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.
The summer concert season is finally upon us and is in full swing. Vans Warped Tour made a pit stop to Darien Lake as it does every year. This was their 21st year of being on the road and they have been pushing every year to be even fresher and entertaining than the next. They didn’t do so badly this year.
Upon arrival you could automatically tell this was an event for the younger generations. I’d say the majority of the fans were between 15 and 18 years of age. The line was wrapped around from the front entrance to around the fences at least a quarter-mile back. It was nothing but fouled mouthed scandalously dressed teenagers that were littering all over the place as I walked passed them to the Guest list tent.
The weather could not have been more beautiful. It wasn’t too hot and it was a rain free day. The afternoon before we had hours worth of rain so the ground was pretty soggy and wet. My converse and calves were covered in mud by the end of the night.
Taking a walk around and scoping out the area, I had never been to Vans Warped Tour so wanted to see what they had to offer besides the 10 stages of music. In the middle of the event strategically placed in rows like a carnival setting they had band’s tents where you could buy merch or shoot the breeze with them. So I took a peek and continued down the hill to where my favorite part of the event happened.
I met the one of my biggest influences in life, Adam Elmakias. I have been following his work for couple years now and he is everything I wanted to be in life. Adam surprisingly is not even a year older than me. His job is to go on tour with bands and photograph their everyday lives on the road, on and off stage. I was little star struck but not the Justin Bieber fan kind. I took my picture with him and shot the breeze for a brief moment. He gives me hope that one day I’ll go on tour with a band and take pictures. That’s my dream in life.
The Unicorn stage was second in command that night. If you have never seen Family Force 5 I recommend seeing them at least once. They were highly entertaining on the stage. Their retro bright straight out of the ’80s fashion-wear, to the trampoline jumping on stage kept things fresh and new. These guys brought so much stimulation to the stage I couldn’t look away.
I have a couple of friends that just love everything about Attila. I’m sorry but I can’t see what the hubbub is about. Sure they were wonderful to photograph, but vocally and lyrically it left a bitter taste in my mouth. Their first song right out of the gate was called “Middle finger”. Crowd was nothing but obsessed with this song. Then when they started singing their second song “Rage” all hell broke loose. The crowd surfing and moshing began and was in full force, as a photographer in the pit when that happens can become a dangerous scenario if you are not aware of your surroundings. The only thing I enjoyed about Attila’s set was that they had life plastic red garbage cans set up filled with beach balls. The idea behind this was to give the fans the balls and have them play some beer pong.
Most of the melodic hardcore bands or borderline metal bands were placed in the far back on the Monster stage. I found myself unable to be peeled away from this particular setup, as most of the bands there were so tight on point. There are a few worth mentioning that were really pleasant to listen to as well as photograph.
Escape the Fate, this band I had been eagerly waiting to see because a couple of people I talked with said they were fantastic live. So upon arrival a few minutes before show time I was pleasantly surprised by the hustle of the stage crew. So as the show began the outfits immediately caught my attention. They seem to match accordingly on stage which I thought was a nice touch. Some bands put in little effort towards appearance and it looks poor on their part. I was not disappointed at all by Escape the Fate. They kept my attention the entire time by delivering such a powerful performance.
Fit For A King, These guys were recently in town for a show at a tiny club called The Waiting Room. I did not attend but from what I understand they put on a great performance, according to a colleague this one trumped over the previous. Front man Ryan Kirby delivered a strong solid performance and newest member who is bassist and clean vocalist Ryan O` Leary was nothing but energy on the stage.
Hard Rock Kevin Says Stage had any miscellaneous band that didn’t quite fit into the pop metal categories. Alvarez Kings I must say out of all the bands on that stage I saw were the most relaxed. They weren’t your typical warped tour kind of band. They were softer and it wasn’t what I normally listen to you, but nevertheless enjoyable. I would certainly go out of my way to listen to them while doing a relaxing activity.
Ernie ball stage was hopping the entire day; it was conveniently placed by the concession stands. This stage is meant for local winners of the Battle of the Bands competition. My favorite part about this is that it’s a truck that has a stage built into it. While I was paying a ridiculous amount for a hot dog that my wallet still hates me for, I couldn’t help but overhear a couple of bands that made me stop and take a listen.
