Bands/Links
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"Local" means based within a hundred miles or so of the Philadelphia area.
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Ancient Wolves www.myspace.com/ancientwolvesbandThis band features a classic metal sound and the ethereal vocals of Gail Shirk. From the Wilkes-Barre , PA area.
Posted April 30, 2011 at 3:30 PM -
Attacker www.reverbnation.com/attackerA classic NJ band from the '80s. Just re-formed in April 2012 with another NJ local legend, vocalist Bobby Lucas. I can't wait to hear what comes from this combo! Gonna be great!
Posted April 13, 2012 at 9:25 PM -
Burning Shadows www.burningshadows.comA great DC area band I've been fortunate enough to see close to home.(and I've driven over 100 miles to see again) There are a lot of elements coming together on their album that blend into a musically rich metal experience. Check out "Into the Primordial" Their songwriting is strong and original. The music is powerful in scope and diverse in character. 2010 saw a change in vocal duties, from guitarist Greg Jones to new member Tom Davy. Tom's vocals are just what this band needed to fully complete their awesome sound. In Oct. 2010 they released an EP with the new vocalist. **Update- new album "Gather, Darkness" out June 2, 2012
Posted October 24, 2009 at 3:56 AM -
Fiakra www.myspace.com/hexenbandI think I liked their former name (Hexen) better, but no matter what they're called, these New Jersey metalers can tear up the stage with their speed and power!
Posted June 15, 2010 at 2:30 PM -
Fischel's Beast www.facebook.com/fischelsbeast"Fischel's Beast" hailing from Brooklyn ravages the stage, live! This band has roots with "Sentinel Beast". Guitarist Barry Fischel penned some classic material with that band (which recently reformed with singer Debbie Gunn). Vocalist Kenny Winter (also currently with Exciter) gives a very lively performance next to Barry's blazing fret work. Bassist Eric Mauriello boasts a monster sized 8-stringed instrument, the likes of which I've never seen! Their thrashy melodic onslaught will slay you! Their debut release ""Commencement", from 2009 features material which was to be the 2nd album for Sentinel Beast, but never happened before the 1987 break up of that band.
Posted November 19, 2010 at 2:51 PM -
Hangman's Cry www.myspace.com/hangmanscrylivesonAn awesome Philly metal band with a classic sound. They're great live performers, so see them live! They're currently working on a new album.
Posted June 6, 2010 at 8:01 PM -
Krank www.myspace.com/krankusaKrank it up! 80's power metal style with this vintage band that is back with a vengeance! Based in Pennsauken NJ. The town Karl grew up in! They've just put out a new album, "Ugly Right to the Bone" their original 1986 release "Hideous" is also available from www.RetrospectRecords.com
Posted November 3, 2009 at 11:17 AM -
Lethal Strike www.myspace.com/lethalstrikenjTake a time trip back to the sound of the bay area thrash scene with Lethal Strike, based in NJ.
Posted November 7, 2009 at 11:48 AM -
Mark Edwards www.meflyingv.comThe guitarist for Overlorde also performs solo, some of his original intrumentals are available on CD at his website. He's based in NYC.
Posted December 4, 2009 at 2:01 PM -
Maze In Change www.reverbnation.com/mazeinchangeA great 3-piece whose unusual metal style is very cool. There are many tempo and time signature changes and uncommonly good bass lines in their music. The term "jazz metal" springs to mind. They have a definite Pantera influence musically as well as vocally, with gruffly screamed lyrics. From around Philadelphia PA.
Posted November 13, 2010 at 11:44 AM -
Megalodonia www.facebook.com/pages/Megalodonia/122368544471002A band named after a gigantic prehistoric shark's gotta be a good band, right? Right! South Jersey's own metal sharks pump out great heavy hitting melodic power metal and are good showman as well.
