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Apparently various media outlets out there want to misinform the public just so they can get attract eyeballs. While this is nothing new in the media world, here at Horns Up Rocks we believe in checking your sources before writing anything at all, since we believe in responsible journalism.
First of all, we have confirmation from many sources close to the band that Keith Caputo, singer from Life Of Agony, did NOT get a sex change. Yes he likes dressing like a women, and yes he likes putting make up on. But so did Dennis Rodman! And did he get a sex change? We think not! In case you don't know, transsexualism is an individual's identification with a gender inconsistent or not culturally associated with their biological sex. It has NOTHING to do with undergoing a sex change operation!
Here is a Twit by Keith Caputo that helped create this ridiculous rumor:
"M2F transexuals like mê are the women who give up male privilege for femininity! Threaten the patriarchy!" (July 7 at 11:34 PM)
But then a few days later Caputo twitted this:
"Dying to make love to my lady. Haven't seen her in 2 months. Dying to hold her & be held. Never letting her go. Just a few more days. The Art Of Love!" (July 12 at 1:36 AM)
Second of all, when we interviewed Life Of Agony's guitarist Joey Zampella earlier this year (video interview below), he told us that they have been talking about writing some new songs but that they will do it when the time is right since all of the band members are busy with other projects. Again, it was a Twit by Caputo that caused the rumor that the band is calling it a day:
"Off to Europe tomorrow, 7pm. Most likely our last..." (July 12 at 11:49 AM)
Life Of Agony will be performing in Europe this weekend!
- 7/15: Kantine in Augsburg, DE
- 7/16: Dour Festival in Dour, BE
- 7/17: Zwarte Cross Festival in Lichtenvoorde, NL
Aren't rock-stars suppose to be outrageous, wild, and say things that cause controversy? In the wise words of Max Cavalera: DON'T BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU READ!
On Saturday May 7, 2011, history was made at The Dark Arts Music Festivus. While the day started with one of the bands dropping out from the show, we are true believers that everything happens for a reason and were not going to let a small dent take away our ultimate goal of making the event a complete success. We immediately made the decision to not bring another band in, because there simply wasn't enough time and we were very confident that the remaining bands could seamlessly take control of the show.
Upon arriving to The Trash Bar, we had a chance to enjoy a Newcastle Beer before the artistic storm arrived in Brooklyn. Once the artists arrived and started hanging up their amazing work, we immediately knew that it was going to be a very special night.
At 8 PM, we opened the doors and our founder Jo Schüftan kicked off the night by blasting some Ozzy through the PA while the crowd started packing the venue and indulging themselves with some free PBR and Well Liquor (courtesy of The Trash Bar).
Once everyone settled in had their guts filled with PBR, Alissa Shimansky from Brutal Bitches Productions took over the stage and welcomed Olum on stage. Joining the band on stage was artist Lauryn Yovino, who created a very cool piece of art. The crowd definitely liked the mix of art and music at the same time. We got to say that for being their first show ever, the Olum boys did a fantastic job. Its refreshing to see a new band take their music very seriously (they were the first band to arrive) both on and off stage. Up next was Left In Ruins, a band who brought their furious Metal and good vibe to The Dark Arts Music Festivus. They got the pit spinning out of control, while the amazing Joey Hernandez created a sick piece of art.
The Resurrection Sorrow has been making a lot of noise and its not in vain. Lead by Alex Dementia, the band was a perfect fit in between Left In Ruins and Desolate. They sounded tight and groovy as hell, and having James Groeling by their side inspiring the crowd to headbang like Cliff Burton was a perfect match. Then when the crowd thought they might get to catch their breath, Desolate stepped on stage to celebrate their 10th year anniversary.
After having to cancel their 10th anniversary show due to the closure of Ace Of Clubs a few days before the show, we immediately reached out to them in order to book them for the Dark Arts Music Festivus. Once they confirmed, we knew it was going to be a great night for the Heavy Music scene in New York City. The band kicked off their chaotic set with full force and didn't rest until their final song. During their set the debauchery was in full effect, specially when the clock hit midnight and it was Jose Rivera's (Desolate's frontman) birthday! Our founder Jo Schüftan got on stage and sang him a Metallic Happy Birthday, then the shots started pouring.
The statement that Desolate, The Resurrection Sorrow, Left In Ruins and Olum made reflects the state of the scene in New York City, in which everyone is helping each other out and putting the pedal to the Metal. We could not be any happier! Thanks to all the bands, artists, Brutal Bitches Productions, and the awesome staff at The Trash Bar! HORNS, THUMBS and BEERS up! More cowbell anyone?!
Here is what people had to say about The Dark Arts Music Festivus:
"At the beginning of the night, I had a message from my family telling me that my father was called in for a lungs transplant, due to emphysema. I was shocked and needed the energy of the crowd to give me hope and courage. Putting this show together was a lot of hard work and it didn't stop until I left the bar. It was all worth it and the energy in the room empowered me. Desolate made me very proud! I got to say that if it wasn't for The Trash Bar being a source of inspiration for anyone who enters the bar, the events we have hosted there would have not been a huge success. After the show, we made sure everything was set for the party THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!" - Jo Schüftan (founder of Horns Up Rocks).
