Straight from the Pit Online is dedicated to giving you a closer look at some of your favorite bands.
Main menu







Sign/View the Guestbook

4.07.03 -Kevin- The Good, the Bad, the etc.
The good news: A review of last night's awesome Honda Civic Tour (New Found Glory, Good Charlotte, Less Than Jake, The Disasters) will be up soon, along with some photos. The bad news: While the new server is up, it doesn't seem to like my index page very much, and refuses to display it. This, folks, is a big problem. I'll let you know what's going on when I know myself.
4.07.03 -Kevin- Damn Rochester, Part II
Well, I should have seen this coming, too. Within four minutes of getting confirmation for interview times for the Blindside/Linkin Park/Mudvayne show tomorrow night, I get word from their people that the show has been cancelled due to the weather. No news was available yet as to whether or not the show would be rescheduled...actually, I just got a call from another band's rep, and he also doesn't know if the show will go on later. Let's keep our fingers crossed.
4.06.03 -Kevin- Damn Rochester
Well, I should have seen this coming. Computer went in Wednesday for repairs, was supposed to be back Friday so I could get the site up. Then came the Ice Storm. Store lost power Thursday. Fine, I'll post the spare data I have. No can do, we lose power. Once power finally returns Saturday night, phones go. Phones finally turned back on this afternoon. But only around here...no word on when I'll have the computer and data back...but at least I'll be shooting Blindside Tuesday...possibly Linkin Park and Mudvayne, too.
3.31.03 -Kevin- Thanks
A big thank you to the person who helped me out (I didn't know if you'd mind me posting your name, so I'll leave it off). The new layout will be on a much better server, but that means that this might be a bit of a sloppy transition. Some out of town shooting this week is going to keep me away from updating for a few days, so by the end of the weekend, all should be up and well. We'll see you again soon.
3.2?.03 -Kevin- Help Wanted
Just when I thought I was ready to post the new layout: my links malfunction. Anyone who knows how to fix problems with Frames, please contact me ASAP, and I'll figure out some way of repaying you. Thanks in advance.
3.22.03 -Kevin- Incredible show
Go see the United Tour. Now. Pigface, My Life With the Thrill Kill Kult, Zeromancer, and Bile are all delivering sets that will blow you away...anyone who likes industrial music or anything involving electronics needs to get out there and see this tour now! Major thanks to Alex from Zeromancer and Pigface's legendary Martin Atkins for the interviews!
3.13.03 -Kevin- Unfortunate Cancellation
I hate to write things like this, but it must be done. Due to some very unfortunate circumstances that neither we nor Tori's people could control, the presumably amazing show in Buffalo will go on without us there. I'm sorry to all of those who, myself included, were truly looking forward to seeing how this event would go. Unfortunately, we've already discussed alternate means of covering the current tour, but no solutions could be reached. Thank you for understanding.
3.11.03 -Kevin- Updated Agenda
No new material, but just a hint of what's to come: Thursday, we'll be doing a review of the amazing Tori Amos, then switching gears quite a bit, next Friday finds us interviewing Norway's premier industrial act Zeromancer, as well as shooting them as they roll through with none other than My Life With the Thrill Kill Kult and Pigface. Keep your browser aimed here, you're in for a treat!
3.10.03 -Kevin- Update
Great news! The new layout is just days from launching now, and although the entire site won't be posted in one big heap, it's definately a start. Look for the new layout by the end of March, and a nice flow of new material with it. Until then, nothing new will be posted on this site, so look for recent material in the new layout.
2.14.03 -Kevin- Valentine's Treat
To celebrate Valentine's Day, I've uploaded a never before seen photo from the stacks of the, well, never before seen photos. Click here to give it a glimpse. Enjoy!
2.14.03 -Kevin- Good News
The new layout is in its final stages, and with the help of an upcoming week off, I should have time to get something posted. Several shows have been shot, including Breaking Benjamin, Saliva, Our Lady Peace, Greenwheel, and Count the Stars.
1.12.03 -Kevin- Major Update
Thanks to some much needed upgrades in our available technology, Straight From the Pit has taken a giant leap closer towards the new layout. Preliminary designs are completed, and in the near future, this site will be put on a temporary server while the new layout takes its place here. To celebrate, live photos of Greenwheel and Saliva will be shot on the 28th, with an interview from the latter to accompany. Keep your eyes open!
