AVATAR Turns Minneapolis Into Avatar Country [Review & Photo Gallery]

 

If it looks like a freak show, sounds like a freak show, and certainly smells like a freak show, you have entered Avatar Country. Avatar planted their flag in the heart of Minneapolis, Minnesota at the First Avenue Nightclub to the delight of Avatar’s many citizens that came to see the King. The band hailing is making a run through North America for the first time as a headliner. The bands popularity has been on a constant up rise through hard work and playing anywhere a stage can be found. Their live shows are one of the best things going in rock music and Sweden’s best-kept secret is slowly being unleashed onto the rest of the world. The band 68, Dance With The Dead, and Devin Townsend provided support. Having these four outfits on the same stage was truly unique as each offered completely different elements. Continue reading

AVATAR Announces Headline Tour Dates For North America!

The Swedish metal outfit, Avatar, have announced a return to North America for the “Avatar Country World Tour 2019”. The tour will begin in Buffalo, NY on May 16 and conclude in Las Vegas, NV on June 15.

Avatar released the concept album, ‘Avatar Country,’ in 2018 and has toured relentlessly to support it. Vocalist Johannes Eckerstrom stated that ‘Avatar Country’ is nearing the end of the road and this tour will be the last chance to see them in their Royal Glory in tribute to the king. Continue reading

P.O.D. And ALIEN ANT FARM “Full Circle Tour” Hits Europe In 2019

San Diego rock quartet P.O.D. prepare to embark on the European leg of their Full Circle Tour, starting this February 15th, with confirmed dates spanning through March 22nd, 2019, in support of their recently released album ‘Circles’ via Mascot Records. Alternative rock veterans Alien Ant Farm will be joining them along with Atlanta noise punk duo ’68 as special guests. The trek will hit multiple European markets with an extensive run throughout the U.K., including a much-anticipated stop at the renowned O2 Academy Bristol. Grab your tickets here. Continue reading

TRIVIUM & 68′ Display Flawless Performances In Lexington, KY [Review & Photo Gallery]

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In Early May I got to catch my very first Trivium Concert at Manchester Music Hall in Lexington KY. If you aren’t familiar with Manchester Music Hall, first let me say that its one of, if not the best small concert venues in Central, Kentucky. Prior to this concert, I did a little research on the band. I had heard of the band over the years and had checked out the radio-friendly cuts but I had never really dug into any of the album tracks. One thing I love about listening to tracks off a bands albums 24 hrs before going to see the band really makes me appreciate the hard work, blood sweat, and tears musicians put into making an album. Most bands track songs just for studio cuts while others track just how they would be on stage as if they were performing the songs live. Being a musician myself I can certainly say that in my many years of stage experience less means more. The more backing tracks and other electronic gear you bring to a live show other than whats necessary raises the chances for more shit to go wrong. Continue reading

Top 5 Bands To See At Inkcarceration Festival!

 

 

There is over 30 bands performing at the inaugural Inkcarceration Music & Tattoo Festival. It is a a one-of-a-kind destination event that presents to you heavy and hard rock music from over 30+ plus bands on two stages, with some big names from the industry, such as the likes of Rise Against, Our Lady Peace, A Day To Remember, Bush, Black Label Society , Clutch and many more. It’s a star studded line-up. Let’s face it we all want to see the headliners on this festival right? I mean who can honestly say they aren’t pumped to see Black Label Society with Zakk Wylde fresh from touring with Ozzy on his farewell tour? Our Lady Peace is one of the best bands to ever come out of Canada, and their 1997 album ‘Clumsy’ is still one of the best albums I’ve ever heard. Clutch as always puts on a tremendous show as well with a unique set list almost each and every night. Rise Against, A Day To Remember and Bush all are amazing headliners as well. But beyond those top tier bands who are the must see bands performing at Inkcarceration Fest? Continue reading

Louder Than Life 2017 – Louisville, KY DAY 2 REVIEW

With Day 1 in the books, the morning of Day 2 greeted everyone with clear blue skies, terrible hangovers, and the excitement the see just how it could be any better than Day 1.  My wife and I had a few friends over at our campsite for some pre-show breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausage, and hot coffee (not bad, right?).  Afterwards, we all ventured to the camp showers where I was extremely impressed with how well maintained the facilities were and how easy and quick it was to get in and out.  With a hot shower and our bellies full, we all headed to the entrance where Black Map was already tearing it up with a loud wakeup to open Day 2 taking the place of Biters, who were unable to make it, as the day’s opener.  The band hit the crowd with early-morning performances of “Octavia”, “No Color”, and “Run Rabbit Run”, among others.  Our very own Metal Nexus founder, Fist, got a chance to sit down with Ben Flanagan of Black Map for an insightful interview at the festival, which you can watch HERE. Continue reading

Louder Than Life Spotlight: ’68

*Every Tuesday and Thursday from now until Louder Than Life gets here we will be releasing an article about a band playing the festival to get you familiar with them.*

Today’s artist is 68′.

 

For those of us who plan on attending Louder Than Life in Louisville, KY this year, we can all safely assume there will be plenty of great music from artists you know and love, and some that may not be so familiar, but amazing nonetheless.  Some are playing the festival for the first time, while some are returning for another year of good music, good food, and an all-around good time and of these, the name ’68 may be a little familiar – and for good reason. Continue reading

Louder Than Life: Saturday Review [Photo Gallery]

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Louder Than Life came back this year with such an amazing lineup. Last year had more of a southern rock feel and this year was so much heavier. Ranging from some older classic bands to some of music’s fastest up and comers the lineup was filled full talented bands of varying genres. Unfortunately, we can’t see every band, so if we didn’t mention someone here it’s simply that we had a conflicting schedule with their set. If only we could see every band it would be a perfect day. Continue reading