Author: Jay Saint G

Hearing Aide: Fear Factory ‘Genexus’

Fear Factory returns with its ninth album, Genexus, and this album does not disappoint. It’s absolutely amazing that nine albums in, the band still continues with the same sci-fi theme about the dangers of machines and technology. They sustain that industrial thrash metal sound that parallels their breakthrough album Demanufacture.

One bold move this album did, was the decision of moving away from the drum machine they used on the previous album, The Industrialist, and hired Mike Heller to handle the drums on this album. Dino Cazares handles all the guitars and bass tracks, while Burton C. Bell has laid down all vocals.

The album kicks off with a robotic track “Autonomous Combat System,” which reminds us that this is a Fear Factory album. A real stand out track is “Dielectic” which interestingly enough, uses a little bit of orchestral arrangements throughout the track. That’s really what makes this Fear Factory album stand out. We are used to hearing program arrangements, synthesizers, keyboards, and other electric sounds in almost every Fear Factory album, but this album continues that tradition, also using orchestral arrangements.

“Soul Hacker” is another killer track on this album, featuring some of the best vocals I Hacker” is another killer track on this album, featuring some of the best vocals you will hear from Bell. Halfway into the album, the title track features more the heavy and fast guitar riffs from Cazares that are so clutch with the double kick drums with synthesizers buried cleverly underneath. “Church Of Execution” has a bizarre and catchy riff that will get stuck in your head. Finally into the tenth track “Expiration Date” is a ballad which is a great way to end this album. It’s not very often Fear Factory graces an album with a ballad. Then this album offers two bonus tracks with “Mandatory Sacrifice” remix and “Enhanced Reality” which adds value to this album.

In conclusion, I do believe this is Fear Factory’s best album since 2001’s Digimortal. Some people may find this album redundant because of the constant theme and sound that Fear Factory has always used, but most people should appreciate all effort that was put into this album because of all the industrial arrangements that is timed out so well with the music. Fear Factory continues the momentum on Genexus and these songs need to be heard live.

Highly recommend the purchase. You can buy Genexus here.

Key Tracks: Dielectic, Soul Hacker, Church Of Execution, Expiration Date

August 21, 2015
Film Review: Straight Outta Compton

“Straight Outta Compton” released by Universal Studios and Legendary Pictures have made what I believe is the best music bio-film since “Ray.” Any fan of music, hip-hop, and film should take the time to watch this movie.

Director F. Gary Gray (“Friday”, “Law Abiding Citizen”) did wonders in portraying the dangerous reality of Compton and South Central L.A. and the brutality of the music industry. Writers Jonathan Herman and Andrea Berloff put together a master script as well. My only complaint about this movie (and it is aimed at the writers) was the dialogue in the first half of the movie seemed just a tad bit exaggerated between everyone in the movie. I believe the whole purpose of that was to keep some of the elements light-hearted and humorous to keep the audience engaged in a movie that had a dangerous tone to it.

The acting was excellent. I would have to say the star of the show is easily Ice Cube’s son O’Shea Jackson Jr. who portrayed Ice Cube. This movie is definitely his breakout role and he is going to have a bright future in the movie industry. It is amazing how much he looks and acts like his father. Corey Hawkin’s portrayal of Dr. Dre was very powerful as well.

If you know your N.W.A. history, you will like this movie. If you have no clue about N.W.A., you will like this movie. The movie follows all the big events revolving around N.W.A., from their shaky start and struggle, to the controversy that followed the song “Fuck Tha Police,” to the breakup of Ice Cube and Dr. Dre leaving the group, and having leader Eazy-E struggling to keep the band happy as well as dealing with their manager Jerry Heller.

This movie is a celebration of what I believe was the golden era of hip hop, a reminder on how N.W.A. paved the way for all hip-hop artists today, as well as a call for the Rock N’ Roll Hall Of Fame to induct N.W.A. Do yourself a favor and see this film and then go blast the album Straight Outta Compton.

