Author: Joshua Davis

Ice Nine Kills bring Horrorwood to Rochester
Ice Nine Kills brought their highly anticipated second leg of the Silver Scream 2: Welcome To Horrorwood Tour to Rochester for a sold-out show. The tour included Fame on Fire, Currents, and Bad Omens which fans lined well over a block in downtown Rochester waiting to get into Anthology for the show.

Opening the night was Fame on Fire, who quickly brought a bunch of fans down into the standing area and in front of the stage. While only performing five songs, the band was an instant crowd pleaser with a cover of Linkin Parks “Numb” that had the audience singing along. Their set was high energy and engaging, while using their allotted timeframe to perform as much as possible. Closing out their set with a cover of XO TOUR Llif3 by Lil Uzi Vert, Fame on Fire opened the night in fine fashion.

Currents, based out of Connecticut was up next and anticipation in the crowd was certainly growing as they were waiting to take the stage. Currents has performed in CNY/WNY recently over the past several years, and each time drawing a bigger crowd. With the release of their latest album “This Is How It Ends”, much of their setlist was taken from here which was very welcoming to hear new material performed live. With a seven song setlist, the crowd was very receptive to favorites like “The Rope”, “A Flag To Wave”, and “Monsters”. Each time Currents performs they seem to just be getting better and more polished. Opening for Ice Nine Kills has been one of the bigger bands they have toured with recently, and they will hopefully continue to keep growing and be headlining their own US Tours in the near future.

Next up was Bad Omens, and people were really starting to fill the club in now. The energy in the atmosphere was building as the band walks onto the stage to their latest release “THE DEATH OF PIECE OF MIND”. Their eight-song set was nonstop energy and some of the best metalcore I have heard live recently. Flowing seamlessly through “Glass Houses” and “The Hell I Overcame”, Bad Omens had Anthology rocking. When “Mercy” began to play, fans started crowd surfing nonstop through the entirety of the song and into their final song “Dethrone”. This was the first time of the evening that a mosh pit had really opened up, and the band only fed off of that to close out their set with as much power and energy as possible. Bad Omens was a phenomenal choice as part of the tour package, and really set the bar for Ice Nine Kills to take the stage.

As the stage crew began working on the Ice Nine Kills set, the Michael Myers theme music plays over the PA system which creates an almost small level of anxiety mixed with anticipation. The stage featured a couple LED panels which began by playing the intro off their latest album “Opening Night”, which is a mini narration about the content of the album. Leading right into “Welcome To Horrorwood” Spencer Charnas, the vocalist takes to the stage with only a spotlight on him as he sings the soft intro to the song. Immediately going from zero to 100 as the song progresses, Spencer doesn’t stop moving for what it seems like the rest of the night.

Like their last album The Silver Scream, the Welcome To Horrorwood tracks are based off of various different horror movies throughout pop culture. With the massive success of the predecessor, it was exciting to see how their new material would be live. They definitely did not disappoint, and fans new every single word to every song they performed. The crowd participation at an Ice Nine Kills show is not like any others I have really seen. The amount of pure energy and excitement the audience has during every single song is not something you see at every show. There are certain parts throughout the night when Spencer would stop singing for a second and without missing a beat the audience is screaming the exact words or lyrics that are supposed to be said.

Ice Nine Kills is not just a concert you go and see, it’s a unique theatrical music experience that puts you right in the middle of some of the best horror movies that have been made. Each band member played the parts of many different characters throughout the night, with the default appearance being an American Psycho themed dapper look. This concert was one of the best metal shows I have seen since COVID began, and what a great feeling it was. Ice Nine Kills moved flawlessly through their 16 song set playing all the favorites off the new album, and some from the previous which just complement each other so well. The props used were fantastic as well, whether is a giant butcher knife and mask for “Stabbing In The Dark”, or a chainsaw, raincoats, and balloon for “It is the end”, Ice Nine Kills doesn’t miss a beat when it comes to the perfection of their craft. There’s a reason INK is selling out just about every show they play, and that’s just because it’s such a good and fun experience. If you haven’t seen them live yet, definitely take the time to do so and you’ll be wanting to come back for more.

