Tag: Illinois

I had fully intended to cover something punk today, when I began listening to some old traditional Gospel for a project at work (I’m an associate pastor at a diverse, inner-city church). I was reminded of a Gospel song I first heard in the early 1990s when I was a member of a Gospel choir at my college. Yes, little ol’ white boy me, metalhead/punk rocker. In fact at one point in time I had a 4-inch mohawk while I was in this Gospel choir, but I digress.… Continued →

Impending Doom just confirmed to appear at Audiofeed this year! The announcement couldn’t come at a better time, as it is clear that heavy music is going to be featured prominently at the fest. For more information, check out the festival website: https://audiofeedfestival.com. While there, be sure to check out their social media links, which are updated more frequently than the website.… Continued →

Hope for the Dying is a symphonic metal band which had its roots in metalcore. They formed under the moniker Convicted in 2003 & released 3 EPs/demos until 2007 when they changed their name. Seriously, If you haven’t heard their stuff check em out.  I haven’t heard anything new since their awesome 2016 release Legacy so here’s to hoping they release new music at some point. … Continued →

The Empty North is a new rock band that focuses on a sound straight out of the 1990s–grunge/alternative rock with an independent aesthetic. While the recording took place in Juneau AK, the band is comprised of members from Juneau, Portland OR, and Chicago IL. There are two tracks available for streaming now, and another will be available for streaming in a week or so. There are also split releases in the works with The Proper English, Australia-based NoiseArt Collective, and Robochill. For now, check out “Appendage Angles,” a song based on the personal testimony of founding member Justin William Price (The Proper English, ex-Cicero).… Continued →

Everyone has their gateway. That first band or artist that got them into a particular style of music. I got into Christian rock in 1988, first hearing and enjoying artists like Petra and Russ Taff, and then quickly moving on to Jerusalem and Whitecross. But this band right here–Sacred Warrior–was my gateway to true Heavy Metal with a capital HM. They had no pop songs, no sleazy hooks or glammed-out looks, but their debut album Rebellion was full of heavy riffs, melodic (but not glam) vocals, and super-heavy and dark chord progressions.… Continued →

Chicago posi-core band 2Minute Minor have released a new single. The old school hardcore song features lyrics about “mental health and struggling with the strength to push on.” Fans can download the track via Bandcamp here: https://2minuteminor.bandcamp.com/track/held-down-no-longer?from=fanpub_fnb_trk… Continued →

This band was a side project from Bryan Gray of The Blamed. I actually met Jeff Locke whom Bryan referred me to who gave me this awesome 3rd hard copy that you can now find on The Blamed’s website.   … Continued →

So yep, totally got to see this band live a week ago! They reformed as Run Kid Run before disbanding. I’m not sure how long the reunion will be or if it was just a one off, but I was happy nevertheless. And yes, that is the doxology in acapella at the end of the song. … Continued →

Icon has been on the scene for a few years now. Their first LP released on T&N. I heard of them as I had worked at a TV station in Decatur, IL where they are from. I know they have moved away from their Christian scene, but these songs are still really good. Also check out their latest song Ready For Combat which has landed on mainstream radio. … Continued →

I went to high school with these dudes. Andrew Osenga (in the middle) went on to become a soloist & has worked with Andrew Peterson & with Caedmon’s Call (whom I hear is coming back soon!) … Continued →

Simple Mystery is a band that is from my hometown Normal, Illinois. The 4 piece comprised of Jason, Eric, Jimmy & Chris. Chris you may have heard of  from his later band The Frantics & his work with Miss Angie & pop rock/worship group Goodbye Audio. Anyways my buddy Kelly Kerfoot let me borrow the cassette tape & I had looked for this song for many years since my cassette tape bit the dust maybe 20 years ago! … Continued →

Ignescent is a female fronted modern rock band from Chi-town. Their first album was produced by Wyrick in 2008 who had headed up Rugged Records back in the day & released a couple of sweet industrial tinged LPs. Since then, the band has released a bunch more stuff including Remnants which just found its way onto mainstream radio as of 3/31 the day I am writing this. They remind me of older Fireflight. It’s nice to see bands we saw in the Christian market to reach mainstream success imho.… Continued →

Parental Petulance is a punk band from Peoria, Illinois. My son & I were totally here when they made this video. It was a fun night with them & Must Build Jacuzzi & Bub Walker & the Tombstones (whom are supposed to be releasing their debut this year!). Also check out their song Disobedience. … Continued →

