Interview – Gil and Rani Sharone of Stolen Babies

I recently had the opportunity to interview world renowned drummer Gil. Giland is a member of Stolen Babies, a former member of Dilinger Escape Plan, and a contributer to Puscifer (Maynard of Tool’s side project). When we were able to chat Gil informed me that his brother, and fellow Stolen Babies member/pucifer contributer, Rani was also able to talk. Unbeknown to Gil, Rani is one of the most influential musicians to my personal musical growth, so I was unbelievably stoked to talk with them both.

The three of us discuss their various projects (Puscifer, Dilinger Escape Plan, etc), their first band, the episode of Full House they appeared in, their relationship with Invader Zim creator Jhonen Vasquez, the new album Naught, and much much more.

Hear the Full interview after the jump…

Interview – Greg Mackintosh of Paradise Lost

On September 7th I interviewed Greg Mackintosh. Greg is best known for his work as the lead guitarist and co-Founder of the British Doom Metal Band Paradise Lost. We met up in the band’s dressing room prior to their concert at San Francisco’s Great American Music Hall.

Greg and I discuss the band’s long history, the state of arrested development around other bands Paradise Lost came up with, Crust punk, Brithish-ness, his musical beginnings, a band’s mystique, Ozzy Osbourne, Alice Cooper, and music more.

This was a really fun interview, and I’m glad I took this opprotunity to talk with him.

Hear and/or read the full interview after the jump…

Interview – Devin Townsend

On September 7th, I once again got the honor of interviewing Canadian Progressive Metal madman/genius, Devin Townsend. I met up with him in his dressing room in San Francisco’s Great American Ballroom. 

This interview features us discussing Townsend’s new album Epicloud, his first band, his next project, being on the road and more.

Read or listen ot the full interview after the jump…

Music Review – Symphony X “Iconoclast”

By: Brian Bautista (DJ Barge)

 

I have always had a hard and fast rule when discussing the best albums of a given year. I do not discuss it or even bring it up until November. It is simply way to easy to get swept up in all the hype when an album drops. I am breaking that rule.

Iconoclast is a masterpiece. It is not only my favorite album of the year, it is my favorite Symphony X album. (and I Still rock Paradise Lost and Divine Wings weekly if not daily) Michael Romeo is in top form throughout as he works as only he can. No disrespect for the number of real quality guitar players out there in metal, but Michael Romeo is at or near the top of the list.