NYS Music 20​14

Author: Jay Saint G

  • Judas Priest and Steel Panther Announce Tour, Will Play Main Street Armory in Rochester and Barclays Center in Brooklyn

    The metal gods Judas Priest, who embarked on what was thought to be their final tour the previous two years have decided that there is no rest for the wicked and announced a U.S. run with glam metal jokers Steel Panther this fall, with the very first stop at the Main Street Armory in Rochester on Wednesday, October 1 as well as a stop in Brooklyn.  The tour is set as follows:

    Oct. 01 – Rochester, NY – Main Street Armory

    Oct. 03 – Hammond, IN – The Venue at Horseshoe Casino

    Oct. 04 – Louisville, KY – Louder Than Life Fest at Champions

    Oct. 09 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays

    Oct. 10 – Atlantic City, NJ – Harrah’s

    Oct. 11 – Mashantucket, CT – MGM Grand Theater at Foxwood’s

    Oct. 14 – Lowell, MA – Tsongas Center at UMass

    Oct. 15 – Allentown, PA – PPL Center

    Oct. 17 – East Rutherford, NJ – Izod Center

    Oct. 19 – Detroit, MI – Fox Theatre

    Oct. 24 – Baltimore, MD – Pier Six Pavilion

    Oct. 28 – Duluth, GA – The Arena at Gwinnett Center

    Oct. 30 – Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live Arena

    Nov. 06 – Allen, TX – Allen Event Center

    Nov. 07 – Austin, TX – FunFunFun Fest

    Nov. 10 – Los Angeles, CA – Club Nokia

    Nov. 12 – Phoenix, AZ – Jobing Arena

    Nov. 13 – Highland, CA – San Manuel Casino

    Nov. 14 – Las Vegas, NV – The Pearl

    Nov. 16 – San Jose, CA – City National Civic

    Nov. 18 – Salt Lake City, UT – Maverik Center
    Judas Priest are set to release their 17th album Redeemer of Souls on July 8 via Epic Records.  Frontman Rob Halford recently trademarked the term “metal  god” because he wants no one else to ever be known as a “metal god” other than him.  Steel Panther will be supporting last year’s studio effort All You Can Eat.

    Tickets  for the Rochester show will go on sale on July 11 and can be purchased here.

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  • Saving Abel and Syn City Cowboys To Rock Upstate NY This Weekend

    Corinth, Mississippi rockers Saving Abel return to CNY this Friday night at Monirae’s in Pennellville, NY. Saving Abel is now fronted by Scotty Austin who has replaced singer Jared Weeks as of last year. Kansas City, Missouri rockers Syn City Cowboys are set to open. 95X (WAQX) is the main sponsor of the show. Saving Abel will also be playing at the Washington Avenue Armory with rapper Immortal Technique this Saturday.

    Tickets can be purchased for Syracuse here.  Tickets for Albany can be purchased here.

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  • The Nikon At Jones Beach: Beer Here!

    The Nikon at Jones Beach Theater is one of Long Island’s premiere music venues. A killer stage, a capacity of 2,800 seats, and a beautiful view of the ocean side beach. Everyone needs to experience a show there at least once in their life.

    Last Friday, Live Nation unleashed the news that there is a new designated area for drinking called the Backstage Oasis at Jones Beach. Unfortunately, you can’t bring the alcohol you purchases to your seat; however, there are giant monitors, sofas, and additional food truck venders to prevent you from feeling inconvenienced. Better than nothing at all, right?

    After years of high demand for the Parks Department at Jones Beach to change their strict alcohol policy at the Nikon, Live Nation formed a committee at the end of 2012 to bring it to an end. As you can see, it seems both parties agreed to a compromise. Nevertheless, The Nikon at Jones Beach Theater finally serves alcohol. Party goers and music lovers rejoice.

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  • Biohazard “State of the World Address” Turns 20

    1994 was a pivotal year for rock music. Rock and grunge ruled the charts, but mainstream metal was nowhere to be found. However, Biohazard’s career began to peak after the successful run of 1992’s Urban Discipline and exposure from the music video for “Punishment” on MTV’s Headbanger’s Ball. Biohazard was the top act coming out of the New York City’s hardcore scene and becoming one of Brooklyn’s finest. But on May 24, 1994, State of the World Address was unleashed to the masses that truly showcased Biohazard at their best.

