tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53671855661200279382024-03-06T01:53:50.346-06:00Heavy Metal 107Home of the Happy Headbanger.
Heavy Metal & Hard Rock music: My humble opinions...headbanger_71369http://www.blogger.com/profile/16568028680952845512noreply@blogger.comBlogger401125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367185566120027938.post-13756664398423879552023-10-22T16:48:00.001-05:002023-10-22T16:48:53.332-05:00SLAYER- The Final Tour (5-25-18)<b><span style="color: cyan;">Post #399</span></b><br />
(this post is belated: half-composed immediately after the concert, but just finalized recently.)<br /><br /><b><a href="https://www.slayer.net/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Slayer</span></a></b> have been a cornerstone of metal since their inception. Along with being one of the 'Big Four' of Thrash metal, they are persistently cited as a major influence in nearly all extreme genres of metal, from thrash to death metal to hardcore, grindcore, black metal, etc...<br />
<br />As they announced they would do a Final Tour in 2018, I made it a priority to see this show if at all possible. They enlisted a top-notch opening lineup for this tour, making it even more irresistible. Anthrax, Behemoth and Lamb of God rounded out the lineup.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lambgoat.com/news/29427/slayer-announces-dates-for-final-north-america-tour/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="600" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAGBas5EBbeUbxtDtC4hfQ7Anqbd71EzvNa6FrKmib3Il15dQnHLqlpe8b29ar6MjRuwuZ6rEiz-3SDaul2xajmrFTnbNNusbHbXmAkKfx0CXb9LYtI_HFEH4E7-olDxTEorEOQCqt3zVQqBxe_EMDSGSzH-x-Bqq2kXMvJhRbZgt91yhAtGr0PnE3X6M/w400-h210/fjUqw9S.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><div><br /></div><div>I regret that I missed Anthrax as the first opener, due to traffic and parking delays. Still, I will include their setlist below, and perhaps check out some videos from this tour to get a feel for their stage presence, and the performance I missed.</div><div><br /></div><div>Behemoth were halfway through their set before I made it to my seat, unfortunately. I'll include their setlist below, but suffice to say, they put on a powerful setlist filled with demonic themes.</div><div><br /></div><div>Lamb of God were up next. They killed it with a short set of their fan-favorite concert staple tracks. Their newest album at this time was <i><a href="https://lamb-of-god.lnk.to/SturmUndDrang" target="_blank">Lamb of God VII: Sturm und Drang</a>.</i> Again, I'll include their setlist below.</div><div><br /></div><div>But before long it was time for Slayer themselves. The crowd was almost electric with anticipation, and then their intro began to play. Their stage set up was a vision of the apocalypse itself. With their opening number "Repentless", the stage seemed to erupt in flames! </div><div><br /></div><div>I had been to several Slayer shows, and the mostly incorporated pyrotechnics, but this time they were truly going for broke. It was such an adrenaline rush! From one classic to the next, their song selection did not disappoint the Slayer faithful. They even included a track from <a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/1Lod9yjwPMjDUlVJcsxaBf?go=1&sp_cid=7a9d11b2dbffa57454c53b8700a39d83&utm_source=embed_player_p&utm_medium=desktop&nd=1" target="_blank">Divine Intervention</a>: 'Dittohead'<br /><br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UyPAu78PVEM" width="560"></iframe> </div><div>If this was truly the end of Slayer as a touring and recording entity, it was a fitting send-off. A concert that Slayer fans will cherish as a final memory of one of thrash metal's true icons.<br /><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/slayer/2018/hollywood-casino-amphitheatre-tinley-park-il-33ed2871.html" target="_blank">Setlist</a>:<br />
-Delusions of Saviour (intro)</div><div>-Repentless</div><div>-Blood Red</div><div>-Disciple</div><div>-Mandatory Suicide</div><div>-Hate Worldwide</div><div>-War Ensemble</div><div>-Jihad</div><div>-When the Stillness Comes</div><div>-Postmortem</div><div>-Black Magic</div><div>-Payback</div><div>-Seasons In The Abyss</div><div>-Dittohead</div><div>-Dead Skin Mask</div><div>-Hell Awaits</div><div>-South of Heaven</div><div>-Raining Blood</div><div>-Chemical Warfare</div><div>-Angel of Death</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/lamb-of-god/2018/hollywood-casino-amphitheatre-tinley-park-il-33ed2865.html" target="_blank">Lamb of God setlist</a>:</div><div>-Omerta</div><div>-Ruin</div><div>-Walk with Me in Hell</div><div>-Now You've Got Something to Die For</div><div>-512</div><div>-Engage the Fear Machine</div><div>-Blacken the Cursed Sun</div><div>-Laid to Rest</div><div>-Redneck</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/behemoth/2018/hollywood-casino-amphitheatre-tinley-park-il-2bed285e.html" target="_blank">Behemoth setlist</a>:</div><div>-Ov Fire and the Void</div><div>-Demigod</div><div>-Ora Pro Nobis Lucifer</div><div>-Wolves ov Siberia</div><div>-Chant for Eschaton 2000</div><div>-O Father O Satan O Sun!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/anthrax/2018/hollywood-casino-amphitheatre-tinley-park-il-2bed286a.html" target="_blank">Anthrax setlist</a>:</div><div>-Caught in a Mosh</div><div>-Got the Time</div><div>-I Am The Law</div><div>-Evil Twin</div><div>-Antisocial</div><div>-Indians</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>joelabeverleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079393159831763914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367185566120027938.post-58263254526378497422023-10-15T17:15:00.005-05:002024-02-25T21:53:07.763-06:00Mad With Power VI-Day 1 (2023) - Madison, WI<p><b><span style="color: #01ffff;"> Post #398</span></b></p><p>On August 18th, a Friday afternoon, I headed north to Wisconsin's Capitol to finally catch a festival of Power Metal I'd been looking forward to for years: <a href="https://madwithpowerfest.com/" target="_blank">Mad With Power VI</a>. This time, 2 bands I've been following were both scheduled to perform. I had seen them both for the 1st time back in 2011, at <a href="https://happyheadbanger.blogspot.com/2011/08/dame-nation-2011-concert-review-from.html" target="_blank">Dame-Nation III</a>: Shield of Wings and A Sound of Thunder. Unfortunately, just days before the show, A Sound of Thunder had to cancel due to injury. Still, I was hyped for this music fest, and wasn't going to miss it!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://madwithpowerfest.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlaazsFKZuU8r8KYZUqM36QHyXHL0l4Vg6m__9sZU7r45yBKCBqqDhzdTGKJF3z_vO1EXNuZdu3Ux6U8ogCeYd4ZHxIgEoNpwzz1u2bJsXIMiOKwMQLZDTlbuHb1mbTC1OtojrOAtCzIRpc7L0nxw8U08UHL_ALkydTc9ADc6QU9iAk8pHVLE0s3PjbiU/s320/MADWITHPOWER-6.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">With travel time being a major constraint on a weekday (the drive to the venue would take me over 3 hours), I utilized the promoter's Livestream on Twitch to enjoy the first couple bands of the evening. While I was only able to listen, my daughter got to enjoy the video feed as well. The opening act was my longtime favorite: Shield of Wings.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://shieldofwings.com/" target="_blank">Shield of Wings</a> are Chicago's answer for symphonic metal, and I feel with each passing show they prove they truly hold their own. I feel like their opening performance set a very high bar for all the acts to follow. The crowd was pumped, and into their captivating performance from the first note to the last measure of their set. Shield of Wings delivered a stunning performance of many of the best tracks from their new album '<a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/0eseQXbEw7IZc5wiFcFfdG" target="_blank">Unfinished</a>'. They even included a cover from The Elden Ring video game soundtrack! While I heard it, and caught glimpses when I stopped at red lights on my journey, it all just made me wish I could be there in the venue with them. In time, another opportunity will present itself. But for now, I leave you with their setlist...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Cedar</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Native Colossus</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Breathing</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-The Final Battle (Elden Ring ST-cover)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Mind of Myth</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Wetland</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Sunfire Shower</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next up was <a href="https://greyhawkmetal.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Greyhawk</a>, a Seattle-based power metal band. They came out and immediately struck with soaring riffs, cascading lead guitar solos, and powerful vocals delivered with deep baritone and a force of will. Their tempos were fast and furious. their themes were medieval and fantastic. Again, I had to hear the majority of their set through the livestream, but we did manage to arrive just in time to hear their closing number. Their debut released in 2020, and they have a new single from 2022. Look for this band to release a 2nd album in the near future! Their setlist for Mad With Power VI...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Gates of Time</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Frozen Star</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Call of the Hawk</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Halls of Insanity</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Don't Wait for the Wizard</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Steelbound</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We took a few minutes to browse the merch, meet the members of Shield of Wings face-to-face. They were gracious enough to pose for photos with fans. Then we made our way back to the floor to prepare for the evening's literal surprise: what band would fill the vacant slot in the lineup?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The answer was <a href="https://seekerpearl.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Seeker Pearl</a>. Seeker Pearl are a Chicago-based heavy metal band blending elements of hardcore, ambient-metal, and come electronic elements. Vocally their singer delivered a lot of smooth melodies in the verses and often let it rip with screamed choruses. Their lead guitarist gave us some great guitar leads and solos here and there too. When they went heavy, they really hit hard! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/3LkMmjKUwEty9Ar4bQyt4Y" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="464" data-original-width="640" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDcJsuLvl4azNN439VWLa5uiEK7aRTgYSWXW0Q741JiY8zU6CmnOrgPkkSmDWmu8z3DqH2XRnpAP2SEn8N3VVZnxsGdCJkzuvjcQJQ825_strXMpwCpv2AZUadNCTLK0707wZVaaoEmRG2yzLUrTmJaiHmtUv5ly_-tN0Fa-tmA0D2PVrBOtGtcNP_C0o/s320/IMG_5671.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They seem to be the newest band of the entire lineup. Their earliest release on Spotify is from 2022. They seem to take a more modern approach to the art of recording, by releasing singles as they record them. Their artist page features several singles, but not full-length 'album' as of yet. Regardless, I will keep following them for new releases- singles, EPs, or full-length albums: whatever they choose to give us! Songs available to stream from their setlist are:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Tempest</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Ouroboros</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Shadow Machine</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Deja Vu</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-New Tide</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Oversoul</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next up was <a href="https://wilderun.com/home" target="_blank">Wilderun</a>- a Boston-area Progressive power metal band. They have been around since 2012, with their latest release being in 2022. Their compositions are epic in length, and span multiple genres as they incorporate symphonic elements, folk metal, power and death metal. If I would compare them to any band it may be Opeth. If their setlist seems brief, keep in mind that most of the songs they played are in the 8-10 minute rage!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Passenger</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Far from Where Dreams Unfurl</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-O Resolution!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Vaunting Veins</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The penultimate band of the evening was <a href="https://www.powergloveband.com/" target="_blank">Powerglove</a>. These guys changed things up and really gave the audience several laughs as their gimmick became evident as they took the stage: the played power-metal versions of video game theme songs! (and a couple cartoon soundtracks thrown in for good measure!) Some of their selections go WAAAY back! I'm talking Street Fighter, and the original Tetris! For each song, they also had a video element, displaying scenes from the video games or cartoons while that jammed out with ferocious intensity! The guitar solos were top-notch, and they even had perfectly timed sound effects! Their setlist:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Kraid's Lair</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Tetris</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Under the Sea</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Kirby</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Guile's Theme</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Age of Aggression</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Gotta Catch 'Em All</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Mario Minor</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally, it was time for the final band. <a href="https://www.sevenspiresband.com/" target="_blank">Seven Spires</a>. Another band from Boston, Seven Spires were the perfect headliner, Symphonic power metal with some death-metal and black-metal screams woven into different songs... They could swoon the audience with operatic vocal in one minute and devastate us with demonic screams the next. Musically their talent was superb: complex song structures, intense tempos, and soaring guitar solos to rival the likes of DragonForce. They were like Nightwish and Jinjer rolled into one.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/2lP1T5oI2BjkLq9axMhG2o" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="460" data-original-width="640" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kZO6ZfrFBjy1k9LfcMg4SXkdLnkIee5THKdueee13lpuUq25xs8Ax9raD40TPRgIL5WHyjawqLs4FTsyekeM8Ir7BMJXabZDWUCzXLJVPCCQjuE5Bf0BjulZhyphenhyphenVojnrh7E8cvCcIhEcFM397bzHjNg8Ju87SjJwhR2_yu2LaHrD6dXJNd8yiPd60eYg/s320/IMG_5688.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They are a relatively new band themselves, with their first album, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/7q4GOc5YbFqoTz1yKPXWKM" target="_blank">Solveig</a>, from 2017, and their latest- <a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/05D0XQGmTrcr20N396xvG3" target="_blank">Gods of Debauchery</a>, dropping in 2021. As a fan, I am so glad to see that they've made it to this side of the pandemic, and eagerly look forward to their next new album, whenever they can manage to release it. For now, I'll leave you with their setlist:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Gods of Debauchery</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Distant Lights</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Lightbringer</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Ghost of Yesterday</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Succumb</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Drowner of Worlds</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Bury You</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Gods Amongst Men</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Oceans of Time</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Echoes of Eternity</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Serenity</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Fall with Me</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Dreamchaser</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-With Love from the Other Side</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-The Trouble with Eternal Life</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-This God is Dead</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Through Lifetimes</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If your are a spotify user, check out this playlist, featuring all the setlists described here, in order:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://spotify.link/Hpzi69SgVDb&source=gmail&ust=1697478833276000&usg=AOvVaw1RyQuJB7eJSLGVogUn5tzH" href="https://spotify.link/Hpzi69SgVDb" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" target="_blank">https://spotify.link/<wbr></wbr>Hpzi69SgVDb</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you use a different music streaming service, try visiting <a href="http://www.tunemymusic.com">www.tunemymusic.com</a> to convert it to you music app of choice!