NYS Music 20​14

Category: Reviews

  • Hearing Aide: Wovenwar Unleashes Self-Titled Debut

    From the bizarre wreckage that was the breakdown of popular metalcore band, As I Lay Dying, comes Wovenwar. The band is comprised of the entire As I Lay Dying lineup, sans disgraced vocalist Tim Lambesis – recently sentenced to six years in prison for the attempted hiring of a hitman to murder his wife; taking his place with vocal and guitar duties is, Oh, Sleeper’s, Shane Blay. With so much controversy surrounding the formation of the band, could they craft an album that would cut through it all?

    wovenwarThe lead up to this album was a bit of a mystery. Details about the band outside of the lineup were kept from public knowledge. They seemed to appear out of nowhere during all of the Lambesis news coverage. The project was unveiled with a series of short videos posted online. It wasn’t until the release of lead single “All Rise” that anyone had a clear idea of what the band would sound like. The choice to debut with that song was the perfect one as it’s the strongest cut on the record and really does sum up what Wovenwar sounds like. As the release of the self titled record loomed, two more songs were released, finally giving fans a clear understanding that Wovenwar might have something special up their sleeve. And they certainly do.

    Wovenwar have unleashed one of the most impressive debut records in a long time. Where As I Lay Dying was marred with stagnation, Wovenwar feels fresh beyond fresh in a metal landscape where everyone seems to be competing with each other to create albums that sound like their chosen genre and nothing else. Wovenwar certainly have ties to metalcore but to label them as such is unfair. The guitar work is split between the lead going off on wonderfully catchy noodily melodies with the rhythm section absolutely holding down the fort with driving force. This is guitarists Nick Hipa, Joe Sgrosso, Shane Blay, bassist Josh Gilbert, and drummer Jordan Mancino at their best. One has to now wonder if they felt limited within the confines of As I Lay Dying, because this album plays like these guys felt like they had something to prove. The songs on Wovenwar’s debut are full of melodic layers, the right amount of aggression, and riffs and lyrics that will stick in your head for months to come.

    Despite the masterful instrumentation, the star of the album is vocalist Shane Blay. This guy has pipes for miles and can start laying claim to being one of the best vocalists in modern metal. He has a dynamic range that flows with the music and proves that the decision to go with predominantly clean vocals was the right move thankfully avoiding the good cop/bad cop clean/screamed vocal trap bands like Five Finger Death Punch suffer from.

    Wovenwar will satisfy both metal fans and fans of radio friendly hard rock which open them up to the chance for the mainstream success their former/other bands never reached. Time will tell if the buzz around the band will switch from bizarre curiosity thanks to Lambesis’ predicament to praise for creating a phenomenal album, but Wovenwar deserve to be at the top of the metal/hard rock world. If Avenged Sevenfold can do it with an album that sounds tantamount to a cover album, Wovenwar can do it with originality, creativity in songwriting, and the ability to create catchy music you can’t, and won’t want to get out of your head.

    Key Tracks – All Rise, Father/Son, Profane

  • Hearing Aide: Machine Head ‘Burn My Eyes’ Turns 20

    Machine Head Burn My EyesIn 1994, Grunge was at its peak, fans of music were wondering where metal was. When Pantera started to make a name for themselves in the early ’90s, another metal band started emerging out of the California bay area metal scene. Vocalist/guitarist Rob Flynn from Oakland, left his original band Vio-lence and started Machine Head. Teaming up with lead guitarist Logan Mader, Bassist Adam Duce and Drummer Chris Kontos. On August 8, 1994 Machine Head unleashed their debut and arguably their best album Burn My Eyes. Combining elements of thrash metal, street metal, hardcore, and groove metal. Machine Head became a force to be reckoned with.

    The album starts with a bone crushing anthem “Davidian” which not only sets the tone for the album, but for setting the tone for Machine Head’s career, and for a new generation of metal. “Davidian” contains the fastest and most killer drum fills ever in any metal song and the power rally cry of “let freedom ring with a shotgun blast” has been cemented to fans of metal everywhere. The duel guitars and harmonies of Flynn and Logan have been unmatched ever since.

    The album rolls into what would be another iconic song “Old” showcases the street side of Machine Head. The band shows off their Oakland, California background with all the crime stories and gang-life that they dealt with. “Old” paints a powerful picture with moving lyrics and insane riffs. “Old” has been a staple in every live Machine Head show.

