Wednesday, October 11. 2006
Wrath
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
http://www.myspace.com/wrathsite
Wrath Concert Photos
Hattrix (Racine, Wi.)
also: 2-West, Lazarus
When I did my first concert review, I got all excited looking at the line up. I was going to see Tracii Guns personally, but I had seen both of his openers- or so I thought. It wasn't the band I was expecting, but that Wrath wasn't so bad either. The band I saw has since changed its name to Conniption. This time I was seeing the Wrath I remembered from days of old.
I usually make it a point NOT to listen to new bands. I let their live show tell me about them. It may be backwards, but hey, it's how I had found my favorite bands. I'll tell you, I love Pantera, but I never loved their recordings. Might explain why I saw them around fifteen times. I like my music live. That's just me.
I also try not to let on that I'm reviewing a show. Bands know SOMEONE is there, but I don't want them to know who that someone is 'til after they're done. I don't know why I do this, but in my insane brain it works. I blew it. Met a nice guy before the show, my Club Kingsnake shirt did it. Got to talking and realized we knew a few of the same people including Auggie (who breeds bloods) the guy who designed his tattoo. Turned out to be John, the new singer of Wrath. Cover blown, oh well.
Continue reading "Concert Review: Wrath at Hattrix, Racine WI"
Thursday, September 21. 2006
Bradford Beach Club
Milwaukee WI
Saturday September 9th 2006
An Eternal Farewell
40 oz. Fist
New Society of Anarchists
Ahhh the pleasure of this "job" is unless I am being sent somewhere, I get to pick and choose where I go. So when I hit The Exclusive Company for CDs, I check the fliers. I came across one for a hardcore show. Hot damn, people are still making that stuff? Well, the reason I happened to go to this show was primarily because of the recommendation of one man. A man I met briefly in 2003. A man who is a living legend. A man named Billy Milano (See my bio for my brief encounter with Billy). Anyhoo Billy said it was good. I followed his lead. It's been ages since I have seen a good hardcore band and damned if I was going to pass up this chance. There were several bands playing, one had to be good. Off to MySpace to check out and see what I was looking at. The show got a two hour late start, so we did miss one band.
Been a very long time since I have even seen a show at the BBC. And that was a mid-evening show of a friends band. BBC has remodeled some. They have a nice set up in the upper level for shows now. Small yes, but hell, its a great place to get a start and get a following. And for the most part it sounds a helluva lot better than some places.
First up is a group of younger kids in a band called An Eternal Farewell. Self described as "Brew City Mosh Core," they sound somewhat Pantera-esque. They are having their second show of the day (first being a pig roast) and it's their third show with their new bassist. Not bad over all, the singer really got into it, and the band as a whole is a very high energy group. A little thrash, a dash of some hardcore sounds, a splash of death in the vocals at times. A very nice mix.
This is where it gets hard to describe. Hardcore is a hard thing to explain. The sound is definitive. Angry, hostile, forceful, and glorious all at once. You need to scream for hardcore. You need some anger somewhere in your soul. But you need to also have some talent. It's a very working class guy type of music (or in my case working class broad). It's a mix of punk, thrash, speed, and hostility. It works the aggression out of your soul and you leave a show pumped up. Then you get home and you have a Zen-like relaxation. Ok, maybe its just me. But that's why I've always liked hardcore. Music to work your anger out on. I have music for moods. Hardcore is my aggression killer. It helps me work it out.
40 oz Fist was pretty darned cool with the dual vocalists. One high and one low. I really did enjoy the dueling vocalists, gave them something different to entertain me with. A six-piece band from Milwaukee, that is something that is a standout. This is hardcore. Almost had a big guy fall in my lap running up to the window sill from the pit. Tables knocked over. Small crowd, but they were into it. A few songs the guys did were "Lesser of Two Evils," "What's Yours is Mine," "Come Get Some," and "Break Free."
Now for the band we actually planned on seeing. I tried very hard not to get to know them or any other band playing. I wanted to go in with no impressions and have the bands make them on me. New Society of Anarchists has been said to be true hard,core by Milano. Well if you remember the old school hardcore, this is the best way to say what this is. I was really taken by the bassist's Zakk playing. It almost has a slap funk undertone. To kinda explain what I heard, if I mention a bassist's playing think Robert Trujillio in his ST/Infectious Days. Robert is my bass GOD and if I mention a bassist the sounds are much along these same lines. The bass was very ST Style. A few songs played, "Conviction," "The Few, The Proud, The Brutal," "Gang Mentality." This is what I remembered hardcore being, and I can honestly say I'm eagerly awaiting writing a review of their upcoming CD For the Forgotten.
