Category: Photo Gallery

Mdou Moctar Brings Saharan Guitar Smoke Show to Colony Woodstock

In 2017, the Washington Post published a story entitled “The Death of the Electric Guitar.” But you wouldn’t know it from the sell-out crowd that packed Colony Woodstock this past Monday night, March 21, for a masterclass in six-string sorcery by the acclaimed Nigerian guitarist/singer Mdou Moctar.

For those not in the know, Moctar has been turning heads with his unique brand of African blues/psych rock since his 2008 debut disc, Anar. This astounding collection achieved popularity not via a savvy record company marketing blitz, but when it went viral over African cellphone music trading networks and when two of its tunes were included on the globally-distributed compilation, Music from Saharan Cellphones: Volume 1 (Sahel Sounds). Moctar is the latest exponent of Tuareg Guitar Music, also known as Desert Blues, a fusion of rock, blues, psychedelia and ethno modal music popularized by tribal musicians in the Saharan region, particularly Mali, Libya, Algeria, Burkina Faso and Niger. He is furthering a sound that first gained global popularity via the critically-acclaimed works of Ali Farka Toure and Tinariwen.

Moctar is concluding a 25-concert North American tour in support of his sixth album, 2021’s Afrique Victime (Matador Records). This fiery collection has garnered rave reviews from the likes of NPR Music, Rolling Stone, Paste, Pitchfork and many more. Matador has just dropped an expanded edition with nine additional tracks, including a variety demos and live offerings, the setting where Moctar truly soars.

Moctar’s set at Colony Woodstock was heavily weighted with tracks from his new album. The show commenced with the album opener and its most streamed tune, “Chismiten.” Like many of the songs performed, this kicked off with some unaccompanied guitar, before the band joined in to propel Moctar’s vocals and lengthy solos with pulsing and very hypnotic beats.

The signature of Moctar’s style is the switchblade bite emanating from his white Fender Stratocaster. Though he slings it lefty like Hendrix to whom he is frequently compared, his trebly tonality may be even more reminiscent of that of Telecaster-powered blues legend Albert “The Ice Man” Collins or the Lebanese born, modal-minded pioneer of surf guitar, Dick Dale – both inspirations to Jimi. Mdou Moctar also brings to my mind the great Black Rock Coalition associated guitarist Jean-Paul Bourelly (for more guitar thrills, check out his incredible disc, Rock the Cathartic Spirit). Moctar’s sound is heavily phased and overdriven via a modest array of stomp boxes and his retro Roland Jazz Chorus amp, something not seen much since Andy Summers’ days in The Police.

Moctar’s melodic style mixes Eastern-sounding modal scales with the blues punched up with psych/rock scream. There are plenty of slurs, trills, hammer-ons and pull-offs, single string climbs and even some tapping, in a percussive more so than melodic Van Halen style. The most unique visual aspect of his style may be his picking. This seems to be accomplished solely with his index finger, which plucks away at the strings like a mad chicken one moment, then becomes an indecipherable blur when he unleashes rapid-fire passages.

The hour-long set at Colony Woodstock was a Saharan shred-fest. Many of the tunes again began with Moctar solo and featured him improvising at length and repeatedly, greatly stretching out of the songs featured on his newest album to the delight of the audience. His music would not be anywhere near as powerful without the support of his band. Drummer Souleyman Ibrahim and guitarist Ahmoudou Madassane provided a powerful steady and unflagging rhythmic platform upon which Moctar soared. Bassist Michael “Mikey” Coltun, who has also served as Moctar’s producer since 2017, laid down a rich bottom with his Fender bass, just like Billy Cox in Hendrix’s Band of Gypsies. Kudos to Colony’s Max Siegel for providing impeccable sound and to owners Neil and Alexia Howard and booker Mike Campbell for bringing this intriguing offering to this intimate space.

Mdou Moctar and band brought the evening to a close with an extended version of their new album’s title track, “Afrique Victime.” The track showcased the band’s tight unison playing on melody and stop-time passages and its hypnotic impact, as the tune stretched towards the 10-minute mark, with the rhythm section underpinning Moctar’s most frenetic, noisy and adventurous soloing of the night.

