Autograph‘s new forthcoming release “Beyond”, was the last album to feature founding member and bassist Randy Rand. The album is due out on November 18, 2022 on Frontiers Music Srl, which the band has dedicated to Randy and in his memory.
“We tragically lost our brother, Randy Rand on April 26th 2022. His passing was untimely, as he had so much rockin’ left to do. We dedicate our upcoming album “Beyond” to our band mate and founding member of Autograph. His signature bass playing is a major part of the new record and his spirit is felt throughout.”
“The new album also serves as a catalyst for bringing Autograph into a new era of rock with it’s heavy-hitting and powerful sound. In the spirit of Randy’s love for the music, his excitement on the new release and eternal brotherhood, this one’s for you. Thank you Randy for keeping us connected, bringing people together from all walks of life and fueling the social bonds that music invites. Rest easy brother, we love you.”
Steve Unger from Metal Church has taken over the bass duties for the band as the legacy of Autograph continues on with a new album dedicated to Randy Rand and a busy schedule of touring.
Current Band Line Up: Simon Daniels – Lead vocals/guitar Jimi Bell – Lead guitar/vocals Marc Wieland – Drums Steve Unger – Bass/vocals
Since there is a green light for concerts all over the world again, SHAKRA also floods the social media with photos of huge open-air stages all over Europe, in front of thousands of people. And yet it seems that the five have skipped something compared to other bands – where is the new album? Since the big opening, the market has been literally overrun with new works created during the concert-empty period, only the Swiss seem to be once again taking different paths and immediately throwing themselves straight into the live arena. But who is familiar with the band, knows that with them actually nothing ever happens by pure accident.
After SHAKRA released their new album “Mad World” shortly before the pandemic hit the earth and wanted to go on tour with it, this had to be cancelled again immediately or partly postponed. Conscious of their duty, as the Swiss are, this was the first thing that was tackled when in spring 2022 it was finally said that the ring was open – they began to play the concerts, long awaited by the fans, more powerful and intense than ever.
Without anyone suspecting anything, now suddenly a new song appears! “The Way It Is” is the name of the track and the guys have also announced a clip for it, a week later. “The Way It Is” is available now: https://bfan.link/the-way-it-is?
On it will also be heard for the first time the successor of Dominik Pfister, Cyril Montavon, who is still affectionately called “the new guy” by the band, after two years of membership, on bass.
“I had this song idea that had been floating around in my head forever and it just had to come out,” says Thomas Muster, rhythm guitarist. “We thought the song was so awesome that we just had to record it!” adds Mark Fox, vocalist of SHAKRA.
When asked if there is even a whole album in the works, the band keeps a low profile. It is what it is – “The Way It Is”.
Progressive Death Metal quartet LAMENTATIONS will release sophomore full-length album Passion Of Depression on CD, double-vinyl LP, and digital formats November 11 via WillowtipRecords.
The album’s first single, “Prodigal,” is streaming now on: YouTube and Bandcamp.
LAMENTATIONS are back with their second full-length, following 2016 debut album, “Echoes in the Wind”. Frontman Danny “Jungle” Jacob is now working with members from the sister band Monotheist: Chris Stropoli (Drums), Prophet (Guitar); and Jose Figueroa (Bass).
“Passion Of Depression” is a cinematic concept album that portrays the pain, pleasure, joy and sorrow that encompass one’s life journey. Razor sharp, methodical riffs drive complex, serpentine compositions supported by a myriad of keyboards, and other classical instrumentation.
The music on the album is supported by various guest musicians, who add a sense of mysticism to an already otherworldly journey, including guitarists Jason Gobel (ex-Cynic), Santiago Dobles (ex-Cynic), Ole Borud (Extol), Ethan Mckenna (Black Crown Initiate), Max Phelps (ex-Cynic, Exist), which are sure to elevate the album’s already multi-layered, grandiose and emotional sound even further.
Los Angeles’ enigmatic songwriter and multi-instrumentalist DRAAGYN, known for her critically lauded, genre-bending blackened metal and cryptic persona, has revealed her first new music in 2 years in the form of a new EP titled “Bent Rib.” Out now, the 3 song record runs the gamut of musical design, incorporating experimental elements of black, doom and progressive metal among others that could be described as a turbulent orchestra of beauty and decay.