    You can’t help but feel like such as badass when you listen to this album. As you continue to listen, you get sucked in even more when you listen to “A Thousand Lies,” “None But My Own,” and “Rage To Overcome” before the album gets to the very haunting and disturbing “Death Church”. There’s no dull moment in this album. It’s a master piece from start to finish.

    It’s nearly impossible to pick out a “best track” everything stands out. But the song with the most build up and emotion would easily have to be the track “I’m Your God Now”. Later on, the album showcases a disturbing take on reality with “Real Eyes, Realize, Real Lies” which is montage of 1993 and 1994 news clips talking about riots, and the need for revolution against the American government. The album closes with “Block” which is loaded with a lot of catchy guitar parts which has become a trademark to Machine Head’s sound.

    Overall the album is still a masterpiece. Machine Head has released many fantastic albums but not even 2007’s The Blackening matches how powerful Burn My Eyes was. The original lineup of Rob Flynn, Adam Duce, Logan Mader, and Chris Kontos were only together a very brief two years, but they made it count with Burn My Eyes. A reunion will likely never happen. After Burn My Eyes, three-quarters of that lineup returned for 1997’s …The More Things Change before Machine Head took a turning point where guitarist Logan Mader left the band before The Burning Red was released. Since then, Logan Mader has become an acclaimed producer. He even produced Five Finger Death Punch’s debut The Way of the Fist. And Chris Kontos sat behind the kit for thrash outfit Attitude Adjustment. Adam Duce and Rob Flynn stayed together until last year Flynn fired Duce from the band. Duce, recently settled a lawsuit against the band, Rob Flynn is the only original member of Machine Head left, but the band is still dishing out killer albums and putting on unforgettable shows. But it’s time for the band to start playing more songs off Burn My Eyes because more of these songs need to be heard live.

    Until then, let freedom ring with a shotgun blast!

    Do yourself a favor and purchase Burn My Eyes here. It’s a must own for any fan of metal.

    Key Tracks: Davidian, Old, I’m Your God Now

  • The Moody Blues takes SPAC off on a Timeless Flight

    Where better to watch a half century’s worth of one band’s music than Saratoga Springs, where history ranks with horses and health? Formed in the mid 1960s, the Moody Blues are sometimes classified in the ‘psychedelic rock’ genre, holding space in the same category as Pink Floyd, but many of the elements one would expect at a psychedelic rock show were not present at SPAC on August 4. Most of the fans were over 60 — the musicians themselves are hovering around 70 — and there was a distinct absence of the substances that occupy the air and space during rock shows attended by younger crowds.

    What was present though was a very sincere love, appreciation, and enthusiasm for the music. Performers and fans alike were very much ‘into it.’ The band members played like they were in their 30s, with expressions of ecstasy held during intense guitar riffs and the occasional wink at the ladies in the front row. Fans were singing along, trying hard to capture the magic on their handheld cameras, and even dancing in the aisles — which was definitely a pleasure to see. After all, those of us in the X and younger generations learned how to celebrate music from the very people who were at the Moody Blues show.

    The subject of aging was merrily acknowledged. John Lodge (bassist) congratulated his fans, saying “All you old hippies, you made it after all!” Graeme Edge (drummer) stepped down from his elevated set on the stage to address the crowd at the front mic, and quipped, “Back then I had brown hair, white teeth, and this [forming a V with his index and middle fingers] meant ‘peace.’ Now, I have white hair, brown teeth, and this [the V] means Viagra.”

    But of all the ways in which the aging process was celebrated by the Moody Blues and their fans, the most significant was the music. The evolution of the band’s 50 year history was traced with songs like “Tuesday Afternoon,” “Nights in White Satin,” and “In Your Wildest Dreams.” One of the fans shared that the music of the Moody Blues is ‘poetry set to music.’ And it is. It’s also worth noting that the band (Lodge, Edge and vocalist/guitarist Justin Hayward) share the stage with some pretty talented people: Norda Mullen (flute & vocals), Gordon Marshall (drums), Julie Ragins (sax,  keyboard, and vocals), and Alan Hewitt (keyboard & vocals).

    The Moody Blues, promoting their 2013 compilation album, Timeless Flight, are on tour through this summer.

