NYS Music 2024

Category: Metal/Hard Rock/Punk

  • Go Ahead And Die Blast Through Dingbatz With Pounding, Unrelenting Death Metal Set

    In the midst of a massive, 58-date trek across the United States, Go Ahead And Die (GAAD) brought their Unhealthy Mechanisms Tour 2024 to Dingbatz in Clifton, New Jersey this past Friday night. February 9.

    Formed in Phoenix, Arizona in 2020, GAAD features iconic vocalist and guitarist Max Cavalera (co-founder of Sepultura) and his son, singer/guitarist, Igor Amadeus Cavelara. The thrash metal outfit is rounded out by Johnny Valles (Black Braid, Healing Magic) behind the kit and touring bassist Jackie Cruz, best known for her work with Jade Helm.

    Max Cavalera of GAAD | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger

    Touring in support of their sophomore album (Unhealthy Mechanisms, Nuclear Blast Records) released in October 2023, GAAD were supported by Bodybox, a slam death metal foursome hailing from Orlando, Florida.

    After a brief delay due to a technical difficulty with the sound system, GAAD took the stage at 10:10 pm and got right down to business. A circle mosh pit of already sweaty bodies – a direct result of Bodybox’s preceding performance – quickly re-formed in front of the intimate stage, as less brave souls seeking shelter (present company included!) scurried to the sidelines.

    Igor Amadeus Cavalera of GAAD | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger

    The 15 song, 70–minute set of punk-like infused energy was highlighted by aggressive lyrics, frenetic guitar riffs, distorted bass lines and smash-mouth drumming from select Unhealthy Mechanisms tracks (ten in total), with five more lifted from their self-titled, debut studio album released in 2021.

    Watch GAAD perform their opening two numbers at Dingbatz, “Desert Carnage” and “Split Scalp,” below.

    Bodybox Setlist: Angeldust > Skante > Methed Out > Leech > Carving > Scratch Offs & Hookers > Dick > Skimping > Cletus > Doublewide Stomp

    Go Ahead And Die Setlist: Desert Carnage > Split Scalp > Tumors > Truckload Full of Bodies > Toxic Freedom > No Easy Way Out > M.D.A. (Most Dangerous Animal) > Chasm > I.C.E. Cage > Prophet’s Prey > Cyber Slavery > Worth Less Than Piss > Blast Zone > Unhealthy Mechanisms > Drug-O-Cop

    UPCOMING GO AHEAD AND DIE TOUR DATES

    2/13 – Boston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall
    2/14 – Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground
    2/15 – Syracuse, NY @ The Song & Dance
    2/16 – Buffalo, NY @ Rec Room
    2/17 – Mechanicsburg, PA @ Lovedrafts
    2/18 – New Kensington, PA @ Preserving Underground
    2/20 – Columbus, OH @ Skully’s Music Diner
    2/21 – Flint, MI @ Machine Shop
    2/22 – Indianapolis, IN @ Black Circle Brewing
    2/23 – Chicago, IL @ Reggie’s
    2/24 – McHenry, IL @ The Vixen
    2/25 – St. Paul, MN @ Turf Club
    2/26 – Fargo, ND @ The Aquarium
    2/27 – Des Moines, IA @ xBK
    2/28 – Kansas City, MO @ Record Bar
    2/29 – Omaha, NE @ Wating Room
    3/01 – Denver, CO @ HQ
    3/02 – Greeley, CO @ Moxi Theater
    3/05 – Grand Junction, CO @ Mesa Theater
    3/06 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Metro Music Hall
    3/07 – Boise, ID @ Neurolux
    3/08 – Seattle, WA @ Substation
    3/09 – Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theatre
    3/10 – Eugene, OR @ WOW Hall
    3/11 – Redding, CA @ The Dip
    3/12 – Roseville, CA @ Goldfield Trading Post
    3/14 – San Jose, CA @ The Ritz
    3/15 – Santa Cruz, CA @ Atrium At The Catalyst
    3/16 – Fresno, CA @ Strummer’s
    3/18 – Bakersfield, CA @ Temblor Brewing
    3/19 – North Hollywood, CA @ Knitting Factory
    3/20 – Palmdale, CA @ Transplants Brewing
    3/21 – Long Beach, CA @ Alex’s Bar
    3/22 – Pomona, CA @ Glass House Concert Hall
    3/23 – Yuma, AZ @ Red Moon Ale House
    3/24 – Jerome, AZ @ Puscifer The Store

    BODYBOX

    GO AHEAD AND DIE

  • Ten Thousand Fists In The Air With Disturbed At Mohegan Sun Arena

    It was a headbangers ball on Saturday, Feb. 10, as Disturbed brought their Take Back Your Life Tour to the sold-out Mohegan Sun Arena in support of their new record, Divisive which was released last year. Disturbed’s tour was announced back in October of 2023 and featured 23 cities, with this show in Uncasville, Connecticut, being the halfway marker.

