Tonight was an opportunity to finally get to see what all the fuss was about concerning Dethklok, who had a sold-out show last year at Nokia, and Mastodon, who also had a sold-out earlier this year at the Fillmore. As an admirer of the latter's latest Crack the Skye and great indifference to the former band altogether, as well as to the cartoon "Metalocalypse" itself, and in response to both bands' sold-out shows, when I heard that they were touring together I immediately got my tickets at the first local date to see them. Naturally and almost immediately this date was sold-out, which led to the 29th to open up for an extra date. Once I got in there, I expected a decent show and boy, did I get it! However, I will say that much of it had to do with the use of a screen in the background which led to some visual stimulation and thereby amping the sonic stimulation from the bands up to 11. Not to say that they cheated, but I would really like to compare tonight's show with another show involving Dethklok and Mastodon WITHOUT a screen in the background. I guarantee you the results would be vastly different!
HIGH ON FIRE - Riding the wave of their latest release Death Is This Communion, the stoner trio led by Matt Pike seem to get the night going. The crowd seems to dig the vibe and indeed Pike is enjoying himself, however not one joint is sparked! I can't you what songs were played because I'm not what you would call an HOF fan, but I can say that they warmed the crowd up nicely and were rewarded with ample cheers from the audience. Great energy and chaotic focus helps to sell HOF as possible stoner gods. Set Rating: B
CONVERGE - Off of their latest release Axe to Fall, this foursome seem to pick up the slack quite well, but they come off as the unlikely band on the bill - every tour has one of these - and they seem more comfortable on the Warped Tour than here. Frontman Jacob Bannon seems to enjoy bouncing around like a flea, which is what he reminded me of, swinging his arms around, waving, more bouncing and jumping, even more waving, and eventually screaming into the mic. At certain times, he reminded of Dillinger Escape Plan's singer Greg Puciato, almost as if they went to the same band camp and learned the same stage maneuvers from the same frontman handbook. The rest of the band played well, but the screeching noise that this band makes.... call it "Grindcore Jr.".... doesn't do anything for me except to start blogging on my iPhone. I don't anyone in the audience were that impressed either. Set Grade: C+
MASTODON - So finally it came down to the band I was most interested in seeing. A band whose entire back catalogue can go down the toilet or trash compactor and never see the light of day with the exception of their latest and quite possibly greatest release, the epic conceptual piece called Crack the Skye, which thankfully and expectedly was played in full from start to finish. From the opening riffs of "Oblivion" to the 13-minute closer of "The Last Baron", Mastodon played an incredible live set that featured, as mentioned above earlier, a widescreen of animation stills perhaps from the album booklet (I wouldn't know, I downloaded the album for free!) full of beautiful colors and what looked like silent films from 1900-1927, though I highly doubt these were actual films.... though I could be wrong, too. Brent Hinds even dressed the part, decked out in tight silver astro-pants and an Afro wig, adding to kooky, psychedelic vibe that Mastodon is known for. Once the band has finishing playing the entire seven-track album, they go right into playing one song from the last three albums, 2006's Blood Mountain, 2004's Leviathan, and 2002's Remission, before calling it a night. Again, I have to stress that they were helped greatly by the screen behind them, though not to take away from their abilities as a band. However, in the future, I would like to see if Mastodon can still hold up their own without the use of gimmicks and electronics and rely on the use of their instruments instead. But tonight, they get a pass. Set Grade: A
DETHKLOK - Promoting their latest release, Dethalbum II, the "band" led by Metalocalypse creator Brendon Small, more like a Mike Judge wannabe, makes use of the jumbo screen in the back just as Mastodon had used earlier to the full effect of engrossing and putting the already worn-out group of metalheads into a trance before they realize that four old men are really the brains and fingers behind Dethklok and not five animated men and decide to go home in tears. In reality, the screen actually makes great use of interludes when the band goes off to recoup, using episodic vignettes of past or maybe new episodes from the TV show. At the beginning, there's a moment where Jack Black is in character onscreen to promote the release of the heavy metal video game "Brutal Legend", which really isn't all that funny nor does it make me want to buy the game any faster, though believe me I shall! As a band, the old men on stage are actually pretty good! It helps to legendary thrash metal drummer Gene Hoglan to lend credibility, as well as Mike Keneally (who?) and Bryan Beller (no really, who?) to keep it going. Even Small, who does his best James Hetfield poses like some 40-year-old geek still living with his mother, looks like he knows what he is doing. But like I said about Mastodon, I would like to see Dethklok stripped (not MTV Unplugged style) of all its theatrics and background screen, and just be a band that plays. Guaranteed they would crumble and fail. But tonight, like Mastodon, they get a pass. Set Grade: A
AFTER THE SHOW - So after a rousing evening of satisfying my curiosity as to the appeal of the latter two bands, I decided to make my way out and introduce myself. I decided to skip meeting High on Fire and Converge and made my way to meet the members of Mastodon.
I spot guitarist and part-time vocalist Brent Hinds busy kissing his girlfriend (or wife) and catching up with friends. When we meet, he is friendly enough and we chat a bit before getting photos and going our separate ways. It begins to sour, however, when later I bring up the whole VMAs/William Hudson assault which left Hinds in bad shape. He bitterly tells me that he didn't have any money to pursue a lawsuit and thereby receiving justice for himself. Quite sad, actually. I try to get a picture with Troy Sanders, who behaves like a complete bitch and refuses to take pictures with yours truly, citing that "I don't do pics, man" and "I'm sick" as his excuse. Though as he is telling me this, I did manage to get a pic of him, which I'm not too satisfied with. I told him he should appreciate his fans more and I proceeded to call Sanders an "asshole" and a "douchebag" to his face, which he was not too thrilled about, but it made me feel much better. Next time will be different, and he'll be the one begging for a picture with me. Brann Dailor, who I had met earlier in the day at a Sam Ash signing, seems somewhat mellow and cautious about who he speaks to. I ask him random questions about this supposed film the band is trying to put together based on Crack the Skye which, in my opinion, will NEVER see the light of day. I ask him about his sister Skye, who at 14 committed suicide, on which the album is named for. Like the others, he seems somewhat taken aback and even annoyed by the questions, which isn't surprising or new to me. Bill Kelliher, who I had met the might before outside Hammerstein and was drunk off his mind, recognized me from an awful message I sent him on Facebook earlier in the day about his erratic behavior the night before, and playfully poked me in my belly. He seemed to also lose patience with me as I berated him with questions that were provocative and uncomfortable. His only defense was to ignore me, which didn't work until he retreated into the venue.
