I'm still trying to figure why this happens to be my first show with Metallica after more than a decade of being a true metal fan and metalhead. I could blame timing, too small venues, no money.... but I won't make excuses! After listening to all of their albums over a hundred time literally - yes, even St. Anger - and wearing their T-shirts and accessories, talking to them at length to small-minded people on how and why they're the greatest band alive, and defending them to all the hypocrites in the metal world, I FINALLY GOT TO SEE METALLICA PERFORM!!!!!!!!!!! And, to make things even better, I got to see them front row, baby! But what would have made this night extra better would have been to go backstage and meet the band. Since I don't belong to the MetClub and I'm too cheap and stingy to shell out a couple bucks to join - what am I, 14-years-old? - I didn't get to meet them..... yet! (I'm still working on that part.) Also, unfortunately, it was behind on their gear and trunks carrying their equipment, so I ended up staring at Metallica's guitar tech Zach Harmon's ugly face all night while witnessing a great show..... no, more than just a show - it was a fuckin' event! I will go out on a limb and say that without a doubt - METALLICA IS THE GREATEST METAL BAND ALIVE..... THE GREATEST ROCK BAND ALIVE...... THE GREATEST LIVE BAND ALIVE...... and..... STILL THE KINGS OF METAL! Sadly, Machine Head and The *snicker* Sword had no hope of performing at their level and were promptly blown away by these so-called "over-the-hill, 40-something, million-dollar sellouts" who reinforced my belief that they are still the kings of metal!
I'm not exaggerating when I say that the entire Nassau Coliseum was SOLD OUT! And when Metallica took to the stage, every seat was filled! Everybody was on their feet and cheering them on! Many fans - old and young, men and women, veterans and newcomers, white, black, Asian and hispanic, Metallica-lovers and Metallica-haters (yes, even the haters who were supposedly there for Machine Head) - paid their respects to 'Tallica! I always hear a lot of bullshit, especially from fans, that they either suck or they're finished or whatever, but last night proved to me and to everyone that they are far from it! Metallica is here to stay forever.... or at least for another decade or so.
THE SWORD - This badly-named crew opened the show and came close to ending it as well.... but for all the wrong reasons. I don't know much about them or their songs, only that Ulrich digs them and decided to have them tag along. A more contemporary metal band would have sufficed - Chimaira, as I've jokingly told to two of its members who are about to embark on a silly tour in order to "gain more fans," would have been a more suitable opener for the show. Due to sound and audio issues, The Sword nearly put me to sleep. I'm sure they have fans wherever they're from, but they proved that they are SO NOT READY for arena-type crowds and should stick to mainly small clubs and outback rooms. Set Rating: C+
MACHINE HEAD - This just so happens to be my first MH show as well, and I had come to expect more from these guys, especially when you take into account all the hullabaloo being bandied about from the metal press - especially in Europe (Metal Hammer, for example) - on 2007's The Blackening that they were the worthy successors to Metallica and that their latest was this generation's Master of Puppets, going so far as to actually include a cover version of MOP's "Battery." (Honestly, it's this generation's ...And Justice for All, if even that!) Despite songs like "Clenching the Fists of Dissent," "Imperium," "Halo" and the Iron Maiden cover "Hallowed Be Thy Name," among a couple more undiscernible titles, Machine Head failed to impress me. Sounds shocking, but true. And no amount of seeing the whorish-looking "Metal Nurse" could fix that. Flynn sang well, Duce played well, McClain drummed well, and Demmel didn't pass out this time! But they weren't great and I had high hopes that they would elevate the show to titanic heights. Good set, but not great.... keep reading on for greatness! Set Rating: B-
In between these two sets, two separate fights broke out right behind me! One involving security who was trying to stop some asshole from drunkenly pushing people out of his way. At one point, the security jumped on the guy and they went at it as the crowd parted into a moshpit-looking circle. It took two other security guards to hold the one guard back. A third fight nearly broke out during Metallica's set, but was resolved quickly as a couple were pulled out. Wow, and I thought Danzig's show last year was a volatile one! WHEW!
METALLICA - When the first bell is rung from "Ecstasy of Gold" I started to get chills and when the aria/female vocals swept the crowd, a surge of emotions came at me, hitting me all at once and I began to tear up... I'm not ashamed to admit it! (Such is the power of a great band!) Finally, after so long as a fan of Metallica's, I got to be front-and-center throughout the whole thing and it got to me. Instead of sitting at Row-T/Seat-321 in the back like my ticket had read, I was going to witness another history-making show! I got to see the old boys doing what they do best and it was everything I had hoped it would be. From multi-colored flames shooting up high to a FUCKIN' LASER SHOW!!!!! it was not what I had expected from them. Metallica played all the right songs with the right amount of energy to the right crowd of people! At one point, Hetfield gave a fan his sweaty shirt after looking at some banner. Hammett - wearing eyeliner!!!! - smiled and pointed the banner out, too, which must have said something interesting. The set opened strong (with the first six songs knocking it out), relaxed (during "The Unforgiven" and "Nothing Else Matters") and settled in the middle, and ended beautifully with great encores and beach balls! During "Seek & Destroy," all these black Metallica/Death Magnetic beach balls fell from the ceiling and it suddenly became a party! I managed to catch one and keep it, as well as getting catching one (of many) of Trujillo's bass picks autographed and Metallicized! Oh, and I did happen to catch Hetfield's sweat rags and was going to keep it, but realizing how gross it was, I threw it in the laundry bucket.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Another thing that got me last night, is that probably 90-95% of the crowd were among the many to say that Metallica sucks or that they sold out. Viewing the thousands in attendance with me, behind me, to the side of me, I was surrounded by hypocrites! And even though it was great seeing these hypocrites on their feet, I couldn't help but feel slightly annoyed by this sudden change of embracement for the band. People reallr need to choose their sides carefully and stick to it. One thing I hate most in this world - liars and hypocrites.
METALLICA'S SETLIST (in proper order):
That Was Just Your Life
The End of the Line
Creeping Death
The Thing That Should Not Be
One
Broken, Beat and Scarred
Cyanide
Sad But True
The Unforgiven
All Nightmare Long
The Day That Never Comes
Master of Puppets
Damage, Inc.
Nothing Else Matters
Enter Sandman
- - - - - - - -
Stone Cold Crazy
Phantom Lord
Seek & Destroy
An exhausting night and a thrilling night at that! Metallica..... well, what else can be said? They were easily the best show of '09 already - AND WE'VE ONLY JUST BEGUN!!!!!!!!!!!!! Set Grade: A+
TRINKETS AND SOUVENIRS
- Trujillo's bass pick
- Metallica/Death Magnetic beach ball
- Multiple Metallica ticket stubs, one includes a MetClub "World Magnetic" ticket
SHOW GRADE: A
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Me and John Kempainen - FRIENDS!
Turns out it was all a big misunderstanding. Without going into much detail, the kid just wasn't happy with his situation and felt I was trying to exploit him, which I wasn't, of course. In either case, it was a misunderstanding and we're cool now, even becoming "friends" here on MySpace.