I'm glad I found hardcore is still going. While other shows have mosh pits, I've seen that hardcore shows are the only shows where in the pit you can punch someone in the face and get up and then hug that person. Hardcore pits are the only ones I ever avoided.
Monday, September 11. 2006
The truly sad part of this review is, this is what I consider a new band. Their last recording was in 2004. But hell, that was two years ago. And that was a major release. Their first was an EP in 2001. That was five years ago. This isn't a new band by any means. So it is mildly sad that it took me until this spring to find the band. Once again, thank gawd for Sirius. This is NOT a band you would hear on a regular radio station. And since well we don't really have a heavier music station here in Milwaukee anymore,I would have never heard them. They are trying to sell their music to fans, not advertisers. Looks like I have to track back in time and get the other CD now.
Unearth are heavier in the vocals than you would expect hearing the guitars. Guitar-wise, they remind me of Maiden. Remember a time when the guitars told the stories? You actually hear harmonies in this stuff. The vocals are raw and guttural, but not the chunk growl with death metal. Almost thrash vocals that are kinda like Phil Anselmo. The drums come hard and fast and brutal and at times almost march like. The drums on this band will be the thing to drive the pit at a show, not the guitars.
Lyrically it seems like a lot of inner searching was almost put into them. Also reflection on politics, which is always a long standing metal theme. From "So It Goes":
Take us back - reawake
Take us back - erase the wrongs that plague us
Reawake - rewrite the page that changed me
Take us back - to the times of cherished past
Seems almost as if major life hell came down on the band as a whole when writing lyrics like that. Then again, I could be over thinking things. Reading too much into the picture. However I like to think the words have a little meaning to them. The song " This Time Was Mine" is about a family member of Trevor Phipps who was dying and the issues surrounding it and how it affected everyone involved. I love when lyrically, you get a piece of the people. Personal touch to the music is a great thing.
Fave Tracks
"This Glorious Nightmare" - chorus kicks hiney
"March of the Mutes"
"Imposter's Kingdom"
BTW Don't forget, Unearth Ozz Fest shots are in the photo gallery. :)
Friday, September 1. 2006
Eagerly anticipated by me (and that's all that matters!), this is the evilest band I know of. While I am mildly disappointed that neither Slayer or Deicide were able to manage a release on 6/6/6, I'm damned glad they didn't make me wait too long.
Glenn Benton, the only person to actually frighten me, has not really mellowed with age one bit. Deicide is one of the true forbearers of death metal as we know it today. From the Florida underground many years ago, to world wide dominance. Honestly, this is the most melodic and clean recording by the band I've heard. Recent additions to the band of guitarists Jack Owen (ex-Cannibal Corpse) and Ralph Santolla (ex-Iced Earth/Death) are probably responsible for this. While Cannibal is death metal in the truest sense, Iced Earth is a whole different ball game and seems to have brought a different, cleaner feel to the music. Glenn's vocals seem far less forced than in previous years, and have a stronger force behind them. Almost a relaxed feel. It is still the Benton growl, but seems to have something more almost aged or mellowed, but those aren't good words. Almost that his voice has become perfection. Critics of death metal say they can't understand the lyrics. While there are some bands that, yes I agree that is an issue, I have never seemed to have a problem with Benton. Steve Asheim on drums has the heart pounding speed and double bass going that is a true death metal staple.
Lyrically it is what you would expect from Deicide. Heavy satanic influences in every song. From title track "Stench of Redemption":
Bow to a God I will never want,
Look him in the face as I taste his blood..
Fall to my knees and forget myself..
Rot with disgust and no dignity..
Enemy of me you will always be...
This is death metal at its purest form. The originators. Age has not taken their edge of in the least. While some bands talk the talk of Satanism for giggles and sales, I truly suspect Benton practices what he preaches.
While the turmoil in change of guitarist is always tragic, I think the new members really make this album great. Who would have ever thought I would say "Hey the new Deicide is really freaking good. So melodic!" Honestly not me, let alone anyone else. The solos on the album really seem to give the band a new car type of feel. Fresh and clean and all brand spanking new. While I can't replace my fav Deicide, (not quite ready to give up old loves babe) I have to say this may replace Legion in my regular play.
