On Dec 31, 1999, no planes came crashing out of the sky, nuclear bombs went off or microwave ovens tried to eat anyone. However, times were about to change and in the metal scene change was already well underway. Let us take a stroll through the decade in metal that was.
Many of the 90s big names like Emperor and Pantera prepared to give their last venomous scream dying off in the wake of ever diminishing interest in the metal scene that had plagued the 90s. In the year 2000 a band named “Limp Bizkit” came out with an album called "Chocolate Starfish and the Hotdog Flavoured Water" and in a storm nu-metal took over the public perception of heavy music, changing the face of metal irreparably. Although nu-metal had already been pioneered by Korn, bands like Deftones, Disturbed, Mudvayne and Linkin Park all had breakout releases in 2000.
However, underneath this movement was a small American snowball that with help from such prototypical bands like Unearth was to become metalcore. You see, 2000 also saw the release of albums by bands such as Killswitch Engage and Lamb of God - emerging names that would dominate zine covers and awards for the rest of the decade. Combining the melodic death metal of the Swedes, hardcore punk, breakdowns and musicianship absent from their nu-metal brothers, so great was the trend in these new metalcore (and diversity, with bands such as Lamb of God moving firmly into metal territory) that it birthed its own tag - the New Wave of American Heavy Metal, or NWOAHM, to match the NWOBHM, which rose to prominence in the early 80s.
The early 00s were also a time for a select few special bands to rise out of the coming scene stagnation that happens to any popular scene. Mastodon, with its sludge and technical death metal background seemed an unlikely candidate for metal super-stardom. But the clash created a progressive groove thrash monster that sucker punched fans in 2004 with the release "Leviathan," bringing attention to a band that would be highly praised for future releases.
In fact, when the staff of Metal Underground were polled on the best album and newcomer of the decade, Mastodon's three latest releases and the band itself both dominated the votes. Unfortunately, getting people to agree on the best of a whole decade (a decidedly long time) was like herding cats. Everyone from Norther to Ihsahn to Anaal Nathrakh got a vote for best newcomer with Trivium eventually topping the points - even so with only three coinciding votes.
In terms of meteoric rises however, after a successful sophomore effort called "Sonic Firestorm," a novelty guitar game called Guitar Hero launched a power metal band called DragonForce into the world’s spotlight. With lightning speed output it became clear that in the 00s, solos were back in style. On the other end of the spectrum an oddball wall of sound called Sunn O))) was making an unbearable bass heavy racket to neighbors across the globe. While forms of drone music had existed previously, the amalgamation of doom metal with ambient experimentation caused a bubbling and brewing that lurched out of nowhere in the early to mid 00s bringing with it plenty of interesting drone infused sludge bands. In fact, a huge number of doom/sludge/ambient bands merged with elements of drone as the once separate fields experimented with freakish fusions.
Back on the main track, as nu-metal fell out of favor as an out of date trend (bar Slipknot and a select other few), the NWOAHM rose in prominence reaching a peak in the mid 00s. Trivium's "Ascendancy" album probably serves as a flagstaff for the scene, which by this time was burgeoning with bands trying to join the crowd. However, 2005 also saw the birth of a new scene taking its cues from those revolutionaries of the metalcore scene. With the buzz surrounding Job For A Cowboy's "Doom" EP came deathcore, a mixture of metalcore and death grind given a new vocal twist (soon to be named pig-squeal or bree vocals) and heavy on breakdowns. Since that release, deathcore and metalcore has dominated the last 5 years of emerging bands with even metal stalwarts like Cryptopsy trying their hands (to decidedly dismal response).
There is no doubt however that the emerging trends of metalcore and deathcore have driven a spike into the metal community. On one side the so called elitists who have been defending holy territory like rabid dogs since the 90s, and on the other a new generation of people genuinely influenced by beloved metal legends but who stray from the roots of metal into mainstream waters or new trends. But despite differences we trudge on together, perhaps most noticeably against the defining music trend and much maligned of the decade; Emo. Like a Trojan horse wearing girls jeans, attempting to infiltrate the walls of metal with such acts as Bullet For My Valentine and Atreyu, metalheads have largely decided to open fire as oppose to open gates.
Black metal seemed to be increasingly split into two camps as the 00s went on. On one hand, the constant source of Norwegian bands keeping true with Immortal influenced blast beat demolitions came slow and steady. On the other hand, the Americans were stewing their own concoction of misery and melancholy. Depressive black metal as it became known taking cues from Burzum emerged from the early 00s USBM (United States Black Metal) bands like Xasthur, Leviathan, Draguar, Weakling and more. This unholy offshoot also made waves by creating unheard of mixtures with funeral doom metal and sludge.
Aside from new fusions, the deciding feeling in the metal scene of the last decade was one of retroactive longing. The 80s were the heyday when metal kicked ass and took names with limits of speed and aggression constantly being expanded. So what became of this resurgence in the interest of old metal bands? The thrash revival of course! While admittedly worshiping and sometimes dubiously recreating the original sound of mid 80s thrash bands, bands like Evile, Warbringer, Bonded By Blood and more were warmly welcomed into the metal community, as deep down most metalheads hold within a deep desire to return to the glory days of the 80s.
And as it turned out, so did the 80s bands. Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, and Anthrax all made serious attempts at blotting out the 90s with vicious new releases, and at the drop of a hat fallen heroes such as Atheist, Pestilence, Forbidden, At The Gates, Exhorder and many more reformed to enjoy the belated legacy they had created. Along with the return to 80s metal ethic, was a return to the complexity of thrash bands in belated reaction to the simplistic groove and nu-metal music that had clouded the late 90s/early 00s.