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And lastly, if it is still available, you can watch the archived livestream of the whole show on the Twich.tv channel by <b>Lords of the Trident</b> here: <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/videos/1902334654">https://www.twitch.tv/videos/1902334654</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mad With Power VI was a 2-day music festival, and this was only the 1st day. I unfortunately could not attend the 2nd day, but again, the livestream should be available at the same Twitch channel. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Happy Headbanging!</div>joelabeverleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079393159831763914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367185566120027938.post-10209981860837698052023-08-17T22:16:00.003-05:002023-08-17T22:22:06.436-05:00Scorpions: The Early Years (1972-1977)<p><b><span style="color: #01ffff;"> Post #397</span></b></p><p><a href="https://www.the-scorpions.com/" target="_blank"><b>The Scorpions</b></a> are best known for their international hits released during the 1980's as part of the 'Hair-Metal' era of mainstream heavy metal. In fact, during this era many fans of their music, myself included, were unaware that they had several albums that pre-dated their Mercury Records 'debut' album <b>Lovedrive</b>. It was only about a decade later, in the mid 90's, when the internet provided a means of discovery for these early works by the Scorpions. Prior to that, you'd have to know a specialty retailer that sold 'imported' albums of international bands.</p><p>So, this post is intended for those more casual fans that may now be eager to discover this early era of the Scorpions. We'll go back to a time when they were not an established 'Hair Band', but rather a mid-'70's rock band exhibiting a different pallet of sounds and styles than they're known for today. Sometimes more bluesy, other times more psychedelic, and occasionally flirting with a progressive-rock vibe, the Scorpions were definitely more experimental in their formative years. Check out some of these tracks for the more vintage sound of <b>Scorpions!</b></p><p><b><a href="https://www.the-scorpions.com/album/lonesome-crow-2/" target="_blank">Lonesome Crow (1972)</a></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.the-scorpions.com/album/lonesome-crow-2/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL83zaByajuZkJSRTBZnIS-Y5X0QqiOF6QjKjCtcRSQadDEqBABsrM1_xE90q_wu7R1oIj0HIfbwb17tO7dUwM4SukMn9fPlXQ22DAoDOsRPlPiYHeWNsRSSNBmRJcJ4_vHjtKij92uUE5q90hRN6JroLAYiQhCqkZYs4WkKv3lbvYAjgRPR24WRS4/s1600/LonesomeCrow.jpeg" width="225" /></a></b></div><b><br /></b><p></p><p>-<a href="https://youtu.be/uVRCjxLnvb0" target="_blank">I'm Goin' Mad</a></p><p>-In Search of the Peace of Mind</p><p>-Action</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b><a href="https://www.the-scorpions.com/album/fly-to-the-rainbow-3/" target="_blank">Fly To The Rainbow (1973)</a></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.the-scorpions.com/album/fly-to-the-rainbow-3/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="220" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKmObhwhcS6NLNhcrEuKHrDmUv1brasLwRyEJPKceevetMQaROiz9l5HdMTZ6xwtz4uEm-V8HlTk0LitnFoEysVbCIBJ3u2-89fDQrxO3PD3cFMI3fYEr1utJ4Fo1GJRVV0hfWty91fC5hBH4MO0liauxBy6RJvFzCn1TH_5dNRNiLmZgMpYOioqLi/s1600/Scorpions-Fly_To_The_Rainbow.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>-Speedy's Coming<div>-Fly People Fly</div><div>-They Need a Million (Check out the lead vocals by Rudolph Schenker ;-)</div><div>-Far Away<br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.the-scorpions.com/album/in-trance-5/" target="_blank"><b>In Trance (1975)</b></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.the-scorpions.com/album/in-trance-5/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="220" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZYmKHeRcosmGJ49F2w73qTHYI6PFYNjJhaxbp99v7bgWjMLPMeaOkZs8GoJbT8EiAhvlV8tzq12ro8HdLKEojD_fD_3TTC42Orrhl2xqK6IUaao9AIk2OQCpnRR3y_njpImMBUFJcXQzV1sQCKnCWcRp4qZ8widTUDFx1RtJ-Xd4YHZkGXMuX2V3Z/s1600/In_Trance_(Scorpions_album_-_cover_art).jpg" width="220" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>-In Trance</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Dark Lady</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Robot Man</div></div><p><a href="https://www.the-scorpions.com/album/virgin-killer-4/" target="_blank"><b>Virgin Killer (1976)</b></a></p><p><a href="https://www.the-scorpions.com/album/virgin-killer-4/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="220" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiASONqafHcCgovlNQuUyGJoc3kMYtee3or4mpKfsjGoG6M2b4tdIKuIMKRe22OtkbaQN67pgYr8EJRyKIs6YmhvnV9rtNmUT_EJCRoI5x5sENZU6r0kqBBdBqDi6tGCI-TZrLHQNAy4GGnHXvSQ-iiDGvgJjNt-Rkc_QktwuzPA0od0Jq8y3pzAiUn/s1600/Virgin_Killer_alternate_cover.jpg" width="220" /></a></p><p>-Catch Your Train</p><p>-Virgin Killer</p><p>-In Your Park</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.the-scorpions.com/album/taken-by-force/" target="_blank"><b>Taken By Force (1977)</b></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.the-scorpions.com/album/taken-by-force/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="220" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD3RM5jy_weJjofDVW1jqg80jA18rVrJh9RCY5H6BLvmPIuQyikfh1jeDPoJnSZqVUQvsJ4an7ysW0UHj3wx5SSj1aAzbDcv530KULuQYuODV8f-AzflXFwYRz8EA0wNIHkpAkpPSViXmNGHcdpmfXMfyWT52nBtxLxaM5f50WjVIhm73p_hQVq7Gy/s1600/Scorpionsalbum222.jpg" width="220" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>-Steamrock Fever</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-He's a Woman - She's a Man</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-We'll Burn the Sky</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-The Riot of Your Time</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All of these tracks (and a couple extras) can be enjoyed in this <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3esKKPnWoQX2IbYVEDKaIf?si=1622b32b5eed460a" target="_blank">Spotify Playlist</a></div>joelabeverleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079393159831763914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367185566120027938.post-76262125352749108892022-07-19T00:52:00.003-05:002022-07-19T01:12:50.939-05:00Cauldron's Frequent Cover of a Classic Venom Track...<p><b><span style="color: #01ffff;">Post # 396</span></b> </p><p>Back in 2013, I heard <a href="http://cauldronmetal.com/" target="_blank">Cauldron</a> perform this track at <a href="https://happyheadbanger.blogspot.com/2013/06/orion-music-more-day-2-part-2-cauldron.html" target="_blank">Orion Music + More 2013</a>. By the time I found this Bandcamp link the limited edition vinyl was sold out. However you can still stream their cover at the link below!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://electricassaultrecords.bandcamp.com/track/die-hard" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ZtLyCI3LTSfMR3Aj-khek5rJ-At-oZ3IhxCQ9ORuUmmpTV8-EfxkzpR3pTWH2vgliHLyeeKV7aWAD9Yb_X0EuPIlFFEnf3mrSNoRxoM8GbF76fb1vdaci_RruTSEZz4zZOM7w0J_AzS03kPNKFOu-VpVfRk2F7udxaLNm1MULfSy5Hg1C0ue0oZ2/s320/CAULDRON%20TAKE%20TORCH.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p> <iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=3500031642/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=1720010027/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://electricassaultrecords.bandcamp.com/album/take-this-torch">Take This Torch by Cauldron</a></iframe>joelabeverleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079393159831763914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367185566120027938.post-21288089911101445282022-02-08T21:28:00.006-06:002022-02-08T23:08:35.564-06:00Shield Of Wings - Unfinished (2022)<p><b><span style="color: #01ffff;"> Post #395</span></b></p><p>It's been a while since I reviewed <b><span style="color: #d9ead3;"><a href="https://shieldofwings.com/" target="_blank">Shield of Wings</a></span></b> on this blog. Their first recording, the EP <b>Solarium</b>, was released in 2011. I reviewed <a href="http://happyheadbanger.blogspot.com/2011/08/dame-nation-2011-concert-review-from.html" target="_blank">a concert they played in August of that year</a>, and have been following them since then. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09LTKLK52?tag=amz-mkt-chr-us-20&ascsubtag=1ba00-01000-a0042-win10-other-smile-us000-pcomp-feature-scomp-feature-scomp&ref=aa_scomp" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTsTFCBjkh96Xz7pr94yHrm_Pk3dMfPXk28IZzi2CSEaAmFzj_ZHLouUgsSha4SkhpVzKWUC1RpxWp9_2EccbZPMY2AnPnkog4MKFGVBmT6tqXGhMiWTeqJ9t4wm6IpXXYyNXqYqMzGVaY3-8Qpkl_cPjd__FGdlInO3JuTbo-hlR7ckwoiBo9r8mD=s320" width="320" /></a></div>I was pleasantly surprised to hear their announcement of a new, full-length album, <b><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/297983881/shield-of-wings-new-album-unfinished-is-finished" target="_blank">Unfinished</a></b>. I was instantly curious to hear how they sound on this new material. Guitarist and main songwriter, James Gregor, and fellow founding member Patrick Eulitz (drums), have recruited a new lineup, featuring Aliyah Daye on keyboards and backing vocals, Alex Luke on bass guitar, and Lara Mordian on lead vocals. My first exposure to any of the new music was their music video for the first single, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39hbEP04IKw" target="_blank">"Wetland"</a>. After that experience, I was eager to hear more. Their overall sound and style of symphonic metal sounds complete, fresh, and epic! Beyond that, the recording reverberates with top-notch production. Every instrument can be heard crisp and clear.<p></p><p>To reference a couple established bands in the symphonic metal genre, I'd compare Lara's vocal style to Epica's Simone Simons. Lara uses a smooth blending of head-voice and chest-voice throughout most songs. Aliyah adds backing vocals in styles ranging from melodic harmonies to death growls. While this may seem stylistically similar to Epica as well, <b>Shield of Wings</b> doesn't implement the harsher vocal style as prominently. Theirs is a primarily melodic, operatic style of vocals with a small peppering of death growls, and only in a fraction of their songs.</p><p>Musically their formula sounds close to mid-era Nightwish, as they use heavy guitars, and synthesized symphonic and folk elements to navigate the mood of each piece. Patrick Eulitz could practically be channeling Nightwish's Jukka Nevalainen, he's so precise with the rapid, double-bass drums, and keeping a tight and powerful rhythm through the heavy moments of the music. Nearly every track incorporates multiple elements, with segments that shift from dark heavy tones, to light operatic phrases and back again. Tempos ramp up to furious paces, only to calm again and build the contrast further. Yet every transition flows so seamlessly, they sound like they've been in this field for years, if not decades.</p><p>On the track "Cedar", they introduce elements of folk and Celtic music, with a wide array of instruments to match. Heavy guitars and symphonic elements join in, and make this song an immersing musical experience. It's one of my favorite track on the album.</p><p>The closing track, "The Scarred Clay Reshaping" is the crowning jewel. The longest track at seven and a half minutes, and lyrics that bring the album full circle, even referencing their early EP in the chorus: "Unfinished solarium, one more cut of the seeker's tongue." Themes of life, struggle, despair and rebirth abound throughout the album, but culminate in the closing lyric: "Ode to the scarred clay reshaping, ode to the ever-flowing river!"</p><p>Prepare to be transfixed... Here is the video for "Wetland":</p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/39hbEP04IKw" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><div><br /></div><div>The overall lyrical composition of this album is truly soul-searching, with themes about attainment on levels both personal and existential. Every element of this album, from the music, instrumentation, lyrics, direction, production, mixing, and performance is truly top-notch. <b><a href="https://shieldofwings.bandcamp.com/album/unfinished" target="_blank">Unfinished</a></b> is, without question, my favorite symphonic metal album since Nightwish's masterpiece <b>Once</b>. If you have even the slightest appreciation for the symphonic metal genre, you owe it to yourself to listen to these songs. Blending beauty and aggression so seamlessly, I feel <b><span style="color: #d9ead3;">Shield Of Wings</span></b> have a bright future ahead. </div><div><br /></div><div>Recommended tracks from<b> Unfinished</b>:</div><div>-<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jW4Uyxzv-Mo" target="_blank">Crushing Hail</a> (another incredible music video, with lyrics as as well!)</div><div>-Frozen Harbor (favorite lyric: "Too old to write of innocence, too young to write of wisdom.")</div><div>-Cedar (as mentioned previously, this is the 'folk-symphonic-metal' track!)</div><div>-Wetland</div><div>-<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8pC5tzO8s0" target="_blank">Mind of Myth</a> (A favorite lyric from this one: "If I do Not Die How Will I be Reborn?")</div><div>-<b>The Scarred Clay Reshaping</b></div><div><br /></div><div><i>(advance digital review copy provided by James Gregor and Shield of Wings)</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Shield of Wings' music is available on several platforms, such as...</div><div><a href="https://shieldofwings.bandcamp.com/album/unfinished" target="_blank">Bandcamp</a></div><div><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09LTKLK52?tag=amz-mkt-chr-us-20&ascsubtag=1ba00-01000-a0042-win10-other-smile-us000-pcomp-feature-scomp-feature-scomp&ref=aa_scomp" target="_blank">Amazon Music</a></div><div><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/3tsSh5pNoZ9pxGa4feJHIm" target="_blank">Spotify</a></div><div><br /></div><div><i>Stream, Download, or Order a CD copy today!</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><b><span style="color: #ffa400;">*Unfinished is scheduled for release on February 11th, 2022.</span></b></i></div>joelabeverleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079393159831763914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367185566120027938.post-79084687542248918192022-01-25T21:35:00.003-06:002022-01-25T21:35:45.498-06:00Tetrarch-Unstable (2021)<p> <b><span style="color: #01ffff;">Post #394</span></b></p><p>In 2021, Tetrarch released <b><a href="https://tetrarchmusic.com/collections/cd/products/unstable-cd" target="_blank">Unstable</a></b>, their follow-up to 2017's <b><span style="color: red;">Freak</span></b>, and on this release the band show much consistency and growth as they tighten their grip on their trademark sound. They also continue to impress with their music videos, of which they now have for 4 different tracks from <b>Unstable</b>.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://tetrarchmusic.com/collections/cd/products/unstable-cd" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiOgU6ln0-DMRhjGg9vHvmWob_5MRT2KtlRe9MhFJSz631lGjA7aV0x1bxFeawtk93LeAD3FkZBNNVceCdmZKlcPebPOuGALsrlcZweYTUGLk07F5L1N-SSkI3yftIFwC1gpXEwt4UAcvh4WodFarEaYturTBkoqMHFw0VRwqimBuWxnQq325-Lu98u=s320" width="320" /></a></div><b><a href="https://tetrarchmusic.com/collections/cd/products/unstable-cd" target="_blank">Unstable</a></b> opens with "I'm Not Right", a blisteringly heavy number that picks up right where <b><span style="color: red;">Freak</span></b> left off without missing a beat! This is also one of the 4 official music videos I mentioned. I will link to a couple of those at the end of this post.<div><br /></div><div>While Tetrarch are great at writing those fast-paced shred-fest hardcore songs, they also deliver quite a few songs with a more moderate tempo on this album. "You Never Listen" is one of those songs. It's still quite heavy, don't get me wrong, but they can switch up their delivery as good as any band out there.</div><div><br /></div><div>One of my favorite elements of heavy metal music has always been guitar solos. While most of the time you can hear Diamond Rowe's lead guitar reverberating in the background throughout most of their songs- again channeling an eerie mood-setting vibe in a style similar to Korn, there are several songs here where she shows off her chops with some shredding guitar solos. Check out the tracks "Sick of You", "Addicted", or "Pushed Down" for some of her best soloing techniques. If I'd compare her style to a well-known guitarist, I'd pick a late-era Dimebag Darrell. Keep on shredding Diamond!</div><div><br /></div><div>Not to leave behind another element of metalcore, blast-beat drumming, you should really hear the song "Take a Look Inside". Staccato power chords mirror the driving beat of the bass drums and bass guitar in this song. Their drummer, Ruban Limas' technical skills cannot be questioned after hearing this one! If I have any song to compare this one to, it might be "Primal Concrete Sledge" by Pantera. I love the powerful, relentless groove it gives!<br /><p></p><p>Lastly I'll mention the closing number, "Trust Me", which is a bit of a departure from the rest of the tracks, in that is slows the tempo way down, and projects dark and ominous moods. This gothic alt-metal brilliance in its own right, and the drummer drives the rhythm mainly with loud cymbal crashes throughout, almost like Black Sabbath's "War Pigs", but slower and heavier.</p><p>Recommended tracks from <b>Unstable</b>:</p><p>-I'm Not Right</p><p>-You Never Listen</p><p>-Sick of You</p><p>-Stitch Me Up</p><p>-Pushed Down (this one has a chorus that just begs to become an anthem: "We are the psychos, the untouchables!")</p><p>Now for those promised music videos, but first, you should be sure you check out <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoKl1YYyPvesOiCoc0SESww" target="_blank">Tetrarch's Youtube channel</a> and subscribe so you don't miss out on their next awesome video!