My only true bitch is that this album is too damned short. Song length is about 4 minutes each song and it seems to be over as soon as it starts. Short of that little issue, this is the reason I listen to death metal. And this reason seems aged to perfection.
Fav Tracks:
Black Night
Not of this Earth
Monday, August 28. 2006
Former Napalm Death guitarist Jesse Pintado passed away this weekend due to complications from a diabetic coma.
Pintado, best know for his time spent with Napalm Death, recently had reunited with the band Terrorizer, of which he was one of the founding members. Known best for his grind core sound, Jesse was a phenomenal guitarist. Jesse is credited with being one of the first people to use the term "grind core."
He spent fifteen years (1989-2004) with Napalm after replacing guitarist Bill Steer. He also played with the band Lock Up for a short time as well. After leaving Napalm for personal reasons, he reunited with Terrorizer. Jesse's final recording Darker Days Ahead was released last week.
One of Jesse's last interviews can be read here
Sounds of the Underground. August 4, 2006. The Rave, Milwaukee WI
Through the Eyes of the Dead
Evergreen Terrace
Chariot
Behemoth
The Black Dahlia Murder
Terror
Gwar
Cannibal Corpse
Trivium
Machine Head
In Flames
As I Lay Dying
PART TWO
This is part two of a three part segment. Imagine how HUGE this would be if bands actually played long sets!
Behemoth, a crowd fav and a recent find of mine (thank gawd for Hard Attack). For some reason I can't read a darned thing I wrote on these guys (maybe it's because I have been waiting to board a plane for over an hour) but I must say I really love this band. I mean you may have fear when you hear the words Polish and black metal in same sentence, however, this trio has the look, the attitude, and the sound. And really, the Europeans do wonders with the black metal genre. (And I have a weakness for a European man in makeup.) They were definitely a crowd fav and show signs of being major up and comers.
One thing I really liked: My job here is to basically watch and give opinions. I tend to stand to the side now, watch the show, watch the pit, watch the crowd, and take notes. What I saw from this band was total respect for fans. While he had just finished a set and was assisting to pack their gear, a kid kept calling to Nergal. Rather than just blow the kid off, he stopped and took five minutes to talk with this kid. While they are not superstars to the level of some of the bands, they are fairly well known. I have seen local bar bands treat fans worse, and, well, the fans pay your bills. Props to Nergal for looking out for the kids.
The Black Dahlia Murder seems almost more death lite or thrash. High screaming vocals that make the hackles rise, while deep growls add a balance. I say they are more thrash or speed than death because they seemed to lack the darkness needed with death. That isn’t a bad thing, because variety at these shows is the true beauty. Once again this was one of the bands that seemed to get lost. The vocals and drums really seemed to overpower the guitars, which is what impressed me most with the songs I had heard so far. One thing I do have to say, seriously, is the Rave can kill some bands. This would be one of the bands it did that to. That's what CDs are for. I would really like to see them at a different venue. I know their quality was affected by the Rave.
Terror is what a hardcore band is supposed to be: angry, strong and, well, hard. This is music that reminds me so very much of old skool skater thrash it just put a smile on my face. It was also the first time of the day that I wanted nothing more than to run into the pit and throw some fists. Part of the Trustkill stable, these guys are a band I intend on spending a bit more time getting to know. We cut our time with them short to get the rubber on the camera, and that was disappointing.
The reason for the rubber of course was GWAR! Its been many years since I last saw GWAR, and I think time has slowed them a bit. Their work at world domination is taking on a slower, almost cleaner pace, however as you can see it still involves plenty of gore. Perhaps the best set up idea this location afforded was to end the Rave shows with Gwar and start the ballroom nice and clean. However the smaller stage seemed to detract from the usual insanity of the band and made seeing them a tad harder. The Nazi Pope was great fun and I think Brian got his best photo of that. The Giant Worm will be further fueled August 29 with the new album
On to the upstairs for the headlining bands of the evening. While I know many people were happy to see Cannibal early on, it was hard for me. Thinking about death, disembowelment and decapitation with the sun still shining takes a little bit of the fun out of it. This was my first show since Chris Barnes left the band, and if you have read my posts, you know he is one of my favorite death metal vocalists. It also is never a good thing, then again it could be, when the stretcher comes out BEFORE the band even starts. The natives were getting restless. They sounded phenomenal live. Even the shitty acoustics in the ball room could not ruin them. In fact out of the nine or so times I have seen them, this was probably the tightest sounding they've been. “Make Them Suffer� and wonderfully my fav “Hammer Smashed Face� were among the songs played. And as much as I hate to admit it, the new Cannibal is the best incarnation yet. Cannibal will always be the greatest death gore metal band ever.