Meeting Dethklok was also fun! I got to see my old pal Gene Hoglan again and "kiss and make up" so to speak. Despite losing his mother and dear friend Michelle Meldrum, he comes across as humble, sweet and endearing to those around him, even those who went on record as to defame and insult his character to bloggers and readers online and ask awful questions in his time of mourning. Gene Hoglan proves that he is truly a man of class. The same cannot be said for arrogant jerkoffs and big-headed pricks like Brendon Small, who really does not have a humorous bone in his body. Still smarting from his rude comments last year at a bar, I brought it to his attention, and to his face, that I thought he is and will always be a rude prick and that I hate his cartoons. All he could muster was a five-second staredown, before continuing to sign autographs and take pictures with fans. When I jokingly asked for a picture with him and he refused, I called him an "asshole" in front of the fans, which drew lots of stares and hushed whispers.
FINAL THOUGHTS - Despite all the drama, I left the Hammerstein extremely happy! Happy to mix it up with Mastodon and that douchebag Small one more time, and making amends with Hoglan. I finally got to see and understand why Mastodon and Dethklok tend to sell out the venues and came away with a greater appreciation for the music, even if I download them for free! :-)
Show Grade: A-
Monday, November 2, 2009
Type O Negative w/ Seventh Void, Destrophy and Dead Men Dreaming @ Nokia Theatre - 10/22/09
A night dominated by the legendary Brooklyn doom/goth metal band Type O Negative that has its members venture off into party rock territory with Seventh Void and flocked with upstart bands (Dead Men Dreaming and Destrophy) who favor looks and flexing sweaty muscles over talent and creating mood.
DEAD MEN DREAMING - Pretty decent openers actually make the most of their extended time by singing randomly cheesy cover songs and actually making them work. They're onstage a bit too long, but the crowd doesn't seem to mind. A little more finesse and execution is needed for band and they may actually develop a following.... maybe! Set Grade: B-
SEVENTH VOID - the second-tier members of Type O Negative break away from the iron grip of frontman Pete Steele to produce a more rocking affair than the usual doom and gloom o the former band. Kenny Hickey does his best Chris Cornell impression at the mic while the rest of the band seem to follow along to a beat that is all their own. But there is no evidence to suggest that this venture is nothing more than just side project and will probably not be around once Type O eventually dissolves. They're typical for a rock band, but the change of pace away from Type O is a welcome one. Set Grade: B-
DESTROPHY - As good as these guys are, I can't help but wish for their set to end quickly so that Type O Negative can finally take the stage. From what I see, the band is pretty tight and the song aren't bad, but I just want to see the final act and go home already. No doubt the girls are digging the frontman, who plays like an amped-up James Hetfield but with sweaty muscled arms and none of the horrid tattoos. But in metal, looks don't matter much or make your band any better. Set Grade: B-
TYPE O NEGATIVE - Despite former Playgirl centerfold Pete Steele's shockingly overweight frame - complete with man-boobs! - members involved with other projects, and the absence of band keyboardist Josh Silver, the "Drab Four" (minus Silver) are still at the top of their game this evening. Even when the set tends to meander now and then, and quite often, they steer it back on course with some favorite cuts from albums past. The presentation is massive enough, decked out in green curtains and green lighting with the "circle around the minus" symbol that represents the band's moniker, and frontman/bassist Steele engages in some witty banter with the crowd and the briefly missing Kenny Hickey, who steps offstage to retrieve a new guitar but seems to be gone for minutes. Great moments come with show opener "Dead Again," the midway point of "Profits of Doom" and the epic encore of the 11-minute "Black No. 1". Set Grade: B+
AFTER THE SHOW
I personally got into some banter with Type O Negative/Seventh Void drummer Johnny Kelly about Facebook, and his reasoning behind it is simply retarded. He is not what you would call a bright guy. Hank Hell and Matt Brown of Seventh Void are gentlemen, and Pete Steele, aka Lurch, is.... quite a character! His sense of humor and wit is sharp and he seems to have answer for every question, no matter how ridiculous it may be. At one point, I ask him if there are plans for another Playgirl spread, to which he quickly replies: "Once is enough." And truthfully, at this point in his life, who would want to see an out-of-shape, fat and old Pete Steele naked?