</p><p>Here are their videos for "I'm Not Right" and "Stitch Me Up"</p></div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YGbXuxGh1Dk" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6FqBgFqZJQQ" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>joelabeverleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079393159831763914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367185566120027938.post-19018038018349346262022-01-23T17:31:00.006-06:002022-01-24T14:56:47.852-06:00Tetrarch-Freak (2017)<p><b><span style="color: #01ffff;"> Post #393</span></b></p><p><b><a href="https://tetrarchmusic.com/" target="_blank">Tetrarch</a></b> spent their time from 2013 to 2017 relocating (they moved from Georgia to L.A.) and also reinventing themselves. Their early EPs might have fallen comfortably inside the 'metalcore' subgenre, but by the time they dropped <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073HMKKCW?tag=amz-mkt-chr-us-20&ascsubtag=1ba00-01000-a0042-win10-other-smile-us000-pcomp-feature-scomp-feature-scomp&ref=aa_scomp" target="_blank">Freak</a></b> it was clear they'd discovered a new calling and were headed in a new direction...</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073HMKKCW?tag=amz-mkt-chr-us-20&ascsubtag=1ba00-01000-a0042-win10-other-smile-us000-pcomp-feature-scomp-feature-scomp&ref=aa_scomp" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTNKxjfV2Io4nS7Wd-72btU2OZsTCNcm1pVCMWG-k0d62UYNUvlceUS8f5UT0xppZRjlFeubwKUdYTF-nDsFKCQVSwpp1-_8PkMlAVyg39sbixFF0hCOMWhZbshXwaAkmXjkB9kxhWLBgewF9Yz_sr9GWJ5LUmxugWB7obEf72gPrrcFdwLSLOsjcX=s320" width="320" /></a></div>The album opens with the title track, "Freak"- an aggressive hardcore song that puts some of their new formula on display. Diamond Rowe's guitar leads emulate an eerie vibe that seems to channel Korn's Brian 'Head' Welch. Vocalist Josh Fore pours forth emotion with ever line. His voice could be compared to Chester Bennington when singing melodically, or Corey Taylor when screaming. If this sounds like a promising formula of sounds for a metal-head, that's because it is! Plus you have to love the bridge lyric: <i>"In the darkness the strange becomes ordinary..."</i><p></p><p>The next track, "Spit", takes them a step closer to Korn-esque alt-metal, as Fore employs new inflections in his vocal delivery, bringing comparisons to Jonathan Davis to mind. However, as the 3rd track, "Pull the Trigger" unfurls, we are once again blown away with an assault of aggressive metal. </p><p>The rest of the album continues in this fashion, swaying back and forth between hardcore, brutal metal riffs, and eerie, haunting melodies. Drums and bass that bludgeon the senses relentlessly, guitars that can shred in one moment and entice the mind the next, and a masterful blend of melodic and hardcore vocals, this band gives us a great metal album with <b>Freak</b>. If you crave this blending of angst and aggression, then please do yourself the favor of checking out this band!</p><p>Their Music video for the title track:</p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GagWIMAJraw" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><div><br /></div><div>Other recommended tracks from <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073HMKKCW?tag=amz-mkt-chr-us-20&ascsubtag=1ba00-01000-a0042-win10-other-smile-us000-pcomp-feature-scomp-feature-scomp&ref=aa_scomp" target="_blank">Freak</a>:</div><div>-Pull the Trigger</div><div>-Oddity</div><div>-<b>Break the Trend</b>* (this is a personal favorite- very close in style to their previous metalcore/thrash sound)</div><div>-Torn Apart (a little softer sound on this closing track, but still very dark in the pictures painted both in sound and lyrics)</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Watch for my review of their new album <b>Unstable</b> coming soon!</i></div>joelabeverleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079393159831763914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367185566120027938.post-21493896427956475142021-04-01T00:30:00.002-05:002021-04-01T00:30:07.364-05:00Tetrarch- The Will to Fight and Relentless (EP's 2011, 2013)<b><span style="color: cyan;">Post #392</span></b><br />
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<b><a href="https://tetrarchmusic.com/" target="_blank">Tetrarch</a></b> first came on my radar in 2011. I was on the lookout for independent bands to feature in my annual reader's poll contest for Independent Band of the Year, and somewhere, somehow I had heard their track <a href="https://supportlocalbands.bandcamp.com/track/we-are-the-hunters" target="_blank">'We are the Hunters'</a>, and it blew me away. This was around the time I was diving deep into melodic metalcore bands like Trivium, All That Remains, Atreyu, and Killswitch Engage. Tetrarch reminded me of all of those bands, but also with more thrash metal influences. Riffs that will pummel your ears, and tempo that is... well... <i>relentless</i>, and powerful vocals that blend screams with melodies. And a singer who has drawn comparisons to both Corey Taylor and the late Chester Bennington. Needless to say, this review is long overdue, and more reviews of their recent work will be coming soon!<br />
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This song turned out to be from their debut EP, <b>The Will to Fight</b>. I loved every track on this EP, and I became an instant fan. These guys fit right in with all the newer bands of metalcore I had just been discovering. While these recording may no longer be available for direct download, I believe you can still find them on youtube, so I'll embed the links to those songs for your enjoyment here. Happy Headbanging!<br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meg2p1ZNt_E&list=PLQt5eSL5LF1Xx_M-E5iC0E8oexX6Mzrxa" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdEkeQ9QN91rb4GMmKRyZoDMs3527WNoWGZktQY1kAxqee4KSmwZGzbR7OtrdhuBe3z93nnaLU9j7mqaXPdo4-84DtN-BuGUeIhr0BYcXMwrtpXEGzGBHob9Jw1Sek8FZUZmv9bZ55mj0/s320/TETRARCH-WILLtoFIGHT%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Though it may no longer be available through iTunes, you can find the complete album on youtube to stream. Every track is worth recommending.<br />
The song titles are:<br />
<b>We are the Hunters</b><div><b><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/t6ePmDWo1LA" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><br /></b>
<b>The Will to Fight</b></div><div><b><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PDvldWDC5N8" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><br /></b>
<b>Set to Flames</b></div><div><b><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oQb_GL8Dyb0" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><br /></b>
<b>Sons of the Sea</b></div><div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/meg2p1ZNt_E" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><br />
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Two years later they released a 2nd EP entitled <b>Relentless</b>, and it was every bit as awesome as the first.<br />
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<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/mt/album/relentless-ep/id601422794" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivGSRSD0GiUE6Rg5eniMOiu_RVeT8JAeNvuLy2VIH3UqxPoNMjx45dj2_Yg_ybedXHbSVuu8k9VqpYKMvm4fVWT13sfhzd0VZna_K265tHSkM7DeUF6OjRIbUWVLStsn026Rb0Dm-7eL8/s320/TETRARCH-RELENTLESS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
This EP may also be unavailable on iTunes. Still, you can try youtube for tracking these gems down...</div><div>
The song titles are:<br />
<b>Final Words</b></div><div><b><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/l4zi9cwnF5Y" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><br /></b>
<b>Leave Me Alone</b></div><div><b><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_ygJySU5IaY" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><br /></b>
<b>Relentless</b></div><div><b><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/U4zsOOJWGto" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><br /></b>
<b>Take Your Best Shot</b></div><div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xcev1q7eb5U" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Watch for reviews of their newer albums <b>Freak</b> and <b>Unstable</b>, coming soon!</div>headbanger_71369http://www.blogger.com/profile/16568028680952845512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367185566120027938.post-18572894735883604762021-03-28T02:19:00.004-05:002021-03-28T02:26:32.092-05:00The Rumpus Room- What Now (2021)<p><b><span style="color: #01ffff;"> Post # 391</span></b></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/the_rumpus_room_/" target="_blank">The Rumpus Room</a> are a 3 piece rock band from the University of North Michigan. They have a garage-band vibe, but also reveal a hint of influence from late-60's acid-rock, like The Jimi Hendrix Experience. The White Stripes are another possible comparison, in regards to the raw sound that comes across in this recording. While the production may be rough around the edges, the band had a groove that is undeniable. </p><p><b>What Now</b> is their debut EP. It consists of 4 tracks, the first of which, "Cops Called", is an instrumental. It's a new-age, alternative-rock jam session, almost falling into the 'experimental rock' genre. Reverberating effects on guitar are prominent, while the song eases in and builds throughout.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B08X2WR592?tag=amz-mkt-chr-us-20&ascsubtag=1ba00-01000-a0042-win10-other-smile-us000-pcomp-feature-scomp-wm-5&ref=aa_scomp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSgF-jwLgmmnV5JPoIYrr507bgIBrBvaeBI-lR9NWeRlL2D9POdoNsMi2LUSKb1iNzZ097BO-64U3NP03bXyJrVLnav8KQOJRgYYGr7lDatIfzAukQyJRP9RwduKX0xhYRsJZR0mMuNLw/s320/What+Now+-+EP.jpg" /></a></div></blockquote><p> The second track, "Pipes/ Double Barreled", has a slow-tempo, minor-key tone that sets a somber mood. The riff here really gives me more of those Hendrix vibes, and some of the guitar leads sound similar the "Peace in Mississippi" by Hendrix. Maybe it's this connection that makes this stand out as my favorite song on the EP. In any case, I love the groove and the mood in this song.</p><p>The closing number, "Fuck", is the most intense song. It jams along with a groovy, hard rocking riff, and throws some guitar solos in the mix. It again is largely instrumental, with the exception of the occasional shouts of 'Oh, Fuck!' In this respect it could be compared to "Tequila" by The Champs.</p><p>What Now is The Rumpus Room's first recording. You can <a href="https://music.apple.com/us/artist/the-rumpus-room/1554652179" target="_blank">find it on iTunes</a>.</p><div>What Now track list:</div>-Cops Called<div>-Pipes/Double Barreled</div><div>-Ray</div><div>-Fuck<p>Or you can also get it on <a href="https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B08X2WR592?tag=amz-mkt-chr-us-20&ascsubtag=1ba00-01000-a0042-win10-other-smile-us000-pcomp-feature-scomp-wm-5&ref=aa_scomp" target="_blank">Amazon Music</a>!</p><p>Happy Headbanging!!</p></div>joelabeverleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079393159831763914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367185566120027938.post-56065324948353552342021-03-26T19:33:00.002-05:002021-03-26T19:33:43.113-05:00A Sound Of Thunder-Parallel Eternity (10-Year Anniversary Album- 2020)<p> <b><span style="color: #01ffff;">Post #390</span></b></p><p><span> <a href="https://www.asoundofthunderband.com/" target="_blank">A Sound of Thunder</a> are an independent band from the Washington, D.C. area that have been creating their own brand of powerful heavy metal since 2010. I was lucky enough to discover them in July of 2011 at <a href="http://happyheadbanger.blogspot.com/2011/08/dame-nation-2011-concert-review-from.html" target="_blank">Dame Nation 3</a> in Chicago, IL. I chatted with the band briefly after their set and at the merch booth. We connected on social media and I've followed them closely ever since.</span><br /></p><p><span>Fast forward 8 years, 5 albums, 4 EPs, and numerous Kickstarter campaigns, and we arrive at 2020, a year that marks the 10th anniversary for this band. With most of the world's activities put on hold or derailed due to the COVID 19 pandemic, A Sound of Thunder found themselves in a relatively lucky place as they had just completed the recording of their 10th anniversary album- <a href="https://www.asoundofthunderband.com/music" target="_blank">Parallel Eternity</a>. This was an ambitious project from the start that kept getting boosted to higher tiers as their Kickstarter goals kept getting exceeded. So the final product is a deservedly grand and over-the-top celebration of the band's whole career and then some!</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.asoundofthunderband.com/music" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAOQYABrxqSQOF9zhlySG5fCBF65y7RjEWluv22P_t6ffxt3dZu1w6yTOhCd5tv0xLSXfSK4hBGy4O_xaHFIOvd-NHWeBZE2XDcEsfMZFV7G8XnM_Ow4YnJsSrac392kaiPGoZ6Klq5LE/s320/ASOT-Parallel.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><p>In a nutshell- this is a 'Best Of' collection with new orchestral arrangements of each track, a bonus disc of covers and alternate mixes, plus a new recording, <a href="https://asot.bandcamp.com/track/explorer" target="_blank">"Explorer"</a>, which has been in the works since the band's conception. This track was meant for this album- it is a 13 minute+ epic, prog-metal masterpiece that just wouldn't be the same without the orchestral elements. It reminds me very much of Iron Maiden's recent prog sound, or perhaps Dream Theater. And with the melodic vocals by Nina Osegueda, a comparison to Nightwish isn't out of the question either! But again, the orchestration brings it to another level. This track alone is worth the $13 for a digital download of the album, but if you're a true music collector, they have different bundles in CD or Vinyl formats that include the deluxe, 72-page booklet and a few bonus items.</p><p>As a compilation, this album totally delivers for the long-time fans as well as newcomers, as each of their releases has at least one track represented. Let me reiterate: <b><i>each and every track</i></b> gets the upgrade of new, orchestral arrangements! So, even if you've been following this band for years, as I have, you still get something totally new!</p><p>Disc 2 starts off where disc 1 left off, with an orchestral arrangement of "<a href="https://asot.bandcamp.com/track/elijah-2" target="_blank">Elijah</a>", a 9+ minute epic track from their <a href="https://asot.bandcamp.com/album/the-lesser-key-of-solomon" target="_blank">Lesser Key of Solomon</a> album. Then it starts to mix things up (pun intended!) There is an acoustic cover of Black Sabbath's "Too Late" (From the Dio-era <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dehumanizer-Remastered-Black-Sabbath/dp/B001MCOXIK/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=dehumanizer&qid=1616793056&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Dehumanizer</a> album). After a live version of "La Preso Del Rei De Franca" they have 3 tracks with a classical mix (orchestral instruments without the guitars and drums), 3 tracks with dubstep remix, and 3 tracks with different world-music remixes. It is quite a listening experience! </p><p>Overall <a href="https://asot.bandcamp.com/album/parallel-eternity" target="_blank"><b>Parallel Eternity</b></a> is a compilation I can't get enough of. I love the symphonic-metal arrangements of this band's greatest hits. For the absolute best of this Best-Of, I would recommend you at least hear the following tracks:</p><p>-<a href="https://asot.bandcamp.com/track/a-sound-of-thunder-2" target="_blank">A Sound of Thunder</a></p><p>-<a href="https://asot.bandcamp.com/track/explorer" target="_blank">Explorer</a></p><p>-<a href="https://asot.bandcamp.com/track/walls-2" target="_blank">Walls</a></p><p>-<a href="https://asot.bandcamp.com/track/queen-of-hell-2" target="_blank">Queen of Hell</a></p><p>-<a href="https://asot.bandcamp.com/track/udoroth-2" target="_blank">Udoroth</a></p><p>-<a href="https://asot.bandcamp.com/track/els-segadors-the-reapers-2" target="_blank">Els Segadors</a> (this is the band's rendition of the Catalonia national anthem, a song that brought them international attention in 2017.)</p><p>Here is the official video of their live performance of Els Segadors in 2017:</p><p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ldjhDmZfu1A" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><br /></p>joelabeverleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079393159831763914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367185566120027938.post-37899511281381167302021-02-04T21:03:00.000-06:002021-02-04T21:03:01.514-06:00Happyheadbanger's Van Halen playlist-Remembering Eddie (1955 -2020)<p> <b><span style="color: #01ffff;">Post #389</span></b></p><p>Eddie Van Halen...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/524950900306588220/visual-search/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="547" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje1q-8Gv2m3wSid8E_5YKgiAIoKg2UlD4_04dMGewcmRQGSgVrkEfc0OBy3xmeaOP-2PcrFPBI5GE1allInsxRx4me6VSLs9Od36ZayozizQkyW7yS5lqfmQhyphenhyphengDnsEr447_09G8h3hEg/s320/EVH+10.6.20.jpg" /></a></div><p>That name has meant so much for generations of music fans and musicians for such a long time. Eddie's name-sake band <a href="http://van-halen.com/" target="_blank">Van Halen</a>, have been in the fabric of pop-culture practically since they first hit the scene in the late 1970's. Eddie's innovative and flashy playing style caught on almost faster than his fingers on the fretboard! With their debut album releasing in 1978 the timing was perfect for inspiring the next decade of rock guitarists, and Eddie was certainly a key influence on the 1980's 'Hair Metal' era. I wrote another post, years ago, <a href="http://happyheadbanger.blogspot.com/2008/04/lost-disciples-of-eddie-van-halen.html" target="_blank">'The Lost Disciples of Eddie Van Halen'</a>, about some of the lesser-known guitarists from this era.