KILLSWITCH ENGAGE & REVOCATION Inspire Headbanging In The U.K. [Review & Photo Gallery]

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So on arrival to the Bristol o2 the queue was all the way up the hill next to the venue before the doors opened. I overheard fans chatting before the show and I heard them saying Howard Jones was there, but you hear that at every Killswitch Engage gig, and yes sometimes he does turn up. Also will Adam D wear a cape tonight, or will he go to the bar again and order shots mid set? It was bound to be an amazing night with not only Killswitch Engage taking the stage but also Boston, Massachusetts based band Revocation and the German metal band Tenside opening the show. What would be the stand out memories from tonight’s show? Let’s just wait and see. Continue reading →

BOURBON & BEYOND: Saturday [Review and Photo Gallery]

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After an incredible turnout for day one, music and bourbon lovers alike came pouring in for the second day of Bourbon and Beyond. The day would feature a massive array of talented artists including Alison Krauss, Trey Anastasio Band, and the legendary Robert Plant (with the Sensational Spaceshifters) mixed with interactive cooking sessions and bourbon workshops over at the Better in Bluegrass and Kentucky Gold stages. We will keep our focus mostly on the artists that played throughout the day. Continue reading →

AMON AMARTH Bring the ‘Berserker Tour’ To Minneapolis [Review & Photo Gallery]

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Amon Amarth brought the “Berzerker Tour” to the packed Skyway Theatre in Minneapolis, Minnesota for night of uncompromised metal. Not only did we get the Viking metal giants, but Grand Magus, At The Gates, and the infectious Arch Enemy made this line-up fantastic. Continue reading →

Phil Anselmo Talks Possible DOWN Anniversary Tour; Hints At Return Of Kirk Windstein To DOWN [Video]

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Philip H. Anselmo is a name synonymous with metal. He has been at the helm of several iconic bands that have broken barriers in the music world. One of the hardest working musicians of the generation Phil is a member of several bands each one just as amazing as the next. Pantera got everything started for the singer back in  1986 when he replaced previous singer Terry Glaze and joined forces with brothers Vinnie Paul and Dimebag Darrell Abbott along with Rex Brown. The band blazed new trails in American Heavy Metal and raised the bar of what was expected in regards to modern bands. Phil also went on to form the illustrious supergroup Down which has featured well known members like Jimmy Bower (Eye Hate God), Kirk Windstein (Crowbar, Kingdom of Sorrow), Rex Brown (Pantera), Pepper Keenan (Corrosion Of Conformity), and Pat Bruders (Goatwhore). As if that wasn’t enough of a workload Phil also has Superjoint (Formerly Superjoint Ritual) in which Jimmy Bower is also a member. In the past few years he has also brought two new bands into the realm with Philip H. Anselmo & The Illegals, and his black metal project Scour. His work history doesn’t end there as he has also been a part of the bands Arson Anthem, Christ Inversion, Southern Isolation, Viking Crown, Eibon and En Minor as well. Around a year ago Phil also stepped in and took over vocal duties for Mike IX Williams of Eye Hate God when he was ill recuperating from a liver transplant. (Mike is now back with the band and is as healthy as ever). In addition to his various bands Phil also runs and owns the label Housecore Records which has an amazing lineup of bands including Author & Punisher, The Mystick Krewe of Clearlight, Child Bite, King Parrot, Crowbar, Warbeast and various others including some of his own projects. Continue reading →

STATIC-X, DOPE & More Honor Wayne Static In Bristol, UK [Review & Photo Gallery]

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The original Static-X line-up from the 1999 platinum-selling debut full-length album, Wisconsin Death Trip – bassist Tony Campos, guitarist Koichi Fukuda and drummer Ken Jay – have completed their seventh studio album, entitled ‘Project Regeneration’ which is set to release sometime in November. The album will feature 12 brand new Static-X tracks and contains several vocal performances and musical compositions by the late great Wayne Static who passed away on November 1, 2014. The band has been touring with a masked singer who is using the name Xero. In addition to wearing a mask the mysterious vocalist is also dressed as Wayne Static featuring his signature spiked up hair and his long braided beard. The identity of the singer has not be unveiled and the band states they are trying to honor their late fallen singer Wayne. Since the bands first single was unveiled some fans believe that the singer is none other than Dope vocalist Edsel Dope and ironically Dope has been on both legs of the tour as a support act with Static-X.  One other thing to notice is that the order in which the bands perform. I would think Dope would normally be direct support for Static-X, however they have Soil as direct support and Dope playing before them. This would allow Edsel time to rest between the two bands sets. However, this is just an assumption other fans and I myself have, the singer could be a singer we all are familiar with or it could be someone completely unheard of. It’s not known yet whether or not they will ever identify their touring vocalist. It doesn’t matter to us who is behind the mask, we are just thankful to be hearing Static X again and honor the legacy that Wayne Static left behind. This UK/Euro tour includes support from Dope, Soil, and Wednesday 13, probably one of the best tours you will find this fall. Continue reading →