  • Sammy Hagar Plays to a Packed Crowd at Artpark on July 29

    There is a reason that Sammy Hagar was so well liked and a shining star in the music scene. The Red Rocker who replaced David Lee Roth in Van Halen in the mid eighties brought along Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony and rocked through a plethora of hits along side Jason Bonham on drums and guitarist Vic Johnson with the, Journey Through Rock Tour – which played to a packed crowd Tuesday, July 29 in Lewiston, NY’s Artpark.

    Opening the show was local musician Maria Aurigema Band, entertaining the crowd with some soulful blues. Maria Aurigema who fronts the band was an absolute joy to watch, filled with a ton of energy and this lady can surely play a mean blues guitar. She was on top of her game interacting with the crowd several times throughout the set.

    The anticipation for the main act was at an all time high by the time Sammy Hagar and his band came on stage. Hagar entertained the crowd with such an energy that some 20 year-olds would be shown up. Hagar and company played through hits from Van Halen, Led Zeppelin and Sammy Hagar songs. If you looked up how to be a rock star there would be a picture of Hagar, he epitomized what one would look and act, his show was top-notch and truly was something that should be on everyone’s list.

  • Port Chester Bids Farewell to Black 47 at Garcia’s

    Garcia’s, with its bar stretching a decent portion of one side of the venue, was filled with a typical evening pub crowd relaxing and loosening up a bit. The stage was set for the entertainment of the night – a house band perhaps? Well, that’s what it felt like as the folks were hanging out until Irish rockers Black 47 took the stage there on July 31. Though, there was a special anticipation in the air as Black 47 winds down its career later this year while the music is still ripe and fresh, with just a few dozen more shows to go.

    Black47d

    For having an incredible 25-year career with around 2,000 live shows, many albums, and international notoriety and respect in the genre, Black 47 maintained that pub band atmosphere throughout the evening. People who have followed the band for years know that they are nothing close to being sell-outs or ones to set themselves apart from the crowd, and those who might be seeing the band for the first time could quickly sense their authenticity and genuine nature. Singer/guitarist Larry Kirwin very enthusiastically helped set that tone as he openly encouraged bootlegging and photography of the show before they kicked the show off with “Green Suede Shoes”. Black 47 has strong ties with themes of Irish Republicanism, which resonated with the crowd – Kirwan told a brief story behind “Johnny Comes A’Courtin” with a mention of Oliver Cromwell, an English military leader who invaded Ireland in the 17th century. Some thumbs down and boos were seen and heard at this mention; a stab at the negative point in history and not the band. The political themes heard throughout the evening seemed to bring everyone together on a sort of common ground.

    Black47c

    Known for their blend of rock, reggae, punk, and jazz  with traditional Irish sounds and folk themes, Black 47’s set was complete with a spectrum of song styles. It included both dance tunes and songs that rang out like anthems, such as “The Night The Showbands Died” where many raised their hands in the air along with the band. Closing the evening was a one-song encore. “This is how we do Dylan!,”Kirwan exclaimed as they performed a worthy cover of “Like A Rolling Stone”. The crowd was left chanting again for one more song, though for a weeknight things had to wrap up before it got too late. [embedyt]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Rqt6NcoTfM[/embedyt]   [embedyt]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1hi0_JuzeI[/embedyt] If you are debating whether or not to catch Black 47 one last time or have been meaning to catch them for the first time and haven’t yet, what are you waiting for? This is the last call, so be sure to check them out and give them a fond farewell at one (or more!) of their upcoming shows in the region: Hooley On The Hudson in Kingston August 31, The 2014 Irish Festival in Ballston Spa September 13, Hudson Valley Irish Festival in Peekskill September 20, and Connolly’s Pub and Restaurant in Manhattan September 27.  Their final show is November 15 at B.B. King Blues Club in NYC. Check out their full schedule here.

    Setlist: Green Suede Shoes Celtic Rocker Wedding Reel Johnny Comes A’Courtin’ Culchie Prince Fanatic Heart Rockin’ In The Bronx Five Points Fire of Freedom The Night the Showbands Died James Connolly Salsa O’Keefe Funky Ceili Encore: Like A Rolling Stone

  • Umphrey’s Mcgee triUMPH over storm at Saranac Brewery in Utica 08/03

    Diehard fans brave the elements during the summer season to enjoy their favorite band and songs with good friends. Umphrey’s McGee fans proved this to be true after enduring heavy rains and thunderstorms this past Sunday, August 3 at the outdoor venue at the Saranac Brewery in Utica. Light rain started the evening, progressing to heavy rains with the occasional lightning strike and booming thunder. For everyone’s safety, the concert was delayed for two hours with fans seeking refuge in the Saranac Brewery, a reminder that there are worse places to be stuck indoors. With the delay of the show, Umphrey’s could only perform one set with a show time of 9PM vs 7PM and a curfew of 11PM but what a set it was.

