i'd like to start getting more reviews and interviews out there but don't really know where to start. should i get a list of magazines to mail press packs to? what about blogs? anyone here run one that might be interested in getting some stuff for consideration? kind fo lost on this.

Kat is the mistress of promotion ask her.

Something i struggle with too.
For blogs / webzines: Just make a list of decent ones and send out digital and physical promos
For magazines: You will probably need to be a bit more professional (have a one-sheet to accompany your physical promo).

If you find out anything else, Andy, let me know!

I write for Zero Tolerance and will happily pitch stuff for review inclusion. I can't always guarantee that it will get in the magazine, even if I've written and submitted a full review, but we have dedicated sections for small releases/demos and noise/PE/experimental alongside the usual metal bits.

Touring, word of mouth is probably the best promotion.
I consider it the hobby part, after the creation process is the working part, the job is the unfortunate distraction.
I prioritize printed matter over online review sites, but that doesn't necessarily mean I've had much luck in that arena.

Sites that will definitely review anything physical are vital weekly, and animal psi, they both seem to have decent readership, but vital has inconsistencies in quality depending on the writer.

I have a radio show in Chicago that is also syndicated in Croatia, I write for Special Interests Magazine and WFMU Blog. I don't promise reviews at all, I only review something that I feel like I need to. I will widely disseminate my honest opinion of a release in text, minimum of 333 words for $10, which means I will listen at least 4 times before I give a negative review, but not on the aforementioned publications. Most people tell me "that's not how journalism works". And that's fine, the offer stands.

Below is the address for potential airplay items, if anyone is looking for airplay from these hungry and impoverished ears....

88.7 WLUW-FM
c/o The Arvo Fingers Delirious Insomniac Freeform Radio Show
820 N. Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60611
USA

Write a lot of places. Offer to send physical copies for reviews.

Stonerobixxx is generally a pretty good one, he usually accepts requests to put your stuff up on his blog, and shitloads of people read it.

You should send one to the e-zine that I write for: http://www.lordsofmetal.nl/index.php?lang=en

There are also people you can pay to do it for you if you have the money. I've used a PR person and you definitely get more exposure than doing it yourself. If you don't have the money, go to the online blogs/magazines you like and look up their contact information. They usually have an e-mail address to send promos. In the e-mail, offer to send a physical copy.