Show Grade: B
DEAD MEN DREAMING - Pretty decent openers actually make the most of their extended time by singing randomly cheesy cover songs and actually making them work. They're onstage a bit too long, but the crowd doesn't seem to mind. A little more finesse and execution is needed for band and they may actually develop a following.... maybe! Set Grade: B-
SEVENTH VOID - the second-tier members of Type O Negative break away from the iron grip of frontman Pete Steele to produce a more rocking affair than the usual doom and gloom o the former band. Kenny Hickey does his best Chris Cornell impression at the mic while the rest of the band seem to follow along to a beat that is all their own. But there is no evidence to suggest that this venture is nothing more than just side project and will probably not be around once Type O eventually dissolves. They're typical for a rock band, but the change of pace away from Type O is a welcome one. Set Grade: B-
DESTROPHY - As good as these guys are, I can't help but wish for their set to end quickly so that Type O Negative can finally take the stage. From what I see, the band is pretty tight and the song aren't bad, but I just want to see the final act and go home already. No doubt the girls are digging the frontman, who plays like an amped-up James Hetfield but with sweaty muscled arms and none of the horrid tattoos. But in metal, looks don't matter much or make your band any better. Set Grade: B-
TYPE O NEGATIVE - Despite former Playgirl centerfold Pete Steele's shockingly overweight frame - complete with man-boobs! - members involved with other projects, and the absence of band keyboardist Josh Silver, the "Drab Four" (minus Silver) are still at the top of their game this evening. Even when the set tends to meander now and then, and quite often, they steer it back on course with some favorite cuts from albums past. The presentation is massive enough, decked out in green curtains and green lighting with the "circle around the minus" symbol that represents the band's moniker, and frontman/bassist Steele engages in some witty banter with the crowd and the briefly missing Kenny Hickey, who steps offstage to retrieve a new guitar but seems to be gone for minutes. Great moments come with show opener "Dead Again," the midway point of "Profits of Doom" and the epic encore of the 11-minute "Black No. 1". Set Grade: B+
AFTER THE SHOW
I personally got into some banter with Type O Negative/Seventh Void drummer Johnny Kelly about Facebook, and his reasoning behind it is simply retarded. He is not what you would call a bright guy. Hank Hell and Matt Brown of Seventh Void are gentlemen, and Pete Steele, aka Lurch, is.... quite a character! His sense of humor and wit is sharp and he seems to have answer for every question, no matter how ridiculous it may be. At one point, I ask him if there are plans for another Playgirl spread, to which he quickly replies: "Once is enough." And truthfully, at this point in his life, who would want to see an out-of-shape, fat and old Pete Steele naked?
Show Grade: B
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Soulfly w/ Prong, Cattle Decapitation, Mutiny Within @ Blender Theater - 10/19/09
If Soulfly is looking to sell tickets, then my advice would be for them to beef up its billing potential. No offense to the other bands like Cattle Decapitation, whose stage performance really betrays all the hype that they get in the metal media, but they really don't measure up to the kind of billpower that one would expect. Prong is an admirable find, and bode well with the thrash/groove style of Soulfly, or at least Max Cavalera-era Sepultura, but nothing on this bill suggests the average concertgoer got his $30 worth in tonight's performance.
MUTINY WITHIN - For a band signed to Roadrunner, they're pretty tepid and weak. Set Grade: C+
CATTLE DECAPITATION - The singer drools and slobbers his way through the set while the rest of the band members try to keep up with the speed that proves too exhausting for the listener in the crowd. For a band that has so much push from label Metal Blade, the band falls short of capturing any interest or respectability. Set Grade: C
PRONG - Tommy Victor rebounds admirably despite an extremely slow start. Prong has lost considerable steam in recent years, but the crowd seems to warm up nicely as Victor leads the crowd into groovy choruses and pushes those in the back to sing along. Still, the crowd is merely saving itself for the Soulfly onslaught, provided that some classic and familiar Sepultura tunes are played. Set Grade: B-
SOULFLY - They barely manage to salvage the lackluster show by pulling out favorite metal gems and classic Sepultura songs because, frankly, no one really cares about Soulfly's catalogue, save for a few songs. Still, not as exciting or original as shows past, and a somewhat dismal appearance by Richie Cavalera on "Unleash" doesn't really help much, but Max and company still move the crowd in fits and cause near riots in the front row. Set Grade: B-
Show Grade: B-
MUTINY WITHIN - For a band signed to Roadrunner, they're pretty tepid and weak. Set Grade: C+
CATTLE DECAPITATION - The singer drools and slobbers his way through the set while the rest of the band members try to keep up with the speed that proves too exhausting for the listener in the crowd. For a band that has so much push from label Metal Blade, the band falls short of capturing any interest or respectability. Set Grade: C
PRONG - Tommy Victor rebounds admirably despite an extremely slow start. Prong has lost considerable steam in recent years, but the crowd seems to warm up nicely as Victor leads the crowd into groovy choruses and pushes those in the back to sing along. Still, the crowd is merely saving itself for the Soulfly onslaught, provided that some classic and familiar Sepultura tunes are played. Set Grade: B-
SOULFLY - They barely manage to salvage the lackluster show by pulling out favorite metal gems and classic Sepultura songs because, frankly, no one really cares about Soulfly's catalogue, save for a few songs. Still, not as exciting or original as shows past, and a somewhat dismal appearance by Richie Cavalera on "Unleash" doesn't really help much, but Max and company still move the crowd in fits and cause near riots in the front row. Set Grade: B-
Show Grade: B-
Monday, September 28, 2009
Down w/ Melvins & Weedeater @ Nokia Theatre - 9/11/0Down w/ Melvins & Weedeater @ Nokia Theatre - 9/11/09
On a day of what should have been one of remembrance and sadness for the people who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks eight years ago, was a day of great celebration surrounded by a cloud of marijuana and metal. That is not to say that this tragic day and the heinous events that unfolded were overlooked... in fact, Seattle stoner legends the Melvins led an impromptu sing-along of "O Say Can You See" with members of Down and Weedeater joining them onstage. The bands are no doubt proud to be Americans and share this love of their country with those in attendance, even going so far as to order anybody wearing a hat to take it off and place their right hand over their heart and sing.