I just wanted to say, however, that Black Dahlia Murder and especially the other douchebags in the band, that your time is running out. You may think you have the metal world fooled with your shitty-ass, vomit-inducing deathcore music, but we all know it's a fad.... a trend that will surely die soon, and those of you in BDM (Trevor Strnads, Brian Fishface, Brat Williams, and unfortunately for Mr. Knight) will surely die as well, just like Glam did in the 80s and Nu-Metal in the 90s. Metal Blade will drop you and you all will fade away into nothingness - barely remembered and never missed.
FUCK YOU AND DIE, BLACK DAHLIA MURDER!
Sincerely,
Your MetalBro4Life
I just wanted to say, however, that Black Dahlia Murder and especially the other douchebags in the band, that your time is running out. You may think you have the metal world fooled with your shitty-ass, vomit-inducing deathcore music, but we all know it's a fad.... a trend that will surely die soon, and those of you in BDM (Trevor Strnads, Brian Fishface, Brat Williams, and unfortunately for Mr. Knight) will surely die as well, just like Glam did in the 80s and Nu-Metal in the 90s. Metal Blade will drop you and you all will fade away into nothingness - barely remembered and never missed.
FUCK YOU AND DIE, BLACK DAHLIA MURDER!
Sincerely,
Your MetalBro4Life
Me vs. James Niggemeyer (I have finally crossed the line......)
I really don't know why I'm about to share with everyone this latest battle as I'm sure I will lose many "friends" here and get scolded at. I thought I was exposing a leech, a poser, a fake hero, someone who was exploiting a tragic event in the world of music for his own gain and access to concerts and shows and being able to meet artists. I'm talking about James Niggemeyer, the officer who had shot and killed Nathan Gale, the man who killed Dimebag Darrell, at the Alrosa club in Columbus, Ohio on December 8, 2004. James was a "friend" here, but now no longer. We had some words and, let's just say, it ended. I am here to say that I am not a good person, I am not a nice person, and I have truly lost touch with reality finally. Hopefully, this will provide some sort of cartharsis for myself and James, and if not.... then so be it!
Who will cast the first stone at me?
----------------- Original Message -----------------
From: ..m/etalBro4Life
Date: Jan 28, 2009 3:36 AM
I finally see you for what you truly are, you're a goddamn leech, not a hero. You're someone who is using the death of Dimebag Darrell and making himself into a star within the metal community. Seriously, dude, looking at all the pictures and the bands you've met, it's clear that you're using this notoriety to meet as many metal musicians as possible and posing as a so-called "hero." You're supposed to be a cop, goddamn you! Ever hear of subtlety? Why are constantly basking in Dimebag's tragedy when you should be doing your job quietly away from the spotlight? I find what you're doing to be obscene, disgusting, and disrepsectful to Dimebag, the police and to yourself. Seeing you wearing a BLS jacket and doorag is a joke... aren't you too old to be playing dress up? Go back to wearing a uniform, or at least fade away. You are NOT metal by any means.
Your MetalBro4Life,
Kris
----------------- Original Message -----------------
From: James Niggemeyer
Date: Jan 28, 2009 3:51 AM
Just so you know asshole, the pictures you see me with metal stars are shows that I was asked to attend. I don't just show up and expect to get in or have special treatment. And as far as the BLS jacket, that was given to me by Zakk himself at a show in Columbus. I refused to take it and he insisted I have it or else...so I took it out of respect for him. If you have any problems with that then you better take it up with him youself. The reason you don't see me on all the talk shows and writing books is because I turned all them down because I don't want any fame from the sad tradgedy that happened. It's people like you that make me want to puke! I will forward this email to the rock stars that ask me to come to their shows and see what duchbags I have to deal with with. You call yourself a metalbro4life...if you only knew the fucking respect that goes into this industry you would shut your fucking mouth...but you are obviosly too stupid to understand what the word respect means. The next time you have to do anything to put your life on the life to save anothers...then come talking to me, until then fuck off!!!
----------------- Original Message -----------------
From: ..m/etalBro4Life
Date: Jan 28, 2009 12:31 PM
Look, Niggemeyer, first you need to spell check what you write, because you sound like a dumb, illiterate fuck! (Life on the line... not life on the life) And cop or no cop, you are the asshole. I buy your excuses one bit. You obviously a fan of the music and you're exploiting what happened even now perhaps, more than 4 years later. And you didn't even save Dimebag at all, just "the Kat".
Fuck you, cocksucker! I am more metal than you'll ever be in life! I love and respect this music and the bands, but you're nothing but a pig! And for the record, I am Junior A&R for two reputable metal labels, and we don't need assclowns like you to exploit a tragedy. I met Rita and she's a sweetheart and it kills me that a hanger-on like you has to bother her.
Show everyone this letter and the last! EVERYONE! Zakk, Rita, Kat, Ozzy, Sharon, Pat, Tongs, whoever the fuck you had a chance to meet because of this - shame on you, pig!
Your TRUE MetalBro4Life,
Kris
Kris, I appreciate all the time you seem to be taking out of your extremely busy schedule to show me all your attention. I am truly honored, but life is very short and I don't have time for people with such hatred. I have met thousands of "metal fans" over my life and have learned to appreciate and respect the music they are so passionate about and the way they conduct themselves. I always heard about the bad rap they get, but never saw it myself as they have always been cool, passionate and respectful towards me. That is until I received such a wonderful letter from you. You have definately shown me the side of "metal fans" I hear about, I'm just glad I have never seen it until now. I guess 1 out of thousands is a good ratio. I promise I won't let you change my mind of how I feel towards a great industry.
I guess your anger still seems to be the fact that I have met so many artists because of a horrible situation I was involved in. I didn't ask to be the one forced to kill someone, but that is what I signed up to do if the day ever called for it. While I didn't save Dime as you say, there was no one obviously that could have as a crazed lunatic made sure that wouldn't happen. Don't even begin to try and blame me. You still don't seem to understand that I am asked by either the atrist, crew, or venue to appear as a guest at these events...not something I set out to do myself. How hard is that to understand. Am I supposed to be rude and tell them no? I'm sure you tell the record labels you work for no everytime they want you to go to a show and you have to meet an artist because of your job right. You still think its all me on my own, WOW!
I shake my head as I sit here and type this wondering why I try to use logic to someone who obviously has such a horrid opinion already ingrained. Life is what it is and we all have a purpose, I hope you do something great with yours in the future and people don't show you the same hatred. I would love to keep talking with you, but this will never go anywhere because of your hatred. Good luck with your future and please don't respond as I have nothing further to add.
Best of luck to you in life, James
And with that, he removed me as a friend. Can you blame him? I certainly don't.
Who will cast the first stone at me?