    Disturbed, out of Chicago, Illinois, features Dan Donegan on guitar, Mike Wengren on the drums, with David Draiman on lead vocals and John Moyer on bass. This lineup has been together since 2004 after Moyer replaced Steve “Fuzz” Kmak.

    As fans took a pause from their slot machines and rolling dice and filled into the arena, which sits at the heart of the casino, fans were greeted with the first of three bands of the night. The first group was the all-female band Plush. As the female foursome plugged in their guitars, they created a wall of sound behind the beautiful vocals of lead singer, Moriah Formica.

    Despite the band only having a short seven-song setlist, they left their impact on the crowd. Fans who weren’t familiar with them were won over after hearing the group’s rendition of “Barracuda” by Heart which originally appeared on the band’s 1977 record, Little Queen. By the end of the set, fans headbanging and raising their fists in the air. It would be a surprise to no one if in a few years from now, Plush worked their way up the band bill to becoming the middle act and graduating to larger venues.

    Rounding out Plush with Formica is Bella Perron on lead guitar, Ashley Suppa on bass guitar, and Faith Powell on the drums.

    Following Plush’s set was the 2008 band Falling in Reverse. While the band is slightly different from the metal genre of Disturbed, Falling in Reverse brought hard rock and catchy choruses to the crowd and played their part well as the middle act. While lead singer Ronnie Radke is the only original member left, his energy alone was awe-inspiring. 

    Radke took fans down memory lane citing that the band used to play at the legendary Toad’s Place in New Haven, Connecticut, before upgrading to the Mohegan Sun Arena. Throughout the hour-long set, some mega fans in the general admission pit were screaming along to every song until the band took their final bow of the night. 

    Joining Radke in Falling in Reverse is Max Georgiev and Christian Thompson on guitars, with Tyler Burgess on bass and touring drummer Luke Holland.

    As the clock struck 9 p.m. and the house lights dimmed to show a blank curtain with the shadows of the band, the thunderous roar from the crowd surged from the back and upper rafters to the front of the stage as the spotlights shot on. The curtain dropped and the metal masters of Disturbed greeted the Uncasville audience.

    The band kicked off their pre-Super Bowl party with “Hey You,” off of the aforementioned Divisive. The band played 17 songs with at least one song off every album of theirs being played, making sure to accommodate every fan of every era of the band. In KISS-like fashion, a spectacular light show was rigged behind them with pyrotechnics and fire beaming out throughout the night.

    As the band plunged further into their set, Donegan sat down at a piano with the top on fire and was accompanied by two string orchestra players. The band then began to play their famous cover of Simon & Garfunkel’s “Sound of Silence,” which can be heard on Disturbed’s 2015 album, Immortalized. The bone-chilling cover of this classic song also featured Wengren on giant symphony drums as the crowd once again screamed and cheered for a song they know extremely well.

    As the band played on into the night they came to song number 15 in their set which was “Don’t Tell Me.” The studio version of their new album features Ann Wilson of Heart but this time, Moriah Formica of Plush made her triumphant return to the stage for her curtain call duet with Draiman. Throughout the night, Draiman would preach to the fans about fighting addiction and illness and claiming fans are “not alone” in the fight against mental illness which provided a sense of comradery and togetherness amongst the sold-out crowd.

    As the band was transitioning into the second to last song of the set, Draiman hopped off stage to approach a young fan along the barricade in the front who, for the entire night, was holding a photo of a boy. The girl, who went by the name of Kailey, announced to the crowd that the boy’s name was Mark Rivers and he “lost his battle with addiction.” 

    While the two were interacting, what once was a loud arena filled with the sounds of heavy metal became as quiet as a church, you could hear the breath of fans around you. Before the band played “The Light,” Draiman brought Kailey on stage and dedicated the song to Rivers. Around the arena, you could see people shedding tears and embracing their loved ones beside them as they witnessed the heartfelt moment between the band and a fan in front of them.

    As the band played their final notes, a moment of realization clicked in. Music is a force that joins people together. Music and concerts, in general, are an event and spectacle that bring out their emotions as a force that can heal fans no matter what they’re going through. The moment that a person’s favorite band is on stage, the music has the utmost power to heal and guide fans out of the darkest holes they might be in.

    Disturbed was no different, through the headbanging and mosh pits of the GA section, to the harmony brought on by the band and one girl’s unifying story. Fans of all bands and all music, whether it was their first or ninth time seeing Disturbed, left Mohegan Sun Arena with hope and love in their hearts as Disturbed not only brought metal to Connecticut but a lasting impression that there is still good left in the world.

