Deafening

Finally, Deafening took the stage. Mindblowing, just killer. Dan and I were getting more than a bit spun by then and were ready for something a bit heavier. Deafening didn't disappoint. Lead singer/guitar Tony Casella went huge with what sounded like a newer solid state Marshall into split 4x12 cabinets on either side of the stage, and Carlos Torres and Muttley held down the bottom end like a pair of vice grips. For once, here was a power trio that didn't sound like three people wanking or that they were missing a member.
As anyone who has seen this band live can attest (or heard their album or stuff on MySpace, but I think it sounds better live), Casella's voice is god. Thick, rough without screaming, dynamic, perfectly in tune, and -- surrounded by the detuned musical onslaught -- beautiful. One of the best rock/metal voices I've ever heard. Combined with a wry stage presence and a coif that Sebastian Bach would have killed for, Casella is every bit the perfect heavy metal frontman. I didn't hear him come close to blowing a note all night. A great ending to a really good lineup.
The show ended, and the 40 or so people still in attendance left. Dan and I talked shop with Al Bear and Jason Jackson for a bit after their set, and I shook hands with kudos to Damon Murrah (who seemed ready to hit the after-party), but overall it was a pretty low-key ending to a really good set of shows. I implore all of you who read SCR to start attending shows like these. The bands and our scene need the support, and you are missing a ton of really good music.
by Andrew Perkins - Space City Rock

When bands submit to us, I literally do try to give a fair review. I try to listen to the entire collection of music they provide, and allow my mind to develop thoughts and opinions based on what I hear. The criteria is the music (I cancel out the lyrics and listen to how the sound is layered and how it flows) - then the vocals and lyrics - and then the overall sound. I try to find things I would consider "workable" and then I try to find things that I like, or dislike.

There is a movement occuring that I am witnessing with bands in the indie circuit that is more of a growing trend, literally, due to the increase in a number of things: 1. Bands are reaching out to more fans through social networking. 2. The advent of Internet radio and podcasting has brought major competition to corporate radio. 3. Bands are maturing, creating good music, and marketing themselves appropriately - more appropriately than before. This can be said about "Deafining," which hit my in-box this morning, and literally blew me away with an inventive metal sound that is capable (and has been) a frontrunner through both Internet and commercial radio. The balance has shifted, and this is one band that deserves praise.

The song "The Science of Frogs," my personal favorite hits you from the beginning with a notable "punch in the face" and doesn’t stop pounding. It’s melodic metal harmony weaves it’s way from traditional metal, yet, still remains honorable to the genre in a class all of it’s own. This is one band you should "Deaf-a-nately" check out, and we are glad to have them on our station rocking out! Check them out on MySpace! Don’t pass this band up!

- Street Blast Radio