Category: Genres

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 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.

May 29, 2014
Saturday’s Unearth-ing of The Oncoming Storm in Rochester

Front Cover of The Oncoming Storm

Metalcore as a genre has seen better days; the peak has come and gone, leaving cornerstones in evolution’s wake. From one of the foundational areas for the genre in Massachusetts, Unearth came up during the New Wave of American Heavy Metal alongside other genre-definers like Shadows Fall, Killswitch Engage, All That Remains, and The Acacia Strain. It wasn’t until the mid-2000’s where those bands really started to hone in on the sound that would come to define metalcore. Of those founding fathers, Unearth was one of the most clearly definable with a sound and heaviness that was uniquely their own.

In 2004, the band released The Oncoming Storm. I still remember hearing it for the first time and thinking how truly ahead of its time it felt. The only thing that went deeper than the melodic hook was the tenacity at which the band played. Despite having a sound that was as large and powerful as an orchestra of metal, the band at the time was just a five-piece, consisting of Trevor Phipps (vocals), Buz McGrath (guitar), Ken Susi (guitar and backing vocals), John Maggard (bass), and Mike Justian (drums). The melodies captured on that record were some of the most beautifully written, exploiting harmonies for every tonal drop they were worth. Every one of the forty-plus minutes on that album served a purpose and it helped to elevate not only them, but this style of music as a whole to a certain level of visibility.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=of8Ob0xjSGU

This Saturday (May 31st), in celebration of the album’s ten year anniversary, Unearth will be playing it for the first time, from start to finish at the Montage Music Hall in Rochester. Opening the night will be Texas in July, Cruel Hand, and Armed for Apocalypse. If it wasn’t hinted enough above, these guys defined heaviness for a generation of metal fans and set the bar for their peers. The Oncoming Storm is the band’s legacy and they’re giving fans a chance to witness its significance and weight as a whole.

May 26, 2014
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.

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.

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.

May 19, 2014
Poughkeepsie Wanted Rock and Volbeat Delivered

Poughkeepsie was long overdue for a rock show on Tuesday night when Volbeat, Trivium, and Digital Summer came to town. The Mid-Hudson Civic Center was beginning to fill up when Digital Summer hit the stage early. Kicking things off early didn’t stop anyone from getting right into it. The hard rock newcomers had the stage presence of a headlining act, getting the crowd moving with their contagious energy. Most impressively, the band featured 13 year old Austin Rios on drums, who could easily give his much older peers a run for their money.

Trivium kept the night going, powering through a 45 minute set packed with hits. The guitar driven tracks were accompanied by the powerful vocals from frontman Matt Heafy, who got the crowd jumping and singing along on tracks like “” as well as the band’s latest single, “Strife”. They saved he best for last, building up anticipation with an eerie drum intro and light show to match before kicking things into high gear one last time. Mosh pits broke out while the entire audience screamed “In Waves” each time the chorus hit.

Despite being entertained by a surprisingly musical soundcheck, fans began to grow anxious for headliner Volbeat to take the stage. Just before 10pm chants for the band were met with the dimming of the lights. They immediately jumped into “Doc Holliday”, featuring the first of countless solos from guitarist Rob Cagiano. Amid hits such as “Lola Montez” and “Heaven Nor Hell” singer Michael Poulsen joked around with the crowd and talked about some of his influences growing up, including Johnny Cash. A cover of “Ring of Fire” fit Poulsen’s voice perfectly, with the audience drowning him out on occasion.

With an extensive catalog to choose from, the band did their best to fit in a few songs from each, including energetic dance along track “Sad Man’s Tongue” from their 2007 release Rock the Rebel/Metal the Devil. Fans were in for a treat on “Evelyn”, when Trivium’s Matt Heafy and Corey Beaulieu joined Volbeat on stage. Heafy provided the screams on the heavier track, with Poulsen’s distinctive voice on the chorus, making the crowd go absolutely insane for the all-star combination. Following “Still Counting” the audience were desperate for more, chanting for one final song until the band finally made their return. The 4 song encore came to a close with older tracks “Thanks” and “The Mirror and the Ripper.” The punk rock tracks had the audience jumping along from front to back for one last time. Simply put, Volbeat are a fun band to see live. For both old and new fans, it’s nearly impossible to not dance along with a smile on your face throughout the entire set.

May 16, 2014
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.

May 15, 2014
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.

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.

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.

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!

May 14, 2014
The Devil Makes Three ‘Did Wrong Right’ in Rochester

Rochester rarely sees a bluegrass show, let alone a sold out bluegrass show. The April 23rd Devil Makes Three show at the Zeppa Auditorium was a welcomed oddity to that norm but they did wrong right. A 9 PM arrival to a show almost usually results in a few people at the bar, enjoying a drink before the party starts. Count this show as an oddity in that realm too then – the house was packed and pensively listening to the opening band, Joe Fletcher & the Wrong Reasons, an Americana band from Providence, RI with a bluesy sound.