Photo Gallery by Rob Yasinsac

March 26, 2022
Gary Numan Intrudes at Town Ballroom in Buffalo

Gary Numan stopped by the Town Ballroom in Buffalo on March 12th. Best known from his 1970’s and early 1980’s hits “Are ‘Friends’ Electric?” and “Cars“, Numan is still going strong in support of his newest album Intruder, his 21st solo record.

Though he played a good amount off of his new science fiction soundtrack about the impending climate catastrophe, he also included a good mix of his material throughout the years. Gary still has some dates in America before heading back overseas to continue his world tour.

Gary Numan – Town Ballroom, Buffalo – March 12, 2022

Setlist: Intruder, Metal, The Promise, The Gift, Everything Comes Down to This, Films, Ghost Nation, Love Hurt Bleed, Pray for the Pain You Serve, Bed of Thorns, Down in the Park, Cars, Here in the Black, The Chosen, My Name Is Ruin, A Prayer for the Unborn

Encore: Me! I Disconnect From You, Are ‘Friends’ Electric?

March 24, 2022
In Focus: Railroad Earth Makes a Stop at The Egg

Railroad Earth’s 2022 tour just made a stop in Albany this past Friday, March 18. This was the their first show at The Egg since 2019, and the Capital District crowd showed just how much they missed Railroad Earth the last two years. The folk-centric jam band put on a dynamic show filled with rowdy choruses, dueling solos, and an atmosphere that felt almost like a celebration. The Egg audience was on its feet from the start of the show as folks were in great spirits. When Railroad Earth took the stage, everyone was immediately put in the mood to dance and move around out of their seats.

Among the high energy peaks, the show was also filled with spacious moments that bordered on serene. Fans enjoyed these calm moments by slowing down with the band as they got lost in the music, creating an ambience that allowed the colorful light show to shine. Fans could breath while appreciating the full experience being created before them, before being pulled right back to their feet to continue dancing along to the very next song. And so the show flowed along like this for an hour and a half, with everyone in The Egg seeming to have been transported somewhere far away from Albany.

Railroad Earth have been working in the studio as well, and recently released a brand new single titled “Come and Go Moon.” Back in January, they released another single titled “Runnin’ Wild,” which was their first newly recorded track since “It’s So Good” was released back in 2019. Two new songs in 2022… One could wonder if there may be a new album on the horizon for Railroad Earth. All we can d is wait and see though, so sense speculating. In the meantime, you should listen to what Railroad Earth has been up to in the YouTube video for their new single below.

If you missed your chance to see Railroad Earth at The Egg, then be sure to check out the bands upcoming tour dates as they travel down the east coast through the end of March. After a few weeks off, the band will be hopping all over the country throughout the summer. To see all of Railroad Earth’s upcoming tour dates, visit railroad.earth/tour.

March 23, 2022
Still Freaky: Korn Conquers the Capital Region

Capital Region concert goers were emphatically “ready” Sunday night, answering the question that started it all for enduring alt-metal icons Korn.  Turning out in droves to the newly anointed MVP Arena (formerly the Times Union Center), it had been several years since local Albany “freaks” had been able to see the Bakersfield, California metal mainstays in this type of setting. Fresh off the release of their 12^th studio album Requiem, the pioneering titans silenced anyone who thought they may have gone soft, bludgeoning fans with a career-spanning selection of angsty anthems, radio hits, and OG favorites. Still here, still volatile and still a draw, on this night Korn reminded everyone exactly why, at one point, they were considered the kings of the genre.

Trading in the JNCO’s for black leather trench coats and hitting the road for 19 dates with fellow hard rockers Chevelle and Code Orange, the two-time Grammy award winning band have an ambitious spring lined up. Comprised of vocalist Jonathan Davis, guitarists James “Munky” Shaffer and Brian “Head” Welch, bassist Reginald “Fieldy” Arvizu, and drummer Ray Luzier, the sheer level of Korn’s reach over the years transcends accolades and platinum certifications. While it’s easy to make fun of their name and the nu-metal scene they largely helped bring to the masses, Korn has shown they are indeed ‘here to stay’ by continuing to push boundaries and finding ways to connect with a whole new generation. You see, in 2022 there is very little left for them to prove. From conquering the ‘boy band’ craze of the late nineties to selling over 40 million albums, at their peak Korn was arguably the biggest band in the world.  Many will remember their star-making TRL and SNL appearances, their Family Values Tours and their infamous headlining scorcher during the first night of Woodstock ’99, before Rome went up in flames.  These days, however, you can almost count the number of “heavy bands” who survived that era on one hand. A testament to their longevity, on this night in Albany plenty of people still wanted to see Korn throw down.