    Plush Setlist: Athena, Champion, Run, Barracuda (Heart cover), Hate, Hope It Hurts, Left Behind

    Falling in Reverse Setlist: Zombified, I’m Not a Vampire, Losing My Mind, Fuck You and All Your Friends, The Drug in Me Is You, Just Like You, Popular Monster, Voices in My Head, Watch the World Burn

    Disturbed Setlist: Hey You, Stupify, Ten Thousand Fists, Prayer, The Vengeful One, Bad Man, A Reason to Fight, Land of Confusion (Genisis cover), The Game, The Sound of Silence, Indestructible, Don’t Tell Me, The Light, Stricken, Unstoppable, Down With the Sickness, Inside the Fire

  • 2024 Extreme Music Awards Announce Winners

    On January 13, Empire Live hosted the first-ever Extreme Music Awards 2024, announcing winners in 22 categories. Albany became a headbanger’s paradise as the elite of the Capital Region’s heavy music scene descended upon it in waves.

    Extreme Music Awards winners
    Extreme Music Awards 2024 – Empire Live – Photo by Jon Monaghan

    From up-and-coming talent to wild antics in the mosh pit, the EMAs celebrated the diversity of heavy music in Upstate New York in style. Additionally, the evening was made extra special by a star-studded lineup of presenters. The night finished with an incredible all-star jam that rocked Empire Live to its core. The EMAs made a huge mark in the Capital Region music scene with their booming debut.


    The Black Carpet – Extreme Music Awards 2024 – Photo by Stephanie J. Bartik – IG: @nyrockstarphotographer @518scene)

    Reflecting on the eight-month journey that became the EMAs, Brendan Manley looked back, measuring success by the beaming faces, including organizers, presenters, performers, nominees, and audience. The smiles were the real currency of the evening, perfectly capturing the spirit behind the creation of the EMAs.

    Ralph Renna, a force in the local music scene, praised the teamwork that made the EMAs possible.

    “It took five forces in the local music scene to get it together: myself, Mike Valente, Art Fredette, Fuzz and Brendan Manley. It also took the support of the music scene that we’ve all been involved in for more than 30 years, which got right behind us. I honestly thought there was too much hype behind this whole thing; that it wouldn’t come off the way we expected. It exceeded all our expectations, and we are already working on 2025. We don’t do this for a paycheck. We do this for the love of heavy metal, hardcore and punk rock in Upstate NY.” 

    Ralph Renna

    The Extreme Music Awards 2024 have not only made an impact on the local music scene, but have also set the stage for an even more remarkable chapter in 2025. The Capital Region’s heavy music scene is expected to experience many groundbreaking events in the future thanks to the passion of all those involved.

    For more information and post-event coverage, click here.

    The Extreme Music Awards Winners

    Best Death Metal Band – Skinless

    Best Black Metal Band – Malefic

    Best Doom/Goth/Stoner Band – Gozer

    Best Power Metal Band – Frozen Sun

    Best Prog/Math Metal Band – The Phoenix and the Raven

    Best Hair/Glam/Sleaze Band – The Erotics

    Best Thrash Metal Band – Faced

    Best Grindcore Band – Escuela Grind

    Best Metalcore Band – Downswing

    Best Punk Band – The Hauntings

    Best Hardcore Band – Violent By Design

    Best Hardcore Beatdown Band – Wrong Move

    Best Hardcore Punk Band – Murderer’s Row

    Best Metal Video – Downswing (“Bound To Misery”)

    Best Live Performance – Joe Mansman and the Midnight Revival Band

    Most Brutal Mosh Pit – Invoke Thy Wrath

    Best Merch – Alloy Reign

    Album of the Year – Blackbraid – (Blackbraid II)

    Lifetime Achievement Award – Bob Riley (Murderer’s Row)

    Best New Band – Flatwounds

    Best Veteran Band – The Erotics

    Most Influential Musician – Jason Bittner (Overkill)

  • Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper Announce Freaks on Parade Tour stopping in Syracuse this Summer 

    Hard rock icons Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper will embark on their Freaks On Parade Tour visiting 21 different cities this summer. The artists will perform at the Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview in Syracuse on Sept. 4

    Rob Zombie has always pushed audiences by pushing the limits of music and also films as a legendary rock singer and as a visionary director. The Massachusetts-based singer and film producer is one of the few artists to have achieved unheard-of success in both music and film, having written and directed eight feature films with a combined global box office receipt of over $150 million.

