Jamie Ludwig 
Russian Circles discusses Chicago’s influence on their music as they experiment across several genres and collaborate with the likes of These Arms Are Snakes‘ Brian Cook.
Despite their wildfire success at shows, The Sword was having a rough time. Years later, things have changed and they’re doing better than ever, with a wide demographic of classy ladies, heshers, and businessmen alike.
The Gutter Twins was first created out of a collaborative joke, but blossomed naturally into a serious gig. Now, with one album under their belt, Mark Lanegan of Queens of the Stone Age and Greg Dulli of the Afghan Whigs discuss a long-term partnership.
Graveyard has the process of songwriting down and are looking forward to upcoming tours.
Vermont rock supergroup Witch adopt the phrase “less weed, more speed” on their new record Paralyzed. The result is a hard-hitting—and at times dreamy—album full of self-assured jams that proves the rock veterans are still pushing their music into new territories.
While metal has finally reached the mainstream, Oakland’s Saviours do their best to drive it back underground. Recorded entirely on tape, its second record Into Abbadon recalls a time when metal was genuinely feared.
Although the weather report predicted thunderstorms, Sunday’s sky was clear at Lollapalooza. Other than not getting soaked, the day’s high points included Juliette and the Licks, the Diffs, The Stooges, and Pearl Jam among others.
Although much of Lollapalooza‘s three-day, 130-band festival was as forgettable as Crystal Pepsi, Day 2 brought perks in the form of Muse (guitarist Matthew Bellamy shown left), Patti Smith, Roky Erickson and The Explosives, and Yeah Yeah Yeahs.