Sceneazine.com
Scene Stealers
by Patricia Jones
Here in the Carolinas there are so many talented
musicians and artists that often it can be easy to find
a few that you like and never step outside your comfort zone. From metalcore to progressive to thrash and
beyond, the Carolinas are rife with talented artists just
waiting for an audience. Women especially get a tough
break in the music industry for allegedly all “sounding
the same,” but there are a few ladies out there that defy
the odds and bring some distinct sonic flavors to the
Carolinas metal melting pot. Here are a few of my personal favorites in the scene today:
Tattermask
Leading with a
voice that has been
compared
with
Amy Lee of Evanescence comes
the eclectic stylings of Amanda
Caine and Tattermask. Hailing
from
Charlotte,
NC, Tattermask
brings out both
the sweet and savory parts of music that delight the sonic palate. Even
though they can bring some power and the hard rock
hammer, Tattermask is something else entirely. They’re
fun. They’re fun to watch, to listen to and to talk to.
Whether its warming up to the Ghostbusters theme
song or throwing in Seal’s “Kiss From A Rose” in the
middle of their set, the Charlotte ensemble is never
for lack of entertainment. So, if you’re looking for the
spunky yet twisty side of melodic rock, check the mad
musical skills of Tattermask! Reach out and get weird
with them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/
tattermask.
A Light Divided
Out of North
Carolina
comes A Light
Divided and
the melodic
powerhouse
that is Jaycee
Clark.
Featuring some
killer
string
work and great
composure, A
Light Divided bring energy and diversity to every show they play
and the results are impressive. Astonishingly talented
and diverse, Clark’s vocal prowess scales from well-tempered singing to dark growls with little to no apprehension. Backing up the crimson-haired front woman is
an ensemble of musicians that are obviously just
as dedicated and adept, as demonstrated in the
way they sonically own and dominate their instruments and composition. If you’re looking for the next
great high-energy rock n roll outfit, look no further
than A Light Divided. Check them out on Facebook at:
https://www.facebook.com/ALightDivided.
Dreamkiller
Bringing in some sharpness comes the vocals of
Christy Johnson and Dreamkiller. Having shared the
stage with numerous mainstream artists both in their
hometown of Greensboro, NC and beyond, Dreamkiller are no strangers to beating the pavement. Describing
their sound as melodic/theatrical rock, their
sound is a refreshing
blend of bright notes and
sharp edges that seems
to be reminiscent of artists like Pat Benatar, The
Donnas and Green Day.
Johnson’s vocal dynamics hit the mark in both
highs and lows, exemplifying her incredible
range, even on the grittier side of vocals. These
guys are always on the
prowl for their show and
never seem to miss the
chance to take their shot,
so you should have plenty of chances to catch the
live. Find out more about
Dreamkiller on Facebook
at: https://www.facebook.
com/dreamkillermusic.
a soul-stirring sound unlike
much of what’s on the scene
today. Carrying a lyrical and
vocal heft of operatic levels,
Haycraft soulfully winds her
way around your mind with her
performance both live and on
record. Fans of Nightwish and
Delain will find comfort in the
sonic arms of Raimee and their
goth rock embrace. Between
the singing of the strings, the heart of the drums and
the commitment and consistency of Haycraft’s delivery,
Raimee have poetic aural assault that will have you enthralled, entranced and enchanted. Listen to the songs
of beauty and darkness at https://www.facebook.com/
raimeemusic.
If you haven’t already checked out any of these
bands, do yourself a favor and take the time to do it.
There are too many talented people in the South for
them not to get the recognition they deserve and that all
starts with you, the listener. Most artists will admit that
without being able to do and share what they love, they
feel empty. So, support your local scene and go out and
see these bands and more! Stay tuned for more “mustsee” performers of the Carolinas on next month’s “Scene
Stealers!”
Raimee
Combining
hauntingly beautiful vocals with
equally dissonant and resounding instruments,
Raimee and vocalist Rei
Haycraft have cultivated
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