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Up and coming solo artist POWER ROB became a project out of another project, which would grow into him releasing music, playing shows, and touring. Rob himself talks about his music releases, further plans, and more!

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or did it come out just like that? 

For Power Rob it came from a joke between myself and the other half of my other project Megatronix, Robbie. We brought up how I performed, liked power metal and he liked darker metal, so he was Dark Rob and I was Power Rob. We went with those names when Megatronix was launched, I was approached by a pop label to launch a solo project and went with what I called myself in the other project so there was synergy.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

I did metal/rock for years and then stumbled onto synthwave around 2015 and became a major fan. As a writer I try to write music I would want to listen to, not what I can make, and I happen to like synthwave a lot.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Power Rob is a solo project, might be best skipping this one. lol

4. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?

I'm based out of Baltimore, it's a decent music scene, synthwave is growing here. Years ago I'd say the music scene really hit a peak thanks to 98 Rock's Noise in the Basement, these days my projects focus more out of the region so I'm not too keen on how the local scene is these days.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

I don't really get inspired to write per se, ideas just kind of come out of the blue or I have an instrumental sent over to me. It's very rare I write because of something that inspires me to do so, the last time I guess that occurred was when a label had a meeting with me and told me the kind of music they'd want me to write. I got the idea in my head, sat down and banged it out.

6. What are your songs about? (What specific themes do they cover?)

With solo material a lot of songs are about romance, I try to capture the essence of classic 80s pop songs but to do so earnestly while other songs like Dark Star are about personal perseverance I've had over my adult life as an artist. The songs I do with Battlejuice vary, one song is about Freddy Krueger, another about recent events in Russia, while another is about the addictive elements of social media.

7. Do you write your own songs? (Discuss the songwriting process in detail.)

Yes, for the most part. Aside from covers and one original I write all of my vocals, sometimes I collaborate with producers while for many songs I write the music as well.

If it's a collab I'll listen to the original, map the melodies out, figure out what syllables enhance the melody then from there fill out words and then a theme. The most important aspect of a vocal line is the melody itself; the words must serve this above all else.

If I write music usually it's because an idea hits me out of the blue, I sing the melody to my voice recorder app then later take the idea to FL studio and build it via MIDI, after that I construct the rest of the notes by ear.

8. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?

Everything? That's a list, at least two dozen albums, here's the main ones that are still available.

Aries - Rise (Album)

Thrillkiller - Showdown (Album)

Thrillkiller - San Francisco Moto (EP)

Megatronix - Powerwave (Album)

Megatronix - Limitbreaker (EP)

Power Rob - Runaway (EP)

Power Rob - Monsterman (Album)

Power Rob - So Alive (feat. Elevate the Sky, Single)

Ehrah - A Little Time(feat. Power Rob

Ends 84 - Thunder (feat. Power Rob)

Miami Nights 1984 - This Christmas (feat. Power Rob)

Power Rob - Dark Star (Album)

Battlejuice x Power Rob - The Edge of Death (Single)

Battlejuice x Power Rob - Roll the Old Chariot Along (Single)

Battlejuice x Power Rob - Love to Hate (Single)

Power Rob x Night Rider 87 - Phantoms (Single)

Power Rob - Gettin' Heavy (feat. Fulvio Colasanto, Single)

Megatronix - Invisible (Single)

Megatronix - Shot in the Dark (Single)

Megatronix - Blood Red Skies (Single)

There's a bunch of others but that's a good list.

9. Do you have any new music in the works?

Yes, I have an EP I'll be announcing soon, I'm also going to be featured on two upcoming albums as well as a new collab with Battlejuice.

10. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?

I had a show not that long ago at Reclaim Arcade in Virginia, which will be followed by more shows that will be announced soon.

11. What plans do you have for the rest of this year?

Releasing new music, booking tour dates, teaching vocal lessons online and from my home studio near Baltimore.

12. Where can we find you online, listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?

Most of my socials use the handle PowerRobMusic, Power Rob is super easy to find on Google too! 

Melodic metalhead BRIAN HUNSAKER has been releasing music for some time, as of late releasing his latest single "Lie To Me" off his newest EP. Brain himself has taken some time to discuss this release, its single, and what other plans are in-store.

1. How and why did you want to become a musician, what is it that made you say "Thats what I want to do with my life". 

I was 16 years old when I heard Joe Satriani's "Surfing With The Alien" at a friend's house, and it quite literally changed the trajectory of my life. I was blown away by the expressive capability of the guitar—I’d never heard an instrument "speak" like that. I knew immediately that I wanted to reach a level of proficiency that would allow me to inspire others in that same way. I started practicing four to six hours a day almost immediately; I felt like I had a lot of catching up to do!

2. What genre do you play and why did you pick this particular one out of all the others in existence?

I specialize in melodic metal and hard rock, moving between vocal-led epics and technical instrumentals. I’ve always been drawn to heavy music because of its unique ability to combine raw power and technical precision with genuine beauty. It’s that balance of intensity and melody that defines my sound.

