SPOTLIGHT - Nemesis (Portland, OR)

For this spotlight, we're going to be taking a look and listen to a band based out of Portland, OR who go by the name of Nemesis. The band is still fairly new, having formed in April of 2011, but you would never assume that. Their music is tight and they sound as though they have been making music together for years.The band consists of: Spencer Tyler - Vocals; Evil Joe - Lead Guitar; Ryan Hansen - Rhythm Guitar; William McIntire - Bass Guitar; Hank Baer - Drummer.

Evil Joe originally sent me a link to the band's ReverbNation page, and I instantly fell in love. You know, there are some bands you get the honor of listening to, and it just clicks immediately...well, Nemesis was that way for me. The first song posted, "Lie In Ruins", has a heavy, in-your-face vibe from the very beginning. It grabs your attention and raises curiosity to hear the rest of the song, and others. My personal favorite of the songs they have posted, is "Noregard". I can't exactly put my finger on it, but that song has so much awesomeness going on! The drums, the guitar, the vocals, the bass...everything. The guitar solo right around the 3 minute mark is a great way to showcase the talent.

Nemesis' music has an intense energy and presence from the start. The songs they have available just seem like a teaser for what's to come. With them still being a "young band", their future looks amazing. The longer they are together, the more their music will grow right along with them. It really makes me anxious to see what the future holds for Nemesis!

SPOTLIGHT - Downsiid (Killeen, TX)

The newest spotlight is featuring a band based out of Killeen, TX called Downsiid (pronounced Downside). This band is actually a new find for myself as well, and no words have the power to convey how excited I am to have learned of them!

First, a bit of background on Downsiid. The band was originally formed in 2000 with the members being primarily Army men based at Ft. Hood, TX. Eventually, line-up changes were necessary due to members of the band being shipped to different locations; which led to the current line-up (Jason "String" Atwood - Vocals; DJ AkirA MC - Vocals, Turntables/Samples.keyboards; B.rich - Drums; Jeff "Spanish" Scottt - Lead Guitar; G. Dell - Rhythm Guitar; Jason Quintero - Bass Guitar) Their first CD was released in 2001 and their second released in 2005. Life and Lies is their most current album, having been finished up last year (2011). The guys worked with producer Roy Z (Judas Priest, Halford, Bruce Dickinson, Sebastian Bach, Sepultura, etc) for that album, and have a YouTube video for their single "Not With Me" off their Life Of Lies album which you can watch here. They are currently working on a new DOUBLE CD called "Sex, Drugs and Rock n Roll" (SxRxRr) which will be available in 2013.

Devastation Device (London, KY)

For this post, I will be spotlighting a band based out of London, Kentucky who go by the name of Devastation Device. The band is made up of 5 guys: Jared Harris (Vocals), Bobby Jones (Guitar), Jordy Davis (Guitar), Wes "Meathook"DeWees (Bass) and Jonathan Martin (Drums). I can describe this band best in two words...headbanging goodness! Really, there seems to be no possible way to stop the inevitable headbanging. The first couple of "big name" bands that come to MY mind when I listen to them, is something like Lamb of God and Fear Factory.

Devastation Device formed in Kentucky in September 2008 with Bobby Jones (guitar) and Jonathan Martin (drums) as founding members. Once they had their members and practice commenced, it was time to decide on a name. There were many names thrown into the mix for possibilities, but Devastation Device stuck. They were all happy with the name, and it seemed fitting for the band and the direction of the music. Jonathan came up with the name from a pro wrestling tag team's (Legion of Doom) signature move.

Spotlight: Sever This Illusion (Louisville, KY)

Left to Right: Ben - Bass; Jordan - Guitar; Darren - Drums; Trevor - Vocals; Nelson - Guitar

Sever This Illusion is a metal band out of Louisville, KY. The band formed during the Winter of 2007 and has not slowed down since. They have gone through some line-up changes through the years, but have remained a force to be reckoned with.

S.T.I.’s live shows are not to be missed…EVER! Speaking from experience, having seen them play in Oregon, Washington and Idaho in June of this year, their stage show is incomparable. The energy that all 5 guys have on stage, the interaction with the crowd and the sheer talent all meld together into a show you won’t soon forget! The band has played shows with some amazing headliners, including: Hatebreed, All That Remains, Periphery, God Forbid, Kittie, Dope and so many more; including a Summer 2012 West Coast Tour with Straight Line Stitch!

Hey there! Allow me to introduce myself.....

Hello fellow music lovers! I would like to welcome you all to my blog. This is something I decided to start for a couple different reasons. One, I don't have much of a life, and I was in desperate need of a hobby. What better than to start a blog about something you love?! Two, there are countless bands out there who are all amazing, talented musicians who deserve the chance to be heard by the masses. I figure, why can't I be a middle (wo)man of sorts, and bring those bands to you every week or two. I have friends in bands, and I see how hard they work to try to get their music heard. The more I can do to help them, and bands in a similar situation, the better. I am simply a music fan and supporter who believes there are bands out there that you have not heard, and should. Hell, bands I haven't heard of, but will be damn glad I know them now. I am really looking forward to this experience, and discovering so many amazing bands with you!


The plan, as of now, is to feature a rock or metal band every week or two. Whether it be an unsigned local band, or a band signed to a minor label. I am asking that bands who wish to be spotlighted, to send me an email through here, or the FB page for the blog, with the band name, one or two MP3 files of songs you would like featured, Facebook page link and other other sites you use to get your music out there. I will then email bands asking for bio information, show dates, etc. I'll put your band's links and sites at the bottom of your band's post for people who want to hear/learn more. All bands will be reviewed and must meet certain criteria (don't worry, simple stuff like having a decent recording, playing shows, etc. General band activity is necessary). To make all this as fair as I could come up with, I will write each band down on a piece of paper and draw a band randomly to be featured.


Posts will consist of

• A song or YouTube video
• Information about the band (location, member bios, general info)
• Upcoming show dates
• Any other info the band may want mentioned
• I would eventually like to post a Q and A.

More may be added as time goes on


So there's a quick run down of what to expect from this blog, and how bands can be a part of it. I hope you enjoy the coming posts! Feedback is always welcome, as long as it's not "Fuck Off". :)