BLACK STAR RIDERS First Show In Over A Year Impresses UK Fans! [Review & Photo Gallery]

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Black Star Riders are a band that everyone needs to see. The band still boasts a legendary lineup even after the departure of celebrated lead guitarist Damon Johnson last year. Black Star Riders began when members of the most recent line-up of Thin Lizzy decided to record new material, but chose not to release it under the Thin Lizzy name. Ricky Warwick as well as Scott Gorham helped found the band and both are formerly of Thin Lizzy. Drummer Chad Szeliga is well versed in the rock/metal world and has had stints in Breaking Benjamin as well as Black Label Society. Upon Damon Johnson’s departure last year he was replaced by guitarist Christian Martucci who is also the guitarist in Stone Sour. Robbie Crane is also a member of front man Ricky Warwick’s band The Fighting Hearts and also previously performed with 80’s iconic band Ratt. You can easily see this band is made up of some of the most talented veterans in music. Seeing them perform is like watching an all star team. We were lucky enough for them to grace the stage at the Bristol o2 along with support from Wayward Sons which boasts vocalist Toby Jepson who rocked in the popular 90’s band Little Angels. Direst support comes from Stone Broken the hard rocking 4 piece from right here in the UK.  Continue reading →

Blood Has Been Shed Guitarist On Unreleased Album “There’s Around 10 Tracks On It”

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Blood Has Been Shed may not be a household name in the metalcore genre, but that’s not due to a lack in pedigree, with half the band going on to join Killswitch Engage (singer Howard Jones and drummer Justin Foley).  BHBS are one of those bands who’s mark is still felt almost 15 years after their last album.  With punishing off timed riffs and intricate drumming and Howard’s unmistakable vocals, Blood Has Been Shed were poised to be one of the stand out bands in a scene rife with talent. 3 albums was all we ever got from these guys, but one listen through their discography will prove why the music stands up and is held in high regard amongst some of the staunchest metal elitists.
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SUM 41 Are All Killer No Filler In Minneapolis ! [Review & Photo Gallery]

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Sum 41 returned to Minneapolis, Minnesota with a shiny brand new album under their arm and an assortment of bands that ranged from one end of the musical spectrum to the other. Despite one of rocks rising stars, Ghost, playing a just a few miles away, the Skyway Theatre was sold out and packed to the rafters. The Amity Affliction, Bowling For Soup, Less Than Jake, Plot In You, and Authority Zero all had their shots to play in front of their fans and at the same time play in front of people that may not have any familiarity with them. Clearly the odd line-up worked because the crowd seemed to appreciate the various styles. Sadly, due to unforeseen circumstances I was unable to catch the first two acts, Authority Zero and Plot In You, and I’m hoping both make it back real soon. Continue reading →

BOURBON & BEYOND: Friday [Review & Photo Gallery]

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Bourbon & Beyond is back! Bigger and dryer than last year. As most know, last year’s two day event was shortened to one day by torrential rains that caused flooding and threats of flooding in and around Champions Park (last year’s venue). As they say that was last year, this year was a very different story! Not only did the festival move to a different venue it was expanded from two days to three and there was NO rain in the forecast. In fact the reported 91,000 plus fans were treated to what some people in Kentucky were calling 2nd summer with temperatures in the 90’s all three days. It was hot, temperature and music! Continue reading →

GHOST & NOTHING MORE Bring “The Ultimate Tour Named Death” To South Dakota [Review & Photo Gallery]

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Ghost is continuing to haunt North America as the dubbed “The Ultimate Tour Named Death” made a stop at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The explosive band from San Antonio, Texas Nothing More provided direct support. Continue reading →