NYS Music 20​13

Category: Metal/Hard Rock/Punk

  • Preview: Thriller A Metal Tribute To Michael Jackson

    Thriller Tribute Cd Cover ArtCleopatra Records is set to release a rather interesting compilation cd on Oct. 22, 2013. Thriller: A Metal Tribute To Michael Jackson, with artists past and present on this project, I am really hoping that this is going to be a really good cover album and not a bust. I guess it all depends on the musical arrangements for each track for success, and I can’t wait to see what these artists come up with.

    Although it’s labeled as “Thriller,” it is not a cover of the “Thriller” album itself, but rather many of MJ’s hits are covered instead. In fact, 13 songs are covered on the disc. I wish the Three Days Grace’s cover of “Give In To Me” made it on the cd and rounded it out at 14 tracks.

    Nonpoint’s Elias Soriano is on the track “Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground).” Chris Jericho of Fozzy does a version of “Dirty Diana.” Asking Alexandria’s Donny Worsnop and Mr. Big’s Billy Sheehan are one the track “Man In The Mirror,” and the cd would not be complete without the Alien Ant Farm cover of “Smooth Criminal.”

    Track Listing for Thriller : A Metal Tribute

    1. Thriller – Chuck Billy ( Testament )
    2. Man In The Mirror – Danny Worsnop ( Asking Alexandria) Billy Sheehan ( Mr. Big)
    3. The Way You Make Me Feel – Angelo Moore (Fishbone) Doug Aldrich (Whitesnake) Rudy Sarzo (Queensryche)
    4. Black Or White – Lajon Witherspoon (Sevendust) Bruce Kulick (ex-Kiss) Tony Franklin (The Firm)
    5. Beat It – Pirya Panda (Diemonds) Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal (Guns N’ Roses)
    6. Billy Jean – Corey Glover (Living Colour) Phil Campbell (Moterhead)
    7. Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground) – Elias Soriano ( Nonpoint)
    8. Rock With You – Doug Pinnick (King’s X)
    9. Dirty Diana – Chris Jericho (Fozzy)
    10. Bad – Paul Dianno (ex-Iron Maiden) Craig Goldy (Dio)
    11. They Don’t Care About Us – Icarus Witch
    12. Never Can Say Goodbye – Lonnie Jordan (War)
    13. Smooth Criminal – Alien Ant Farm

  • Spirit of flight lost on Psycroptic

    Those who often travel usually have horror stories to share about missing luggage, or being bumped from their flight.  The members of death metal band Psycroptic recently joined that fraternity, in a most inconvenient way.

    Psycroptic is a death metal band out of Tasmania, Australia. They’ve been together for 14 years and have a strong following based on their Facebook page, which has more than 96 thousand likes.  Their most recent release was “The Inherited Repression” in February 2012.

    Based on their Facebook page , Psycroptic was in the midst of closing out a tour across Europe when they were apparently stranded in Moscow, Russia.

    On Monday, the band took to Facebook and Twitter with the following:

    image

    Though there was no response from the band via Twitter, it appears they were able to reach their destination, albeit later than they had anticipated.

    Qantas is Australia’s largest airline, the oldest continuously operated airline in the world, and boasts to never having lost a jet airliner nor had any fatal accidents – outside of World War II.  The band pokes fun of the airliner’s company slogan: Spirit of Australia.

  • Heart of Hand, bassist split

    heart

    It was reported Monday that Brit-rockers, Heart of Hand had parted ways with their bassist, Carl Martin.

    The band released a statement over Facebook and Twitter recognizing Martin for being there “from the start” and complimenting him for playing “a huge part [in] shaping Heart in Hand into what it is today.”

    The announcement did not go into detail into why they decided to sever ties with one another, only in that there were no “hard feelings” and that Martin was moving on to other ventures.

    When I reviewed their CD “Almost There” this past May, Martin was not listed among the band members (and that’s likely my fault).  Nonetheless, I found the core musicians within the band to be extremely talented, even likening them to Dream Theatre.  Overall, the instrument play was sharp and had nothing but compliments to share for them.  It will be interesting to see how his departure will effect the band’s overall sound.

    No other news could be found about where Martin is going next.

  • Voice of Gen-X Pearl Jam rings out with Lightning Bolt

    Pearl Jam to tour, release tenth studio album Lightning Bolt Oct. 15th

    Twenty-two years have come and passed since the release of Pearl Jam’s Ten, eclipsing the career of former NBA point-guard Mookie Blaylock, to whose jersey number the band paid homage. But, unlike an aged athlete who fails to recognize the time to retire, Pearl Jam has retained their relevancy through a sound which has matured along with the generation it initially helped define.

