SET LIGHT

Author: Timo Cuoco

I began my career as a regular Army soldier & work at an insurance company. Live in the VA Beach area, but originally from the Illinois area. I graduated with a B.A. in Mass Communications in Broadcast Journalism from Winthrop University & hold many insurance designations along with I-Car & EOM Certifications. In my spare time. I run an automated online radio station & website "Casting Such a Thin Shadow" which has given me the opportunity for several live telephone interviews over the years. I DJ & produce an online radio show currently for Ripper Radio which airs primarily in the USA, but also in Japan & England. I am also a music enthusiast & have seen circa 400+ shows. I have an awesome son, Tyler & 2 Siberian huskies & several arachnids & reptiles. My current bucket list is to start a spirit filled hxc cover band.

March 3, 2021

Song of the Day: Trouble - The Tempter

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Doom Metallers Trouble’s debut Psalm 9 release has been out for 30+ years. Imagine that!  Signed by Metal Blade Records, the 1984 album is commonly known as one of, if not the first doom metal releases. They were given the “white metal” moniker because of the obvious Biblical references.  I had a friend who passed recently who hung out with the band back in the day & it was nice to actually meet someone who listened to my “Christian music.” Guitarist Bruce Franklin would go on & join Supershine w/ Dug from King’s X & also release an outstanding industrial album generation-Brutal Reality.… Continued →

March 1, 2021

Song of the Day: Everdown - Sweet

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Everdown is one of those bands that I heard back in the 90s that quickly rose to the top of my bands that never got old. Their sounds closest mainstream counterpart would be Helmet. The vocalist did not growl or give any guttural sounds & in essence the lyrics are easily understood. Forming in 1992, 1995’s Sicken’s grunge/sludge sound housed personal faves such as Sufferman, Crush & Nation while 1996’s Straining sounded much cleaner w/ greats Unleaded, Flown, One Knuckle Shy, & Seasons In Doubt. This is in the days before Solid State Records when punk, hardcore & alternative bands where thrown in under the Tooth & Nail Records label.… Continued →

February 27, 2021

Song of the Day: The Echoing Green - Suffer

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This review is in response to a Facebook post I had made a month or so ago on a review I had done on here. The gentleman I had spoke with & I have a lot in common, including our passion for Christian EDM.  Joey Belville & company IMHO brought the fledgling Christian electronic/synthpop rock genre to fruition. Several other artists involved in the genre ie Painted Orange, Code of Ethics, Sheltershed, LZ7, Capital Kings & World Wide Message Tribe, etc… I remember owning Scott Blackwell’s Myx Records release Defend Your Joy back in the mid 90s & I was ecstatic.… Continued →

February 24, 2021

Song of the Day: Luke Chable- Melburn (Shiloh Remix)

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Shiloh is my absolutely fave dance/DJ band of all time. Forming under Shilotrance probably in the late 90’s, the Canadian Moreh brothers have an extensive catalog which a good chunk of it can be found on Beatport’s website. Their music can mostly be found as MP3 singles/vinyl, but they ended up releasing 2 physical LPs:  Bleed & Elements which are very worth checking out if you are into this musical genre. I have had the privilege of conversing with Justin over the years through social media & he sent me Shilohtrance’s whole back extremely rare back catalog which had been released on the old mp3.com… Continued →

February 23, 2021

Carman Homage - Our Turn Now

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This is an impromptu review in homage of Carman’s passing. For those who may not know who he is, he was a singer/songwriter/performer whose music was all over contemporary Christian radio in the 80’s & 90’s. He did many ballads, but also dabbled with rock & rap & even kids music. Many of his songs were stories put to music. To get a good overview of his more upbeat stuff from his extensive discography, check out the following songs & today’s SOTD: A Witch’s Invitation, The Champion, God’s Got an Army, Addicted to Jesus w/ DC Talk, Great God, Who’s in the House & Sunday School Rock.… Continued →

February 22, 2021

Song of the Day: Flight 180 - When We First Dated

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Does anyone remember the swing revival back in the early 2000s? Bands such as The Deluxtone Rockets, The Dingees & Denver & the Mile High Orchestra were very common on alternative/rock Christian radio stations. Flight 180 was one such band who went by a couple name derivatives including several lineup changes over the years they were in existence. I think this is another genre that Tooth & Nail innovated in the Christian music industry.  I’m pretty sure they took their name from the Final Destination first film.… Continued →