Folk and heathen metal had a considerable boost in popularity compared to the 90s, with bands like Primordial, Eluveitie, Finntroll and more making their traditional infused mark. Doom stayed noticeably away from all of this experimentation, choosing instead returning to its basement to concentrate on honing in on the traditional elements of the genre. Likewise, other than the Nintendo metal of DragonForce, power metal stayed the true metal course.
Other mini trends? Pirate bands, inhuman super clicky drums, relentlessly copying At The Gates riffs, increased interest in trolls and Vikings, Ozzy Osbourne becoming known as less of a rock god and more of a shaky Tourettes sufferer, ambient black metal (read: one guy in his bedroom), ninja and gorillas invading pits, the rise of kvlt and tr00 and br00tal, the Grammys still sucking, Devin Townsend losing hair and the proportional increase in the "skullet" as a fashionable haircut, masked bands, increasing tightening of pants from the Limp Bizkit era, and Lemmy refusing to stop rocking. Good on ya Lemmy.
We’re already well into 2010 now, we wait with bated breath to see what you have in store.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Charred Walls of the Damned Release Party @ Fontana's - 2/2/10
It's a night of celebration for metal as Tim "Ripper" Owens, former singer of Judas Priest and Iced Earth, and Richard Christy, former drummer of Death and current resident "funnyman" on the Howard Stern Show, come together to promote the release of their self-titled album, "Charred Walls of the Damned." It's a somewhat interesting affair as metalheads and fans of all kinds, class and style mixing with the gross and depraved, come out to meet the pair and get the obligatory autograph after paying $10 for the CD.
The evening boasts some familiar faces in metal: Metal Blade honcho Brian Slagel makes an appearance, as do "That Metal Show" co-host Don Jamieson; Sirius/XM host Jose Mangin; Savatage and Trans-Siberian Orchestra guitarist Chris Caffrey; Lisa G. of Howard 100 News; and former Uranium host Juliya C., all of which I would hardly call "celebities," but definitely a night of familiar faces. There's free Pab's Blue Ribbon and free admission to a couple metal bands playing downstairs, which is always good... free, that is! A good make-up for the admirable performance at the Hail! show at BB King, and despite the fact that Owens dislikes me after my scathing review of the show, to which he sent a vicious letter to me on Facebook, he is still pleasant and cordial. Richard Christy, still sloppy and drunk, is also polite and courteous despite my comments concerning his parents at Duff's. It's a metal night indeed!
The three bands who performed were: The Judas Syndrome), The Hixon, and Javelina. I wonder why the Hixon are playing second instead of last since there are obviously the better of the three and have way more mileage and musical polish - ironic since this is metal we're talking about here. I had a chance to mingle and kibitz for a few seconds with the band when I drunkenly (of course) spill my beer on myself and my iPhone. Very down-to-earth and sweet bunch of dudes for a group who play hellish music, which I mean in a very positive way. By the end of the Hixon's set, it's immediately overtaken by Owens and Christy and they play a rousing spin of Judas Priest's "Living After Midnight" (of course it has to be Priest). In the end, comedian Don Jamieson is singing loudly and obnoxiously like a true metalhead, careless and extremely dopey, like fellow comedian and metal friend Jim Breuer would do. He, too, is also pretty cool and respectful. Brian Slagel, who I stupidly and drunkenly thought to be a homosexual, admits to having a girlfriend. He spends his time talking to a barfly than drinking, though he does order another glass of red wine. He is still friendly, sweet dude, despite having the exceptional title as CEO and Chairman of a reknown record label.
While Owens is boozing it up with Caffrey and Jamieson after a rousing set, I work up enough balls and courage to face my online target and get all the bad blood and hurt feelings out. We spend fifteen minutes chatting with one another, interrupted a few times by various bar patrons, and Owens is surprisingly even more candid, polite, open, and cordial than before. We discuss our online differences with him defending his Hail! bandmates incessantly, recognizing them as great guys and nice to fans. His delivery is passionate and I believe he truly loves playing in this band and its figureheads. The one thing he could have done better was address me by name, or at least ask me my name, and maybe buy me a drink. Truth be told, I come away having newfound respect for our man Owens; and not simply because he's "Ripper," but because he acted and treated me with respect, like man, when we could have just as easily taken our beef outside and fought like men. I'm definitely interested in what new project he has in store next.
I leave around 1am while everyone is still there carousing and for once I feel like part of the crew. Chris Caffrey and Don Jamieson show me some love and respect while chatting with Owens, and both Brian Slagel and Jose Mangin are generous and attentive to me. I didn't care for Richard Christy, who was somewhat slippery, but we did at least exchange pleasantries earlier. It was a great evening of metal celebration and mending fences at the same time. In the process, I think I found my new metal hangout joint - Fontana's!
Evening Grade: A-
The evening boasts some familiar faces in metal: Metal Blade honcho Brian Slagel makes an appearance, as do "That Metal Show" co-host Don Jamieson; Sirius/XM host Jose Mangin; Savatage and Trans-Siberian Orchestra guitarist Chris Caffrey; Lisa G. of Howard 100 News; and former Uranium host Juliya C., all of which I would hardly call "celebities," but definitely a night of familiar faces. There's free Pab's Blue Ribbon and free admission to a couple metal bands playing downstairs, which is always good... free, that is! A good make-up for the admirable performance at the Hail! show at BB King, and despite the fact that Owens dislikes me after my scathing review of the show, to which he sent a vicious letter to me on Facebook, he is still pleasant and cordial. Richard Christy, still sloppy and drunk, is also polite and courteous despite my comments concerning his parents at Duff's. It's a metal night indeed!
