Featured Video: Born & Razed - Bruised But Not Broken

Check out today's featured video - Born & Razed by Bruised But Not Broken. Then get over to my interview with vocalist Hudson Hower. They're just kids, but they're brutal.

Interview with Bruised But Not Broken's Vocalist Hudson Hower

I was approached by Standby Records with the opportunity to listen to a debut 5 song EP called Just(Defied). The band is Bruised But Not Broken from Charlotte, NC and they just signed with the label. Don't let the bands looks fool you. They may be young (like just getting out of high school kind of young), but they have a brutal sound. They are a metalcore band that incorporates some techno-like sounds into some of their song.

 I had the chance to do an interview with vocalist Hudson Hower via email. You can check them out on Facebook for a link to buy their EP. And I must say, the answer to the second question in this interview is by far my absolute favorite answer I've ever received from a band. Such amazing insight from someone so young. Kudos to you Hudson, not only for your talent, but for your appreciation of what music is really about.

For the Love of Rock and Metal: Tell me a little about yourself and the creation and background of Bruised but Not Broken

Hudson Hower: My name is Hudson, and I do vocals for the band. I guess a little bit of background… I suppose we got started how any other band gets started. I had some friends that were musicians and we all thought it would be fun to start playing some music. We all initially came from different backgrounds in music. For instance, our guitarist was primarily a classical player, while Matt (drums) was very jazz oriented. I was a huge country fan, and I guess once you add all of that together, you create an interest and mutual enjoyment of hardcore music! We started this band our 8^th grade year, so… 2009? Then it turned into a dream, and we’re still going at it.

FLRM: What is the hardest thing about trying to succeed in the music world, but metal in particular?
HH: I think a lot of people blow the idea that metal is “underground” or “neglected” out of proportion. In saying that, we’re limiting the vast potential of the genre itself, as well as its possibility for growth. I think that this genre has some of the most diverse and wonderful people you will ever find within it. To be honest, the hardest part of succeeding in the music world is probably defining the word success. Personally, if you define “success” with a dollar sign, I think you’re doing it wrong. While it’s possible to achieve that within the music industry, you’re limiting yourself if you overlook the hearts and minds of the people around you. Succeed in fellowship, not a bank account.

FLRM: How does it feel to be signed to Standby Records? 

HH: It’s a blessing and an honor. It’s funny, I feel like few people understand how much of a powerhouse Standby is and is going to become. It’s honestly a team game, and everyone over at Standby are some of the hardest workers you will ever meet, so being a part of such a diligent and driven group is super humbling. Both Neil (owner of Standby) and Shawn (manager) follow baseball religiously, so I guess that’s where their teamwork skills come from. It is really cool; they’re trying to make every band on the Standby roster a starting player with nobody stuck in the dugout. We’re very excited about what the future is going to look like.

FLRM: Who are your (either personally or as a band) biggest influences?
HH: Oh man, as a band and as individuals it goes everywhere, and changes consistently. I know that mutually we are all big fans of Underoath, My Epic and Ascend The Hill, but it’s able to range from Maroon 5 and Panic! At The Disco. I’m actually listening to Brian McKnight as I’m typing this, so I don’t know any straight answer to give you!

FLRM: If you could describe the band in one word, what would it be?
HH: Brothership.

FLRM: Why did you choose the mix of metal and techno?
HH: The techno thing went into effect a while ago. We haven’t dabbled much into it in the recent years, but have used our original interest in it to expand our ideas of what to combine musically, whether it be arpeggiaters or different synths or different guitar effects. We really just used it to see what else we could make happen.

FLRM: Some critics say “metalcore” isn’t real metal and shouldn’t be considered in the same league. What do you think?
HH: Haha man, I’m not that picky. If someone is saying that “real metal” is Guns N’ Roses, Black Sabbath, or Pantera, I don’t really take it that much to heart. If someone is adamant on bands of that sort being the only “metal” in existence, that’s totally okay with me. If metalcore is a separate genre, then I’ll say I’m in a metalcore band rather than a metal band. If someone is heavily advocating for “metal-equality,” I think that they should probably find a more important issue to be passionate about.

FLRM: What kind of musical training have each of the members had (self-taught, in school, privately, etc)?
HH: Matt’s father is a fantastic drummer and began teaching Matt when he was young, so he was a fantastic musician within no time. Other than that, we’re all for the most part self-taught. The interest in music theory and the desire to achieve mastery of our instruments has really been the forerunner for our knowledge in music. Not to brag or anything, but I do sing baritone in my high-school chorus class.

FLRM: If you could play any band or person – living or dead – who would it be?
HH: We’ve always set the dream bar of playing with The Devil Wears Prada. Either them or Justin Timberlake. Seriously, I dare you to tell me he isn’t awesome. (Matt just told me he would play for JT in a heartbeat. Just saying.)

FLRM: What are your main goals as a band?
HH: I guess our goal is to make music, be able to make this our source of living, meet everyone that we can and build relationships along the way. We’re so excited to finally start travelling and just meet people. I suppose our goal is to go until we can’t anymore. Well, scratch that – our goal is to go so that we never have to stop.

FLRM: Is there anything else you’d like to share?
HH: Lots I would like to share. That will all wait until another time, though. Can’t wait for the future. This is just The Beginning. 