August 19, 2015
Coal Chamber, Fear Factory, Jasta Wreck The Water Street Music Hall In Rochester

So I finally made it to a metal show at Rochester’s Water Street Music Hall. Why the long wait? Because there is lots of venues in New York State that I have to cover and yet to visit. And this one took me a while, and one thing that the city of Rochester has going for itself….they have three very high profile venues for metal music. The Main Street Armory, The Montage, and Water Street Music Hall. Main Street being the largest, with the Montage being the smallest, Water Street falls right in the middle and likely have the biggest advantage of booking shows at this point. And let me say that other than the parking situation there, the venue is dynamite. Decent sized stage, clear sound, large bar area, balcony, etc., really nothing not to like about the place. And when you add bands like Coal Chamber, Fear Factory, and Jasta under that roof, magic happens.

I arrived in time to see openers Madlife’s set. The Los Angeles based industrial metallers were received well by the crowd (it was early so at this point the venue was not packed yet) and delivered a high energy set. They had a very goth-like image to them with a sound similar to Orgy. The big highlight from them was their cover of “Love Song” by The Cure as well as a cameo from Burton C. Bell of Fear Factory.

After Madlife, Jasta swept the entire floor with their explosive set that knocked (literally) everyone on their asses. Seeing Jasta was a real treat because he is usually so busy with Hatebreed, he rarely tours as his solo outfit. Jamey Jasta was already in familiar territory, having toured through Rochester and the rest of Upstate New York many times, had already won the crowd over before he even stepped on stage. And it was his time to shine to show off his vocal skills that he normally doesn’t use with Hatebreed. The set consisted of mostly his solo album including “Screams From The Sanctuary” and “The Fearless Must Endure.” His band was real talented (consisting of Steve Gibb, Charlie Bellmore, Chris Beaudette, and Nick Bellmore) gave them all a proper introduction towards the end of their set. The crowd opened the pit up to add to the crazy atmosphere that was brewing, and Jasta gave the fans a real treat by playing “Buried In Black” from Kingdom Of Sorrow’s first album and closing their set with Hatebreed’s anthem “I Will Be Heard.” I believe Jasta should try to find more time to tour because they certainly left the crowd something to remember.

When Fear Factory graced the stage, they wasted no time what so ever. It was down to business, pedal to the metal as they unleashed two songs off Obsolete “Shock” and “Edge Crusher” which is the clear recipe to ignite a crowd. Vocalist Burton C. Bell sounds as brutal and vital as he has been for years, Guitarist Dino Cazares has a very likable stage presence and still has one of the most clutch hands to ever strike an electrical guitar. And now with bassist Tony Campos (ex Static-X, Soulfly, etc.) in the fold, Fear Factory has a new chemistry on stage that the crowd really dug. With the new album Genexus out, it was only appropriate that they played songs off that album, and the songs they decided to play “Soul Hacker” and “Dielectric.” The crowd never stopped moving and security certainly had their hands full as well. Although it was a short eight song set, Fear Factory did right by closing with two songs off Demanufacture including the title track, and finishing with “Replica.” Fear Factory arguably, was the best damn band of the night. Period.

Coal Chamber stormed on stage late into the night. Although a great fast pace set, The Nu Metal legends only played for 45 minutes. Tickets were really cheap so overall I felt I got my moneys worth, I just feel that more songs from their catalog should have been played. Nothing from their second album Chamber Music either. But still played some solid tunes such as their famous opener “Loco,” “Big Truck,” “Fiend,” and a couple off their latest record Rivals that they’re currently promoting. Frontman Dez Fafara at his age still has a fierce voice and a powerful stage presence, however, I have been on the record stating before, drummer Mikey Cox is an absolute wrecking machine behind the kit. It’s not very often the drummer of any band performs their balls off, runs like machine, and still be so precise. The crowd went bananas…and the bodies that were getting thrown out of the venue by security started piling up very heavily when Coal Chamber was on stage. Coal Chambers production was the best from any of the bands that night, with their giant monitors on display and spectacular lighting really makes them a treat to go see. They ended their night appropriately with “Sway.” No encore. Dez Fafara had some choice words before their last song. He’s very anti encore and told the audience that encores are “bull shit” and a waste of time and that if a band is making you wait for another song you want to hear that you should walk away. Personally, the way I feel about it….it’s nice to get a head start on traffic.

