Well, boys and girls, we have done it again! This is a phat issue of Empire. Every issue is better than the last. We have bands beatin’ down our door to get in this mother and the proof is in your hands. We’ve got one of my all time favorite bands, Dope, up in here, along with the monsters of Mushroomhead and we are taking it back a few years for all the old heads in the crowd with Skid Row, Warrant and Stryper. Oh DAMN! I almost forgot. We have the almighty Downset, coming straight from the LA hard core scene. They will show you where the boys from Korn learned all their moves.
As always, we are not over looking the local guys who throw it down every night in the clubs and bars for a few bucks and free beer. Take a gander at Kitchen Knife Conspiracy, if you’re ready. And be sure to read up on our boys from Edge of Existance, Out of Hate and Gearbox. I’m sure at least one of those groups will tickle your fancy.
Also in this issue, we have a ton of record reviews for you to peep, more than we have ever had. So keep them coming and we will hook you up with our little brand of media.
I just have to say that the Pittsburgh music scene is growing and changing every day. I have been in this game a very long time and I tell you that at this point in time there are so many talented bands in the Burgh, I can’t even keep up with all the shows and festivals we’ve had in the last month or so. From the kick ass Rockin’ the Suburbs that the boys from Gutterfly put on in the streets of Bridgewater featuring about a dozen acts, to Rock Fest up in New Castle with 19 bands as a benefit for the American Cancer Society. Bands like Edge of Existance are pounding it out in front of some pretty impressive crowds, while opening for Dope. Plus you’ve got Casting Method, who along with Gutterfly, have been sort of taken under the wing of Clear Channel to fill those envied opening slots for some notable national acts. I say all that to say, get off your ass and get out and see what’s going on in your town. If you say there is nothing to do it’s only because of your own ignorance and/or laziness.
-THA DOC