Influential underground metal and rock station WSOU celebrates 25 years of metal.

This year marks the 25^th anniversary since WSOU- Pirate Radio, located at Seton Hall University in New Jersey became a groundbreaking name in underground and commercial rock and metal music. As reported recently in The Setonian student paper after switching from a more typical college radio format in 1985 to become “the source for the loudest rock” they made an impact locally and nationally. The student run and faculty-advised station broke new ground and set themselves apart with their format and their daring desire to support a style of music that wasn't typically loved by radio at the time or ever for that matter.

More importantly they helped establish and reinforce the New York and New Jersey area rock and metal scene by playing unsigned and new bands, sponsoring shows and generally being consistent. From underground bands like Carnivore, Whiplash, E-Town Concrete and Pro-Pain to more mainstream bands like Anthrax, Overkill, Type O Negative, Biohazard, Life of Agony and Sepultura and God Forbid; WSOU has played them all. Their ability to help promote underground bands that became huge (Metallica, Pantera and Fear Factory and Korn to name a few were helped by the label's dedication when they were relative unknowns) cannot be understated. If you lived in the northeast of the country and you love rock or metal this station has likely impacted your tastes or your scene in one way shape or form.

Details will be announced soon for a 25^th Anniversary metal concert held at Starland Ballroom in Sayerville, NJ which is likely to have some big named bands. Times have changed, but WSOU is still around. Support them and check out their live stream here.