A new interview with Scranton, Pennsylvania’s The Menzingers has been posted. Easily one of the most electrifying bands to come along in years, these guys kindly met with Rampant Rock over Memorial Day weekend to conduct what was our second interview attempt. The first took place a few months back at a NOFX show in Milwaukee, but let’s just say that all parties involved had a bit too much fun to carry out a proper dialog. Thankfully everyone was on good behavior for the second try, as singer/guitarists Greg and Tom talked at length about their breakthrough album, Chamberlain Waits, as well as all the recent happenings in The Menzingers’ universe. Click on the Interviews tab to read the entirety of our rousing conversation.

The first installment of 2010 music reviews has been posted, along with a photo gallery featuring NOFX. The photos were taken in late April at the Riverside Theater in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The band played for over 90 minutes, performing classics such as “The Brews” and “Bob”, not to mention a near flawless rendition of their 18-minute opus, “The Decline”. Without a doubt, it was a show for the ages. Photos of said event can be viewed under the Media tab. Also, we’ll be back later this summer with interviews from The Menzingers and Deal’s Gone Bad, as well as a feature story on Windy City Sound Clash and more. Stay tuned!

Rampant Rock is excited to announce a new interview with local upstarts The Scissors. Singer Darren Vorel discussed the details of the band’s latest album, You Can Make It Dangerous, as well as recent lineup changes and what it’s like to be an unsigned band in this day and age. Go to the Interviews section now to read all about one of the most promising, on the rise bands in Chicago.

The Smoking Popes recently released a new album via Asian Man Records, entitled It’s Been a Long Day. Comprised of 20 splendid tracks from the band’s early days, this collection of songs is further enhanced by a skillful re-mastering job, courtesy of Matt Allison. To commemorate the record, the band played two sold-out shows at Reggie’s in late February. Look under the Media tab to view a photo gallery from the second show. Also in the Media section, a new MP3 has been posted by a band called JigGsaw. Hailing from Champaign, Illinois, this up-and-coming group is on the verge of releasing their latest full-length, Vices & Virtues. Lastly, some seriously truant music reviews have been posted as well.

Rampant Rock is proud to present a brand-new, in-depth interview with Brendan Kelly of The Lawrence Arms. The singer/bassist discussed much of the band’s ten-year history, as well as recent events, such as their anniversary show at Metro and the release of TLA’s new seven inch. Click on the Interviews tab to check it out!

Happy Holidays from Rampant Rock! Below you will find our sequenced playlist for 2009, or in other words, Rampant Rock’s top 15 songs of the year. If you like our list, feel free to purchase a $15 iTunes gift card, download the songs and enjoy them again and again. Here we go…

01) Green Day – “21st Century Breakdown”
02) Strike Anywhere – “I’m Your Opposite Number”
03) AFI – “End Transmission”
04) Broadway Calls – “Basement Royalty”
05) Bouncing Souls – “Ghosts On the Boardwalk”
06) Rancid – “Last One To Die”
07) The Lawrence Arms – “Spit Shining Shit”
08) Propagandhi – “Potemkin City Limits”
09) NOFX – “Fermented Flailing”
10) Mighty Mighty Bosstones – “The Route That I Took”
11) Teenage Bottlerocket – “Without You”
12) Dear Landlord – “I Live In Hell”
13) Noise By Numbers – “Waiting for the Train”
14) Chris Wollard & The Ship Thieves – “Reason In My Rhyme”
15) Strung Out – “Andy Warhol”

We’ll be back in 2010 with a Lawrence Arms interview, Riot Fest feature story, new music reviews and much more! See you soon!

New music reviews have been posted, featuring Green Day, Rancid and Anti-Flag among others. Also, an MP3 from Mike Felumlee, former drummer of Smoking Popes and Alkaline Trio, is now available for download in the Media section. Do yourself a favor and check it out, for it truly is an outstanding song.

Rampant Rock is proud to bring you a new feature story with producer Matt Allison. We met with Matt this summer and discussed how he began his career, some of his proudest accomplishments and the future of Atlas Studios. Also, the accompanying photos were taken on the initial day that Alkaline Trio commenced recording their latest album at Atlas. Head over to the Features section for all the details!