Black Tusk

“We are unashamed to stretch ourselves musically, with no regards for a 'play it safe' mentality" affirms MonstrO drummer Bevan Davies, and we definitely have to agree.
The diversity of MonstrO’s songs ranges from Pink Floyd to Black Sabbath to Soundgarden, but we could also be tempted to point out a hint of Mark Lanegan.

Formed in early 2009 in Atlanta, MonstrO is the brainchild of bassist Kyle Sanders (Bloodsimple, Skrew, Medication), drummer Bevan Davies (Bloodsimple, Danzig, Jerry Cantrell, Comes With The Fall), guitarist Juan Montoya (Torche, Floor, Cavity) and guitarist/vocalist Carlos Suarez (Sunday Driver).

When asked about the writing process Sanders confesses that it has been easier than in the past. “Three of us live in Atlanta so it’s more of a natural writing environment, we get together when we want to. In previous bands I had to reserve flights, a rehearsal room and be on a schedule.” Charlie Suarez is MonstrO’s lyricist/vocalist but also the only band member not residing in Atlanta. “Once we get into it there's definitely a vision of where the song is going to go musically, then Charlie’s vocals take it to a totally new level. We are constantly exchanging music and vocal ideas, everyone weighs in, then he'll fly up for a bit and we all work on creating the songs together. This is a much more organic way of doing things.” adds Sanders.
Given the Rock/Metal history of each band member it is easy to assume that MonstrO would automatically fall into this category; these elements are still there but the band has successfully managed to stretch the limits, giving themselves the freedom to blur the lines and easily hop from Metal (Anchors Up), courtesy of riff master Juan Montoya, to psychedelic and ambient (April).
“April is timeless,” states Montoya. “And I knew we were on the right track after I played it to a close friend and she came up with what, I think, is the perfect description of the feeling we want to convey; she said the song made her feel like she was spiraling up into the open sky, soaking in the amber-kissed light, just drifting on a cloud, forgetting all man-made inventions, time and space…Everyone has a different experience when they listen to our music and it’s fine, we’re providing the vessel, the rest is up to your imagination.”
“These three guys are quickly becoming my heroes, and it’s an honor to play with such badass dudes” says Montoya. “I would like MonstrO to inspire like the bands who changed my life and inspired me to play music when I was 12 years old.”
“Each song stands on it's own in regards to topic, but the themes of the songs individually jump from one end of the spectrum to the other” adds Suarez...”from fear into courage, dreams into reality, and lying to admitting all truths. MonstrO is a metaphor for what you and I and everyone else keep inside. It's what's behind closed doors. It's what keeps us afraid of even ourselves and what we're capable of...whether it betters our lives or not.”

KYNG the southern California hard rock trio, originated in January of 2008 in Los Angeles. Singer/songwriter Eddie Veliz bassist, Tony Castaneda and drummer Pepe Clarke Magana, after years of working off and on with each other on various projects, decided to propagate the idea of a band that would closer fulfill their musical desires. Within months of sessioning the three were sold on the chemistry and shortly after that went into the studio to record their debut album. The sound they realized was exactly what they had sought after, a unique and universally appealing combination of heavy and captivating concepts, channeling influences from black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin to the Foo Fighters and Queens of the Stone Age. "We wanted a band that could stand alongside anything in the scene, have the ability to crossover seamlessly and still bridge who we are.” KYNG’s versatile approach of a sweet devastation bleeds from an artistic drive toward a momentum described as "California Heavy". Their evolution will undoubtedly blaze a trail that redefines what is expected and defines the giants they will become.
Their first album, Trampled Sun, on REALID Records is set to hit the streets of the US and the World Wide Web September 27 while their first two singles, Falling Down and Trails in Veins, both mixed by Mike Watts (Adelita’s Way, Hopesfall, Quicksand, Brand New), are set to take over the airwaves and online channels mid July and will be available at iTunes July 26th. The digital deluxe of Trampled Sun will contain 15 tracks exemplifying the bands great range and how much music KYNG has to offer the planet earth.
The Los Angeles based trio, hailing from LA and parts of Mexico, is as unique in spirit as their sound. Reminiscent at times of the metal and hard rock of the late 1970’s in style and musical collection, with a presentation that is totally heavy, classic and modern-day all at once, they are sure to refresh the Active Rock and Metal landscapes of today and tomorrow. As drummer Pepe Clarke Magaña puts it, “I think we’re doing stuff, or a combination of stuff that has been done before, in a way it’s never been done before.” Their sound on Trampled Sun easily provokes the question, “Is that really just 3 dudes?” The pipes on Eddie Veliz reminiscent of Cornell is his early days, the thunder brought by Pepe Clarke Magaña on the drums and the rolling rhythms brought by bassist Tony Castañeda have KYNG meant for great things.
Completing dates with The Sword, KYNG is currently out with Black Stone Cherry and Pop Evil and plan on touring forever as the road is the life’s blood of any young hard rock band looking to take over the world. In the land of pigs, the butcher is KYNG.