</p><p>Growing up in the 1980's, it sometimes seemed that Eddie Van Halen was everywhere. There were several popular movies that made reference to Van Halen, and some to Eddie specifically. I'll never forget in <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088763/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" target="_blank">Back to the Future</a>, where Marty McFly uses a cassette tape labeled 'Edward Van Halen' to convince his teen-aged future-father George to take Loraine to the dance, or else he would 'melt his brain'.</p><p>Then, in the 90's, the movie <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120888/" target="_blank">The Wedding Singer</a>, set as an 80's throw-back romantic comedy, incorporated the mid-80's break-up of Van Halen into the film's plot.</p><p>But my favorite pop-culture reference to Eddie Van Halen has to be in the opening scene of <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096928/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" target="_blank">Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure</a> where Bill and Ted have an extended, circular debate about how to get Eddie to join their band, Wyld Stallyns. There are certainly many, many more of these references in our TV, Film and other media- Eddie was truly a cultural icon!</p><p>Here is the clip from <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096928/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2" target="_blank">Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure</a>:</p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tx02tY8ABfA" width="560"></iframe><div><br /></div><div>When I heard the news that Eddie Van Halen had passed away on October 6th of 2020, I felt the loss of this phenomenal artist, who had graced rock and roll's legacy with his unique and inspiring sounds for decades. </div><div><br /></div><div>So at a time when all the radio stations, or streaming services, will continue to play the best-known songs by Van Halen, I will take a moment and give you a deeper sampling of the artistry of Van Halen- my personal favorites. These tracks dig a few layers deeper than those you may be familiar with. Of course I'll probably have some picks here that overlap with the staple-hits, but hopefully I can also guide you to some songs you may have forgotten, or overlooked, or truly never heard before. And if you should make new favorites of some of these, then I have helped you better appreciate one artist's talent, and the mark they leave on this world will have grown by another degree.</div><div><br /></div><div>Enjoy these recommended Van Halen tracks:</div><div>-<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmc6f2kCyLU" target="_blank">Out the Window</a> (Edward Van Halen- from his score for the film The Wild Life)</div><div>-<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVH7mHldMOo" target="_blank">Mine All Mine</a></div><div>-Atomic Punk</div><div>-Hear About It Later</div><div>-Judgement Day</div><div>-Dirty Water Dog (Here is a favorite from the overlooked Van Halen III album)</div><div>-Somebody Get Me a Doctor</div><div>-<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0yo-Ywpxis" target="_blank">Don't Tell Me (What Love Can Do)</a></div><div>-Up For Breakfast</div><div>-In a Simple Rhyme</div><div>-<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xx86CxKYtg0" target="_blank">Unchained</a></div><div>-Top Jimmy</div><div>-Inside</div><div>-Cathedral</div><div>-<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzwUNV2xIq0" target="_blank">Humans Being</a></div><div>-In 'N' Out (Don't assume this is innuendo, the lyrics are about financial strife)</div><div>-<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8y1prHEP7E" target="_blank">Blood and Fire</a></div><div>-Me Wise Magic</div><div><br /></div><div>Last but not least, I saw this video soon after Eddie's passing. It became an instant tribute to the legend, and features several rock celebrities. The guitarist of Satchel of Steel Panther. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MA5Mf0M7ZRU" target="_blank">Here's the cover of "Unchained".</a></div>joelabeverleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079393159831763914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367185566120027938.post-47030780003338690582020-04-29T23:31:00.000-05:002020-04-29T23:31:29.585-05:00Books that Rock: Alice Cooper- Golf Monster ('07), with Life and Crimes Box Set<span style="color: cyan;"><b>Post #388</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://alicecooper.com/" target="_blank">Alice Cooper</a> is a living legend and the original 'shock rocker'. His career has spanned over 5 decades, and he continues to record new music and tour. His career in music has had him cross paths with everyone from Rob Zombie, to Megadeth, to Paul McCartney, to Elvis Presley, to Frank Zappa and Pink Floyd... to name just a few.<br />
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As I finally got around to reading his '07 autobiography, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/520884.Alice_Cooper_Golf_Monster" target="_blank">Alice Cooper, Golf Monster: A Rock 'n' Roller's 12 Steps to Becoming a Golf Addict</a>, I found it to be one of the most enjoyable rock musicians' biographies I've read in a long time! I had fun going back and listening to several albums as I read through the stories behind them, appreciating the new perspective gained by having Alice's own insight into them fresh in my mind.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/520884.Alice_Cooper_Golf_Monster" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="313" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHeA0PkuwBemeqflrzN6DFPV_l_jGxveUBL3S0HLMFfs8YSBI5bzIvtYnYDTxcnSYnpB49rcfJxiIa-hHUC4tVDL0yJgBgnUMNUwqC7edpyCoZeig1wDdZNeKEy3gZgZlk-mKniHlOAMs/s320/Alice+Cooper-Golf+Monster.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
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While the book does follow his music career from his high school beginnings with The Spiders, all the way up to his late 1990's releases, he also gives several very thorough tips and instructions and analogies about golf, it's similarities to music, the unending challenges the sport presents, and numerous tips on how to improve your own game. He puts chapters on golf in between those on life and music. The chapters of the book alternate in this fashion pretty regularly. If you are not interested in golf, or even interested enough in Alice's obsession with golf, then you'll probably be bored with almost half of this book. But I recommend giving it a fair chance, as Alice does tie the two parts of his life together quite nicely by the end.<br />
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<a href="https://alicecooper.com/music/the-life-and-crimes-of-alice-cooper/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="640" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEUvDDKLgqcKsN-QIlZdSpuSUu8IAgOU2hkgr2lPeyBBW0X_UoGaORRA6jeP953z2qaRoWJ9v_aADGPAZOSNfGynDq0jylQMppLu_O5cvcOTvBRXCqjLqVE5QQng89ledgEixBbLrj4mY/s320/ALICE-COOPER-Golf-Box+Set.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now, as you're reading through these reminiscences you can also treat yourself to a thorough sampling of the songs from Alice Cooper while you read, or at the very least, in between chapters. <a href="https://alicecooper.com/music/the-life-and-crimes-of-alice-cooper/" target="_blank">The Life and Crimes of Alice Cooper</a> is a 4 disc box set released in 1999, soon after his album <a href="https://alicecooper.com/music/the-last-temptation/" target="_blank">The Last Temptation</a>. While this biography was published years after the box set, in 2007, the majority of the discussion about his music career only goes up to <b>The Last Temptation</b>. That album was a significant statement for Alice on several levels. You'll have to read the book to find out those reasons yourself.;-) He mentions the albums <b>Brutal Planet</b> (2000) and <b>Dragontown</b> (2001) only in passing. No further music projects are mentioned, although in closing Alice does say that he continues to record music and/or tour every year. He says he'll keep doing it for as long as he can...<br />
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God bless you Alice! As a fan, I can only look forward to hearing your next album, seeing your next tour, and if I'm fortunate enough for our paths to ever cross, I wouldn't say no to a round of golf! My game has nothing to do but improve!<br />
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<u><b>Recommended Alice Cooper tracks</b></u>:<br />
-Why Don't You Love Me? (The Spiders-1965)<br />
-<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZ1MdRgU7Hw" target="_blank">I'm Eighteen</a> (1970)<br />
-Elected (Alice mentions that John Lennon once said it was his favorite Alice Cooper song. 1972)<br />
-Cold Ethyl (1975)<br />
-Teenage Frankenstein (1986)<br />
-<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qq4j1LtCdww" target="_blank">Poison</a> (This was the song that introduced me to Alice Cooper when I was a teen myself. I can never get enough of this one! 1989)<br />
-<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ANtQualemE" target="_blank">Stolen Prayer</a> (An especially treasured favorite of mine, featuring guest vocals by Chris Cornell. 1994)<br />
-<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-FhWTvfg5A" target="_blank">Brutal Planet</a> (2000)<br />
-Disgraceland (2001)<br />
-<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BgStW37oUc" target="_blank">School's Out/Another Brick in the Wall, Pt. 2</a> (Hollywood Vampires-2015. This rerecorded version reflects the manner in which Alice has performed this song live in concert for years. I love it to death!)<br />
-My Dead Drunk Friends (Hollywood Vampires-2015)<br />
<br />
Happy Headbanging!joelabeverleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079393159831763914noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367185566120027938.post-23344459372066765692020-04-17T02:43:00.000-05:002020-04-30T14:00:10.647-05:00Dear Deadly-It's Not Over Yet (2017)<b><span style="color: cyan;">Post #387</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://www.deardeadly1.com/" target="_blank">Dead Deadly</a> are a melodic metal band from the greater Chicago area of Illinois. I happened to catch them live in concert in the Spring of last year- a concert I <a href="http://happyheadbanger.blogspot.com/2019/06/midwest-springfest-2019-at-penny-road.html" target="_blank">reviewed in Post #375</a>. In the fall of 2019 they won this blog's annual <a href="http://happyheadbanger.blogspot.com/2019/11/2019-independent-band-of-year-dear.html" target="_blank">Independent Band of the Year reader's poll</a>. They are hard at work on a full length album coming soon. For this post I'll take a close look at their 2017 EP <b><span style="color: #f9cb9c;">It's Not Over Yet</span></b>.<br />
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<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://deardeadly.bandcamp.com/album/its-not-over-yet" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6BKpyRvWlLsZQMAjE_VQaqM9wfwy1lmcl4h_-foarOVsgQxg8tWto9r7JbN5QbJHZJ36g2sQJSwLyExreiKyW1noitqqkMCnghV763NWDdhkhrWprltz175WkQo4TTvvpNpw34nJi-LA/s320/DearDeadly.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://deardeadly.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">It's Not Over Yet</a> is a tight, yet diverse collection of 6 original heavy metal songs. At times you could call it hard rock, or post-grunge, or nu-metal, or alternative metal, and you wouldn't be wrong. Consistent throughout is their melodic vocals, sharp and crisp guitar tones, tight rhythm section and high production quality. Many lead guitar solos are highlights of several songs. Lyrics are delivered with vocal strength and control to evoke many emotions form one track to the next.<br />
<br />
The best part of following this band online is the fact that they've produced music videos, or lyric videos, for almost every track on this EP. I will embed or link to most of them below. If you like what you hear and see, then take a minute to follow them, download a track or the whole EP, and stream their songs and videos!<br />
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As the 2020 Spring and early Summer season of concerts and tours have been canceled or postponed due to the <a href="http://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/coronavirus" target="_blank">COVID-19 pandemic</a>, it seems unlikely that I'll be able to promote any shows for them in the near future, but I'll be sure to do so once these events resume. In the meantime I'll try to think of other ways to promote them and their music in the months ahead. Follow this blog or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheHappyHeadbanger/" target="_blank">HappyHeadbanger on Facebook</a> for future content.<br />
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Visit <a href="https://www.facebook.com/deardeadly/" target="_blank">Dear Deadly's Facebook page</a> to follow their activity<br />
Visit <a href="https://www.instagram.com/deardeadlyofficial/" target="_blank">Dear Deadly on Instagram</a>.</div>
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Songs from<b><span style="color: orange;"> It's Not Over Yet</span></b><br />
-<b>Very Wicked Things</b><br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/c--4siV939c" width="560"></iframe><br />
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-<b><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Deviant</span></b> (My top pick! The lyric video follows a vampire theme, but they also have an <a href="https://youtu.be/qCpurLJ-LPU" target="_blank">official video</a> that's entirely footage of motorcycle stunts!)<br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/694PW7e3JKk" width="560"></iframe>
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-<b>The Devil You Know</b> (An original! Not a cover of the Anthrax song of a similar name!)<br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4tH1XfYoh2Q" width="560"></iframe>
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-<b>Conviction</b> (A teaser clip-guitar solo only, but still awesome!)<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="315" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fdeardeadly%2Fvideos%2F1560091364032154%2F&show_text=0&width=560" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="560"></iframe>
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<br />
-<b>I Tried</b> (Showing a slightly softer side, this especially melodic song is a mellow self-reflective type of song)<br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HebEeo0WRQM" width="560"></iframe>
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-<b>The Hopeless</b> (A great song with social-political themes, and the inspiration behind <a href="https://www.deardeadly1.com/product-page/dear-deadly-for-president-sticker" target="_blank">their promotional bumper stickers!</a>)<br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6ApsOXFvSec" width="560"></iframe>joelabeverleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079393159831763914noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367185566120027938.post-29094482508622955522020-01-14T21:44:00.000-06:002020-01-14T21:44:15.001-06:00Lost In Vegas- Hip-hop Fans' Reaction Videos to Rock and Metal Music<b><span style="color: cyan;">Post #386</span></b><br />
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In the last couple years I've discovered a new favorite <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJPOmOZzDxZZxPWFgeE50hQ" target="_blank">YouTube channel: Lost In Vegas</a>. These guys are a couple self-described "Hip-Hop Heads", who've adopted a 'free-thinkers' approach to discovering new genres of music.<br />
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For a quick intro to their channel I'm going to highlight 3 of my favorite reactions of theirs from September to October of 2017. The first of these, Megadeth's 'Holy Wars', is one of the key reaction videos that I believe started to grow their following. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lostinvegas83/" target="_blank">Lost In Vegas</a>, if you're out there reading this, please feel free to confirm or deny this hypothesis.<br />
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<a href="https://twitter.com/lostinvegas83" target="_blank">Lost In Vegas</a> reacts to 'Holy Wars' by Megadeth From (9-15-17)...<br />
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sh8wxc4tctE" width="560"></iframe><br />
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For people new to metal music to be given this iconic song to react to early in their journey into the depths of metal, the veteran metalhead may ask (as I did), "If they think so highly of this song, what are they going to think when they hear Metallica's 'Master of Puppets'?" We'll get to that in a moment, but they had another great reaction before they got to 'Master of Puppets', and I'm talking about when they first heard Judas Priest- 'Painkiller'!<br />
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From October 6th, 2017... Lost In Vegas reacting to 'Painkiller' by Judas Priest...<br />