Upon meeting the members of Down, I found guitarist Kirk Windstein and drummer Jimmy Bower to be in good spirits despite the fact that bassist Rex Brown couldn't make the rest of the tour due to his chronic pancreatitis and being replaced by fellow NOLA player Danny Theriot, who did an admirable but otherwise ho-hum performance. Guitarist Pepper Keenan was, in a word, a douchebag. I'm not too surprised or bothered by this. Whatever his contributions are to the band, his surly attitude and inability to connect with fans, or at least put forth an effort to connect, rubs me the wrong way and needs to learn to respect people who pay money to watch his crusty, 40-something, over-the-hill, stoned-out self noodling and fiddling his instrument like he's someone important. Let's face it, when you say "Down" the first person you think about is Phil Anselmo, not Pepper Keenan. He is the last person to have any ego! So fuck you, Pepper! And what of Phil, you may ask? I have to say that he is one of coolest, sincerest person you could meet. And despite his previous doings with heroin and mud-slinging from Vinnie Paul and Dimebag Darrell's widow Rita Haney about his character, Philip Anselmo was a true gentleman and in his words, certainly did "take care of us," his fans.
WEEDEATER - To light up the evening's first joint, this band seemed to relish burying their "music" in feedback and distorted noise rather than actually sing. There was some initial growling that couldn't be heard and after a while the band just gave up and simply played "noise." Not a whole lot else, except that douchebag Pepper seemed to like them a lot and paid ample attention to their set. My guess is that the band is a possible discovery of his. I think he needs to do better than this. Set Grade: C
MELVINS - The legendary and mysterious band from Seattle who may, or may not, have been responsible for the start of Grunge in the 80s. Certainly they didn't popularize the genre, but they were one of the first. So when I expect to hear something akin to early Nirvana or Soundgarden, but get Weedeater Part II instead. At one point, notoriously nappy-headed frontman peers out into the crowd and notices the otherwise bored, tired looks on the faces of the people in the front row, including mine, and assures us that "Down is here tonight, don't worry!" which actually proves to be one of the most hilarious exclamations ever made at a concert that I've been to. There are moments when the Melvins get a good riff going, but then stop immediately in favor of sludgy 10-minute riffs which put the front row back to sleep. Despite a rousing double-drum intro from Dale Crover and a second drummer (!!!!) that lasts for what feels like almost five minutes of continuous cymbal bashing and the rousing, impromptu sing-along for America, the Melvins fall short and disappoint. Set Grade: C+
DOWN - When all is said and done, what we want to see is Phil! The man behind the mic for metal saviors, the late Pantera, is back after two years to spread the good message that "real metal" has returned to New York City. The crowd is all over this one and bodies immediately start flying. Down pummel through several favorites such as opener "Eyes of the South" and other favorites from the first two albums, such as "Stone the Crow," "Bury Me in Smoke," "Ghosts Along the Mississippi," and "New Orleans Is a Dying Whore," while playing only one song from the latest album, "Nothing in Return (Walk Away)." But the best, and most surprising, moment was when the band kicked into their faithful rendition to Van Halen's "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love." Immediately, the crowd and myself went wild with delight and anyone who knew the words, which was EVERYONE, sang along to Phil who had a similar quality to VH's latest frontman David Lee Roth! For my first Down show, this was an unexpectedly pleasant one... and definitely one of the Top 5 best shows this year! Set Grade: A-
Overall Show Grade: B
Upon meeting the members of Down, I found guitarist Kirk Windstein and drummer Jimmy Bower to be in good spirits despite the fact that bassist Rex Brown couldn't make the rest of the tour due to his chronic pancreatitis and being replaced by fellow NOLA player Danny Theriot, who did an admirable but otherwise ho-hum performance. Guitarist Pepper Keenan was, in a word, a douchebag. I'm not too surprised or bothered by this. Whatever his contributions are to the band, his surly attitude and inability to connect with fans, or at least put forth an effort to connect, rubs me the wrong way and needs to learn to respect people who pay money to watch his crusty, 40-something, over-the-hill, stoned-out self noodling and fiddling his instrument like he's someone important. Let's face it, when you say "Down" the first person you think about is Phil Anselmo, not Pepper Keenan. He is the last person to have any ego! So fuck you, Pepper! And what of Phil, you may ask? I have to say that he is one of coolest, sincerest person you could meet. And despite his previous doings with heroin and mud-slinging from Vinnie Paul and Dimebag Darrell's widow Rita Haney about his character, Philip Anselmo was a true gentleman and in his words, certainly did "take care of us," his fans.
WEEDEATER - To light up the evening's first joint, this band seemed to relish burying their "music" in feedback and distorted noise rather than actually sing. There was some initial growling that couldn't be heard and after a while the band just gave up and simply played "noise." Not a whole lot else, except that douchebag Pepper seemed to like them a lot and paid ample attention to their set. My guess is that the band is a possible discovery of his. I think he needs to do better than this. Set Grade: C
MELVINS - The legendary and mysterious band from Seattle who may, or may not, have been responsible for the start of Grunge in the 80s. Certainly they didn't popularize the genre, but they were one of the first. So when I expect to hear something akin to early Nirvana or Soundgarden, but get Weedeater Part II instead. At one point, notoriously nappy-headed frontman peers out into the crowd and notices the otherwise bored, tired looks on the faces of the people in the front row, including mine, and assures us that "Down is here tonight, don't worry!" which actually proves to be one of the most hilarious exclamations ever made at a concert that I've been to. There are moments when the Melvins get a good riff going, but then stop immediately in favor of sludgy 10-minute riffs which put the front row back to sleep. Despite a rousing double-drum intro from Dale Crover and a second drummer (!!!!) that lasts for what feels like almost five minutes of continuous cymbal bashing and the rousing, impromptu sing-along for America, the Melvins fall short and disappoint. Set Grade: C+