Thursday, August 24. 2006
Sounds of the Underground
August 4, 2006
The Rave, Milwaukee WI
Through the Eyes of the Dead
Evergreen Terrace
Chariot
Behemoth
The Black Dalia Murder
Terror
Gwar
Cannibal Corpse
Trivium
Machine Head
In Flames
As I Lay Dying
As I sit here at 2 pm on a Friday afternoon, I am feeling damned old. Short of a small handful of diehards, I actually can watch what exactly I was 15 years ago. I see some of the old skool folks hanging in the pit, but they are a mere handful. In some cases, such as my brother Raoul who ran many a pit with me in the old days, they have flipped to the dark side, known as the Evil Security Folks. Speaking of that, this is an advantage for us attending. Security who actually likes the music is more fan friendly. Respect those guys, because you could be missing some great moments if you cross them. I also must say I enjoy seeing more girls getting into the heavier music. Back in the day, that was usually reserved for girlfriends and the rare hard core girl. Now it is a little different story.
While the sound quality of the Rave Ballroom is worse than a digested Bull Snake meal, the location is almost perfect for a show like this. The Rave itself has the ability to hold as many as five stages. The huge Ballroom has horrendous sound, but, well, hell, it used to be a basketball court. The Rave Bar, is just that, a small bar stage. The Rave, which in the old days was the President's Room doesn’t actually sound bad but seeing a damn thing from the floor sucks. The Rave Basement used to actually be a bowling alley and is my favorite room to watch a show here. There is also a space that they can put up a side stage for smaller things. At this show, along with the bar stage, local bands were playing to crowds of 20, and in between shows I caught a few songs here and there, and it sounded like I really need to see more of our smaller bands. The Basement was a metalhead's shopping mall with swag and releases from all the bands and labels represented. Free samplers and autograph sessions also were to be found here. I must say I, as well as other fans, was very disappointed when this area closed before As I Lay Dying even started. I did intend on getting a new shirt, but I spose, honestly, how many Cannibal Corpse t-shirts does one need? There are only so many places you can wear a dismembered body shirt and the office is not one of them.
Upon entering the show, everyone got a little yellow sheet of paper. I just had to save this because damn it made me laugh. Let’s just say apparently while this was not entirely enforced by security, and it was more of a guideline than a rule, NO MOSHING OR BODY PASSING IS ALLOWED AT THE RAVE ANY MORE. AND THIS MEANS YOU TOO BUB! Still gives me a chuckle, but my guess is someone felt the need to ruin yet another fun thing in life by suing someone. The exact wording was Due to recent insurance regulations, The Rave has adopted a policy of NO MOSHING OR BODY PASSING. For your safety and the safety of other Rave customers you will be ejected from the premises with no chance of reentry if you are caught moshing or being body passed.
One last thing, just in case any bands are reading this. Especially the new younger acts. People are in a place where they are getting to know your work, and some venues have worse sound than others. While it is uber cool and evil to growl to the audience, sometimes things get lost in translation. Speak and shout, but leave the growling til you hit the big time baby. Let the fans get to know you. Then go truly evil.
The first band we caught (and it was the end of the show) was Through the Eyes of the Dead. Their music was great, nice fast machine gun drums. The singer however didn’t flip my switch. It was almost as if he was trying too hard to be truly evil. For some reason even though we were on time (early in fact) the show started earlier than the schedule. Must be run on Ozz Fest time.
Evergreen Terrace was up next. Young, bouncy and energetic, these guys were definitely fun to watch. In the beginning I would have described them as death metal lite. Their heavier stuff was kinda lost in the Rave, but some of their songs were music to commit mass murder by. Jason Voorhees would have done wonders with these songs.
The Chariot was a mess in a good way. I am definitely going to be checking these boys out soon. They started with total chaos, transitioning into a very slow grind core sound. I really kept waiting for and craving the speed. When they started to hit some speed, there was almost an industrial feel to it (but with a banjo) that really made them stand out in my mind. I really like the cacophony of sounds and styles these guys had to offer. The singer, Josh Scogin, definitely fares better here than with previous band Norma Jean, one of the just OK bands from Ozz Fest.