3. Where are you based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local acts you could recommend?

I'm based in Plano, Texas, within the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. There is a massive pool of talent in this region, though much of the current scene is dominated by tribute acts. My goal is to use the foundation I'm building with my original material to offer the local scene something distinct—modern melodic metal with a cinematic scope.

4. What artists or bands have inspired you the most? 

The "Pillars" would definitely be Dio, Iron Maiden, Rush, Queensrÿche, and Symphony X. But I also draw a lot from the arena-rock sensibilities of Journey, Boston, and Dokken.

5. What are your songs about? (What specific themes do they cover?)

I treat each song as its own cinematic world. The tracks on the upcoming EP cover everything from a John Wick-esque narrative about being hunted by unseen forces to the story of a powerful sorceress returning from exile to reclaim a world through magic. I’ve explored searching for a partner across desolate alien landscapes following an invasion, and the sleepless horror of war. My latest single, "Lie To You," is a more grounded psychological study of how relationships erode when honesty is sacrificed for a comfort that eventually destroys the connection.

6. What is your writing and recording process like?

I handle the foundational architecture—writing all the guitars, vocals, and harmonies, and programming the initial arrangements. To achieve the world-class sound I wanted for the Where Dreamers Fall EP, I utilized SoundBetter to recruit an elite team of session specialists. I also brought back my bassist, Clif Chambliss, who played with me when most of these riffs were first born. I believe in hiring masters of their craft and giving them a "blank check" to play what they feel fits the song. Their skill and taste elevate the material to a level I couldn't achieve alone.

7. Go down your array of releases, what have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?

In 2011, I released my debut instrumental album, Across the Galaxy, and performed regionally in the Pacific Northwest as "Triaxe" alongside guitarists George Varghese and Sergio Ortega. With my new material, listeners can expect guitar work that is tight, precise, and technical, yet always in service of the song. I’m not interested in shredding just to show off; it has to have emotional purpose. On the vocal side, I focus on what I call "Vocal Architecture"—large, multi-layered harmonies in the tradition of Yes and Journey, delivered with power and conviction.

8. Your latest EP is described as the "Car EP" elaborate for this for us?

This project is a testament to resilience. All five songs were finished and tracked inside my Ford Freestyle during lunch breaks at work in the years leading up to the pandemic. 4 of the 5 tracks were reworkings of riffs I’d written with my original band back in 2005 that never saw the light of day. For over a decade, I struggled to find the right melodies for those riffs, but after the passing of my best friend—the person who first put a guitar in my hand—the inspiration finally poured out. As a new father of twins, I had zero time at home for music, so the car became my inspiration and "fortress of solitude". It was a weird and probably funny sight for my coworkers to see me belting out metal vocals in a parking lot, but it was the only way to keep my vision alive.

9. Would you say is there a story or concept to it at all?

While I initially considered a single overarching concept, I decided instead to let each song stand as its own immersive environment. I try to get as deep into the atmosphere, lyrics, and performance of each individual "world" as possible, rather than forcing a linear narrative.

10. Can you give me some insight behind the single "Lie To You", tell me about the song itself, and it's accompanying music video.

It explores the moment when communication breaks down so completely that you resort to deception simply to avoid confrontation. It’s about how avoiding difficult truths feels easier in the moment, but it’s actually what ends up destroying a connection beyond repair. The response has been staggering—many people have reached out to say how relatable that specific psychological "disconnect" is. 

To bring that feeling to life visually, we wanted a video that felt as expansive as the music. It features the band performing across a dark and surreal urban landscape—from lonely subway platforms to wind-swept rooftops—juxtaposed against the stark, isolated imagery of a lighthouse. It’s a blend of high-energy performance and cinematic melancholy, designed to pull the viewer into the "emotional stew" that the song creates.

11. Do you have any new music in the works?

Absolutely. The final single for the EP, "Final Score," is set for an Autumn 2026 release, followed immediately by the full Where Dreamers Fall EP. Beyond that, I have three more songs nearly complete and a new instrumental track brewing. The momentum isn't slowing down.

12. How about any other projects, you are working on currently?

The current focus is the long-form album that will follow the EP. Beyond that, I still do occasional live sessions and cover gigs in the Dallas and Houston area when the right project calls.

13. Have any shows or touring, planned out yet?

At the moment, this is a studio-intensive project focused on achieving the highest possible production value. However, once the full catalog is out, bringing this "Cinematic Metal" experience to a live stage would be a powerful next step.

14. What plans do you have for the rest of this year?

Finalizing the production for the EP launch and continuing to build the infrastructure for the next cycle of releases.

15. Where can we find you online, listen to your band and where can we buy your merch if any exists?

Find me on YouTube, Spotify and Facebook.

https://www.youtube.com/c/BrianHunsakerMusic

https://open.spotify.com/artist/5kKW5bQT3sM3iBw6euEFx1

https://www.facebook.com/brianhunsakermusic

Russian metalcore band THE REVERSE SIDE have been together for only a year, released roughly nine tracks, with more material out this summer, the band discusses their content, coming together, and what the future holds.

1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.