Commenting on the EP, Draagyn states:
“We all just want to belong. So we fool ourselves. We let others’ view of who we are become our purpose. We are convinced this hall of mirrors is the true path of souls. This cuts us off from life. The cosmos. The greater powers to which we are all connected. But there is a cord. We can find it and pull ourselves back or choose to watch it slowly strangle us. I wrote ‘Bent Rib’ as an incantation. To release myself from a world I do not belong. To weave the yarns of fate and call it my own. Man has no power over me. He does not determine me. Draagyn is the light, and is the dark. Draagyn is the good, and is the evil. Draagyn is world creator and its destroyer. It matters not whether you understand. What is important is that there is a purpose.”
DRAAGYN’s debut EP, “Bent Rib,” is an aural three-headed serpent of cacophony, “Appetite of Man,” “Beating Heart Cadaver” and “Bent Rib,” each with their own mystifying identity and slithering scales of sonic perplexity that lure you in with enchanting whispers then set you ablaze in an inferno of furious rage.
About DRAAGYN: From her previous releases, Draagyn has been coined a “genre-bending blackened tour de force” by Decibel and Brooklyn Vegan. As songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Draagyn’s sound straddles the spectrum of light and dark, bridging delicate emotions with the raw force of metal and rock in a truly singular style. Her songwriting guides other musical outliers into masochistic darkness, and yet, in stark contrast, just as quietly whispers to the wretched and heartbroken, offering refuge in her tender melodies. And while the foundations of Draagyn’s music remain rooted in rock, she does as she pleases. She may choke it with blast beats, crush it with proggy groove, or drown it in folky, pensive vocals. But the recipe works. The deep musicality of her approach is undeniable, and for those both patient and brave, her songs lure listeners to another world, free of expectations and genre constraint. Draagyn threatens us with her tumultuous vision of death and musical rebirth.
Sludge metal newcomers, GNASH, are preparing to unleash their debut EP, SharedNightmare, on September 22nd.
Josh Richter of GNASH comments:
“I’ve never done a concept record before so I wanted to try to tell a story in great detail over an entire record rather than just one song. As dark and gruesome as the concept is, the underlying theme is the feeling of carrying around emotional baggage and trauma your whole life and the effects it takes on someone. Life is a heavy burden sometimes.”
Formed this year in Columbus, Ohio, GNASH has already established a powerful and unique sound, drawing influence from the depth of death metal, the raw emotion of black metal, and heaviness of sludge metal, the band’s debut EP, Shared Nightmare, is a profound and thought-provoking insight into the darkest reaches of mental health issues.
Shared Nightmare tells a tale of conjoined twins, where one half of the pair dies. The remaining twin must continue on in life, carrying with him a corpse he can’t be rid of. The EP is an exploration of what it means to bear trauma and the toll it takes after a lifetime of being weighed down by such inescapable feelings.
Not for the faint of heart, prepare to be transported into a dark and chilling tale in GNASH’s debut EP, Shared Nightmare, coming September 22nd.
Heavy, cinematic gothic artist, THE EFFIGY has released a lyric video for their new single “One With My Enemy”. The single is also out today on all streaming platforms. Portraying a dark and profound narrative of emotional abuse, THEEFFIGY creates dynamic musical arrangements to convey the spiraling torment experienced by the track’s protagonist.
Influenced by the likes of GARBAGE, JOY DIVISION, EVANESCENCE, and KEANE, and thematically inspired by gothic and folk imagery, along with mythology, THEEFFIGY‘s music is a cinematic array of eclectic styles. Following their previous single “Cindersun”, which draws from Ancient Greek mythology, telling the tale of Icarus and the Sun who are framed as two lovers forever at odds, “One With My Enemy” exhibits another side to their music. Fusing delicate piano melodies, with heavy guitars and synths evoking a nod to the early noughties, a gothic through-line underpins the track. THEEFFIGY‘s vocals deliver both a soft intimate tone and powerful soaring lyrics that aptly reflect the intensifying mood of the song.
“One With My Enemy” once again showcases THEEFFIGY’s flair for catchy hooks and impressive compositions. The single conducts a compelling journey that gradually builds as the narrative progresses. Become enamored with THEEFFIGY’s striking sound.
Credits: EffyGold – Lyrics, Vocals, Composition
Other: Andrew Noe – Guitars, Production, Mixing Francesco Petrel – Mastering
Heavy trio RESIDUALSELF are conjuring a melting pot of heavy sounds in their new single “Witches”. Spellbinding solos, dynamic groove rhythms and devilish harsh vocals blend together in this enchanting release. The offering “Witches” will manifest on September 16th.