----------------- Original Message -----------------
From: ..m/etalBro4Life
Date: Jan 28, 2009 3:36 AM
I finally see you for what you truly are, you're a goddamn leech, not a hero. You're someone who is using the death of Dimebag Darrell and making himself into a star within the metal community. Seriously, dude, looking at all the pictures and the bands you've met, it's clear that you're using this notoriety to meet as many metal musicians as possible and posing as a so-called "hero." You're supposed to be a cop, goddamn you! Ever hear of subtlety? Why are constantly basking in Dimebag's tragedy when you should be doing your job quietly away from the spotlight? I find what you're doing to be obscene, disgusting, and disrepsectful to Dimebag, the police and to yourself. Seeing you wearing a BLS jacket and doorag is a joke... aren't you too old to be playing dress up? Go back to wearing a uniform, or at least fade away. You are NOT metal by any means.
Your MetalBro4Life,
Kris
----------------- Original Message -----------------
From: James Niggemeyer
Date: Jan 28, 2009 3:51 AM
Just so you know asshole, the pictures you see me with metal stars are shows that I was asked to attend. I don't just show up and expect to get in or have special treatment. And as far as the BLS jacket, that was given to me by Zakk himself at a show in Columbus. I refused to take it and he insisted I have it or else...so I took it out of respect for him. If you have any problems with that then you better take it up with him youself. The reason you don't see me on all the talk shows and writing books is because I turned all them down because I don't want any fame from the sad tradgedy that happened. It's people like you that make me want to puke! I will forward this email to the rock stars that ask me to come to their shows and see what duchbags I have to deal with with. You call yourself a metalbro4life...if you only knew the fucking respect that goes into this industry you would shut your fucking mouth...but you are obviosly too stupid to understand what the word respect means. The next time you have to do anything to put your life on the life to save anothers...then come talking to me, until then fuck off!!!
----------------- Original Message -----------------
From: ..m/etalBro4Life
Date: Jan 28, 2009 12:31 PM
Look, Niggemeyer, first you need to spell check what you write, because you sound like a dumb, illiterate fuck! (Life on the line... not life on the life) And cop or no cop, you are the asshole. I buy your excuses one bit. You obviously a fan of the music and you're exploiting what happened even now perhaps, more than 4 years later. And you didn't even save Dimebag at all, just "the Kat".
Fuck you, cocksucker! I am more metal than you'll ever be in life! I love and respect this music and the bands, but you're nothing but a pig! And for the record, I am Junior A&R for two reputable metal labels, and we don't need assclowns like you to exploit a tragedy. I met Rita and she's a sweetheart and it kills me that a hanger-on like you has to bother her.
Show everyone this letter and the last! EVERYONE! Zakk, Rita, Kat, Ozzy, Sharon, Pat, Tongs, whoever the fuck you had a chance to meet because of this - shame on you, pig!
Your TRUE MetalBro4Life,
Kris
Kris, I appreciate all the time you seem to be taking out of your extremely busy schedule to show me all your attention. I am truly honored, but life is very short and I don't have time for people with such hatred. I have met thousands of "metal fans" over my life and have learned to appreciate and respect the music they are so passionate about and the way they conduct themselves. I always heard about the bad rap they get, but never saw it myself as they have always been cool, passionate and respectful towards me. That is until I received such a wonderful letter from you. You have definately shown me the side of "metal fans" I hear about, I'm just glad I have never seen it until now. I guess 1 out of thousands is a good ratio. I promise I won't let you change my mind of how I feel towards a great industry.
I guess your anger still seems to be the fact that I have met so many artists because of a horrible situation I was involved in. I didn't ask to be the one forced to kill someone, but that is what I signed up to do if the day ever called for it. While I didn't save Dime as you say, there was no one obviously that could have as a crazed lunatic made sure that wouldn't happen. Don't even begin to try and blame me. You still don't seem to understand that I am asked by either the atrist, crew, or venue to appear as a guest at these events...not something I set out to do myself. How hard is that to understand. Am I supposed to be rude and tell them no? I'm sure you tell the record labels you work for no everytime they want you to go to a show and you have to meet an artist because of your job right. You still think its all me on my own, WOW!
I shake my head as I sit here and type this wondering why I try to use logic to someone who obviously has such a horrid opinion already ingrained. Life is what it is and we all have a purpose, I hope you do something great with yours in the future and people don't show you the same hatred. I would love to keep talking with you, but this will never go anywhere because of your hatred. Good luck with your future and please don't respond as I have nothing further to add.
Best of luck to you in life, James
And with that, he removed me as a friend. Can you blame him? I certainly don't.
Me vs. John Kempainen
It's been awhile since there's been a feud between me and somewhere within the metal community. Oddly enough, I didn't have to say a thing that was offensive or even rude - the jackass just jumped to some conclusion and started to verbally attack me. The asswipe in question is former guitarist for Black Dahlia Murder John Kempainen. Not one to lie down and take it, I hit the fuckface back with some pretty demeaning comments which he deserved. I take no pleasure in bringing people down.... unless, of course, you deserve it.
You be the judge!
----------------- Original Message -----------------
From: ..m/etalBro4Life
Date: Jan 17, 2009 10:46 PM
Hey kid, I just read in Revolver that you quit BDM? How sad! What happened? I thought things were going well between all of you and you leave on the eve of the December tour? What will you do now?
Your MetalBro4Life,
Kris
----------------- Original Message -----------------
From: John
Date: Jan 25, 2009 10:42 AM
You are a huge faggot, why do you bother me. im not even in the band anymore, go hump someone else's leg.
----------------- Original Message -----------------
From: ..m/etalBro4Life
Date: Jan 25, 2009 11:29 AM
Actually, I'm not, you fat, ugly, Porky Pig-looking douchebag. I actually feel sorry for you. I mean, what will you do now? You're a loser with no band now. You'll never make it. You had your chance and blew it.
Fuck off and die, pig.
Kris
----------------- Original Message -----------------
From: John
Date: Jan 26, 2009 2:38 PM
porky pig is more then you will ever be
so oink oink motherfucker
i dont need sympathy, im fucking happy in life.
also, fuck you.
----------------- Original Message -----------------
From: ..m/etalBro4Life
Date: Jan 26, 2009 4:14 PM
I don't know why you're being hostile, kid. I was just showing some concern and then you turn into a douchebag. It's okay, this is proof that you're just like every loser that tries his hand in metal and fails. I'm sure the BDM fans won't appreciate reading your homophobic hatred. Douche!
Kris
You be the judge!
----------------- Original Message -----------------
From: ..m/etalBro4Life
Date: Jan 17, 2009 10:46 PM
Hey kid, I just read in Revolver that you quit BDM? How sad! What happened? I thought things were going well between all of you and you leave on the eve of the December tour? What will you do now?
Your MetalBro4Life,
Kris
----------------- Original Message -----------------
From: John
Date: Jan 25, 2009 10:42 AM
You are a huge faggot, why do you bother me. im not even in the band anymore, go hump someone else's leg.
----------------- Original Message -----------------
From: ..m/etalBro4Life
Date: Jan 25, 2009 11:29 AM
Actually, I'm not, you fat, ugly, Porky Pig-looking douchebag. I actually feel sorry for you. I mean, what will you do now? You're a loser with no band now. You'll never make it. You had your chance and blew it.
Fuck off and die, pig.