    Throughout his career, the rick-singer has demonstrated unquestionable box office success, creating and directing beloved horror films like House of 1,000 Corpses, The Devil’s Rejects, and 3 From Hell. Among Zombie’s accomplishments is  the creation of the Freaks on Parade tour, which started in 2022. 

    Joining Rob on tour is the Detroit native Alice Cooper who delights both the crowd and his devoted followers with his unique brand of rock psycho-drama. Cooper is known for his wide range inspirations from vaudeville, garage rock, and horror films, his ensemble put on a theatrical production complete with electric chairs, guillotines, fake blood, and boa constrictors. 

    Over two decades into the new millennium, Cooper remains incredibly active and prolific in the rock scene. The singer writes, records, and produces music for his syndicated radio show every night in addition to touring all over the world. 

    Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper’s tour will also be accompanied by Al Jourgensen’s band Ministry and Richard Patrick’s band Filter, tickets for the Freaks on Parade Tour are available here. 

    2024 FREAKS ON PARADE TOUR DATES:

    Tue Aug 20 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater

    Thu Aug 22 – West Valley City, UT – Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre

    Sat Aug 24 – Lincoln, NE – Pinnacle Bank Arena ^^

    Sun Aug 25 – Saint Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center

    Tue Aug 27 – Milwaukee, WI – American Family Insurance Amphitheater – Summerfest Grounds

    Wed Aug 28 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center

    Fri Aug 30 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre

    Sat Aug 31 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center

    Sun Sep 01 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre

    Tue Sep 03 – Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake

    Wed Sep 04 – Syracuse, NY – Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview

    Fri Sep 06 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center

    Sat Sep 07 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center

    Sun Sep 08 – Camden, NJ – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion

    Tue Sep 10 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live

    Wed Sep 11 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion

    Thu Sep 12 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre

    Sat Sep 14 – Austin, TX – Germania Insurance Amphitheater

    Sun Sep 15 – The Woodlands, TX – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

    Tue Sep 17 – Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP

    Wed Sep 18 – Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena

  • Emo Orchestra to Tour Alongside Escape the Fate with 3 Stops in NY

    Emo Orchestra, an orchestral group that specializes in combining with emo music, has announced their spring tour to take place beginning April 17, along with emo-rock band Escape the Fate. The groups will get together to perform their original tracks, as well as emo classics from bands like My Chemical Romance, Panic! At The Disco, and more.

    Emo Orchestra
    Emo Orchestra in 2023

    The tour will begin in Cincinnati, Ohio on April 17, and end May 24 in Portland, Oregon. Along the way, the acts will stop in New York for three dates. Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, Rome Capitol Theatre, and Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts will all be visited on the tour.

    “We are so grateful to have been invited by EO to participate in this tour, we have been on the road almost 20 years now so to do something this different and special is very exciting for us as artists and we hope it’s just as exciting for you. I can’t wait to meet and perform with a full orchestra and not only play our songs but some classic personal favorites of mine from other artists, don’t forget to dress fancy. Thank you, EO”

    Craig Mabbitt of Escape the Fate
    Emo Orchestra
    Escape the Fate

    Emo Orchestra W/ Escape The Fate Tour Dates 

    4/17/2024 Cincinnati, OH – Brady Center 

    4/18/2024 Flint, MI – Capitol Theatre

    4/19/2024 Cleveland, OH – TempleLive at Cleveland Masonic 

    4/20/2024 Carteret, NJ – Carteret Performing Arts Center 

    4/22/2024 Boston, MA – The Wilbur 

    4/23/2024 Glenside, PA – Keswick Theatre

    4/25/2024 Troy, NY – Troy Savings Bank Music Hall 

    4/26/2024 Rome, NY – Rome Capitol Theatre 

    4/27/2024 Patchogue, NY – Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts 

    4/28/2024 Washington, DC – The Fillmore 

    4/30/2024 Augusta, GA – Miller Theater

    5/02/2024 Charleston, SC – Charleston Music Hall 

    5/03/2024 Clearwater, FL- Bilheimer Capitol Theater

    5/04/2024 Fort Lauderdale, FL – The Parker

    5/05/2024 Orlando, FL – Plaza Live 

    5/07/2024 Jacksonville, FL – Florida Theatre 

    5/09/2024 San Antonio, TX – Tobin Center for the Performing Arts 

    5/10/2024 Austin, TX – ACL Live at Moody Theater

    5/11/2024 Plano,TX – Lexus Box Garden at Legacy Hall

    5/12/2024 Wichita, KS – Orpheum Theatre  

    5/16/2024 Phoenix, AZ – Celebrity Theatre 

    5/18/2024 Los Angeles, CA – Orpheum Theatre 

    5/22/2024 Sacramento, CA – Crest Theatre

    5/24/2024 Portland, OR – Roseland Theater

    Tickets are on sale now, so act fast. To find out more about the tour and to purchase tickets visit EmoOrchestra.com. To learn more about Escape the Fate visit their website, EscapeTheFate.com.