11.??.02 -Kevin- Announcements
Progress is being made on getting Straight From the Pit onto a new and much better server, which has been sucking up most of my time. New photos are just about ready for posting, some final touches are being worked out, as they are being set up to fit into the new layout which will hopefully be done in the very near future. Keep checking back for news, and a new layout that will include a local spotlight and industry news, where you can find weekly updates on all of your favorite artists, regardless of genre.
10.14.02 -Kevin- Reviews
First, I'm pleased to announce that Straight From the Pit celebrated our third anniversary on Thursday, and what better way to celebrate than a nice live shoot with "world metal" band Soulfly? Shots from them will be up soon, as well as Blindside, Greenwhell, and Hoobastank. New reviews added recently include King's X, Impotent Sea Snakes, and Tool/Tomahawk. Check them out!
09.??.02 -Kevin- More Updates
Let's hear it for computer problems that just won't go away! While some files have finally been updated (check photos and reviews), there is still much work to be done. The King's X review is almost ready to go up, along with a few photos of the show. Snapcase and Atreyu were just covered as well, and should be up soon. Also, a links section will be added in the near future, featuring indie bands, labels, and other publications. If you would like to be listed, please email me with a link and a banner if you want one up.
08.23.02 -Kevin- More Updates
Wow, it's been a long time since I've filled you in on what's going on on my side of the screen. To sum it up: Switching from Windows 98 to XP can cause major problems, and really slow things down. Scott is also still putting some touchups on the new layout. Recent photo shoots and interviews include Warped Tour, Tomahawk, and Nashville Pussy, and a review of Tool and the upcoming King's X/Dream Theater tour are on their way. All will be up as soon as the new layout is complete!
07.22.02 -Kevin- More Updates
As of now, I am running on a temporary computer, as our main system is once again in for repairs....if I made any money from this, I'd buy a Mac. But there is good news. Soon, a new flash version of Straight From the Pit will be launched (thanks Scott!), which, pending repairs, will include photos of Five Pointe O, Incubus, Phantom Planet, Static-X, and KMFDM. I'm very, very sorry for how long this is taking, I'm just as frustrated with the situation as you guys are.
07.12.02 -Kevin- More Updates
Once again, the necessary evil known as Windows has caused major problems here, and we're in a bit of a hole at the moment. Major repairs have been made, but have only led to more issues. I hope to have this sorted out soon. I apologize sincerely for how overdue everything is going to be, but please be patient, the wait will be worth it!
06.??.02 -Kevin- More Updates
Many updates to come soon, including interviews from KMFDM, Static-X, and more, as well as photos from both of those bands, as well as Incubus, Phantom Planet, and GWAR. There are lots of shows being looked into for this summer, so check back soon for lots of updates.
06.??.02 -Kevin- Update
Man, school is a huge weight right now. Hopefully within the next few days I can have some new stuff up. I have amazing photos of Incubus, Static-X, and Phantom Planet to post, plus interviews with most of them, and a few others. The next shoot and interview will be June 22 with Sascha K. of KMFDM, and I'm working on interviews with various members of Tool in August. More info will be up when available.
05.24.02 -Kevin- Update
Good news! It's been confirmed that I'll be photographing Incubus, and possibly Phantom Planet in a few weeks, so keep an eye out for those photos. Unfortunately, I don't have any material to post at this time, as finals are approaching and I have been swamped in work.
05.12.02 -Kevin- Update
Finally, there is a new setup here. There have been so many interviews done and shows photographed, so hopefully I can start having things up on the site by the end of the week. I'm sorry it took so long to get everything straightened out, but the first replacement setup that we got didn't work, so it was back to the drawing board. Check back soon for more!
04.27.02 -Kevin- Bad news
Sorry it's been so long since the last update, but I'm just now getting the chance to let you know that there isn't a single working computer in this building, forcing me to type this from an internet cafe. There are major problems with the systems, and we probably won't get back on for a minimum of one week. New news: John S. Hall interview is confirmed, but the date is not. Tonight is an interview and photos with GWAR. Tuesday is the same with Five Pointe 0. Last night was an interview with Phantom Planet, and earlier this week was The Movielife. Upcoming interviews also include Killswitch Engage, Static-X, and KMFDM. More updates will come when available.
04.18.02 -Kevin- Updates
A prime example of what makes this site different from most others: I'm now working on lining up an interview with John S. Hall, the legendary man behind King Missile and King Missile III. Check back soon for updates on that, as well as the Bouncing Souls, Falconer, and Reveille interviews.