    Pearl Jam was born out of the hot cauldron that was the Seattle grunge movement of the early ‘90s. It was a revolution in both music and image.  It revolted against the pop-synth sound that dominated the Top 40 with heavy bass and lyrics that told stories of depression and ostracism. And, where television’s Beverly Hills 90210 portrayed rich, preppy teenagers in the midst of decadence in sunny California, followers often times embraced a hippy look complete with long hair, Birkenstocks, baggy clothes and plaid. Bassist Jeff Ament and guitarist Stone Gossard achieved success earlier as members of the band Mother Love Bone. However, the unfortunate death of their frontman, Andrew Wood, not only served as a harbinger for a heroine-infested scene that would also see the premature deaths of Layne Staley (Alice in Chains), Kurt Cobain (Nirvana) and Shannon Hoon (Blind Melon), it created an opportunity to introduce wordsmith and vocalist,  Eddie Vedder.

    Through the years, Pearl Jam has captured listeners with existential lyrics and garage rock sound that continues to speak to members of Generation X, who grew up along with the band.

    Generation X, in general, is characterized by openly acknowledging and embracing social diversity in terms of  race, class, religion, ethnicity, culture, language, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Unlike their predecessors who challenged leaders with an intent to replace them, Gen X’ers are less likely to idolize leaders and are more inclined to work toward long-term institutional and systematic change through economic, media and consumer actions. Views, in which, coincide with those of Pearl Jam as well.

    Throughout its career, Pearl Jam has promoted wider social and political issues, from pro-choice sentiments to opposition to George W. Bush’s presidency. Vedder acts as the band’s spokesman on these issues. The band has promoted an array of causes, including awareness of Crohn’s disease, which McCready suffers from, and Ticketmaster venue monopolization. Gossard has also been active in environmental pursuits, and has been an advocate of Pearl Jam’s carbon neutral policy, offsetting the band’s environmental impact.

    In 2011, Pearl Jam was named Planet Defenders by Rock The Earth for their environmental activism and their large-scale efforts to decrease their own carbon emissions.

    To date, the band has sold more than 31.5 million records in the United States and an estimated 60 million worldwide.  Pearl Jam has outlasted and outsold many of its contemporaries, and is one of the most influential bands. And, come October 14th, the band will be releasing their tenth studio album, Lightning Bolt, to an international audience (October 15thfor domestic release). The release will be followed by a two-leg tour in North America during October and November, then they will headline the Big Day Out festival in Australia and New Zealand in 2014.

    PJ_LightningBolt_COVERARTThis 12-song compilation is a signature Pearl Jam experience. Of which, the first three song, “Getaway”,” Mind Your Manners” and “My Father’s Son”, harkens to their garage punk influences. Most notably of this is Manners, a fast-paced, in your face , anthem which McCready has already professed to being influenced by the Dead Kennedys. It’s true to its influence, and comes off as a genuine piece of their own. It’s followed by “My Father’s Son” an introspective look at the narrator, with a foreboding and nostalgic sound that carries a similar fingerprint to Vs.   “Pendulum”, somber and haunting in tone, is yet another song that shares that same similarity that longtime fans will recognize.

    Aside from two ballads, which will be mentioned in a moment, the CD transitions from garage-punk to classic rock, which McCready recently described as having a “Pink Floyd vibe”.  Matt Cameron’s drum play does present a classic-rock presence throughout the majority of the album.  The title track “Lightning Bolt” is an arena rock piece, heavy on McCready’s guitar play, something that should be fun to hear live. The boys, however, seem to go farther back than Floyd on “Let the Records Play,” a piece played in a honkey-tonk style, made popular in the ‘50s, that showcases Ament’s rhythm guitar.

    In addition to honkey-tonk, “Sleeping By Myself” is yet another stretch from the expected.  It’s a song originally recorded for Vedder’s solo album, Ukulele Songs. As implied, the ukulele takes the forefront in this sweet, laidback piece on unrequited love.

    “Sirens”, which was just released last month, breaks us from the punk inspired songs of the first three tracks.  It’s a beautifully penned ballad by McCready, where the narrator, a “grateful man”, confesses his fears of possibly losing his lover due to poor choices he has made.  This is one of two noteworthy ballads; the other being “Future Days”, the twelfth track on the album.  Days opens with the elegant piano play of Boom Gaspar, but is predominately played on acoustic guitar. With touching lyrics – “I believe, ‘cause I can see, our future days. Days of you and me.”– Days is a love song that will certainly be played as the first dance for couples on their wedding day.

