Written by: Rob Latham Too often metal bands are judged as being angry and hate the world because of their loud, thrashing sound but Vancouver-based Incura are hell bent on changing this false perception. Incura’s unique blend of heavy aggressive yet melodic rock makes for an intoxicating, refreshing sound fused with the intriguing influences of frontman Kyle Gruningen’s theatrical and operatic upbringing. The result of this is an interesting mix of hardcore emo meets punk rock m... Read Full Story

Written by: Nic Gouveia I fucking hate the concept of a super-band. It’s kinda like a threesome with one girl and two guys. Sure a few holes are getting filled, but once you cross swords the realization hits that this is less a collaborative effort and more of a circle jerk where loser gets sloppy seconds. With that in mind (you’re welcome) think of Them Crooked Vultures‘ self titled album as a threesome made up of you (girl or guy should work) Carmen Electra, Jenna Jamison and a ... Read Full Story

Written by: Rob Latham Photo by: Sai Sivanesen The classic story of small-town girl looking to make it big in the bright lights of the city is a dream almost come true for pop singer/songwriter Sara Giguere. Moving into a new decade sees the Toronto-based singer, who hails from the town of Iroquois Falls near Timmins, Ontario, going it alone in the music world and looking forward to the release of her debut single. Having given up on the idea of trying to setup a band in Toronto, where she m... Read Full Story

Vampire Weekend were huge in 2008. People loved the refreshing sound, even if it sounded incredibly similar to the epic Paul Simon album Graceland. (Remember though, imitation is the greatest form of flattery!) No surprise that when word came down the New York City darling were set to release their sophomore effort in early 2010, fans began to salivate. They streamed lead single “Horchata” a few weeks ago (you can still hear it here and download it for free) and it was quirky but ... Read Full Story

Written by: Steve Moore November 3rd, 2009 ~ Vancouver, BC When I saw that Skinny Puppy were returning for a live show in Vancouver this year, I thought, who better to provide Off the Dial with a live review than one of the biggest Skinny Puppy fans we know; Steve Moore. One half of the Unravelling and former front-man of Calgary metal group Inner Surge, Moore took in their show earlier this month and provided us with a fantastic review. Enjoy! In case you’ve been distracted by the seemingly ... Read Full Story

Written by: Rob Latham Popular Vancouver rockers Venice Queen will be headlining a major Winter Olympics 2010 launch party, a mark of their progression to becoming one of the most exciting bands in the city. The Richmond four-piece, who started life as a covers band in high school, are enjoying a growing reputation on the Vancouver music scene evolving into one of the city’s best loved bands and ultimately culminating in them landing the headline spot for the Olympics opening night at ... Read Full Story

Written by: Rob Latham Following a series of ‘creative disputes’ between its original members Aussie rockers Wolfmother are back with a second album and a brand new look, with only frontman Andrew Stockdale remaining. Their second offering Cosmic Egg essentially sounds pretty much the same as their huge 2005 self-titled debut as Stockdale’s trademark vocals and addictive, blockbusting guitar licks are what makes the sound of the band. Except the only difference is it seems ... Read Full Story

Written by: Rob Latham Legendarily savage death metal Gods Slayer return with yet another dose of their trademark brutality. In their tenth studio album World Painted Blood the controversial California-based four-piece thrashers, often singled out as the fastest band in the world, fail to disappoint with an almighty assault of their staple tremolo guitars backed by obscenely heavy, drop-tuned powerchords, insanely frantic double bass drumming and mind-blowing screaming vocals. Slayer’s... Read Full Story

Written by: Rob Latham For anyone who thought the current dirge of singer/songwriters was becoming all too dull and boring here are two superb Canadian performers who offer an exciting variation. Edmonton-based Stephanie Bosch, 21, and Daniel Moir, 19, are two very talented performers and songwriters who both share an incredible passion for music. I meet up with the pair before their gig at the Trees Organic Coffee House, in Vancouver, on Friday night (November 12) alongside local singer Cas... Read Full Story

Written by: Rob Latham Grunge legends Nirvana’s epic 1992 show at England’s Reading Festival has finally been released on CD and DVD. Recorded at the very height of Nirvana fever on the back of the release of Nevermind, one of the greatest rock albums of all time, clearly none of the songs are going to be new but still it is very much worth a purchase, as it’s not very often you get to here Nirvana at their magnificently raw best. Cobain’s trademark vocal sounds, whi... Read Full Story