They came dressed in black, some with tattoos and eye liner, some covered in body piercings, others with neon-colored hair and sexy go-go boots, and yes, a few “freaks” came swimming in their vintage wide-legged JNCO’s. For the most part though, the fans who turned out were just your typical metalheads; the burly, bearded, beer-drinking guy-next-door type who likely has been “following the leader” for close to thirty years. After solid opening sets from Code Orange and Chevelle, it was finally time for what the Korn Kids came for.

As the lights suddenly went black, a brooding piece of orchestral music began piping into the MVP Arena. After a few moments, a large curtain with Korn’s logo became visible on stage, backlit to reveal silhouettes of the band members taking their signature power-stance positions. As the anticipation reached a fever pitch, the veil suddenly pulled away and fell to the floor as Korn launched into “Forgotten,” the first track off their new album. Fans instantly locked into it, erupting in unison while pumping their fists to the songs heavy chugging riff. The band looking fresh and already feeding off the Albany energy, also bouncing to the groove in perfect syncopation, dreadlocks flying in all directions, bent over at the waists as their instruments practically touch the stage; the thunderous and steady hands of drummer Ray Luzier’s anchoring it all down from his massive kit high above the stage.  Off to the races, Korn quickly followed that up with one of their biggest radio hits in “Got the Life” allowing fans to “get their boogie on” and show off their voices to the song’s sing-along chorus.

The thick and sludgy hit single “Here to Stay” came next, followed by a new and relatively untested song off their latest album called “Start the Healing.”   Front man Jonathan Davis, who admits he feels most at home when he’s hurting, was in fine form here. Sounding as good as he ever has and just as tormented. His unique, guttural, throaty screams filling the arena as he stalked back and forth across the stage like a starving lion that’s just been unleashed. Closing his eyes and clutching onto The Bitch (his custom made H.R. Giger microphone stand), when watching Davis exercise his demons live, there is no denying his sincerity. The unimaginable pain of his past is obviously still there and is still fueling an unbridled rage. Speculation of abuse aside, whatever happened to Mr. Davis in his younger years clearly had a lifelong impact. The type of torment very few overcome and very few can ever truly understand.

Celebrating the twentieth anniversary of their Untouchables album, Korn would dust off a bit a rarity in the form of “No One’s There.” Davis would then pull out the bagpipes for the iconic intro of 1994’s demented nursery rhyme smash “Shoots of Ladders,” at one point even working in a tease of Metallica’s “One” before returning to its usual structure.  Sensing an opportunity to slip in another new tune, Korn upped the heavy with “Lost in the Grandeur,” which saw Brian “Head” Welch really getting into it. If dreadlocks could tell a story, Head’s could write novels. Inches longer than the last time we saw him, the man has become something of an inspiration for fans battling the hopelessness of addiction.   After stunning the metal world in 2005 by quitting the band and finding faith, it would be years before fans discovered the reality of the situation. After kicking a life-threatening drug addiction and learning to better manage severe bouts of depression, Welch would rejoin his brothers in the band in 2012. Seeing him look healthy, happily headbanging and throwing souvenir guitar picks at fans, you couldn’t help but respect the guy. Let’s admit it, Korn just isn’t Korn without the chemistry between Head and guitarist James “Munkey” Shafer and if imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, by now this dynamic dreadlocked duo of 7-string ax slingers could have their own monument. The signature sound they fathered was on full display for the next two songs, a pair of radio hits in “Ya’ll Want a Single” and “Falling Away From Me.”