The history of the band began on March 23, 2025, when a conflict between two friends, Alex, the vocalist, and Artyom, the guitarist, finally came to an end. That day, they left all resentment behind, and Alex played Artyom the first demo of “In Your Eyes” on his phone. After that, on June 2, they decided to join forces and officially launched a new project called The Reverse Side. In the autumn of that same year, Alex gave up the role of second guitarist and focused entirely on vocals. That was when our second guitarist, Vanya, joined the band.

2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?

The band name was придумано by our vocalist Alex. He says that sometime around 2022–2023, he was watching Mötley Crüe’s “Smoking in the Boys Room” video and noticed the words “other side.” That phrase immediately stuck in his head, and after thinking about it a bit, he came up with the name The Reverse Side.

3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?

We are based in Russia, in the cities of Volgograd and Volzhsky. As for the local scene, we especially want to highlight Breakdown Machine and Point 102 — they are incredible bands, and we know them personally and have shared the stage with them more than once.

4. How would you describe your style?

We sing about personal things — about what happens inside us. We never limit ourselves to just one genre, and we try to make music for everyone who finds something of themselves in these songs.

5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?

So far, we have released 9 tracks. But we are not planning to stop there will be more experiments with our sound, more singles, more EPs, and in the future, we also plan to release our first full-length album.

6. Do you have any new music in the works?

Right now, we are working on a new single that will be released in July sometime this month.

7. As far as shows and touring, what is on the agenda?

We plan to perform as often as possible and everywhere we can. We have a small tour across Russian cities coming up, and in the future, we dream of performing outside our country for an international audience.

8. What else do you have planned for the rest of this year?

By the end of this year, we plan to keep performing активно, releasing new music, and giving our audience great content. We may also release a new music video for one of our tracks.

9. Where can we find you online, listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?

We are on all major social media platforms. You can listen to us on services like Apple Music and Spotify. Merchandise sales will begin closer to the end of summer, and if possible, we will try to make them available outside of Russia as well.

10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?

What we want listeners to remember most after hearing us for the first time is the sincerity of our music. For us, it is important that the song grabs them emotionally, creates an atmosphere, and leaves them with a feeling they want to return to again.

Hungarian Modern Metal band Before We Fall released their debut album "Synthetic Life". The release was recorded in "Stray Heart Records" by István Diószegi, and mixed/mastered in "No Silence Studio" by István Simon.

Check out the album linkeed below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-470IElUHo

https://open.spotify.com/album/2AykLiTxyJMUDgExLO3s2S

Before We Fall is a modern metal band from Budapest, Hungary, formed in 2018 as a studio project before evolving into a full five-piece. The lineup features Takács Attila (vocals), Róth Henrik (vocals, guitar), Tagscherer István (guitar), Csécsei Szabolcs (bass), and Táncos Bence (drums). The band gained momentum with EPs like "Leaves" and "Healed by Fear", culminating in their 2026 debut album "Synthetic Life".

Cyprus Melodic Death Metal band Ka'aper released their new album "When Gods Walked The Earth". The release was recorded in the band's home studio and mixed/mastered by Max Barishnikov.

Check out the album linked below:

https://satanath.bandcamp.com/album/sat419-kaaper-when-gods-walked-the-earth-2026

https://open.spotify.com/album/5dwiwtj0YSL57POeJB8oLm

Formed in April 2024 on the southern shores of Cyprus, Ka'aper blends dark and melodic metal, drawing inspiration from ancient Egyptian mythology. With crushing riffs, atmospheric arrangements, and haunting melodies, their music takes listeners on a journey into the depths of antiquity. The band—Evgeny Pcheliakov (vocals), Timur Glushan (guitar), Igor Kurzin (bass), and Alexey Boychuk (drums)—delivers intense and evocative soundscapes. Their debut album is set for release in 2025. Embracing darkness, Ka'aper invites fans to scream, feel, and face their fears. 

https://kaaperofficial.com/

California teenage band Scarcity run by teens within the 13-14 range, not only just released their debut EP "Through My Veins", but have been playing shows relentlessly as of late. Just wrapped up quite an assortment, catching them twice already, this trio based act is very impressive. With that said, their most recent show out of Coyote Studios a warehouse within the Downtown LA area, may have not brought as big of a crowd but it still caught the attention of all those there. A minor mosh pit broke up, with some leaping from one side of the room to the next, to others pushing one another here and there. To even having the drummer invite the fans up to sing-along to one of the songs performed. 

LIVE PHOTOS:

The band's performance was short but catchy. Having sung a couple of the songs off the EP release, and the rest being a good chunk of cover songs, this band has got something, and with many years to follow, they are likely not to be stopping anytime soon. But grow and mature as years progress, because the momentum is there, energy fixed, with angst to fill in any gaps, that may be missing, it all comes out to being entertaining yet fun. The next generational act of the nu-metal genre, that will being going places.

SETLIST:

1. Intro

2. From the Beginning

3. Roots Bloody Roots – Sepultura Cover

4. Through My Veins

5. Bodies – Drowning Pool Cover

6. Shimmy -System of a Down Cover

7. Sugar – System of a Down Cover

8. Brackish – Kittie Cover

9. Dig - Mudvayne

10. Break Stuff – Limp Bizkit Cover