Until We Are Ghosts, Until we are ghost are based out of Rochester, NY which is approximately only hour away from Darien Lake. I have had the pleasure of working with these guys doing live photography for them on several occasions when they come to Buffalo. When I heard they were playing on warped Tour I couldn’t have been happier for them. I have seen how hard they have worked to get here. They deserve it all and more. The guys started off their set with Repression. Vocalist Rob Anders always brings an unbelievable performance every time I’ve seen them. Today was no different.
A Story Inspired, These guys are from my hometown of Buffalo, NY. Never previously heard of A Story Inspired until I captured them on the Ernie ball stage in the early afternoon. These guys have clearly become of my go to favorite local bands when I need a heavy music fix; which is often, especially at the gym. The band consists of two vocalists Zachary Mecca, and Josh Karlis. These two are perfectly in sync and I couldn’t peel my eyes away from the stage. Bassist Noah Elardo is well-known for his “Lion Mane” hair, he used this to his advantage on stage giving the ladies something to be googly-eyed over. These guys were one of my favorite bands by far. Everything about their set was tight and choreography was synced to a T. My hope is to see this band take off and go all the way in this music industry, it shows that they have put every last stitch of energy into their music and would want nothing more.
The Shark stage was one of two stages that had the big named veteran musicians on. The first major headlining band to kick things off on the Shark stage at was Silverstein. I listened to these guys a little bit in high school. They brought their aggressive melodic punk style in full swing. Shane Told and his band brought their best to the stage Wednesday. Second song in they played “Smile in Your Sleep”. This song got the crowd screaming and starting mosh pits.
August Burns Red is from our friendly bordering state Pennsylvania. Vocalist Jake Luhrs and his band have been together for just about 13 years now and their sound was spot on. Drummer Matt Griener had such great dynamic drumming, and their lyrics and sound are so skillfully crafted to make it their own.
Quintet group Blessthefall was one of those bands, a forced to be reckoned with that day. They are a melodicore band from Arizona. These guys brought and left every last ounce of energy on the stage. The vocal presence of Beau Bokan was undeniably the strongest I heard all day. They opened up with “you wear the crown but you’re no king”. The middle of their set they played one of their most popular songs 2.0. This is primarily a song they are known for.
Asking Alexandria was one of the last bands to close out the evening at approximately 8pm. They had introduced their new singer Denis Stoff. He certainly brought his own flavor and did justice to all of their harder songs. I was impressed by them all around and thought they put on a good performance and kept the crowd enticed for the entire performance. Once they started singing “Breathless” The crowd just lost their minds. Moshing began and extreme crowd surfing commenced.
Well my very first Warped Tour was a success. I Spent approximately nine hours shooting and walked away with a little sunburn, muddy covered shoes and feet that felt like they were going to fall off; but I wouldn’t have traded it for anything. All the bands brought their own flavor and it was enjoyable for all on one level or another. I will see you next year Warped Tour 22.
This year’s edition of the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival stopped at the Xfinity Theatre in Hartford, Connecticut, on Sunday July 19th. Along with 14 bands, the festival also brought scorching temperatures with it. Sunday’s heat was no match for metal fans though, as many camped out at the rail all day long or participated in throwing down in the mosh pits.
Music started on the Victory Records Stage shortly after 1pm with the Coldcock Band Winner, Dead By Wednesday. Although many fans were still in the parking lot hanging out or making their way into the festival, Dead By Wednesday didn’t seem to care and gave Mayhem everything they had. After their set was over, they welcomed fans to come hang out with them at the Coldcock tent. After a short 5 minute stage change, Code Orange was next up. This band formed back in 2008 and continues to grow. When they came on stage the Victory Stage area was starting to fill in and the mosh pits started. Code Orange did a good job getting the crowd ready for a long day of music.