In conclusion, it was overall a fantastic night for fans to rejoice 90s metal. It was a damn shame that all the bands didn’t play longer sets.

August 13, 2015
NYC’s Music Row Shops Closing On 48th Street

This week the New York Post reported that famous music shops such as Rudy’s Music Stop, Alex Musical Instruments, and Alex’s Accordions located on 48th Street in NYC, better known as Music Row, will close in the coming months.

It comes as a shock to people familiar with the rich history that Music Row has in New York, and how famous around the world the strip is.

Famous Hall of Fame musicians, such as the Rolling Stones, the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, used to shop there for all their guitars, amps, pedals, and more.

Sad farewell to @rudysmusic. The best. Many happy memories here. NYC’s 48th St. “Music Row” is now officially dead. pic.twitter.com/mLLvt7CNsR

— Mark Orwoll (@orwoll) July 31, 2015

Some of the reported factors causing all these legendary shops to close include rising rent costs and a lack of business that this area once generated. Perhaps the rise of Internet shopping contributed to the issue as well.

The owners of Music Row NYC came up with the idea of possibly creating a walk of fame-like sidewalk, and displaying guitar statues on the streets to create a historical district to preserve the happy memories and musical history to welcome the people who walk through Music Row. But unfortunately, with all the hoops to jump through with the city district, it didn’t get done, so the once great Music Row will become a ghost town in the coming months.

August 5, 2015
Despite Mayhem Fest in Town, Cro-Mags Brought The Ruckus

After catching a few shows in the Long Island area earlier in the spring, I was eager to travel from Syracuse and back. All because Club Loaded keeps bringing exciting shows to Revolution Music Hall. It was only appropriate to catch New York’s most legendary hardcore band Cro-Mags last Sunday, July 26.

I was kind of shocked at the lack of attendance at this show, but as I sat at the bar and enjoyed some fried food that likely took a few years of my life span (totally worth it). Someone had mentioned to me that the Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival was in Long Island the same night. But on a positive note, it was a very intimate show. Crazy mosh pits and the explosive energy that Cro-Mags brought on stage made this a very memorable night.

Local openers Demon Racer and Johnny Booth graced the crowed with brief sets before what felt like an eternity wait before Cro-Mags just leveled the stage. You couldn’t have asked for a better opening song than “We Gotta Know” followed by “World Peace” and “Show You No Mercy” all off the classic Age Of Quarrel album. Basically…they played almost the whole album with a couple of other songs lightly sprinkled into their set.

Guitarist A.J. Novello was missing in action due to family obligations, so Black Anvil guitarist Gary Bennett stepped in and did one hell of a job filling in. It was actually a nice surprise. Despite years of line-up changes, Cro-Mags are veterans of their genre and have showed absolutely no sign of slowing down. Their sound as tight and precise as ever with an energy on stage that is unmatched by most bands. Frontman John Joseph McGowan, looks like a mad man on stage dancing between lyrics and encouraging the crowd to mosh and stage dive. Although that sounds dangerous, but everyone was having fun and looking out for each other.

Cro-Mags closed their set with “Don’t Trend On Me” and playfully stormed off the stage before doing an encore with their trademark hit “Hard Times.”

Afterwards, the band came out to hang with the crowd which is always nice and most other bands of all genres should take note.

Overall, it was a fun night, the sound of the venue was crystal clear and loud, and the Cro-Mags proved they’re still the leaders in New York City hardcore.