  • A Sold Out Town Ballroom Hosts Fit For A King, Avoid, Counterparts and The Devil Wears Prada

    The Town Ballroom in Buffalo was set ablaze with raw energy and pulsating rhythms on January 23, as four powerhouse bands – Avoid, Counterparts, The Devil Wears Prada, and Fit For A King – took to the stage for a sold-out show on a rainy Tuesday night. Fans from across the city gathered in anticipation of a night that promised to be nothing short of epic, and they were not disappointed.

    Fit For A King town ballroom
    Fit For a King

    Kicking off the evening with a relentless onslaught of hardcore energy, Avoid, got to work getting the crowd but the first thing that stood out before the music got underwear was the singer repping a local city hero, #17, Josh Allen from the Buffalo Bills with his Jersey.  

    Avoid

    Going up next with a relentless onslaught of hardcore energy, Counterparts wasted no time in setting the tone for the night. Hailing from Ontario, Canada, the band delivered a blistering set that had the crowd moshing and screaming along to every word. With their signature blend of melodic hooks and ferocious breakdowns, Counterparts proved why they are considered one of the most exciting acts in the hardcore scene today.

    Next up was metalcore stalwarts The Devil Wears Prada, who took the stage by storm with their electrifying stage presence and infectious energy. Drawing from their extensive catalog of hits spanning over a decade, the band treated fans to a set filled with fan favorites and new material alike. From the haunting melodies of “Sacrifice” to the crushing heaviness of “Danger: Wildman,” The Devil Wears Prada delivered a performance that left the crowd in awe.

    The Devil Wears Prada

    Closing out the night at Town Ballroom were metalcore juggernauts Fit For A King, who wasted no time in unleashing a sonic assault that left the audience reeling. With their bone-crushing riffs and anthemic choruses, the band commanded the stage with authority, inciting mass sing-alongs and frenzied circle pits throughout their set. Tracks “Tower of Pain” and “When Everything Means Nothing” hit with visceral intensity, showcasing the band’s undeniable skill and musicianship.

    But beyond just the music, what truly made the night special was the palpable sense of camaraderie between the bands and their fans. From the shared shouts of the famous Buffalo chant “Let’s go Buffalo!” to the sweaty embraces in the pit, it was clear that this was more than just a concert – it was a community coming together to celebrate the power of music.

    Avoid

    Counterparts

    The Devil Wears Prada

    Fit For A King

  • Monarch Releases Cathartic Rock Single “If You Ask Me”

    monarch’s If You Ask Me is unapologetically raw, with a refreshing theme of self-ownership. The clear-cut language adds intensity to the song’s powerful message- stressing the resistance to give in to outside influence or control.

    monarch if you ask me
    Photo by, @pawprints777 on Instagram

    Lyrically, the song takes us to the aftermath of boundary-pushing chaos in a compelling way. The relationship between the lyrical skill and instrumental intensity elevates the overall experience that the song brings. 

    Based in Brooklyn, rock group monarch formed in 2021. This spirited band has always gone beyond the limits of musical expression, captivating audiences with their powerful performances. With a reputation for powerful live performances, this group is a noteworthy act that will leave a mark on the local music scene. Monarch has plans to take the stage all over NYC in 2024 and amaze a wide range of audiences with their electrifying energy. 

    Sarah hopes the song lyrics and feel can bring comfort to those who can, regrettably, relate to this kind of circumstance. The song should also let listeners know that “they’re not alone in the feeling of feeling taken advantage of”. Sarah adds, “I had trouble writing a song of this essence, our music isn’t typically ‘angry’ in this sense, so I had trouble at first going into that headspace. Although it is part of my story, we created a powerful song out of it.”

    “I wrote the lyrics for this song after the countless times someone has crossed my boundaries, made me uncomfortable, someone being too touchy etc. On the other hand you shouldn’t have to teach someone how to respect people and their space.”

    -Sarah Michelle Lee (Vocalist)

    If You Ask Me is more than just a song; it’s an experience that guides listeners to a place where chaos and order clash. 

    Discover more from monarch here.

  • The Thing Announces North American Tour Stopping in Ridgewood and Buffalo

    The Thing will kick off their North American Tour with a stop at TV Eye, The Ballroom on February 2, and close out the tour back in New York State at Buffalo Iron Works on April 13.

    The band’s upcoming tour will also be supporting Mo Lowda & The Humble and The Bright Light Social Hour.