    Umphrey's McGee. Photo by Bryan Lasky
    Umphrey’s McGee. Photo by Bryan Lasky

    Touring to support their latest and 8th album, Similar Skin, representing their new label Nothing Too Fancy Music. Umphrey’s played some fresh music as well as classic favorites. The show opened with a groovy and hard “Ringo” as bassist Ryan Stasik laid down a funky doo-wop and the band hit heavy rock peaks only to sway down to a jazzy melody from keyboardist Joel Cummins. “The Linear” saw crisp vocals from Brendan Bayliss and fast paced rhythms from Andy Farag and Kris Myers. The set got dark with a haunting “Morning Song” with echoes from Jake Cinninger guitar picking before going into an upbeat “Out of Order”. Among the many reasons to enjoy an Umphrey’s McGee show is the light show. Lighting Designer Jefferson Waful’s lights are truly stunning especially with the raindrops reflecting every glow. The dimensions of color, light symmetry and precise timing soar as high as the music does. Umphrey’s McGee treated soaked fans to a three song encore, the reggae easy flow of “FF”, the electrifying boogie of “Bad Friday” followed by the first and only cover of the night, David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance”.

    Umphrey’s McGee is a powerhouse of improvisational progressive rock clashed with classic metal and electronic funk. Fans can download this show and past shows from umlive.net. Be sure not to miss Umphrey’s McGee when they return to Upstate NY as part of their fall tour to the Rapids Theatre in Niagara Falls on Oct 23 and the Forum Theatre in Binghamton on Oct 29.

    Setlist: Ringo, #5 > The Linear, In The Kitchen, Morning Song > Out Of Order, Example 1, Educated Guess, Wappy Sprayberry > Eat
    Encore: FF > Bad Friday > Let’s Dance

  • Intoxicated Fans Overshadow Great Performances at KRockathon 19

    Central New York was rockin’ Saturday afternoon and into the night as KRockathon 19 took over the Chevy Court at the NYS Fairgrounds in Syracuse. The hot sizzling sun didn’t stop music fans from crowd surfing, fist pumping, horn raising or just bouncing up and down to all of their favorite artists that took the stage during the annual summer event.

    krockathonThough this was an awesome rock festival with a killer lineup –  sadly, the music was an afterthought for most as it was overshadowed by a lot of, no actually a ton of, overly obnoxious drunken and impaired fans. Concert goer’s who walked into the venue were greeted by staff who were giving out free KRock koozie’s, sunglasses and KRock Elite passes for the first two-thousand fans who came through the door for random meet and greets with various bands. The venue had its usual set up, with two stage’s side by side. The standout performers of the day were: We As Human, Fozzy and Pop Evil. Blacklite District, Black Stone Cherry and A Day To Remember were really good as well. KRock Dj’s Rainman, Griffin and Cody came out, welcomed fans to the show and kicked things off by introducing the first band.

    Blacklite District kicked the show off and got the fans that were actually in the venue – and not in the parking lot still pre-gaming, pumped  up and did their job to get the crowd psyched  for the rest of the show. Starset was good but they had some technical difficulties at times. Singer Dustin Bates seems to get a little bit distracted with all the technology they use during their set. He cut his mic out when using his emulator screen. He also uses two microphones at once for most of his performance. One mic for regular vocals and one for voice distortion. Still a great performance by the band and when they work the kinks out they will be fine. We As Human came out and just kicked ass. Singer Justin Cordle stood on the security wall and grabbed the hands of fans during the song “Zombie”. Cordle then thanked Lacy Sturm (former Flyleaf singer) for performing on the next track they were going to perform and played “Take the Bullets Away”.  Justin then dedicated the next song “I Stand” to the Armed Forces; in a funny moment after the song, Cordle said to the crowd joking “as you can see two people are missing to my left. Our guitarist and our bass player said they needed a vacation. I said, ‘dude you’re a rock star, your life is a vacation.’ ”