The three bands who performed were: The Judas Syndrome), The Hixon, and Javelina. I wonder why the Hixon are playing second instead of last since there are obviously the better of the three and have way more mileage and musical polish - ironic since this is metal we're talking about here. I had a chance to mingle and kibitz for a few seconds with the band when I drunkenly (of course) spill my beer on myself and my iPhone. Very down-to-earth and sweet bunch of dudes for a group who play hellish music, which I mean in a very positive way. By the end of the Hixon's set, it's immediately overtaken by Owens and Christy and they play a rousing spin of Judas Priest's "Living After Midnight" (of course it has to be Priest). In the end, comedian Don Jamieson is singing loudly and obnoxiously like a true metalhead, careless and extremely dopey, like fellow comedian and metal friend Jim Breuer would do. He, too, is also pretty cool and respectful. Brian Slagel, who I stupidly and drunkenly thought to be a homosexual, admits to having a girlfriend. He spends his time talking to a barfly than drinking, though he does order another glass of red wine. He is still friendly, sweet dude, despite having the exceptional title as CEO and Chairman of a reknown record label.
While Owens is boozing it up with Caffrey and Jamieson after a rousing set, I work up enough balls and courage to face my online target and get all the bad blood and hurt feelings out. We spend fifteen minutes chatting with one another, interrupted a few times by various bar patrons, and Owens is surprisingly even more candid, polite, open, and cordial than before. We discuss our online differences with him defending his Hail! bandmates incessantly, recognizing them as great guys and nice to fans. His delivery is passionate and I believe he truly loves playing in this band and its figureheads. The one thing he could have done better was address me by name, or at least ask me my name, and maybe buy me a drink. Truth be told, I come away having newfound respect for our man Owens; and not simply because he's "Ripper," but because he acted and treated me with respect, like man, when we could have just as easily taken our beef outside and fought like men. I'm definitely interested in what new project he has in store next.
I leave around 1am while everyone is still there carousing and for once I feel like part of the crew. Chris Caffrey and Don Jamieson show me some love and respect while chatting with Owens, and both Brian Slagel and Jose Mangin are generous and attentive to me. I didn't care for Richard Christy, who was somewhat slippery, but we did at least exchange pleasantries earlier. It was a great evening of metal celebration and mending fences at the same time. In the process, I think I found my new metal hangout joint - Fontana's!
Evening Grade: A-
Monday, February 1, 2010
Hail! (w/ Age of Evil) @ BB King - 1/26/10
It was a cold night in Hail! as hundreds of old-school and new-guard metal fans flocked to the venerable venue to see the eclectic metal supergroup take center stage. Fronted by the jilted former Judas Priest singer, Tim "Ripper" Owens, and flanked by a who's who of metal superstars, including former Megadeth whipping-boy David Ellefson on bass, Sepultura slop-dog Andreas Kisser on guitar, and Dream Theater douchebag on drums Mike Portnoy, the crew actually pull off a decent show with some well-executed covers.
The anticipation builds from the anxious crowd and you're expecting metal warriors to rip apart the stage, but instead, we get Owens, dressed like someone's old dad trying to look cool and "metal" again with his sunglasses but instead looks like a washed-up has-been singing with his equally old friends like the "good ol' days." Owens did the wise thing and finally removed them! Ellefson looks positively thrash-ready, but someone should let him known that it's 2010, not 1990! His playing is fine, but maybe that's why he no longer plays in Megadeth.... because his style of playing is obsolete and worn out. Kisser looks like the only true metal warrior onstage, perhaps because he is the least likely person to be in this band. Honestly, what the fuck is Kisser doing in this band? What does Sepultura's death-thrash have in common with any of the other members' previous affiliated bands? NOTHING! Kisser doesn't belong in this group, and his sharp guitar chops and shredding make it painfully obvious... that, and the fans' complete lack of interest in him. Portnoy does his usual boasting and guffawing on the drums, showing off and being a smug douchebag. I guess it helps when you're a part of an equally arrogant and ambitious outfit like Dream Theater. Truth be told, Portnoy is a bore and his playing puts me to sleep. His blue beard, an obvious homage to Dimebag Darrell, is probably the only thing worthwhile about this guy. He takes many cues from his buddy Benante from Anthrax, another dickhead! He should choose his associations better!
But the songs are what's most important here. No originals, just covers! It's surprising that a band of this pedigree can, at times, be dwarfed by the songs they play. I admire Owens for tackling some greats, from Maiden to Sabbath, Pantera to Metallica, Dio to Priest. It's starts off with the Motörhead classic "Ace of Spades" and continues well into the next song, Sepultura's "Territory," which Owens lacks in the primal growl of Max Cavalera. Still, the night is young and they invite "special guests" like Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth, of Overkill, to sing on Motörhead's "Overkill" and Chris Caffrey, of Savatage, to play guitar on UFO's "Light Out" and Metal Church's "Metal Church." Frank Bello, of Anthrax, jams a little bit on bass to Kiss's "Cold Gin" followed by the Anthrax cover of "Got the Time" by Joe Jackson. All this and more capped off with Metallica's "The Four Horsemen" and "Whiplash," Slayer's "South of Heaven" and Iron Maiden's "Run to the Hills" before calling it a night.
