Authors: Henry Glasheen
Local Reviews: Despite Despair / Gunner
Squealing guitars and gritty breakdowns dot the mathcore landscape of this local split, which showcases two bands with similar influences to create undeniably different, but thematically similar music. Despite Despair begins with “Elohim,” a short track which starts slow and somber, with twangy, dissonant grooves reminiscent of Pelican’s Australasia. … read more
Ross Imburgia: Mad Light Science
Fiddling with old computer circuit boards and tapping out lines of code, Ross Imburgia prefers the term “tinkerer” to “artist.” Even though the brilliant light trails left in the wake of his colorful, strobing hula hoops might appear artsy at first glance, he maintains that his design process is closer to invention than creativity. Nonetheless, his easy laugh and relaxed demeanor evidence the satisfaction he feels at successfully implementing his ideas and creating his fun, functional inventions. … read more
Dark Passengers: Riding the Void with Holy Grail
Touring almost nonstop since the release of Ride the Void in January, Holy Grail are working hard to keep their name on the minds of metalheads nationwide. Even though the band is comparatively new to the national stage, they’re determined to keep people excited and to build on their success. “It’s great to see that hard work actually pays off,” says guitarist Eli Santana. … read more
Under the Rose: Thinking About Death with SubRosa
Over the last five years, SubRosa has grown into one of Salt Lake City’s better-known metal bands, and with the release of More Constant Than The Gods on Profound Lore Sept. 17, the band has shown that their high profile is well-earned. This third full-length release shows a startling amount of growth in lyrical and musical quality from No Help For The Mighty Ones. Guitarist Rebecca Vernon calls it, “By far, the most grueling album I’ve ever put together.” … read more
Localized: Light/Black
Dark and gloomy doom is the order of the day on Oct. 12. Come chill with the heavy, meandering drone rock of Dustbloom, and meditate with the melancholic vibes of Light/Black. Before all of that, get your groove on with the driving jam punk of openers Baby Gurl. Tickets are just $5, and the 21+ show starts at 9 p.m. at Urban Lounge, brought to you by Bohemian Brewery and hosted by SLUG’s Ischa B. If you are immobile or underage, be sure to catch the show on gigviz.com. … read more
Electric Wizard: Weird Tales from the Wizard in Black
Rising from resin-black pools of acid-tinged darkness, Electric Wizard are the royalty of filth and debauchery. As if peering through a cloud of audible weed smoke, their riffs crunch and fizzle with an irrepressible groove, creating an unstoppable impulse to bang your head, gyrate your hips or just take another hit.
Sulphur Aeon Open the Gateway to the Antisphere
Sulphur Aeon release their third full-length album, Gateway to the Antisphere, on April 3 with Imperium Productions.
Just Another Man From The Cosmic Inferno: Kawabata Makoto of...
Over 20 years, 72 full-length albums and countless tours throughout the world, Japanese music collective Acid Mothers Temple have produced some of the world’s most fascinatingly weird tunes. At the center of this ever-shifting kaleidoscope of musical collaborators, Kawabata Makoto acts as both originator and catalyst for a cosmic musical energy that stretches beyond the boundaries of the strange and into the realm of the sublime.
Raise Your Magick Steel: Visigoth Return With The Revenant King
Visigoth descend from a rich legacy of incredible heavy metal music in Utah, a long history of innovation and tradition woven together into a diverse tapestry of sound.
I Am Thor: King of Muscle Rock
Thor is bending steel bars in his teeth, still standing as a testament to the resilient spirit of rock n’ roll.