There was a fun moment during “Coming Undone” when the band did a surprise segue into Queen’s classic arena rock anthem “We Will Rock You.” The main portion of the set then concluded with perhaps Korn’s most well-known song “Freak on a Leash,” the breakdown giving bassist Reginald “Fieldy” Arvizu a prime opportunity in the spotlight to showcase his impressive musical chops, resulting in a raucous and sustained ovation from fans of all ages as the band exited the stage.

After a few minutes of soaking in the cheers, Korn happily returned to play a few more.  First was a medley of sorts consisting of the opening track 1998’s Follow the Leader, ‘It’s On!’ mashed up with the songs ‘Trash’ and ‘Did My Time.’   From there, one of the most unique and unimitatable songs in Korn’s discography, the Davis-led snarling beat box style scat-rap of ‘Twist’ which flowed directly into a song that’s been on the shelf in recent years, ‘A.D.I.D.A.S.’ The kinkier side of the Capital Region showing itself during the adolescent acronym hit when the entire arena sang together “I don’t know your fuckin’ name, so what? Let’s fuck!” and then simultaneously shouting out that “all day [they] dream about sex.” A truly memorable and somewhat hilarious moment. After an impressive, yet obligatory drum solo from Luzier, Korn thanked fans for all the years of support, promised they’d be back soon, and then sent the crowd home happy with the song that put them on the map, a celebratory rendition of “Blind,” complete with a cannon blast of confetti and party streamers and a massive applause from the Albany Korn Kids who still deeply appreciate and respect this band.

Like stepping back in time, this “freak show” felt like a nostalgic throwback to the glory days of the late 1990’s. Firing on all cylinders and going balls-to-the-wall the entire performance, Korn clearly still has “it” and are showing no signs of slowing down. With their impressive and physically demanding stage presence, unmatched intensity, energy and rage, it was as if Korn found the fountain of youth on this evening in Albany. Musical trends come and go, but this is still rock n’ roll and there will always be an audience hungry for this type of angry, defiant, and cathartic music. On this memorable mid-March night, metal fans got exactly what they paid for.

Korn | March 20, 2022 | Albany, NY | MVP Arena

Setlist: Forgotten, Got the Life, Here to Stay, Start the Healing, No One’s There, Shoots and Ladders, Lost in the Grandeur, Y’all Want a Single, Falling Away From Me, Worst Is on Its Way, Coming Undone Freak on a Leash

Encore: It’s On / Trash / Did My Time, Twish, A.D.I.D.A.S., Drum Solo, Blind

March 23, 2022
In Focus: Samantha Fish at The Stanley Theater

On March 10th, Samantha Fish performed in Utica at the Stanley Theater, one of the first of many shows on her 2022 Tour, sharing the stage with co-headliner Devon Allman.

http://perrisage.com

With opener “The River Kittens,” she and the band created a humorous hype for the crowd. This is not the first Samantha Fish show I’ve seen, but it was one of the best, with a spectacular final act from Devon Allman.

PERRI SAGE PHOTOGRAPHY http://perrisage.com

Samantha Fish originally grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, a town known for its jazz/blues heritage and old school rock vibe. In her early teen years, Samantha learned to play guitar and soon rock on to the electric guitar. In 2009 she released her live album Live Bait and since then has collaborated with others on additional releases.

The Stanley Theater performance featured songs from her newest album Faster, released in September 2021. A few standout songs this evening were “Faster,” “Better Be Lonely” and “Kill or be Kind.” The Samanatha Fish Band consists of Ron Johnson on bass, drummer Sarah Tomek, and Matt Wade on keyboard. The band makes their presence known on stage and did an outstanding job bringing the audience to uproar, enthusiasm and a tremendous Thursday Night show.

We are excited to see what Samantha brings for the rest of her 2022 tour.

Samantha Fish

w/ Drummer Sarah Tomek

Special Guest

Ron Johnson

PERRI SAGE PHOTOGRAPHY http://perrisage.com

March 22, 2022
Conan Gray Sells Out Radio City Music Hall on World Tour

On March 16th, 2022, Conan Gray performed a sold out show in New York at the Radio City Music Hall. Bülow, born in Germany but now a globe trotter, is accompanying Conan Gray on his North American dates. Megan Bülow opened with “Don’t Break His Heart,” hidden by red light with an LED sign spelling out “Bülow” directly behind her.