February 20, 2021

Song of the Day: Sanctified Sister - Pharmakeia

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This review is in response to a Facebook post that I was following on Christian bands that others may have not heard of. This is one of those rare hard to find any info on the web bands that I bring to the IVM table. They seem to have been a side project of former Deliverance members Jim Calvert & Justin DeTie which makes sense considering the release date & Jimmy P Brown producing. I waited for many years before dishing out the funds to buy the Hybrid release on Hour House Records (which from memory was one that dealt with dance music).… Continued →

February 17, 2021

Song of the Day: The Devil Wears Prada - Chemical

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This review is in response to one of my fave metalcore bands that I just noticed having reached enough popularity to find themselves on Radio & Records Mainstream Rock chart. Other bands who have started in the Christian arena & found their way on the same chart are Underoath, Beartooth, Wolves At The Gate, Love & Death, Chevelle & Skillet to name a few. There are many valid arguments on Christian vs mainstream routes, but my take & honest opinion is that I like the exposure.… Continued →

February 15, 2021

Song of the Day: Children Of The Consuming Fire - Speed Metal Mariachis (Four Men Looking For A Job)

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Children of the Consuming Fire appear to have risen from the southern California Vineyard ministry with their record label housing alt-rock bands such as Asight Unseen & The Violet Burning. This SOTD has a live video you can find on Youtube as well, but was hard to catch the music atmosphere. The band did not catch much airplay that I remember, but with the cool bass line and the driving music, I really dig the band & song name. I think the band had a fun time on this track.… Continued →

February 13, 2021

Song of the Day: Choo Choo Pye - Color Of Men

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Choo Choo Pye (a la The Wait) may have a funny sounding band & album name, but their music reminisces this reviewer of greats such as Midnight Oil, The Call, or Cloud Merchants. Composed of 3 members, the band seems to have hailed from California. The early 90s vibes are definitely there & they achieved Christian radio history by having the highest debut entry by an unsigned artist on the most awesome Pure Rock Report Multi-Format chart. They have a music video for their song U.S.… Continued →

February 10, 2021

Song of the Day: Calibretto 13 - Christian Hate Mail

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Cowpunk (punk music w/ acoustic guitars instead of electric) is such a thing & Calibretto 13 did it well if I might say so. Green Day was probably the most popular band that dabbled in the genre, but MxPx & Officer Negative’s side project Zippy Josh & the Ragtag Band also played it in the quasi-Christian arena. Tooth & Nail Records’ Calibretto has some great songs with their most famous being High Five which featured quirky lyrics about being friends even if people do not agree.… Continued →

February 8, 2021

Song of the Day: Forfeit Thee Untrue - Cradled In Black Arms

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South Africa’s Forfeit Thee Untrue is a metalcore hybrid with clean & unclean vocals that have their own unique sound. I like many South African bands including The Awakening, Neshamah & Tree63, but FTU (as opposed to TFU-Training for Utopia-catch the reference?!) has quickly risen to my top 5 for that country. Originally started as a 2 piece, they have evolved into 3 as 4 others have come & gone. They are currently signed to Rottweiler Records & this review is in hopes that their new album will be released soon  I was going to review the Pantera-esque Halo Crippled (released in October 2019), but looks like one was already done last year.… Continued →

February 6, 2021

Song of the Day: Silverstar - Love Sonnet

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Silverstar was a 4 man band that released one LP. The electronic influence is surefire & the guy who provided it ended up starting another one-off project titled Gathering Of Souls. The song featured here has a Smashing Pumpkins vibe & has been featured on a Ballistic Test Productions comp & even a HM compilation. I love the lyrical portion where the vocalist sings “I Stand free in Jesus’ name!” at 3:03. It can be pretty hard to find information on many of these older releases so feel free to chime in if you know more about them.… Continued →

February 3, 2021

Song of the Day: Temple Of The Times - Requiem For The Lost Children

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Blacklight Records Californian Temple of the Times was a 2 man fare that released an EP & several remixes of the song featured here. Anthony Roberts & Bikos have created an industrial EBM laden hybrid which will surely be enjoyed by those into the softer industrial/darkwave genre.  I actually played a track of their EP on my latest Ripper Radio show. Beware, the song is different from my normal spectrum & will appeal to fans of Skinny Puppy, Circle Of Dust, Argyle Park, etc…… Continued →

February 1, 2021

Song of the Day: Re:Zound - Breathe (W/ Growl)