    1State of the World Address was produced by Ed Stasium, who is well known for his work with The Ramones and Living Colour. This album is loaded with brilliant rifts and guitar solos from Bobby Hambel. The duel vocals of Billy Graziadei and Evan Seinfeld are raw, brutal, and heartfelt, especially on “Failed Territory”. Danny Schuler’s drumming is bone crushing and brilliant. Just listen to “Tales From the Hard Side,” the beat to that song is just insane. Biohazard continued their trend cross over trend by bringing in Cypress Hill’s Sen Dog for “How It Is” which is real stand out on the album as well.

    Even to this day, the album’s political views are still relevant, especially in “Remember.” The album really paints a picture on New York City street life with tracks like “Down For Life,” “Tales From The Hardside,” and “Five Blocks to the Subway” (a personal favorite). The album will get you amped up every time you listen. It’s a must own album for any fan of metal or hardcore.

    State of the World AddressState of the World Address was the last album that the original lineup of Evan Seinfeld, Billy Graziadei, Bobby Hambel, and Danny Schuler for almost 18 years. Their unique chemistry is unmatched. You can buy the album here.

  • Talking Heads Concert Film Turns 30, Select Anniversary Showings in NYC, Upstate NY

    Thirty years ago, Talking Heads released the concert film Stop Making Sense. It was filmed in 1983 over the course of three December nights at Hollywood’s Pantages Theater during the “Speaking in Tongues” tour. Directed by Jonathon Demme and produced by Gary Goetzman, this filmed has been highly acclaimed by fans and critics alike.

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    To celebrate this piece of music and cinema history, there are select theatrical rereleases this summer, including some showings in the NYC and Upstate areas. The Jacob Burns Film Center in Pleasantville, NY will be showing it May 22. The Brooklyn Academy of Music will be showing it two nights June 4 and 5. The Little Theatre in Rochester will be showing it June 16. And the Alamo in Yonkers will be screening it July 10. Also the Cinema Arts Center in Huntington, NY will get a screening but a date has yet to be announced.

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    The film shows Talking Heads at their best, with great shots and superior sound. With their hits firing on all cylinders such as “Burning Down the House,” “Psycho Killer,” and many more. The band really made it possible to bring the concert to experience to those where not fortune enough to see them during their hey day.

    Check below for all the screening dates and locations of Stop Making Sense.

    May 22 – Pleasantville, NY – Jacob Burns

    May 23-June 5 – Ogden, UT – Art House Cinema 502

    June 4-5 – Brooklyn, NY – BAM

    June 7 – Portland, OR – Reed College

    June 13-14 – Kansas City, MO – Tivoli Theatre

    June 13-19 – Missoula, MT – Roxy

    June 16 – Rochester, NY – Little Theater

    June 18-20 – Los Angeles, CA – New Beverly

    June 18, 22 – Columbus, OH – Gateway Film Center

    June 19-22 – Oak Cliff, TX – Texas Theatre

    June 22 – Phoenix, AZ Phoenix Center for the Arts

    July 3 – Littleton, CO – Alamo

    July 4-5 – Troy, OH – Mayflower

    July 10 – Yonkers, NY – Alamo

    July 14 – Austin, TX – Alamo Ritz

    July 15, 17 – Kalamazoo, MI – Alamo

    August 1-3 – Seattle, WA – SIFF Cinema

    August 6 – Lexington, KY – Kentucky Theatre

    August 14 – Houston, TX Miller Outdoor Theatre

    August 14, 16 – Chicago, IL – Music Box

    August 22-24 – Kansas City, MO – Armour

    September 6 – New Orleans, LA – Shotgun Cinema

    September 6, 8 – Silver Springs, MD – AFI Silver

    September 19 – Kansas City, MO Kansas City Public Library

    TBD – Kingston, Canada Screening Room Cinema

    TBD – Los Angeles, CA – Oscar Theatre

    TBD – Huntington, NY – Cinema Arts Center

    TBD – Portland, OR – Academy Theater

    TBD – Portland, OR – Northwest Film Center

    TBD – Memphis, TN – Indie Memphis

    TBD – Nashville, TN – Belcourt Theater

  • Alice In Chains Level The Landmark Theatre In Syracuse

    Nearly 2,500 people crowded to downtown Syracuse to witness the arrival of Alice In Chains, who made their first appearance Central New York in over a decade at Landmark Theatre. The grunge gods are still releasing great music with the critically acclaimed rock album The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here which was released last year and have been touring the world in support of that album.

