Interview

Sacred Oath have come a long way since their debut album "A Crystal Vision" — some twenty plus years ago. Now, they have just released what many believe is their best recording to date, the self-titled Sacred Oath; an indie release of old school metal with a great contemporary vibe.

PART ONE: THE NEW ALBUM

POWERLINE: Sacred Oath seems completely re-energized with this new release. The album being self-titled — as if it were a debut album —is almost fitting.

Guitar virtuoso Yngwie Malmsteen has always been respected for his amazing ability to completely conquer the guitar as an instrument. His career has lasted through many strong accomplishments and personal lows. Through all of this, he has persevered and has become as the title of his new album, Perpetual Flame, suggests. He is an everlasting icon.

Yngwie, most of your career, your music has been categorized as Heavy Metal. Do you personally like when your music’s defined as Heavy Metal?

All it takes is a few minutes with vocalist and lead sequencer of Carbon 9, Stacey Quinealty, to realize the man's deep insight to the world around us. And the lyrics to to the band's music tell the same distinct story.

The music matches this with a thick blend of Nine Inch Nails' technical depth/aptitude and Queensryche overall slickness. It is a sound that will please both metalheads and alternative rockers alike. But the beauty of the band is that it is unlikely to be classified as either one.

Laura Cheadle, pictured left performing at The Baggot Inn in New York City’s Greenwich Village in a photo by Carol Ann Goldberg, has been immersed in music for her entire life. Cheadle, a New Jersey native, released her debut album, Falling In, in 2006. The album is available on iTunes. Cheadle has also recorded a live album and a Christmas album. Her second studio album is due to be released later this year.

Howling Bells released their self-titled debut album in 2006. The album, produced by Coldplay producer Ken Nelson, featured quite a few standout tracks, including “Low Happening,” “Setting Sun,” and “Broken Bones.” Work has begun on the follow-up, which is slated for release later this year.