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pOoohvXImb0" width="560"></iframe><br />
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And last but not least, Lost In Vegas' reaction to Metallica's 'Master of Puppets' from October 18th, 2017...<br />
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RLsYHpaKfXY" width="560"></iframe>
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Now, these were all from about a year and a half ago, and Ryan and George have kept their youtube channel going strong, as well as adding a <a href="https://www.patreon.com/lostinvegas" target="_blank">Patreon.com page</a>, where they have more reaction videos beyond what they're able to post on youtube. You can follow <a href="https://twitter.com/lostinvegas83" target="_blank">their Twitter profile</a>, and vote in polls they post. They have also updated their equipment so the audio on their newer reaction videos is much better. See for yourself! So if these three reactions have you entertained, by all means keep checking them out! They do reaction videos to ALL GENRES of music, not just metal, but as I'm a heavy metal reviewer, these are the ones I gravitate to...<br />
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Enjoy! And Happy Headbanging to all!<br />
<br />
For the original music videos for each of these songs please use the following links:<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9d4ui9q7eDM" target="_blank">Megadeth-Holy Wars... ...The Punishment Due</a><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nM__lPTWThU" target="_blank">Judas Priest-Painkiller</a><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnKhsTXoKCI" target="_blank">Metallica-Master of Puppets</a>HappyHeadbangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04489082073143759574noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367185566120027938.post-12911368907317164562020-01-09T02:17:00.000-06:002020-01-09T02:17:23.104-06:00Rock USA Oshkosh, 2014, Day 3: Like A Storm, Black Stone Cherry, Halestorm, 3 Doors Down, KoRn<strong><span style="color: cyan;">Post #385</span></strong><br />
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(an overdue review from 4 summers ago... See <a href="https://happyheadbanger.blogspot.com/2014/07/rock-usa-oshkosh-2014-day-2-megadeth.html" target="_blank">here for review of Day 2</a>)<br />
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As <strong>Rock USA</strong> continued for its 3rd day on July 19th, 2014, I would again be taking in a variety of rock and metal music for an entire afternoon. The line-up on this day featured several bands I was looking forward to (Halestorm and Korn), and a few that were totally new to me (Like a Storm and Black Stone Cherry). In any case, it promised to be a day filled with awesome hard rock and metal music.<br />
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The first band I caught on the main stage was <a href="https://likeastorm.com/" target="_blank">Like a Storm</a>. They are a brand new band out of New Zealand, touring here in the States in support of their new album, Chaos Theory: Part 1, featuring their hit song 'I Love the Way You Hate Me'. They switched things up a bit with their alt-metal cover of Coolio's 'Gangsta's Paradise'. When it comes to their sound, between the vocals and guitar tones I felt they were comparable to Seether. These guys were something else! They even incorporate a didgeridoo into their music.<br />
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Next band on the main stage was <a href="http://www.blackstonecherry.com/" target="_blank">Black Stone Cherry</a>. They delivered their brand of hard rock with a veteran presence on-stage. Their songs were hard-edged yet made for mainstream radio. I recognized their main hit, 'White Trash Millionaire'. Their set was enjoyable and kept the crowd rocking out.<br />
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<a href="https://www.halestormrocks.com/" target="_blank">Halestorm</a> were next, and they were one of the bands I'd been anticipating the most. It was late afternoon by this point and this band kept the crown engaged. Participation was encouraged by the band and the crowd responded. They opened with 'I Miss the Misery', a favorite of mine and a big hit of theirs. Lzzy proved to be one of the best band leaders of the whole fest. She kept the crowd engaged in the music, leading crowd participation segments, and interacting with her band mates. One of the best points of their set was here interaction with drummer (also her brother) during the drum solo. Another favorite from their set was 'A Familiar Taste of Poison'- a song I'd heard covered at <a href="https://happyheadbanger.blogspot.com/2013/09/dame-nation-v-journey-towards-new.html" target="_blank">Dame Nation Fest</a>... But for me the real show stopping moment was when they launched into their cover of 'Dissident Aggressor'- the classic Judas Priest number (also a setlist staple for Slayer). Lzzy's voice sounded brilliant covering this metal classic, and she more than did the song justice, as Halestorm practically made it their own.<br />
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<a href="https://www.3doorsdown.com/#!/" target="_blank">3 Doors Down</a> performed on the main stage as the penultimate act of the day. They opened with 'Time of My Life', and their show was off and running. They delivered a great set, touching on all their major hits, and included a new song from their (then) upcoming release. I was pleased to hear several songs from their debut album, The Better Life, as it is the album of theirs I know best. Of course the played <a href="https://youtu.be/xPU8OAjjS4k" target="_blank">Kryptonite</a>- perhaps their most trademark of songs. Then it was down to Korn to close out the night...<br />
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<a href="https://www.kornofficial.com/thenothing/?ref=https://www.google.com/" target="_blank">Korn</a> hit the stage with their unique, dark and twisted presence. 'Falling Away From Me' was the opening number. From heavy riffs to haunting 7-string lead guitars, dousing the outdoor ampitheater in the shadows of minor-key tones of ominous darkness, Korn blew the crowd away. Jonathan Davis' unique voice made spines tingle throughout the crowd. They closed this day of rock and metal music with a performance to be remembered. Not to be overlooked, they saved their early hit 'Blind' for their encore-closer.<br />
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All-in-all, it was a great day of live music enjoyed to the fullest. Setlists for these band on this day are as follows...<br />
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<strong>Like A Storm</strong><br />
-Chemical Infatuation<br />
-Never Surrender<br />
-Just Save Me<br />
-Alone<br />
-Nothing Remains<br />
-Gangsta's Paradise (Coolio cover)<br />
-Enemy<br />
-T.N.T. (AC/DC cover)<br />
-Love the Way You Hate Me<br />
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<strong>Black Stone Cherry</strong><br />
-Maybe Someday<br />
-Me and Mary Jane<br />
-Ghost of Floyd Collins<br />
-Yeah Man<br />
-Like I Roll<br />
-Rain Wizard<br />
-In My Blood<br />
-Blind Man<br />
-Fiesta del Fuego<br />
-White Trash Millionaire<br />
-Blame it on the Boom Boom<br />
-Lonely Train<br />
-30 Seconds of Death Metal<br />
<br />
<strong>Halestorm</strong><br />
-I Miss the Misery<br />
-Love Bites (So Do I)<br />
-It's Not You<br />
-Freak Like Me<br />
-Break In<br />
-Familiar Taste of Poison<br />
-(drum solo)<br />
-Dissident Aggressor (Judas Priest cover)<br />
-Mz. Hyde<br />
-Daughters of Darkness<br />
-I Get Off<br />
<br />
<strong>3 Doors Down</strong><br />
-Time of My Life<br />
-It's Not My Time<br />
-Duck and Run<br />
-Away From the Sun<br />
-Behind Those Eyes<br />
-Loser<br />
-Citizen/Soldier<br />
-You Better Believe It<br />
-Here Without You<br />
-The Better Life<br />
-Kryptonite<br />
-When I'm Gone<br />
<br />
<strong>KORN</strong><br />
-Falling Away From Me<br />
-Twist<br />
-Got the Life<br />
-Did My Time<br />
-Spike in My Veins<br />
-Hater<br />
-Shoots and Ladders<br />
-Coming Undone<br />
-Here to Stay<br />
-Never Never<br />
-Freak on a Leash<br />
----<br />
-Blind<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.rockusaoshkosh.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.rockusaoshkosh.com/" border="0" height="119" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWP_b1SiuaUDYtADxJDFRQ9mexmpOxmsHSf5s00BhvISu3HKuBc9r0kE5gF2p9hnS5agqam1GE6PDt6cSJux-OoMnDo5cmrTFWflvJ6yC128njKoGEtztgTvhMJq4qgi1FvhSOVlaVEck/s1600/RockUSAlineup2014copy%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />headbanger_71369http://www.blogger.com/profile/16568028680952845512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367185566120027938.post-2983714130028765652019-12-18T21:35:00.000-06:002019-12-18T21:36:32.319-06:00Trivium-The Sin and the Sentence (2017)<b><span style="color: cyan;">Post #384</span></b><br />
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<b><a href="https://www.trivium.org/" target="_blank">Trivium</a></b> are always one of my top favorite bands. They have continually challenged themselves with each album they've recorded, and keep shifting gears between aggression and toned down melodies. 2017's <b><span style="color: red;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sin-Sentence-Explicit-Trivium/dp/B074WBZ734/ref=sr_1_1?crid=C3WHJC6ETLF2&keywords=the+sin+and+the+sentence&qid=1576726215&sprefix=the+sin+and%2Caps%2C161&sr=8-1" target="_blank">The Sin and the Sentence</a></span></b> is no different. While their last album, <b><span style="color: white;">Silence in the Snow</span></b>, was the most melodic one they ever recorded, being practically devoid of the hardcore screams, this latest album brings them back, at least for a good percentage of the songs. The result is a truly balanced Trivium album that shows every strength the band has to offer. It is their most diverse release since 2011's <b>In Waves</b> (<a href="https://happyheadbanger.blogspot.com/2014/01/trivium-in-waves-special-edition.html" target="_blank">previously reviewed here</a>).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.trivium.org/music" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif3ATzISGQotJWuBRMmYxhz8kiYIusr-nnu8Cft5tvnYcLo_Zv8gUOwtKhKU5YunZ1x6iXrFQ1Y7K4ipzf9DxmBtsrp90GzU4P0OAfNhvuVynRPmNaI741Z4oE4SBJWu0FXF5g1oDzb1o/s320/Trivium_Sin_1425_300_small.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><span style="color: red;">The Sin and The Sentence</span></b> opens with the title track, and it is a furious metalcore classic- it fades in only to launch into a driving riff with overlayed lead guitar, and Matt Heafy begins with his melodic vocals, but they are complemented by his furious screams at the bridges and choruses. Different passages of the song shift from hardcore screams to melodic singing, while the instruments teeter back and forth in the same fashion. Lastly I must compliment the lyrics. Matt Heafy is a brilliant lyricist in my opinion, and this song is packed with thought provoking lyrics such as: <i>“I know the true monsters lie between the light and the shade.”</i><br />
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From there each song brings a new formula, or a new combination of their bag of tricks, so that each track is unique in its own right. By this stage of their career, Trivium have become such craftsmen of metal music that nearly every song is a work of metal mastery.<br />
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Their first single from the release was <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fwr1Z7uyXz4" target="_blank">The Heart From Your Hate</a>. This song was an instant favorite of mine when I first heard it, and it remains so today. It’s the kind of song I can’t hear without upping the volume a bit. I always like to think this song carries an anti-racism theme, and picture the lyrics as challenge to anyone who hates, “What would it take to rip the heart from your hate?” Truly, in today’s times, there is no room for hate.<br />
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I cannot really find a song on this album I would not recommend. So bear this in mind with my following recommendations. By no means should you stop with these, but rather use them as a starting block with which to delve into the entire album. These may be my personal favorites, and the best of the best, but that is not to say the rest of the tracks are not great as well!<br />
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Recommended tracks:<br />
-<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAoKcM54Q1Y" target="_blank">The Sin and the Sentence</a><br />
-<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORe1UhIqF3c" target="_blank">Beyond Oblivion</a><br />
-<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fwr1Z7uyXz4" target="_blank">The Heart from Your Hate</a> (see official music video below)<br />
-<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63p5Hu-JU3E" target="_blank">Sever the Hand</a><br />
-<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCbRAmyNHdQ" target="_blank">Beauty in the Sorrow</a><br />
-<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnjZqQhZYiY" target="_blank">Thrown Into the Fire</a><br />
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Fwr1Z7uyXz4" width="560"></iframe>joelabeverleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079393159831763914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367185566120027938.post-74965378578113609952019-12-06T19:00:00.000-06:002019-12-10T00:19:11.758-06:00Diamoth-Exhibition of Reality (2019)<b><span style="color: cyan;">Post #383</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://diamoth.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Diamoth </a>are a Christian Black Metal band form Arica, Chile. This may seem an oxymoron of sorts, as the term 'Black Metal' originated to describe bands with anti-Christian views. Therefor a more accurate description for Diamoth (or other bands in this situation) would be 'Unblack Metal'. By virtue of the genre's definitive vocal style consisting of screams and shrieks, to the casual listener the majority of lyrics seem unintelligible. For listeners who go for the overall feel of their music, and put less concern on the specifics of lyrics, they may appreciate black metal and 'unblack' metal equally.<br />
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Nonetheless, Diamoth identify as 'Christian Black Metal', and deliver their heavy and demonic-sounding metal with the best of them. What I particularly like about their sound is that they hang onto many stylistic elements from the early days of death metal: riffs that build, progress and move the music. Tempos that show variation- they have several slower-tempo grinders in addition to the faster-paced thrashers. Many of their songs remind me of early-80's Sepultura.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://diamoth.bandcamp.com/album/exhibition-of-reality" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9iiAe80nr4RUAeFlWsaneuDB3jyzorJIsPGBSGCYM5zcBjwYPpYHbAh56jccXFBqo8btatuqMjMoHEzISYOn92h5Kb0g70JpyZ_gO_aZxdwmWzJfWlqE542uB13qCdwBzkhZ9O5HS9EU/s320/DIamoth-Exhibition.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://diamoth.bandcamp.com/album/exhibition-of-reality" target="_blank">Exhibition of Reality</a>, their newest release, is a 'Black Metal' style album with its claws dug into the thrash-influenced origins of the genre. My aforementioned similarity to Sepultura is highly present throughout Exhibition of Reality. A true benefit to getting the physical CD copy would be the fact that they include scriptural inspiration for each song in the liner notes.<br />
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Recommended tracks:<br />
-Awakening (This song is the first on the album and kicks you in the teeth with speed-driven riffs!)<br />
-Pride and Powerless (This one is one of the slower grinding songs. It has a lot of riff changes that give it an almost progressive vibe)<br />
-Preacher of Lower Passions (This one starts with a slow intro, but soon kicks into high gear and is a great, riff-fest of a thrasher!)<br />
-Baal (The album's closer- this is a mid-tempo grinder with chugging riffs. They do have a lyric video for it on youtube. See the link below!)<br />
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ARcIQzLM9Lg" width="560"></iframe><br />
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(review copy of Exhibition of Reality provided by Peter Smith of Frozen Tundra Records.)joelabeverleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079393159831763914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367185566120027938.post-71024567940417542312019-11-25T23:58:00.003-06:002019-12-10T00:20:00.480-06:00King Diamond-Dreams of Horror (2014)<b><span style="color: cyan;">Post #382</span></b><br />