    Lightning Bolt is Pearl Jam’s first album in five years, and has been well worth the wait.  Producer Brendan O’Brien  masterfully facilitates transitions from one song to the next, each blending well in both tempo and style of play.  Longtime fans will embrace such songs as Manners, My Father’s Son, and Pendulum for nostalgic reasons.   But, overall, Pearl Jam has refined their sound, pushed out enough to make things fresh, that I believe there are plenty of gems here to make this CD a worthwhile purchase for even the casual fan. Each song has the potential to stay with you, long after you stopped playing it.

    For more information, visit Pearl Jam at www.pearljam.com.

  • One Last Shot Interview with Jeremy Miller

    One Last Shot is a Punk band hailing from Syracuse is anything less than heavy hitting. With heavy hitting vocals and powerful instrumentals to go along with it these guys will leave you pumped and angst wanted more. I had a chance to talk with Jeremy (vocals) about the band and their hush hush Halloween album release.

    Me: First off how did you guys meet? Were you high school buds? Random meet up somewhere and happened to hook up?

    Jeremy: The line up changed over the years, but the current member’s were all connected by friends of friends in the music community.

    Me: How did you guys come up with your name?

    Jeremy: The original members took the old name “One More Shot, One Last Chance” and consolidated it to “One Last Shot”

    Me: Is it a reference to hockey or does it have anything to do with being the underdog coming up and giving it one last shot at your dreams?

    Jeremy: It’s about anyone giving it one last shot at dreams, or anything at life that they are trying to do which seems impossible.

    Me: Who are some of your influence in music and or in your personal lives that make you do what you do?

    Jeremy: We all musically have different influences. But what I’ve noticed is we all have a love for music in our scene made in the early 2000’s.

    Me: How does the writing process go for you guys?

    Jeremy: It can happen in many ways, whoever has a musical idea, they bring it to the table and we go off of it. Currently we’ve been locked in a room surrounded by extreme horror movies every other day writing.

    Me: Speaking of writing process, I heard there was an album coming out soon! Would you care to shed some light one that?

    Jeremy: We’ve put so much time into this. Almost over a year and a half of ideas and writing. All songs are written and in a week we go in to record it. Oh and its 12 all new songs.

    Me: Date, people your working with?

    Jeremy: The album will be out on Halloween (Naturally). We’re working with a lot of people, but I will not be able to drop that bomb yet. The one I will tell you we’re working with is Steve Sopchak at Square Studios again. I wouldn’t have it any other way. He’s the best at what he does.

    Me: Album art?

    Jeremy: Not yet.

    Me: I know your a horror movie fan Jeremy, can you tell us…..Whats your favorite scary movie haha

    Jeremy: I have too many favorites. They are a huge influence on me and my art. The other members are really into horror movies too, so it works well.

    Me: The music video for “Guilt Like a Guillotine” did you direct and produce that yourself or did you bring outside influence?

    Jeremy: We had the nice folkes at Night Force Video help with it for fun before there was a such thing as Night Force Video. They will be doing our next one as well.

    Me: What were the trials and tribulations that went into making the video?

    Jeremy: Ummm… It was a quick thing, nothing too hard or serious. We will be taking way more time and putting a lot into the next one. It’s going to be awesome.

    Me: Lets take a step away from the music and talk about the Straight Edge lifestyle?

    Jeremy: Sure. It’s a clean lifestyle away from drugs, alcohol and promiscuous sex.

    Me: Ive been hearing about a diffusion in the community, would you like to talk about that a bit?

    Jeremy: I honestly don’t do it for the community or care what goes on in it. I know that may sound disrespectful, but I mean no disrespect. I don’t do it for the community or care about a few assholes in it. No matter what you do, there will always be jerks messing with it and giving it a bad name. I just do it for me and for my health, and if I’m happy with myself that’s all that matters.

    Me: Any last words or stuff you’d like to throw out there that hasn’t been said or upcoming projects?

    Jeremy: Just expect this new album to be a flash from the past but in present time.

    Look out for them in a venue near you and check them out on any one of these links below!

    Website:

    http://www.onelastshotband.com/#store

    Facebook:

    https://www.facebook.com/onelastshot

    PureVolume:

    http://www.purevolume.com/onelastshot315

    Myspace:

    https://myspace.com/onelastshot

    Reverbnation:

    Throw my page a like on Facebook:

    https://www.facebook.com/315StreetTeam

  • Review: 95 X Fest

    Twenty Two bands for $20! What!!! With a lineup that consists of Sick Puppies, Adam Gontier, Nonpoint, Trapt, Otherwise and more, how can you go wrong for $20!!! Add eleven of some of the area’s best local talent and you have this year’s 95 X fest.