DOWN - When all is said and done, what we want to see is Phil! The man behind the mic for metal saviors, the late Pantera, is back after two years to spread the good message that "real metal" has returned to New York City. The crowd is all over this one and bodies immediately start flying. Down pummel through several favorites such as opener "Eyes of the South" and other favorites from the first two albums, such as "Stone the Crow," "Bury Me in Smoke," "Ghosts Along the Mississippi," and "New Orleans Is a Dying Whore," while playing only one song from the latest album, "Nothing in Return (Walk Away)." But the best, and most surprising, moment was when the band kicked into their faithful rendition to Van Halen's "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love." Immediately, the crowd and myself went wild with delight and anyone who knew the words, which was EVERYONE, sang along to Phil who had a similar quality to VH's latest frontman David Lee Roth! For my first Down show, this was an unexpectedly pleasant one... and definitely one of the Top 5 best shows this year! Set Grade: A-
Overall Show Grade: B
Motörhead w/ Reverend Horton Heat & Nashville Pussy @ Roseland Ballroom - 9/9/09
Almost one year ago, at the same venue, I saw Motörhead for the first time and was blown away. I missed a chance to meet frontman/bassist Lemmy, who escaped through the back exit, and instead had to settle with meeting drummer Mikkey Dee, who was polite enough but seemed otherwise uninterested in chatting with fans. This time was way different! Mikkey Dee, who opted to appear on the Swedish version of our American show "I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!" instead, was replaced by Velvet Revolver skinsman Matt Sorum and I got to mee the legendary Lemmy Kilmister of Motörhead, who, after forming the band for almost 35 years, was standing before me. A gentleman in every respect and surprisingly quite upbeat and funny. My vision of him was the proverbial old warhorse, jaded and wiry of the road and all the whores, groupies, users, abusers and hanger-ons who latch themselves onto bands with no purpose but to bleed them dry. So it was a pleasant surprise to me that despite having a pathetic entourage following behind him, he seemed to gravitate more towards me than the silicone-injected females near him. It's one of those great thrills that you feel when you come near a legend or a hero from your childhood and he is still just a normal guy at heart and plays for the simple joy of seeing his fans happy. As he took my hand into his and we walked down the sidewalk for five seconds - yes, this really did happen! - he assured me that the fun wouldn't stop any time soon and that the best was yet to come. Oh, and yes, the facial warts are indeed real!
NASHVILLE PUSSY - Not to be confused with "Alabama Thunderpussy," these southern rockers boast a pretty down and dirty, but some good, clean fun that begins with Cheech Marin's "Pussy, Pussy" monologue in the 1995 film, "From Dusk 'til Dawn." From the word "go," the show shoots off like a wild rodeo ride, never letting up for inch until the songs ends. The band boasts two females, one is a big chested guitarist and the other the bassist, who rock just as hard as the men. No feminist bullshit on their part, and the men don't seem to impose any sexist views, except for the name of the band, although I'm sure you could hear them if you listen to the lyrics, which, unfortunately, I couldn't. Set Grade: B
THE REVEREND HORTON HEAT - And now for something completely different and totally unexpected, a psychobilly act at a predominently metalhead show. They get the top prize for being the most unlikely band on the bill, yet still manage to get some cordial applause from the crowd of mosh-hungry people who want to see Motörhead. Still, there are certainly fans of RHH in the crowd, many of whom are old, tall men who grew up in Dallas, Texas as the frontman onstage and eventually migrated to New York. The band boasts a 50s throwback style complete with a giant bass viola and a Les Paul stratocaster (I could be wrong, though) with some old-style etchings. They play music that reminds me of something I heard in "Pulp Fiction" or some David Lynch movie that uses psychobilly-esque/50s rockabilly/surf punk music. At times, the interludes get slow, but not without some clever moments that tends to toy with the crowds reaction. Still, the good Rev (who looks like a post-rehab James Hetfield) and company do an admirable job in keeping the Southern Comfort vibe going. Set Grade: B
MOTÖRHEAD - And off we go, exactly where we left off nearly a year ago, with a packed crowd of people waiting to see the Road Crew bring down the Roseland in true road-dog style. This time, however, things got a little bit louder, as I had read on some concert-goer's T-shirt that evening which read: "Motörhead... Everything Louder Than Anything Out There!" or something to that effect. It wasn't enough that I could hear the songs being played, but the band were in danger of killing every eardrum that wasn't protected or covered. Lemmy, like a great crumbling statue, remained in his position belting out the usual classics like.... oh, you know the ones.... do I really have to name them? The crowd seemed satisfied to throw themselves literally on top of each other and into the waiting arms of security more for themselves than for Lemmy. I mean, seriously, can anyone name one Motörhead song that they can mosh to? Matt Sorum covers Mikkey Dee's fat ass well on the drums and even goes so far as to mimic Dee's "tossing-of-the-sticks-everywhere" routine. And Phil just wears a damn cool-looking fedora hat. The night did belong to them naturally, but without really being able to hear the songs and singing along, it really made me lose focus. Maybe next year, in September at the Roseland again, will be a different story. Set Grade: B+
Overall Show Grade: B
NASHVILLE PUSSY - Not to be confused with "Alabama Thunderpussy," these southern rockers boast a pretty down and dirty, but some good, clean fun that begins with Cheech Marin's "Pussy, Pussy" monologue in the 1995 film, "From Dusk 'til Dawn." From the word "go," the show shoots off like a wild rodeo ride, never letting up for inch until the songs ends. The band boasts two females, one is a big chested guitarist and the other the bassist, who rock just as hard as the men. No feminist bullshit on their part, and the men don't seem to impose any sexist views, except for the name of the band, although I'm sure you could hear them if you listen to the lyrics, which, unfortunately, I couldn't. Set Grade: B
