Metal Meltdowns will explore those moments when my favorite metal and hard rock bands went off the rails. Let’s start with Danzig’s ‘blackacidevil.’

The stunning decision by ‘Entertainment Weekly’ to essentially ignore George Martin’s passing – and with it, his legacy – is insulting to Martin, the Beatles, and anyone interested in major music news.

The busy, affable Marco Marconi, fresh off the release of his terrific trio recording ‘Nordik,’ paused briefly for a Something Else! Sitdown with Sammy Stein.

When people scoff in disbelief that Chicago used to open for the likes of Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin, I pull out “Poem 58.”

Mat Walerian places much trust in his good instincts on ‘Jungle,’ even as he does show he knows much about the tenants music and even in the presence of more established masters.

Toto’s “It’s a Feeling” could just as easily be talking about a changing relationship or Steve Porcaro’s place in the band he cofounded.

The Yellowjackets’ superb musicianship along with insightful composing and arrangements make ‘Cohearence’ maintain this group’s reputation as one of the foremost fusion groups operating. Since 1981.

Mixing originals and choice covers, the Marco Marconi Trio’s ‘Nordik’ takes you to several different places – and at several different speeds.

I love the horn section’s raw sound on ‘Chicago Transit Authority.’ As time went by, Chicago smoothed that sound out – but not here.

Barely lasting one hundred seconds, Corey Healey’s “Wheel Remix” transforms a solid song into a modern, solid groove.