    Held at the F Shed in Syracuse N.Y., I was kind of skeptical of this venue until I got there. The F Shed is like a big warehouse or, like its name, a shed. A huge shed, in fact, but really nice inside. So, like me, don’t judge the place until you actually see it, because it’s actually a really good venue for a concert.

    There were eleven local area bands, and they all sounded pretty good. So all you concert promoters out there looking for some good opening acts for future shows, check out the list of local bands that kicked @$$ on this show. You really can’t go wrong with any of them.

    First on the main stage was Another Lost Year. This is a really good up-and-coming band. Their singles are getting a lot of airplay on XM Octane. Their sound check went a little longer than they wanted, so they had to cut their set a little short, but this band still rocked the place. They connected and played to the crowd really well.

    Next up was a band I knew nothing about, but now I know very well. Allele took the main stage second. Front man Wally Wood has endless energy. I think he stood on the rail and sang with the crowd for half his performance.

    Girl On Fire is now the third band to play on the main stage. Their current single, “The Takedown,” is really hot. These guys put on a great live performance. During one song, singer Austin Held’s mic went dead, which prompted him to slam it on the ground in frustration. He then grabbed another mic and hit the next note right on cue.

    Mindset Evolution was the fourth band to play the main stage. Their current single, “Burn It Down,” is also played a lot on XM Octane. These guys won Battle Of The Bands in 2012, and they have really grown since a year ago when they were on the Uproar Festival. ME put in a really good live performance.

    Devour The Day was the fifth band to grace the main stage. Former Egypt Central members Joey Chicago and Blake Allison make up half the band. Their current single, “Good Man,” is in heavy rotation on the radio. I forgot how much energy these guys have. Insane! They will be touring with Hinder later this year so make sure you go and check them out.

    One of my favorite up and coming bands that were a late addition to this show’s lineup were slated in the sixth spot on the main stage. Otherwise took the stage next and brought the house down. Otherwise is one of the best live bands you could see. I love watching Adrian and the boys rock it. If you have never seen Otherwise, all I can say is what the hell are you waiting for? Adrian just connects with the crowd and pulls you in. Bassist Vassilios and Guitarist Andrew were so energized, I think they drank a whole case of Red Bull or something before the show. Vassilios even jumped in the crowd and played bass around all the fans for an entire song, which prompted Adrian to say “please don’t kill our bassist”.

    Disturbed members Mike and Dan, along with Evans Blue Member and singer Dan, make up the next band that were in the seventh spot on the main stage. Fight Or Flight were up next and they were better than I thought. I wasn’t feeling their cd that much yet, and their single, “First Of The Last,” is OK, but their live performance is really good. In fact, they were so good live you would think that they were a band for many years performing together.

    Trapt gets the eighth spot on the show. Trapt played a good mix of old and new tracks. They always put in a great live performance, but I prefer them on a more intimate stage setting. Singer Chris Taylor Brown makes you feel his emotions as he sings and is a great performer. Their current single, “Eye Of The Storm,” is starting to get a lot of airplay on the radio.

    This next band is another must-see band if you have never seen them. In the ninth spot on the main stage was Nonpoint. Elias and the boys are so much fun to watch live. They just come out and Kick @$$ form start to finish. I had the chance to hang out with the boys for a little bit on their tour bus, and we had a really random discussion about mushrooms. We also had a debate on who has better pizza, New York or Chicago?

    Former front man for Three Days Grace, Adam Gontier, was slated in the tenth spot for this show. I haven’t ever seen 3DG with Adam. Matt is a great fill in, but when I heard Adam sing those songs I was blown away. Adam said to the crowd, “Isn’t it nice to hear the guy who wrote the songs, sing the songs?” Adam is just amazing live, and at one point near the end of his set he climbed the scaffolding all the way up to the lights and just hung there for a bit. I thought he was going to jump into the crowd, but after hanging for a couple of minutes he came back down.

    Sick Puppies is slated as the headliners for this event. Shimon and the gang always put on a great show. I was watching them pump each other up backstage before their performance. Shimon really likes talking to the crowd before every song, which can be a little overkill. When you have been at a festival all day and you’re the last act please keep the talking to a minimum. A large stage means more room for Emma to jump and spin around on stage. This girl is just amazing live, and I don’t think I would ever get tired of watching her play. Anzai is of the best bassists you could ever see live.

    This was a really good event and one of my favorite concerts of the year. This event was very fan-friendly with all of the bands signing autographs at different times under the autograph tent. That, to me, is what a music festival should have. It’s really nice to shoot the $#!t with your favorite artist for a couple of minutes and get something signed or take a picture with them.