Setlist: Opening Night > Welcome To Horrorwood > SAVAGES > A Rash Decision > Stabbing in the Dark > Hip To be Scared > Funeral Derangements > Communion of the Cursed > Ex-MÃ¸rtis > Assault & Batteries > Farewell II Flesh > The Shower Scene > Rainy Day > A Grave Mistake > Thank God It’s Friday > The American Nightmare > It Is the end

Ice Nine Kills
Bad Omens
Currents
Fame on Fire
December 2, 2021
Gojira brings Fortitude tour to Rochester in epic fashion
Grammy-nominated metal band Gojira brought their fall U.S. headlining tour to the Main Street Armory in Rochester. The tour featuring special guests Alien Weaponry and Knocked Loose is in support of the bands most recent album release Fortitude

Alien Weaponry, the first band of the evening is a three piece “Te Reo” metal band hailing from Waipu, New Zealand and formed in Auckland in 2010 consisting of brothers Henry and Lewis de Jong, as well as Turanga Morgan-Edmonds. With a dark stage and subtle green lighting, the band takes the stage as a steady drum beat blasts through the armory with a giant Alien Weaponry banner draped behind them. The trio waste no time getting into their first song “Titokowaru,” which immediately shows the bands thrash metal roots.

Alien Weaponry performs many of their songs in the Māori language, which helps separate them from the many other bands in the genre. Each song they perform feels like a breath of fresh air, and is foreshadowing of many great things to come for this band. While only having a 6 song set list, Alien Weaponry gave a fantastic opening performance, and fit very well on the bill with Gojira. The only thing that would of made this set better is if they simply had more time, and were not the openers in my opinion.

Knocked Loose, the second act on the bill which is American hardcore punk based out of Kentucky didn’t quite hit the nail like Alien Weaponry did. The band performed 10 songs in total, with each one of them seeming like the entire song was a breakdown. While I respect the band as musicians, it just didn’t seem to fit right with this lineup. Performing songs “Where Light Divides the Holler,” “Oblivion’s Peak,” “Guided by the Moon,” and “Mistakes Like Fractures” certainly had the mosh pit moving.

After Knocked Loose finished their set, a drape covers the stage with symbols from Gojira’s Fortitude album while a blended mix of the song “Fortitude” plays subtle in the background. The anticipation alone with a countdown had the crowd already getting ready to be rocked by one of the best metal bands currently touring.

As the countdown hit 0, the band goes right into “Born For One Thing” and the drape drops sending the crowd into a frenzy. Unlike Gojira’s past US tours where they had little production, this tour set the bar high. With Co2 canisters, lasers, fog, and overhead strobes this was Gojira at their best. Some bands almost need the extra production to kind of help carry them, though with Gojira it’s more like icing on a cake. This was absolutely amazing and beautiful to witness with the pure power of their music, as well as the crowd singing along.

Going from Born for One Thing > Backbone > Stranded > Flying Whales was one of the best possible openings for a Gojira show. Each one of these songs are super popular among fans, and extremely heavy hitting. One highlight from their 16 song set were during “Flying Whales” when fans “release whales back into the wild” by launching inflatable whales into the crowd. Overall Gojia’s setlist was extremely well rounded, with roughly half the song being new material and the other half a good mix from their previous albums.

Closing out their set with L’enfant sauvage, the crowd screaming “Gojira” over and over almost demanding them come back, which they obviously do for an amazing 4 song encore. Starting the encore off with “Amazonia” off their latest album sent the crowd into a roar again. Leading then into “Toxic Garbage Island” followed by “The Chant” before finishing off with fan favorite “Vacuity” was the perfect choice of songs for an encore.

Gojira put on one of the best metal shows I have seen, and they show no signs of slowing down. Overall this tour is incredible and is definitely worth seeing if you have the opportunity to do so.

