I finally got to some mail left for me at The Aquarian Weekly, and I have to tell you that I love getting CDs from young new bands. It’s refreshing when you hear creative riffs from kids who are still learning about this business and trying to create a scene here in North Jersey. I was happy to open a package from a band called Fantazma, who are a bunch of kids who can actually play! The unique thing about them is that there are two chicks in this metal band! On songs like “Good Teeth,” “Michael,” and “Frantic Phone Calls” off of their EP, Last Lines For Bright Eyes, you forget that there is a girl named Mariella singing, or shall I say screaming. The riffs are heavy and the drumming is thunderous. Could Fantazma be the next big thing to come out of North Jersey?
Fantazma is a brand new female-fronted screamo/metal band out of Wayne, NJ. The band claims to strive on their “heavy sound and clean vocals.” Fantazma looks to grow as a band musically and creatively, while constantly playing shows in the North Jersey area. The group consists of Mariella on vocals, Cindy on guitar, Levi on bass, and Justin on the drums. Fantazma released their first EP, Last Lines For Bright Eyes, this past summer and has received some raving reviews thus far. Although their music seems to fit with the times, I feel a band like Fantazma hasn’t really found their niche yet. As they grow as musicians and artists their style and music will change. I am sure that I will be writing more about them in columns to come. To give Fantazma a listen, log onto myspace.com/fantazmaisaband.
North Jersey Notes Updates
One band who had great momentum in 2009 was my brothers from Diablo Royale. The boys got some spins on Sirius/XM radio, received an endorsement deal with Spector, did some touring over the summer, taped some video footage for “Fearless TV” on FOX, and recorded their new CD, Greedy Dogs! Now how is that for momentum? Diablo Royale didn’t slow down as 2009 came to an end! They were featured on NYC radio station 101.9 WRXP’s “Top 9 Concerts Of 2009.” Since there’s no room to slow down for these guys, on Monday, Jan. 25, Diablo Royale will be hosting a CD release party for their new CD, Greedy Dogs, down at the Gramercy Theater in NYC, which is a national venue that very few local bands get to play at. For more info and tickets, log onto diabloroyale.net.
I just got an email from With Daggers Drawn drummer Greg Telfeian, and apparently there’s been some changes made in the camp. Singer Jason Gabriel Marcos is no longer in the band and he’s been replaced with Black Market Hero/40 Below Summer singer Max Illidge, who brought along guitarist Joey D’Amico also from Black Market Hero/40 Below Summer to join With Daggers Drawn. According to Greg, the new music with Max and Joey is the best that the band has ever done and he’s excited for people to hear it. Do not worry about former singer Jason Marcos, though! From what I hear, he’s already found a new home and you’ll be hearing about that also very soon! Find out more about With Daggers Drawn at myspace.com/withdaggersdrawn.
And finally, I recently had the chance to see Sekond Skyn live with my bros from Black Water Rising down at The Saint in Asbury Park, NJ, and I have to say, “What a friggin’ show!” When I walked in Black Water Water Rising already had the place rockin’ as I expected, but what I didn’t expect was how much energy Sekond Skyn was going to take out of me! These guys are full of piss and vinegar, and then some! This was two great bands in one night at The Saint! It was a good night! Check out Sekond Skyn at myspace.com/2ndskinnet.
That’s all for now! And remember, if your band is from North Jersey, and you want some exposure, send your demos and press kits to Arts Weekly, c/o Tim Louie P.O. Box 1140 Little Falls, NJ 07424. No cover bands, please! Also, if you haven’t checked out my podcast yet, do it now at northjerseynotes.mypodcast.com featuring Piston Driven.
Just remember….We’re all in the same boat, so every little bit of exposure counts!
NJN Concert Calendar
1/16—Rahway—The Blue Room, Secaucus, NJ
1/16—Will Killmore—Primetime Sports Bar & Billiards, Sayreville, NJ
1/16—Long Gone Day—Dingbatz, Clifton, NJ
1/16—Black Water Rising—Gleason’s Gym, Brooklyn, NY
1/17—Audacity—The Stone Pony, Asbury Park, NJ
1/17—Dear Gravity—Velocity 17, Maywood, NJ
1/22—Deathrash (CD Release Party)—Dingbatz, Clifton, NJ
1/22—Rahway—The Local 269, NYC
1/22—Kosmic Daydream—The Blue Room, Secaucus, NJ
1/23—TRIMM—Crossroads, Garwood, NJ
1/23—Deathrash (CD Release Party)—Duff’s, Brooklyn, NY
1/24—Bled For Glory/Lamps Burning/Auraborus—Dingbatz, Clifton, NJ
1/25—Diablo Royale/Charetta (Diablo Royale CD Release Party)—Gramercy Theater, NYC
1/29—Lamps Burning—Bowery Poetry Club, NYC
1/29—Atom Strange—The Delancey, NYC
1/30—Rahway—Market Street, Bangor, PA
1/30—Swear On Your Life—Crash Mansion, NYC