After her opening song, the lighting changed, and she become visible. The most memorable part of her performance was during her cover of “Lost,” where the audience held up their phone lights, swaying to the beat of the song, which was undoubtedly a surreal moment for both the audience and Bülow.

Photo by Ambika Verma

Photo by Ambika Verma

Photo by Ambika Verma

30 minutes after Bülow finished her performance with her angsty hit song, “You & Jennifer,” fans eagerly prepared for Conan Gray’s stage entrance. His band members began to play, but he was nowhere in sight until suddenly he appeared at the top of a wall singing “Wish You Were Sober.” After, he came down to the stage, crouching down near fans to touch their hands and interact with the crowd. The crowd sang loudly to every song. Throughout, he made references to “Heather,” teasing the audience. His performance felt intimate despite being in the iconic Radio City Music Hall, and Conan made as much of an effort as possible to stay connected to the audience, not only through his songs but his actions through the performance. He returned for an encore with “Heather,” closing out his incredible performance.

Photo by Ambika Verma

Photo by Ambika Verma

Photo by Ambika Verma

Photo by Ambika Verma

Photo by Ambika Verma

Photo by Ambika Verma

Photo by Ambika Verma

Bülow Setlist: Don’t Break His Heart, Revolver, Lost (Frank Ocean cover), Playing Me Back, Mona’s Daddy, Booty Call, Get Stüpid, Mercedes, You & Jennifer

Jake Scott Setlist: Wish You Were Sober, Telepath, Comfort Crowd, Fight or Flight, Astronomy, the Cut that Always Bleeds, Checkmate, Overdrive, Affluenza, The Story, Lookalike, Little League, Jigsaw, People Watching, Maniac

Encore: Heather

March 21, 2022
Saint Paddy’s Day Spectacular: Prince Bowie & Midnight Sun at Putnam Place

On Thursday, March 17th, Saratoga Springs came together for a spectacular night of music at Putnam Pl a ce. Everybody was Irish this evening, and all were in for an extra-special treat. Led Zeppelin cover band, the Midnight Sun Project kicked things off, and Prince Bowie headlined, leaving everyone breathless, a little sleepy, and very satisfied.

The Midnight Sun Project

Tonight was the first for many hearing Midnight Sun Project perform. Previously, most had never heard Led Zeppelin sung by a female lead. Once you have, you may not want it any other way. Lead singer Shannon Lynch‘s voice absolutely blew me out of the water from start to finish.

With Vinnie Amico (of moe.) on the drums, Shannon Lynch on lead vocals and tenor sax, Christian deFrancqueville on bass, and Doc Danielson on guitar, the Midnight Sun Project rocked everyone’s socks off and then some.

Setlist: Communication Breakdown, Ramble On, Good Times Bad Times, The Rover, The Ocean, Out on the Tiles, Misty Mountain Hop, Bring it on Home, Immigrant Song, Custard Pie, Black Dog

Prince Bowie & The Horn Section

After an energetic opening set, everyone was more than ready for the main event. Prince Bowie took the stage and did what they do best — glorious glam rock mashups. However, for a St. Paddy’s Day present, we all had an extra special treat: The Horn Section, formerly of Turkuaz.

Whoever it was that decided to put Prince and David Bowie music together was a genius. Having never gotten to see either in concert, this was a close as some of us will ever get to the real thing. But the fact is, this lineup was so good, it doesn’t matter.

The band this evening featured Eric Gould (Pink Talking Fish, bass) Cal Kehoe (Pink Talking Fish, guitar) Michelangelo Carubba (Death Kings; formerly of Turkuaz, drums) Alric Carter (TAUK, keys) Matt Wayne (Bobby Deitch Band, saxophone) and The Horn Section (formerly of Turkuaz) featuring Josh Schwartz, Greg Sanderson and Chris Brouwers. With spot on energetic Bowie covers of “Fame,” “Starman,” and “Let’s Dance,” the group sequed smoothly into “Cream,” “I Wanna Be Your Love” and “I Feel For You.” The set closing finale of Bowie’s “Heroes,”

The crowd was perfectly satisfied with Prince Bowie’s set. However, they leveled things up and brought Shannon Lynch and her incredible pipes back out on stage for an encore of “Purple Rain.” Lynch performed on several songs during the night, singing and playing the sax, to the delight of everyone present.