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    This was my first time ever seeing a rock show at The Landmark Theatre. The place still has an eerie yet beautiful feeling to it due to the historic structure. The entire place is seated and crammed; however, I don’t think anyone cared.

    Canadian hard rockers Monster Truck had the pleasure of opening for Alice In Chains. They graced the stage at 7:30PM, played a very stellar 40 minute set and were well received by the fans. If Led Zeppelin and Lynyrd Skynyrd had a love-child in the modern era of rock music, it would most certainly be Monster Truck. Most of the songs they played were very jazzy with a flare of southern rock. While a very entertaining band, Monster Truck really shined during their slow and bluesy song “Through The Sun.” Their use of drums, guitar, and keyboards along with vocals and bass from Jeremy Widerman makes them a force to be reckoned with. I would expect this band to break out shortly.

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    Alice In Chains started their 18-song set shortly after, with massive production, killer and crystal clear sound, massive stage lights, the whole nine yards. They started off with “Them Bones, ” doing a great job mixing it up between their well known hits, as well as their album cuts and new material. Keeping the tone heavy, they went into “Damn That River” and “Again”, before they went into their new material such as “Check My Brain” and “Hollow.”  Also let me point out that this was the first time during what I call the “Duvall-Era” of Alice In Chains where William Duvall is front and center of the entire band. Duvall has done a sensational job of filling in the shows of arguably one of the greatest singers that ever lived, the late Layne Stanley.

    The highlight of the entire show was “Rain When I Die.” The duel harmonizing vocals of Duvall and Jerry Cantrell is nothing short of amazing. And another highlight was “Nutshell.” Cantrell displayed some of his best lead guitar skills during “Stone” and actually stopped midway through the song to fire up the crowd.   They wrapped their set with their super heavy “We Die Young” before closing with their Vietnam War themed “Rooster.” The band came back out for a three song encore of “No Excuses,” “Got Me Wrong,” and their dark hit “Would.”

    Overall, it was a fantastic show. Easily one of the best hard rock tours of this year. Cantrell addressed the crowd and said they hope to return to Syracuse real soon.

  • Fozzy Rocks in First Appearance in Poughkeepsie at the Chance Theater

    A very diverse crowd of roughly 200 people came to the Chance Theater in Poughkeepsie on Friday May 9. Some people there were huge WWE fans there to support their idol Chris Jericho. Some people were hardcore Hatebreed fans there to support Jaime Jasta’s side project. Others were there for a killer rock show. Whatever the case was, doesn’t change the fact that Fozzy, Jasta, and Kyng blew the roof of the Chance Theater.

    This was actually my first time at the venue. The place may be a little run down, however, the sound is great, the staff is personable, and there is not one bad view of the stage from anywhere in the building.

    After a set from local Anti-Mortem, Kyng played a loud 40 minute set around 8:40. With their new release Burn The Serum out, Kyng is continues to play songs off the album very hard and loud, and of course never afraid to give the crowd a good laugh between songs. Couple of highlights of their set was their latest radio hit “Electric Halo” and their cover of Van Halen’s “Hot for the Teacher.” And of course it’s not a Kyng show without someone being picked on that’s standing there with their arms crossed.

    Jasta stormed the stage around 9:50. This was my first time seeing Jasta’s solo project. Let me be the first to point out that it’s NOTHING like Hatebreed and it’s NOT hardcore. It’s a different side of Jasta. It’s more of the melodic metal side of him. I actually found it pretty amazing that outside his hardcore grunts, screams, and brutal vocals that we are used to hearing, he’s actually a damn good singer. In this band he really showcased that. He even joked to the crowd saying “oh my god, the Hatebreed guy can actually sing a note or two!” He also stated to the crowd that this was only his twelfth time EVER, that he played live with this solo project. His set consisted of his solo CD Jasta, (which was released summer 2011.) with songs like “Something You Should Know,” “Scream From The Sanctuary,” and “Enslaved, Dead, Or Depraved.” Also, props to his solo band. Jasta confirmed that they got together just this one show and really didn’t rehearse much. No one ever would have known that if it wasn’t pointed out. The band was so on key and so clutch that it felt like they were together for years. Towards the end of the set, Jasta played Kingdom of Sorrow’s “Enlightened to Extinction” which I thought was the best part of the show. Closing the show, Jasta aimed to please the wrestling crowd by playing the Hatebreed song “Last Breath” which they dedicated to The Ultimate Warrior, who just passed away recently. Overall an awesome set from Jasta. Hopefully Jasta will get the chance to do a full tour with this outing soon.