Monday, August 21. 2006
There are few bands that really make political statements so perfectly, and Slayer has always been one that really hides it perfectly in their lyrics and makes you eventually start to listen and think.
The long-awaited release from Slayer proves that while they may have been around for a long time, they are still one of the strongest bands out there. Being an old fart (well sort of) Slayer is one of my top bands. Add to it that Kerry keeps snakes, and we have a winner. But I digress.
Some of the songs are a tad slower than in the past, however, no less powerful. It is wonderful to have the gang back together. It is also to know that thrash metal still lives in its most perfect form. This album is also one of the most protested ones they have put out in a while. I actually heard of churches planning on going out and visiting record stores in Wisconsin to save the hordes of Slayer fans from losing their souls. Thankfully I pre-ordered my CD with a new Wermacht shirt. The old shirt is in storage now as I can not longer wash it without it falling apart. But once again my brain is straying.
In my opinion, "Catalyst" is lyrically the best Slayer song ever written. Of course that is because I closely associate with the words.
Attitude is my addiction
I live life with no regrets
Unlike you it's my conviction
That sets me apart from the rest
Then again the words speak of how I live my life exactly. Never look back and never have regrets.
"Jihad" is another great song. It has the lovely slow grind that is almost a Slayer trademark. Even without Tom's vocals I could easily know it was Slayer. "Cult," the first single, is another phenomenal classic song. My only complaint with the entire CD, in fact, is the very beginning intro to "Skeleton Christ" is kinda cheesy, however, the song on a whole is fantastic.
Slayer, dark as ever, does not disappoint. Heavy on themes and lyrics that make you think, it left one person I know asking "What did God ever do to them." If nothing more than inspiring a great album, I'm not complaining.
Lastly, as in the past, Larry Carroll did a great job on the cover art.
Fav Songs:
Catalyst
Cult
Jihad
Saturday, August 5. 2006
Ok heres the short of it.
If you missed this tour, you basically suck. This is a damn fine bill and I would be sorry had I missed it. I have about 15 pages of notes from this show and Hedgpeth Day 2 (which had the headliner being Primus with their ONLY 2006 show so far) has another 10 or so pages. Also over 500 pictures to weed through.
So here is the review of SOTU in short form. It rocked. And since I am dead on my feets, here are a few pics. I will do my damnedest to get the rest of them up before the Daytona show, but I am making NO promises. It's all up to how well my Photoshop likes me.
Tuesday, July 25. 2006
Ozz Fest (Second Stage)
http://www.ozzfest.com/
Saturday July 22, 2006
(Apple Valley, Wi)
Ozz Fest Tour Schedule
Tattoos and body piercing, chronic candy, painted breasts (no free photos people), choppers, free cigarettes and condoms, $6 water. This is Ozz Fest.
Make sure when attending to leave enough time (and money) to play in the Village of the Damned. Lots of fun stuff to do. Tattoos for the true hard core folks and body painting for the kiddies (or the exhibitionists). I totally loved the free condoms. Safe sex is a good thing and Trojan was there supporting the cause. One thing to take a little extra time (and leave a few bucks behind) to check out the Dimebag tribute. For those who haven't figured it out yet, I am still a huge Dime Mark. " A Guitar Art Tribute to Dimebag Darrell Abbott" was AMAZING. Paul Booth designed the sickest guitar I have ever seen. Truly amazing. Charlie Benante's was totally Dime and James Hetfield's was cheesy, but very cool.
My brain is still waking up. It is 8:30 AM and well it doesn't work well that early. I must say as well at the start that this show ran on a strict schedule and boy did they manage to not only stick to it, but gain speed as it went.
Second Stage, the proving grounds. The place where bands play for free to earn a chance to be the next big thing. The judges are harsher than Simon Cowell on a bad hair day. The judges will actually propel these bands to fame, or force them to be lost in the mix. One peice of advice from this judge, talk to the audience. No matter how cool it is to growl your intros, song titles, names, etc, it is much easier for someone to remember the spoken rather than the growled word.
BTW, while you see some pictures here, check the photo gallery for the full set.