    Framing Hanley put in a good set for the fans, vocalist Kenneth Nixon said they took a long drive just to be at KRockathon today, then went on to say how they love performing in Syracuse. Nixon went over two lines of the song “Simple Life” with the fans in the crowd so when he held the mic out during the song, he wanted the crowd to sing it back to him. Nixon also noticed a blown-up condom bouncing around the crowd and said “looks like the dude said f^@# it and gave up already.” They then played “Lollipop” and ended with “Stupid Girl”. Halestorm came out and turned the place into a nut house literally, I have never witnessed so much crowd surfing in my life.  Lzzy Hale’s mic was drowned out and you could barely hear her sing. Hale told the crowd that she just took two shots of Jameson before she came out. Arejay did his usual drum solo and brought out his oversized drum sticks, this also marked the spot where people started to act ridiculous for the rest of the show. During the mid way point of their set, a woman whom was crowd surfing was targeting other fan’s heads and blatantly trying to kick people in the face. Fozzy surprised me at this show, they really brought it to the Syracuse fans. Chris Jericho in my eyes finally made himself  a true rock star and not a WWE superstar trying to sing. From start to finish, “Sandpaper, Enemy, Lights Go Out” and every hit in between. Jericho also went back to his wrestling roots and rhymed a bunch of words building up his band before ending with “you can go home and tell everybody you just got your assess kicked by Fozzy.”

    Saliva was another band that the mic was way too low, they still put on a good show and sang every hit from the Josey Scott days’. Surprisingly, they didn’t sing any of their new tracks with new front man Bobby Amaru. Instead of doing an AC/DC cover, they should have played their current single “Rise Up”. Black Stone Cherry just kept the vibe going. They played all their singles and had the crowd singing along to “Blame it on the Boom Boom”. Unfortunately, I had to witness a guy get his lights punched out while his wife frantically looked for help as no EMT’s nor security were anywhere to be found. This was the first of many fights during the day. All That Remains played their usual set of radio singles. Before they played “What If I Was Nothing” – vocalist Philip Labonte said “we’re supposed to be a metal band. Two years ago we came out with our latest album A War You Cannot Win. We made a ballad. We like to break the f^@#ing rules sometimes.” Pop Evil was the best of the night. What an awesome set. This is one of the best live bands to watch. The crowd was absolutely insane for Pop Evil which prompted singer Leigh Kakaty to say “sick of people saying rock is dead. Tell that mother^@#&! to come to Syracuse N.Y.” Before the band played the song “Torn To Pieces” Kakaty said “put your horns and drinks in the air and let’s make a toast.” As the band was getting ready to play “Trenches” Leigh gave a shout out to all the bands that performed on the show. He also said to the crowd “every band on this show would be $#!% without the fans.” Then he dedicated the song to the Red, White and Blue.

    Some fans headed out of the show after this. It seemed like the hardcore outfit,  A Day To Remember and Seether fans, were the majority that were left. A Day To Remember had tons of fans there, fans were bouncing up and down and crowd surfing everywhere. The crowd nearly got out of control when the band played “Right Back At It Again”. Some fans were by now, passed out sleeping on the ground in some areas from being overly intoxicated in the heat. Seether headlined the event. The band started with “Gasoline” then they played hit after hit including “Fine Again, Rise Above This and Fake It”. They also played new songs “Weak and Words As Weapons”. What could have been the highlight of the night, kind of turned into a little snafu – the vocalist for Seether Shaun Morgan brought out Lzzy Hale from Halestorm to sing the song “Broken” with him. When it was time for Hale to sing the first line of the second verse she paused in confusion, looked to her side and pulled her cell phone out of her pocket. Morgan look on in amazement then laughed as other band members looked on with ‘what the hell is she doing’ look on their faceS. Hale then looked down at the screen of her phone and must have had the lyrics set as she picked up and started singing from the third line of the second verse. After the song was over, Lzzy went over to Morgan and hugged him and said something to him hopefully apologizing to him. He then said into the mic “it’s a learning curve.” Seether ended the night with “Remedy”. This was a really good show soley based on the performances of all the bands. Every band did their best to give the fans a great show. The lineup was excellent. The organization of the event as a whole is another story.