Posted November 12, 2010 at 5:48 PM -
MindMaze (formerly Necromance) www.mindmazeband.comTheir melodic metal drew me in immediately, featuring a great female vocalist (we need more women in metal!).Check out MindMaze's site and take a listen to their music. The music will speak to you better than anything I could put into words. I loved them at first hearing. I've had friends who are not metalheads get turned onto them when they heard me playing their album. It's that good. Sarah's gorgeous vocals soar over Jeff's relentless strumming, like he's playing rhythm and lead at the same time, but pulls it off with high marks. Varying tempos, crunchy fast paced riffs, big melodies, climaxes that lift you off the floor, brief but flashy technical guitar solos. Pick up their album and see 'em live! Hailing from Whitehall, PA Also on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mindmazeband
Posted July 9, 2010 at 4:56 PM -
Overlorde www.overlorde.comA solid NJ band with former Seven Witches / Exhibition vocalist Bobby Lucas and a very dedicated to the cause Mark Edwards on guitar. They haven't done any shows or new releases lately, (Bobby is singing for Morbid Sin and and a metal cover band "Resurrection") the members are spread across the east coast now, but I have inside information that they're slowly getting some new material together. Check out "Return of the Snow Giant" on Sonic Age Records
Posted October 22, 2009 at 4:07 PM -
Shokkher www.shokkher.comThis awesome DC area band has a classic sound with heavy NWOBHM influences and they put on a lively stage show. Their debut album "Always Hungry" was just released in May 2010. It's available now on iTunes or contact Shokkher through their site for the CD. Check out the KarlsMetal album review in the blog/review section. You can even download "Burn Her Out" on Rock Band Network!
Posted January 11, 2010 at 4:46 PM -
Sinister Realm www.facebook.com/SinisterRealmAn excellent hard pounding, traditional metal band from Allentown, PA. A strong vocalist and good stage presence mark this band.
Posted July 21, 2010 at 4:42 PM -
Stygian www.myspace.com/stygianrockGood modern sounding metal band with post- 80's Metallica and Pantera influences. From Philadelphia, PA.
Posted June 16, 2010 at 2:15 PM -
Trihexyn www.facebook.com/TrihexynThis Maryland based band's music grabs you from the get go. Cool riffs, headbanging rhythms, and sweet harmonies in both the guitars and the vocals. Mostly melodic vocals with some throat singing (which works OK with their songs, though I'm not much of a fan of this vocal style.) I highly recommend picking up their album "Omni Contemptus" through them or on iTunes.
Posted January 11, 2010 at 4:53 PM -
Whiplash www.myspace.com/whiplashusaA NJ band I just came across. Their pedigree goes back to the 80's (always a good thing in my opinion) with a few line up changes, starts and stops over the years, they're back again with a new album and touring.
Posted December 26, 2009 at 4:47 PM -
Zandelle www.zandelle.netA talented NYC band I used to see a lot when they still played Jersey and before they got label contracts. My favorite is still the "Shadows of Reality" album which they put out themselves. Check it out if you can find a copy.
Posted October 31, 2009 at 7:10 AM
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Boss 302 www.facebook.com/boss302bandDeptford NJ's own "Boss 302" blends modern hard rock with metal roots and roars like their namesake Mustang.
Posted December 2, 2010 at 2:56 PM -
Coriolis www.coriolisband.comIndustrial-Gothic-Synth-Metal. In the vein of Rammstein & KMFDM. There's some serious musical talent here. I wasn't much into this style before, but when I saw them live for the first time, they really impressed me. From the Scranton & Wilkes Barre, PA area. Their first ,self titled album is well crafted and infectious. Their second June 2010 release "The Endless Funeral" is very different by comparison and I'm still soaking it up. If the new stuff doesn't grab you, check out the first release. Their stage shows are definitelty worth seeing.
Posted December 8, 2009 at 3:49 PM -
Fire Born www.myspace.com/firebornbandTheir "Tool-like" style with it's unusual blending of elements and harmonies was something new to me, but I really got into their album, "Dirt Mouth", over the last year. They have frenetic energy on stage. Must see live. From Tower City, PA
Posted December 8, 2009 at 5:23 PM -
No Risk www.reverbnation.com/noriskAnother great New Jersey bred band, No Risk combines Punk and Metal with maybe a dash of Ska, and makes a sound all their own. Nice vocal harmonies, tight sound and lively stage prescence make this a band to check out even if you thought you didn't like punk. These rockers could change your mind.
Posted March 1, 2011 at 2:09 PM -
Surgeon www.surgeonmusic.comA very talented Philadelphia band with a blend of progressive hard rock and metal. Featuring the fantastic fretwork and writing talents of Lydia Giordano and the quirky yet cool vocals (and bass) of Scan Boltron, this band has definite potential to go very far, professionally, so see 'em in the small clubs while you still can!
