This Saturday, July 5, Columbus, Ohio rock band Austin & The Syd Experience are releasing a new live song and music video for “Gatekeeper.” The band is planning to release a live album in the near future. Frontwoman Syd Alexis took time to share more details with OOTB about the single, before its Saturday release.  What is the song about? The song is pretty much up for interpretation. I think    each listener will feel something different while listening to it. It's a mysterious and mystical dark, fantasy metal melody that draws inspiration from insanity, the constellations and the grave.  We like to call it "Psychedelic Soul Metal.” How was the song composed? I wrote the song in the summer of 2022. I brought it to the guys in 2024 and it became this beautifully, haunted melody piece by piece. We've written so many songs since then but this one stands out as one of my favorites. Upcoming Shows 7/10-Easton Town Center Groove In The Yard 7/21-Half Baked Brew...

  By David Desin, OOTB Publications

  Written By James Magill, OOTB Publications

  Written By Christian Cole, OOTB Publications

  Hailing from the Rust Belt, TRUSS is a Cleveland-based, hook-driven hard rock band with roots in grunge, punk, and alternative metal. Formed at The Ohio State University by Hannah Crandall (vocals), Eric Kennedy (guitar/bass), and Holden Szalek (drums), the trio has carved out a distinct sonic identity that blends modern intensity with a nostalgic punch. With an unrelenting DIY ethic and a rapidly growing fanbase, TRUSS is poised to be one of the breakout acts of 2025. TRUSS has built a formidable following across the Midwest and beyond. Their sound—a fusion of throaty, melodic vocals and driving, riff-heavy instrumentation—draws comparisons to Soundgarden, Evanescence, Paramore, and TOOL. Known for explosive live performances and raw emotional energy, the trio has shared stages with national acts including Everclear, Anberlin, 10 Years, Big Wreck, and Dead Poet Society. The band recently released their sophomore album  Fluorescence . Blending grunge grit, alt-metal heavines...

  Written By James Magill, OOTB Publications

  Written By Christian Cole, OOTB Publications

  Written By Neil Shumate, OOTB Publications

  By David Desin, OOTB Publications

  Written By Neil Shumate, OOTB Publications

  Residing in Toledo, Ohio, No Place came to be in the summer of 2023. We play straightforward, in-your-face hardcore punk. Our songs include lyrics about societal and political issues, depression, death.  All of us were already pals, as we've been playing in other bands and shows with each other over the past decade, now to be performing together in this band.  We played our first show in a friend’s basement in October 2023 and have been busy playing shows locally and around Ohio since then.  For 2025, we plan to potentially record some songs this summer.  You can catch us live in the upcoming months in Toledo, Oregon, and Tiffin. Top 5 Bands/Musicians Levi (Vocals)  - Culo - Hoax - Gag - Blaze Foley - Townes Van Zant Damian (Guitar) - Deep Purple - ABBA - Rudimentary Peni - Death - The Dead Milkmen Ashley (Bass) - The Suicide Machines  - The Flatliners - Trash Talk - The Distillers - Mustard Plug  Gabe (Drums) - The Illiterates - Formaldehyde Ju...

  By Joe Banker, OOTB Publications

  Written By Justin Bauer, OOTB Publications

  Written By James Magill, OOTB Publications

  Written By Christian Cole, OOTB Publications

  Moontemple is a musical exploration of classic metal riffing with a heaviness that invokes modern doom and stoner rock. Moontemple is a solid example of what a love for music can produce. Exploring various sounds and textures you are sure to be left banging your head at minimum, maybe even achieving inner peace or a complete spiritual awakening. Formed in late 2022 in Dayton, Ohio. Watch “Horus” About The Song: “Horus” is the first single from the concept album  Heavens . It was recorded at Room 33 in Dayton. The album embodies all ways of leaving Earth, whether it is literally, figuratively, or spiritually. The single is an attributed to Egyptian mythology and is a retelling of the story of Horus. Watch “Plateau”   About The Song: It is about the creation of money and its power of humanity. It was inspired by an interesting book from the ‘90s known as Ringing Cedars of Russia. Moontemple is currently in the studio working on new music.  Top 5 Pizza Places (in no p...