Dead By Wednesday
The next two bands to take the stage were Shattered Sun and Sworn In. Shattered Sun took the stage right around 2pm when pretty much everyone was inside. People were either checking out the tents set up all around the venue or checking out what Shattered Sun had to offer. Touring behind their recent release Hope Within Hatred, the 6 piece band Shattered Sun showed they weren’t stopping any time soon. Sworn In took the stage after with a very aggressive and hardcore approach. At the start of their set, their singer told the crowd he wanted someone in the ICU by the time the song was over. This made for a fun time for anyone who was partaking in the mosh pits.
After Sworn In and a 15 minute stage change, Sister Sin took the stage. This female-fronted Swedish band was different then the rest of the more hardcore bands on the Victory Records Stage. Sister Sin had more of a throwback metal style that made it feel like the 80s. This change of style was accepted by the crowd and the entire crowd got into this band. After their set was over, Sister Sin went to their merchandise tent to meet fans who were already lined up waiting during the set.
Sister Sin
With the heat not letting up at all, Jungle Rot took the stage at 4pm and delivered a killer set behind their recent release Order Shall Prevail. Even with only having a short 25 minute time limit, Jungle Rot ripped through a handful of songs from 3 different albums including their newest. Fans were definitely left wanting to hear more heavy riffs and killer drumming out of the guys in Jungle Rot. Once Jungle Rot was done, fans used the quick break to go hydrate at the Rockstar Energy Drink booth and other places. Luckily, the setup was done perfectly with everything right around the Victory Records Stage, so fans didn’t have to miss any action. Thy Art Is Murder was up next. Touring behind their June release of Holy War, these guys were ready to show Mayhem what they were made of. Their setlist features tracks from both Holy War and their previous release Hate. The highlight of their set is when they kicked an autographed soccer ball into the crowd for the fans.
The last band to take the Victory Records Stage before things got hectic with the Rockstar Energy Drink Main Stage and Victory Stage going back and forth between bands was Whitechapel. Generally classified as a deathcore band, Whitechapel displayed many different traits of other genres. This 6 piece band, which features a 3 guitar attack were the reason why many of the fans at the rail had been there all day. The dedication paid off those fans who stood in the heat all day long because Whitechapel surely did not disappoint anyone in Hartford.
Whitechapel
The Rockstar Energy Drink Main Stage started off with The Devil Wears Prada. These guys had quite the mix of clean melodic vocals and hardcore screams. Being the first band to open the main stage, they didn’t have much space up on stage from being in front of every other band’s gear after them, but they were making the most of it. These guys were all over the stage and really getting the crowd prepared for the rest of the evening. As the skies darkened, there was no better time for Kissing Candice to take the Victory Record Stage. This gore-core band took the stage with masks and blood covered clothes. Fans who were lucky enough had the chance to pose for photos with them earlier in the day at the Coldcock tent.
With the music then shifting back over the main stage, fans were ready to see HELLYEAH. This band had the pit section inside ready to go before they even walked on stage. All the fans there knew who HELLYEAH were and they were prepared to thrown down. The set opened up with Vinny Paul standing up on his drum riser and giving the crowd the go ahead signal. The setlist was dominated by their last album, Blood For Blood. The only two songs that weren’t off that release were “War In Me” and the closing song “You Wouldn’t Know”. Lead singer Chad Gray took the time between songs to thank fans and to speak to them about how important music was to him. HELLYEAH continues to grow and this tour is only proof of that. Be sure to follow them in the news because there’s already talks about their next album coming early 2016.
HELLYEAH
The last band to play on the Victory Records stage came all the way from Melbourne, Australia and they were called Feed Her To The Sharks. This band was another that featured both clean melodic lyrics with a mix of heavy metalcore screams. They mixed their elements quite well and impressed everyone who left their spots at the main stage area. Their set was very short but they like many of the other bands made the best of their available time.
Overshadowing their setlist was the lurking set time for the mighty King Diamond. Starting right on cue, the lights dropped right at 8:10pm. King Diamond shortly appeared from the top of the stage structure they had set up. This was the first band of the day with a serious production. Complete with gargoyles and inverted crosses, King Diamond had a fantastic theatrical set. Not showing their age one bit, King Diamond and the rest of the band sounded absolutely fantastic. Even though the set was only an hour, the band got to play 10 songs and had a nice mix of both King Diamond and Mercyful Fate covers.