This was my first encounter with all the members of Hail! and for the most part I enjoyed watching the old metal vets get together and jam to their favorite bands like excited little boys. I guess my disappointment lies in the fact that they act like jaded and conceited old men who are weary and battle-scarred from years of touring and recording and seem to indulge fans as fans, rather than kindred spirits. These guys are not jerks, but if given some success on the scale of, let's say, Metallica... then they just might be!
HAIL! - Four metal vets plus special guests equal decent show! Now bring out some original recordings! Set Grade: B
Show Grade: B
Set List:
"Ace of Spades" - Motörhead
"Territory" - Sepultura
"Grinder" - Judas Priest
"Stand Up and Shout" - Dio
"Balls to the Wall" - Accept
"Mouth for War"/"Walk" - Pantera
"Neon Knights" - Black Sabbath
"Wrathchild" - Iron Maiden
"Lights Out" - UFO (Chris Caffrey of Savatage on guitar)
"Metal Church" - Metal Church (Chris Caffrey of Savatage on guitar)
"Green Manalishi" - Judas Priest (Fleetwood Mac) (Chris Caffrey of Savatage on guitar)
"Highway to Hell"/"TNT" - AC/DC (Bobby Ellsworth of Overkill on vocals)
"Overkill" - Motörhead (Bobby Ellsworth of Overkill on vocals; Frank Bello of Anthrax on bass)
"Cold Gin" - Kiss (Frank Bello of Anthrax on bass)
"Got the Time" - Joe Jackson (Frank Bello of Anthrax on bass)
"Run to the Hills" - Iron Maiden
"The Four Horsemen" - Metallica
"Symptom of the Universe" - Black Sabbath
"South of Heaven" - Slayer
"Refuse/Resist" - Sepultura
"Whiplash" - Metallica
Me and Tim Owens (Hail!)
Me and Andreas Kisser (Sepultura/Hail!)
Me and David Ellefson (Hail!)
Me and Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater/Hail!)
Me and Bobby Ellsworth (Overkill)
Me and Paul Di'Anno
The anticipation builds from the anxious crowd and you're expecting metal warriors to rip apart the stage, but instead, we get Owens, dressed like someone's old dad trying to look cool and "metal" again with his sunglasses but instead looks like a washed-up has-been singing with his equally old friends like the "good ol' days." Owens did the wise thing and finally removed them! Ellefson looks positively thrash-ready, but someone should let him known that it's 2010, not 1990! His playing is fine, but maybe that's why he no longer plays in Megadeth.... because his style of playing is obsolete and worn out. Kisser looks like the only true metal warrior onstage, perhaps because he is the least likely person to be in this band. Honestly, what the fuck is Kisser doing in this band? What does Sepultura's death-thrash have in common with any of the other members' previous affiliated bands? NOTHING! Kisser doesn't belong in this group, and his sharp guitar chops and shredding make it painfully obvious... that, and the fans' complete lack of interest in him. Portnoy does his usual boasting and guffawing on the drums, showing off and being a smug douchebag. I guess it helps when you're a part of an equally arrogant and ambitious outfit like Dream Theater. Truth be told, Portnoy is a bore and his playing puts me to sleep. His blue beard, an obvious homage to Dimebag Darrell, is probably the only thing worthwhile about this guy. He takes many cues from his buddy Benante from Anthrax, another dickhead! He should choose his associations better!
But the songs are what's most important here. No originals, just covers! It's surprising that a band of this pedigree can, at times, be dwarfed by the songs they play. I admire Owens for tackling some greats, from Maiden to Sabbath, Pantera to Metallica, Dio to Priest. It's starts off with the Motörhead classic "Ace of Spades" and continues well into the next song, Sepultura's "Territory," which Owens lacks in the primal growl of Max Cavalera. Still, the night is young and they invite "special guests" like Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth, of Overkill, to sing on Motörhead's "Overkill" and Chris Caffrey, of Savatage, to play guitar on UFO's "Light Out" and Metal Church's "Metal Church." Frank Bello, of Anthrax, jams a little bit on bass to Kiss's "Cold Gin" followed by the Anthrax cover of "Got the Time" by Joe Jackson. All this and more capped off with Metallica's "The Four Horsemen" and "Whiplash," Slayer's "South of Heaven" and Iron Maiden's "Run to the Hills" before calling it a night.
This was my first encounter with all the members of Hail! and for the most part I enjoyed watching the old metal vets get together and jam to their favorite bands like excited little boys. I guess my disappointment lies in the fact that they act like jaded and conceited old men who are weary and battle-scarred from years of touring and recording and seem to indulge fans as fans, rather than kindred spirits. These guys are not jerks, but if given some success on the scale of, let's say, Metallica... then they just might be!
HAIL! - Four metal vets plus special guests equal decent show! Now bring out some original recordings! Set Grade: B
Show Grade: B
Set List:
"Ace of Spades" - Motörhead
"Territory" - Sepultura
"Grinder" - Judas Priest
"Stand Up and Shout" - Dio
"Balls to the Wall" - Accept
"Mouth for War"/"Walk" - Pantera
"Neon Knights" - Black Sabbath
"Wrathchild" - Iron Maiden
"Lights Out" - UFO (Chris Caffrey of Savatage on guitar)
"Metal Church" - Metal Church (Chris Caffrey of Savatage on guitar)
"Green Manalishi" - Judas Priest (Fleetwood Mac) (Chris Caffrey of Savatage on guitar)
"Highway to Hell"/"TNT" - AC/DC (Bobby Ellsworth of Overkill on vocals)
"Overkill" - Motörhead (Bobby Ellsworth of Overkill on vocals; Frank Bello of Anthrax on bass)
"Cold Gin" - Kiss (Frank Bello of Anthrax on bass)
"Got the Time" - Joe Jackson (Frank Bello of Anthrax on bass)
"Run to the Hills" - Iron Maiden
"The Four Horsemen" - Metallica
"Symptom of the Universe" - Black Sabbath
"South of Heaven" - Slayer
"Refuse/Resist" - Sepultura
"Whiplash" - Metallica
Me and Tim Owens (Hail!)
