I had the chance to interview Muscle Shoals, Alabama-based Chase “The Ace” West, aka Rock ‘n’ Roll Messiah! We chatted about his musical journey, from what inspired him to pick up a guitar as a kid all the way to this new project.
A little bit of background: I have known Chase since 2013, when he joined The Velcro Pygmies as their new guitarist. You might think that would make this interview easier, but… I guess it did in some ways, not so much in others.
Also, enjoy my brother’s cat and his inability to be ignored 😂 He’s a giant furball and I was distracted by the risk he posed to my laptop, cords, lighting, etc.
Hope y’all like it!
Be sure to visit this page for all things Rock ‘n’ Roll Messiah, including music, merch, and his socials!
Alternative/modern rock from London. For fans of Bring Me the Horizon, A Day to Remember, Walk the Moon, etc. Back in May, Greyhaven was featured on a Metal Hammer tribute to Avenged Sevenfold. They covered “Hail to the King.” Here are two originals from the band: “Breathe” and “Truth”.
Funk/soul/rock with a hint of hip-hop, based in Vienna. For fans of Res, Michael Jackson, Alabama Shakes, etc. Playing Savage is busy writing and recording new music! In the meantime, check out the Spotify page, as well as these two songs from the YouTube page, “This Is Love” and “Get Off of My Back.”
Alternative/pop/rock band from New York. For fans of Fall Out Boy, twenty one pilots, Panic! At The Disco, etc. According to their Instagram, Moonfall has “so much in the works” but “so little we can say.” You can, however, check out the lyric video for “Windswept,” and the video for the first song I heard, “Lost.”
Hard rock/metal music from Florida. For fans of Killswitch Engage, Taking Back Sunday, Finch, etc. (with a touch of Slipknot). Dare Defy’s first EP is available via Spotify. They are currently booking shows and Labor Day weekend, they will be playing the Blue Ridge Rock Fest alongside such acts as Puddle of Mudd, Orgy, Lamb of God, and Jonathan Davis. Listen to the songs “Love Sick” and “Burn.”
Melodic progressive rock from Arizona. For fans of Tool, A Perfect Circle, Pink Floyd, etc. Indogen is working on new music and playing live in and around the Phoenix area, so if you’re anywhere nearby, check out their Facebook page and get to a show! Crank up the volume and jam “Autopilot” and “Implosion.”
Metal from Florida. For fans of Arch Enemy, Within Temptation, Nightwish, etc. Meka Nism just released their latest EP, The War Inside, in May and are now booking shows. Check out the title track and “Bring the Sun Back.”
Rock from Mobile, Alabama. For fans of 10 Years, Tantric, Chevelle, etc. Love The Hate recently opened for From Ashes to New and Bad Wolves at a hometown show. Their latest album, Burn, is available for purchase through various digital outlets. Get a taste of Burn on ReverbNation, and listen to “Bleed the Weak” now!
Progressive metal from Texas. For fans of Lamb of God, Soilwork, early Trivium, etc. A Light in the Darkness currently has two EPs available — Conspire and Athens to Piraeus — on digital platforms such as iTunes and BandCamp. Here is “Ransom,” from Conspire.
Electronic/industrial/dubstep duo that formed in Australia. For fans of Sköld, Die Antwoord, Skrillex, etc. Skynd premiered their video for “Gary Heidnik” recently, which features Korn front man Jonathan Davis. This is my new favorite band. Thus far, their songs and videos have been delving into the minds of murderers, and I love it! Please check out both of their singles, “Elisa Lam” and “Gary Heidnik.”
Folk/progressive rock from Pennsylvania. For fans of Ed Sheeran, John Mayer, Jason Mraz, etc. Hank the Businessman released the Mountain EP in June. Here are my two favorite songs, “One” and “Tangled.”
Mostly Music 