Written by: Annie Schlottman So many bands run across my social media feeds lately, sometimes it’s hard to keep up. There is so much awesome music that resonates with me and gets added to my many playlists.  One of the artists that caught my eye in 2025 was the Virginia four-piece metalcore band Gone Cold. I love their musical style, and I started following them as soon as I heard some of their songs. After releasing a six track EP called A Sign of Life in September 2025,

Written by: Annie Schlottman What word would someone use to describe Jimmy Wooten?  The best one I can think of is “friend”.  Jimmy was loved and known by many people.  Not only was he the drummer of the band GEARS , but he was involved in many other aspects of the music industry and helped other artists achieve their dreams.  Jimmy was one of those people who made a lasting impression on everyone who was lucky enough to know him.  He touched many lives.  Even people like my

Written by: Annie Schlottman Photo credits: Nathaniel Clayton, Kevin Harris I recently found Nashville metalcore band Hollow Wake through a recommendation from my friend Kevin. They had just dropped their new song "Skin & Bones" February 20th, and he said he thought I would like it. I checked out the song and accompanying music video, and Kevin was correct! I thought Hollow Wake and their awesome new song would be a great topic for my blog, so I reached out to the band, an

Written by: Annie Schlottman Brenden Starr is a very talented and driven alternative/pop rock singer/songwriter from Hanover, Pennsylvania.  He's slowly and steadily building his career and making a name for himself through hard work and determination, consistently releasing awesome songs and videos and hitting the road to perform his music in front of his growing fan base. This Friday, February 13th, Brenden will be releasing his single "My Intentions", along with a music v

Written by: Annie Schlottman I am a firm believer that bands are storytellers.  They all have a message they’re trying to share with their listeners.  Fans are drawn in by the songs that resonate with them.  In the case of Texas metalcore/post-hardcore band Vilamoura, their music is so relatable, I think many people would find something that helps them in their own lives as they go through challenges and face dark times. As much as I think a band’s message or story is import

Written by: Annie Schlottman Photo credit: Brendan McGlathery / Preta Path Productions It only takes one song.  One video.  One post or interaction on social media.  It can be any one or a combination of the above for a band to gain a new fan.  That’s what happened recently for me and the Pennsylvania metal band UltraViolent.  They’ve been on my radar for the past couple years, but admittedly, I didn’t know much about them.  That has changed, and I’m really happy to now be

Written by: Annie Schlottman Photo credits: Eric Taylor Parker, Saturns Downfall This is one of my favorite kinds of stories to write.  It’s the story about a musician who realized that a change was needed, and took a leap of faith and possibly found something even better than what he had previously.  Saturns Downfall is a three-member hard rock band based in York, Pennsylvania, and was the brainchild of drummer Brady Hearn. The band has released four awesome songs since Ju

Written by: Annie Schlottman Photo credits: Lee Fenstamaker / @leefenstamaker , Brittany Lynn/ @pullthetriggerbrittphoto , Ian Mimnall / @icmvisuals , Kim Lyons Lyndhurst is a fun, high-energy, pop-punk/EMO style band originating in the Central Pennsylvania city of York, and is very well-known as well as respected in their local music scene and beyond.  My great friend and fellow music lover and supporter of many bands, Amy, loves this band, and her passion and enthusiasm u

There is a band from San Antonio, Texas emerging on the scene that I recommend everyone start following.  It’s Sanity’s Last Breath. ...

When I recently discovered pop metal band Visenya, I thought there would be a cool story to share.  Little did I know it would be way...

I’ve been following and supporting Biloxi, Mississippi-based metalcore band NVSN since Spring of 2021 when they released one of their...

I love music.  I know that's a simple statement, but it’s true.  I love all different kinds of music.  I listen to mostly current hard...

When did I become a loyal subject of the band Gutter King?  It was late last year when I heard their song “Killswitch” and saw the music...

I want to tell the backstory on how I got to know New Jersey hard rock band Hollow Heroes. It's a little long, so please bear with me. I...

Change is not always easy, especially in bands.  Goals and visions for the band can change for some members, and sometimes members will...

I was super excited when I was given the assignment to write about The Absent for the Annie's Sound Waves blog.  I had heard their first...

A band that suddenly popped up on my radar this year is ENOX.  They are turning a lot of heads in the metalcore scene, and quickly...

A few weeks ago, I saw a post on Facebook about a new song coming out by a band called The Harbor Divide. The song was “Dancing With The...

Have you heard Weekend Picnic’s latest song “Empty Bottles” or seen the video for it yet?  No?  Well, I highly recommend you check them...

Pennsylvania metalcore band What Lies Below has had an interesting year so far.  After a weekend run of shows back in March with Theoria...