    Photographer JT Gilbert took a lot of really nice pictures of this event, and his one of Nonpoint is f’in awesome. If Nonpoint ever makes a live dvd, that pic should be the cover.

    I also got to exchange a few words with Dan from Disturbed/Fight or Flight. He was drinking some really good red wine in a plastic solo cup. After I asked him what he was drinking, he told me, “Hey I have to switch it up from beer every now and then.” Funny.

    I also got to hold Adam Gontier’s Terminator-inspired mic stand which had to weigh about fifty pounds.

    Congrats to 95 X for putting on a really great event, despite the fact that a rival radio station that had their own event a week earlier pulled a classless move and held a free concert the same time and day of this event. I didn’t matter though, because on this day this was the place to be.

  • Candlebox event opens the new Oswego County Event Center (Part 1 of 2)

    The Syracuse area has a new home for live rock ‘n’ roll and it couldn’t be more beautiful.  A short drive north of the city brings you to Pennelville (only 5 minutes from Great Northern Mall).  Behind the community’s fire station is a brand new stage that is strong enough to handle two important things that a lot of other local outdoor venues can’t handle: the weather and bands with a lot of gear.  The stage also has two back entrances that make it easy for events requiring fast transitions to keep the show moving and the crowds entertained. The venue is going by the name Oswego County Event Center and it has already hosted its first two shows this year.

    We were lucky enough to make it to both incredible shows.  The venue’s first event was headlined by 90’s alternative giant Candlebox, along with national touring acts Open Air Stereo and Syn City Cowboys as well as several local acts.  The second show brought 80’s rockers Skid Row along with the guys from Syn City Cowboys coming back for an encore performance.

    On Sunday, August 18th after a long drive from Saratoga County to Oswego County photo editor and staff writer Jim Gilbert was welcomed at the brand new venue.  The gates opened up early and the show kicked off around noon.  Local bands rocked their asses off throughout the day and Labatts was flowing at the incredible event price of five bottles for $20.  How is that for event pricing?  The food wasn’t expensive either and very tasty.

    Far From Over was the first band of the day and they are an impressive display of young talent, strong vocals and overall good sound.  These kids were on the stage earlier in the summer for 95X-Fest and will be promoted in the line-up from opener into a more prominent spot over the next year.  Lead singer, Zac Birdslow, got his foot in the door by being a roadie for other local bands, and started singing himself at 16.  Based out of Hannibal, Far From Over has been together for two years and are looking to release an EP in November of this year.  Their influences range from Papa Roach and A Day to Remember to Taking Back Sunday.

    Next up on the main stage for the Candlebox show was Kilter, another Syracuse band with a great hard rock sound.  Kilter put on a solid performance as concert goers continued to stream through the gates.  If you are looking for a melodic rock band that still has the balls to kick your ass, you really should check these guys out.

    If a band could change in a short few months Catastrophe Me succeeded.  The lead guitar shredded and vocals were a lot more solid than a couple months ago.  As the set progressed the band really seemed to come together with the highlights coming from their self-titled song “Catastrophe Me” and a decent exchange of clean and unclean vocals. The final song, “Winter”, combined quality harmonies, great lyrics and left the crowd with a positive memory of Catastrophe Me.

    What do you get when you know how to blend guitars, bass and drums in the right way?  Storm Cell.  Good sound from obviously quality musicians.  Avenged Sevenfold just released a new album highlighting sounds from classic heavy metal and hard rock days; Storm Cell brings that old sound back in a refreshing way.  Smooth transitions from vocals to lead guitar and back to vocals.  At times the band seemed a little green, but nothing that time in the practice studio and more performances won’t correct.

    The next local band name, Agrestic, brought up memories of Mary-Louise Parker and her hit series Weeds.  By definition, agrestic means rural or unpolished.  Agrestic, the band, took the stage with a lot of good energy and they sounded much more refined than their name suggests.  As the line-up of the afternoon show moved on the professionalism of the musicians seemed to grow.  That’s a testament to the hard work that the promoter and organizers do to make sure things move along and the audience stays engaged.  Agrestic’s band members were crisper, cleaner sounding and it was evident that there were years of playing on the stage.

    When Enemy Down took the stage, there was a bit of a swagger, a little bit of cockiness in the band.  When they started playing I began to understand why.  They pumped out a tight sound, reminiscent of 90’s alternative with strong vocals and powerful lyrics.  The 315 rock scene is alive and well and the fans in the Syracuse area couldn’t be luckier to have such a wide variety of talent readily available.  The cockiness I sensed went along with that alternative, not quite punk, feel that the band personified.  They were doing their thing and if you liked it, that’s okay and if you didn’t, that’s okay too.  Highlights were an incredible bass and duo vocals that played really well off each other.  If you want to see musicians that have taken time to fine-tune their craft as well as their style, without seeming like they tried too hard, Enemy Down is a local must-see.