    Fozzy finally graced the stage around 11:15PM. Frontman and WWE Superstar Chris Jericho had his famous jacket on with all the lights on it. Fozzy opened up with 2 new songs “Do You Wanna Start a War?” and “Lights Go Out” which is off their upcoming album Do You Wanna Start a War?, due out in July. At first it almost seemed the vocals were overpowered by the loudness of the band but the sound crew adjusted accordingly. Jericho is a very charismatic frontman, and Rich “The Duke” Ward and the rest of band looked like they were having a blast on stage. Throughout the entire set, the crowd kept chanting “Fozzy!” over and over so the band was feeding off of that. Most of their set consisted of songs from “Sin and Bones” which the band toured heavily for the last couple of years. Highlights from their set include “To Kill a Stranger” and my personal favorite, “Martyr No More.” Another fun moment during the set, Jericho demanded crowd participation for “God Pounds His Nails.” The band wrapped up their set with their anthem “Enemy” and “Sin and Bones.” But came back for a two song encore of their radio hit “Sandpaper” and a cover of Krokus’s “Eat The Rich.” A very stellar 13 song set from Fozzy. They’re rapidly growing as a band and seem to breaking the mainstream rock and metal scene with the more material they are releasing. I also believe that Chris Jericho is slowly becoming known for the frontman for Fozzy than the WWE Superstar.

    Overall, a great show. Kind of an odd combination of bands, but that’s what made the experience much more unique and exciting.

  • Black Label Society, Down, Devil You Know, and Butcher Babies rock sold out Upstate Concert Hall

    It’s clear that metal is not dead in Upstate New York as Black Label Society lead the Revolver Golden Gods Tour along with Down, Devil You Know, and Butcher Babies leveled Upstate Concert Hall to a sold out crowd this past Monday night. This would mark the first time in roughly a decade that Black Label Society played at Upstate Concert Hall. The overall production was fantastic. The sound was incredible. The insanity was nonstop. And the concert security brought their A game as the old school metal fans unleashed their energy right back to the bands.

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    Doors opened a little late which may have hurt the opening set from Butcher Babies. Butcher Babies started their set at 7:23 as there still was a long line out the door. They played a 30 minute set with an overall positive crowd response and did a meet and greet at their merch table after their set.

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    Devil You Know graced the stage a little after 8. Devil You Know features former Killswitch Engage frontman Howard Jones, who made his return to the stage after retiring from music a few years back. Jones has never sounded better with his brutal vocals and charismatic stage presence. On top of that, Jones has rediscovered his passion for metal music and he made that clear to the crowd. Three songs into their set the mosh pit opened up the floor. The rest of the band was tight, brutal, and clearly having a good time on stage together. Their 30 minute set contained songs off their newly released debut album The Beauty of Destruction. No Killswitch material at all. I don’t think the crowd had a problem with that which proved how great the band was. Devil You Know is out to prove they are a force to reckon with.

    Down started their heavy and hostile set that caused the floor to erupt. Mosh pits and body surfers galore. Phil Anselmo at his veteran status is clearly STILL the best frontman in metal. Still has the intimidating stage presence and brutal vocals that are always imitated but NEVER duplicated. New guitarist Pat Bruders replaced longtime guitarist Kirk Windstein, however, his guitar style and backing vocals were so clutch. If you were blind, you never would have known Down had a different lineup. The crowd erupted before Down got to their first song “Eyes of the South.” Most of their set consisted of songs from NOLA, with a very little newer material sprinkled into their set. They didn’t play anything from their upcoming EP Down IV Part Two. I would say “Lifer,” which the band dedicated to the late and great Dimebag Darrell was the highlight of the set. Down closed their set with the melodic “Stone the Crows” and the heavy trademark anthem “Bury Me in Smoke.” It was a damn shame that Down only played for 45 minutes. If you were present at this show, some may argue that Down could have headlined.

