotion The album opens with “Outlines,” a track that brilliantly combines the ethereal qualities of Mazzy Star with the raw energy of The Pretenders. This powerful blend results in a piece that resonates with deep emotional undertones, culminating in a…

Houkago Grind Time: A Unique Force in the Grindcore Scene Origin of the Project Where are they from?Houkago Grind Time hails from Northern California, a region not typically associated with the grindcore genre. While many may mistakenly think of Japan when they hear the term “goregrind,” this innovative project is firmly rooted in the Golden State. The mastermind behind this one-man venture is Andrew Lee, known for his work with Ripped To Shreds. The Enigma of Victor Wembanyama In a playful comparison, Andrew Lee’s unique style and approach to music can be likened to the towering figure of NBA sensation…

Doro Pesch: The Metal Queen’s Legacy and Upcoming Live Reissue The Return of a Classic: DORO – LIVE Reissue Long-awaited—and now finally available again:DORO & Universal release a reissue of DORO – LIVE On July 3, 2026, the iconic live album, DORO – LIVE, will make its long-anticipated return. Originally released in 1993, this live album is a significant milestone in Doro Pesch’s career, showcasing her electrifying performances that solidified her as a rock icon. A Pivotal Moment in Music History Captured during the “Angels Never Die” tour in the early ’90s, DORO – LIVE features recordings from electrifying concerts…

The Dillinger Escape Plan Celebrates 25 Years of ‘Calculating Infinity’ Reunion and Anniversary Shows In 2024, The Dillinger Escape Plan marked a significant milestone by celebrating the 25th anniversary of their groundbreaking debut album, ‘Calculating Infinity.’ After reuniting, the band embarked on a series of special performances, reminiscent of their iconic sound and high-energy stage presence. The Legacy of ‘Calculating Infinity’ ‘Calculating Infinity’ was released in 1999 and has since been hailed as a seminal work in the mathcore genre. Combining chaotic rhythms, intricate guitar work, and intense vocals, the album set a new standard for heavy music. The band’s…

UPDATE: Balmora’s press representatives have confirmed that the band will not be appearing on their scheduled June tour. The status of the band is currently pending. However, tourmates Holder and Azshara will proceed with the tour as planned, with Contention joining on select dates. The trek is set to commence on June 3 in Boston and will run through June 27 in Norwich, CT. Current Situation with Balmora and Jay Torblaa Bassist Danny Cueno of the metalcore band Balmora has declared that the group is “nuked” following serious grooming allegations against guitarist Jay Torblaa, who has stepped down from his…