The Devil Makes Three hit the stage strong with “Stranger, a song off the new album” I’m a Stranger Here. They wasted no time with playing house favorites when they slid smoothly into, “Beneath The Piano > Bullet” – the energy level was building with each song. With a look around the room, most knew every word to these songs, which played to the feel of the night, a room full of friends. The setlist was a fantastic combination of new songs and well-known songs from all their albums. Some of the highlights for this girl were, “Old Number 7” and “Gracefully Face Down” and by the sounds of it, I wasn’t the only one there whom had memorized nearly every word to every song. Most notably though, I was thrilled to hear upright bassist Lucia Turino sing a swanky tune. She rarely sings and seeing her play that bass and sing was a definite treat.

Quite possibly the greatest oddity of the night was the “bluegrass moshpit” that ensued and consumed every person anywhere near the stage. Maybe it was the fast paced “Do Right Wrong > Black Irish” that created the frenzy, or possibly it was the energy of the sold out room on another chilly Upstate, NY night, either way the moshpit was a new experience for this gal. A friend advised I take it all in and enjoy, “because it puts hair on your chest,” he said. But I digress, I prefer not to be tackled whilst dancing my heart out.

If this show was any indication of the things to come for this band, I will say that they are on their way up and already have a strong fan base in just about every city they play. Look for The Devil Makes Three this summer at festivals across the country.

May 8, 2014
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.

May 6, 2014
Venue Profile: Bogie’s in Albany, A Scene Coming Together

While the venue is closer to 30 years old, for the last five years the local hardcore and metal scene in the Albany area have really called Bogie’s on Ontario Street home. To say that Bogie’s has character is like saying the Pope is a little religious – from the black walls and the sticker covered bathrooms, to the fliers thrown throughout the place celebrating past and upcoming shows. Above the bar there are signed drum heads and cymbals, each to tell tales of legends and start-ups alike coming through those doors, to play for the diehards that make up Bogie’s core clientele.

This coming weekend Bogie’s is reaching out to the community for help. The music scene is not a lucrative one and to keep the metal and hardcore scene alive, Mike Valente is asking friends, family, and fans to come support the venue. “Repair Fest” is a weekend-long show held at Bogie’s with some of the best local bands on the metal, hardcore and similar scenes.

Friday night headliners Sworn Enemy will be gracing the stage along with Valente’s own Troycore band, Brick By Brick. Saturday will be headlined by local industrial rock band, The Clay People. The music continues on Sunday with headliner, Full Blown Chaos.

NYS Music sat down with Mike Valente before a Goatwhore show last month and asked a few questions. Here’s what Mike had to say about Bogie’s and some of the memories inside those walls.

NYS Music: How long have you run Bogie’s?

Mike Valente: Five years.

NYS Music: What have been some of the more notable bands that have played here the past five years?

Mike: Corrosion of Conformity, Tommy Tutone, Sepultura, Soulfly, Marc Rizzo, Stigmata, Black Flag, I could go on and on.

NYS Music: What’s one memory that sticks out?

Mike: Tommy Tutone (of Jenny/867-5309 fan) was blasted on something. He was wearing sunglasses, chewing gun, he had the worst bus I’ve seen and he was hyped up really good. He needed someone to sell merch, so Matt was helping him out and Tommy told him to sell signed photos for $3. $1 for Tommy, $1 for Matt. When Matt pointed out they were $3 and that only accounts for $2, Tommy ignored the question and told Matt that he should try to get a hummer from the girls. Completely wasted.

NYS Music: Repair Fest is coming up. What is it and what are some goals?

Mike: There are a ton of repairs needed here. The bar is surviving, there is enough for salaries except mine and Ralph (Mike’s partner at Bogie’s) most the time. The repair funds will go toward doors, floors, ceiling, bathrooms, coolers, etc. This place has taken a beating over the years.

NYS Music: Do you attribute the damage to the hardcore scene?

Mike: Not the hardcore or metal scene. Those guys are the most respectful, it is when we throw college parties that everything gets destroyed. Like a tornado goes through here.

NYS Music: Can you tell me about your affiliation with Black ‘n Blue out of New York City?

Mike: Freddie and Cousin Joe, they are BNB. They’ve helped a lot and have Black ‘n Blue Bowl, big names and they are only three hours away. Upstate Black ‘n Blue is completely separate but we help each other out.

NYS Music: What are some bands that played here before anyone knew who they were?

Mike: State Champs. They played the first spot of six bands. they started at the bottom but worked hard. They are getting big and they are going to be big. They deserve it.

NYS Music: Any bands out right now to look out for?

Mike: Sure. Before I Had Wings, Collateral Damage and Ego Destroys. There are others, too.

NYS Music: Is there a difference between the Albany scene and the Troy scene?

Mike: Not a difference anymore. It is the same kids, they go wherever there is a good show. Troy bands are very proud of their Troy connection though.

NYS Music: What’s the scene like now?

Mike: It is okay, all the promoters are working together. Trick Shots, Upstate Concert Hall and Bogie’s. We try not to book over top of each other. None of us are getting rich off this and we all have other jobs to pay the bills. We have to work together and we do.

So this weekend, if you have a free day, free afternoon, or even a free hour, come down to Bogie’s at 247 Ontario Street in Albany and support the local venue. If you can’t make the festival, please consider to donate online at their GoFundMe account (www.gofundme.com/6k0qjw) and check out future dates at Bogie’s including these in May: Adrenaline Mob on the 14th, Vanna on the 24th and Blacktide on the 31st.

Website: www.bogiesny.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Bogies-NY

May 6, 2014
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.

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.

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, 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.

May 1, 2014