Kris
----------------- Original Message -----------------
From: John
Date: Jan 26, 2009 2:38 PM
porky pig is more then you will ever be
so oink oink motherfucker
i dont need sympathy, im fucking happy in life.
also, fuck you.
----------------- Original Message -----------------
From: ..m/etalBro4Life
Date: Jan 26, 2009 4:14 PM
I don't know why you're being hostile, kid. I was just showing some concern and then you turn into a douchebag. It's okay, this is proof that you're just like every loser that tries his hand in metal and fails. I'm sure the BDM fans won't appreciate reading your homophobic hatred. Douche!
Kris
My wicked night w/ Skeletonwitch and Cannabis Corpse - 1/11/09
Even though I did promise that Metallica would be my first technical show for '09, I decided to check out my friends Skeletonwitch and Cannabis Corpse perform at Public Assembly in Williamsburg, though I consider this more of a gathering between friends than an actual show.
I got witness the ever-growing rise in popularity for the Ohio quintet and got to see the chops of the Virginia thrashers, normally associated with Municipal Waste, for the first time. It was great to see Chance, Nate, Evan, Derrick, and Scott, as well as meeting Scott's brother and the band's manager for the first time and they were still the coolest and most down-to-earth dudes around. For example, I have to give thanks to the 'Witch for letting my dumb ass in after I squandered my entrance fee on beer, and for that, I bought some of their gear, which I never do for any band, such as a poster, pins, shirt, and patch, and watched from the wings as they pummeled the crowd left and right. They truly were amazing. By '09, they'll be headlining bigger venues and festivals, just you wait!
As the smell of weed wore on and the sweat poured from all the fat 'tards in attendance, I mused over the fact that they have come a long way since I first saw them opening for Hate Eternal earlier last year when there was bearly a ripple in the crowd at the time when they opened. Then I saw them on the October 15 show at Roseland Ballroom, on tour with Danzig and Dimmu Borgir for the Blackest of Black Tour, where there were some nods of approval. Finally, at Public Assembly, the whole place blew up! Whether it was word-of-mouth from yours truly or metal fans are buying their album Beyond the Permafrost, which is a pretty remarkable debut from a newer band these days, Skeletonwitch are becoming slowly popular among the New York crowd... and we're a tough crowd to please.
Afterwards, as the guys stuck around to drink, I chatted with each of them maintaining a level of respectable distance so as not to come off as an annoying douchebag fan, which I can be depending on the band, but rather as an equal of high standards and respectability, which is my true form of being. I got to see the Sex Pistols classic "Anarchy in the U.K." and they seemed to genuinely like my performance. I tried to get Cannabis Corpse's singer to play "Caught in a Mosh" by Anthrax with me, but they had to leave soon after Skeletonwitch did. In the end, it was good to show these guys my chops, even if I'm not a metal singer, or in a band for that matter, and just had fun which is what it's all about.
I got witness the ever-growing rise in popularity for the Ohio quintet and got to see the chops of the Virginia thrashers, normally associated with Municipal Waste, for the first time. It was great to see Chance, Nate, Evan, Derrick, and Scott, as well as meeting Scott's brother and the band's manager for the first time and they were still the coolest and most down-to-earth dudes around. For example, I have to give thanks to the 'Witch for letting my dumb ass in after I squandered my entrance fee on beer, and for that, I bought some of their gear, which I never do for any band, such as a poster, pins, shirt, and patch, and watched from the wings as they pummeled the crowd left and right. They truly were amazing. By '09, they'll be headlining bigger venues and festivals, just you wait!
As the smell of weed wore on and the sweat poured from all the fat 'tards in attendance, I mused over the fact that they have come a long way since I first saw them opening for Hate Eternal earlier last year when there was bearly a ripple in the crowd at the time when they opened. Then I saw them on the October 15 show at Roseland Ballroom, on tour with Danzig and Dimmu Borgir for the Blackest of Black Tour, where there were some nods of approval. Finally, at Public Assembly, the whole place blew up! Whether it was word-of-mouth from yours truly or metal fans are buying their album Beyond the Permafrost, which is a pretty remarkable debut from a newer band these days, Skeletonwitch are becoming slowly popular among the New York crowd... and we're a tough crowd to please.
Afterwards, as the guys stuck around to drink, I chatted with each of them maintaining a level of respectable distance so as not to come off as an annoying douchebag fan, which I can be depending on the band, but rather as an equal of high standards and respectability, which is my true form of being. I got to see the Sex Pistols classic "Anarchy in the U.K." and they seemed to genuinely like my performance. I tried to get Cannabis Corpse's singer to play "Caught in a Mosh" by Anthrax with me, but they had to leave soon after Skeletonwitch did. In the end, it was good to show these guys my chops, even if I'm not a metal singer, or in a band for that matter, and just had fun which is what it's all about.
Suicidal Tendencies w/ Madball and Whole Wheat Bread @ The Fillmore - 12/4/08
TEARING THE PLACE UP OLD-SCHOOL STYLE!
That's how I would describe last night show at Irving Plaza. The good news is that after 25 years, Suicidal Tendencies is still performing the kind of music that is desperately needed in today's metal music. Truth be told, every fan should experience what I felt last night! Being brought onstage with 30-40 other Suicidals, metalheads, and punks to perform in the band's encore "Pledge Your Allegiance" to which I constantly belted out the choral chant of "ST" and the title song into the available mic before me and slapping bass strings with Steve Brunner and admiring the guitar chops of Dean Pleasants and Mike Clark, the coolest and most generous motherfucker alive, and the electric drumming of Eric Moore, who despite being a heavy-set black dude and looking like he belongs with rap group D-12. All this happening while Mike Muir, Cyco Myko himself, stood above us on the drum riser and the multitude of fans joining in closing out the show. Truly a night I won't soon forget!
WHOLE WHEAT BREAD - Okay, so the name is kind of lame, but don't let it fool you. Made up of three black dudes, from Jacksonville, Florida, they were actually pretty damn good, doling out massive amounts of Bad Brains-style good vibe that any band could hope to muster. They exuded the kind of confidence that most opening bands lack. Rather than cater to a crowd that has never heard of you and/or doesn't care about you since you are, after all, the opening band, WWB (much more preferable) got the party - and the weed-smoking - started! Fronted and guitared by Aaron Abraham, bassed by Will Frazier, and drummed by hilariously pseudonymed Mr. Whitefolks, WWB managed to squeege out a brief, but rowdy pit towards the end of their set. I was more moved by their balance of punk and funk, slow-fast tempo changes, and groove. Though you probably have never heard of them, don't be surprised if they go from show-openers to show-stoppers. Set Grade: A-
MADBALL - We go from classic punk to hardcore within the next set as New York natives Madball, and possibly the reason for the massive crowd turnout, have their moment in the sun. While I wasn't thrilled or too impressed by Madball's typical hardcore chest-thumping, I was more occupied by the constant pits being formed behind me and the ugly, drunken Wops from Jersey, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and Boston pushing their way to the front in order to feel the sweat dripping from frontman Freddy Cricien - not a pretty sight at all! Still, when Madball when into "Infiltrate the System" I have to admit that I got into it. Despite the tough guy-wannabes pushing the weak aside like high school bullies, though I managed to keep my place in the front-center row, Madball were pretty decent. Set Grade: B
SICKEST MOMENT OF THE EVENING - Some fucktard from Madball's entourage showered the front row with water straight from his mouth. Imagine this fat, ugly guido-looking piece of trash spewing his Gonorrhea-infected spit on me and others in the front row! Still, that didn't dampen my mood, as I later called this dude out after the show and he kept on walking. Honestly, I must've been out of my mind as this guy looked like a nail-spitting bruiser from the streets and he was surrounded by his equally ugly, bruiser friends from the some ass-kicking neighborhood.... yeah, you know what I'm talking about. I blame the cold air and the adrenaline high of being onstage with ST for it.