Me and Andreas Kisser (Sepultura/Hail!)
Me and David Ellefson (Hail!)
Me and Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater/Hail!)
Me and Bobby Ellsworth (Overkill)
Me and Paul Di'Anno
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Arch Enemy (w/ Exodus, Arsis & Mutiny Within) @ Nokia Theatre - 1/22/10
For those of you who don't know, I nearly got into a fight with that fugly, Ginger-looking freak Michael Amott of Arch Enemy. The guy acted like a fucking turd and was about to pull the diva routine again (the first time being at the Carcass reunion show back in 2008 at the same venue, no less) by refusing to sign autographs or take pics with fans until I stepped in and called him a "douchebag." Incensed by this, he drops his bags, turns around, and actually confronts me by putting his hands on me. Witnessed by dozens of fans from the show, I told Amott to get his filthy, Euro-trash hands off me before it would go down badly. My plan worked as Amott returned to his bus, dropped of his bags, and eventually came back out to meet the group of fans waiting outside. Looking back, I should have laid Amott out for putting his Albino fingers on me, but why ruin an almost great night dominated by the great Exodus, who absolutely destroyed Arch Enemy.
The night opened fairly well with Mutiny Within, who took their melodic death growls to familiar heights and seemed to go over well with the crowd. At times, the singer and bassist seemed to connect with two douchers in the front row who were headbanging in delight at the junior-leaguers' attempt at being heavy. But Mutiny Within remind me of why certain bands never reach that next plateau. They're not strong enough to go that extra mile.
Arsis, however, came out swinging. After frontman James Malone's troubles with bulimia and numerous cancellations which cost Arsis much exposure, the new team come out quite confident and assure in themselves that their music is the real deal. Malone's constantly eyes the front row to make sure that everyone is having a good time. It isn't until "We Are the Nightmare" that business really picks up.
But that business belongs to Exodus, the obvious stars of the night, though surprisingly not the headliners. For the second consecutive time, the Bay Area thrashers play second fiddle to a foreign headliner (the first being Kreator last year), yet manage to come out as the favorite band of the evening. With all the flying bodies and walls of death surrounding the venue, there was no question that Exodus were at the top of their game. The members of the band connected with the front row, and myself, and we all became one happy family as the band charged through open "Bonded by Blood," chanted through the chorus of "Children of a Worthless God" and closing out with "Toxic Waltz." Frontman Dukes and I even shared a moment at the end of the set, full of sweaty embraces and laughter.
The members of Arch Enemy take their positions to the soundtrack of some conqueror's theme, befitting of some past European war hundreds of years ago, but the presentation is not. Rather than some ravenous she-beast, frontwoman Angela Gossow comes off more like a mildly angry child throwing a tantrum while turning on all the closeted dykes in the crowd. Sure, her growls are fierce and she deserves some measure of respect, but her chest-thumping like a man (careful she doesn't pop an implant) and schmaltzy speeches to the crowd is laughable and awkward. Bands should just shit the fuck up and play, not give speeches.
MUTINY WITHIN - Junior leaguers who want to play with the big boys. With a name like that, you won't get far! Just ask Dirge Within. Set Grade: C+
ARSIS - Lots of tricky fretboarding and noodling heralds a welcome return to a pretty good band that came dangerously close to ending. Set Grade: B
EXODUS - What can be said? The old masters of metal, and frontman Rob Dukes, make an example clear: If it ain't broke, why fix it? Set Grade: B+
ARCH ENEMY - The so-called "Diva Satanica" and the Swedish meatballs who act as her backup band seem to have bitten off more then they can chew by having to follow the footsteps of Exodus. Set Grade: B
Michael Amott is a cunt and fucking loser, and I wish cancer on him! If you want to piss him off, call him a "douchebag" and prepare to throw down. Just sayin'.... And what the fuck is up with Rob Dukes skipping out like that while the other members of Exodus take the time to meet fans?
Show Grade: B
Me and Angela Gossow (Arch Enemy)
Me and Michael Amott (Arch Enemy)
Me and Chris Amott (Arch Enemy)
Me and Sharlee D'Angelo (Arch Enemy)
Me and Daniel Erlandsson (Arch Enemy)
Me and Gary Holt (Exodus)
Me and Lee Altus (Exodus)
Me and Jack Gibson (Exodus)
Me and Tom Hunting (Exodus)
Me and James Malone (Arsis)
The night opened fairly well with Mutiny Within, who took their melodic death growls to familiar heights and seemed to go over well with the crowd. At times, the singer and bassist seemed to connect with two douchers in the front row who were headbanging in delight at the junior-leaguers' attempt at being heavy. But Mutiny Within remind me of why certain bands never reach that next plateau. They're not strong enough to go that extra mile.
