THE SKULL formed in 2012 by ex-TROUBLE members Eric Wagner (vocals), Ron Holzner (bass) and Jeff Olson (drums) along with guitarist Lothar Keller (SACRED DAWN) to “continue the sounds and spirit of TROUBLE – past, present, future.” The band released their critically acclaimed debut “For Those Which Are Asleep” in 2014 via Tee Pee Records, and four years later, their sophomore release “The Endless Road Turns Black” followed, also through Tee Pee Records. THE SKULL toured countless times around the world and changed a few members over the years.

Eric Wagner passed away on August 22nd, 2021 from Covid pneumonia contracted while on tour with THE SKULL in early August 2021. THE SKULL, with the help of a few all-star friends, proceeded to play a few memorial shows which prompted Holzner and Keller to carry on with this group of talented musicians. The band now features Karl Agell (C.O.C., BLIND) on vocals, Henry Vasquez (SAINT VITUS, SPIRIT CARAVAN, LUCIFER) on drums and Scott Little (LEADFOOT, BLIND) on guitar.

THE SKULL are currently in preproduction on their third record performing under the LEGIONS OF DOOM moniker, with Scott Reagers (SAINT VITUS) as second vocalist.

Vicious Circle began playing together in the mid 1980’s on the NW side of Chicago by brothers Art and Rudy Guzman. With the addition of Chris Tabor on guitar, the core of the group was established. After solidifying their lineup; Vicious Circle paid their dues starting out at clubs like The Iron Rail and Club Stadola to name a few. They then worked their way up to performing and headling many higher profile Chicago venues such as the legendary rock club The Thirsty Whale and Chances R. This also brought on local talent manager Tom Asay, who guided and directed them to appear with many National Acts locally. He also helped them branch their music to other Midwest locations such as Mabel’s in Champaign, TA Vern’s in Wisconsin, Mickey’s in Indiana; Midwestfest in Central Illinois. This expansion brought on legendary bus trips that loaded hundreds of their fans out to many of these events. Vicious Circle were known to have some of the largest parties at their practice spot behind Smiler Coogan’s; so bringing those same fans on a luxury event bus with them was just the right thing to do!! And the stories and memories live on….

As life changes; so do people and music; and in the early 90’s Vicious Circle decided to part ways. They still remained friends and in contact over the years and as they progressed on with other projects and bands; conversations always reverted back to those historical times of being involved in a great movement.

Fast forward to 2009; Tony LaBarbera; the same promoter that booked the Legendary Thirsty Whale in the 80’s and 90’s; produces one of the biggest local rock events; The first Thirsty Whale Reunion show. Vicious Circle saw this a great oppurtunity reunite and they were one of the first bands to reach out to Tony and was immediately booked. Needless to say; it was a historical event for Vicious Circle and many other bands that attended that evening.

Since then Vicious Circle has written new material to add to their catalogue and have recorded a full length CD. This CD was released in early 2011!

Vicious Circle would like to thank you and many others for being a part of our 2nd journey into yet another phase of great times and music!! Get Metal!!!

The Z Chord is a Chicago based rock band, formed in August of 2013 by brothers Pete, Frank and Dan Manzella. The aim of the band is to be the yin to the yang of the death metal genre they’ve been best known for in the Chicagoland area over the last 16 years. Being the polar opposite of a genre that explores dark subjects such as gore, violence, perversion, murder and other demonic ideals. The Z Chord explores universal ideals of meditation, peace, awakening to higher consciousness and the exploration of the spiritual path. Lyrically we are unbiased toward any religion. Our songs are written about the journey towards awakening to the higher self, and reaching for the union with all of creation, the creator, God, or whatever you would like to call it. Whatever path you may be on, may our music serve as a small spark that will eventually ignite a fire within you.
Going back to our roots, the influences of The Z Chord include such classic bands as Alice in Chains, Pink Floyd, Rush, The Beatles, U2, The Doors and so on… But also infusing melodies and imagery from different world religions and traditions such as christian medieval chant, American Indian music and classical sitar stylings of India. In short, The Z Chord is high octane modern rock with ethereal overtones. Truly a haunting sound. If Ravi Shankar had a jam session with A Perfect Circle and Pink Floyd in a 14th century monastary somewhere in the mountains of Europe, the end result could very well sound something like The Z Chord. Currently the band is in the studio working on a full length album to be released in the fall of 2014. A music video for the single “The Z chord” is in the making and is set be released in the spring of 2014.
What is The Z Chord? One night Pete was playing the video game Rocksmith at a buddies house. Someone was trying to tune the guitar and jokingly Pete suggested to play a Z chord. Ding! A light bulb turned on. Sounds like that might make a great band name. So after googling the phrase, it turns out the z chord is a term used by Ukulele players when they mute the strings and just strum the instrument rhythmically without any tone or notes being played. But we prefer to define it as a sound, or musical experience that does not exist. Until now.