We missed "seeing" The Red Chord and Strapping Young Lad. Both bands sounded pretty spiff from where we were, however due to the early hour and a slight delay with the arrival of our tix we didn't make it in at the start. The smaller acts played for approximately 20 minutes. While I didn't catch all the song titles, I have a few, most of which you can hear samples on their websites. Many of these bands were new to me, so this was a great place to sample and choose.
Finally got in to see what was happening in the middle of Between The Buried And Me. Heard two of their songs. There was some nice switching between the melodic and the guttural growls in the vocals. No song titles folks. That's what happens when you come late to the party.
Before I get into the next band, I just want to say that girls just fucking RULE! This next band proves it. Most of the bands were new to me and this was one of them. However I fully intend on catching up with this band. The band's name is Walls of Jericho and the girl's name is Candace Kucsulain and she rocks! In line for the first of my many $6 waters, I heard the band intro and then I heard the voice. I turned around and there was a little pixie of a girl RIPPING out of the gutter hard core demon voices. For years we heard us girls couldn't be hard core. We couldn't really LIKE the music. We just liked the guys (I always said it was an added benefit). She proves we are the music.
"Through the Eyes of a Dreamer" rocked. They closed with "A Little Piece of Me". Both songs are off their 2004 release All Hail the Dead. They have a new album out August 22 called With Devils Among Us, so expect a review.
The band that almost wasn't there, Full Blown Chaos, had a recent accident with their RV. It was totaled along with their trailer but with folks on the tour offering space to the band they have the chance to continue. Live Ray Mazzola, the singer, seemed to do the cookie monster growling, however he sounds much cleaner on recordings. Could be the road, the stress and all that shit. The double bass with this band is heavier than all hell. The song "Solemn Promise" is a touching tribute to Ray's mother and her struggles with cancer for the past ten years. Very heartfelt and dedicated to all those who have had struggles that try to bring them down. They closed with "Wake the Demons." Their new album titled Within The Grasp of Titans was just released on July 11. Check out some of their teasers on their My Space page. "Solemn Promise" is one of the teasers.
Bad Acid Trip describes themselves as "Energetic Bursts of Psychopathic Energy." They look like an old school straight edge band. Listening to them, I got the feel of definite Primus influences. A little bit funky, and whole lotta hardcore. Kinda like a carnival ride straight to hell. If you are getting the feeling that this was my new big find of the day you are very right. This is the kind of band I paid big money to find at Metal Fests back in the day.
A high energy band on stage, the props have got to go to vocalist Dirk Rogers for the most laughs earned. A true smart ass and someone who laughs his way through life (or so it seems) he holds the honor for the BEST quote of the day. You can be straight edge, but you can still smile. I'm still not sure this is the song title, but hell, its how he introduced the song. He dedicated it to all the posers out there and it was called "Please Don't Hurt Me." They also played a new song called "Black Metal."
to be continued...
Saturday, July 15. 2006
As we were getting our anniversary tattoos, I got to thinking (while my husband was getting his) how many of our members have tattoos of something music related. I have plans to get the brick ST for Suicidal somewhere eventually. I will always be Suicidal for LIFE! My husband was getting Primus' Skeeter tattooed on his forearm.
Metal, I have always said, is more than just a genre of music, but also a lifestyle for most fans. When we really love a band, we show our love. We want the world to know as well.
Show us your band ink in the photo gallery. I know there are some of you with it! Be Proud and show it.
BTW for those interested, my tattoos were my dogs paw-prints to start my back piece. I may be a reptile lover, but I also love my Bullies. Nothing totally rock 'n roll, but something special to my heart. Which is the true value behind anyone's ink. Pete at Altered Evolution did a great job on our work and boy do I have plans for him.
Thursday, July 13. 2006
SIGH. This is hard. How does one effectively review Gwar? How do you explain what you see without offending at LEAST one person? How exactly does one explain Gwar?
I laughed, I cried, and I twitched. I did enjoy this video. That's the easy part. The anal sex with a sword clip set to music and fart sounds is just plain fun. Most of this DVD is clips of shows set to song. There are skits, bootlegs, and lost demo recordings. There is a talk show set up with Oderus Urungus and Sleazy P. Martini. They chat and review and critique the clips.
Decapitation, evisceration, wrestling, slaves, giant penises, and orgasmic pleasure await those who purchase. It is shot and organized in almost a Troma Film manner. Watching this and thinking back, I wonder why my father even let me go to the shows when I was a kid. I also am reminded that this is the ONLY band that I try to stay as far away as possible from the stage. (Note for light blonde folks, the blood will stain your hair).