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With a new album on the horizon for 2020, it seems a good time to review this 'Best of' collection from King Diamond...<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/kingdiamond/" target="_blank">King Diamond</a> </b>(the singer/songwriter/front-man for this band of the same name) is a master of his own unique style of heavy metal music. This is the band he started after the break-up of his previous band, <b><a href="https://www.metalblade.com/us/artists/mercyful-fate/" target="_blank">Mercyful Fate</a></b> (also a key influence within the genre). The heavy guitars, numerous guitar solos, and fast-paced rhythm may be the trademark for the musical formula, best described as traditional, power, or classic heavy metal, but there is also so much more... King Diamond (the singer) is best known, in heavy metal culture, for his incredible vocal range: he possesses an incomparable falsetto that he blends with his middle and lower-registers within songs, often changing his singing style to match various characters' parts within the deeply thematic songs. This brings me to the next point that must be made about this music: King Diamond (the band) are equally famous for their ability to write cohesive concept albums. Practically every King Diamond album is a heavy metal rock-opera, telling a complete story with intriguing, and often demented, plots. Lyrically their music deals with concepts ranging from corruption, mental illness, demonic possession, exorcisms, and other themes of the occult.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Horror-Best-King-Diamond/dp/B00L1VKJKI/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Horror-Best-King-Diamond/dp/B00L1VKJKI/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8" border="0" data-original-height="355" data-original-width="355" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgElw9feLhmo0JbTvwb9ZmTh2MTgr6M6Wyx4HFHTr-bHmQ5v7h0uXWJcV8_BFAMswWqOdpKCgQkj8tOHwpABvESQDP222vcvXJhmUlSpH2h0QEfympNn0B0N4Aj9q__O_TsD8e50znUMCw/s320/KD-Dreams.jpg" width="320" /></a><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Horror-Best-King-Diamond/dp/B00L1VKJKI/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">Dreams of Horror</a></b> is further recommended for anyone with even a passing appreciation of, or curiosity for, the music of King Diamond for the following reasons.<br />
-<b>First, this collection was hand-picked by the band themselves.</b> Each and every track is re-mastered to create a perfect listening experience. From the performers' own opinions, these are the essential songs that best represent a cross-section of the entire King Diamond catalog.<br />
<br />
<b>-Second, as a career retrospective this collection bridges the two labels</b> (Roadrunner Records, and Metal Blade Records respectively) that have released the King Diamond albums over the past 30 years. Specifically, Disc One is subtitled 'The Roadrunner Years' and features songs from each of that label's 5 early releases from 1986-1990, while Disc Two is subtitled 'The Metal Blade Years' and thus features songs from each of that label's 7 releases, spanning 1995-2007.<br />
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<b>-Third, with King Diamond (the band) now actively touring again, it is their intent to heavily feature these tracks in their set-lists on current and near-future tours.</b><br />
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So, whether you are a die-hard or casual fan, a newcomer to the music of this band, or a loyal long-time follower, THIS IS THE ESSENTIAL COLLECTION of King Diamond music.<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
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<span style="color: #eeeeee; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "amazon ember" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Recommended tracks:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: "amazon ember" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><i>Roadrunner Disc:</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: "amazon ember" , "arial" , sans-serif;">-Dressed in White</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: "arial";">-<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGC2iP5ss6E" target="_blank">The Family Ghost</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "arial";"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: "amazon ember" , "arial" , sans-serif;">-Black Horsemen</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: "arial";">-The Invisible Guests</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: "amazon ember" , "arial" , sans-serif;">-The Eye of the Witch</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: "amazon ember" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: "amazon ember" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><i>Metal Blade Disc:</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: "arial";">-Dreams</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: "arial";">-Waiting</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: "arial";">-Voodoo</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: "arial";">-Black Devil </span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: "arial";">-The Puppet Master</span></div>
joelabeverleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079393159831763914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367185566120027938.post-23784879483721431952019-11-24T22:57:00.000-06:002019-12-10T00:20:46.197-06:002019 Independent Band of the Year: Dear Deadly!<span style="color: cyan;"><b>Post #381</b></span><br />
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Congratulations to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/deardeadly/" target="_blank">Dear Deadly</a>, the 2019 Independent Band of the Year! This year's reader's poll was competitive, and had several lead-changes during the polling period. It is also notable that it was the first time all 7 bands' vote totals reached double-digits. Dear Deadly took the lead about halfway through, and while other bands closed the gap, Dear Deadly managed to hang on to enough of a lead to finish in 1st place with 140 votes. Watch for a review of their music, promos for their live shows, and other content for the 2020 calendar year.<br />
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<a href="https://www.deardeadly1.com/?fbclid=IwAR3_sMcMN2bjRLiJKrWnMx_iUBBxpuHqspufE8Pqf8biHkzO0OIfHKYUEZ8" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="651" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisJXQEwFhiT2mGVfyS20xN5dbKUtp0i6fxYzq1QpAvU6ux1DDPaszjVOkFj8lHevdRhpXzgKrTDNJK7REaOyaPmeFQ9FdHHzrxmimRZS8F9r-LgVyhqmye2Qv3ZoDJLTeWUXLzIHTRLHU/s320/Dear+Deadly-EDIT+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Thank you as well to all the other bands that made 2019 a memorable contest:<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Socalledsaints/" target="_blank">So Called Saints</a><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Dismalimerence/" target="_blank">Dismalimerence</a><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/sonsofrachicago/" target="_blank">Sons of Ra</a><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/MolderIL/" target="_blank">Molder</a><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/foredoomedband/" target="_blank">Foredooomed</a><br />
and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/toxicruin.metal/" target="_blank">Toxic Ruin</a><br />
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<br />
Happy Headbanging!joelabeverleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079393159831763914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367185566120027938.post-9598225913598353802019-11-21T00:01:00.000-06:002019-12-10T00:24:35.468-06:00Motley Crue-The Final Tour (with Alice Cooper) 8.8.14<strong><span style="color: cyan;">Post #380</span></strong><br />
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<u>(Concert date: August 8th, 2014)</u><br />
Motley Crue were one of the best known metal bands of the 1980's to come out of LA and were a dominant force in the hair/glam metal scene for over a decade. They set some notorious standards for the decadent lifestyle clichés of heavy metal, rock and roll culture during this era. With this tour, they we giving all their fans from over the years a chance to see the original line-up one final time. To make the 'Farewell Tour' even more convincing, the band signed<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2014/01/28/showbiz/motley-crue-final-tour/index.html" target="_blank"> a cessation of touring contract</a>! Whether that holds true or not, time will tell, but for this night I was treating it as my last opportunity to see the Crue in concert!<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/MotleyCrue/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="790" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNIKHrjgw1PmKuYmK9xNa2Pa87Mm43ivKP3lBdHsSMVsW_0CDzhDaUXu4wy-c29gkB3zey4TwKsnhbLsfO_0ggX_Riffze0cuD6TpZPS9kbEwmCN0pejCIS_lBY3Q7gVEwS_W-7gx2Z2Q/s320/motley-crue-final-tour.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>
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Their opening act was the shock-rock veteran, Alice Cooper! Alice opened the show in style as he delivered a great set of songs ranging from classics like 'No More Mr. Nice Guy', 'I'm 18', and 'Billion Dollar Babies' to some later-era selections like 'Dirty Diamonds' and 'Feed My Frankenstein'. The best was his closing number, 'School's out', where he seamlessly incorporated a verse from Pink Floyd's 'Another Brick in the Wall, Part II'. (this version of the song has a studio-recorded version on Alice's all-star collaboration with Johnny Depp: Hollywood Vampires!)<br />
<br />
Then it was time for Motley Crue! Their set opened with the autobiographical 'Saints of Los Angeles', and from the start they were off and running. While I truly enjoyed everything they played, I did have a couple favorites that stood out above and beyond the rest of the show. ‘Saints of Los Angeles’ is an undeniably great song. Their early number ‘On With the Show’ was memorable and not necessarily expected. Then when they played a portion of Sirius’ arena rock staple ‘Rock n Roll part 2’ as an intro to ‘Smokin’ in the Boy’s Room’ I felt I had truly heard something special.<br />
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They finished off a great set, compiled of all their greatest hits, heavily focused on their late-80's heyday. Truly, when it comes to farewell tours, I don't think you can expect a deep set list to go beyond the major hits and fan-favorites. The only thing is I wish they had toured more consistently, but between break-ups and reunions, revolving doors of members, and health issues, they really didn't have a chance to be consistent. At least they gave the fans this farewell tour. For that I'll always be grateful.<br />
<br />
Thank you to Vince, Nikki, Mick, and Tommy, for creating the music you did, performing it for us one last time, and best wishes for you all.<br />
<br />
Setlist <strong>ALICE COOPER</strong><br />
-(The Underture)<br />
-Hello, Hooray<br />
-No More Mr. Nice Guy<br />
-Under My Wheels<br />
-I'm 18<br />
-Billion Dollar Babies<br />
-Poison<br />
-Dirty Diamonds<br />
-(Drum Solo)<br />
-Welcome to My Nightmare<br />
-Feed My Frankenstein<br />
-Ballad of Dwight Fry<br />
-I Love the Dead<br />
-School's Out (w/ verse from Another Brick In The Wall-Pink Floyd)<br />
<br />
<br />
Setlist <strong>MOTLEY CRUE</strong><br />
-Saints of Los Angeles<br />
-Wild Side<br />
-Primal Scream<br />
-Same Ol' Situation<br />
-Looks That Kill<br />
-On With the Show<br />
-Too Fast for Love<br />
-Rock N' Roll Pt.2/Smokin' in the Boys Room<br />
-Without You<br />
-MF of the Year<br />
-Anarchy in the UK<br />
-Dr. Feelgood<br />
-In the Begining/Shout at the Devil<br />
-Don't Go Away Mad<br />
-Drum Solo/Guitar Solo<br />
-Live Wire<br />
-Too Young to Fall in Love<br />
-Girls Girls Girls<br />
-Kickstart My Heart<br />
--------<br />
-Home Sweet Homeheadbanger_71369http://www.blogger.com/profile/16568028680952845512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367185566120027938.post-17272692765831526852019-11-19T23:42:00.000-06:002019-12-10T00:25:34.748-06:00Iron Maiden - Legacy of the Beast Tour (8-22-19)<b><span style="color: cyan;">Post #379</span></b><br />
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When it comes to heavy metal concerts, there are few artists that can be compared to <a href="https://ironmaiden.com/" target="_blank">Iron Maiden</a> in terms of stage shows. With their <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/legacyofthebeast?lang=en" target="_blank">Legacy of the Beast Tour</a> they prove once again that they have an incomparable stage show, while also delivering a career spanning set list that left few Maiden fans wanting for anything else.<br />
<br />
Their opening number was “Aces High”, and with this song they spared no expense. Mere seconds after the intro of Winston Churchill's speech, there was an enormous cloud from fog machines out of which emerged a life size WWII Spitfire fighter plane! Complete with a functional propeller and suspended like a marionette above the stage, the plane soared, or dove, or banked and turned throughout the entire song. I spent the whole 5 minutes with my jaw agape at the amazing spectacle. And this was just the first song!<br />
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VcBaRQVOWGQ" width="560"></iframe>
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They went on to bombard us with great hits, classic concert staples, nostalgic nuggets they've not played live in years, and quite a few surprises- both in song selection and special effects! "Flight of Icarus" included a gigantic winged figure with lines of fire that destroyed the wings, giant canvas back-drops that told the story behind many of the songs. It was a full experience both visually and audibly.<br />
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Although there were no tracks performed from either of their 2 most recent albums, that was probably by design- this was after all the <i>Legacy</i> of the Beast tour, so those songs that Maiden’s legacy is built upon deserved their moment in the spotlight, flames, and glory. Their set featured songs off of 10 different albums, and still they found time to include some deep-tracks in addition to the expected classics.<br />
<br />
One personal favorite among those 'deep-tracks' was "For the Greater Good of God" from the A Matter of Life And Death album. (See my thoughts on that specific album in <a href="http://happyheadbanger.blogspot.com/2009/08/iron-maiden-in-new-millennium.html" target="_blank">this post</a>) Another welcomed surprise was the fact they included songs from both albums from the Blaze Bayley-era; "The Sign of the Cross" from The X-Factor, <i>and</i> "The Clansman" from Virtual XI!<br />
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With pyrotechnics and stage props that literally brought the songs to life in some cases I can honestly say that I’ve never been as impressed with a concert as I have with the Legacy of the Beast! This show was one for the ages, and I can’t imagine where they’ll go from here. But I certainly hope I’ll be able to see Maiden again on a future tour.<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ironmaiden/" target="_blank">Iron Maiden</a>'s setlist follows:<br />
-Aces High<br />
-Where Eagles Dare<br />
-2 Minutes to Midnight<br />
-The Clansman<br />
-The Trooper<br />
-Revelations<br />
-For the Greater Good of God<br />
-The Wicker Man<br />
-Sign of the Cross<br />
-Flight of Icarus<br />
-Fear of the Dark<br />
-The Number of the Beast<br />
-Iron Maiden<br />
----<br />
-The Evil That Men Do<br />
-Hallowed be thy Name<br />
-Run to the Hills<br />
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Happy Headbanging!<br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/legacyofthebeast?lang=en" target="_blank">#Legacyofthebeast</a> #Ironmaidenjoelabeverleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079393159831763914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367185566120027938.post-35701346197323859082019-10-24T02:05:00.000-05:002019-12-11T00:58:48.840-06:00The Hu - The Gereg Tour (Milwaukee, WI 9/13/19)<b><span style="color: cyan;">Post # 378</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://www.thehuofficial.com/" target="_blank">The Hu</a> are a Mongolian 'folk-metal' band that have gained much attention since they had 2 music videos go viral in late 2018. They describe their genre as 'Hunnu Rock', and really stick to their roots, using traditional Mongolian instruments like the Morin Khuur (aka “Horse-Head Fiddle") and the Shudraga (a Mongolian 3-string guitar). They incorporate just enough drums, bass, and backing guitars to cross-over into the rock or metal genres. Not to be overlooked, they employ the native Mongolian throat-singing vocal style. It truly must be heard to be fully appreciated. A very cool sound, and it lends itself well to the rock and metal style. I can’t wait to hear more from this band!<br />
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I was very fortunate to see them on their first tour through the US in support of their debut album ‘The Gereg’. It was Friday the 13th of September this year, the very day their album “The Gereg” was released! A friend and I made the short trek from the northern suburbs of Chicago up to Milwaukee, made our way to the Rave and prepared to hear this new band exhibit their music for our enjoyment.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlL5TaydSmp0DRpbHpBNR8dUvzAUMvAw5COLxbIK4KujO3QhQ3e0b5Rb7jUKIZxdTXOD1qq6p7B4JrWAFWCqvYkjrsmw7wZElKlfSUAq3_W6PXXj03EgW49MEe8wgm3UHrr7PxDsGeX0s/s1600/HU-outside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlL5TaydSmp0DRpbHpBNR8dUvzAUMvAw5COLxbIK4KujO3QhQ3e0b5Rb7jUKIZxdTXOD1qq6p7B4JrWAFWCqvYkjrsmw7wZElKlfSUAq3_W6PXXj03EgW49MEe8wgm3UHrr7PxDsGeX0s/s320/HU-outside.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Even while entering the venue there was a unique vibe to this show. Their was a guy outside dressed in what I presumed was a traditional Mongolian warriors uniform. He was open to posing for photos so we did. I’m still not sure if he was with the band, their road crew, or just a local guy dressing all-out to support the show and Mongolian culture, but it sure was cool! Inside, we found the merch booth and each collect an autographed copy of “<a href="https://shop.missingink.com/thehuofficial" target="_blank">The Gereg</a>”!<br />
