Local Mania for local bands...

First off, what makes a local band? Is it a band that is not signed? How about a band that just plays locally and never ventures out? For the sake of argument, let us say a local band is just a band that has not gotten signed to a label large enough to get them distribution or world wide press. With that said, let's also concentrate on metal bands that are local and keep the rapping down to a minimum of none lol.

I will start off. One of my favorite local bands is Phoenix Reign. I think this band has a lot to offer as a band while still being stuck somewhere in limbo. After finding out that they've been around for over 10 years and still not signed blows my mind. If you have a chance look them up, they're from NY. I mean sometimes you catch them on stage and it's magical, and other times you just kind get it. Either way, I think this band is fun to watch and should be signed by now. I guess it all comes down to motivation or making the right moves at the right times. I wish them luck and hope in the future. Their music is really good, if their stage shows sometimes fall off the map. If anything, this band should be a studio band and make album after album and market that. Maybe that will help them, who knows...

Another local band I like is Martyrd. This is a very metal band that has also been pushing for about 10 years or more. I love their music and they have been playing some really big shows. Again, they are not signed.

What is keeping these good bands, and bands like them, from getting signed? Is it really even worth being signed in this day and age? Maybe they missed their chance, or maybe that's a really great thing. Because this is the age of computers where people can market themselves all day long on the computer for free or money. I'd really love to hear your opinions on this, and see what bands you like on the local scene. Maybe with a little luck we'll help push their names some and get them noticed.

Peace in harmony, until again...
~ Telmorn Altayon

Good thread!

PHOENIX REIGN are welcome to join Stormspell's roster anytime they want

MARTYRD - Cool dudes, awesome oldschool thrash! I was supposed to release their debut album several years ago. Anyone who has seen the self-released cdrs of Maniac knows what the artwork looks like. I wanted to update it, and that's when we butted heads with Michael. To cut the story short, he rejected two renditions I've commissioned consecutively from Tom Martin (Lich King artist), and then another take from Alan Lathwell, and this pretty much put a solid bar in the wheel of this project. A shame really coz the music is godly (with Aaron's voice being an acquired choice for some).

As a result, I havent been able to enjoy Maniac ever since as I still get this bitter taste of disappointment in my mouth. One of the best 2008 albums for sure.

Here is where I discuss Unbidden. A local death metal band who released their debut, Slaughtering the Vile, earlier this month. I am actually listening to the album right now.

They are also very cool guys in person.

@StormSpell... Thanks StormSpell, yeah I hear you with that man. When things go south it's not that fun. But I like that you still know how good they are even if you had an unhealthy moment with a band. I respect that highly good sir. When you say your roster, what are you talking about, do you promote shows or something? Also, Aaron's voice is something you either like or not, but his stage presence is very metal, and he has a great look for the stage. As far as these bands getting signed, it's just up to the right moves, and not having an ego expressing one's actions, but knowing you are good but still supporting kindness. I mean, that's my view on it, I could be wrong. lol

@Required Fields... Unbidden, how long have they been around, and are they close to being signed? If not, I wonder why? I will have to check them out.

Telmorn Altayon wrote:

@Required Fields... Unbidden, how long have they been around, and are they close to being signed? If not, I wonder why? I will have to check them out.

Unbidden were known as The Bloodletting from around 2006 or so until 2008.

They are listed on the webpage of a record label called Boonsdale Records, but the back of their album says nothing about Boonsdale Records, nor is Boonsdale Records referenced in the album booklet. Regardless of whether the album was self released or was released by a label, Slaughtering the Vile is awesome.




A live performance of their song Cast the Stone (the first little bit of the song is missing):

[quote="Required Fields"]

Telmorn Altayon wrote:

@Required Fields... Unbidden, how long have they been around, and are they close to being signed? If not, I wonder why? I will have to check them out.

Unbidden were known as The Bloodletting from around 2006 or so until 2008.

Damn!!! They are heavy. Solid man. I found them on Facebook and added them as a like. Thanks for the heads up. Support and keep the scene a live my friend.

stormspell wrote:

Good thread!

PHOENIX REIGN are welcome to join Stormspell's roster anytime they want

MARTYRD - Cool dudes, awesome oldschool thrash! I was supposed to release their debut album several years ago. Anyone who has seen the self-released cdrs of Maniac knows what the artwork looks like. I wanted to update it, and that's when we butted heads with Michael. To cut the story short, he rejected two renditions I've commissioned consecutively from Tom Martin (Lich King artist), and then another take from Alan Lathwell, and this pretty much put a solid bar in the wheel of this project. A shame really coz the music is godly (with Aaron's voice being an acquired choice for some).

As a result, I havent been able to enjoy Maniac ever since as I still get this bitter taste of disappointment in my mouth. One of the best 2008 albums for sure.

now we are welcome? Well if you want me to send you stuff let me know I can have it arranged. That is of course after I find out if there even is a Phoenix Reign since I haven't seen them in over 3 months. We did however record a new song though. Not sure if you heard it or not. I posted it on the board a few months back.

@Phoenix: did I ever turned off a release offer on you?