    The Thing is a four-piece band from New York City, that originated when Michael Carter, Jack Bradley, and Zane Acord bonded over a shared love for rock & roll in high school. Over the years, they honed their craft self-recording and writing songs influenced by 60s pioneers such as The Kinks, Grand Funk Railroad, and artists of the Nuggets compilation. As they progressed in skill and knowledge, the band started to envision a career inspired by the likes of Brian Jonestown Massacre, King Gizzard, and The Black Keys.

    The band then started playing shows and generating a buzz around New York City in the winter of 2022. Shortly after, the band began touring up and down the East Coast. Their energetic live performances quickly earned the grassroots attention of honest music lovers. 

    In April 2023, the band released their debut record Here’s The Thing which was a compilation of nine songs written throughout the early years of the band. With the album out in the wild and the addition of Lucas Ebeling on the kit, The Thing is relentlessly touring, recording new music, and breaching the modern world of rock & roll as they work toward their second album The Thing Is set to be released on Feb. 2.

    Also kicking off on Feb. 2, The Thing will be back on the road as their North American tour kicks off with a hometown show in Ridgewood at one of the band’s favorite venues, TV EYE, and later at  Buffalo Iron Works on April 13.  

    The tour will kick off on Feb. 2 and tickets can be purchased here.

    UPCOMING TOUR DATES

    February 2 – New York, NY – TV EYE

    February 8 – Philadelphia, PA – Johnny Brenda’s

    February 9 – Richmond, VA – The Camel

    February 10 – Charleston, SC – Charleston Pour House

    February 14 – Atlanta, GA – The Earl

    February 15 – Auburn, AL – 1716

    February 16 – Birmingham, AL – Saturn

    February 17 – New Orleans, LA – Santos

    February 22 – Austin, TX – Mohawk

    February 24 – Oklahoma City, OK – Resonant Head

    February 28 – Phoenix, AZ – Valley Bar

    February 29 – San Diego, CA – WINSTONS

    March 1 – Los Angeles, CA – Gold Diggers

    March 2 – Costa Mesa, CA – The Wayfarer

    March 6 – Morro Bay, CA – The Siren

    March 7 – Santa Cruz, CA – The Catalyst Atrium

    March 8 – San Francisco, CA – Bottom of the Hill

    March 12 – Bend, OR – Volcanic Theatre Pub

    March 13 – Portland, OR – White Eagle

    March 14 – Seattle, WA – The Sunset Tavern

    March 17 – Sun Valley, ID – Sun Valley Resort (free show)

    March 20 – Boise, ID – Treefort Music Fest

    March 21 – Salt Lake City, UT – The DLC

    March 22 – Crested Butte, CO – Public House

    March 23 – Buena Vista, CO – The Lariat

    March 24 – Telluride, CO – The Alibi

    March 28 – Fort Collins, CO – Surfside 7

    March 29 – Steamboat Springs, CO – Schmiggity’s Live Music Dance Bar

    March 30 – Denver, CO – Ogden Theatre*

    April 3 – Minneapolis, MN – 7th Street Entry

    April 4 – Milwaukee, WI – The Cooperage

    April 5 – Appleton, WI – Gibson Music Hall

    April 6 – Chicago, IL – The Hideout

    April 10 – Cleveland, OH – Beachland Ballroom & Tavern

    April 11 – Detroit, MI – Lager House

    April 12 – Toronto, ON – The Baby G

    April 13 – Buffalo, NY – Iron Works

    May 26 – Boston, MA – Boston Calling

    * supporting Mo Lowda & The Humble + Bright Light Social Hour

    See all tour info here

  • Progressive Metal Heavyweights Tool Make Triumphant Return To Madison Square Garden

    Nestled in Manhattan’s West Side since 1968, the cathedral of rock and roll, Madison Square Garden, opened its doors at 6:00 pm Friday night (January 12), welcoming into its friendly confines loyal card-carrying members of The Tool Army.

    The last time Tool visited the hallowed grounds of Madison Square Garden (MSG) – more than 20 years ago – the city, and The Garden itself, were quite different. But one thing has endured the test of time, and that is Tool remains a thinking person’s band. One that is an amalgamation of analytical, primeval, uncompromising, bellicose, and melodic forces.

    Madison Square Garden and the Empire State Building | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger

    Following an autumn trek of North America and a subsequent two month hiatus, Tool’s Winter Tour 2024 features the latest support from psychedelic metal warriors Elder. Formed in the mid-aughts and hailing from a small seaside town in Massachusetts, frontman and guitarist Nick DiSalvo, bassist Jack Donovan, guitarist Michael Risberg and drummer Georg Edert currently call Berlin, Germany home.