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    Zakk Wylde and the newly revamped line up of Black Label Society swarmed the stage around 10:30 opening with their latest single “My Dying Time.” Wylde, one of the best guitarist in music and the king of pinch harmonics used many different guitars throughout the set including his trademark Bullseye Les Paul, the Randy Rhoads Flying V, Hybrid Flying V/Les Paul, and Gibson EDS 1275 double neck guitar. The production of their set was amazing with use of laser lights and smoke machines to really make the experience a huge spectacle which captured everyone’s attention because there were no more mosh pits. Half way through the set, Wylde unleashed a powerful seven minute long guitar solo that really showcased his fast shredding ability. A couple of songs later, they went into the mellower songs starting with “Angel of Mercy” with new guitarist (who Wylde jokingly claimed to the crowd that they traded 3 first round draft picks to Lizzy Borden to get him) Dario Lorina hopped on the piano that really showcased the entire bands talent. Soon after, Lorina switched to lead guitar and Wylde sat behind the piano for a really powerful rendition of Black Label Society’s most iconic ballad “In This River.” It was really moving to hear both of those ballads back to back.   Then Wylde unleashed the Gibson EDS 1275 double neck guitar to play the fan favorite “The Blessed Hellride.” Black Label Society unleashed a swarm of Black Label beach balls into the crowd during the super-heavy “Suicide Messiah” and “Concrete Jungle” before closing the entire set with “Stillborn.” Overall, one of the best shows from Black Label Society. There was no encore or a Pantera jam with Phil Anselmo.

    This concert was by far one of the best metal tours of the year. Hopefully the capital region won’t have to wait another decade for Black Label Society to slay the Upstate Concert Hall again.

    SDMF!

  • Chris Jericho and Jamie Jasta will clash as Fozzy, Jasta, and more come to rock The Chance Theater in Poughkeepsie

    With the upcoming album Do You Wanna Start a War? expected out this summer, Fozzy, which is led by WWE Superstar Chris Jericho on vocals, is embarking on the “Lights Go Out Tour,” which will be stopping at The Chance Theater in Poughkeepsie Friday, May 9. Jasta will be making a special co-headlining appearance at the show. Jasta features Hatebreed frontman Jamie Jasta on vocals who, with the band, covers a wide spectrum of songs including Hatebreed, Ice Pick, Kingdom of Sorrow, and Jasta and Friends.

    Hardrockers Kyng, who have been touring nonstop behind their album Burn the Serum, and Nashville, Tennessee rockers Framing Hanley, who are promoting their brand new album The Sum of Who We Are, are set to open the show.

    Doors open at 7:00 PM. You can purchase tickets here.

  • Black Label Society, Down, Devil You Know, Butcher Babies lead Revolver Golden Gods Tour, Rocking Upstate Concert Hall Monday, May 5th

    Supporting the release of the well received new album Catacombs of the Black Vatican, Black Label Society returns to Upstate Concert Hall in Clifton Park for the first time in over a decade with Revolver Golden Gods Tour. Black Label Society returns with a new lineup with Zakk Wylde leading the way along with new drummer Jeff Fabb, (ex In This Moment) and new guitarist Dario Lorina (Lizzy Borden) and long time bassist John DeServio.blsWylde1

    New Orleans metal supergroup Down take the co-headlining slot in support of their upcoming EP Down IV Part II. Longtime guitarist Kirk Windstein left Down to focus on Crowbar fulltime and was replaced by their guitar tech Pat Bruders. This would mark the first time in five years Down invaded Upstate Concert Hall.Down-2014-Pic-2

    In a radio interview conducted back in February, Joe D of 95X, (WAQX) spoke with Zakk Wylde he confirmed that there may be a Pantera jam with Down’s Phil Anselmo on this tour. Check out the interview here.Devil-You-Know-2014

    Devil You Know, which features former Killswitch Engage vocalist Howard Jones, makes their Upstate New York debut on this tour. Devil You Know is supporting their debut album The Beauty of Destruction which is out now. Butcher Babies are slated to open the show in support of their debut album Goliath which was released last summer.

    Doors will open at 6:30PM and show starts at 7:30PM. This show is expected to sell out so pick up your tickets here.