Hey Sugar are a Montreal-based band that bring back that old-school rock n’ roll, but with a mix of modern hardcore. The first time I heard the group I instantly fell in love with their classic rock n’ roll soul and spirit as it’s something that most current, popular bands are lacking. The band recently finished recording their Matt Ray and Oli Jean-produced debut album and have filmed their first music video for the track “All That I Need.” I got a chance to talk to bassist Marc Astolfi about what the band, what it was like shooting their first music video and what 2011 has in store for the guys.

All Shall Perish are like the Oakland Raiders, the football team from where the band resides; full of bad asses and if you’re a hater expect to get a ton of shit from their diehard fans, if not the rims of your car stolen. With people like Kirk Hammett (Metallica) and Rob Flynn (Machine Head) citing the band as favorites, it’s only a matter a time before the franchise known as All Shall Perish starts to fill sports arenas themselves.

Set It Free is a 5-piece rock band from Brick, New Jersey who formed in 2010. The band recorded their first self-titled EP at Trax East Studio with Engineer Eric Rachel. This laid the foundation of their popularity with their local fans. The band is noted for their blend of uplifting pop/rock melodies and high energetic live performances. The band’s name, Set It Free, refers to the mindset of living everyday with freedom and a positive outlook in life.

Atlanta, GA’s The Chariot recently posted the new track “Music Of A Grateful Heart” on their official Facebook page. The track is cut from the new vinyl LP version of the band’s latest Good Fight Music release, ‘Long Live’, set to release on August 2nd. The digital and physical CD version of ‘Long Live’ was originally released on November 22nd, 2010 and is the band’s fourth full-length album to date.

MaQLu is back with her second installment of the ‘Tales From The Black Heart’ cycle with the EP Black. This release is much like her Blood EP in that it contains slow deadly beats mixed with low vocals. Personally, I didn’t find Black to be as good as its predecessor. I found the vocal lines to be out of sync with the beats, giving the songs a plastic feel. This leaves me to believe this mini album was rushed.

The Dangerous Summer is an Indie/rock band from Ellicott City, Maryland. Check out the amazing new song, “Good Things” and get ready for the release!

John Falls, lead vocalist for the alternative metal band Egypt Central, recently spoke with me about the group’s newest release, White Rabbit. This is the band’s second full-length offering and their maturity is evident in the songwriting and playing. The band is currently winding their way around the U.S. on tour, so check them out live. Here’s what Falls had to say about White Rabbit.

Following the news of their upcoming US tour supporting Cursive frontman Tim Kasher, Albany, NY’s indie-punk hybrid Aficionado have just premiered the latest track off their forthcoming self-titled full length album out July 26th on No Sleep Records. Check out the song “Falsified Inspiration” HERE.

One of the summer’s surprise alt rock hits has been Under the Influence of Giants/Hometown Hero singer Aaron Bruno’s AWOLNATION. Second record Megalithic Symphony was released back in March but it’s really just started to catch on in the last two months or so thanks to the hit first single “Sail.” “Sail” has been a stable of alternative rock radio but if you thought it was the only good song off of Megalithic Symphony then think again.

I caught up with Rebel Emergency vocalist Roddy Colmer for a quick chat on the phone, while they were in British Columbia for the first time. Roddy seemed pretty content with the Joint Venture tour, and the direction the band was heading in. Their new album Aphrodisiology consists of eleven tracks and comes out on June 24th.

Following the announcement of their debut release on Tooth & Nail Records, Long Island’s Sainthood Reps have just premiered the title track to their new album, ‘Monoculture,’ out on August 9th, available to stream down below.

I recently had the opportunity to speak with Ben Jaeger, guitarist and singer with the Wisconsin based rock band Sunspot. The group definitely has a unique sound that I feel sets them apart from others in the genre and Jaeger was more than happy to speak with me about how he achieves it. Here is what he had to say about his Fender Toronado with P-90 pickups.

Blackwater James has been called “straight up, invigorating, American hard rock”, a “band of swagger”, and “blazing a rock n’ roll revival”, and they live up to every word on their sophomore release EP aptly titled VOL 1. with the hit single “Blackheart”.

Metalcore outfit Sleeping Giant are set to release their first album since joining ANGR with ‘Kingdom Days In An Evil Age’ (July 12th). In preparation for the album’s release, the band has now teamed up with Gun Shy Assassin for a second single premiere, “Eyes Wide Open”, which features Frankie Palmeri (Emmure) on guest vocals. Click HERE to hear “Eyes Wide Open”, courtesy of Gun Shy Assassin!