August 2, 2015
Hearing Aide: Coal Chamber ‘Rivals’

After being away for over a decade plus, Coal Chamber has rediscovered their furious chemistry and unleashed Rivals, released by Napalm Records and produced by Mark Lewis who has worked wonders with bands like Trivium and DevilDriver. This album delivers and lives up to the hype that was brought forth, however, does it enhance Coal Chamber’s legacy even further?

It starts off with a fast stylish track “I.O.U. Nothing” which appropriately opens with screeching guitars from Meegs with a fast nu metal beat from Mikey Cox, and Dez Farara’s brutal vocals hasn’t aged one bit. The second track “Bad Blood Between Us” has a slower tempo but everything gets dark and haunting with “Light In The Shadows” something you would expect from vintage Coal Chamber. I saw an interview with Dez Fafara a few weeks back where he stated that this album isn’t a “throwback album” but honestly to me, it is. I’m not saying it sounds like the previous three albums, but it certainly sounds like classic Coal Chamber and everything you would expect from this band, however, they tastefully made this album for 2015 because it is more mature sounding.

The track “Suffer In Silence” is a real behemoth track. Ministry’s Al Jourgensen makes a guest appearance on this track to make this one a real stand out. Another real stand out track is “Another Nail In The Coffin” because it’s a heavy and erratic. It speeds up, it slows down, it breaks down and Fafara’s vocal tracks are arranged all over the place. Kudos to producer Mark Lewis for being tactical on mixing this track. After the title track and single “Rivals,” the track “Wait” is a fun and catchy song with a real nice groove to it.

Towards the end of the record “Fade Away (Karma Never Forgets)” is really catchy then it ends hard and fast with “Empty Handed” thus marking an album that is candidate for one of the best albums of 2015. This album proves Coal Chamber is back with a vengeance, picks up where they left off and has us all wanting more. I would highly recommend picking this one up and catch Coal Chamber play these songs live.

Purchase Rivals here.

Key Tracks: “I.O.U. Nothing,” “Suffer In Silence,” “Another Nail In The Coffin”

May 30, 2015
Hearing Aide: Faith No More “Sol Invictus”

Faith No More has released what is not only comeback of the year, this album so far, is album of the year, speaking of, Sol Invictus makes the first time Faith No More released anything since 1997’s Album Of The Year. Also, this is the first time the band released an album via Reclamation Recordings. What makes this band so fascinating to so many fans of metal is their unpredictability, and the fact they have never released the same album twice. This album is no exception.

Sol Invictus (which means Latin for Unconquered Sun) starts off with the title track. It begins with a beautiful keyboard track from Roddy Bottum over Mike Bordin’s precision drumming. Once you hear that crazy voice of Mike Patton …BOOM! You know that it’s a Faith No More record. The album immediately goes into “Superhero” which may be my favorite song because it’s a fun, groovy, and heavy track with very catchy keyboards blended so nicely into the overall track. Then the satire track “Sunny Side Up” lightens the mood of that album.

“Separation Anxiety” goes polar opposite of the previous track and it begins with a killer bass and drum rhythm that leads to a gloomy and dark atmospheric tone that makes this track a real stand out. Sol Invictus wouldn’t be a Faith No More album without some kind of unpredictable and strange track that makes you scratch you head a little bit and make you think “WTF?” and that track would be the fifth song on the album “Cone Of Shame” because I don’t know what the fuck this track is. The album goes into another strange track but this time you get a really get an awesome range of Patton’s vocals on “Rise Of The Fall” and guitarist Jon Hudson really shines on “Black Friday.”

Going into the tail end of the album, the hilarious but awesome track “Motherfucker” will be playing over and over in your head for days to come. Patton delivers another grand vocal performance on “Matador” before the album ends with “From The Dead” which is an appropriate ending because its upbeat song. Overall, Faith No More delivered a grand and deep album that takes you on an unpredicatable and enjoyable ride. Bassist Billy Gould wrote most of the music on this album as well as produced this masterpiece. With lots of touring ahead, we can only hope that this is just the beginning for the revamped Faith No More. I highly recommend this purchase. You can buy Sol Invictus here.