Setlist: Born for One thing > Backbone > Stranded > Flying Whales > The Cell > Love/Remembrance > Hold On > Grind > Silvera > Sphinx > Another World > L’enfant sauvage

Encore: Amazonia > Toxic Garbage Island > The Chant > Vacuity

Gojira
Alien Weaponry
Knocked Loose
November 3, 2021
Megadeth and Lamb of God bring the Metal Tour of the Year to Jones Beach
Wantagh hosted “The Metal Tour Of The Year” at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater, featuring Megadeth, Lamb of God, Trivium, & Hatebreed. Billed as “The Metal Tour Of The Year” and rightfully so, as each one of these bands could easily headline their own respective tours.

Fans of all ages packed in the beautiful Jones Beach Theater in Long Island in a buzz waiting for the show to begin. Originally scheduled to open the tour was In Flames, but due to COVID the band ultimately decided not to tour. Hatebreed graciously accepted the position and gave a fantastic heavy, fast paced set that really set the bar for the show.

While only performing 8 songs in total, Hatebreed didn’t slow down at all performing favorites such as: “I Will be Heard”, “Smash your Enemies”, an epic Slayer cover of “Ghosts of War”, and “Perseverance”. While their set flew by, they finished with an exclamation point with their hit “Destroy Everything”. Hatebreed was the perfect replacement for In Flames to open this tour, and fans were very welcoming and receptive to their performance.

Following Hatebreed, Trivium is set to take the stage and fans are starting to fill in the theater. Anticipation was certainly high as the crowd chanted the bands name prior to them taking the stage. After a brief instrumental prelude, Trivium roars right into their new hit “In The Court of The Dragon” which sends Jones Beach into a roar. While also only playing an 8 song set, Trivium flowed seamlessly through their performance. Following up right into “Catastrophist” and then “IX” really showcased how tight of a band Trivium is. It is unfortunate they were only allotted 8 songs, though all of them being their top hits which included “What The Dead Men Say”, “Down From The Sky”, “The Heart From your Hate”, “Feast of Fire” and closing with “In Waves”. Triviums stage presence was something to be admired as singer/guitarist Matt Heafy moved around the stage and interacted with the crowd. Overall their set was very well done for the time they had allotted.

Next up was the co-headliner of the tour, and one of the biggest metal bands in the modern era – Lamb of God. Lamb of God is known for their absolutely captivating live shows, with an energy that is just unmatched by singer Randy Blythe. Tonight would be no different, as the crowd chants “Lamb of God, Lamb of God” over and over waiting for their show to start.

Opening with “Momento Mori” the lights are all dimmed down as the intro places and the band one by one takes their places on stage. As the intro progresses Randy Blythe makes his way front and center perfectly times as he opens with a epic scream of “Wake Up” and the band immediately fires on all cylinders. Randy Blythe isn’t just any front man, he is one of the absolute best in the business and commands your attention with his stage presence. From the beginning to the end of their set, Blythe doesn’t stop moving and jumping around the stage, feeding off of the crowds energy. Their set was fast paced, heavy, and in my opinion one of the best live metal shows to see.

Their set included a mix of old and new songs, all of which fit perfectly into their performance. Going right into “Ruin” the crowd doesn’t have any time to relax, as the mosh pit grows in ferocity and crowd surfers are seemingly nonstop. One of the highlights of their set was the third song, “Walk With Me In Hell” which included an enormous amount of pyrotechnics. Randy also played into the pyro of the set, performing a glorious jump off the drum risers as the flames were all rising at once. The rest of their 12 song set included hits “Now You’ve Got Something To Die For”, “512”, “Vigil” “Contractor”, “Laid To Rest”, and ending their performance with the very high energy “Redneck”. Lamb of God is a must see for any fan of metal music whenever they come around.

