Author

Jeff Ayers 31 posts 0 comments

Jeff Ayers has been a part of the Upstate New York music scene for the better part of two decades. He is a classically trained violinist, playing with the Empire State Youth Orchestra program as a child, and also playing electric violin in the progressive metal band Lore(1997-2003), and the experimental rock and roll band Skeletons in the Piano(2008-2014). He has shifted focus to his love of writing, studying creative writing and journalism at SUNY Oswego, and currently reviewing comic books for Comic Book Herald and graphic novels for Graphic Novel Reporter. His love of music keeps him connected to the thriving music scene in this area, and he is also working on an illustrated collection of short stories with the incredible local fine artist, Matt Mrowka.

Rock

Brooklyn Based The End Men Preview Two Tracks off Upcoming Release

Jeff Ayers Apr 2, 2015

The hard working heavy blues rock band The End Men are ready to release their newest album - entitled Terms and Conditions - onto the world soon. The touring three piece consisting of Matthew Hendershot on vocals and guitars, Livia Ranalli…

Show Reviews

Gospel of the Witches Cast A Strong Spell in First Ever Show

Jeff Ayers Mar 31, 2015

With a winter that just won’t quit in Upstate NY, it was a warm reception for bands at Trickshots Billards in Clifton Park on Saturday March 28. Thanks to Joelggernaut Productions, Trickshots has been getting quality heavy music shows for…

Upcoming Shows

Karyn Crisis Returns to Upstate with Gospel of the Witches

Jeff Ayers Mar 26, 2015

It has been quite some time since trailblazing musician Karyn Crisis has played Upstate New York. She used to front the heavy rock band Crisis, and they made a few stops over the years in this area before disbanding in 2006. Now, she is set…

Upcoming Shows

Bobaflex to Rock Putnam Den with Local Band’s CD Release

Jeff Ayers Mar 16, 2015

The day after St. Patricks Day is a day of recovery, or in some cases, a way to keep the party going. The Putnam Den in Saratoga Springs will be providing a full night of rock and roll to ensure that the fun doesn't stop. The March 18 show…

Metal/Hard Rock/Punk

Interview: Unearth talks of new tour, new record, and new friends

Jeff Ayers Oct 16, 2014

Unearth, hailing from Eastern Massachusetts, are primed to hit the road on tour in support of their new album, Watchers of Rule, from eOne Entertainment on Oct. 27. A week before the tour started, I got the chance to sit down with the…

Album Reviews

Unearth Brings Metal Mastery with ‘Watchers of Rule’

Jeff Ayers Oct 14, 2014

Unearth has remained present in the metal landscape for over fifteen years. This has everything to do with their work ethic, constant touring, and producing quality albums for that entire time. Their newest record, Watchers of Rule, is…

Albany

Interview: Hellyeah! Vinnie Paul talks about touring, Blood for Blood, and the story behind Rebel…

Jeff Ayers Oct 9, 2014

In the world of hard rock and heavy metal, there are drummers, and then there is Vinnie Paul. Starting up his first project in 1981, which would soon become the game-changing metal band Pantera, Vinnie has been delivering crushing drum…

Show Reviews

Five Finger Death Punch and Volbeat Deliver a Solid Rock Outing at Times Union Center

Jeff Ayers Oct 2, 2014

Rock music was alive and well at the Times Union Center on Saturday, Sept. 27. Two of the most popular heavy rock bands in the mainstream radio today, Volbeat and Five Finger Death Punch, brought the noise and the fun to a semi packed house…

Show Reviews

The End Men get the tour send off they need from The Low Beat in Albany

Jeff Ayers Sep 22, 2014

For a thursday night in Albany, New York, there sure was a good amount of rock and roll to be had. On Central Avenue in particular, where four small bands from New York state converged to bring a huge night of music. The End Men, from…

Metal/Hard Rock/Punk

Rob Caggiano of Volbeat talks tour with Five Finger Death Punch and coming back to Upstate New York

Jeff Ayers Sep 22, 2014

The massive success of Volbeat and Five Finger Death Punch in the last year has led to a co-headlining tour that is built on epic proportions. The lineup is filled out by rockers Hellyeah and Nothing More, and will wind up playing two shows…

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