<br />
After a short opening set by a DJ that played some digital music, they set up the stage for The Hu. Moments before it seemed they were schedule to come out the restless crowd took up the chant of “HU! HU! HU!...”<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/thehuofficial/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="696" data-original-width="1600" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiny2LuEDL9JjkUpdj3RWCRYXLrbNGAjpSlze0tZgYxQdVjFG49acmCzczc_T5dNz241eVWbz7tmPLMjHskuKWnX15j1dZQHG41NzuFjQ-vvI9RfmiNb24QxUqlGblIWR-FEGyZ280oCJ4/s400/THE+HU+-+Band.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Hu took the stage with their Morin Khuurs, Shudraga, drums and a couple backing musicians with guitar and bass. A brief “Hello. Milwaukee!” brought a welcoming cheer from the crowd and they began their opening number, “The Same”. It was a slower mellow number but with pleasant melodies and a nice groove. Next they played the title track from their debut album “The Gereg”. It was a little more upbeat and you could feel the crowd getting more into the music with each measure.<br />
<br />
Another song from their album they played really got the crowd rocking out. That song was “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwr4SPK1_TY" target="_blank">Shoog Shoog</a>”. They’ve since released a lyric video for it. Another very catchy tune was “Uchirtai Gurav”- this one I managed to film a long segment of, and I still enjoy listening to the clip I have: it has a great throat-singing solo by Gala in it. Check out the link!<br />
<br />
During the majority of the show the singer would speak to the crowd in Mongolian. The crowd responded enthusiastically, as a fair percentage of those in attendance appeared to be Mongolian as well. My friend and I cheered along anyway. It was the spirit of the moment! It wasn’t long until they played their 2 songs from their viral music videos: “<a href="https://youtu.be/v4xZUr0BEfE" target="_blank">Yuve Yuve Yu</a>” and “Wolf Totem”. If you have not seen either of these music videos you’re missing out. Here is a link for Wolf Totem.<br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jM8dCGIm6yc" width="560"></iframe>
Their closing number was a really heavy, rocking tune! They actually announced this song’s title in English, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8viA02Ok8ck" target="_blank">“This is the Mongol”</a>. It proved to be one of my favorite songs of the evening. Many of these songs are surfacing on YouTube as fan-filmed concert footage, but I sincerely hope they record some of these other songs on their next album.<br />
<br />
The concert seemed to be over, but after about 5 minutes they came out on stage again! The crowd cheered for an encore. They proceeded to play their video hits, “Yuve Yuve Yu” and “Wolf Totem” a second time, closing with raucous cheers by the crowd and a humble, appreciative bow from the band.<br />
<br />
Soon after the concert I created a set list on <a href="http://setlist.fm/">setlist.fm</a>, and added the tracks I knew from their album, in roughly the order I could recall them. Not understanding any of the Mongolian lyrics didn’t help, but thankfully my friend and I had taken several video clips during the show and we matched titles to the melodies we recognized. Several tracks seemed to not even be on their album, but since creating the set list other users have filled in most of the gaps. If you attended the Milwaukee show for this tour, here is the set list link:<br />
<a href="https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/the-hu/2019/the-rave-ii-milwaukee-wi-339cfc19.html">https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/the-hu/2019/the-rave-ii-milwaukee-wi-339cfc19.html</a><br />
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Set list for <a href="https://www.thehuofficial.com/" target="_blank">The Hu</a><br />
-The Same<br />
-The Gereg<br />
-The Song of Women<br />
-The Legend of Mother Swan<br />
-Uchirtai Gurav<br />
-Shireg Shireg<br />
-Bii Biyley<br />
-<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4ivt2_WI_4" target="_blank">Yuve Yuve Yu</a> (linked to my video from this show!)<br />
-Wolf Totem<br />
-The Great Chinggis Khaan<br />
-Black Thunder<br />
-This is the Mongol<br />
——<br />
-Yuve Yuve Yu<br />
-Wolf Totem<br />
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Feel free to login and edit if you have a better recollection of the song sequence!<br />
<br />
Happy Headbanging everyone!<br />
And thank you to The Hu, for touring the USA! I hope it has been a wonderful experience for you, and I look forward to seeing you in concert again someday.HappyHeadbangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04489082073143759574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367185566120027938.post-42559832674886068512019-10-10T23:30:00.000-05:002019-12-11T00:58:16.597-06:00Independent Band of the Year Reader's Poll 2019<b><span style="color: cyan;">Post #377</span></b><br />
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Welcome to the<b> <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf3BHCAiQat0cSG4gvZpCn4sNWEzlxEEcd8YbHwx087-hxSYA/viewform" target="_blank">2019 Independent Band of the Year readers poll</a></b>! This year marks the 11th annual contest for <a href="http://happyheadbanger.com/">HappyHeadbanger.com</a>. I want to thank all the bands participating this year for agreeing to be part of this contest. <b><i>Please, after previewing music from the bands that interest you, click the link above (or at the end of this post) to cast your votes!</i></b> Without further delay, let me introduce this year's contestants and give you a brief description and some song suggestions for each of them...<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Socalledsaints/" target="_blank">So Called Saints</a> </b>(Rockford, IL)<br />
(Hardcore Metal)<br />
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<a href="https://www.reverbnation.com/socalledsaints?fbclid=IwAR1flXTdo7y0rP4uasXBhNhmrywMtq78SxWLrc5QWl9R1cCS5fPtFhIlzeo" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1170" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTLqB29d0n7vJ3hSDjr2EvgxhnFSqFmjFCrS4mYP9o25kVJZ6Ni9LYkis650rYE2TAQhKN8dnKd97JgV4Wm060fW_rtfiYkB5RRAQkd8noC_C9GPY_o0M8tV7JFbNNgvhd0pXOj6yFihk/s320/SoCalledSaints.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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So Called Saints are a hardcore metal band form Rockford, IL. They fuse heavy riffs, rich bass tones, electronic elements, and a show-no-mercy hardcore scream into a powerful, bone crushing sound sure to make metal heads mosh. Serving up brutality with a full-spectrum sonic production quality rarely heard of, this band will get your head banging and your ears bleeding!</div>
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Check out their songs:</div>
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-<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aj8cXgsnjzs" target="_blank">Seven Deadly</a> (youtube)</div>
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-<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4NiODBjgI4" target="_blank">Monsters N Madmen</a> (youtube-lyric)</div>
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<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Dismalimerence/" target="_blank">Dismalimerance</a></b> (Chicago, IL)<br />
(Black Metal)<br />
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<a href="https://dismalimerence.bandcamp.com/releases" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="744" data-original-width="955" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVaXh2s18aP0ALnN6pEGueEGLYEglT-Yplg5YVWjdI4HafDuV1TYJRczbrqoo3xhKtwabpM7nqlcW5pkww8uX_ed7O8ploi7q3-Aw446_SZFw-V_uPF_Ts21ykPwR9SemhPB1RtpPkMas/s320/Dismalimerence+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Dismalimerence are a black metal band form Chicago, IL. They give you the expected black metal shrieked vocals, yes. They deliver blistering tempos that would challenge any drumsticks’ integrity, true. However they also give you melodic breakdowns with acoustic guitars and clean melodic transitions. They build back up to their expected intensity, seamlessly blending progressive elements into their dark and haunting sound.</div>
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Check out their song:</div>
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-<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oO2PanJNIbc" target="_blank">Sequestered Hearts</a> (youtube)</div>
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-<a href="https://dismalimerence.bandcamp.com/releases" target="_blank">Sequestered Hearts</a> (bandcamp audio)</div>
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<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/sonsofrachicago/?ref=br_rs" target="_blank">Sons of Ra</a> </b>(Chicago, IL)<br />
(Prog-Jazz-Metal)<br />
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<a href="https://sonsofra.bandcamp.com/merch?fbclid=IwAR0GEqNgbn7zTDuydobDkqpMn8-LqDSN6dZrrh59M7U-sza8oMWrw-cOIuA" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="714" data-original-width="1080" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNL8AQI2zcCJ44c0CostU_xP6B1sfGeF4bM9_vf9qLeVz4jnGwH38VB0xr8YVbV2eHRRQTEFfUfSxz34LByMF-PVp2p9_PQ1JhEfSNTTXvm2DhyvGe4gPpVH_Z4pXa37ZlFBs2IvX2CZ8/s320/SONSofRA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sons of Ra are a progressive rock/jazz fusion metal band from Chicago, IL. They embrace the free and open jazz structure and blend the guitar soloing, heavy riffs and jazz beats into instrumental jams that satiate the cerebral music lover, and give the emotional outlet that metal heads crave. To get a taste of their esoteric formula there’s just one thing you need to do...<br />
Check out their songs:<br />
-<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBm2to5dI-8&list=PLA50q5kf6KFrymuZDidbi9EDQ1GLJv8tY" target="_blank">AntiFragile</a> (youtube)<br />
-<a href="https://sonsofra.bandcamp.com/track/persona-non-grata" target="_blank">Persona Non Grata</a> (bandcamp audio)<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/MolderIL/" target="_blank">Molder</a> </b>(Joliet, IL)<br />
(Death Metal)<br />
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<a href="https://molderil.bandcamp.com/?fbclid=IwAR2yXIZt0e1Pz06pR1WODZ8py22nyLjOqc5-en921DNFMwdjYvyva-On2Ps" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="644" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZKfNJeERqUQWZeLDQqouwrwEi2YecjOQZPOVejKeeOhjU4C2P5ISn5TMsM9x-eZW0HITqDpX8sWdnLRX-iCUHLESXChRTfP1cPBFQ2kvWD79uca4JVjtGqT1SaaX22Y81Mmbv62M7ELY/s320/MOLDER.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Molder are a death metal band form Joliet, IL. They actually describe their genre as “pus-riddled death metal” to be accurate, and the description holds up to their sound! If you like your death metal filled with picturesque visions of gore and horror, then Molder is the band for you! They have harsh, mid-range guttural vocals, heavily distorted guitars (of course), but do utilize a variety of tempos to grind your guts out quickly or slowly.</div>
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Check out their songs:</div>
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-<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDHguNJJwG4" target="_blank">Condemned to the Catafalque</a> (youtube)</div>
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-<a href="https://molderil.bandcamp.com/album/necrobiome" target="_blank">Necrobiome</a> (bandcamp audio)</div>
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<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/foredoomedband/" target="_blank">Foredoomed</a></b> (Joensuu, Finland)<br />
(Melodic Death Metal)<br />
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<a href="http://foredoomed.net/home/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="943" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzL2o4cBnELwfEJJ0g_tfl_Prp68gQ_yEP2fq6ToEo5mcmJdLR7OKjU81HvjboV-DaNTYs4d_9SH99jSXaEIsAC3AGEYSL0A254OR2Czy9qR4gd3PMmT0gLnSIY5Gk7c780rJlPyLK62Q/s320/Foredoomed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Foredoomed are a melodic death metal band from Joensuu, Finland. They really pack a versatile formula into a 3-piece act. Deep, dark, disturbing death metal vocals- check. Heavy guitars- check. Soaring symphonic keyboards, and melodic vocals to match- check. Clean guitar riffs, full fret-board guitar solos- check. To hear how they blend all these elements together you should probably...</div>
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Check out their songs:</div>
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-<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=0AGyJZTI-l0" target="_blank">Blood Red Sun</a> (youtube) </div>
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-<a href="https://foredoomed.bandcamp.com/track/dead-candles" target="_blank">Dead Candles</a> (bandcamp audio)</div>
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<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/toxicruin.metal/" target="_blank">Toxic Ruin</a> </b>(Sheboygan, WI)<br />
(Thrash)<br />
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<a href="https://toxicruin.bandcamp.com/?fbclid=IwAR0l-mK6Ns196yo8UVue9Dza40d4QLhBJL5QP6GiMZvQ7-wH23Tf2jq6eAc" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1064" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifyuLAMtc0xL8ti9M-T0jwUoPy4vyguaKPWW3YeGNfLlZr74prqIbnVoZuB5q9JuPvZHrKRskktj5kWh6yKFGsBO9HdU2sXshFf12MhYcJdEGUdcpM19YbEpXvw8lOEAOrXRlApY7nq-o/s320/Toxic+Ruin.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Toxic Ruin are a thrash metal band form Sheboygan, WI. They don’t kid around, keeping the riffs heavy, the pace break-neck, the vocals screamed out with fervor. Very technical riffing and blast beat drumming galore. If you utilize metal music for emotional venting, or workout pacing, or just glorious head banging, then Toxic Ruin is your band of choice.</div>
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Check out their songs:</div>
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-<a href="https://toxicruin.bandcamp.com/track/mental-atrophy" target="_blank">Mental Atrophy</a> (bandcamp audio)</div>
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-<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=5&v=ptTW3xXQ0EY" target="_blank">Insolent Obsession</a> (youtube)</div>
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<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/deardeadly/" target="_blank">Dear Deadly</a> </b>(Willowbrook, IL)<br />
(Alternative Metal)<br />
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<a href="https://www.deardeadly1.com/?fbclid=IwAR14M57oqFMAyOw1QVNS5fe7kyLrxvcG8P8xUK0sElRaUjwDhYU48NEWuYo" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="793" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5PDgqZDU4Vk_zRGc-Gsj9qav1_ZiMWOjx9EzB4jsFiJBSKdPdC2-iEh4junLChQbKb3WYVZn7R9sVHx_pxbDqmzNJe0KN3eKY0YzuYbn6w-C2nl-bDxv1TijRbW9Lv89MZOr9hbyZAw/s320/Dear+Deadly+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Dear Deadly are an alternative metal band form the Chicago suburb of Willowbrook. Fast and catchy riffs permeate their formula. Guitar solos showcase their talent and a scratchy melodic voice delivers their edgy yet beautiful metal music. This band has a fast and heavy sound with hooks around every corner. To hear their grit and grace in harmonious action...</div>
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Check out their songs:</div>
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-<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=694PW7e3JKk" target="_blank">Deviant</a> (youtube)</div>
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-<a href="https://deardeadly.bandcamp.com/track/very-wicked-things" target="_blank">Very Wicked Things</a> (bandcamp audio)</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Please click this link to cast your vote:</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf3BHCAiQat0cSG4gvZpCn4sNWEzlxEEcd8YbHwx087-hxSYA/viewform" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">2019 Independent Band Poll</span></a></div>
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(previewing songs or videos DO NOT COUNT AS VOTES!)</div>
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<b>The poll closes at midnight on Sunday, November 17th, 2019!</b></div>
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Happy headbanging!</div>
<br />HappyHeadbangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04489082073143759574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367185566120027938.post-53347649457144611072019-07-10T21:09:00.000-05:002019-12-11T00:57:31.298-06:00Act of Destruction-Beyond Eternity (2019)<b><span style="color: cyan;">Post #376</span></b><br />