Another moment was when some chink behind me kept wiping his face on my shirt! At one point, I had to push his slimy face off my back that it was uncomfortable. He even had the nerve to place his yellow fingers on my head, and ruining my hair, like we were buddies or something! Naturally, I swatted his hand away.
SUICIDAL TENDENCIES - After being away from New York for many years and not putting out any new material in eight years since 2000's Free Your Soul... And Save My Mind, Suicidal fuckin' Tendencies were back and DID NOT DISAPPOINT! Still playing the same groovy crossover thrash/punk that they made world-reknowned, the boys of ST still prove that they are the kings of crossover. Pretty much what I said above said it all - BEST FUCKIN' SHOW IN A LONG WHILE! Much of it had to do with fan participation, of course, but seeing Mike Muir, who surprisingly looked much fatter and balder than ever, was a real treat. Despite the curse of aging, he performed like a kid in a candy store, or rather, a kid stealing from a candy store. With that familiar shitting-eating grin and constant rant against censorship in place, we were treated to an old-school show that made Suicidal Tendencies such an important band during their, and metal's, peak years circa 1987-1992, when they were making Gold-certified albums. It's comforting to know that they haven't lost any of that fun, Venice-style metal even after 25 years since their self-titled album first debuted in 1983, still a classic album that gets played - as evidenced in the Iron Man film, where "Institutionalized" can be heard in the background - and was most prominent in tonight's setlist.
SONGS PLAYED (no particular order)
You Can't Bring Me Down
Send Me Your Money
War Inside My Head
Subliminal
Trip at the Brain
I Saw Your Mommy
How Will I laugh Tomorrow?
Fascist Pig
Won't Fall in Love Today
Lovely
I Want More
Cyco Vision
Possessed to Skate
I Shot the Devil
Pledge Your Allegiance
At one point, while thrashing onstage during the encore melee, I could have easily taken a setlist, but was too pumped with adrenaline to know what the fuck I was doing! I did manage to get Dean Pleasants's guitar pick, which he personally handed to me after one of the asshole security faggots pocketed the first pick that Dean threw to me. (The same security fag got a pair of drumsticks, too!) And Mike Clark, Dean, and Steve Brunner each pointed me out from the crowd - in fact, Clark even said to me that he had seen me going apeshit from the stage and in the crowd. It's always nice to be appreciated be the bands and they tell you that in person. Muir, on the other hand, seemed to be in his own world - a constant war inside his balding head! Set Grade (and the first!): A+
AFTER THE SHOW - One by one, the sweating and heaving crowd of metalheads, punks, and new-found Suicidals4Life escaped the Fillmore and into the cold, chilly streets once again. I was drenched in so much sweat that the cold breeze hit me almost immediately. While waiting for the bands in my usual resourceful way, I began to get shivers and tried to use various distractions, like talking to other people, in order to stay warm. Finally, the dudes from ST came out and were very cool, especially Mike Clark, who reminded me of a kid opening his presents at Christmas, was friendly and gracious. Brunner, Moore and Pleasants were always nice guys, and for three black dudes, they were really good players. Mike Muir, on the other hand, didn't seem all that friendly like the others, though he wasn't exactly rude. Claiming to have bronchitis, he made his appearance with us short and sweet. I did get my picture with him, but would have liked to ask him my provocative questions:
Did Axl Rose steal your look, or did you steal his?
Do you wear hair plugs?
What are your thoughts on downloading music? How would you feel knowing that I download your music?
Do you like and appreciate your fans?
How much longer are you going to be performing?
How rich are you?
But unfortunately, I couldn't get much out due to the cold night air, other people's stupid questions, Muir's attention to this Iranian whore and douchebag loser with an ST vinyl record, and Muir's supposed bronchitis. I did tell him that I used "Cyco Speak" from his last album as a monologue for my acting class, to which he said with a smile: "No way, I hope you gave me credit!" In a way, that spoke volumes as to the kind of person he is, and I hope for his sake, he was joking. Truth be told, I didn't give him credit and took all the credit and got an "A" in class. Next time, though, bronchitis/cold weather/douchebags or not, Mike Muir and I will have a time to talk! Until then, he should learn not to be such a prick to fans. Show Grade: A-
That's how I would describe last night show at Irving Plaza. The good news is that after 25 years, Suicidal Tendencies is still performing the kind of music that is desperately needed in today's metal music. Truth be told, every fan should experience what I felt last night! Being brought onstage with 30-40 other Suicidals, metalheads, and punks to perform in the band's encore "Pledge Your Allegiance" to which I constantly belted out the choral chant of "ST" and the title song into the available mic before me and slapping bass strings with Steve Brunner and admiring the guitar chops of Dean Pleasants and Mike Clark, the coolest and most generous motherfucker alive, and the electric drumming of Eric Moore, who despite being a heavy-set black dude and looking like he belongs with rap group D-12. All this happening while Mike Muir, Cyco Myko himself, stood above us on the drum riser and the multitude of fans joining in closing out the show. Truly a night I won't soon forget!
WHOLE WHEAT BREAD - Okay, so the name is kind of lame, but don't let it fool you. Made up of three black dudes, from Jacksonville, Florida, they were actually pretty damn good, doling out massive amounts of Bad Brains-style good vibe that any band could hope to muster. They exuded the kind of confidence that most opening bands lack. Rather than cater to a crowd that has never heard of you and/or doesn't care about you since you are, after all, the opening band, WWB (much more preferable) got the party - and the weed-smoking - started! Fronted and guitared by Aaron Abraham, bassed by Will Frazier, and drummed by hilariously pseudonymed Mr. Whitefolks, WWB managed to squeege out a brief, but rowdy pit towards the end of their set. I was more moved by their balance of punk and funk, slow-fast tempo changes, and groove. Though you probably have never heard of them, don't be surprised if they go from show-openers to show-stoppers. Set Grade: A-
MADBALL - We go from classic punk to hardcore within the next set as New York natives Madball, and possibly the reason for the massive crowd turnout, have their moment in the sun. While I wasn't thrilled or too impressed by Madball's typical hardcore chest-thumping, I was more occupied by the constant pits being formed behind me and the ugly, drunken Wops from Jersey, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and Boston pushing their way to the front in order to feel the sweat dripping from frontman Freddy Cricien - not a pretty sight at all! Still, when Madball when into "Infiltrate the System" I have to admit that I got into it. Despite the tough guy-wannabes pushing the weak aside like high school bullies, though I managed to keep my place in the front-center row, Madball were pretty decent. Set Grade: B
SICKEST MOMENT OF THE EVENING - Some fucktard from Madball's entourage showered the front row with water straight from his mouth. Imagine this fat, ugly guido-looking piece of trash spewing his Gonorrhea-infected spit on me and others in the front row! Still, that didn't dampen my mood, as I later called this dude out after the show and he kept on walking. Honestly, I must've been out of my mind as this guy looked like a nail-spitting bruiser from the streets and he was surrounded by his equally ugly, bruiser friends from the some ass-kicking neighborhood.... yeah, you know what I'm talking about. I blame the cold air and the adrenaline high of being onstage with ST for it.
