Thrashing through five days at Welcome to Rockville 2025

Every metalhead’s / rocker’s / punker’s dream is to be where they feel like they belong. We are a special breed — a tribe, if you will. Not everyone likes us, but there sure as hell a whole lot of us. Danny Wimmer, with his majestic vision in its’ 13th year, brought back Welcome to […]

IRIEspect blend Cali with Caribbean in debut self-titled LP

Let’s have a chat about a band that needs to be heard across the country and then some, IRIEspect. This rad seven-piece energetic band blends Cali and Caribbean styles — we’re talking hip hop, Latin, and new and old-school dub rock reggae. They are an extravagant bunch who blow it out of the water with […]

The Birthday Massacre carves out new ‘Pathways’ for goth rock

Canadian dark rock act The Birthday Massacre continues to send shockwaves around the globe, evident in their latest beast of an album, Pathways, out last month via Metropolis Records. For newer listeners, the band has captivated many fans since 1999; their gothic-meets-electronic vibe will entice you and put you under a spell, almost trance-like.   Goth, […]

Welcome to Rockville 2025 set for insanity come May

This year at Welcome to Rockville is about to wipe all other festivals off the map. Presented by legendary festival connoisseur Danny Wimmer, Welcome To Rockville has unveiled the most leveled-up, insanely produced event of 2025 for not just the United States, but quite possibly this planet. Danny Wimmer never fails to bring the gusto! […]

A sitdown with Mick Attardo of South Swell Syndicate

Mick Attardo took the time to sit down with Top Shelf Music and talk about his new reggae rock project, South Swell Syndicate, via Long Beach, California. Mick, no stranger to the music scene, has recently come back to bring reggae rock — on his terms. And, let me tell ya, his music speaks for […]

In a holi-daze? Oranssi Pazuzu’s black metal will wake you up

Finland is genuinely known for their snowy landscapes and northern lights. Well, hold on to that mellow though, because you are about to experience a band that will take you far, far away from anything tranquil — or that you have ever witnessed. Oranssi Pazuzu has unleashed their Muuntautuja album via Nuclear Blast Records. Since […]

Jordan Lindley tells Top Shelf ‘Maybe, It’ll All Work Out’

Nashville up-and-coming artist Jordan Lindley is ready to level it up and bring his music to the masses! A charismatic alternative-indie artist known for his voracious creative style, Lindley works diligently to explode his career upward and onward. We wanted to know more about Lindley — a bit of his story, his songwriting process, and […]

Diving deep into Long Beach’s South Swell Syndicate

As the end of summer winds and rains move through, so does the sunrise and sunsets. Long Beach, California doesn’t play around; they bring the best out of our reggae rock culture. Meet one of the new fave bands dropping cool waves and sweet tunes — South Swell Syndicate! As a surfer myself, this music […]

Tech N9ne’s ‘Class of Strange Music’ is now in session

Get ready for a summer banger! Rap pioneer Tech N9ne brings us fresh ear stimulation that will shake your world upside down and rock your soul! Tech has earned his status as one of the world’s most legendary rappers, with chart-topping multi-platinum success in the hip hop, rock, and metal industries! Tech has no boundaries […]

Nonpoint embraces “Underdog” role in new song & video

On this journey of music, Nonpoint continues to soar and thrive, with hella hard work and their new independent label, 361 Degrees Records. The band is the epitome of endurance and artistry. Their new release of “Underdog”, alongside a video, showcases the greatness they can accomplish with true intentions and utter talent.   The song “Underdog” […]

Sitting down with StrateJacket at Welcome to Rockville 2024

Sunnyvale, California consists of rugged ocean cliffs and a hidden music gem of a band — StrateJacket. Self-defined as “basement dwelling alternative”, this up-and-coming band might play your backyard or living room… or a festival in front of 200,000 people! The sky’s the limit for StrateJacket — go check em out! This unique three-piece rock […]

A chat with Scott Bartlett, co-founder of Saving Abel

Scott Bartlett, co-founder of the rock band Saving Abel, has made a name for himself through many years and many miles across the globe that he’s dedicated to his craft. The man writes, kills it on the guitar, and — without a doubt — knows his music biz from inside and out. As a singer-songwriter, […]