04.16.02 -Kevin- Updates
Yay, I'm back! Photos of Reveille have been added, and the Hatebreed photos aren't far behind. In the upcoming weeks, look for interviews with Reveille, Hatebreed, and Falconer. And once again, Scott is getting bored and wants to give this site a makeover, so look for a possible new layout soon, too.
03.30.02 -Kevin- Updates
I apologize for the recent lack of updates. Since the Bouncing Souls show, I've been incredibly sick, so nothing has been done in the past week or so. However, it shouldn't be too long before the Hatebreed photos and Bouncing Souls interview are up. Also, I'm working now on getting material from Anniversary, Dashboard Confessional, Phantom Planet, and Lostprophets. Check back soon for more updates!
03.23.02 -Kevin- Photos
Hatebreed photos from March 19th will be added soon. Photos now up: Bouncing Souls from the 23rd are now up in the photo gallery. Check em out! (If the photographer from Buffalo reads this, please email me at the alternate address given on my card.)
03.16.02 -Kevin- New Photos
Today, I've posted photos of last night's acoustic in-store show with local geek-rock kings, FMGreen. Head to the photos section to check them out, then head here to check out their website!
03.13.02 -Kevin- Updates
Okay guys and gals, this is where you come in. We all know music is nothing without two things: press, and fans. So, I, a member of the press (as well as a fan) am encouraging you, the fans, to check out the following link for one of the latest releases from Victory Records. Taking Back Sunday E-Card Enjoy!
03.07.02 -Kevin- Updates
Unfortunately, I didn't get to photograph Thursday as was planned before. However, I have set up interviews and photos with the Bouncing Souls in about two weeks, and in late April, I'll be photographing GWAR, as well as doing a second interview with them. Check back soon for more!
03.02.02 -Kevin- General Update
Well, the SOAD photos aren't going to happen, due to an unfortunate policy of theirs. However, to keep you all posted, photos are being done of the band Thursday next week, so those should be up by next weekend. Also in the works: Hatebreed, Dashboard Confessional, Nashville Pussy, H20, Sum 41, Autopilot Off, Green Day, Blink 182, Hoobastank, and Incubus. Check back for updates as info on those shows becomes available.
02.25.02 -Kevin- Reviews
Head over to the review section for Erich's two most recent reviews, of the bands Freezepop and Lifestyle. Also, Jeff may have some photos of System of a Down to post soon, we'll know for sure Wednesday, so check back soon!
02.23.02 -Kevin- Ozma Photos
Geek Rock, Part II: Ozma photos have been posted. Check em out!
02.22.02 -Kevin- More Updates
Finally, after many battles with my codes, the site is finally fully functional in Netscape! Big thanks to Jessie for going through everything with me and making sure that it was all right! Netscape users, enjoy!
02.22.02 -Kevin- SOiL Photos
SOiL photos have been posted, head to the photos section and check em out!
2.18.02 -Kevin- Weezer Photos
All right, the Weezer photos are up! Coming later this week are SOiL, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and Ozma.
2.10.02 -Kevin- Much News
Two new things posted today. My interview with SOiL is up, and Erich's review of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra's live performance is up. Check them out! Also, there are some amazing shots from Weezer on the way soon, so look for those in about a week.
2.08.02 -Kevin- Much News
Many updates for you, so hang on. First, the Victor Wooten performance never got photographed due to poor weather conditions. However, photos are coming from killer bands Ozma, Saves the Day, and Weezer, photographed last night at their second show of the tour. Also, the SOiL interview is ready to be posted, and will be added with the other updates. New material to look for includes much information from Metalfest in Boston, from our newest staff writer, Erich. Check back soon for lots of new material!
1.20.02 -Kevin- New Server
No material to be added just yet, but I'm updating to let you know that I've been spending the past few weeks transfering the site to a new server. Unfortunately, two interviews have been discovered to be missing, from Marz and MxPx. I will post those if/when they are found, and there is new material on the way as well.
1.08.02 -Kevin- Several Updates
Well, we finally have a working reader for the memory cards, so the TSO photos will be up soon. New update: Photos and an interview will also be added, from the Rochester headlining show with SOiL, hot off of the Merry Mayhem tour and about to head out with Soulfly and Static-X. So check back soon for two new photo galleries and an interview. Current projects also include interviews and/or photos with a freshly announced Saves the Day/Weezer tour. More info will be posted as I get it.