Another moment was when some chink behind me kept wiping his face on my shirt! At one point, I had to push his slimy face off my back that it was uncomfortable. He even had the nerve to place his yellow fingers on my head, and ruining my hair, like we were buddies or something! Naturally, I swatted his hand away.
SUICIDAL TENDENCIES - After being away from New York for many years and not putting out any new material in eight years since 2000's Free Your Soul... And Save My Mind, Suicidal fuckin' Tendencies were back and DID NOT DISAPPOINT! Still playing the same groovy crossover thrash/punk that they made world-reknowned, the boys of ST still prove that they are the kings of crossover. Pretty much what I said above said it all - BEST FUCKIN' SHOW IN A LONG WHILE! Much of it had to do with fan participation, of course, but seeing Mike Muir, who surprisingly looked much fatter and balder than ever, was a real treat. Despite the curse of aging, he performed like a kid in a candy store, or rather, a kid stealing from a candy store. With that familiar shitting-eating grin and constant rant against censorship in place, we were treated to an old-school show that made Suicidal Tendencies such an important band during their, and metal's, peak years circa 1987-1992, when they were making Gold-certified albums. It's comforting to know that they haven't lost any of that fun, Venice-style metal even after 25 years since their self-titled album first debuted in 1983, still a classic album that gets played - as evidenced in the Iron Man film, where "Institutionalized" can be heard in the background - and was most prominent in tonight's setlist.
SONGS PLAYED (no particular order)
You Can't Bring Me Down
Send Me Your Money
War Inside My Head
Subliminal
Trip at the Brain
I Saw Your Mommy
How Will I laugh Tomorrow?
Fascist Pig
Won't Fall in Love Today
Lovely
I Want More
Cyco Vision
Possessed to Skate
I Shot the Devil
Pledge Your Allegiance
At one point, while thrashing onstage during the encore melee, I could have easily taken a setlist, but was too pumped with adrenaline to know what the fuck I was doing! I did manage to get Dean Pleasants's guitar pick, which he personally handed to me after one of the asshole security faggots pocketed the first pick that Dean threw to me. (The same security fag got a pair of drumsticks, too!) And Mike Clark, Dean, and Steve Brunner each pointed me out from the crowd - in fact, Clark even said to me that he had seen me going apeshit from the stage and in the crowd. It's always nice to be appreciated be the bands and they tell you that in person. Muir, on the other hand, seemed to be in his own world - a constant war inside his balding head! Set Grade (and the first!): A+
AFTER THE SHOW - One by one, the sweating and heaving crowd of metalheads, punks, and new-found Suicidals4Life escaped the Fillmore and into the cold, chilly streets once again. I was drenched in so much sweat that the cold breeze hit me almost immediately. While waiting for the bands in my usual resourceful way, I began to get shivers and tried to use various distractions, like talking to other people, in order to stay warm. Finally, the dudes from ST came out and were very cool, especially Mike Clark, who reminded me of a kid opening his presents at Christmas, was friendly and gracious. Brunner, Moore and Pleasants were always nice guys, and for three black dudes, they were really good players. Mike Muir, on the other hand, didn't seem all that friendly like the others, though he wasn't exactly rude. Claiming to have bronchitis, he made his appearance with us short and sweet. I did get my picture with him, but would have liked to ask him my provocative questions:
Did Axl Rose steal your look, or did you steal his?
Do you wear hair plugs?
What are your thoughts on downloading music? How would you feel knowing that I download your music?
Do you like and appreciate your fans?
How much longer are you going to be performing?
How rich are you?
But unfortunately, I couldn't get much out due to the cold night air, other people's stupid questions, Muir's attention to this Iranian whore and douchebag loser with an ST vinyl record, and Muir's supposed bronchitis. I did tell him that I used "Cyco Speak" from his last album as a monologue for my acting class, to which he said with a smile: "No way, I hope you gave me credit!" In a way, that spoke volumes as to the kind of person he is, and I hope for his sake, he was joking. Truth be told, I didn't give him credit and took all the credit and got an "A" in class. Next time, though, bronchitis/cold weather/douchebags or not, Mike Muir and I will have a time to talk! Until then, he should learn not to be such a prick to fans. Show Grade: A-
Soulfly w/ Bleed the Sky, Incite, and Devastation @ Blender Theater - 11/14/08
I have a simple credo that I live by - "If I'm still thinking about how much I spent on a concert after it's done, then it probably means that the show really wasn't all that good." In all honesty, the show came very close to that point. While it was a treat seeing Max Cavalera once again tearing up the stage with a new (familiar) set of hired guns - my first being this year's Infliktour with Cavalera Conspiracy - this night paled in comparison to the latter show by a wide margin, marred by shortened sets all around and a lackluster vibe from the crowd of sweaty headbangers crammed into the small venue and bands who, for the most part, managed to get by despite short sets.
DEVASTATION - Beginning with this early 90s nostalgic act of over-the-hill musicians who, according to frontman Rodney Dunsmore, had toured with Sepultura and Death back in the early days and were now opening the show. Like dinosaurs recently thawed out in the present, these guys seemed a bit tired at first but soon relaxed into their opening act role and got the crowd to move. I wouldn't say they were bad, but were somewhat stiff. You can see the age on both their collective faces and their ability to play. You have a drummer who resembles a lazier version Tony Laureano, who refuses to take off his sunglasses because apparently he thinks he's cool, and then you have a skirt-wearing guitar player who is more inclined to noodle (i.e. show off) his abilities rather than connect with a new-found audience.
Originally, they were not a part of the inital tour, as they don't even have a label to call their own, but somehow managed to convince Max and Gloria that they still had some juice left in them. I think Devastation have some fight left in them, but they really shouldn't quit their day-jobs anytime soon. A lack of connection with the audience won't carry you far. Enjoy the ride while you can, fellas. Set Rating: B-
INCITE - Daddy's little step-child and his little friends are at it again. Same songs, same energy, same banging the mic against your head routine.... so why wasn't I thrilled? Could be the ambivalent feeling I got from each member as I waited outside the venue, or maybe just that feeling of "been there, done that, let's see something new" that I felt throughout the set. I'd like to say that I was blown away by the group, and there were moments which I'm sure exist, but there wasn't anything in the way of progression since I saw them on Infliktour. And while the players are all talented and capable, it's painfully obvious that this is a case of blatant nepotism of using Papa Max to further their name rather than be like every other struggling band and make it on their own? At least their EP isn't that expensive - going for a cool $5!