    Undoubtedly a momentous occasion to open for Tool, no less while gracing The World’s Most Famous Arena’s hallowed stage, Elder performed like the seasoned veterans they are, delivering on all fronts. Appearing onstage shortly after 7:30 pm, the foursome offered a 30-minute set that showcased exceptional musical craftmanship, taking the steadily growing audience on an evocative, sonic journey.

    Known for long-scale compositions, DiSalvo and company presented a trio of stoner rock, mind-altering numbers collected from three of the six studio albums in their discography, including “Sanctuary” (Reflections of a Floating World, 2017), “Merged in Dreams – Ne Plus Ultra” (Innate Passage,2022), and “Halycon” (Omens, 2020).

    Elder | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger

    Promptly at 8:30 pm, as the heartbeat introduction to “Third Eye” (Ænima, 1996) began to play on tape over the house PA system, the 20,000-capacity venue went dark, and the crowd erupted with a collective, loud roar. One by one, members of the beloved Los Angeles outfit took to the stage, beginning with drummer Danny Carey, who as usual, was rocking NBA hoops gear. His jersey of choice Friday night was Quentin Grimes’ #6 of the hometown Knicks.

    Following close behind Carey were bassist Justin Chancellor and guitarist Adam Jones, each of whom have already left an indelible mark in the annals of rock history with their individual technique and instrumental experimentation. As the title track from 2019’s Fear Inoculum got underway, vocalist Maynard James Keenan emerged from the dark shadows and came into view stage left. Wearing a white button down dress shirt and a dapper black suit vest, he clutched the microphone with both hands, revealing black fingerless gloves. Donning a blonde mohawk, Keenan prowled from side to side, high atop two risers constructed at opposite ends of the stage, and on which he would reside for the show’s duration.

    Maynard James Keenan of Tool | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger

    Before “The Pot” (10,000 Days, 2006) commenced, Keenan addressed us all regarding Tool’s well-known policy regarding cell phones:

    So, here’s the deal. We’re gonna go for a little ride. We’re gonna connect. Take a little journey, together. Stay present. Stay in your body. Join us. Stay connected. Put your fucking phone away. [At the] end of the show, last song, you can pull your stupid phone out. Until then, stay with us. Are you ready?

    Yes, we were all ready! With Tool’s seven pointed heptagram symbol dangling high above the stage, ‘open’ to signify an invitation into the collective unconscious, Tool’s entire set design was a remarkable sight to behold. Stunning visuals projected on the massive LED backdrop, which ranged from the depiction of skeletal zombie bodies with beaming alien eyes to a man trapped inside his own body, were supplemented by a spectacular laser light show that cut through the MSG atmosphere.

    Danny Carey of Tool | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger

    Following a 12-minute intermission and a goliath smack of the gong with his mallet, the second portion of the show embarked with Carey seated once again behind his massive kit. Another track from Fear Inoculum ensued, the futuristic interlude known as “Chocolate Chip Trip,” an electronic drum solo that saw the wizard Carey masterfully execute his Toolbox’s modular synthesizer.

    Justin Chancellor of Tool | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger

    Chancellor, bathed in a white spotlight, beastly strumming during a distortion and reverb filled bass exhibition, was rejoined by Jones, and eventually Keenan, for the night’s first big surprise – a live performance of “Flood” (Undertow, 1993), unearthed after 13 years! And if that were not enough for the diehard fan, following the evening’s fifth and final offering from Fear Inoculum, “Invincible,” Tool played an extended version of “Schism” (Lateralus, 2001) for the first time as a show closer.

    Adam Jones of Tool | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger

    Following their two gigs in Gotham, Tool will spend the better part of the next two months bringing their Winter Tour to the masses, culminating in Las Vegas on February 18. Tool, who at present are unsigned to a record label, are reportedly flirting with the idea of releasing an EP rather than a sixth studio album, which would mark their first new material since 2019. Nonetheless, it looks promising that The Tool Army will finally get to hear new music from their art rock heroes later in 2024.

    Elder Setlist: Sanctuary, Merged in Dreams – Ne Plus Ultra, Halcyon

    Tool Setlist: Fear Inoculum, The Pot, Rosetta Stoned (with “Lost Keys” intro), Pneuma, Intolerance, Descending, The Grudge (intermission), Chocolate Chip Trip, Flood, Invincible, Schism