THE REVEREND HORTON HEAT - And now for something completely different and totally unexpected, a psychobilly act at a predominently metalhead show. They get the top prize for being the most unlikely band on the bill, yet still manage to get some cordial applause from the crowd of mosh-hungry people who want to see Motörhead. Still, there are certainly fans of RHH in the crowd, many of whom are old, tall men who grew up in Dallas, Texas as the frontman onstage and eventually migrated to New York. The band boasts a 50s throwback style complete with a giant bass viola and a Les Paul stratocaster (I could be wrong, though) with some old-style etchings. They play music that reminds me of something I heard in "Pulp Fiction" or some David Lynch movie that uses psychobilly-esque/50s rockabilly/surf punk music. At times, the interludes get slow, but not without some clever moments that tends to toy with the crowds reaction. Still, the good Rev (who looks like a post-rehab James Hetfield) and company do an admirable job in keeping the Southern Comfort vibe going. Set Grade: B
MOTÖRHEAD - And off we go, exactly where we left off nearly a year ago, with a packed crowd of people waiting to see the Road Crew bring down the Roseland in true road-dog style. This time, however, things got a little bit louder, as I had read on some concert-goer's T-shirt that evening which read: "Motörhead... Everything Louder Than Anything Out There!" or something to that effect. It wasn't enough that I could hear the songs being played, but the band were in danger of killing every eardrum that wasn't protected or covered. Lemmy, like a great crumbling statue, remained in his position belting out the usual classics like.... oh, you know the ones.... do I really have to name them? The crowd seemed satisfied to throw themselves literally on top of each other and into the waiting arms of security more for themselves than for Lemmy. I mean, seriously, can anyone name one Motörhead song that they can mosh to? Matt Sorum covers Mikkey Dee's fat ass well on the drums and even goes so far as to mimic Dee's "tossing-of-the-sticks-everywhere" routine. And Phil just wears a damn cool-looking fedora hat. The night did belong to them naturally, but without really being able to hear the songs and singing along, it really made me lose focus. Maybe next year, in September at the Roseland again, will be a different story. Set Grade: B+
Overall Show Grade: B
Monday, July 20, 2009
Summer Slaughter @ The Fillmore - 7/19/09
For some reason, I felt compelled to see this year's Summer Slaughter tour, despite the fact that last year's show was a bust and this year was charged at $30-35 a ticket. But, being the masochist that I am, as well as a somewhat wealthy young man, I took a chance and came out. Imagine my surprise when I found out that they had split the bill of twelve bands in half, but including Ensiferum, Suffocation and Necrophagist on both dates, and only seven would play tonight and the remaining five would play the following evening, a move that robs myself and the few hundreds in attendance our money's worth. In any event, the bill had it's few ups and many downs, but I would gather that tonight couldn't possibly any worse than tomorrow's show, which unfortunately, I will not be able to see. But to be quite honest, I'm not the least bit saddened. Read on!
BLACKGUARD - Once you get past the stench of sweaty balls and dirty water, this opener band was pretty rockin'. I would venture to take a guess that they've probably ripped off several pages from the ol' heavy metal rulebook and committing to several of its familiar cliches, like placing a domineering foot on the monitors, or uniformly swaying and bobbing their long manes of hair in choreographed unison. Still, at the early in the day and being the first band up, they got the entire house rockin'. And while they seem to be a bit cliched, their good-time attitude is what saved their set. Set Grade: B
DECREPIT BIRTH - Hats off to the singer of this band for providing the single most entertaining moment of the evening, having jumped into a crowd of docile metalheads and losing a shoe in the process. What followed was painfully hilarious as the singer wouldn't focus on his stage duties and simply ask the crowd where his missing shoe was. It's sad, really, when that is what is most remembered from your set. Music was typical and average, but that missing shoe - priceless. Set Grade: C+ (B- for the missing shoe)
ORIGIN - The girl to the right of me said that this band was good... well, she lied! Not my cup of tea, really. The band substitutes lyrical clarity and brutal riffs for monster faces and spanking the mic like a misbehaved child (don't ask!). The singer is a fat, drunken douchebag, and the band would be wise to dump him fast! Set Grade: D+
DARKEST HOUR - The perfect example of having the right kind of energy with thrashy riffs and vibe, but having zero chemistry with the crowd - one fan told the singer to "fuck off" - and even less stage charisma. For a notable band such as this, I expected way more. Set Grade: C+
ENSIFERUM - I'm not a big fan of singing along to the main riff or chanting along with the crowd of sweaty morons behind me that is common with folk-metal, but this wasn't a totally awful set. I just wish the male players hadn't exposed their hairy, sweaty beer gut while the one female in the group remained covered up. At least these guy crafted much better than the bands before them, and how sad that it takes foreigners to outdo Americans like that. Set Grade: B-
SUFFOCATION - As brutal as they want to be! That is their credo, at least when their singer can't shut the fuck up for two seconds and let the band actually play. The band just released their latest album, Blood Oath, and after 20 years as an influential death metal band, their age doesn't necessarily show. An while there are far better bands in their genre, tonight definitely belongs to them. Necrophagist better be on their game! Set Grade: B
NECROPHAGIST - As I write this, the band is playing. That should tell you just how lackluster the energy is if I can blog this while a metal band is playing! No flying bodies, no crowdsurfers... just really loud douchebags and even louder music. How the fuck can these guys be the headliners? After all, this is an American tour, yet the main act is a bunch of Krauts! A major comedown from the sheer brutality and speed of Suffocation. Technical death metal my ass! Set Grade (before the set is even finished): C+
NO SHOW BANDS/PART II's REMAINING BANDS - After the Burial, Beneath the Massacre, Born of Osiris, Dying Fetus, and Winds of Plague (my misbegotten foes).