King Diamond
After a long 35 minute wait after King Diamond, Slayer fans watched the big white banner finally fall, revealing a relatively empty stage for a headliner. There was no time for disappointment though as Slayer opened the night with their new single “Repentless” which is the title of their new album that’s due out on September 11th. Along with this new track, fans who were just cooling down finally got blasts of fire from the stage. Fans knew there was a reason for just one big screen behind the stage and a row of cabs on each side of drummer Paul Bostaph. The pyrotechnics continued all through the evening and were on queue with the music. The giant screen behind the stage displayed album covers from each song or animated videos. This stage setup was spectacular and went with the music perfectly.
Slayer
The band was spot on all night long in every aspect. Tom Araya sounded absolutely fantastic behind the mic. Guitarists Kerry King and Gary Holt were top-notch, representing themselves as two of the best thrash metal guitarists of all time. Finally, Paul Bostaph was a beast behind the kit, not missing a single beat. Many people were skeptical with the recent changes that Slayer had gone through, but it is apparent that this change has rejuvenated the band and there’s no letting off the gas pedal.
Slayer Setlist: Delusions of Saviour (Opening), Repentless, Hate Worldwide, Jihad, Disciple, God Send Death, War Ensemble, When The Stillness Comes, Implode, Mandatory Suicide, Chemical Warfare, Ghosts Of War, Dead Skin Mask, Hell Awaits, South Of Heaven, Raining Blood, Angel Of Death
Mayhem Festival was scrutinized this year after they released the lineup, as it was deemed weak and not as impressive as previous years by fans. This was definitely not the case this year. Slayer, King Diamond, HELLYEAH, The Devil Wears Prada and everyone who took the Victory Records Stage put on one hell of a show that needs to be seen.
The tour has less than 2 weeks left to go before it ends in Dallas, TX. Check out the rest of the dates and cities here.
It’s hard to come across a band from the Western New York area who hasn’t played a show at Broadway Joe’s Bar and Grille. At the same time, it’s hard to attend a show in the Western New York area without hearing at least one person talking the venue down. “It’s too small”, “It’s poorly run”, “It’s shit”, are the usual complaints I overhear from various show goers. But I respectfully disagree with just about every bit of criticism I’ve ever heard about the place. That’s why I’m appointing myself the public defender of Broadway Joe’s in the Buffalo, New York metal scene’s courtroom.
With venues shutting down left and right in this area, both national and local metal acts in and around Buffalo are left with very few options. But for many years now, Broadway Joe’s has been there to host the shows that no one else will. Hundreds, probably thousands of metal acts by now have graced their stage and had successful shows. Over the last ten years, I’ve personally performed there in multiple bands as a drummer, guitarist and vocalist. Never once, have I had an issue with the staff or the venue itself. Sure, the room capacity is only 300, but if no other promoters are biting and the other venues in the area are either already booked or nonexistent, then why the hell wouldn’t you just appreciate what you can get and move on?
In recent years, I’ve seen both Soilwork and Shadows Fall play that room and realized that I prefer seeing bands of that caliber in a more intimate setting anyway. How many times have you gone to a show to see your favorite bigger band and had to deal with overpriced drinks, guard rails, huge crowds, a distant stage and constricting set times? At Bways, the drinks are cold and reasonably priced, the service is friendly, the headliners never get ordered off stage (unless they’re being big dicks), and the stage (your favorite band) is right in your face.
Furthermore, shouldn’t the band members who come and go from the venue be the only critics with any merit? It’s kind of interesting how most of the people I hear trash talking this room aren’t in bands, nor do they have any experience working in, with or for bands (at least none that I’m aware of). I’m not saying I know the life story of every last show goer in this area, but I definitely keep track of who I see in bands and who I see working the rooms they play in. If you think you can put on a better show for a band coming through the area, then where’s your venue? Where’s your offer?