    UPCOMING TOUR DATES

    January 18 – Hollywood, FL @ Hard Rock Live
    January 19 – Hollywood, FL @ Hard Rock Live
    January 21 – Charlotte, NC @ Spectrum Center
    January 23 – Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone Arena
    January 24 – Atlanta, GA @ State Farm Arena
    January 26 – Birmingham, AL @ Legacy Arena
    January 27 – Biloxi, MS @ Mississippi Coast Coliseum
    January 31 – Austin, TX @ Moody Center
    February 2 – Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center
    February 3 – Oklahoma City, OK @ Paycom Center
    February 5 – Denver, CO @ Ball Arena
    February 9 – Phoenix, AZ @ Footprint Center
    February 12 – Fresno, CA @ Save Mart Center
    February 14 – Los Angeles, CA @ Crypto.com Arena
    February 15 – Los Angeles, CA @ Crypto.com Arena
    February 17 – Ontario, CA @ Toyota Arena
    February 18 – Las Vegas, NV @ T-Mobile Arena

    ELDER

    TOOL

  • Shinedown Closes Out 2023 With Thrilling Show At Foxwoods Resort

    Post-holiday depression was not in abundance on Friday, December 30, as Shinedown performed their last show of 2023 to a jam-packed, sold-out crowd at the Premier Theater at Foxwoods Resort in Mashantucket, Connecticut. This show differs from the rest of the band’s fall tour as they have mainly been in arenas but decided to have a one-off show in a smaller, more intimate venue to close out the 2023 calendar year.

    Shinedown consists of Barry Kerch on drums, Eric Bass on the bass guitar and piano, Zach Myers on guitar, and Brent Smith on lead vocals. Kerch and Smith are the only two members left from the founding lineup which released their debut record, Leave a Whisper in 2003. 

    As Outkast’s “B.O.B. (Bombs Over Baghdad)” blasted through the speakers, fans settled into their red cushioned chairs as the house lights dimmed. The relaxation didn’t last long as all four members ran out on stage, greeted the audience, and blasted into “Diamond Eyes (Boom-Lay Boom-Lay Boom)” off of 2008’s The Sound of Madness as the crowd jumped out of their seats with a thunderous cheer.

    From the first riff, fans were in for a treat as the show was not shaping out to be like any regular casino show. One thing that has enhanced Shinedown’s live performances is their use of pyrotechnics/explosives, and their stage setup which gives fans exactly what they want. Though on a smaller scale, Shinedown was able to wow the sold-out crowd and make their last show of the year an unforgettable one.

    Shinedown played a total of 17 songs that lasted just under two hours of post-grunge hard rock that made the band so popular. Throughout the show, in between commanding the crowd with an iron fist as all eyes watched Smith run around on stage, he also announced to the crowd that during their set, they were going to play a mix of “old school and new school.” The band pulled out songs from their entire discography from the debut aforementioned Leave a Whisper album to their newest release, 2022’s Planet Zero.

    Touring as a musician can be tough but Shinedown put in a lot of work on stage. For the entirety of the two hours that they played, they were constantly running around. The band’s presence on stage is inspiring. Each member of the band interacts with the crowd differently yet at the same time, they work together as one delivering and making sure the fans get their pennies worth. When all was said and done, it felt like the band ran a marathon after all the moving they did on stage. By the end of the show, the band was dripping in sweat just showing the dedication to their fans to make sure they went home happy.

    At multiple points in the show, the band got into a deep groove. At the end of “45,” Myers stood on the body of his red, white, and blue guitar and played with his feet as the song came to a close. At another point in the show, the band was headbanging in unison that would even make the most hardcore headbanger smile.

    At the end of their smash hit song, “Second Chance,” the band stopped the show to present a birthday cake and sing “Happy Birthday” for one of the members of their crew. The celebrations did stop there as during the show, the president of Foxwoods Casino came out announcing that from the meet and greets, they were able to raise $92,600 for the City of Hope charity. At the same time, the band was gifted plaques to commemorate all their songs to go No. 1 and reach the top five and 10 on the charts.

    On top of the band performing their classic songs, they were also able to squeeze a couple of cover songs into the setlist for the show. With Myers on lead vocals, the band, minus Smith performed “The Middle” by Jimmy Eat World as well as their bone-chilling rendition of “Simple Man,” by Lynyrd Skynyrd performed by just Smith and Myers. With the help of the crowd belting out the chorus, the theater rang loud of the classic Lynyrd Skynyrd tune.

    As fans left the Premier Theater back out to the casino floor, they left with eardrums ringing and faces melted from the sheer magnitude of Shinedown’s show. As 2023 creeps towards an end, fans already made their 2024 concert plans to catch Shinedown on their next tour after witnessing an arena-level show in a small yet intimate theater that made everyone in the last row feel like they were upfront.

    Setlist: Diamond Eyes (Boom-Lay Boom-Lay Boom), Dead Don’t Die, I’ll Follow You, State of My Head, Devil, Unity, 45, Enemies, Sound of Madness, A Symptom of Being Human, Planet Zero, Second Chance, The Middle, Daylight/Get Up, Simple Man, Monsters, Cut the Cord

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