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<b>Act Of Destruction</b> have returned with their 2nd independent release, <a href="https://actofdestruction.bandcamp.com/?fbclid=IwAR02jRzIHTXi9JOG0AxkdmEoh2MTQQw9dVsb1NHflM2PADgDSPThzUBoG5o" target="_blank">Beyond Eternity</a>. Roughly 4 years have passed since their debut <a href="https://actofdestruction.bandcamp.com/album/extinction" target="_blank">Extinction</a>, <a href="http://happyheadbanger.blogspot.com/2018/02/act-of-destruction-extinction-2015.html" target="_blank">which I reviewed previously</a>. In that time the band has seen some changes. One change was the addition of David Kraus on guitars and backing vocals. Kraus is also guitarist and lead vocalist from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ScarsOfArmageddon/" target="_blank">Scars of Armageddon</a> (another <a href="https://happyheadbanger.blogspot.com/search?q=scars+scars+of+armageddon" target="_blank">former winner</a> of my <a href="https://happyheadbanger.blogspot.com/search/label/I.B.O.Y.%20Poll" target="_blank">Independent Band of the Year poll</a>), so if you're familiar with their sound, then the backing vocals should sound familiar!<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ACTOFDESTRUCTIONOFFICIAL/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk65NuA_q0zrISIuplg3L26TImo6TD_BMT94QlVA1jkOjayXHhaXrm_cGZdozU5WmFUGBxCZxgX1VkbYWbaFOcLs0qGKTfubvZiftleyU3oxkp3gcZa-p7H5BgSbdO3KjMgaNL9-u0qEM/s320/ActofD-Eternity.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #d5a6bd;"><b>Beyond Eternity </b></span>starts off with <b>Eternal Combustion</b>. This song is sure to be a crowd pleaser to their established following. It has their classic formula of rapid-fire drumming, melodic-death/hardcore vocals by John Bravo III, intricate guitar riffs and unarguable talent with guitar soling. The production seems even crisper than their debut, which was already great! It's like a perfect hybrid between metalcore and melodic death metal.<br />
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<b>Ascending Into Glory</b> has an initial guitar riff that fades in. They slow the tempo down slightly, but otherwise is another great song, complete with a great guitar solo. This one seems to have some power metal influences outside of the vocals.<br />
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<a href="https://actofdestruction.bandcamp.com/track/spiritual-infinity" target="_blank"><b>Spiritual Infinity</b> </a>is where Act of Destruction up the ante, and give us all a new twist to their formula. When the chorus comes around, Kraus' soaring melodic vocals blend in with John Bravo's harsher, death-metal growls. The resulting sound surprised me at first with its contrast in style, but it works! It will simultaneously quench your rage and pierce your eardrums. There is again fantastic riff work, and substantial guitar soloing- a true winner of a song!<br />
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<b>The Source</b> is a different combination again. With another display of slower-tempo riffs, Act of Destruction showcase their whole package here. The vocals are primarily John Bravo's hardcore growls, but the backing vocal formula includes both Kraus' melodic screams and Nigel Bravo's deeper, guttural death metal vocals are present as well. Then, we also get some spoken word passages by Nigel. The lyrics throughout this EP have been orbiting themes of philosophy, conservation and more esoteric concepts like religion and science fiction. This song is again like that, and has one of my favorite lyrics: "Your tears are the rain upon the blinding dust of the Earth."</div>
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<b><a href="https://actofdestruction.bandcamp.com/track/starkblast" target="_blank">Starkblast</a></b> is a crowning jewel on this recording effort. Clocking in at over 7 minutes, it is the band's longest recording yet. It brings progressive metal elements into the fold more than they've done before. Again the vocal style is a 3-fold revolving door with the Bravo brothers providing the hardcore and death-metal growls, and Kraus the melodic elements. They also have guest vocals by Pindy of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ArmoredAssaultMusic/" target="_blank">Armored Assault</a>! Closing it off are more esoteric spoken word passages by Nigel Bravo, backed my Kraus' fading melodic screams.</div>
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Visit <a href="https://actofdestruction.bandcamp.com/album/beyond-eternity" target="_blank">Act of Destruction's Bandcamp page</a> for downloads, or find them in iTunes or on Spotify!</div>
joelabeverleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079393159831763914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367185566120027938.post-19455495653816436712019-06-23T01:42:00.000-05:002019-12-11T00:56:24.125-06:00Midwest Springfest 2019 at Penny Road Pub<b><span style="color: cyan;">Post #375</span></b><br />
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On Saturday, April 20th, 2019, Penny Road Pub in Barrington, IL hosted a festival of rock and metal music known as Midwest Springfest. Starting mid-afternoon and running non-stop all through the afternoon and evening, no less than 14 bands got their turn to inundate our auditory senses and show off their variety of talent.<br />
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I unfortunately arrived too late to catch Mary Vaughn, Mudfish, and 20 Spot. I did arrive just in time to catch most of The Kringe's set, and then saw every band after that. The venue utilized both the main floor and basement stages, and set times were scheduled so that roughly as one band finished up their set, the next band was about to go on. So it was relatively easy to see every band.<br />
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<i><b>The Kringe</b></i><br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheKringe/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="974" data-original-width="1600" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg61fZNwppnqW-ENH9DP92h2HpP5ET_fKG5n3zsB9TAMX5h0d2f8s4aPyOl30B_T6u-CdULC9i42R5QlroZHZtgERj9B7pTeLwfJhKgJmTEFM43GyJ4zeX3Me2xGmoueF1sKdf1248YUi8/s320/1-Kringe.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Kringe were a hard rock band- not aggressive enough to be called metal, but this fest was a broad spectrum 'rock' format, so it was a bit of 'anything goes'. The Kringe were an old-school rock band, and if I had to name their genre then and there I'd say they were 'sleazy blues-rock'. I could detect some influence from the likes of Ted Nugent, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Zeppelin.<br />
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<i><b>GreyWall</b></i><br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Greywallband/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-R0fVkvGpwclaA8Zu61Oryb2UFaTaN8reg7qKcd4AGsmH1yxFZA1bhKHFicOFwt4yKqjPCpHUA9Q-rxldpITsSmQQJqe1lqYPDIZJn2ScSGzBTsHayL3PXRTxFwdLKUxLQV61VQYXsY/s320/2-Greywall.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;">Then
it was upstairs to catch Greywall. Greywall were a hardcore, alt-rock band.
Their vocals were harsh screams offset by scratchy melodic singing. They could
be compared to Seether or Three Days Grace. Blend that with Nine Inch Nails and you may not be far off. They
definitely had a gritty and raw sound. I was about to be lulled into their
ambient dark mood when they hit overdrive and the guitars screamed heavy and
distorted along with the vocals. The headbanging was quite enjoyable, and I knew this fest was going to have much variety in store.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Greywall's Set:</b><br />
-Red Dahlia<br />
-Bullfight<br />
-Babies<br />
-Wait<br />
-Idle Wrist<br />
-The Withering<br />
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<b><i>Toxic Ruin</i></b><br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/toxicruin.metal/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1150" data-original-width="1600" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDHxzFT8Lc5B0CLFl_VEzzq6SzvKzw6wlvRnc_6eNR0iPBmCSlWHFHvZtizYsEHkrFQYXpaHtHMlsoxOINbtPTc9NJud1f9H3yIygJZhIZsAX0xIVwvq4uJ9YC3tf68fgk5wwdVW0lJig/s320/3-ToxicRuin.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Toxic Ruin from Sheboygan, WI brought the intensity up a few notches. These guys are old-school thrash, and good at it! Fast and complex riffs, technical drumming and raspy growled vocals. They had the crazies headbanging in an instant and didn’t let up for their whole set. They even included a cover of 'Crystal Mountain' from Death’s iconic <b>Symbolic</b> album. My neck now thoroughly loosened up, I headed back upstairs to catch the next act.<br />
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<b><i>Rachels Bully</i></b><br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/rachelsbullyband/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSObrc8lR4k6Wbp7yeUZvECRrMlr92PHJeKHoMgg2ot7JN0vavmfzdpboXBSruH5D209wzzePPrLzw3y_iu_wIFrleRv-sd2whlsT-v81vwibbEwRF68PyhmMBlKkUkrttzdQUbTIvQRY/s320/4-RachelsBully.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Back up to the main floor and Rachel’s Bulky were set to go on. These guys were more old-school rock n roll. They were so intense the shorted out a part of the sound system on their 2nd song. After a short delay to repair the sound system, they were back at it, rocking out to the core. A few more songs into their set they switched it up with a ballad, but then returned to their comfort zone of hard rock with a sleazy edge. I'd recommend them to fans of Buckcherry or Black Rebel Motorcycle Club.<br />
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<i><b>Prison City Brigade</b></i><br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/PrisonCityBrigade/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="936" data-original-width="1600" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZDCPtw9XwLkcgqvFbNZebsq16eD9rc6DSk5ZrQ8-mHxbd7Wg7RPF9ulUWHyKlXQJd4yNc9b1v10nHq4rGiRmR3pP_hMfFFpz8CMs0ko2R_D-t0Uigj_IOnSHklrmegmq2CsnX9tHLY0/s320/5-PrisonCityBgd.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Prison city brigade, from Joliet, brought something new again, showing us a taste of hardcore punk! They had some crowd participation in their name sake song, as they had us chanting “We are! We are the brigade!!” The guitarist came into the audience and jammed one of their songs right there among the crowd. This band gave it their all and poured their hearts (and sweat) out on the stage.<br />
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<b><i>Blacken the Day</i></b><br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/BlackenTheDayOfficial/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="892" data-original-width="1600" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSk6oO81xYmZXMmrPR39T8Y4WTfDOm16_IWSIJEYXfQ1s6_SXNcC5EWuHisDAWBOyVM5uMK7-nsRD49AdbtYuxVJh5c63Ic1Tlf5RkP_Smhf6yvmxg3WwTon4ApTWNRiTK-t_AgmYpT-U/s320/6-BlackenDay.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Blacken the Day were fortunate to be able to play, as one of their guitarist was just released from the hospital the day before. They didn’t disappoint. Self-described ‘Jazz-metal’, they are the product of a jazz singer who joined a metal band, so both influences were apparent in their sound. Their riffs were heavy with an alt-metal vibe, their singer's vocals melodic and clean. This brought a nice contrast to their sound and delivery<br />
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<b><i>Monroe</i></b><br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/thebandMonroe/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="904" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_L7mK0-sXgrcwy2IgsTZLe7YQ3h3h4ksCqvB7UVD_Axuwtp5ayZFj8_-j3ypMqRfIQeqkKLOACUk-P3LWMIWv20I-TwlB5d9kzcnlsrRxj90FBtD0bNUEAlSFRVXx9ZiWhX6iB8hGo0w/s320/7-Monroe.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Monroe's sound was a welcomed mix of hard rock and alternative metal. They delivered a heavy, rocking set while keeping the crowd engaged. Their bassist was sporting a Genotype t-shirt, a hint that they also were representing the Rockford scene. Track for track, Monroe delivered a loud rocking performance and songs with catchy grooves.<br />
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<b><i>No Clear Way</i></b><br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/No-Clear-Way-26445573674/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="962" data-original-width="1600" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik42i1Ll5Rtuvbw2jxLJAUVxY_q78ZD56QJ4mKh_bT660r1s2JT_xgB1tPWOHppNxdlwJTJ-wV_koKOAE6zXTlKdVvcZHXi-asIkhP0rVvDlS2AbGPxRv2LJoQ9JooYUsP3_76-J8U5XU/s320/8-NoClearWay.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This band again brought something new to the mix. Heavy guitars, and a deep toned-bass groove set the foundation for their singer's post-grunge inspired vocal style. There was evident of the influences of Scott Weiland, Eddie Vedder and the like, but backed by a more metal style. Theirs was another engaging performance with more bands yet to come!<br />
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<b><span style="color: magenta;"><i>Genotype</i></span></b><br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/GenotypeBand/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="971" data-original-width="1600" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuNIEnF-AFC45s9muQw0hEnJmk2NmgVL85sc7GGYicho6pSPc45wRvIcjn2DANgNW8kMnSnOHzkXFGcQXbBl5E-RQJ6VVaYStESdWqFrkvfQN1cUsw1Hq1-_3rSJNgsy70IvzI9-90F80/s320/9-Genotype-Live.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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With only a few bands left to perform, it was finally time to catch Genotype, the winner of my independent band poll last fall, in concert! <a href="http://happyheadbanger.blogspot.com/2013/09/dame-nation-v-journey-towards-new.html" target="_blank">I first reviewed them after they played Dame Nation</a> back in 2013. Since then I had followed their social media, but never had another chance to see them live. Once they started playing it was obvious they were worth the wait! They opened with 'The Dream' from their latest album- Genotype III, and their intensity was at 11! They play a style of metalcore, mixed with electronic elements. Vocalist Kadie Kirby delivers both melodic and screamed vocal styles, with equal mastery of each style. Charles Esposito and Shaun Combee keep assaulting the audience with heavy riffs and killer solos. All the while drummer Remington Roberts keeps an intensely tight beat with rapid blast-beat drumming. I was especially blown away by the vocal range displayed in their track 'Drifting to the End'. They are an amazing band to see live. I'd try to catch their next show if I were you!<br />
<span style="color: magenta;">-The Dream</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;">-Temple of Saturn</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;">-Lysithia</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;">-Energon</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;">-Drifting to the End</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;">-Silence</span><br />
<b><span style="color: magenta;"><br /></span><i>
Dear Deadly</i></b><br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/deardeadly/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="849" data-original-width="1600" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVs0DAx4wGkBn1cFNgojvbC8JHCvy7ZHImzHfa6H7YhLD93HuhYmwE1Xw4M9JfxpgD_k1uqJkYqai2UToUg4HCoV04ddn_YpBs4sEHbrJqmPONyeXpMwVRpV17tSCVvsVH-kbqeANgHyg/s320/10-DearDeadly.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Penultimate band was Dear Deadly, and they performed a more traditional style of metal. Sharp guitar tones, frequent solos and a scratchy but clean vocal style had me pegging them as power metal. Their vocal style was clean singing, but with a power and edge that it hovered at the bring of a scream for the majority of their set. For a comparison I might look to the early works of Bullet for My Valentine, or In Flames. Their songs had great hooks! At one point I thought I heard a guitar solo that mirrored the melody of 'La Vida Loca'. Check out their song 'Deviant' and see if you hear the same!<br />
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Setlist:<br />
-Virus<br />
-Face to Face<br />
-Bad Habits<br />
-Very Wicked Things<br />
-Deviant<br />
-The Devil You Know<br />
-The Hopeless<br />
-Papercut (Linkin Park cover)<br />
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<b><i>Alethia</i></b><br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AlethiaBandIL/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="887" data-original-width="1600" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqcdCFFqRC7CjRjJD9B9L0xR_MYwETUHtmnNiZC2sc6oFNTr7plzbOfP_Knf_P4EjM2z-_Hzo4Ckzd3PgpJ7HQTJr97Ja9AFpGV24EpZ7264aAlhh4oGEepwVSnPajSkuaKXc_HOght8E/s320/11-Alethia.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
By this point of the show there had been so many great performances that I found it hard to believe the show organizers could have possibly saved the best for last, but then Alethia took the stage, and I was soon proven wrong. Alethia were a true metalcore band. Fast, technical, complex riffs, and a hardcore screamed vocal style, they pushed the adrenaline through the roof! Still, more than just the intense and heavy sound, they incorporated segments of melodic phrases and clean backing vocals the give their sound a sophisticated and professional delivery. I was banging my head as intensely as I had all night, and their musics power reminded me of the likes of Killswitch Engage, or August Burns Red.<br />
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At the end of this truly rewarding metal music fest I had definitely added many bands to my list for must-hear music. I have downloaded, or bought their CDs online, and highly recommend you do the same! Check your iTunes, Spotify, Bandcamp, Reverbnation, facebook, and Youtube for these bands, their catalog of albums or EPs, their most highly played songs, add them to your own playlists and spread the word to your own metalhead friends!<br />
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Thanks you for reading, and as always, Happy Headbanging!HappyHeadbangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04489082073143759574noreply@blogger.com0