We talk metal with Alfonso Ferrazza from Queens thrashers Sunlord. Ferrazza chats about recording Sunlord’s debut “The First One,” touring with the legendary Anvil, and his passion for music as well as gearing up for Sunlord’s June 28 show at New York’s Santo’s Party House where the band will be opening for The Skull (featuring ex-Trouble frontman Eric Wagner).
Check out Sunlord on Facebook or Reverb Nation.
From the primal concrete sledges of Brooklyn, New York comes the legendary “Life of Agony.”
Formed in 1989, the sludge infested hardcore band was formed and shortly landed a deal with Roadrunner Records, releasing classic album after classic album, starting with 1993’s “River Runs Red.”
“River Runs Red” would be the bands best selling album and is widely acclaimed to be their best work. Mina (then Keith) Caputo’s emotional pain being painted onto the albums lyrical canvas, contorting the music of guitarists Alan Robert and Joey Z. (ex- Carnivore) and drummer Sal Abruscato (ex- Type O Negative, A Pale Horse Named Death) into a masterpiece. “River Runs Red” would be re-released five times by four different labels (three times on Roadrunner) and was performed in its entirety by Life of Agony in 2009 and 2010.
“River Runs Red” would be followed by “Ugly” in 1995 and would take a darker tone than “River Runs Red,” bearing a broader spectrum of the psyche and how much more it could be bent following further depression. Loss of identity and fear would take a major focal point lyrically and would be blended with even more crushing rhythms than “Ugly’s” predecessor.
Life after “Ugly” would change for the band. Abruscato left after touring for the album and was replaced by Dan Richardson (ex- Pro-Pain, ex- Crumbsuckers), who played drums on 1997’s “Soul Searching Sun,” the more commercial album of Life of Agony’s career. Shortly after the release, Caputo would leave the band with Ugly Kid Joe Whitfield Crane fulfilling his duties on tour. The band would then split up for the first time in 1999.
After three years, Life of Agony would reform with the original lineup, performing sold out one-off shows that later lead to a full-fledged reunion – complete with a spot on Dave Mustaine’s (Megadeth) inagural “Gigantour” and the release of their final album, 2005’s “Broken Valley.”
2011 would mark yet another change for Life of Agony. After 20 years of life as a man, Caputo slowly began transitioning into a woman. Her announcement was initially met with mixed responses, but eventually blossomed into a plethora of support. Musically, there were not many sparks for new material. Abruscato would form “A Pale Horse Named Death” later that year
Life of Agony would choose to dissolve again in 2012, as they would rarely tour and did not plan on releasing any new material. They would reform again in 2014 playing several European festivals.
On February 13, it was announced that Life of Agony will be playing at The Wick in Brooklyn, New York on May 1 and 2.
Just past Brooklyn’s roast beef emporium Brennan and Carr and right next to Jay and Lloyd’s of deli fame is Kawaii, a hidden sushi restaurant that can go ten rounds with the two heavyweights above.
The cozy little hole-in the wall serves an abundance of food with a large menu ranging from several types of teriyaki, a multitude of salads (mango kani anyone?) and a plethora of special sushi rolls such as the Bloody Mary, Godzilla and the AK-47 at great prices with large portions to boot.
On top of that, Kawaii also has an extensive all you can eat menu with nothing off limits for $20.00. The only catch is that if you’re going to take that route, your entire party must also be on board.
If that isn’t appealing enough, your sushi will be served in a wooden boat if a large enough quantity is ordered.
The flavors in the special rolls and salads pop with no ingredients overpowering nor canceling others out. Every hint of citrus, caviar, and fish really come together in unprecedented fashion.
At times some of the grilled dishes may come out a bit dry or overcooked, but the sauces are very nicely done and do a great job of making up for what is lost if you should run into that situation.
When it comes down to the nitty gritty, Kawaii is a winner fully loaded with variety, diversity and generosity showing in their prices, menus and food.
Fun fact: Kawaii is the Japanese word for “loveable,” “charming,” “adorable” or “cute.”
How appropriate.
If you’re in the mood for pizza with class, look no further than Pizza D’Amore.
Located on Avenue U and Strickland ave, Pizza D’Amore’s exterior looks like an average sized shop, but it has so much more to offer.
The Brooklyn kitchen surprisingly takes up a small section of the eatery to make room for the traditional restaurant portion of the venue while the main dining area – resembling a cabin; takes up the front. The place is much bigger than it appears on the outside.
The food is delicious and the service is remarkable. Italian classics like eggplant parmigiana and calzones are cooked to perfection while healthier alternatives such as BLT wraps are stacked with flavor. If you’re eating in you’ll be surprised with complementary garlic bread garnished with a healthy dose of pesto sauce for snacking.
Even slices of pizza are served elegantly, with each individual slice on its very own plate.
Talk about class.
The Bonesaw 