Posted November 7, 2010 at 3:59 PM
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Acid Queen (NWOBHM) www.facebook.com/acidqueenmetalProbably the only tribute band of it's kind, the female-fronted Acid Queen covers nothing but NWOBHM bands (if you don't know what that means you need to study your metal history). They dig up some good old stuff from Witchfinder General, Tygers of Pan Tang, Angel Witch, Grim Reaper, and more! And they can play it! Based in Maryland near DC. I'm told they may be writing and performing some original songs in the near future as well.
Posted January 11, 2010 at 4:51 PM -
Heathenation www.myspace.com/classicmetalrocksVery good general hard rock / metal cover band from the Philadelphia area. I saw them do an all DIO concert, which was great and sent everybody's horns up.
Posted June 16, 2010 at 2:26 PM -
Judas Priestess (Judas Priest) www.myspace.com/judaspriestessbandNYC based all- female tribute to gods of metal.
Posted October 9, 2010 at 2:20 PM -
Metalgodz (Judas Priest) www.facebook.com/normanr.kiersznowskijrThis is the web page for vocalist Norm "Ski" Kiersnowski (ex-Faith Factor, Deadly Blessing), I believe the most up to date concert info is found here.
Posted April 13, 2012 at 10:23 PM -
Release www.myspace.com/releasephilaAll around hard rock / heavy metal cover band from Philadelphia, PA. They perform very well and the metal rendtions I've heard them play are great. They are working on some original stuff too, I'm looking forward to that.
Posted June 16, 2010 at 2:09 PM -
Sanctuary (Iron Maiden) www.ironmaidentribute.comThey fell apart for a while earlier in 2010, but the ultimate Iron Maiden tribute band is back with a few new members. Their stage show is awesome, the props are cool, Bob Puyes is the ultimate "Eddie" , yes a live "Eddie" sometimes in several versions!
Posted September 12, 2010 at 1:18 PM
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"Non-local" means based outside a hundred miles of the Philadelphia area, but if they're listed, I've probably seen them play in my area.
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The Gates of Slumber www.myspace.com/theGatesofSlumberBased in Indianapolis, GOS's mid-paced, rhythm driven, headbanging groove gets your attention. Guitarist Karl Simon's vocals are sometimes growlish, sometimes grungy, but in a good way and does some nice solo fret work. This 3-piece band made a new fan of me. Their sound has a different flavor than most bands I've heard, but it is very cool nonetheless. It reminds me of Manilla Road's sound.
Posted November 19, 2010 at 3:11 PM -
Jacobs Dream www.myspace.com/jacobsdreamWow. Some serious power metal skills here. The songwriting is top notch. And the vocalist has great power and range. Definitely worth looking into. Check out the new album. From Ohio, but I've seen them in Allentown PA. Hope they come back.
Posted December 8, 2009 at 4:23 PM -
Powerglove www.vgmetal.comI saw this Boston based band open for Sonata Arctica in Philly and the crowd went nuts! They play awesome, innovative metal arrangements of video game themes (especially nintendo) those of us in our 30's grew up with and so fondly remember. They even dress like Nintendo characters! They recently signed with label E1 Music. They're releasing a new TV-themed album in September 2010 "Saturday Morning Apocalypse" Can you say heavy metal Flintstones? Yabah-daba-doo!
Posted August 5, 2010 at 4:38 PM -
Ravage www.facebook.com/RavageTheEarthOne of my favorites. These guys have not left my active iPod playlist for 2 years. Their latest album is an awesome step forward in the evolution of their sound. See them live and you'll see how strings and sticks are shredded! Check out "The End of Tommorrow" on Metal Blade Records. They call the Boston area home, but they do get around.
Posted October 20, 2009 at 4:44 PM -
Tyrant www.myspace.com/tyrantrockFrom Los Angeles, Tyrant features great old school influenced power metal with cool riffs and strong, passionate melodic vocals by Glen May. They are awesome performers on stage, Glen in particular holds nothing back in a live show.
Posted November 19, 2010 at 3:18 PM
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Championship Bar & Grill www.myspace.com/championshipbarLocated in Trenton NJ, Championship features frequent metal acts and multi-band events.
Posted July 10, 2010 at 4:15 PM -
The Crocodile Rock Cafe www.crocodilerockcafe.comLocated in Allentown PA it has a bar and 3 concert rooms (1400, 500, and 200 person capacities). "The Croc" features frequent metal acts as well as other genres.