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Formed under the name Switch in 1997, Arizona’s Re:zound switched their name after finding another band w/ the same name. Ironically, there is a current pop/synth Christian band also called Switch!  Well, Re:zound is one of those rock bands that turned into primary worship music before most had. Their second LP Re:Worship was released a couple times w/ new tracks added & is actually really good w/ great tracks such as Majesty, Great I Am, & one of my fave worship songs of all time In This Place.… Continued →

January 30, 2021

Song of the Day: Tragedy Ann - Eugene

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Much like the song Hey Gene by The Choir, this song is an homage to the late Gene Eugene who fronted mainly Adam Again, but also conspired on various other projects. Tragedy Ann’s band members have risen from the ashes of one of my fave 90s bands Sometime Sunday (especially their Stone release) & then went to start a rock ‘n roll worship band literally called The Rock & Roll Worship Circus. This song reminds us to be humble no matter what our profession is and inspire others to look to our Saviour Jesus.… Continued →

January 27, 2021

Metalcore Collab: Our Eternity - Bloodstained

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Fit For A King vocalist Ryan Kirby (band whom is on my bucket list to see live) & Currents guitarist Chris Wiseman (whom I have seen live last year) have teamed up for this new band Our Eternity. Starting with a keyboard intro then crescendoing into almost a black metal scream before erupting into a metalcore verse complete with clean & unclean vocals is how this barnburner rolls. To hear this & other loud music, tune in to the Castingsuchathinshadow radio show on Ripper Radio from 6-7 pm CST. … Continued →

January 25, 2021

Song of the Day: Underoath - Casting Such A Thin Shadow

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It was inevitable for me to write the review on one of my fave songs of all time. This band brings back so many memories for me. I first heard of them through an indie Christian online radio website out of Florida (no wonder I know!). I was stationed as an active duty soldier in South Carolina, Back in those days, they were dabbling in unblack metal with great full lengths/EPs Act of Depression & Cries of the Past. I bought a drum set shortly afterwards!… Continued →

January 23, 2021

Song of the Day: Eternal Decision - Overflow

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Eternal Decision had gotten some flack about sounding too much like early Metallica (a la ED’s song Hunger) just like another metal band, Jesus Freaks.  I don’t mind because a lot of music sounds like so & so. This song, pulled from their 1997 Godfather Records S/T, in particular was destined to be a fave of mine because of the Scooby Doo intro! I’ve even had some Facebook conversations with vocalist Joe Chambless & drummer Bill Meeks some years ago. Some other bands the members were in worth checking out are Awake which does 2 greats More Like You & Carry Me along with a more laid band rock band Veehr that has the catchy Everyone.… Continued →

January 20, 2021

Song of the Day: Veni Domine -Eli Lema Sabachtani

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I admit, in spite of my wide voray into the annals of endless genres of Christian music, I did not familiarize myself with the progressive, doom or power metal genres until recently. Yes, I liked some songs from what I would later come to realize as these styles such as Fourth Estate’s instrumental Poet’s Lament & Paramecium’s I’m Not To Blame. I have since grown fond of greats such as Theocracy (my personal fave), Narnia, ReinXeed (who do fantastic covers), Golden Resurrection, etc… Sweden’s Veni Domine (Latin for Hear My Prayer, O Lord) plays a mix of the aforementioned genres & there is no denying lead vocalist Fredrik Sjöholm can sing.… Continued →

January 18, 2021

Song of the Day: Chaotic Resemblance - Sound Of The Saints

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Oklahoma’s Chaotic Resemblance plays music reminiscent of 80s hard rock/glam metal. This review is in high expectations of their upcoming release which will probably sport their most current single Unto The Lamb which features Stryper’s very own Oz Fox who has undergone some health issues recently but is recovering. Plus, they just have a cool name & my buddy Kelly & I got the chance to see them live a couple years back before this whole Covid hit. They have new pretty cool t-shirts as well on their site: https://chaoticresemblance.com/collections/all… Continued →

January 16, 2021

Song of the Day: The Beautiful Mistake - On Building

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California’s The Beautiful Mistake is one of my faves from The Militia Group label which sports greats such as The Rocket Summer (whom I’ve seen live!), Copeland, Brandtson (whom I’ve also seen live!) & Acceptance, just to name a few. Their most recent 2020 release, EP You’re Not Broken, I Am, continued the post hardcore/emo trend they became known for. They have played a few Christian fests including TomFest back in 2002. The following is my fave from them and I dare say dabbled in the math rock genre.… Continued →