Gwar's music is great, but how to describe something like this. Words fail me. I can tell you it is good. It is an metal opera of death, destruction, sex, and politics. It is tongue in cheek and if you don't have a sense of humor, don't waste your time.
I s'pose I can best put it by saying it is Classic Gwar at their greatest. Blood, guts and cum all used in the greatest battle of all. The battle to summon the World Maggot and defeat The Master.
Wednesday, July 12. 2006
Syd Barrett, co-founder of the legendary rock band Pink Floyd, died this week. After he founded the band with Nick Mason, Roger Waters and Richard Wright in 1965, he left the group in 1968. He was involved in the writing and playing on both The Piper at the Gates of Dawn and A Saucerful of Secrets. He also is the person credited with naming the band, borrowing names from the bluesmen Pink Anderson and Floyd Council. Barrett became heavily involved with psychedelic drugs, and it's believed that mental illness, aggravated by heavy LSD use, was the main reason for his leaving the band. Barrett was replaced by David Gilmour. He went on to produce two solo albums The Madcap Laughs and Barrett (both released in 1970) before withdrawing completely from public life. Opel, released in 1988, was his final music release. It consisted of previously unreleased material.
It is believed that Pink Floyd songs "Brain Damage" and "Shine on You Crazy Diamond," as well as the album Wish You Were Here, were Pink Floyd tributes to their fallen band mate. David Bowie recorded a cover of "See Emily Play.". Bowie named Barrett as a major influence in his song writing.
Barrett reverted to his given name of Roger Barrett and lived a quiet life in his hometown of Cambridge, England, for a little over 30 years. While no cause of death has been given, it is believed that he succumbed to complications relating to diabetes. A spokewoman for Pink Floyd said a small, private funeral would be held.
Monday, July 10. 2006
Slayer
Hometown: Huntingon Park, CA
Friday July 7, 2006
The Rave Ballroom
also: Thine Eyes Bleed, Children Of Bodom, Mastodon, Lamb Of God
Unholy Alliance Tour
Maybe I should start the story at the beginning. The Rave NEVER sells out. EVER. Period. They just keep packing in bodies until no one can move. Seen it a MILLION times. To avoid massive ticketmaster charges we always get our tickets at the box office the day before. Well, the day before, the truck was in the shop, the first shift girl called in sick at the job that pays the bills, and I was running around like a chicken with her head cut off. Never made it. Email Thursday night tells me that I not only did not win the Slayer guitar in The Rave's contest, but our plans for celebrating our third wedding anniversary with Slayer (for those who do not know, slayer lyrics were written in our vows, "Dead Skin Mask") had died. A couple of depressed emails went out to folks. Friday morning. First shift girl called in sick, full time needs me. Working part time, in a bad mood, rescheduled tattoo appointments, shitty day. But get home from work, see an email. A darling friend told me to hang tight. 5 PM hope is lost and then there is a phone call. "There are tix waiting at the box office will call window in your name." The shining light in a day shot to hell. I did underestimate the power of SLAYER. I was wrong and after 20 years of listening to them, I should have known that the show would have sold out. I'm just glad I have friends.
We were late. Naturally, with getting the tix at 5 no way to be on time. Not when a girl is involved. Gotta get the war face on. So I am vain. Deal.
First off, The Rave Ballroom sucks for sound. If you have never been there, you would think the band was off. Milwaukee crowds are great, but the sound sucks. We all know this, we accept it. The Ballroom was actually at one point a gym. Basketball games were played there. It's big and open with huge high ceilings and open alcoves. Sound sucks. A dixie cup of water is $3 and a dixie cup of beer is $6.
Mastodon was just finishing up their last song as we walked in. I'm just getting into Children of Bodom and the Rave was NOT the place to get further in. From their CDs I love them, but the Rave is just plain bad to get introduced to new bands. Had we gone downstairs to the Rave itself (the old presidents' room for you Milwaukee old fogies like me) it would have sounded better. You just can't see anything.