Key Tracks: “Superhero,” “Separation Anxiety,” “Motherfucker,” “From The Dead”

May 23, 2015
Hatebreed Wrecked Rochester’s Montage Music Hall

On Thursday May 14, Hatebreed managed to get away from their tour with Slipknot and headline their own show at the Montage Music Hall. This gave them the opportunity to play in a much smaller venue and play songs over their entire catalog including rare tracks and demos.

The place was jam-packed but before Hatebreed took the stage, local openers Order Of The Dead and Hate Machine had time to shine.

I was really impressed with both bands but Hate Machine really stood out. Shame on me for not actually knowing who they were prior to that night because apparently they been around for almost twenty-years. Proof that I’m not a Rochester native.

Their use of hardcore and hip hop drum beats, under their crushing guitar riffs, really made them stand out. And vocalist Jed Seaver’s use of rapping, singing and growls added to his kick ass stage presence, really made them a treat to watch and rock out to. They owned the crowd.

Hatebreed stormed the stage as vital as they come. After all these years, there hasn’t been a step back at all for their performances. They all look like they still enjoy what they do and they continuously give their best. They ripped through their setlist starting with “To The Threshold” and “Before Dishonor.”

They never really took much time in between songs but still managed to give fun crowd interactions. Frontman Jamey Jasta still proves he’s one of the best frontmen in metal. Other highlights were, “Puritan,” “As Diehard As They Come,” and by the crowd’s request, “A Call For Blood.”

The last time I saw Hatebreed in Syracuse they had sound issues, thankfully, Montage got it right and there were no sound issues at all. There was a clear bloody knuckle atmosphere, but no one was hurt, no fights (from what I saw) and everyone let their hardcore jollies out. Hatebreed managed to finish their 22 song set with their fist pumping anthem “I will Be Heard” and “Destroy Everything.” I was a little surprised they didn’t play “Last Breath” but there were plenty songs that were played that usually the band doesn’t get to play.

To wrap it up, it was nice to see Hatebreed take the time to play a small venue, especially at this point in their career where they are used to playing much bigger venues. Anyone who missed this show missed out on one of Hatebreed’s best concerts.

May 22, 2015
Coal Chamber And Fear Factory Join Forces For Tour

Hot off their brand new album Rivals, there is no rest for the wicked as Coal Chamber continue its next tour on US soil, and this time, industrial metallers Fear Factory will co-headline with them. Special guest on this tour will be Devil You Know (featuring Howard Jones former singer of Killswitch Engage) on select dates. On other select dates Jasta, the solo project of Hatebreed frontman Jamey Jasta (which he rarely brings on the road) will be given a slot to play. Saint Ridley and Madlife will be opening every date. The tour starts in Tucson, AZ on July 24 and ends in Santa Ana, CA on Aug. 22. The tour includes three stops in New York State including Aug. 8 at Rochester’s Water Street Music Hall, Aug. 11 at New York City’s Irving Plaza, and Aug. 12 at Poughkeepsie’s The Chance Theater. On those dates Jasta will be the select band appearing.

In other related news, bassist Tony Campos (Soulfly, Prong, Attika 7, Static-X, etc.) has joined Fear Factory and exited Soulfly earlier this month. Fear Factory’s full lineup has not been revealed.

Tickets for these shows are expected to be on sale May 22.

