Category: Special

Origin and King Parrot Start National Tour in Clifton Park

On Wednesday August 13, Origin and King Parrot start their month-long adventure of bringing crushing metal to the masses of America. This first show is also a homecoming, of sorts, for some members of Origin, as it is close to their stomping grounds and is the only East Coast date on the entire tour. Playing within the intimate confines of Trickshot Billards in Clifton Park, N.Y., all the bands featured on this bill will be in rare form, showcasing metal all night long.

ORIGIN. Photo provided.

Starting at 6 p.m., Declension, and then The Killing Condition, will bring serious hometown metal to the stage and should not be missed. Origin cut their teeth on stages much like this one, and it is always a treat to see what the local music pool has to offer. Brutal local flavor, served right up front.

Following them is Abolishment of Flesh, on loan from Texas, who aim to bring the full performance of their combo of black, thrash and death metal to the stage. Beyond Creation from Quebec, Canada unleash their relentless assault of progressive death metal next, and by then the show will be almost ready to hit its boiling point. King Parrot will surely tip the scale right over with their heavy Australian brand of thrash metal tearing the final pieces off the roof, and setting the stage for the headliner.

Origin, hailing first from Kansas, the band was the incredible brain child of Paul Ryan (guitar) and former member Jeremy Turner (bass), later eventually replaced by Mike Flores (bass/vocals). Through different line-up changes, the four piece now features Jason Keyser (vocals) and John Longstreth (drums). Jason and John both call Upstate New York home, and seeing this powerhouse band come to this area is a rare treat. Their new album, Omnipresent, has been getting great reviews since it’s release on Nuclear Blast and Agonia Records in July. A mix of the great grind and death metal tropes that Origin is known for, along with fresh melodic and majestic musical ideas, songs like the tour title ‘All Things Dead’ will be a high point in a night of great metal moments.

King Parrot. Photo Provided.

This show is a product of the ever-growing Joelggernaut Productions and champions of the local scene Needlewurks Tattoo and Body Piercing in Clifton Park. The crowd attending Trickshots August 13 will be in for a night of awesome metal, savage brutality, and the chance to tell others that they were there to witness it all. Doors at 5pm. Hail Space.

Ticket and Show info at:

https://www.facebook.com/events/245691705627410/

Declension

https://www.facebook.com/DeclensionNY

The Killing Condition

https://www.facebook.com/thekillingcondition

Abolishment of Flesh

https://www.facebook.com/abolishmentoffleshofficial

Beyond Creation

https://www.facebook.com/BeyondCreationOfficial/info

King Parrot

https://www.facebook.com/kingparrotband/info

ORIGIN

http://media.nuclearblast.de/shoplanding/2014/origin/index.html

Needlewurks CP

http://needlewurkstattoo.com/home.html

Joelggernaut Production

https://www.facebook.com/JoelggernautProductions

August 10, 2014
Hearing Aide: Machine Head ‘Burn My Eyes’ Turns 20

In 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

August 9, 2014
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.

August 9, 2014
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.

August 9, 2014
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.

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 17^th 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.

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

August 8, 2014
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

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

August 8, 2014
The Waiting Room Welcomes The Revivalists to Buffalo

Tuesday, August 12 will be pretty busy downtown, especially at The Waiting Room in Buffalo. The Revivalists come to town and over the past few years have played a lot of shows along the way. The band who hails from New Orleans has really been turning heads as of late with constant air play and festival appearances. The seven piece band will surely get your blood flowing with lead man, David Shaw’s heart filled lyrics and the conviction in his voice. The band will be visiting just days before their appearance at The Peach Music Festival, giving everyone in Buffalo a sample of what they will bring to the very talked about Peach.

Opening the show alongside The Revivalists will be Thomas Wynn & The Believers and Buffalo’s own Funktional Flow. Thomas Wynn & The Believers coming from the deep south in Orlando, Fla. are sponsored by Gibson Guitars. The six piece band has been named Orlando’s ‘Top Rock Band’ four years in a row; and with influences from the all time greats – Bob Dylan, Tom Petty and countless others, it’s no surprise they are so well liked.

Funktional Flow also set to perform is no stranger to the Buffalo, NY music crowd. Playing for anyone and everybody they will bring their funky sound and jam with the best of them. Flow is coming off a very productive summer season with a big time showing at this year’s Buffalove Music Festival where they were the talk of the festival alongside Buffalo’s Aqueous. I would plan on getting to the Waiting Room plenty early to get a taste of the opening bands as they will definitely get you amped up for The Revivalists.