Lamb of God is a band that I have been into for a little while. They played a 30-40 minute set. And hell they had a midget on stage, that earns extra points! They are a nice show to watch. Very high energy. They played a decent selection of songs from their catalog. No I can't remember what they played. The last thing I thought of was my notebook when I was walking out the door. Some we can remember: "Now You've Got Something to Die For," "Laid To Rest," "Hourglass," and "As the Palaces Burn." One thing I have to say: LOG had the single best pit going at the Rave that I can remember. The pit was an old skool circle mosh. When a singer calls for an all floor circle mosh and the room listens, it is a beautiful thing. For those not there, imagine a basketball court sized mosh pit. It was lovely. Those on the sidelines watching it were all smiles. In the words of Nedley Mandico, it was hot.
Slayer is like heaven to my ears. While I can't remember the set list, I can remember most of the songs. Naturally they opened with "South Of Heaven" and closed with "Angel of Death." Songs played (not in this order): "Cult" (the new one), "Mandatory Suicide," "Dead Skin Mask," "Chemical Warfare," "God Hates Us All," "War Ensemble," "Raining Blood," "Blood Red," "Hell Awaits," and a shit load of others that I can't remember. I was disappointed not to hear 213 (being Milwaukee and all, they need to give us our props on good ole Jeffery). The show was great, Slayer may be getting older, but they move through the songs like butta. A smidge of a break that you barely notice. The inverted cross Marshall stack was pretty darn skippy and the laser show was noticed about half way. We were on the side of the stage so we missed most of the images on the big screen. I did however hear they are pretty disturbing at times. And contrary to what he said, it didn't seem like Tom was taking a break. Lastly it was great for me to see all four back together. If I remember correctly (and when trying to remember that is a BAD thing sometimes) I do not think Dave was with them last time. But I could be wrong.
Afterwards, with thanks to some friends, we got to see Kerry at the aftershow. It's been a long time since being back stage at the Rave. Memories of Dee Dee Ramone relieving himself in the stairwell, having a smoke with Dime, a beer with Chuck and Ice , and other good times came back. Sitting there, smelly and sweaty after the show, having a beer with Kerry was cool, but add to it talking snakes. Now that is good times. Mentioned I was going to have to write a review and damned if I was going to remember everything they played. Kerry told me just to say they were good. Well Mr. KFK, you are wrong. As always Slayer is just plain Fucking Insanity and a little Taste of Heaven on Earth. Slayer FUCKING RULES! See ya in Daytona Big Man! This was my at least my tenth time seeing them, and they never have disappointed me yet.
Now I am off to ice my old ass neck. While I skipped the pit because it is AWFULLY hard to explain a black eye as being a good time in an office situation, I didn't just sit there like a stump either. However I don't think the show was nearly loud enough because my ears aren't ringing. Or maybe that is early hearing loss setting in.
One last thing, Thank you K! You bailed me out girl! I owe ya!
Sunday, July 9. 2006
Buckcherry
Manufacturer:Eleven Seven Music
Released:11 April, 2006
When Buckcherry first came out I didn't want to like them. Yeah sure, in the past I partied pretty hard, but a mega hit song about cocaine? Come on now, that's just plain bad. Then I kept listening. I got Time Bomb. I got hooked.
To me Buckcherry is the glam of the new century. I hear a lot of things that remind me of bands like LA Guns, GNR, even Crue at times. They are a little rougher around the edges, but they are to me at least the New Glam Metal. They sing about sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll and they make it seem fun again.
"Crazy Bitch" is the first song I heard off of this on Bubba the Love Sponge's Show used as bumper music. So what if I am a bubba mark, I sure as hell wasn't going to hear this song OFF of satellite radio. And if I did, it wasn't going to be anywhere near as fun. Come on, a song about sex with a half crazed woman? Tell me that isn't glam. Unfortunately it is catchy as hell, and let me tell ya the folks at the grocery store give me dirty looks when the song gets stuck on repeat in my brain.
Everything is a sweet sounding song about basically a girl having a shit ass life. "Sorry" is the true glam love ballad. The apology song. "Carousel," a song about broken romance. "Brooklyn," a song about rock star life.
Sure there is no substance. Sure it's a whole lotta fluff. Sure it's catchy and will probably get some mainstream air play (can't tell ya for sure tho). But it's a damned fun CD. It's glam, but it's damned fun.
Song List
So Far
Next to you
Out Of Line
Carousel
Sorry
Crazy Bitch
Onset
Sunshine
Brooklyn
Broken Glass
Fave Songs
Crazy Bitch
Sorry
Broken Glass
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