Arsis, however, came out swinging. After frontman James Malone's troubles with bulimia and numerous cancellations which cost Arsis much exposure, the new team come out quite confident and assure in themselves that their music is the real deal. Malone's constantly eyes the front row to make sure that everyone is having a good time. It isn't until "We Are the Nightmare" that business really picks up.
But that business belongs to Exodus, the obvious stars of the night, though surprisingly not the headliners. For the second consecutive time, the Bay Area thrashers play second fiddle to a foreign headliner (the first being Kreator last year), yet manage to come out as the favorite band of the evening. With all the flying bodies and walls of death surrounding the venue, there was no question that Exodus were at the top of their game. The members of the band connected with the front row, and myself, and we all became one happy family as the band charged through open "Bonded by Blood," chanted through the chorus of "Children of a Worthless God" and closing out with "Toxic Waltz." Frontman Dukes and I even shared a moment at the end of the set, full of sweaty embraces and laughter.
The members of Arch Enemy take their positions to the soundtrack of some conqueror's theme, befitting of some past European war hundreds of years ago, but the presentation is not. Rather than some ravenous she-beast, frontwoman Angela Gossow comes off more like a mildly angry child throwing a tantrum while turning on all the closeted dykes in the crowd. Sure, her growls are fierce and she deserves some measure of respect, but her chest-thumping like a man (careful she doesn't pop an implant) and schmaltzy speeches to the crowd is laughable and awkward. Bands should just shit the fuck up and play, not give speeches.
MUTINY WITHIN - Junior leaguers who want to play with the big boys. With a name like that, you won't get far! Just ask Dirge Within. Set Grade: C+
ARSIS - Lots of tricky fretboarding and noodling heralds a welcome return to a pretty good band that came dangerously close to ending. Set Grade: B
EXODUS - What can be said? The old masters of metal, and frontman Rob Dukes, make an example clear: If it ain't broke, why fix it? Set Grade: B+
ARCH ENEMY - The so-called "Diva Satanica" and the Swedish meatballs who act as her backup band seem to have bitten off more then they can chew by having to follow the footsteps of Exodus. Set Grade: B
Michael Amott is a cunt and fucking loser, and I wish cancer on him! If you want to piss him off, call him a "douchebag" and prepare to throw down. Just sayin'.... And what the fuck is up with Rob Dukes skipping out like that while the other members of Exodus take the time to meet fans?
Show Grade: B
Me and Angela Gossow (Arch Enemy)
Me and Michael Amott (Arch Enemy)
Me and Chris Amott (Arch Enemy)
Me and Sharlee D'Angelo (Arch Enemy)
Me and Daniel Erlandsson (Arch Enemy)
Me and Gary Holt (Exodus)
Me and Lee Altus (Exodus)
Me and Jack Gibson (Exodus)
Me and Tom Hunting (Exodus)
Me and James Malone (Arsis)
Thursday, January 21, 2010
D.R.I. (w/ Inhuman and Rumpelstiltskin Grinder) @ Gramercy Theater - 1/17/10
Question: Who in their right mind would come up with the idea to have a metal show at 10pm? Better question: Who would expect anyone to show up at a metal show at that hour? The brazen powers-that-be, that's who! If it's a metal show, they will come! The hordes of sweaty, smelly, greasy, horned-up freaks will come at all hours to see a legendary thrash/punk act bring the house down.
For D.R.I., who haven't released a single record in the last 15 years, the mission is rather simple. They blaze through nearly 20, maybe 30, songs with lightning-fast speed. The crowd throws empty or crushed beer cans at them onstage, and many deliriously-minded morons proceed to jump onto the stage and to stagedive back into the crowd. The night was full of that old-time punk/metal religion, a fight between two barrel-chested skinheads broke out early in their set, which is always fun to watch, and the air reeked of blood, sweat, and ham sandwiches. D.R.I. make jokes about the raucous crowd, though at one point frontman Kurt Brecht gets annoyed at one dude in the crowd who is continuously throwing cans at them and challenges him to come up onstage.
Despite the tension in the air, the band play on with familiar classics like opener "Who Am I" to closer "The Five Year Plan." All this in time for their reissue of 1987's Crossover, but what we really need is a new D.R.I. album! And while that may not happen any time soon, it was good to see these old men in their proper element and still whoopin' some ass.
RUMPELSTILTSKIN GRINDER - From the dive bars of Europa to the bigger dive bars of Gramercy, these kids are moving on up! Too bad their music hasn't changed. Set Grade: C+
INHUMAN - Hank Hell's other group away from the Kenny Hickey-fronted Seventh Void. Pretty chaotic and groovy stuff. Set Grade: B-
D.R.I. - The familiar Thrash-and-Grab outfit of the 80s haven't lost their touch despite 15 years of inactivity. Despite baggy eyes, gray hair, and changing times, the boys never miss a beat. And Spike Cassidy's guitar, bedecked with stickers and decals of pop culture and cartoons (Bart Simpson, Beavis), is still the coolest-looking axe I've seen! Set Grade: B+
Show Grade: B
Me and Kurt Brecht
Me and Spike Cassidy
Me and Harald O.
Me and Rob Rampy
For D.R.I., who haven't released a single record in the last 15 years, the mission is rather simple. They blaze through nearly 20, maybe 30, songs with lightning-fast speed. The crowd throws empty or crushed beer cans at them onstage, and many deliriously-minded morons proceed to jump onto the stage and to stagedive back into the crowd. The night was full of that old-time punk/metal religion, a fight between two barrel-chested skinheads broke out early in their set, which is always fun to watch, and the air reeked of blood, sweat, and ham sandwiches. D.R.I. make jokes about the raucous crowd, though at one point frontman Kurt Brecht gets annoyed at one dude in the crowd who is continuously throwing cans at them and challenges him to come up onstage.