Posted January 6, 2010 at 1:00 PM -
Dingbatz www.dingbatznj.comLocated in Clifton NJ, there's only one reason to go here: the music. They have some good metal bands paying here. The beer is overpriced, no food (Dingo's Den [same owner] across the street has, but I found the food as bad as the service) But,again, they have a lot of metal here. The one saving grace at the bar: they have their own brew, and it's good. ***All shows are 21 & over only.
Posted October 31, 2009 at 10:59 AM -
Jimmy's Place www.reverbnation.com/venue/jimmysplaceA cool place in Allentown, PA with a sizable stage and concert area and frequently featuring good metal bands.
Posted March 31, 2012 at 11:10 AM -
Kung Fu Necktie www.kungfunecktie.comSituated in Philly's Fishtown neighborhood, this bar hosts a wide variety of musical acts, depending on the night, with frequent shows by area metal bands.
Posted March 25, 2011 at 5:14 PM -
The Legendary Dobbs www.dobbsphilly.comOn Philly's famous (and infamous) South Street, Dobbs hosts a variety of musical acts with local metal bands now and then.
Posted March 25, 2011 at 5:19 PM -
Silo Nightclub www.myspace.com/silonightclubLocated in Reading, PA. I haven't been there yet. There seems to be a lot of "nu" "-core" and "scream" type bands playing there. (not my thing) But I have seen some more traditional and melodic acts listed.
Posted January 30, 2010 at 8:08 AM -
Starland Ballroom www.starlandballroom.comLocated in Sayreville NJ it's a mid sized place that's a great place to see a concert.
Posted October 31, 2009 at 10:50 AM -
The Trocadero www.thetroc.comAn old Philadelphia vaudeville/movie theater with a lot of character. They host an occasional metal act and have a lot of other very colorful activities going on there.
Posted October 31, 2009 at 11:02 AM -
Voltage Lounge www.reverbnation.com/venue/1233242I haven't gotten here yet, seem to be a new place. They've been featuring some good metal bands. They also have hookah.
Posted February 23, 2013 at 2:34 PM
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Sentinel Steel www.sentinelsteel.comThis NJ based internet only (I've seen a stand at shows in the past) metal music store boasts reissued rarities, new releases and used CDs.
Posted January 30, 2010 at 5:58 AM -
Vintage Vinyl www.vvinyl.comIt's heavy metal Mecca. All New Jersey metalheads who know about this store in Fords, NJ, must make a regular pilgrimage. Their metal section is 8 aisles. (We're not worthy!) And that's just the new CDs. The used CD & record section is huge. I've never been in another store like it. They also have in store events like signings and mini-concerts.
Posted November 1, 2009 at 5:30 AM
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The Heavy Metal Mayhem Radio Show www.theheavymetalmayhemradioshow.comMike "The Big Cheese" hosts this killer netradio show with an awesome metal mix. Not to mention the interviews with big names, little names and no-names. Streamed live outta Brooklyn every Thursday and Sunday. You can also search and listen to past shows.
Posted September 14, 2010 at 4:29 PM -
KNAC.com www.knac.comThe best heavy metal/hard rock net radio broadcasts the Eddie Trunk show Saturday mornings
Posted October 31, 2009 at 6:52 AM -
WMUC Univ. of MD www.wmucradio.comStreamed online and broadcasted locally, the University of Maryland's radio station 88.1 FM College Park, has 3 different shows that I've counted, dedicated to metal.
Posted June 17, 2010 at 5:07 PM -
WSOU Seton Hall's "Pirate Radio" www.wsou.netWell known to local NJ metalheads, WSOU offers the best (and worst) in metal, punk, hardcore, post-hardcore, progressive and modern rock. Broadcast locally by Seton Hall University in South Orange NJ to the greater NY metro area on 88.5 FM and streamed online.
Posted June 17, 2010 at 5:20 PM
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Bobby Lucas Designs www.myspace.com/leatherlungslucasNeed a custom banner for your band? Or a killer logo design? How about an ember eyed ghoul prop, custom designed T-shirts, or even a full metal mascot costume? Bobby Lucas is your man. Bobby, current vocalist for Overlorde and Morbid Sin, has been a fixture in the New Jersey metal scene for over twenty years. He is also a very talented artist who puts his heart and imagination into his craft; sculptures, painting, screen printing, you name it. Click on the link for his myspace page, then "Photos" then "My Projects" to see some examples of his work. You can contact him through myspace, by phone at (732) 379-2180 or email [email protected]
Posted April 13, 2010 at 3:22 PM
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