"Desolate would like to thank ALL the peeps who came out for our 10th anniversary show Saturday night! Special thanks to Horns Up Rocks & Brutal Bitches Productions for putting on another killer show! The pit was absolutely INSANITY! Our brothers in Left In Ruins were noo joke as usual. Well, till next time... Let's give it a big one Wooooooooo!!!!!! Thank you." - DESOLATE
"AWESOME SHOW LAST NIGHT! THANK YOU Joseph Schüftan, I hope your father continues to recover successfully! And THANK YOU to The Trash Bar for providing an amazing venue for the NYC METAL scene! AND SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR ARTISTS Joey James Hernandez, James Groeling, Lauryn Yovino, Joe Janaro AND Jason Tamvakis! AND BIG UPS THANKS AND RESPECT TO THE BANDS THAT CONTINUE TO DELIVER TIME N TIME AGAIN, Left In Ruins, DESOLATE, The Resurrection Sorrow, & OLOM." - Alissa Shimansky (Brutal Bitches Productions)
"Had a BLAST at The Trash Bar, L.I.R. will definitely be returning to Brooklyn asap to tear it up again!!! Thanks to all who came out and supported, and huge props to DESOLATE for sticking around for 10 years and bringing the Metal in NYC!!!" - Left In Ruins
"I can honestly say that tonight was freaking awesome. How many people can say that they got to go to a Metal concert with some amazing bands, drink large quantities of liquor for free, meet new people and paint to live music from the headlining band... And get paid for it?! Who's got a better life than that, hell yeah...... Also a lil buzzed at the moment. :)" - James Groeling
"Signs it was a great night. My neck hurts like I got punched in it. Crumbled up money in my pockets. Being able to smell the Jameson on myself. Checking the memory card and realizing I took 500+ pics last night." BetYouIDid (Official photographer of The Dark Arts Music Festivus)
"Great show I had a wonderful time! Thank you for letting people know Heavy Metal and Hard Rock is not dead!" - Dagna (Staten Island)
Do you like music that stimulates your senses, and at the same time crushes your ear drums and soothes your soul? And do you like art that infects your vision and ignites your own creativity? Well, Horns Up Rocks and Brutal Bitches Productions have joined forces again and on May 7 they are taking over The Trash Bar in Brooklyn.
Joining us that night will be New York's own Desolate, who will be celebrating their 10th year anniversary. Returning to Brooklyn will be Long Island's Misery, who recently released a killer album called "Evil Is Crowned". Also performing that night will be The Resurrection Sorrow who at the recent Horns Up Rocks showcase, proved that they are ready for bigger and better things. Crushing your senses will be Left In Ruins and Olom, two bands that will get the event jump started with a lethal dose of adrenaline!
Wait, there's more! In addition there will be LIVE painting on stage by accomplished NYC underground Artists: Joey James Hernandez, Lauryn Yovino, and James Groeling. All this artists will also be showcasing their works alongside the dark and evocative Art displays of acclaimed NYC Macabre Artist and Photographer, KING ZOMBIE (Jason Tamvakis), and NYC Graffiti Artist, Joseph Janaro.
The event will be hosted by Alissa Shimansky of Brutal Bitches Productions and DJed by Jo Schüftan of Horns Up Rocks!
When Jose Rivera (singer/cowbell master) and Jeffrey Martinez (guitarist) first met, they immediately felt a magnetic musical force between them. After a few jam sessions, they felt the necessity of starting a fresh sounding Heavy Music band. Combining elements of Thrash Metal, Hardcore and even Latino music, Desolate possess a unique sound that has helped them survive the decline of the music industry in the last 10 years.
Apart from their unique flavor of music, they are a great crushing live band. This key element has helped them to stay relevant within the New York City Heavy Music scene, especially when a lot of real good bands have surfaced in the tri-state area. The main reason why they have persevered for 10 years is because when they started out, the scene was somewhat diluted. Therefore, their mission became to keep the underground music scene alive and well.
10 years ago they debuted at the legendary New York City club CBGB’s, which was the mecca of Hardcore and Punk. Thankfully once CBGB’s closed, The Trash Bar in Brooklyn quickly adopted the CB’s vibe and ever since then they've been keeping the scene going strong. On May 7, 2011, Desolate will make history as they celebrate their 10 year anniversary at The Dark Arts Music Festivus.