Now, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to play in a bigger room in front of a bigger audience, but when the going gets tough, deal with it and make the best of the situation. Would you rather the shows not happen at all? Just this past Sunday night, I saw Psycroptic, Arkaik, Ovid’s Withering and The Kennedy Veil at Bways. Before that night, I had little to no experience with any of those bands. But it looked like a reputable tour with sick bands and I wanted to check it out. Evidently, the tour as a whole had been doing pretty poorly and their Buffalo date was nearly cancelled.
But the folks at Broadway Joe’s kept their promise and gave them a room to play in. The attendance was a little disappointing but those who were there had a great time and I got into some great new music. I wish more people in the scene paid more attention to bulletin boards in bars, or wherever fliers are typically found and of course, social media. Sure, people work, have kids, are married, and naturally, there are usually multiple shows booked each night in this town, especially on weekends. But I know there are more of you out there who just aren’t making the effort for whatever the reason may be. I’ve been plugging reasons to attend shows in this area on this site for months now, and I’m nowhere near done.
I suppose the last point I’m going to make about Broadway Joe’s is this: If you have no experience with bands or running a place of business, don’t badmouth this room. These are great people doing great things, and I’ve never really heard too many bands complain. Most bands that play Bways are just happy they still got to play a fucking show, which is one of the most important parts of being in a band. People like Bryan Parker (owner), Joe Tonaus (promotions), Frank Short (go-to sound aficionado), the bartenders, bar-backs, etc. are helping ensure that we still have a scene to support.
Now I’m going to post a few more clips. Here are some tunes from bigger acts who have played Bways in recent years. WARNING: The footage below displays band members and show goers having a good time in a smaller venue. “Live show elitists” are urged not to expose themselves to this level of fun.
This article was originally posted on The Metal on 7/21/15.
Future metal drummers of the world: Get your audition tapes ready. How would you like to be the next man banging the sticks for Avenged Sevenfold? Well there’s an opening behind cymbals as band members announced that they have parted ways with current drummer Arin Ilejay due to “creative differences.”
Arin Ilejay was the band’s second drummer after he replaced fan favorite James “The Rev” Sullivan. Sullivan passed away on Dec. 28, 2009 at the age of 28. Sullivan’s cause of death was from acute polydrug intoxication from mixing the drugs oxymorphone, oxycodone, diazepam and ethanol.
The band posted a statement on its website and social media about the parting.
Hello Everyone – We are writing this to inform you all that we will be moving forward without Arin IIejay as our drummer. Arin has been nothing but a positive energy and monster drummer for us over the past 4 years. We love the guy and always will. We are and will always be grateful to him for helping us to move forward through some very dark times. Creatively though, we felt we needed to move in a different direction. While we can’t say more at this time, we are excited for the future and looking forward to sharing our plans soon with the greatest fans in the world. As always we appreciate your understanding and unwavering support.
With Love – Matt, Zack, Brian, Johnny
The band had plans to record its seventh studio album this summer to be released in 2016. This could add a speed bump in those plans.
Not even a torrential downpour, thunder, lightning, flash flood alerts or a tornado warning can keep Breaking Benjamin fans from a show and that’s just what the weather had in store on Tuesday, July 14 at The Budweiser Summer Stage at Tags, located in Big Flats, NY.
While personnel urged concert goers to remain in their vehicles while the remainder of the storm passed, the show went on. Some came prepared with umbrellas and rain coats, others braved the elements in street clothes, standing in a line that stretched from the venue admission, out the gates and all the way to the road. Fortunately as the venue opened it’s gates, the rain ceased just as the show was about to begin.
Opening for Breaking Benjamin was Starset, a cinematic rock band based out of Columbus, Ohio. Their set was unique and their performance was out of this world. Starset’s debut album’s Transmissions was released on July 8th of 2014 and it’s definitely worth checking out. Starset consists of Dustin Bates on lead vocals/keyboard, Ron DeChant on bass/backing vocals, Brock Richards on guitar/backing vocals and Adam Gilbert on drums. Starset’s set list for the evening is as follows: First Light, Rise and Fall, Down with the Fallen, Antigravity, Halo, Telescope, Dark on Me, Carnivore, It Has Begun, The Future Is Now and My Demons.
