The Fort Wayne-based death metal band Between the Killings are gearing up for their second EP, The Killing Quartet Vol. 2: Omnipotence, out June 7 via Comatose Music. 

The band is comprised of Braxton Keyser on vocals, Ian Dygulski on bass, Miles Ellegood on lead guitar, Von Young on guitar, and Justin Wallisch on drums. 

They recently gave fans a taste of the new EP with a music video for “Omnipotence,” which can be viewed on YouTube. 

Their release show will take place June 7 in Stan’s Room at Piere’s along with Putrid, Carrion Vael, Protrusion, and Knee Deep in the Dead.

If you’re a fan of Cannibal Corpse, Suffocation, and Dying Fetus, you will like Between the Killings. They are ready to kick things up a notch this year with plans to play bigger festivals and tours, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to check them out. 

In any event, be sure to pick up the new EP at the release show or take advantage of the pre-order at comatosemusic.com. 

I Think Too Much hit the scene

On Saturday, May 11, at 10 p.m., indie/alt rockers I Think Too Much will make their debut at The Brass Rail along with local friends The Part You Left Out and Death by Lions of Grand Rapids. 

I Think Too Much is comprised of guitarist/vocalist John Vaughan, bassist Skyler Giordano, drummer Phil Nass, and lead guitarist Ethan Sering. 

“Our sound is definitely influenced by a little desert rock, shoegaze, beer, and Phil’s hot living room,” Sering said. 

Some may recognize Giordano and Nass; they are also part of The Part You Left Out. 

The band wants to get out and play as much as they can and are putting together dates for this summer. 

Until then, make sure to attend their debut show, and if some crazy reason you can’t, they will be at O’Sullivan’s the following weekend with Humans Among Us on Saturday, May 18 at 10 p.m.

B Movie Monsters get featured

The B Movie Monsters recently contributed their new single, “It’s Called Revenge,” to Horrorpunk’s Not Dead Vol. 3, a compilation from some of the best horror-punk bands from around the globe. 

The single will also be featured in the upcoming feature-length horror comedy Killer Pizza. 

The movie explores themes of betrayal, supernatural revenge, and the unlikely bonds that form amid adversity. 

 In addition to this good news, the band tells me they are nearly halfway finished with a new album, Incantations for Every Occasion, the follow-up to 2013’s 1313.

Joey O churns out the hits

Guitar virtuoso Joey O has shared the news of his new band, Joey O & The Vibe, a classic rock tribute band that leans heavily on the ’70s with a dash of ’60s and ’80s. 

Joey, along with Jeremy Miller, Steve Sahagun, and Dave Lemish, have learned a lot playing in The Joey O Band and Mick Bowie & The Rolling Spiders, so they decided to combine everything they loved about both bands and put it all into one, hence the name change. So, basically, it’s the same crew, just rebranded. 

They even got picked up by a new booking agency who has backed them on the change and is eager to get them on stage. 

Joey O & The Vibe promise to play all the songs you know and love, so expect to hear tunes from The Rolling Stones, The Doors, Tom Petty, David Bowie, The Black Crowes, and more. 

Right now, the only dates they have booked are June 15 at Howie’s on Hamilton and Sept. 13 for Hippie Magic at Buck Lake Ranch in Angola. 

Hey Hera filling out schedule

A name we are beginning to see often is Hey Hera, the duo of vocalist Aleena York and pianist Carly Ingalls. 

They are a jazz, R&B, and pop act that have been around about a year but had played prior to having a name for a couple of years. 

Upcoming shows for Hey Hera include Vinland Reserve Winery on May 15, Lunch on the Square on June 6, and Club Soda on June 7. 

New tracks from Filth & Majesty

Sleaze rockers Filth & Majesty have released a couple of new tracks: “Rutz N’ Gutz,” a fast rocker about a race car driving love machine, and “Here in the Dark.” 

As always, these tracks are gritty and dangerous and must be checked out. Do yourself a favor and hop onto your favorite streaming site and give them a listen. 

In memoriam

It’s been an emotional few weeks with the passings of a few area musicians, including guitarist Craig Stephan (Sum Morz), drummer Austin Snyder (Horizon Arcs), guitarist James Ellsworth (Clusterfolk, Lizzie eHoff & Her Cough), Bill “Blood” Jolliff (SuperVillin), and guitarist Darren Burchett (Total Head Case). 

Each have touched the music community in a variety of ways and will truly be missed.