The event will take place on Saturday May 7 at The Trash Bar in Brooklyn. Joining Desolate will be Long Islands’ Misery, The Resurrection Sorrow, Olom and Left In Ruins. Additionally, we will have some tremendous artists that will be performing live while the bands are jamming. Their will also be artists displaying some badass artwork throughout the bar. Oh and get this, Alissa Shimansky from Brutal Bitches Productions will be hosting and Horns Up Rocks founder Jo Schüftan will be cranking the best Heavy Music in between bands. These two maniacs combined, are a recipe for an amazing night! So bring your cowbell and come celebrate the legacy of Desolate! \m/
After the success of the March Metal Beatdown, we have been asked to bring the mayhem back to Brooklyn's Trash Bar! On May 7, 2011 we are joining forces once again with the awesome ladies of Brutal Bitches Productions! Not only do we have 5 amazing live bands that will please your ear drums, but we will also have some amazing live art that will make your jaw drop.
Additionally, the mighty Desolate will be celebrating their 10th year anniversary that same night! Joining Desolate at "The Dark Arts Music Festivus" will be Misery, The Resurrection Sorrow, and Left In Ruins. The event will be hosted by the amazing Alissa Shimansky from Brutal Bitches Productions and DJed by Jo Schüftan of Horns Up Rocks!
Here are all the details:
Lineup: - Desolate (10 Year Anniversary show): While many bands have come and go, while some musicians have risen and fallen, while some artists have given up their careers in music and various venues have shut down. New York City's Desolate has stayed true to the game for 10 years of punishing brutality! Come celebrate their 10th year anniversary!
- Misery: At present time the Heavy Music scene in the tri-state area is going through a revitalizing process, in which we are starting to see more and more bands stepping up their game and getting away from a set formula. One of those bands is Misery, a band that after 10 years of hard work, is finally starting to get the recognition they deserve. After a successful tour with Devildriver, Misery is ready to take over Brooklyn!
- The Resurrection Sorrow: Favoring raw emotion over contrived calculation, the NYC four-piece craft songs of anthemic proportions. Using stone-heavy handed riffing, barbaric percussive destruction and brooding, occult-inspired vocals by singer Alex Dementia, TRS has trademarked a hooking catchiness not easily ignored.
- Left In Ruins: Over the course of the last five years, Left in Ruins has sought long and hard to find the most brutally talented musicians. Throw Luigi Cilento (Vocals/Guitar), Jorge Naranjo (Lead Guitar), Jaymz Delisle (Guitar), and Ben Policello (Drums), into a blender with Iron Maiden, Mastodon, Lamb of God, Slayer, Metallica, Black Sabbath, and Pantera, and you will be left ‘with a ferocious blend of groove-based death metal and thuggish hardcore.’ – Metal Hammer
OLOM: A band that can help redefine the direction of Heavy Metal. In the midst of soaring guitars, thunderous bass lines and gritty lyrics, they are tasteful and unpretentious. This is a group that is not afraid to take risks and fearless of saying the uncomfortable things. At ease with being themselves, OLOM is a psychological representation of all that is Metal. Come check this great band out!
PLUS LIVE ART on stage by accomplished NYC underground Artists: Joey James Hernandez, Lauryn Yovino, and James Groeling. All this artists will also be showcasing their works alongside the dark and evocative Art displays of acclaimed NYC Macabre Artist and Photographer, KING ZOMBIE (Jason Tamvakis), and NYC Graffiti Artist, Joseph Janaro.
Come and witness what promises to be a cornucopia of creative mediums, surely to inspire and stimulate all of your darkest Metal senses. \m/
After working on their craft for over 20 years, it can be said that Life Of Agony are living legends and that their status as a cult band is not in vain. Through their original music and their mission to be the best they can be every time they step on stage, the band has inspired many musicians to pick up an instrument and start creating some epic music. Life Of Agony is a proud member of the New York Hardcore community, and along with Type O Negative and Biohazard, they have become synonymous to the New York City underground music scene. Today, all three bands can be pointed at for being a key asset of the revitalization of the New York City Heavy Music underground scene.
Recently, the band Misery held their CD listening party for their latest album titled “Evil Is Crowned” at Duff’s Brooklyn. You may be asking yourself what this has to do with Life Of Agony. Well, the album was produced by Life Of Agony’s legendary guitarist Joey Zampella, most commonly known as Joey Z. As we all know Life Of Agony hasn’t been fully active in the recent past, but this does not mean that they haven’t been busy contributing their craft to the music scene. Joey did an excellent job with Misery’s latest album by making sure everything was meticulously crafted, just how he does with everything he does with Life Of Agony (Joey serves as Tour Manager).
We obviously had to talk to Joey about his role as a producer, and how working with other musicians has helped him keep his music career right on path. Needless to say, we talked about the legacy of Life Of Agony and what the near future holds for the band who were recently part of a special on MTV2's Headbangers Ball and also played a few shows in the New York area in front of hundreds of fans that were mesmerized by the power behind Life Of Agony!
Without further due, here is the exclusive video interview we did with Joey Z at Duff’s Brooklyn on the day of our 1 Year Anniversary. We want to thank Joey, Jimmy Duff, Sage Thyme, Jay Sanchez and you for reading this! \m/