    It was slightly confusing why The Hellfish was on this bill, but they were and the crowd seemed to really love them.  They brought a large following of thirty-and-forty-somethings and maybe even a few fifty-somethings.  This is your classic feel good bar band.  The songs were about beer, last calls and partying.  There was even an Irish ditty.  In a different setting this band might have worked out great, but my eyes were burning a hole into my watch waiting for the time that some more kick ass, throw out, balls out rock and roll hit the stage.

    Luckily it wasn’t too long before Bound for the Floor took the stage and even more people crowded, huddled together in the shade at the front of the stage as the sun began to set in the backdrop.  Deep raspy vocals and an old grunge sound with a little harder twist, Bound for the Floor started out as a 90’s cover band and turned their efforts into producing some original rock.  The bass carried the songs through their paces and even though the band was only a few months old, the promise of a bright future was definitely there.  Good vibes emanated from the stage and the crowd soaked them up.  Oswego County was digging the new venue and the nationals hadn’t even hit the stage yet.

    Check the site tomorrow for Part 2 of this incredible show.  More photos and more updates on Syn City Cowboys from Kansas City, Open Air Stereo from Southern California, local Crows Cages and of course, Candlebox.

  • Review: Rockstar Mayhem Festival

    Saratoga Springs may be known for its natural springs or its historic racetrack, but it’s time to talk about the annual Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival that invaded the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) July 20, 2013. What a perfect day for an outdoor music festival.

    With 15 bands, autograph stations, all the free Rockstar drinks you can handle and the other free stuff they give away, it’s definitely worth the price of admission to this one-time-a-year event.

    This was my first time attending the Mayhem Festival and also my first time seeing some of these bands live, so I was kind of excited.

    Kicking things off on the Musician’s Institute (MI) stage was Thrown Into Exile. They opened the show with great energy and front man, Evan, was really good on the mic, and set the tone for the rest of the show. After their set make sure to drop by the MI tent and meet the band. Some really cool dudes there.

    Next up kicking things off on the Jagermeister stage was Huntress. Jill Janus is just awesome. Her facial expressions are just priceless. She’s a metal throwback for those of you who don’t like the current direction of this genre.

    Back on the MI stage was Attika 7. Not part of the original Mayhem lineup replacing Behemoth, Attika 7 still kicked some @$$. Former front man of Biohazard, Evan Seinfeld, was pretty funny when he asked the crowed if they have ever seen them before. He said “bull$#!^, we have never been here,” when the crowd responded with cheers of yes. Believe me, it was funny.

    Battlecross was up next on the Jager Stage. This was my second time seeing them perform, and they just keep getting better. Tons of energy and a great bunch of guys, so make sure you go and check them out at their merch tent after their set.

    Motionless In White were performing next on the MI stage and had the younger crowd eating out of their hands. A fan dressed like MIW was holding a sign wanting to be brought on stage because it was his birthday, and Chris not only had him come up on stage for the second to last song, but he even gave him a mic and they sang the song together. After the song, Chris said “ask and you shall receive.” I thought that was some pretty cool $#!^!

    Next up on the Jager stage was the Butcher Babies. Nothing like some hot @$$ rocking out! Tons of energy! Heidi and Carla had the crowd going nuts. This was my first time seeing BB, and I was not disappointed at all.

    Born Of Osiris was next on the MI stage. I personally am not familiar with this band, but the crowd liked them and I thought they were good.

    Job For A Cowboy is now up on the Jager stage.  They brought a whole different attitude to this show. They did nothing but kick @$$. I thought Jonny Davy was going to jump of the stage and into the pit he was so hyped.

    It’s time now for Emmure on the MI stage. Tons of energy and drive in their set. I don’t usually listen to them, but I enjoyed them live.

    Closing things on the Jagermeister stage is Machine Head. Machine Head was really over with the crowd. I only like a few of their songs, but they put on a great live set.

    Closing things on the Musician’s Institute stage was Children Of Bodem. They were over with the crowd as well. CoB is another band I don’t listen to that much, but I enjoyed their live set.

    First up on the main stage is Amon Amarth. I just love their Viking ship stage prop that they had on stage. Amon was pretty damn good and should have had another 15 minutes added to their set time. Here’s a question I have, though: how the hell does Johan not spill one drop of liquid out of his Roordahuizum drinking horn?