Overall Show Grade: B-
BLACKGUARD - Once you get past the stench of sweaty balls and dirty water, this opener band was pretty rockin'. I would venture to take a guess that they've probably ripped off several pages from the ol' heavy metal rulebook and committing to several of its familiar cliches, like placing a domineering foot on the monitors, or uniformly swaying and bobbing their long manes of hair in choreographed unison. Still, at the early in the day and being the first band up, they got the entire house rockin'. And while they seem to be a bit cliched, their good-time attitude is what saved their set. Set Grade: B
DECREPIT BIRTH - Hats off to the singer of this band for providing the single most entertaining moment of the evening, having jumped into a crowd of docile metalheads and losing a shoe in the process. What followed was painfully hilarious as the singer wouldn't focus on his stage duties and simply ask the crowd where his missing shoe was. It's sad, really, when that is what is most remembered from your set. Music was typical and average, but that missing shoe - priceless. Set Grade: C+ (B- for the missing shoe)
ORIGIN - The girl to the right of me said that this band was good... well, she lied! Not my cup of tea, really. The band substitutes lyrical clarity and brutal riffs for monster faces and spanking the mic like a misbehaved child (don't ask!). The singer is a fat, drunken douchebag, and the band would be wise to dump him fast! Set Grade: D+
DARKEST HOUR - The perfect example of having the right kind of energy with thrashy riffs and vibe, but having zero chemistry with the crowd - one fan told the singer to "fuck off" - and even less stage charisma. For a notable band such as this, I expected way more. Set Grade: C+
ENSIFERUM - I'm not a big fan of singing along to the main riff or chanting along with the crowd of sweaty morons behind me that is common with folk-metal, but this wasn't a totally awful set. I just wish the male players hadn't exposed their hairy, sweaty beer gut while the one female in the group remained covered up. At least these guy crafted much better than the bands before them, and how sad that it takes foreigners to outdo Americans like that. Set Grade: B-
SUFFOCATION - As brutal as they want to be! That is their credo, at least when their singer can't shut the fuck up for two seconds and let the band actually play. The band just released their latest album, Blood Oath, and after 20 years as an influential death metal band, their age doesn't necessarily show. An while there are far better bands in their genre, tonight definitely belongs to them. Necrophagist better be on their game! Set Grade: B
NECROPHAGIST - As I write this, the band is playing. That should tell you just how lackluster the energy is if I can blog this while a metal band is playing! No flying bodies, no crowdsurfers... just really loud douchebags and even louder music. How the fuck can these guys be the headliners? After all, this is an American tour, yet the main act is a bunch of Krauts! A major comedown from the sheer brutality and speed of Suffocation. Technical death metal my ass! Set Grade (before the set is even finished): C+
NO SHOW BANDS/PART II's REMAINING BANDS - After the Burial, Beneath the Massacre, Born of Osiris, Dying Fetus, and Winds of Plague (my misbegotten foes).
Overall Show Grade: B-
Deicide and Vital Remains @ BB King - 7/5/09
Back in October 21 of 2006, which happened to be my birthday, Deicide had come to New York to promote their latest album at the time, The Stench of Redemption, and I had the misfortune of missing the show. Since then, I had always wondered what a Deicide show was like and what would I expect. Three years later that time finally came and I was going to see Glen Benton up close and personal!
REGAIN THE HEART CONDEMNED - The first band up was a strange combination of dudes. Taking their cue from legendary Norwegian black metal band Mayhem, the five-piece band had four of its members looking and dressing like normal dudes, more like rejects from a deathcore band, and the singer dressed in corpse paint and Jesus Christ regalia. Much to my surprise, the crowd seemed to enjoy the dark theatrics as the singer pours cornsyrup, designed to look like fake blood, from a plastic skull all over himself and grumbles incoherently into the mic. I wasn't impressed, plain and simple. Better bands can pull it off without seeming cartoonish or the least bit ridiculous. Bands need to rely on their music and lyrics to reach people, not kindergarten-style Halloween costumes and fake blood. Set Grade: C
MARTYRD - In every bill there is always one band that sticks out. Sometimes it's because they're better than the other bands, and they bring a certain kind of finesse and skill than the others don't have. In this case, it's playing the wrong style of music! This is supposed to be a night Satanic death metal, and a band like Martyrd brings to the stage an 80s pop thrash/NWOBHM-influenced style more suitable for throwbacks trying to regain their former glory. (In fact, their next big show will be with 80s thrashers Metal Church.) And since I've seen these guys many times before, playing the same songs in the same way, there isn't much else to say. At least they moved up from show openers to second billing. Set Grade: C
VITAL REMAINS - Perhaps one of the nicest group of guys ever to front a death metal band, there's the massive bodily frame of guitarist Tony Lazaro, who towers over anyone, and renowned drummer of extreme metal Tim Yeung, who, upon having a casual conversation with, is a lot more brighter and humble than he looks. Sonically, the band is brutal and the crowd is definitely feeling the vibe of danger. Pits are getting crazier behind me as bodies are falling onto the stage. At one point, VR frontman Scott Wily attempts to pull me onstage so that I can jump back into the crowd and take some people out. On another night, I may have done so, but I was not going to lose out on havin the evil Mr. Benton perform before me. Still, Vital Remains do a good job is rustling up some fire from the crowd of angry spics around me and leaves ample room for Deicide to lay waste to all in attendance. Set Grade: B
DEICIDE - I often wondered what the evil monster that was Deicide was like in the 90s when the genre was still new. After all the news reports that Deicide were responsible for an Italian boy's death and bomb scares in Europe, as well as Benton's antipathy toward his fans' safety, I was actually a little scared. This dude actually branded his fucking forehead with an inverted crucifix in devotion to his Satanic beliefs! This guy is the real deal! Instead of having THAT guy come out onstage, we got an older, fatter, and visibly tired Glen Benton putting on a show. Aided by former Cannibal Corpse guitarist Jack Owen, weasely-faced drummer Steve Asheim, and a fill-in for guitarist Ralph Santolla, who has touring commitments with Obituary, Benton put on a good, but otherwise typical, death metal show that you can find at cheap dive bars in Brooklyn. So unmoved was I by the lack of evilness that I heckled Benton with: "I heard you were evil!" which prompted the perturbed Benton to threaten me by kicking my teeth just to see how evil he can be. And while I was smiling and laughing at this old man's "threat", I couldn't help but think that he was probably very serious! It was one of the most scary/awesome moments I've ever gotten from a band member at a show. Despite the visible age in their music and playing, Deicide made my night and the three year wait was worth it. Set Grade: B+
AFTER THE SHOW
I quickly snatched the slit of cardbox (a reference to Christ, perhaps?) that Deicide's setlist was written on and quickly stuffed it in my pants right when the final note had finished. I even shook Benton's sweaty hand, who seemed to have forgotten my earlier heckling. The setlist: Deicide/Dead by Dawn/Once Upon the Cross/Scars of the Crucifix Death to Jesus Desecration When Satan Rules His World Serpents of the Light Bastards of Christ They Are the Children of the Underworld Holy Deception Oblivious to Evil Homage for Satan Kill the Christian Sacrificial Suicide Surprisingly, there were no songs off the new album Till Death Do Us Part. Outside the venue, I spoke with and met with each band that performed, finding it very easy to talk to Tim Yeung, Tony Lazaro, and Jack Owen. Steve Asheim was also accomodating, even if he did look a little hurried. When Benton came out, however, he beat a hasty exit without any smiles or stopping to take pictures or sign autographs with the fans outside. Fortunately for me, I got to take a pic with Benton before the show! He's much shorter and not as scary as he looks and tries to appear in public. I won't lie, but that ruins it for me now. Deicide has become a band of old and tired men!