Lamb of God Setlist: Momento Mori > Ruin > Walk With Me In Hell > Resurrection Man > Now You’ve Got Something To Die For > Set To Fail > New Colossal Hate > 512 > Vigil > Contractor > Laid to Rest > Redneck

It was finally a time for Megadeth to take the stage and fans were pumped after Lamb of Gods performance. While not as heavy of a band, Megadeth are legends and are one of the “Big 4″(Metallica, Slayer, Anthrax being the others) so fans were in for a treat tonight. Vocalist and founder Dave Mustaine recently won a battle with throat cancer, which makes seeing them perform that much more special.

Opening with “Hangar 18” the crowd erupts into applause and screams as Dave takes the stage dressed in a white shirt and jeans. The band sounded great and Mustaine was still performing exceptionally well, especially giving the circumstances he has gone through. The production was top notch with the drums also sitting high up on risers and a giant blue “MEGADETH” sign lit up the background. The band transitioned extremely well between songs, playing “The Threat Is Real” right into “Sweating Bullets.”

Highlights of Megadeths set were during “Dystopia” when Vic Rattlehead appeared with a robot(Vic Rattlehead is the mascot Megadeth and is a skeletal figure wearing a suit who embodies the phrase “See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” as well as a symbol of censorship.) and during “Tornado of Souls” when Dace announced that tomorrow is his 60th birthday, which then the crowd sang “Happy Birthday”. Megadeth closed out their set with “Peace Sells” and “Holy Wars.. The Punishment Due” in epic fashion, with everyone in Jones Beach Theater giving applause.

The Metal Tour of The Year is definitely one worth seeing, as all these bands are fantastic and put on such a great performance. It was a great feeling to be back to a packed metal show again, which hopefully is a positive sign of the future for more shows.

Megadeth Setlist: Hangar 18 > The Threat Is Real > Sweating Bullets > She-Wolf > The Conjuring > Trust > Conquer or Die! > Dystopia > Tornado of Souls > Symphony of Destruction > Peace Sells > Holy Wars.. The Punishment Due

Megadeth
Lamb of God
Trivium
Hatebreed
September 17, 2021
Billy Joel Dazzles Buffalo at Highmark Stadium
Billy Joel performed at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park on Saturday, August 14 for his rescheduled 2020 date, with thousands of fans packing the Buffalo Bills stadium in a highly anticipated event that marked the return of concerts at the venue since the pandemic began.

This was the first full capacity event to happen at Highmark Stadium, and the fans were really enjoying it. From tailgating out in the lots, to everyone together in the stadium the atmosphere was nothing short of electrifying.

The rules in place were well respected to give the best and safe experience as possible. Masks were required by all fans and staff when inside of the stadium concourses or in the bathroom.

Shortly after 8:30pm the stadium filled in as eager fans waited for the Piano Man to take the stage. The piano sat front and center in plain sight looking immaculate as anticipation grew for the performance to start. Fans were up front holding an assortment of different signs expressing their love and gratitude to Billy Joel, one woman even holding a sign saying how she named her child after him.

With an eruption of applause and cheers Billy Joel took the stage, giving a brief wave and smile to the crowd before taking his seat at the piano. Immediately he opened up with “Movin’ Out’ setting the crowd off into cheers. Billy Joel transitioned his songs flawlessly as one would expect from the lifetime of experience of performing music. Billy Joel performed “Miami 2017” and then “Pressure” before addressing the crowd with a “Hello Buffalo!”

While being considered one of the greatest musicians of all time, Billy Joel also brings with him a fun and witty sense of humor. This was showcased when he informed the crowd of the origins of Buffalo’s name, stating it was too difficult of a French word to pronounce, so it ended up being “Buffalo”

Billy Joel went on to perform an electrifying 24 song set that seemed to go way too quickly. Joel is known for bringing other musicians on stage with him, and it was no different for Buffalo. Introducing John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls, a Buffalo native, they performed the bands hit “Iris” This was very well received by fans as everyone in the stadium was singing along, as Rzeznik looked like he was having the time of his life.