Tickets for The Revivalists in Buffalo can be purchased through The Waiting Room for$15 and the doors open 8PM.

August 8, 2014
Road to Backwoods Pondfest

The 8th Annual Backwoods Pondfest starts this weekend! For the next two days, the North Country will come alive with live music from more than 20 bands, art, a disc golf tournament, fire spinning plus much more at Peru, N.Y.

Voted one of ‘s top festivals, Backwoods attracts people from all over the East Coast for the intimate festival setting with the beautiful backdrop of the Adirondacks that is dog and family friendly. Growing strong in their 8th year, Backwoods knows how to book a solid lineup with this year being no different with such acts as Spiritual Rez, Chali 2na and the House of Vibe, Twiddle, Aqueous, Conehead Buddha plus many more.

Formula 5 hails from the Capital District, consisting of Mike McDonald on keyboards, Joe Davis on guitar, drummer Greg and their newest member, James on bass. The quartet has been heavily touring in support of their latest album, Edging on Catastrophe which is available for free stream on their site. (They also have many of their live show performances available for listening/downloading via archive.org.)

Their harmonies are on point with crisp and tight improvisational jams blending rock, jazz, funk, electronica plus much more to please anyone’s musical taste. Formula 5 will be performing TONIGHT at Shepard’s Cove in Lake George, NY before playing at Backwoods on the Tent Stage for a Saturday Afternoon set.

Tickets are still available at the festival gate for $85 but bringing a non-perishable food item for Strangers Helping Strangers takes $5 off your ticket price. Early Arrival Single Day Saturday tickets are available with a discounted price of $55 at 8am. Don’t miss your chance to experience the party by the pond and meet us in the backwoods. Be sure to like on Facebook, twitter and Instagram for Backwoods and all your festival coverage.

August 8, 2014
ROC Party in the Park Wraps Up August in Style

It’s been an excellent year for ROC Windstream Party in the Park Series. Finally back in it’s home – the recently revamped Martin Luther King Jr Park (formerly Manhattan Square Park) – the “party in the parking lot” moniker of years past has been shed. The new/old venue is filled with trees and shade, a bowl-like area filled with food vendors, local support acts, local breweries on site, and plenty of parking.

Tonight, August 7, the quintessential Dead tribute band Dark Star Orchestra will man the main stage for two full sets. With 17 years and over 2000 shows under their belt, there is simply no band on earth that better recreates the live Dead experience for fans new and old. Will they play a classic Dead show or one of their original set lists? Stop down and find out! Only $5 and DSO goes on at 6PM sharp for their first set. Rochester’s Extended Family will provide support before and in between sets in the bowl area. (Don’t get any idea’s Deadheads, this bowl is an architectural one!)

After the show those who still want to dance can walk a half block to The Montage Music Hall and catch two of Rochester’s hottest live acts Ocupanther and Friday in America. Admission is free with a flyer (available at PITP) or a mere $2 if you can’t find a flyer.

On August 14th PITP 2014 will wrap up with millions of peaches. What?? Of course I mean the popular alt-rock of The Presidents of the USA. Also along for the ride will be the slide guitar super group The Slide Brothers (featuring members of Rochester’s own Campbell Brothers) as well as the much buzzed about local alt-rock act Melia.

August 7, 2014
Municipal Waste and Madball Set to Play Bogie’s

Thrash metal outfit Municipal Waste and New York City veteran hardcore group Madball are playing Bogies in Albany tonight in attempt to make a decent draw to potentially save the business, or at least, keep the steady stream of heavy shows coming to the venue.

Upstate Black N Blue, owned by Mike Valente, released the following statement yesterday on their Facebook page.

“Here’s the deal. If you care about hardcore and metal, come out tomorrow night (Thursday) to Bogies for MADBALL AND MUNICIPAL WASTE. This is a big tour. It shouldn’t draw less than 400 people in any city. But if we get less than 200 people tomorrow it shows a steady downward trend in attendance and bogies will have to make a decision about whether we can continue to taking a beating and lose money trying to stay open and provide a home to countless bands and people for underground music. So if you want. Bogies to stay open and you like hardcore and metal you better be there on Thursday (Aug 7)”

Municipal Waste’s latest release The Fatal Feast was released back in 2012 and has been steadily touring in support of that album ever since. Madball’s latest release Hardcore Lives was released just last month.

Doors open at 7 p.m. and tickets are only $18 at the door. Honestly, this show should be insane. Metal and hardcore fans need to get off their couches for this show and not only support two phenomenal bands, but help save a venue that has done so much for heavy music in the Capital Region.

August 7, 2014