    Mastodon was next on the main stage. Now, I don’t know if the heat was finally getting to me or if I was having an energy drink crash but I wanted to fall asleep during their set. Don’t get me wrong, they are great musicians, I just didn’t feel their set at all. The black wig Brent Hinds was wearing was pretty funny though.

    Five Finger Death Punch now takes the main stage, and they just bring it like no one else can. This was my third time seeing 5FDP, and the only thing I did not like was that their set was not long enough. Ivan and the boys are just so good live. The crowd was nuts for them. Ivan wasn’t as energetic as I’ve seen him before, but he still kicked @$$.

    It’s now time for Rob Zombie to close the show out. This was my first time seeing Zombie live, and I must tell you that I cannot wait until I get to see him again. What a show Rob puts on. With all of the different props and costumes it’s a show within a show. John 5 has two of the most bad@$$ guitar’s I’ve ever seen. One was totally transparent with an anti-freeze looking liquid inside it and the other one was made up of a couple hundred white L.E.D lights. Rob even left the stage and ran a lap around the inside of amphitheater. This was a really good show all in all. F’in awesome job, Rockstar, I’ll see you next year.

  • Review: Carnival Of Madness

    Monster Energy Drink’s Carnival of Madness is finally here, and what a tour it is. With a lineup that consists of Shinedown, Papa Roach, Skillet, In This Moment and We As Human, I think this tour should be renamed Carnival of Bad@$$! Held at the Constellation Performing Arts Center in Canandaigua, N.Y., you could not ask for a more beautiful day for a rock show.

    Walking into the venue, everybody was super stoked when we noticed that Papa Roach was in fact there. With all the things going on with Jacoby’s vocals and tour cancelations because of these issues, no one was sure if they were going to make it. Sevendust started the tour, and this is the first show Papa Roach was slated to play on. Rumors even had Avenged Sevenfold replacing them on this show, so with that added to all the vocal issues and the Carnival of Madness Facebook stating that Papa Roach would be there, nobody for sure knew what to expect.

    First up on the Carnival of Madness stage was We As Human. XM Octane has been playing their single “Strike Back,” which is a great song, so I was curious to see these guys live. Justin Cordle was just awesome on vocals. They did a great job getting the crowd ready for the rest of the show.

    In This Moment was up next. Maria and the boys always put on a great energy filled set. Maria is probably one of the only performers I can tolerate standing in one spot for the whole show. This is the first time I got to see Maria with backup dancers, which was pretty cool. The only thing I wish that was different is that they would play some more of their older stuff as well. Oh, well, maybe in November when I see them again on the Hell Pop Tour. In This Moment Also signed autographs in the Monster Energy Drink tent after their set.

    Christian rockers Skillet were slated in the third spot for this show. I really love this band live. I know some people think John Cooper can get a little preachy at times, but if you really listen they are just heartfelt stories he shares. Skillet brought all their props for this one. Yes, they had their usual CO2 blasters, but they also had a stage length l.e.d video wall in the background and two moving platforms next to drummer Jen Ledger that various band members would take turns riding up and down. This band has so much energy live it’s amazing. John was doing this crazy dance that looked like he is having a seizure. Jen literally was rocking the stage, her drums were on as you can see it move back and forth. Korey has an awesome stage presence and newcomer Seth looked like he has been rocking with Skillet for years. I had the chance to meet the band before the show and they are really awesome to shoot the $#!^ with. Jon was kidding with everyone, and Jen is just so nice and polite.

    Jacoby Shaddix of Papa Roach could be seen watching Skillet’s performance from the side of the stage. Barry Kerch of Shinedown was also seen watching Skillet from the other side of the stage.

    Just when you thought the crowd could not get any more pumped up, Papa Roach hit the stage. These guys brought the f’in house down. Jacoby was just on fire and sounded awesome. I could have watched them play all night. Energy turned up to max. They sang a good variety of old and new tracks. Jacoby even did a lap through the crowd during one song.

    Papa Roach also signed autographs under the Monster Energy Drink tent while We As Human were performing at the beginning of the event.

    Every time I see this next band I am never disappointed. Shinedown is the headliner of the Carnival of Madness tour, and this band always brings a show with them. Shinedown is one of the best live bands you could ever see. Flames, sparklers, pyro and fireworks. They also had a Gypsy/Circus troupe that were performing tricks as you walked into the venue, and also joined Shinedown on stage and performed tricks with fire as the boys played. Brent Smith is just vocally amazing live. He really knows how to take over everyone in the venues emotions. Amazing singer. Amazing talker. Amazing performer.  Zack and Eric just have so much energy moving around on stage. They make you want to go up on stage and start jamming with them. Barry is just kick @$$ on the drums. Thanks, bro, for giving me your drumstick after the show!