    So many things were wrong again this year at KRockathon. Mostly the drunken violent fans and lack of security. Security just fully and totally dropped the ball. I don’t know how much Police or security were on hand but it did not seem like much at all. The venue could have really benefited from another food tent, lines for a burger could have lasted you up to an hour. The venue could have probably used more garbage cans, but that really didn’t matter because all the cans were half empty because everyone decided to just throw their trash on the ground between all the puke piles. Buying water was also a joke as you needed to buy beer tickets to get a water. A $7 beer ticket was good for two waters but the vendors would take the caps off and keep them. So I guess they expected you to just down your drinks in one minute. They took the caps for whatever beverage you bought – Ridicules.

  • Hearing Aide: Overkill “White Devil Armory”

    overkill-white-devil-armory-album-coverNew Jersey thrash metal outfit Overkill unleashed their 17th album, White Devil Armory, a couple of weeks ago and could possibly be the best metal album of the year. It is a nonstop thrill ride from start to finish. Overkill has been overlooked for many years because they were never considered the “big four” of thrash metal. White Devil Armory makes the argument that it should be rebranded as such.

    The album starts out with the intro “XDM” which is just a short but haunting instrumental tune. Then all of a sudden BOOM! the album gets in your face and makes your ears bleed with “Armorist”. Overkill has never sounded better and showed no signs of slowing down. Armorist is a song made to be played live.

    The album never slows down. White Devil Armory continues to hold the pedal on the gas with “Down to the Bone” and “Pig” before going into the six minute bone shattering anthem “Bitter Pill” which is the lead single off the album. Dave Linsk’s guitar solos are groovy as hell and the vocals of Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth are as fiend as ever. But what stands out the most is the drumming from Ron Lipnicki. My arms and legs get tired just listening to those drums pound.

    Another track that really stands out is “Freedom Rings” a real thrash masterpiece as well as closing track “In The Name”.

    Overall, White Devil Armory is an album that cannot be overlooked. Most deffinately a candidate for best metal album of 2014. Mabe one of the best thrash metal albums of  the decade too. There are no light or slow tracks; It’s nonstop thrash, very heavy album. Overkill clearly has a lot left in the tank. It’s time to really reevaluate who the “big four” of thrash metal really are.

    You can purchase White Devil Armory here.

    KEY TRACKS: Armorist, Pig, Bitter Pill, Freedom Rings

  • Brantley Gilbert Turns the Turning Stone Bottoms Up

    Brantley Gilbert certainly brought his ‘A Game’ when he visited Central, New York July 10 at the Turning Stone Casino. This Georgia born entertainer, recently awarded the coveted ACM 2013 Top New Male Artists award, has certainly been busy over the last few years cranking out hit songs for himself and other Nashville artists. Touring with the likes of Willie Nelson, Eric Church, Toby Keith, and Tim McGraw.

    Recently in Upstate, New York as one of the many top-notch country performers at the Taste of Country Music Festival at Hunter Mountain, concert goers got a small taste of the no holds barred artist that writes and plays from the heart sharing from real life experiences. This young man makes no excuses for who he is, what he believes in, or how he looks. He’s been labeled a bad boy of country music, however his polite persona shines through to give you a hint that there is so much more to this artist than what’s on the surface.

    Opening for Brantley was newcomer Brandon Lay who took over the stage and warmed up this audience; winning over new fans left and right.  Covering original songs of his own and covers like a pro, it was our honor to give him a warm CNY welcome to our neck of the woods, with the hopes of returning again one day soon on his own headline tour.

    I was really looking forward to seeing this rebels full show, having seen Brantley just a few weeks prior at the Taste of Country Music Festival, and he absolutely didn’t disappoint. As a performer, it’s great to have hit songs to belt out to an audience, but it’s the delivery that makes the show. It’s the opening number that pumps up the audience and begins the evening, it’s the interaction with the audience as the performer is singing, and it’s the momentum that builds as each song plays into the next one. Brantley has an innate ability to deliver these critical aspects that hook his audience and reels them in number after number. His opening number and accompanying video totally delivered this one-two-punch that hooked the audience, built them up to an expectation of greatness, and delivered from that point on. No matter how much of a showman this young man is, you cannot mistake his talent in songwriting. It’s his songwriting that truly shines bright amongst the chains and tough exterior, as he shares in each number a piece of who he is and how he perceives his life experiences.