Despite the tension in the air, the band play on with familiar classics like opener "Who Am I" to closer "The Five Year Plan." All this in time for their reissue of 1987's Crossover, but what we really need is a new D.R.I. album! And while that may not happen any time soon, it was good to see these old men in their proper element and still whoopin' some ass.
RUMPELSTILTSKIN GRINDER - From the dive bars of Europa to the bigger dive bars of Gramercy, these kids are moving on up! Too bad their music hasn't changed. Set Grade: C+
INHUMAN - Hank Hell's other group away from the Kenny Hickey-fronted Seventh Void. Pretty chaotic and groovy stuff. Set Grade: B-
D.R.I. - The familiar Thrash-and-Grab outfit of the 80s haven't lost their touch despite 15 years of inactivity. Despite baggy eyes, gray hair, and changing times, the boys never miss a beat. And Spike Cassidy's guitar, bedecked with stickers and decals of pop culture and cartoons (Bart Simpson, Beavis), is still the coolest-looking axe I've seen! Set Grade: B+
Show Grade: B
Me and Kurt Brecht
Me and Spike Cassidy
Me and Harald O.
Me and Rob Rampy
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
My Chat with Corey Beaulieu (Trivium) and the firing of Travis Smith!
This is my chat with Corey Beaulieu of Trivium telling me exactly what the status is for drummer Travis Smith within the band. For fans of the band, prepare to be heartbroken. For detractors of the band, prepare to rejoice!
9:16pmKristoffer
Why so bored!? Don't you have a girlfriend to hang out with?
Or a boyfriend maybe?
9:18pmCorey
nope
or no one i care to hang out with haha
9:18pmKristoffer
Well, Hulk Hogan's o TNA wrestling right now
And Bret Hart returns to WWE Raw tonight as well
9:19pmCorey
haha nice
9:19pmKristoffer
I'm stuck in school now
9:19pmCorey
oh shit
9:20pmKristoffer
Doing online stuff, pretty boring as well
Hogan's on Spike and Hart's on USA channels, respectively
9:21pmKristoffer
Guess you don't need me anymore, huh? Hahaha!
9:26pmKristoffer
So what's all this about Travis quitting the band?
9:27pmCorey
we parted ways
9:28pmKristoffer
Any particular reason?
Lemme guess....
He couldn't handle life on the road?
Or too much temptation?
9:29pmCorey
it was alot of things.. biggest thing was his playing was getting bad
9:29pmKristoffer
Wow!
Honestly, I never noticed
;-)
9:29pmCorey
and add on other things it was best to replace it
9:30pmKristoffer
The only time I saw you guys with him was at Family Values in '07 in West Palm Beach
So who do you have now?
As a replacement, that is
9:31pmCorey
weve had a new guy for a couple months
9:31pmKristoffer
I must ask you....
when are you guys going to bust out of the whole Metallica/Machine Head junior-leaguers status?
9:33pmKristoffer
I see potential in you fellas, but it's tough to say that you guys will lead the torch when Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer and Anthrax are put out to pasture
As of right now, the future belongs to Lamb of God, Machine Head, Mastodon, and Slipknot
9:36pmKristoffer
C'mon, bro, I ask because I care
9:36pmCorey
there wasnt a question in that
9:37pmKristoffer
even though I wasn't thrilled by how you acted at the Fillmore gig
Yes there was
I asked you when are you guys in Trivium going to break out and break away from being junior versions of Metallica and Machine Head
9:38pmCorey
next album
9:38pmKristoffer
You're sure?
Isn't that what you guys said about "Shogun"?
9:39pmKristoffer
Or was Roadrunner doing all the talking for you?
9:40pmCorey
hahano
9:40pmKristoffer
I'm friend, kid, and a potential fan
I just want to understand where your heads are at and where does Trivium fit in the evolution of heavy metal
9:43pmCorey
im jumping off here gotta run to the store! talk later
9:43pmKristoffer
okay, later, kid
9:54pmCorey is offline.
9:16pmKristoffer
Why so bored!? Don't you have a girlfriend to hang out with?
Or a boyfriend maybe?
9:18pmCorey
nope
or no one i care to hang out with haha
9:18pmKristoffer
Well, Hulk Hogan's o TNA wrestling right now
And Bret Hart returns to WWE Raw tonight as well
9:19pmCorey
haha nice
9:19pmKristoffer
I'm stuck in school now
9:19pmCorey
oh shit
9:20pmKristoffer
Doing online stuff, pretty boring as well
Hogan's on Spike and Hart's on USA channels, respectively
9:21pmKristoffer
Guess you don't need me anymore, huh? Hahaha!
9:26pmKristoffer
So what's all this about Travis quitting the band?
9:27pmCorey
we parted ways
9:28pmKristoffer
Any particular reason?
Lemme guess....
He couldn't handle life on the road?
Or too much temptation?
9:29pmCorey
it was alot of things.. biggest thing was his playing was getting bad
9:29pmKristoffer
Wow!
Honestly, I never noticed
;-)
9:29pmCorey
and add on other things it was best to replace it
9:30pmKristoffer
The only time I saw you guys with him was at Family Values in '07 in West Palm Beach
So who do you have now?
As a replacement, that is
9:31pmCorey
weve had a new guy for a couple months
9:31pmKristoffer
I must ask you....
when are you guys going to bust out of the whole Metallica/Machine Head junior-leaguers status?