Featured Video: Who Told You, You Could Eat My Cookies?

Oh you know you just want to shut up and watch this video.

Tim Lambesis Arraignment Video Surfaces

The arraignment video of Tim Lambesis has surfaced with the reading of the criminal complaint. As a man who has been known as a man of faith (although As I Lay Dying refuses to label the band as "Christian") allegedly emailed his wife and told her he no longer loved her, no longer believed in God and wanted a divorce. The prosecution alleges that Lambesis approached a fellow gym member and asked if they knew someone who would kill his wife. Watch the short video below.

View more videos at: http://nbcsandiego.com.

Tim Lambesis (As I Lay Dying) Arrested

In case you live under a rock and didn't know, Tim Lambesis, frontman of As I Lay Dying, was arrested yesterday for attempting to hire someone to murder his estranged wife.  Unfortunately for him (but fortunately for his wife), the person he solicited as a hitman was an undercover detective.


Not much information has been released, but we do know that he is being held in the Vista Detention Center and he will be arraigned on May 9th, 2013 at 1:30 pm. No bail is currently set on his charges of Solicit to Commit Murder and Conspiracy to Commit a Crime. More information can be found on the San Diego Sheriff's Office website.


More information is available on this YouTube video:

May Mayhem at the Regent Street Retreat - May 4, 2013 - Madison, WI

Last night was May Mayhem at the Regent Street Retreat (formerly The Annex) in Madison. The Annex used to be one of the premier places to see bands of all levels, but has dropped off in recent years. May Mayhem was an all night show with 2 stages and 12 local and regional metal band.

It would be nearly impossible (and a really long post) if I reviewed every single band at this show, so I'll just highlight some of the ones I liked. I have seen some of the bands before, but a few were ones I haven't seen.

One I have never seen is The Mended Dead, a four-piece from Madison, WI. The vocalist had amazing versatility as far as singing and rough vocals, but did not incorporate the typical low growls often heard in metal. They all had great stage presence without being overwhelming or obnoxious. The drummer was good and had a beautiful sounding snare that cut through the music. The entire band had a different look individually and as a group. They embody everything metal is - acceptance, passion, brutality and damn good music. I will definitely be seeing them again. Check them out on Facebook.

Murdercore is one I've seen before. They are a two piece from Poynette, WI with a female vocalist and I love them. There is only one thing to say about Murdercore: Face-Melting. Check them out here.

I have seen Divyded at least once before, but last night they really made an impression on me. The vocalist far exceeded my expectations and had a great singing voice as well as rought vocals. The music was heavy without being overpowering with clear and talented guitars. If I have any complaint, it's that Kelly (vocalist) uses sex to sell, but she doesn't need it. She has amazing talent and hopefully will go far. I highly recommend that you go see them at the next available opportunity. You can check them out on Facebook also.

Another band I haven't seen is Stux. They had no theatrics, no fluff but pure metal. There is so much I could say about them, but I think I'll stick to a very simple statement that my not-so-better half made:
"This is what a metal band should look like." I totally agree.

Two other bands who I have seen before and definitely enjoyed the other times as well as last night were Breech, who did a Slayer cover as well as a toast to fallen metal family member Jeff Hanneman and Ultrea, who was the main reason for me to be there.

Of course, there were other bands that I enjoyed and even a few that I'm not really a fan of, but I think you get the idea. I am so happy to see that the metal community is getting out to shows and hopefully the metal scene will make a comeback in a major way to the Madison area. Check out all the bands and when you see them playing a show, check them out for yourselves.

In The News: Slayer's Jeff Hanneman Dies of Liver Failure

I have been MIA again. Lots of ideas, but even more writer’s block. When I saw the news today, I knew I had to get my ass in gear and inform the For the Love of Rock and Metal family of a great loss.

Earlier today, Slayer founding member and guitarist Jeff Hanneman passed away. He was suffering from liver failure and was at a local hospital at the time of his death. Hanneman was 49 years old and will always be remembered for the part he played in bringing Slayer to the forefront of metal. He and fellow guitarist Kerry King, singer-bassist Tom Araya and drummer Dave Lombardo started tearing up stages in the early 1980s.

Lately, Hanneman has not been touring regularly with the band. He contracted necrotizing fasciitis following a spider bite in 2011 which has kept him plagued with many health problems since then. Recently, there has been talk that he had been out of touch with the band. Other news outlets are reporting that the liver failure was likely caused by alcohol and not the spider bite and necrotizing fasciitis; however, nothing has been confirmed and either way, it is not a time to speculate. The truth is that metal has lost one of its own and that is all that matters. No need for blame, finger pointing or hate. The only reason I address it at all is because I know there will be questions.

Slayer posted this heart breaking status update on Facebook to notify the fans. Feel free to go to their page and show some love.

"Slayer is devastated to inform that their bandmate and brother, Jeff Hanneman, passed away at about 11AM this morning near his Southern California home. Hanneman was in an area hospital when he suffered liver failure. He is survived by his wife Kathy, his sister Kathy and his brothers Michael and Larry, and will be sorely missed.

Our Brother Jeff Hanneman, May He Rest In Peace (1964 - 2013)"