Coal Chamber/Fear Factory 2015 Tour

Jul. 24 – Tucson, AZ – Rialto Theatre
Jul. 25 – Albuquerque, NM – Sunshine Theater
Jul. 26 – El Paso, TX – Tricky Falls
Jul. 28 – San Antonio, TX – Alamo City Music Hall
Jul. 29 – Dallas, TX – Gas Monkey
Jul. 30 – Lawrence, KS – Granada
Jul. 31 – Sauget, IL – Pop’s
Aug. 01 – Cincinnati, OH – Bogart’s
Aug. 02 – Chattanooga, TN – Track 29
Aug. 03 – Asheville, NC – The Orange Peel
Aug. 04 – Columbia, SC – Music Farm
Aug. 06 – Chicago, IL – Concord Music Hall
Aug. 08 – Rochester, NY – Water Street Music Hall
Aug. 10 – London, ON – London Music Hall
Aug. 11 – New York, NY – Irving Plaza
Aug. 12 – Poughkeepsie, NY – The Chance
Aug. 15 – Philadelphia, PA – Underground Arts
Aug. 16 – Cleveland, OH – Agora
Aug. 18 – Lincoln, NE – Bourbon Theatre
Aug. 19 – Denver, CO – The Summit Music Hall
Aug. 20 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex
Aug. 21 – Las Vegas, NV – Brooklyn Bowl
Aug. 22 – Santa Ana, CA – The Observatory

May 21, 2015
Faith No More Leave Long Lasting Impression on Day One at NYC’s Webster Hall

Faith No More has embarked on one of the biggest tours of 2015 and for the first leg of the tour, they played two show’s at New York City’s Webster Hall last week, and I was lucky enough to get my hands on a ticket and managed to take a trip down and catch the first show on May 13. The Webster Hall is one of Manhattan’s most premiere night clubs, and a very intimate setting to catch a metal show. It was a real blessing to have attended this show. But things started off with the most unexpected, a punk band from Mexico called Le Butcherettes.

San Francisco – October 28, 2014

You couldn’t ask for a more bizarre, yet appropriate band to open for Faith No More. Le Butcherettes is exactly what rock and roll is missing. And that is the “I don’t give a fuck” attitude packaged with the unexpected. It all starts with frontwoman Teri Gender Bender who is an absolute fiend. I would describe her as the female Mike Patton with a touch of Wendy O’ Williams to her. Not only vocally, she possesses a wide range, she’s playing the keyboard and guitar, but most importantly her performance was so wicked, dirty, and out of this world. Everyone in the audience was in awe from this band. I almost forgot I was at a Faith No More show before their set ended.

When Faith No More took the stage, it was the most surreal and beautiful thing to behold. They had everything in white on stage, and before they started, the stage hands and roadies covered everything in flowers. It almost looked like a wedding.

The same day, Faith No More performed on Jimmy Fallon. They started off with a new song “Mother Fucker” which lit everyone up with excitement. As for me, I haven’t felt such a surreal feeling of witnessing a band play since the first time I saw Soundgarden reunite at Chicago’s Lollapalooza back in 2010. The entire band has such a unique chemistry. Frontman Mike Patton’s outlandish and comical presence is something to behold, and vocally, whether if he’s singing his ass off, rapping, or doing super sonic screams, he proves to this day he’s one of the very best in the business.

The one who anchors the band is keyboardist Roddy Buttom. He has an intimidating presence, but he’s also comical. It’s very rare in a band when the keyboardist is the one that takes charge. I also really liked bassist Billy Gould’s performance, he’s definitely an underrated bass player.

Five songs in, Faith No More performed their well-known hit “Epic” along with another new song “Sunny Side Up”. The real highlight of the set was hearing “Surprise! You’re Dead!” and “Midlife Crisis” back to back. Faith No More did a phenomenal job playing songs off their Mike Patton-era catalog and material off their new album Sol Invictus.

Later in the set we heard “Easy” and “King For A Day” before closing with “Ashes To Ashes” and their new single “Superhero”. But of course the crowd was graced with a three song encore and a one song second encore thus giving New York City 19 songs total.

Overall, an unforgettable night for sure. Faith No More is back with a vengeance and will be returning to New York City at Madison Square Garden on August 5. So if you missed the two shows at Webster Hall, you still have a chance to see them in August, and I highly recommend that you do because you won’t regret it. 2015 is the year of Faith No More.

May 20, 2015