Mussel Cove Creations

making waves with every word

Music Journalism

  • Up Portland – Sidenotes w/ Thomas

    This is my debut article, so a proper introduction is due. My name is Thomas – writer, musician, and shameless blond. New England-born, my family moved to Maine when I was four years old, settling in Falmouth.  It’s the only childhood I’ve known, but I can say the last twenty years have been a fairytale.  …

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  • Mainebrews N’ Musicreviews – THE GUILLOTINE WITH THOMAS H.

    What a week for Maine, what a week for metal and hardcore. A far cry from silver trumpets, Portland rolled out the blood-red carpet for Cruel Hand, razing Geno’s to the ground – Okay, rewind… Concert reviews are cool, but what about a PARKING review? Imagine: It’s Saturday evening, and not only is Geno’s sold…

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  • MANUEL – ‘Tierra. Alma. Cenizas.’

    ‘TIERRA. ALMA. CENIZAS.’ Earth. Soul. Ashes. Burning bright, MANUEL ponders the ‘profound connection between nature and spirit’ on a blistering new single! Guitarist and bandleader, Manuel Urgiles, highlights his Peruvian roots — blending percussive passion, groove, and virtuosic shred: The heartbeat of Progressive Latin Metal. Produced by Kevin Billingslea (Lamb of God, Trivium) in Biddeford,…

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  • Mainebrews N’ Musicreviews – THE CHOPPING BLOCK WITH THOMAS H.

    Late October is misanthropic enough, never mind the looming election and leaf clean-up… But the Yankees got creamed, so… Funny how God works — Anyway, that’s why I love death-metal: rage; cruelty; and filthy riffs. Where apathy rots and scorn rules! *** Stillborn Condition goes feral on ‘Carnivore,’ a Halloween heater from some of Portland’s…

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  • Mainebrews N’ Musicreviews – THE GUILLOTINE WITH THOMAS H.

    Chris Linkovitch – Maine maestro, hardcore hero. Long-time vocalist of Cruel Hand, he’s remained a pillar of Maine hardcore for over twenty years. Linked to H20 and Bane, Chris paved the way for countless others in this community. Highly decorated, his current role in TERROR is just one of many accolades… Off the stage, Chris…

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  • Mainebrews N’ Musicreviews – THE CHOPPING BLOCK WITH THOMAS H.

    Forked Tongue LASHES OUT ON ‘PROMO ‘24’ There’s venom in every scream, acid in every word. Coiled to strike, the Bangor outfit is spectacular! Two tracks, heavier than guilt… ‘Means to an End’ is a murder charge in the making – Chainlink guitar, pounding drums… Just all out fuckin’ war (and the best breakdown of…

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  • Mainebrews N’ Musicreviews – THE CHOPPING BLOCK WITH THOMAS H.

    It’s not ‘easy’ pursuing music, but I would wager that it’s effortless — like chasing a high… or someone you love. Music suffuses the spirit the way blood runs through your veins. Beyond the music, toil and sweat yield the unthinkable — Proud home to Sacred Profane Brewing; Saco Valley United; Gumskab; Mankala; and of…

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  • Mainebrews N’ Musicreviews – THE CHOPPING BLOCK WITH THOMAS H.

    GASOLINE DREAM – “Cannon Fodder” Take cover, Gasoline Dream just exploded! Heating up for their 9/20 show with metalcore titans, Converge – the Southern Maine outfit returns with a lethal speedball: Cannon Fodder – Three songs, one tirade – burning with rage and scorn. Chipped shoulders, bilious screams, and the influence of Eyehategod are everywhere.…

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  • Mainebrews N’ Musicreviews – THE CHOPPING BLOCK WITH THOMAS H.

    It’s been a heavy week… not that I’m complaining! Sorry, I told the band and P.G. I’d write this sooner, but I’ve been playing Pokemon Emerald like my life depends on it… Enter Glass Prison – A year ago they crash-landed onto the scene – debuting a cold, calculating sound reminiscent of Architects, Bury Tomorrow,…

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  • Mainebrews N’ Musicreviews – THE CHOPPING BLOCK WITH THOMAS H.

    Death’s Hand – Life in Decay You gotta play the hand you’re dealt… so fuck it! Cantankerous, bitter – Bangor outfit Death’s Hand return with “Life in Decay” – five deathcore anthems that’ll leave you grieving… Making their mark with Unbalanced (2022) – these veterans were quick to cement themselves as a deadly new name…

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