12.23.01 -Kevin- Photos to be Updated
Recently, I did an exclusive live shoot of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra at the Auditorium Center in Rochester, NY, and there are plenty of good pictures coming. But due to some computer problems, the digital photos will not be loaded into the system until our new reader comes, which will be any day now. Happy Holidays!
11.20.01 -Kevin- GWAR Interview!
Okay kiddies, it's up! Head to the interviews section and read up, and see what GWAR frontman Oderus Urungus has to say about music, the world, and their upcoming tour!
11.20.01 -Kevin- Bentmen Review!
Okay boys and girls, the beginning of the "Strangest Things You'll Read on This Site" series is up! Check out the reviews section for Erich's attempt to put into words the live show of Boston's kings of oddities, The Bentmen. Coming soon (I'm still getting over some sort of bug): an interview with GWAR frontman Oderus Urungus.
11.17.01 -Kevin- Photos Posted
Thanks to the wonders of digital photography, 11 shots from last night's absolutely amazing Poe concert are up. These should help convey the message to people that if you haven't seen Poe yet, GO! This was by far one of the best concerts I've seen. Apologies to the management are in order, there was some miscommunication at the door (I think), and everything probably went a little rougher than it should have. Hope things weren't too much of a problem!
11.16.01 -Kevin- Photos
I'll be shooting the Poe concert tonight, so scanner and lighting conditions willing, photos aught to be up by next weekend.
11.13.01 -Kevin- Review Added
Check out Erich's latest review, of the band Zia's 2001 Radio Sampler...I myself have heard a few tracks, but unless you have too, I'd definately advise you to check out this review.
11.12.01 -Kevin- Update
I wasn't looking forward to having to post this, but due to circumstances beyond my control, it will most likely be almost a week before the GWAR interview is posted. I have been out of town with no access to a computer, and things are not going well now, and I may not be able to get to the interview for a few more days. I apologize, but I assure you that it will be worth the wait. And look for details on whether or not I will be covering the Preaching to the Perverted tour (Godhead, Gravity Kills, Pigface) or not in the very near future.
11.07.01 -Kevin- More Reviews Posted
I'm extremely happy to announce today that the first two reviews are up from the newest (and oldest) addition to the Straight From the Pit family, our dedicated writer, Erich Leas. Check out his reviews of My Life With the Thrill Kill Kult and The Storm King.
11.05.01 -Kevin- Review Posted
I always hold a promise, don't I? Check the reviews page for my quick piece on Penn Jillette's (of Penn and Teller) bass playing. And don't forget, GWAR interview taking place tomorrow, should be posted within a week.
11.03.01 -Kevin- Update
Well, there were a few glitches somewhere in the system yesetrday, and long story short, the Oderus Urungus interview didn't happen. However, everyone was very nice to work with, and all has been taken care of. The interview will take place now on Monday, so due to an upcoming trip, it won't be posted until the following Monday.
10.31.01 -Kevin- Update
Wow, I apologize for the lack of updates. I've been so swawped with marching band and school (and a few other issues) that I haven't had much time to get anything done. Two new announcements, and some old business tonight. First, I'm ecstatic to announce that on Friday I will be doing an interview with GWAR frontman Oderus Urungus, just in time for their new disc, Violence Has Arrived, which is in stores on Nov. 6. Also, In the next few weeks, I will most likely be doing an interview with another member of Godhead (which member has yet to be determined), and photos from that show as well. Also, that Penn and Teller article will be up soon. It was a very moving experience, and I've talked to a close friend of theirs who agrees, so look for that brief review soon.
10.09.01 -Kevin- Update
I'm very excited about this update. Tomorrow night, I will be in attendance for a Penn & Teller performance. Following that may be a brief interview with Penn, who has been a bassist for over 25 years. If not, then look for a possible article on the unique combination of bass and magic.
10.05.01 -Kevin- Update
Well, there will be no live coverage of the System of a Down show, as it was moved from Buffalo to somewhere in Pennsylvania. However, big news on the interview front...as we speak, I am being scheduled for an interview with Oderus, frontman of GWAR. For any of you that like GWAR, you know how cool this will be...for those of you who don't know who GWAR is, I won't try to explain them, just visit www.gwar.net
9.20.01 -Kevin- Review
The review for System of a Down's new album, Toxicity, is now up on the review page. Due to a schedule change, I may actually be able to provide live photos and/or an interview with the band from an upcoming show on the current tour.