Even with the weather conditions, the venue was packed full with Breaking Benjamin fans. The Wilkes-barre natives released their first album on June 23rd after a hiatus. Dark Before Dawn made it’s debut on the Billboard 200 chart at number 1 and has been widely embraced by fans with over 140,000 album units sold. Breaking Benjamin is back and going strong with many sold out venues along their 2015 tour. Taking on some new members in 2014, Breaking Benjamin’s current members are vocalist Benjamin Burnley, bassist Aaron Bruch, Keith Wallen on rhythm guitar, lead guitarist Jasen Rauch and drummer Shaun Foist. The set list for the evening consisted of some old favorites mixed with a few cover songs in addition to songs from their new album. Much love to Breaking Benjamin and Starset for a phenomenal show!
Setlist: So Colt, Angels Fall, Follow, Break My Fall, Who Wants to Live Forever (Queen cover), Unknown Soldier, Sooner or Later, Blow Me Away, Failure, Breath, Ænima (Tool cover), Phase, Away,. Give Me a Sign, Shallow Bay, Imperial March/Schism/Smells Like Teen Spirit/Walk (A cover song medley) Polyamorous, Evil Angel, Until the End and I Will Not Bow
Encore: Lights Out, Dance with the Devil, The Diary of Jane
On Friday July 10, Rapids Theatre in Niagara Falls was introduced to one of Canada’s best punk rock bands, the Headstones. The Headstones were a staple in the music scene since the late 80s. They disbanded in 2003 and decided to regroup and restart in 2011. Now they are back with vengeance and ready to make a name for themselves again, and they did just that when they came to town.
First act up of the night was a last minute wild card that I had never heard of before, Radio 9. Front women Patsy Silver had tons of energy on stage and was all smiles the entire time. I had to take a double look on stage because I could have sworn Mick Mars was their bassist; nope it was just doppelganger Joey Cristofanilli.
I have heard nothing but wonderful things about local legends Klear and finally had the opportunity to experience them live. Lead guitarist Bruce Wojick just left you with your jaw dropped to the floor and singer Fred Shafer wowed the crowd with his strong vocal presence and captivating lyrics. They have become one of my favorite local bands, hands down.
Next up was the Headstones and they brought such a powerful dramatic performance. They started off the set with “Bin This Way for Years,” then a little more than a quarter into the show vocalist Hugh Dillion stopped the show to call out all the irresponsible crowd surfers. He wanted anyone who was crowd surfing to be completely kicked out of the show for the remainder of the night. His reason was he didn’t want anyone to get hurt. The crowd roared with agreement and the show continued.
What I noticed all night long was Hugh constantly kept lifting his mic stand in the air and slamming it down onto the stage. I was not familiar with such a gimmick, it more or less gave off a sense of attitude. As the show was coming to a close they decided to play a brand new song called “Fuck It.” I could certainly see where the title came from. The only song I knew by them was one of their last encores called “I Smile and Wave,” and this seemed to be the crowd favorite by far. Every time the chorus was sung the entire crowd waved towards the front of the stage. I must say Headstones are back and they are here to stay this time. The show put on by them was a forced to be reckoned with.
Disturbed has announced that they will play their first show in over four years in their hometown of Chicago on Aug. 21 at The House Of Blues.
Aug. 21 also marks the date for the bands much anticipated returning sixth studio album, Immortalized.
Could this be the first show in a possible future tour announcement? Fans can only hope so, even though a tour will eventually head our way in the near future.
The band ended their hiatus recently with a brand new music video for the lead single off the new album titled “The Vengeful One.”
Disturbed secretly recorded the album over the last year. The album will be released through Reprise Records.
The band has posted numerous videos on Facebook titled “The Making Of Immortalized,” explaining how things came about.