    This is an amazing tour that every rock fan must see. I drove over three hours to see this event, and it was more than worth it. Monster hit a homerun with this lineup, and I can’t wait to see what they come up with next year.

  • Review: Krockathon 18

    Krockathon 18 was held in the Chevy Court of the N.Y. State fairgrounds. The lineup for this show was just amazing! Sevendust, Skillet, Three Days Grace and Chevelle to name a few.

    Krock even tweaked some things to the venue so they could sell 500 more tickets. The show went pretty smoothly for the most part. The main drawbacks from the fans were that there was no tailgating allowed in the parking lot, and there were not enough beer and food vendor’s. They could have used about 30 more port-a-potties also.

    First up was Stars In Stereo. They got the crowd going for this one. They did a decent cover of Aerosmith’s Dream On. Singer Bec Hollcraft seemed a little reserved at the beginning, but came into her own by the end. She could be a star someday. If I had to compare them to another band, I would have to say that they are like Paramore kicked up a notch.

    All the way from the UK, The Virginmary’s were up next. They were pretty good. I really never heard anything by them, but I really enjoyed their performance. They can definitely rock it live.

    This next band was just amazing live. Aranda, to me, is one of the bands on this bill that stole the show. The Aranda brothers, Dameon and Gabe, have some fun with each other using one guitar and holding it in different positions while the other brother plays it!!! Pretty cool $#!^. I highly recommend Aranda’s “Stop The World“cd. It is just hot from top to bottom. I would really like to see this band play a longer set.

    The next band on the bill was Red. Red had their Graffiti brick wall set up behind them, which I love as a backdrop. Michael Barnes vocals were just right on point. The Armstrong twins just know how to rock, and they have a ton of energy. I’ve seen Red live of couple of times now, and they just bring it to every show. They are also some of the coolest, most down to earth guys you can meet.

    Skillet, who just dropped their “Rise” cd, was next. Here is another band that just stole the show for me. Skillet live is just f’in awesome. Watching Jen Ledger on drums is insane. She just kicks so much @$$ up there. Skillet had their usual co2 pyro in front of the stage. Korey Cooper on guitar and keyboard is just amazing. Watching her rock out is just really fun to watch. The crowd was just nuts for Skillet and John Cooper had them wrapped around his finger. Jen also threw her drumsticks to a fan holding a sign asking her for them, which I though was classy move.

    Asking Alexandria were up next and the crowd loved them. I personally am not a huge fan of theirs, but they do put on a good live set.

    Flyleaf was set to play next. I am really not feeling Kristen May live. The band itself is OK but she is the $#!^’s. It seemed like every song was butchered by her, and it made me sick. I saw them the night before this show, and again I was not impressed.

    Another band I saw the night before was P.O.D. This is when the first of two rain showers started, and it lasted for most of P.O.D’s set. Every time I see this band they kick @$$! I love watching Sonny on stage because you can see how he just feels the lyrics he is singing.

    Well up next, according to front man Phillip LaBonte, is the hardest band on the show! All That Remains took the stage next and, like usual, they just killed it. I’ve seen this band a couple of times now, and I love them more and more.

    One of my favorite bands ever, Sevendust, is now ready to rock the stage. The topless women are now starting to come out in full force. Lajon is one of the best front men in the business to me. I love him on stage. His emotions bring my emotions out more. The whole band just rocks from start to finish. Lajon said halfway through, “We are not rockstars, we just love to play music.” One classy guy, and a very classy band. You’re all rockstars to me!

    I was standing next to a girl at this show who was there for this next band only. Chevelle took the stage and the crowd just loved them. They were really good and sounded awesome.

    Last up is Three Days Grace. The second rain fall is now starting. This is where the only snag took place as 3DG took forever to come out and delayed everyone in the rain for about an half hour. After chants of “WTF” and “this is B.S,” the show finally started. This was my second time seeing Matt sing for 3DG and he is really good. I think I liked him better the first time I saw him, though. The crowd was really over for them and even though it was down pouring rain, it was still awesome.

    What a great event Krockathon was. A couple of things that I would like to see added to next year’s event—besides more vendors and bathrooms—is a more of a festival experience. I think the bands should have been more hands on for the fans. Don’t get me wrong, some were, but not enough. I think if they set it up like Mayhem/Uproar and they had different tents for the different bands. The facility sure looked like they had enough room for it. One thing I didn’t get was the sticker that they passed out at the gate that was for random meet-n-greets with the bands, but I noticed that the Krock staff was also grabbing people who didn’t have stickers instead of the ones who did, which annoyed a lot of people who got there early to get one of the stickers.