9:33pmKristoffer
I see potential in you fellas, but it's tough to say that you guys will lead the torch when Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer and Anthrax are put out to pasture
As of right now, the future belongs to Lamb of God, Machine Head, Mastodon, and Slipknot
9:36pmKristoffer
C'mon, bro, I ask because I care
9:36pmCorey
there wasnt a question in that
9:37pmKristoffer
even though I wasn't thrilled by how you acted at the Fillmore gig
Yes there was
I asked you when are you guys in Trivium going to break out and break away from being junior versions of Metallica and Machine Head
9:38pmCorey
next album
9:38pmKristoffer
You're sure?
Isn't that what you guys said about "Shogun"?
9:39pmKristoffer
Or was Roadrunner doing all the talking for you?
9:40pmCorey
hahano
9:40pmKristoffer
I'm friend, kid, and a potential fan
I just want to understand where your heads are at and where does Trivium fit in the evolution of heavy metal
9:43pmCorey
im jumping off here gotta run to the store! talk later
9:43pmKristoffer
okay, later, kid
9:54pmCorey is offline.
Monday, January 11, 2010
My Top 10 Best Concerts (and Honorable & Dishonorable Mentions) of 2009
Here are the gigs of 2009 that I had the pleasure, and displeasure, of attending - a total of 18 metal concerts this past year.
BEST CONCERTS OF 2009
1. Metallica (w/ Machine Head & The Sword) @ Nassau Coliseum - January 29, 2009
2. Lamb of God (w/ As I Lay Dying, Children of Bodom, God Forbid & Municipal Waste) @ Roseland Ballroom - May 5, 2009
3. Dethklok (w/ Mastodon, Converge & High on Fire) @ Hammerstein Ballroom - October 30, 2009
4. Hatebreed (w/ Cannibal Corpse, Unearth, Born of Osiris & Hate Eternal) @ Nokia Theatre - December 18, 2009
5. Metallica (w/ Lamb of God & Volbeat) @ Madison Square Garden - November 14, 2009
6. Down (w/ Melvins & Weedeater) @ Nokia Theatre - September 11, 2009
7. Type O Negative (w/ Seventh Void, Destrophy) @ Nokia Theatre - October 22, 2009
8. Motorhead (w/ Reverend Horton Heat & Nashville Pussy) @ Roseland Ballroom - September 9, 2009
9. Cro-Mags @ Santos Party House - December 29, 2009
10. Trivium (w/ Chimaira & Whitechapel) @ The Fillmore - November 5, 2009
TOP 5 HONORABLE MENTIONS
1. Kreator (w/ Exodus, Belphagor & Warbringer) @ Nokia Theatre - April 8, 2009
2. Soulfly (w/ Prong) @ Blender Theater - October 19, 2009
3. Napalm Death (w/ Kataklysm) @ Blender Theater - April 11, 2009
4. Deicide @ BB King - July 5, 2009
5. Mayhem @ The Fillmore - May 21, 2009
TOP 4 DISHONORABLE MENTIONS
1. Necrophagist (Summer Slaughter Tour) @ The Fillmore - July 19, 2009
2. Destruction (w/ Krisiun & Mantic Ritual) @ BB King - April 7, 2009
3. Cradle of Filth (w/ Satyricon) @ Nokia Theatre - February 27, 2009
4. 1349 (w/ Annunaki) @ BB King - March 2, 2009
BEST CONCERTS OF 2009
1. Metallica (w/ Machine Head & The Sword) @ Nassau Coliseum - January 29, 2009
2. Lamb of God (w/ As I Lay Dying, Children of Bodom, God Forbid & Municipal Waste) @ Roseland Ballroom - May 5, 2009
3. Dethklok (w/ Mastodon, Converge & High on Fire) @ Hammerstein Ballroom - October 30, 2009
4. Hatebreed (w/ Cannibal Corpse, Unearth, Born of Osiris & Hate Eternal) @ Nokia Theatre - December 18, 2009
5. Metallica (w/ Lamb of God & Volbeat) @ Madison Square Garden - November 14, 2009
6. Down (w/ Melvins & Weedeater) @ Nokia Theatre - September 11, 2009
7. Type O Negative (w/ Seventh Void, Destrophy) @ Nokia Theatre - October 22, 2009
8. Motorhead (w/ Reverend Horton Heat & Nashville Pussy) @ Roseland Ballroom - September 9, 2009
9. Cro-Mags @ Santos Party House - December 29, 2009
10. Trivium (w/ Chimaira & Whitechapel) @ The Fillmore - November 5, 2009
TOP 5 HONORABLE MENTIONS
1. Kreator (w/ Exodus, Belphagor & Warbringer) @ Nokia Theatre - April 8, 2009
2. Soulfly (w/ Prong) @ Blender Theater - October 19, 2009
3. Napalm Death (w/ Kataklysm) @ Blender Theater - April 11, 2009
4. Deicide @ BB King - July 5, 2009
5. Mayhem @ The Fillmore - May 21, 2009
TOP 4 DISHONORABLE MENTIONS
1. Necrophagist (Summer Slaughter Tour) @ The Fillmore - July 19, 2009
2. Destruction (w/ Krisiun & Mantic Ritual) @ BB King - April 7, 2009
3. Cradle of Filth (w/ Satyricon) @ Nokia Theatre - February 27, 2009
4. 1349 (w/ Annunaki) @ BB King - March 2, 2009
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