The set consisted of many of Billy Joels top hits including “New York State of Mind”, “Allentown”, “She’s Always a Woman”, “Scenes From an Italian Restaurant” and of course to end the set was “Piano Man”. But Billy Joel wasn’t finished yet – coming back for a five song encore of “We Didn’t Start the Fire”, “Uptown Girl”, “It’s Still Rock and Roll to me”, “Big Shot”, and “You May Be Right” to finish the night off.

Billy Joel gave a masterclass in live performance in Buffalo, and he shows no sign of slowing down. He truly is one of the greatest performers of all time, and demonstrated that with the combination of a beautiful production and his ability to command the crowd with his presence.

Setlist: Movin’ Out(Anthony’s Song), Miami 2017(Seen the Lights Go out on Broadway), Pressure, Summer, Highland Falls, The Entertainer, Vienna, Zanzibar, New York State of Mind, Don’t Ask Me Why, Iris(Goo Goo Dolls cover with John Rzeznik), Allentown, My Life, She’s Always a Woman, Sometimes a Fantasy, The River of Dreams (With “Tush” by ZZ Top interlude), Only the Good Die Yound, Nessun dorma (Giacomo Puccini cover with Mike DelGuidice) Scenes From an Italian Restaurant, Piano Man

Encore:We Didn’t Start the Fire, Uptown Girl, It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me, Big Shot, You May Be Right
August 18, 2021
In Focus: moe. cover Pink Floyd, pay Tribute to Jerry Garcia at Apple Valley
For two nights in early August, moe. played to a faithful crowd, much as they always do this time of year in Central New York. Whether at Saranac Brewery in Utica, Snow Ridge Ski Resort in Turin, or Apple Valley in Lafayette, moe. is a summer staple, and a perfect time to shake off the dust and get down with fellow moe.rons.

Saturday night was highlighted by an always stellar “Recreational Chemistry” to start Set 2, and a trio of “Big World” > “Ricky Marten” > “Mar De Ma” to follow. A cover of Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb” stole the show, and worked its way into “Opium” and “Plane Crash” to close the night.

Marco Benevento opened Sunday night with a rousing set, accompanied by Karina Rykman on bass and Andy Borger on drums. moe. came out for their first set at 6:30pm for an ideal set to watch the sun set behind the stage. A unique take on “St. Augustine” featured “Tubing the River Styx” and “The Pit” being sandwiched in between sections of “St. Augustine.” A nod to Jerry Garcia, who passed away 26 years ago this day, came in the form of “West L.A. Fadeaway,” which was accompanied by a rainbow in the distance.

Set 2 found moe. getting dark, starting out with “Meat” that moved into “Kyle’s Song” and smoothly into “Bearsong,” which gave birth to “Timmy Tucker.” A jazz bass breakdown from Rob Derhak was met with Chuck Garvey’s furious guitar work, leading to the jam of the night. Al Schnier took charge later in “Timmy”, leading the band unexpectedly into “Moth”, and again jumping back into “Meat” (on a dime) to lead to the end of a triumphant set. “Spine of a Dog” and a jam on “Franklin’s Tower” closed the night at Apple Valley.

moe. – Apple Valley Park, LaFayette, NY – Saturday, August 7, 2021

Set 1: Captain America > Bullet > Hector’s Pillow, Bring You Down, Where Does the Time Go?, LL3
Set 2: Recreational Chemistry, Bring it Back Home, Big World > Ricky Marten > Mar De Ma, Along for the Ride > Comfortably Numb > Opium, Plane Crash
Encore: Wind It Up

moe. – Apple Valley Park, LaFayette, NY – Sunday, August 8, 2021

Set 1: Understand > St. Augustine > The Pit > St. Augustine, The Pines and the Apple Trees, Mexico* > West LA Fadeaway
Set 2: Meat > Kyle’s Song > Bearsong > Timmy Tucker > Moth > Meat
Encore: Spine of a Dog* Franklin’s Tower jam
August 11, 2021
Luke Bryan kicks off “Proud To Be Right Here” Tour in Syracuse
Thursday, June 8 was a special day for Syracuse. Not only was this the very first show of the much anticipated “Proud To Be Right Here” Luke Bryan US Tour, it was also the opening night for St. Josephâs Health Amphitheater at Lakeview. This was the first large concert to happen in CNY since COVID had taken it’s toll on the country. With Gov. Cuomo recently lifting restrictions for the entire state, this concert was the light at the end of the tunnel that was so needed.