Setlist: Rebel Rebel, Raspberry Beret, Fame, 1999, Under Pressure*, DMSR*, Starman, Kiss, Let’s Dance > Cream, Changes, I Wanna Be Your Lover, Moonage Daydream, Nothing Compares to You*, Young Americans*, I feel For You, Heroes Encore: Purple Rain *Shannon Lynch on vocals/sax

The Lineup

Prince Bowie doesn’t have a standard lineup. Instead, this group is a rotating cast of some of the top musicians in the northeast and beyond. If you want to catch this lineup, however, don’t fret. Catch them live on April 29th in Norwalk, CT at Wall Street Theater and April 30th in Beverly, MA at The Cabot.

Listen to The St. Patrick’s Day set via Archive.org

March 21, 2022
Cannibal Corpse Sell Out Anthology

On February 26th, Cannibal Corpse stopped by to a sold out show at Anthology in Rochester and accompanied with a pretty heavy line up by White Chapel, Revocation, and Shadow Of Intent. Upon entering the venue, you can tell right off the bat it was going to be a packed house with the main floor area already full and lines at the mercy tables. The show started off with Shadow Of Intent who reigned from Connecticut and wasted no time getting the crowd moving and you can feel the energy throughout.

Cannibal Corpse

Next up to kick off the wild night was Revocation, who was formed in Massachusetts. Revocation was a fun band to watch as front man David Davidson, who is the lead vocalist and guitarist.

White Chapel

After them, we had the heavy hitters, White Chapel who are well known for their American deathcore music. When they took the stage, things got a bit foggy and rowdy as some decided it was time to give the security staff a workout.

Looking back into the crowd, all you can see is a sea of metal lovers waiting for the main reason why we all came out tonight. Cannibal Corpse, who is no stranger to the area as they were formed in Buffalo back in 1988. As soon as the band kicked off their set, crowd surfers were in full force, making some of the photographers duck for cover as the security staff was busy catching them. Watching them perform was a delight, as they really showed why they are part of some of the most iconic death metal bands around. With their tour in full swing still, surely it won’t be long before Cannibal Corpse comes back with another killer show that would most definitely sell out again.

Shadow Of Intent

Revocation

White Chapel

Cannibal Corpse

March 17, 2022
In Focus: Oteil & Friends at The Capitol Theatre

Oteil Burbridge brought an incredible cast of friends and virtuosos together for an incredible two night run at The Capitol Theatre over March 11-12.

James Casey returned to the stage after recovering from chemotherapy Friday, March 11, and Jennifer Hartswick started off with a charming serenade on “Water in the Desert.” The band played several Grateful Dead tunes that paid homage to The Cap’s Dead roots and of course, Oteil’s Dead & Company affiliation. It’s always an absolute pleasure experiencing a show at this theatre especially with a band as talented and entertaining as this one.

The pair of shows featured Eric Krasno (guitar, Lettuce, Eric Krasno Band), Jason Crosby (keys, Assembly of Dust, Robert Randolph and the Family Band), Jennifer Hartswick (trumpet/vocals, Trey Anastasio Band), Natalie Cressman (trombone/vocals, Trey Anastasio Band), James Casey (saxophone/vocals, Trey Anastasio Band, Lettuce), Tom Guarna (NYC guitarist), and Pete Lavezzoli (drums/percussion, Melvin Seals and JGB).