They're not bad to watch, in fact I wrote that they were the only opening act EVER to get me (and the crowd) moving and were good enough to stand on their own, but after a while they become endangered of being nothing more than a talented novelty act - Max's step-child and friends are trying to play with the big boys. I mean, why doesn't Jack Osbourne get with a bunch of other burn-outs and smack his head against a mic? I'm sure Ozzy could use him to open Ozzfest. As good as Incite may be one day, and even I have grown to like each person as individually, they still have much to learn. Set Grade: B-
BLEED THE SKY - The same can be said for this bunch of dudes from the state of Oklahoma (according to MySpace, or California if you're going by Wikipedia). Nice guys, but nothing in the way of anything explosive or memorable. They seem to indulge in making a mosh pit, just like the previous bands before them, and thanking the crowd profusely for coming out, but this band from Nuclear Blast just don't seem to grab me, as some of their more established labelmates (Exodus, Testament, et al). There is nothing that would suggest any longevity or creativity, but simply riding the tide of the popular melodic groove metal/metalcore that is seeping into the mainstream. I could be wrong, and it wouldn't be the first time, but I need to see (or rather hear) more. Quite frankly, I can't tell watching them live. Grade Set: B-
SOULFLY - It's always a thrill when you get to the end of the show, after all the posers and wanna-bes have departed from the stage, and you feel the energy from the crowd as it surges throughout the venue and there, standing before you, is a legend - at least to the Latin community - and he starts playing classic tunes from his previously popular band, then everyone is on their feet banging away and you have no choice but to join them.... you can only feel this way at the main event. The saving grace of the evening and the reason why we paid $26-$28 to see this show, Max Cavalera and the Soulfly crew did not disappoint, jamming out songs from Soulfly's latest effort, Conquer, such as show opener "Blood Fire War Hate" and "Unleash" (the latter being with Incite's Richie Cavalera filling in for Dave Peters) as well as an abridged set (from 17 to only 9 songs) from Sepultura faves like "Roots Bloody Roots" and "Refuse/Resist" to Soulfly gems like "Seek 'n' Strike," "Back to the Primitive," "Babylon," and closing the show out with "Eye for an Eye."
BEST MOMENT OF THE EVENING - A entertaining jam session with drums and oil cans ensued as every drummer from the previous bands, and members of Soulfly, played to a specific drum beat that was quite amusing and proved to be a highlight of the night. Even my show-buddy, who name I don't even remember, got to go up onstage and jam on Max's oil can. Lucky bastard! At least Max personally handed me his guitar pick.... again! (The same thing happened at Infliktour.)
I had my fedora hat on throughout the first three sets, a good indiction of the lack of energy from the crowd (no crowd surfers or heavy mosh-pits, for example), but that all changed with the first Soulfly song. There is something about Max Cavalera that makes the crowd go nuts. There is something honest and painful in the way he sings and somehow that connects with the crowd of eager Hispanics and faux Brazilians. And while the throng of spics did manage to behave themselves, it wouldn't be a good show without a few unruly douchebags to kickyou in the head and knock off your hat. Either way, Soulfly managed to save the show, despite gripes from the crowd over the short set and no time for an encore. Set Grade: B+
AFTER THE SHOW - I had quite the adventure with some of the characters from the show. Incite's portly drummer Zak Sofaly and his "infinite wisdom" tried to tell me how he felt about my site, www.heavymetalnation.com, and that he didn't really dig it. Fine, it is his opinion, but it became clear that he missed the point, and the humor, behind its creation and came off like a slobbering dog with nothing positive to say other than I was being mean, despite getting a decent rating. Looks like the hobbit needs his ego stroked. On the other hand, I received some diplomatic and far more intelligible comments from his bandmates, bassist Luis Marrufo and guitarist Dis, who don't seem to mind my reporting (some might say trashing) of others. They seem to see the humor of it and even like it, as it bears no relevance as to who they are and what they are capable of. Sofaly should change his name to "Sofullofshit." But, of course, he would fail to see the humor in that.
Chatting with Bleed the Sky's Justin and Austin was fun. I was especially taken by Justin candid words. He wants Bleed the Sky to be "the Beatles" and he wants his music to reach people. He enjoys getting free beer, even though he doesn't get paid much. He has to ride in a dingy, cramped van with other people than ride on a luxury bus like Incite (it pays to have a relative in Soulfly) get to do. There is something sad in his voice when Justin tells me this, as he knows that Bleed the Sky will never be as big as the Beatles, yet he hopes to at least headline a tour one day. Austin is a bit more playful, as I play him Slayer's upcoming track "Psychopathy Red." Rather than tell me his hopes and dreams, he is more about living in the here and now and is along for the ride for as long as it goes.
Later on in the evening, Bobby Burns, who looks like a tattooed twin of Poison's Rikki Rockett, is a friendly and fun-loving dude who chats with a small group of show-buddies about nothing special. To me, Burns looks like he should be playing for some screwball emo/screamo group rather than a band as gifted as Soulfly. But that's just based on looks, not on his abilities as a bassist, which are actually pretty good. And though drummer Joe Nunez and guitarist Marc Rizzo beat a hasty retreat to the hotel, I did get a chance to meet and speak with Max Cavalera. I saw his wife/manager Gloria throwing out the trash and wanted to get a picture with her. I found her to be cold, quiet, dull and boring but at least she did pose in the picture with me and eventually got Max to come out and greet me and my show-buddies.
Max, despite ripping his vocals to shreds, was kind and gracious in a whispered voice. He signed everyone's autographs and took pics, and regaled us with a story of how Limp Bizkit's Fred Durst, nu-metal's resident idiot, burned many bridges and ultimately fucked up his and the band's career. He talked about scenes from the film "City of Man" and how movies like that affect him. Without security to interfere, I told Max that my brother and I reunited after years of being apart, much like how he and his douchebag little brother Iggor had been. Max proves why he is one of the most respected people in metal today. His graciousness offstage and brutal performances onstage balance each other out, and it's why so many fans - especially the Latinos - respond to him so well, because he's just like them. Humble and simple. Show Grade: B
SHIT LIST (Where Douchebags Come to Play)
ZAK "SoFullAShit" SOFALY
DEVASTATION - Beginning with this early 90s nostalgic act of over-the-hill musicians who, according to frontman Rodney Dunsmore, had toured with Sepultura and Death back in the early days and were now opening the show. Like dinosaurs recently thawed out in the present, these guys seemed a bit tired at first but soon relaxed into their opening act role and got the crowd to move. I wouldn't say they were bad, but were somewhat stiff. You can see the age on both their collective faces and their ability to play. You have a drummer who resembles a lazier version Tony Laureano, who refuses to take off his sunglasses because apparently he thinks he's cool, and then you have a skirt-wearing guitar player who is more inclined to noodle (i.e. show off) his abilities rather than connect with a new-found audience.