January 13, 2021

Song of the Day: Massivivid - Forgiven

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Ever heard of Deitiphobia? Massivivid is what became of Wally Shaw’s (founder of Deitiphobia) musical endeavours. Likened to Nine Inch Nails, the music is more guitar driven than his previous. I remember hearing Wally’s music back in the mid 90s & loved the song Red Society when industrial was at its peak in the mainstream. My email address back then was even industrial_remixx! Well time has progressed & Massivivid even won a Dove award in the Christian market with 1998s Hard music Album of the Year.… Continued →

January 12, 2021

Song of the Day: Mortification - Standing at the Door of Death

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So this review is partially due to a music review veteran Kevin Crothers’ latest top 10 video for Mortification on his YouTube channel in lieu of his White Throne Metal Radio show.  I myself, have been a die-hard Morty fan since probably circa 1996 when a friend of mine in high school gave me ripped copies of Circle of Dust S/T, Mortification-Best of 5 Years & Sixpence’s This Beautiful Mess. I know, a rather all over the place in genres! I really dug Morty’s sound. At the time, the heaviest stuff I had ever heard (& still pretty darn heavy) was from Living Sacrifice’s Darkened & Crimson Thorn’s Your Carcass.… Continued →

January 9, 2021

Song of the Day: With Open Eyes - Winds Of Change

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I dig most “core” music genres, & there are tons of them (metalcore, screamo, nintendocore, etc…). One of my faves is electronicore which fuses unclean (growled or screamed vocals) with clean & double bass pedals & a lone keyboardist (which this song has the perfect mix of imho. Formed in Rock Hill, SC, at a pentecostal church, WOE i one of my friends son’s band. My friend Paul Gaskin is the youth & children’s pastor of the church which is also known for a Helloween event that showcases a “haunted house scenario”, but shows how life’s end can be very scary without our Saviour Jesus.… Continued →

January 6, 2021

Song of the Day: Miss Angie - Lift My Eyes

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Angie Turner is the given name for soloist Miss Angie who has been releasing music since 1997. She was married to Oran from Johnny Q Public (whom I saw back in probably circa in their hometown of Springfield, MO). 2 LPs were released in the 90s that went to the Christian market. Consisting of what I would consider 60s esque/bubblegum/hard alternative rock music, the music was hip & akin to Veruca Salt or what I think Avril Lavigne would have made if in the Christian market.… Continued →

January 4, 2021

Song of the Day: Jaded Thorns - 130

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Jaded Thorns were a grunge band that hailed from New York . Releasing 2 LPs & disbanding, this was a band that I wished for more of.  It is hard to find much on them as their record label did not last long. Both Epiphany & Things My Father Taught Me were on Word of Mouth (The Roosevelts, Sides of the North, Mending Point, Poor Man’s Riches). A few songs hit radio: Epiphany, Remnants, Lie Awake & Lost In The Moment & the one featured. The lyrics come straight from Psalm 130 verse 1: “If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand?… Continued →

January 2, 2021

Song of the Day: B.U.C.K. - Next

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Starting this new year off right with some fun ska music from B.U.C.K. (building Up Christ’s Kingdom) aka Buck Enterprises. This Detroit, MI six piece band released a few albums before disbanding. I remember writing a college paper on ska & B.U.C.K would be classified as 3rd wave ska. Their 1998 self-titled release featured more horns than the second & featured a cartoon character which appeared to be skanking in a raincoat while holding up a checkered black & white ball which are the normal colors for ska music.… Continued →

December 29, 2020

Song of the Day: Gone Hazel - Daybreak

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My last review of 2020 & yet another band from the archives! This band was extremely hard to track down. Heard this song Daybreak on an indie Christian website/station back while stationed in the military. My guess is that this song was released during the old mp3.com download days. It took me probably 15 years before I tracked down a hard copy. There is another band called Gone Hazel, but I do not believe it is the same band. Anyways, finally got a hold of this 2 song demo release on Ebay from a seller whom I am guessing used to be a DJ as was selling rare stuff such as promotional releases from artists. … Continued →

December 24, 2020

Song of the Day: Tiller Paul - Leave Me Here

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Here’s another obscure band from the archives. First heard them on an indie Christian rock station/website & they seemed to have an Americana/grunge flair. They appear to have a full length called Flicker that was released in 1999, but I have not heard that one (but, totally just ordered)! I picked up 2 of their EPs (Self-titled & The Lazy I Sessions” for a high price back several years ago. Anyways, this song is catchy & I dig it & hope you do also!… Continued →