9.18.01 -Kevin- Life Goes On
Well, life must move on, and even though school takes up most of mine, I have to keep working on this. The System of a Down review is coming, and I'm going to be trying to arrange a phone interview with one of the members sometime in the near future. Keep checking back for updates.
9.12.01 -Kevin- Tragedy
I cannot even begin to express my concern and my sympathy towards the events that happened yesterday, which is why I am not writing much here. Whoever did this, they have proven whatever point they were trying to, and now there will be a long process of hatred and turmoil before anything, if anything at all, will be resolved. So until we see anything begin to change for the better, I wish the best of luck to all of the victims, their families, friends, and everyone that was affected in any way by yesterday's events.
9.5.01 -Kevin- Updates
First, review updates: I will be reviewing a CD from a band called Where Echoes End...more info on that as the disc arrives...I'm still waiting for the System of a Down CD to come, so it will be a little while before that review will come. Photo updates: The Ataris, Flogging Molly, and H2O photos from this year's Warped Tour were added on Sunday. There are still a few bands left to be added, plus some interviews to be typed up when I finally have time...which is going to be rare, as school starts again tomorrow.
8.30.01 -Kevin- More Photos-Pt. III
Finally, after much waiting for the scanner to be fixed and me to have time to do it, there is a photo gallery for They Might Be Giants! These photos were taken on April 20th this year at the Rochester Institute of Technology. Enjoy, and keep an eye out for a review of Toxicity, the new SOAD album, within a week or so.
8.23.01 -Kevin- More Photos-Pt. II
Well, not too much is going to get done today due to lack of time available, but I have gotten one more gallery up: Juno Reactor. Enjoy! (Update on upcoming album reviews: System Of A Down's new one might be reviewed by next weekend, but Slipknot's won't be ready until after release.)
8.22.01 -Kevin- More Photos
Yeah, more photo galleries! Nothing from Warped Tour, but definately some stuff that's been waiting for my scanner to be fixed. Mighty Mighty Bosstones are now up, which were taken back in June. And for the one that's been waiting even longer, we now have a photo gallery for Static-X, from their headlining performance at the Water Street Music Hall on May 2, 2001. They're a bit off-quality (the photos are actually really nice), but my scanner has this problem with making everything dark, and if you've ever tried to brighten a photo and maintain quality, you know it can be hard. But either way, enjoy!
8.22.01 -Kevin- Photos
As I promised both you and the promotion group, work has begun on getting the Warped Tour photo galleries up. Check the photos section for shots of AFI and Rancid! More galleries to come, hopefully done by the end of the month.
8.19.01 -Kevin- Welcome!
Welcome!! This is Straight From the Pit's new look. Like it? I'm having some problems with the top banner (obviously, it won't stay in focus), but other than that, I do believe we have a winner! Big thanks go out to the following people: James Jackson, for helping me get into this business in the first place; Scott, for putting up with all of my "demands", and every band and publicist I've been lucky enough to work with. Now that this is up, look back every now and then for eleven, yes, eleven new photo galleries from this year's Warped Tour, as well as three new interviews. Also, now that the scanner finally works, look for stuff from They Might Be Giants, Static-X, Mighty Mighty Bosstones, and Juno Reactor! Thanks again for sticking with me, we can only move forward from here.
8.07.01 -Kevin- New Layout
Welcome to the new layout for Straight From the Pit online! I've fixed all the images links that were missing some subdirectory commands (I wonder who could've forgotten those?), and I have all of the interviews up and running. The photo gallery is going to take a fairly long time, so please don't expect that until at least this weekend. The reviews shouldn't take too long, but I want to focus on the photos first, since I'm pretty sure more people just look at pictures than actually read about the music they listen to. But either way, I'm aiming to have this site up completely within two weeks. Also, I'm still awaiting word on whether or not I'll be covering this year's Warped Tour, but we'll all know by tonight.
6.28.01 -Scott- Interview page is now operational
I have now added the interview page so you can see all of the interviews available at Straight from the Pit online.
6.22.01 -Scott- Contact page is up!
I just added the contact page so you can send us feedback about what you think of our site.
6.22.01 -Scott- New layout!!!
Welcome to the new layout of Straight from the Pit online! Email me your comments about the new layout.
1