Roya Butler Archive
Horse The Band
Described as experimental metalcore, HORSE the band uses the Korg MS2000 synthesizer to achieve an 8-bit video game-influenced sound. Jokingly self-labeled “Nintendocore,” they reference Nintendo characters in some songs, including Cut Man, from the popular 8-bit NES game Mega Man in the song “Cutsman”; Birdo, one of the bosses from the NES game Super Mario Bros. 2, in the song “Birdo”; and the rabbit-like nemesis from The Legend of Zelda in the song “Pol’s Voice.”
Big D and the Kids Table
Big D and the Kids Table formed in Massachusetts in 1995, creating their own brand of Ska music, typically reflecting on their personal lives. Winning the Boston Music Awards distinction of “Outstanding Ska Band” in 1999 was just the beginning of their rise as one of Ska’s elite underground bands. Although they have participated in Warped Tour, and Summer of Ska Tour, as well as touring in support of Rancid, Anti-flag, and Vodoo Glow Skulls, Big D and the Kids Table are extremely down to earth and make sure they their fans are always top priority.
Chimaira
Chimaira originated in Cleveland, Ohio with vocalist Mark Hunter, lead guitarist Rob Arnold, rhythm guitarist Jason Hager, bassist Jim LaMarca, drummer Andols Herrick, and Chris Spicuzza on keyboards/electronics/ samples. After releasing a demo, which had constant college radio airplay, the band was signed by Roadrunner Records. Shortly after their album release, Jason Hager left the band and Matt DeVries took over as rhythm guitarist. During their time at Roadrunner, Andols Herrick decided to leave the band, replaced by Ricky Evensand, then replaced by Kevin Talley. After signing with Ferret Records/Nuclear Blast, Andols Herrick came back to record their forth LP, entitled Resurrection their heaviest and most musically technical album to date.
Interview with Matt DeVries from Chimaira by Roya Butler and Bradley Hulett
Unearth
Unearth is the exception in today’s generic radio-friendly metalcore, with songs that are injected with raw emotion rather than the ever so popular commercial mainstay. “A lot of our friends who used to be in kick-ass metal and hardcore bands are adding these pop choruses now for no reason,” says frontman Trevor Phipps. “I think they’re making the same mistakes that all the bands in the early 90s made when metal turned to complete horseshit. They’re totally watering down their tunes to sell more records. We’re just trying to prove that bands can still sell records and tour and have a career by making a heavy fucking record.”
Slayer
Slayer formed in 1981 by guitarists Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King. Known for their distinctive musical traits, involving fast tremolo picking, guitar solos, double bass drumming, and screaming vocals, Slayer quickly gained recognition with their 1986 release Reign in Blood, which has been called “the heaviest album of all time”. The band is credited as one of the “Big Four” thrash metal bands, along with Megadeth, Metallica, and Anthrax.
Paul Rachman & Steven Blush
American Hardcore captures the history of hardcore punk from Los Angeles through Washington D.C. and NYC, circa 1981-1986, based on the book of the same name by writer Steven Blush. Paul Rachman’s documentary is a strong-willed outcry, which set a politically minded foundation for a lot of later bands.
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