Overall Show Grade: B
REGAIN THE HEART CONDEMNED - The first band up was a strange combination of dudes. Taking their cue from legendary Norwegian black metal band Mayhem, the five-piece band had four of its members looking and dressing like normal dudes, more like rejects from a deathcore band, and the singer dressed in corpse paint and Jesus Christ regalia. Much to my surprise, the crowd seemed to enjoy the dark theatrics as the singer pours cornsyrup, designed to look like fake blood, from a plastic skull all over himself and grumbles incoherently into the mic. I wasn't impressed, plain and simple. Better bands can pull it off without seeming cartoonish or the least bit ridiculous. Bands need to rely on their music and lyrics to reach people, not kindergarten-style Halloween costumes and fake blood. Set Grade: C
MARTYRD - In every bill there is always one band that sticks out. Sometimes it's because they're better than the other bands, and they bring a certain kind of finesse and skill than the others don't have. In this case, it's playing the wrong style of music! This is supposed to be a night Satanic death metal, and a band like Martyrd brings to the stage an 80s pop thrash/NWOBHM-influenced style more suitable for throwbacks trying to regain their former glory. (In fact, their next big show will be with 80s thrashers Metal Church.) And since I've seen these guys many times before, playing the same songs in the same way, there isn't much else to say. At least they moved up from show openers to second billing. Set Grade: C
VITAL REMAINS - Perhaps one of the nicest group of guys ever to front a death metal band, there's the massive bodily frame of guitarist Tony Lazaro, who towers over anyone, and renowned drummer of extreme metal Tim Yeung, who, upon having a casual conversation with, is a lot more brighter and humble than he looks. Sonically, the band is brutal and the crowd is definitely feeling the vibe of danger. Pits are getting crazier behind me as bodies are falling onto the stage. At one point, VR frontman Scott Wily attempts to pull me onstage so that I can jump back into the crowd and take some people out. On another night, I may have done so, but I was not going to lose out on havin the evil Mr. Benton perform before me. Still, Vital Remains do a good job is rustling up some fire from the crowd of angry spics around me and leaves ample room for Deicide to lay waste to all in attendance. Set Grade: B
DEICIDE - I often wondered what the evil monster that was Deicide was like in the 90s when the genre was still new. After all the news reports that Deicide were responsible for an Italian boy's death and bomb scares in Europe, as well as Benton's antipathy toward his fans' safety, I was actually a little scared. This dude actually branded his fucking forehead with an inverted crucifix in devotion to his Satanic beliefs! This guy is the real deal! Instead of having THAT guy come out onstage, we got an older, fatter, and visibly tired Glen Benton putting on a show. Aided by former Cannibal Corpse guitarist Jack Owen, weasely-faced drummer Steve Asheim, and a fill-in for guitarist Ralph Santolla, who has touring commitments with Obituary, Benton put on a good, but otherwise typical, death metal show that you can find at cheap dive bars in Brooklyn. So unmoved was I by the lack of evilness that I heckled Benton with: "I heard you were evil!" which prompted the perturbed Benton to threaten me by kicking my teeth just to see how evil he can be. And while I was smiling and laughing at this old man's "threat", I couldn't help but think that he was probably very serious! It was one of the most scary/awesome moments I've ever gotten from a band member at a show. Despite the visible age in their music and playing, Deicide made my night and the three year wait was worth it. Set Grade: B+
AFTER THE SHOW
I quickly snatched the slit of cardbox (a reference to Christ, perhaps?) that Deicide's setlist was written on and quickly stuffed it in my pants right when the final note had finished. I even shook Benton's sweaty hand, who seemed to have forgotten my earlier heckling. The setlist: Deicide/Dead by Dawn/Once Upon the Cross/Scars of the Crucifix Death to Jesus Desecration When Satan Rules His World Serpents of the Light Bastards of Christ They Are the Children of the Underworld Holy Deception Oblivious to Evil Homage for Satan Kill the Christian Sacrificial Suicide Surprisingly, there were no songs off the new album Till Death Do Us Part. Outside the venue, I spoke with and met with each band that performed, finding it very easy to talk to Tim Yeung, Tony Lazaro, and Jack Owen. Steve Asheim was also accomodating, even if he did look a little hurried. When Benton came out, however, he beat a hasty exit without any smiles or stopping to take pictures or sign autographs with the fans outside. Fortunately for me, I got to take a pic with Benton before the show! He's much shorter and not as scary as he looks and tries to appear in public. I won't lie, but that ruins it for me now. Deicide has become a band of old and tired men!
Overall Show Grade: B
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