Originally, they were not a part of the inital tour, as they don't even have a label to call their own, but somehow managed to convince Max and Gloria that they still had some juice left in them. I think Devastation have some fight left in them, but they really shouldn't quit their day-jobs anytime soon. A lack of connection with the audience won't carry you far. Enjoy the ride while you can, fellas. Set Rating: B-
INCITE - Daddy's little step-child and his little friends are at it again. Same songs, same energy, same banging the mic against your head routine.... so why wasn't I thrilled? Could be the ambivalent feeling I got from each member as I waited outside the venue, or maybe just that feeling of "been there, done that, let's see something new" that I felt throughout the set. I'd like to say that I was blown away by the group, and there were moments which I'm sure exist, but there wasn't anything in the way of progression since I saw them on Infliktour. And while the players are all talented and capable, it's painfully obvious that this is a case of blatant nepotism of using Papa Max to further their name rather than be like every other struggling band and make it on their own? At least their EP isn't that expensive - going for a cool $5!
They're not bad to watch, in fact I wrote that they were the only opening act EVER to get me (and the crowd) moving and were good enough to stand on their own, but after a while they become endangered of being nothing more than a talented novelty act - Max's step-child and friends are trying to play with the big boys. I mean, why doesn't Jack Osbourne get with a bunch of other burn-outs and smack his head against a mic? I'm sure Ozzy could use him to open Ozzfest. As good as Incite may be one day, and even I have grown to like each person as individually, they still have much to learn. Set Grade: B-
BLEED THE SKY - The same can be said for this bunch of dudes from the state of Oklahoma (according to MySpace, or California if you're going by Wikipedia). Nice guys, but nothing in the way of anything explosive or memorable. They seem to indulge in making a mosh pit, just like the previous bands before them, and thanking the crowd profusely for coming out, but this band from Nuclear Blast just don't seem to grab me, as some of their more established labelmates (Exodus, Testament, et al). There is nothing that would suggest any longevity or creativity, but simply riding the tide of the popular melodic groove metal/metalcore that is seeping into the mainstream. I could be wrong, and it wouldn't be the first time, but I need to see (or rather hear) more. Quite frankly, I can't tell watching them live. Grade Set: B-
SOULFLY - It's always a thrill when you get to the end of the show, after all the posers and wanna-bes have departed from the stage, and you feel the energy from the crowd as it surges throughout the venue and there, standing before you, is a legend - at least to the Latin community - and he starts playing classic tunes from his previously popular band, then everyone is on their feet banging away and you have no choice but to join them.... you can only feel this way at the main event. The saving grace of the evening and the reason why we paid $26-$28 to see this show, Max Cavalera and the Soulfly crew did not disappoint, jamming out songs from Soulfly's latest effort, Conquer, such as show opener "Blood Fire War Hate" and "Unleash" (the latter being with Incite's Richie Cavalera filling in for Dave Peters) as well as an abridged set (from 17 to only 9 songs) from Sepultura faves like "Roots Bloody Roots" and "Refuse/Resist" to Soulfly gems like "Seek 'n' Strike," "Back to the Primitive," "Babylon," and closing the show out with "Eye for an Eye."
BEST MOMENT OF THE EVENING - A entertaining jam session with drums and oil cans ensued as every drummer from the previous bands, and members of Soulfly, played to a specific drum beat that was quite amusing and proved to be a highlight of the night. Even my show-buddy, who name I don't even remember, got to go up onstage and jam on Max's oil can. Lucky bastard! At least Max personally handed me his guitar pick.... again! (The same thing happened at Infliktour.)
I had my fedora hat on throughout the first three sets, a good indiction of the lack of energy from the crowd (no crowd surfers or heavy mosh-pits, for example), but that all changed with the first Soulfly song. There is something about Max Cavalera that makes the crowd go nuts. There is something honest and painful in the way he sings and somehow that connects with the crowd of eager Hispanics and faux Brazilians. And while the throng of spics did manage to behave themselves, it wouldn't be a good show without a few unruly douchebags to kickyou in the head and knock off your hat. Either way, Soulfly managed to save the show, despite gripes from the crowd over the short set and no time for an encore. Set Grade: B+
AFTER THE SHOW - I had quite the adventure with some of the characters from the show. Incite's portly drummer Zak Sofaly and his "infinite wisdom" tried to tell me how he felt about my site, www.heavymetalnation.com, and that he didn't really dig it. Fine, it is his opinion, but it became clear that he missed the point, and the humor, behind its creation and came off like a slobbering dog with nothing positive to say other than I was being mean, despite getting a decent rating. Looks like the hobbit needs his ego stroked. On the other hand, I received some diplomatic and far more intelligible comments from his bandmates, bassist Luis Marrufo and guitarist Dis, who don't seem to mind my reporting (some might say trashing) of others. They seem to see the humor of it and even like it, as it bears no relevance as to who they are and what they are capable of. Sofaly should change his name to "Sofullofshit." But, of course, he would fail to see the humor in that.
Chatting with Bleed the Sky's Justin and Austin was fun. I was especially taken by Justin candid words. He wants Bleed the Sky to be "the Beatles" and he wants his music to reach people. He enjoys getting free beer, even though he doesn't get paid much. He has to ride in a dingy, cramped van with other people than ride on a luxury bus like Incite (it pays to have a relative in Soulfly) get to do. There is something sad in his voice when Justin tells me this, as he knows that Bleed the Sky will never be as big as the Beatles, yet he hopes to at least headline a tour one day. Austin is a bit more playful, as I play him Slayer's upcoming track "Psychopathy Red." Rather than tell me his hopes and dreams, he is more about living in the here and now and is along for the ride for as long as it goes.
Later on in the evening, Bobby Burns, who looks like a tattooed twin of Poison's Rikki Rockett, is a friendly and fun-loving dude who chats with a small group of show-buddies about nothing special. To me, Burns looks like he should be playing for some screwball emo/screamo group rather than a band as gifted as Soulfly. But that's just based on looks, not on his abilities as a bassist, which are actually pretty good. And though drummer Joe Nunez and guitarist Marc Rizzo beat a hasty retreat to the hotel, I did get a chance to meet and speak with Max Cavalera. I saw his wife/manager Gloria throwing out the trash and wanted to get a picture with her. I found her to be cold, quiet, dull and boring but at least she did pose in the picture with me and eventually got Max to come out and greet me and my show-buddies.
Max, despite ripping his vocals to shreds, was kind and gracious in a whispered voice. He signed everyone's autographs and took pics, and regaled us with a story of how Limp Bizkit's Fred Durst, nu-metal's resident idiot, burned many bridges and ultimately fucked up his and the band's career. He talked about scenes from the film "City of Man" and how movies like that affect him. Without security to interfere, I told Max that my brother and I reunited after years of being apart, much like how he and his douchebag little brother Iggor had been. Max proves why he is one of the most respected people in metal today. His graciousness offstage and brutal performances onstage balance each other out, and it's why so many fans - especially the Latinos - respond to him so well, because he's just like them. Humble and simple. Show Grade: B
SHIT LIST (Where Douchebags Come to Play)
ZAK "SoFullAShit" SOFALY
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