October Bird of Death is an punk band from Illinois whom I have seen live. Vocalist Wiley Willis has been busy these past few years with several bands including 2 Minute Minor which have numerous releases. I have their sticker for this album cover on my bass cab. You can read the whole album review here https://www.indievisionmusic.com/reviews/october-bird-death-death-made-offer/   … Continued →

Legendary, underground, Midwest technical hardcore/metalcore band Subsist announce a vinyl pressing of their acclaimed (and originally self-released on CD only) album The Rhythm Method. The Midwest band released 2 CDs in the late 90s/early 00s before calling it quits. Those in the know have always been aware of their greatness, despite their underground status. This first-ever vinyl pressing is a co-release through Steadfast Records and Dropping Bombs. See the Big Cartel link below for ordering info. Pre-orders are live as of today.… Continued →

Steve Camp was & is a fave of mine due to his songwriting & pop rock music. This SOTD means a lot to me per its heartfelt lyrics as seen below. BTW, he is also a pastor! Oh Lord, I feel so barren and ashamed of who I am How I often felt I hid it well, it is a lie I cannot defend So I lean upon Your mercy as I confess my sin to You There is no easy way, no saving face, when I finally see the truth So let my life be filled with only You I know someday I will be free The weight of sin shall be released But for now He covers me And though the trials never end I’ve learned to take them as my friend For each day He covers me Sometimes the pressure builds around me and I feel about to break I suffer painfully from wrongs done to me but vengeance isn’t mine to take So let me glory in my weakness till Your strength’s revealed in me It is Your grace alone that helps me carry on to be the man I long to be So let Your life be perfected, Lord in me Until it’s You they see And though heartache surrounds me I know Your love is around me Nothing can separate me from You And I know it’s true … Continued →

Manufraqture is reminiscent of Disengage Circle of Dust era. Hailing from Chicago, this industrial band has an interesting stage presence. Check out the live video also I have included. Christian industrial label Flaming Fish picked up the band for one of its comps also. … Continued →

Galesburg/Monmouth, Illinois is the first place you think of when you think of blackened melodic death metal, isn’t it. But, since 2004, AHTDU has been playing just that. I have seen the band numerous times & even been to a few shows with members of the band in the crowd or playing with other bands, like the southern rock The Comancheros. This is some true headbanging stuff so if you get a chance, check them out live. The band is also cool enough to post videos on YouTube of bass & guitar playthroughs if you’re interested like me.… Continued →

Ravenhill is a soulful blues rock tinged band hailing originally from southern Illinois. Nearest mainstream bands would be The Black Keys or The Ranconteurs. My son Tyler & I had the pleasure of chilling with vocalist Joshua Clifton a few times locally at a music festival called Audiofeed & seeing them live.  To be honest, there are several great songs I could have chosen with this band, but another album review was done on Soul & Midnight Gold deserves some recognition! Anyways have fun with this rocker that eludes to our freedom in Jesus as only He has the cure for our sin-His forgiveness by His death burial & resurrection.… Continued →

Indiana’s Richard Wayne Mullins is a vital part of the Christian music industry. Besides penning & performing one of the best worship songs of all time, “Awesome God”, he also was a very talented musician who was proficient with the piano & the dulcimer which can be heard on many of his songs. His first couple albums did not gather much radio play, but The World As Best As I Remember It Vol 1 & 2 garnished many songs heard all over the radio at the time.… Continued →

Peoria, Illinois’ Must Build Jacuzzi are a throwback to 90s era ska music. Having seen them multiple times, I can say they are most def a fun band to catch live. My son had fun the last time back in 2019 when he learned how to crowd surf at 12 years old! They also released a 2018 album right here on our own IVM. Check this SOTD & try to stop you head from bobbin’. … Continued →

Doom Metallers Trouble’s debut Psalm 9 release has been out for 30+ years. Imagine that!  Signed by Metal Blade Records, the 1984 album is commonly known as one of, if not the first doom metal releases. They were given the “white metal” moniker because of the obvious Biblical references.  I had a friend who passed recently who hung out with the band back in the day & it was nice to actually meet someone who listened to my “Christian music.” Guitarist Bruce Franklin would go on & join Supershine w/ Dug from King’s X & also release an outstanding industrial album generation-Brutal Reality.… Continued →

As We Are rocked it and Dale provided info as to what else they are up to. Read on to find out....