The Making of “Immortalized” | Part 1Watch our video for #TheVengefulOne here: http://smarturl.it/thevengefulone Pre-order #Immortalized here: http://smarturl.it/DSTImmortalized
The Making of “Immortalized” | Part 2Stay tuned for more from the making of “Immortalized.” Pre-order exclusive album bundles: http://smarturl.it/DSTImmortalized?IQid=mo2fbPre-order on iTunes: http://smarturl.it/immortalized?IQid=mo2fbPer-order on Amazon: http://smarturl.it/immortalized.amzn?IQid=mo2fb Watch the official music video for “The Vengeful One”: http://smarturl.it/thevengefulone?IQid=mo2fb
Disturbed’s last four studio albums debuted at number one on the rock charts. With all the anticipation for this release, it could mean a fifth consecutive top-selling album for the band come Aug. 21.
Disturbed was formed in 1994 under the name Brawl. Two years later in 1996 is when the band changed their name to Disturbed after the hiring of frontman David Draiman and the parting of Erich Awalt.
The current band line-up has been together since 2003. Bassist John Moyer replaced the fired Steve Kmak in 2003 and played his first show with the band at the House Of Blues. Kmak was fired by the band for “personality differences” right after the band’s Music As A Weapon II Tour.
Disturbed is: David Draiman (vocals), Dan Donegan (guitar), John Moyer (bass), and Mike Wengren (drums).
With a focus on bands that call New York State home, NYS Music is happy to share three Spotify playlists that highlight bands from New York State. We take pride in the homegrown talent we share on our pages each day and hope you will find music both new and familiar through our continually updated playlists.
Whether you like Rock/Metal/Punk, Jam/Funk/Reggae or Bluegrass/Folk/Country, NYS Music has you covered. Make sure to follow each list and NYS Music on Spotify for updates to each playlist as we discover more great music that NYS Music has to offer.
Musicians and bands, want to included in the playlists? Comment below and we’ll add you to the right playlist.
When Rob Zombie makes an appearance in Upstate New York, fans of all ages flocked to see the hellbilly perform at The Budweiser Summer Stage at Tags, located in Big Flats NY. Tags is a Multifaceted Entertainment Facility and nationally recognized concert venue that’s neatly tucked out of the way and has hosted a wide variety of artists over the years.
Opening for Rob Zombie was Dropclutch, a band out of Binghamton New York. The band consists of Shawn Swartwood on vocals, Brandon Schuldt on drums, Josh Skellet on bass/vocals and Adam Skellett on guitar/vocals. Dropclutch has shared the stage with many headlining artists such as Breaking Benjamin, Seether, Lamb of God, Gwar and Skindred. They were well received and got the crowd worked up in preparation for Zombie to take the stage. Their set list included: The Becoming, Get Up, Pressure Chemical, Burned Between The Lines, My Island, Make Your Move, The Reason Over and Over One Bullet.
The line for Rob Zombie started at the entrance and stretched all the way around the venue. Both parking areas were full with fans of all kinds. The only thing that’s more unique than Zombie himself are the fans, some dressed as their favorite characters from his film “House of 1000 Corpses.” The venue was packed pretty tight with those eager to hear some of their favorite hits and Rob is never one to disappoint. His set’s background featured classic movie monsters. The band members blended into the scene with Rob Zombie’s bassist Piggy D dressed as a vampire while guitarist John 5 sporting a nightmarish looking gas mask. The set list for the evening included: Teenage Nosferatu Pussy, Super-Charger Heaven, Superbeast, Get Up I Feel Like Being A Sex Machine, Living Dead Girl, Dead City Radio and the New Gods of Supertown, A Drum solo by Ginger Fish, More Human Than Human, Sick Bubble-Gum, Pussy Liquor, Meet the Creeper, Never Gonna Stop and Thunder Kiss ’65 with encores being We’re an American Band, The Lords of Salem and Dragula.
While personnel urged concert goers to remain in their vehicles while the remainder of the storm passed, the show went on. Some came prepared with umbrellas and rain coats, others braved the elements in street clothes, standing in a line that stretched from the venue admission, out the gates and all the way to the road. Fortunately as the venue opened it’s gates, the rain ceased just as the show was about to begin.
Opening for Breaking Benjamin was 
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