Tag: Illinois

August 13, 2022

July 27, 2022

June 29, 2022

June 1, 2022

Song of the Day: Simple Mystery - On my Own

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 →

May 2, 2022

Song of the Day: Ignescent - Calling Out To You Vs Remnants

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 →

April 25, 2022

April 18, 2022

Song of the Day: October Bird of Death -Goons

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 →

March 11, 2022

Subsist announce vinyl pressing of The Rhythm Method

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 →

February 19, 2022

Song of the Day: Steve Camp - He Covers Me

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 →

December 27, 2021

May 22, 2021

Song of the Day: A Hill To Die Upon - Adept In Divinity

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 →

April 21, 2021

Song of the Day: Ravenhill - Bangarang

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 →

April 19, 2021

REVIEW : Song of the Day: Rich Mullins - While The Nations Rage

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 →

April 14, 2021

Song of the Day: Must Build Jacuzzi - Hey You, Skank

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 →

March 3, 2021

Song of the Day: Trouble - The Tempter

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 →

February 8, 2019