Now, if I've turned an offer to buy your own stock for the distro, that's another matter. I quit doing this long time ago - the label has been consuming all my available funds and then some, so the only way I carry distro items anymore is via trade. I just don't have time and resources to move both label and distro. I'm pushing on the label now, and the distro is left dying slow and painful death

P.S. I don't think I have heard the new song, link please?

Regarding MARTYRD I want to make it clear they are great dudes and Michael offered to cover for all accrued expenses, so I hold no grudge whatsoever. I only feel regret we couldn't work it out. It would have been an awesome release. I still get random distributors asking about it now and then (It has been promoted on one of Stormspell adverts in Metal Maniacs or Decibel as upcoming release back in 2008).

stormspell wrote:

Regarding MARTYRD I want to make it clear they are great dudes and Michael offered to cover for all accrued expenses, so I hold no grudge whatsoever. I only feel regret we couldn't work it out. It would have been an awesome release. I still get random distributors asking about it now and then (It has been promoted on one of Stormspell adverts in Metal Maniacs or Decibel as upcoming release back in 2008).

You really are a good person... Keep up all you do for helping out bands making something of themselves.

Peace in harmony, until again...
~ Telmorn Altayon

stormspell wrote:

@Phoenix: did I ever turned off a release offer on you?

Now, if I've turned an offer to buy your own stock for the distro, that's another matter. I quit doing this long time ago - the label has been consuming all my available funds and then some, so the only way I carry distro items anymore is via trade. I just don't have time and resources to move both label and distro. I'm pushing on the label now, and the distro is left dying slow and painful death

P.S. I don't think I have heard the new song, link please?

Yea but maybe that was why though. I don't remember it was so long ago haha. I'll look for the link its here somewhere.

here it is

http://www.4shared.com/audio/lW64Czsr/01-Alexander_-_with_drums.html

I'm pretty sure by the time I've approached you already had the album self-released and all we discussed was distribution.

The tune is great - classic metal with epic overtones. Can't go wrong with songs for Macedonia! Write 3 more of the same length and we can have an album!

Hahaha DONE!

This is an interesting question, One I asked Bob Rock once and he said the difference between a signed band and unsigned is about 10 minutes or connections Meaning that being in the right place at the right time, or knowing someone who knows someone is really what it takes for a band to get a break.

I know of almost every band from Oklahoma since this is where I live and I hit the scene as much as I can. So when a band like Crooked X or Hinder hit, it chaps my butt because I know they have not paid their dues. and I can only conclude the latter.

I suggest if you know of a band that is touring in your area, contact them or their management and ask if you can open for them for little to no money. This is a move about making an Impression on the headlining band and perhaps their label.

Another thing I would recommend is get to know who manages who. Alot of management groups will take on a quality unsigned band knowing that with their ( the management companies ) connections they can get a band signed to a record deal and later put out on the road.

I never leave the house these days so I don't even know what local bands are in my area anymore. When I was still an active club-concert attendee, they all seemed to be cover bands anyway.

I'm not too keen on the local metal scene, much more into the local hardcore punk scene, the shows are much more enjoyable.

Martyr is a band that surprises me. I have seen them opening for a bunch of metal bands and even THE MISFITS. I wonder how they get to be there opening for so many important concerts.

PHOENIX REIGN is another great bands from the area, I which the best for them and their members.

Some friends from my town have been playing their instruments for a couple of years, and yesterday they had their first concert. I went very well, they played like if they had experience in concerts, their drum had problems with making the mics work, but they fixed at the right time.
Their name is MORDER(thrash, prog, death- like carcass or death band), and I am helping them with their LOGO design at the moment.

If anyone has connections around NJ, and NY for concerts, record a demo cheap, promotions, etc. Led me know.

Go to PDP Productions. It is a bit up north from NY, but definitely within driving distance. It is very affordable and indy friendly studio run by Lich King drummer Brian Westbrook.

http://pdpproductions.com/

Audio samples: http://soundcloud.com/pdprecording

stormspell wrote:

Go to PDP Productions. It is a bit up north from NY, but definitely within driving distance. It is very affordable and indy friendly studio run by Lich King drummer Brian Westbrook.

http://pdpproductions.com/

Audio samples: http://soundcloud.com/pdprecording

Oh cool bro, i'll let them know, these guys are very talented, I know they can go somewhere, they just need the right help.
Later next sunday, I am going to another concert they are having, and I am bringing my camara to record it. SO I am going to share their concert here, and write a review of the band

Still need to get the Phoenix Reign CD. Ugh! So much great music, so little money and time to listen to it all.

ultmetal wrote:

Still need to get the Phoenix Reign CD. Ugh! So much great music, so little money and time to listen to it all.

I too am behind in aquiring that one because of the factors you mentioned.

Here in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area we have Aska who play good traditional metal. They have been around for a long time but still remain an indy band. I would have not known about them had I not made a blind purchase at Best Buy. I have 3 albums from them but that's about all I can get seeing as a lot of their catalogue is out-of-print and probably won't be reissued do to their indy status.

I also know of Seasons Of The Wolf which I discovered when I got an CD in a bargain section of my local used CD store. Not a local band here (the're from Flordia) but a band I got two albums and they contain a unique blend of metal. A progressive blend of traditional metal, gothic, and doom. Apparently some people have called it "Psycho-Hippie-Doom-Metal".

I have some other indie CDs but most of them are not much of note.