One thing that was certainly on everyone’s mind going to this show was the rain. It had been raining all day, very hard at times and many were hopeful that it would stop prior to the show beginning. Fortunately enough, the rain stopped just prior to Caylee Hammack taking the stage.

The event was packed with 10,000+ in attendance and fans were showing how they too have missed live music. People laughing, hugging, and toasting drinks were a sight I didn’t I would see for quite awhile.

Opening the night was Caylee Hammack out of Nashville. She came out strong with a good mix of southern rock and Country. Hammack had the crowd singing along to a cover of Dolly Parton “9 to 5” Her set was energetic, fun, and very easy to get into. Dressed in a leopard printed dress and blue jacket, she was definitely having a good time on stage.

Following Caylee Hammack was Dylan Scott, the country pop singer out of Louisiana. His stage presence was very engaging and he sucked the crowd right in with his songs “My Girl” and “Nobody”. His interactions with the audience was a highlight of Scott’s performance. Joking with a couple fans, he asks who could chug a beer faster. This turns into a contest with Dylan grabbing a couple beers and having the fans race each other drinking, which then he leads into his song “Beer Buddies.”

Luke Bryan was set to take the stage next, with the sun setting just after 9pm the atmosphere and intensity of the amphitheater was building. The crowd of people were screaming and singing along to classic rock hits provided by DJ Rock. Finally the lights go dark and the amphitheater erupts as Luke Bryan takes to the stage with “That’s My Kind of Night”. Luke Bryan came right out down the walkway the stage had and wasted no time singing to the fans. Following the opening, Luke Bryan played “Rain is a good thing” which was well accepted considering how much it had been raining that day.

Luke delivered a powerful 20 song set, performing fan favorites “What She Wants Tonight”, the sing along “One Margarita,” and “Country Girl(Shake it for Me). This was a much needed night for everyone in attendance. Not only the fans, but all the artists performing seemed so happy to be back, the employees at the amphitheater were also very friendly and looking glad to be back as well. Overall it was a great experience and great concert that set the bar high for the rest of the concert season.

Luke Bryan Setlist: That’s My Kind of Night, Rain Is A Good Thing, What Makes You Country, Huntin’, Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day, Knockin’ Boots, Kick the Dust Up, Waves, Down To One, What She Wants, One Margarita, All My Friends Say, Crash My Party, Roller Coaster, Strip It Down, Drink A Beer, Sunrise, Sunburn, Sunset, Move, Play It Again, Country Girl(Shake It for Me), I Don’t Want This Night To End

Luke Bryan
Dylan Scott
Caylee Hammack
July 10, 2021
Revisit the 2020 SAMMY Awards ahead of Tonight’s 2021 Livestream Show
It has been one year since the 2020 SAMMY Awards took place in Syracuse, at the Palace Theater in Eastwood. So much has changed since that night, with this annual event taking place just two weeks before the music industry, and seemingly the world, shut down.

2020 was certainly a challenging year, especially in the music industry with virtually no concerts taking place and the beginning of live streaming shows as a form of entertainment.

MBK Music Group

A year later, we are starting to see signs of life, with festivals popping up down south and venues getting the green light to let in limited capacity crowds.

The 2020 SAMMY Awards set records for the number of artists submitted, as well as the votes for the winners. The full list of nominees/winners can be seen here. In preparation for the new virtual SAMMY Awards for 2021, check out NYS Music’s photo gallery and revisit the good memories of that night, one that showcases why the Syracuse music scene is one of the best in the state.

The SAMMY Awards will live-stream from SubCat Studios in Syracuse via the SAMMYs Facebook page beginning at 7 PM on Friday, March 5.
March 5, 2021

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