    Brantley Gilbert - Turning Stone Casino
    Brantley Gilbert – Turning Stone Casino

    Surrounded by some of the top-notch musicians in the business, his band perfectly accompanies Brantley on each number delivering the ambience in one killer set. With Patrick Stevens on guitar and background vocals, Jonathan Waggoner on bass and background vocals, Ben Sims on drums and percussion, BJ Golden on the mandolin ,acoustic and electric guitar, keyboards, and background vocals, and Noah Henson rounding them out on rhythm guitar and background vocals, these guys commanded the stage meshing perfectly together to bring the show all together and build up that electric feel that delivers this show over the top.

    Brantley Gilbert - Turning Stone Casino
    Brantley Gilbert – Turning Stone Casino

    Brantley Gilbert is a force to be reckoned with as country music switches tides to deliver an eclectic sound that mimics a mixture of country, bluegrass, and rock and roll. Perhaps it’s this mixture and the fact that Brantley doesn’t sway away from his goal to deliver his sound his way that has hooked me as one of his BG Nation members. Coming back through NY August 22n to the Watertown Fairgrounds, it is my suggestion if you love the new direction of country rock you definitely need to take the time and the ride up north to see Brantley.

    Brantley Gilbert - Turning Stone Casino
    Brantley Gilbert – Turning Stone Casino

  • Hearing Aide: Fallujah’s ‘The Flesh Prevails’

    With The Flesh Prevails, Fallujah are primed to become kings of their genre; though that might be by default because there might not be another band doing what they do. Or at least as good as they do it. Mixing the vocals of brutal death metal with the musicianship of elite level prog players, Fallujah have crafted a masterpiece of an album.

    The Flesh PrevailsGuitarists Scott Carstairs and Brian James play as if they really wanted to find out what it would sound like if Dream Theater guitarist John Petrucci made a death metal record. But to pigeonhole Fallujah as death metal feels wrong. They combine the best of multiple genres. From synth­-laden atmospheres to choppy machine gun riffs to beautiful neo­classical guitar lines, Fallujah doesn’t struggle with such a juggling act. They’re a band with a very clear idea of who they are and what they want to do. The Flesh Prevails was written with purpose, each song gives way to the one following it but also builds off the one before. If you have the time, this album is meant to be listened to from start to finish.

    The opening track “Starlit Path” gives you just a taste of what’s to come; this is a record of textures. Each player getting their time to shine which leads to comparisons of Rush. And it’s strange how the biggest comparison I can make is to prog bands because Fallujah sounds nothing like them. But the craftsmanship that goes into that kind of music is apparent throughout the record. They have taken a template and made it their own. On paper, it sounds like a convoluted mess, but it works. The band seamlessly shifts from genre to genre but never loses repeating themes that tie everything together. The instrumental track “Allure” brings forth the absolutely amazing dedication these guys must have to their instruments.

    But it’s the song “Alone With You” that lets you know who this band is. It’s a full-blown synth-heavy atmospheric track that is completely different from everything else on the album and feels like it would find a better home on an electronica mix. No gutteral vocals, no blast beats, no twisting guitar solos. Sparse beautiful female vocals line the song which makes this a track that challenges metal fans, usually and unfortunately a close minded bunch. This track should feel out-of-place on this record yet it doesn’t. And that’s why this album works. “Alone With You” may end up being the overlooked track on the record but it is the most important one. It shows risk and bravery and those things are too far and few in the world of heavy music.

    There’s a word I keep coming back to with this album, beautiful. From the cover art to the way they blend soft vocals in at key moments, to the crystal clear guitar tone, this album is refined and sophisticated. But it’s not a hard listen. Sometimes bands seem like they want to be technical just for the sake of showing off their chops. Fallujah are not that band. They play this way because that’s the way they play. It’s not forced, it’s not faked, it’s an evolutionary step in technical death metal. Hopefully some bands with a stale sound will take notice because The Flesh Prevails has every right to be labeled influential to the genre.

    At the end of 2014 it’s hard to tell where The Flesh Prevails will stand with the best of the year. There is tough competition for sure with Behemoth unleashing the monster that is The Satanist and Carnifex’s stellar Die Without Hope, but it’s safe to say Fallujah have made a defining record not only for this year, not only for them as a band, but for death metal as a genre.

    Key Tracks: ­ Starlit Path, Levitation, Alone With You