Oteil and Friends – Capitol Theatre, Port Chester – March 11, 2022

Set 1: Water in the Desert, They Love Each Other, Cats Under the Stars, Gomorrahy, Deal, Too Many Times, In Memory of Elizabeth Reed

Set 2: Magnificent Sanctuary Band, King Solomon’s Marbles, No More Doubt, Can You Get To That, To Lay Me Down, Blue Sky, Eyes of the World, Morning Dew, The Golden Road to Unlimited Devotion, Edward the Mad Shirt Grinder

Oteil and Friends – Capitol Theatre, Port Chester – March 12, 2022

Set 1: Touch of Grey, Scarlet Begonias, Estimated Prophet, Gotta Serve Somebody, Mystery Train, Chasing, Weather Report Suite

Set 2: Hot ‘Lanta, Tough Mama, Believe It or Not, Unconditional Love, Superhighway, New Potato Caboose, Terrapin Station, Shakedown Street

Encore: Attics of My Life, Turn On Your Love Light

March 17, 2022
All That Remains “Fall of Ideals” tour visits Rapids Theatre

All That Remains brought their 15th anniversary of the “Fall of Ideals” album tour to Niagara Falls on Monday March 14, 2022. This was their third stop on a long awaited tour for the band. All That Remains is an American heavy metal band from Springfield, Massachusetts, formed in 1998. Three other bands join All That Remains on this tour – Miss May I (direct support), Varials, and Tallah.

Tallah

Tallah- Rapids Theatre (Photo credit Mike Miller)

The opener of the night was Tallah, a Nu metal band from Pennsylvania. They are currently signed to Earache records. Their whole setlist was filled with energy, power and emotion. At one point the singer Justin Bonitz, did a flip on the stage in the middle of a song. Tallah drew a decent size crowd considering they were an opener. Their setlist contained some of their hits titled; Overconfidence, No one should read this, and Telescope. Tallah consists of Justin Bonitz – vocals, Max Portnoy – drums (touring with code orange currently), Derrick Schneider – lead guitar, Alizé “Mewzen” Rodriguez – turntables, samples, keyboards , and Alex Snowden – rhythm guitar.

Varials

Bass- Mike Foley

Next up was Varials. They are an American hardcore punk band from Philadelphia, formed in 2013. The band currently consists of Lead Vocalist Mitchell Rogers, guitarist James Hohenwarter, bassist Mike Foley and drummer Sean Rauchut. The crowd started to hint at this point that there would be circle pits and crowd surfing later in the night. Fans started to bob their head and move with the music just slightly more than the previous band. Varial’s setlist consisted of; South of One, In Darkness Violent Measures, Pain Again, Romance, God Talk, Anything to Numb, and Empire of Dirt.

Miss May I

Vocals- Levi Benton

Miss May I is an American metalcore band from Troy, Ohio, formed in 2007. They are direct support for All That Remains on this tour. The crowd really got into the music and at times had multiple people crowd surfing into the photo pit. Security seemed concerned at times when bringing reinforcements up front to handle the people. The band stood on platforms in front of the stage at times so everyone in the crowd could get a good view of them. Some of the songs they played include, Under fire, My sorrow and Shadows inside. Miss May I band members include Levi Benton – vocals, B.J. Stead – lead guitar, Justin Aufdemkampe – rhythm guitar, Jerod Boyd – drums, and Ryan Neff – bass.

All That Remains

All That Remains at Rapids Theatre

By this time in the show, the crowd was packed together waiting for All That Remains to kickoff their set. You could feel the anticipation in the air by looking at each crowd member and seeing the smiles on their faces. The lights went black, and each band member walked out one at a time with intro music playing. Then appears the singer, Phil Labonte, walking out in a leather jacket. He quickly walks towards the front of stage and the song “Indictment” starts immediately.

Vocals- Phil Labonte (Photo Credit Mike Miller)

The crowd is instantly into the trance of the metal thrashing music. Drummer Jason Costa, blasting out 32nd note double bass runs and Lead Guitarist Jason Richardson shredding solos, hit the crowd hard. Ear protection was most definitely needed for the music plus the roar from the crowd can damage your hearing.

All That Remains Guitarists

All That Remains asked the crowd at one point, who has seen them before and who has never seen them. The applause for each was 50/50 so the band gained a-lot of new fans in Niagara Falls. They played all their hits from their “Fall of Ideals” album which include; Six, The Weak Willed and This Calling. Check out how far All That Remains has come from our review of when they last played the area at Town Ballroom in 2015 with Swedish band In Flames.

You can catch the All That Remains tour throughout the months of March, April and May. They will have another stop in New York on Thursday May 19th at the Paramount in Huntington.

All That Remains- Photo credit- Mike Miller

March 16, 2022

Built in Breakdance