Brooklyn, New York is a daunting place for a band to try and stand out in the crowd, in the melting pot of ambitious bands hitting stages all over the city. Overflowing with guitar-fronted grunge-lo-fi -psych-rock amalgamations, it takes a spark of something special to rise above the rest. Dreamers has accomplished just this with their debut self-titled EP, released on November 18th.

Originally hailing from Dayton, Ohio, American hardcore/metal band The Devil Wears Prada has recently released a new full-length album entitled 8:18. Considerably darker, the album is wrought with existential and tragic elements. 8:18 includes the track “Gloom” which the band has been playing live for some time now. I had the opportunity to chat with songwriter and screamer, Mike Hranica, while he was in Edmonton, Alberta for their tour promoting 8:18. Hranica talked about the vision for this album, how Christianity plays a role in the band’s music, and the joys of bringing his Aunties and dogs along to ease the pressure and loneliness that comes with recording an album. Read on for an insider perspective on The Devil Wears Prada!

I had the chance to discuss the new Soulfly album, Savages, with Max, which comes out on October 4th. Devout fans will be pleased to hear that the new album is tracing back to its roots, with a more melodic and “original” Soulfly sound. Cavalera seemed extremely optimistic about the tour, and is crossing his fingers (just like you are) for a release by Cavalera Conspiracy sometime in the future. In the meantime, Savages is here, and a new project featuring Soulfly, Mastadon, and Dillinger Escape plan waits, set to be released in the middle of next year.

With only one lineup change, Lifestory:Monologue has stood strong for six years. This band emerged from close-knit friendships, and a passionate love for music. Lifestory:Monologue is self-managed, and the boys are busy touring every chance that they can. Humorous, in depth, and honest, Jason Gormley and Jay Reid told me what Lifestory:Monolgue was all about. The group is hardworking, and is already thinking about their next record, which they hope to release as soon as they can!

Busker Bros is a three man band from Whitby, Ontario. With Chris Panacci on guitar and vocals, Sean Panacci on guitar and Dan Leduc on drums, this group stimulates my ears in the best way possible. With influences like Sonic Youth, Arctic Monkeys, Radiohead and Franz Ferdinand, Busker Bros has a varied transience that finds an easy place in the mind, and then dresses to impress. The psychedelic tone of this band breaks down into rhythmic guitar riffs and strong insistent vocals.