The band comments:
“RESIDUAL SELF created this song for the events 330 years ago taking place in Salem, Massachusetts. With the lyrical themes of revenge and retribution, the witches have returned, along with their magick. In New England, where RESIDUAL SELF is based, there is a huge jam band scene that both Rex and David have experience playing in. This song “Witches” draws on both our background experience, and our location close to Salem. It is the lengthiest song we’ve made so far with multiple guitar solos from Josh. This is our answer to a jam style song, but bringing the hard and heavy style RESIDUAL SELF is known for.”
“Witches” written by Rex Mazza
Initially created as a solo project by Rex Mazza, RESIDUALSELF soon grew into a three-piece and the outfit signed with SliptrickRecords in 2020 to release their first full length album Revenge. The single “Witches” is a concoction blending their heavier aggressive sound with the jam style. This is achieved by the band through the grunts and growls of Rex, Josh’s multiple lengthy guitar solos, and David’s prowess that keeps the steady drum groove going. With their stark sounds and somber lyrical themes based on lustful intent, greedy resolve, and wrathful decisions, RESIDUAL SELF aims to awaken the true primal nature and strike one’s soul to the bone, unveiling who you truly are; a monster? a devil? or something more?
Become bewitched and entranced by the compelling rhythms of RESIDUALSELF‘s heavy sound. Experience the folly and charm of their magic, but beware the devilry and dark side to their craft.
RESIDUAL SELF: Rex Mazza – Bass/Vocals Joshua Spaulding – Guitar David Sasso – Drums
Shadow Kingdom Records announces the signing of Cruel Force. The first fruit of this union shall be the band’s highly anticipated third album, which will see release next year. Additionally, reissues of the band’s cult two albums, 2010’s The Rise of Satanic Might and 2011’s Under the Sign of the Moon, will follow on Shadow Kingdom on all formats.
Truest of the true, Germany’s Cruel Force burst onto the scene in 2008 with the Into the Crypts… demo. While many have tried to emulate the ancient German (black)thrash sound, Cruel Force brimmed with an authenticity that could not be denied, as well as songwriting that added to that noble tradition rather than lazily picking at its corpse. Their two successive albums, 2010’s The Rise of Satanic Might and 2011’s Under the Sign of the Moon, made Cruel Force a certifiably CULT name in the international metal underground. Sadly, the band fell into a hiatus following that second album, but now are reinvigorated with the comeback 7″ EP Across the Styx and are ready to make up for lost time with their imminent new album with Shadow Kingdom.
Check out their latest single to give you a taste of what’s to come with the new album:
CRUEL FORCE – “Across The Styx” (Official Video)
A statement from the band as follows: “Today, we would like to announce that we have signed a deal with Shadow Kingdom Records for the release of our third album and for the re-release of our first two records. Signing with an American label was the right choice for us since we know that a big part of our fanbase is situated on the other side of the Atlantic, and we know that it was always a problem for you to get a hold of our releases, now even more than ever with the increase of postage costs. This way, we hope that access will get easier and more affordable for you folks.”
Concluding, the band says, “As for Europe and Germany in particular, everything will also be readily available through Shadow Kingdom‘s extensive distribution network and through our own BigCartel shop. We feel that this is the best decision for the band and the fans, and we are looking forward to spread the metallic mayhem through Shadow Kingdom Records in the future!
Further news about Cruel Force‘s third album will be announced in time.
Death Metal Defenders of the old, GRUESOME, announce Fall US headline tour dates! The tour begins Sept 29 in Portland, OR and ends Oct 15 in Sacramento, CA. Support will be provided by Immortal Bird & Cartilage on all dates!
Tickets are on sale starting Friday, August 26th!
Vocalist/Guitarist Matt Harvey comments:
“It’s been way too long since we’ve played the Western US, so we’re very pumped for this opportunity to answer the twisted prayers of all the Death worshippers out here. Expect a full auditory assault and prepare your necks!”
GRUESOMETOURDATES:
Sep 29 Portland, OR @ Dante’s
Sep 30 Seattle, WA @ El Corazon
Oct 01 Boise, ID @ The Shredder
Oct 02 Salt Lake City, UT @ Aces High Saloon
Oct 03 Denver, CO @ HQ
Oct 05 Houston, TX @ White Oak
Oct 07 Austin, TX @ Come and Take It
Oct 08 San Antonio, TX @ The Rockbox
Oct 10 Albuquerque, NM @ The Launchpad
Oct 11 Phoenix, AZ @ Nile Underground
Oct 12 Los Angeles, CA @ Knucklehead
Oct 13 San Diego, CA @ Kensington Club
Oct 14 Oakland, CA @ Eli’s Down Under
Oct 15 Sacramento, CA @ Cafe Colonial
Listen and order GRUESOME’s discography on Bandcamp HERE.
A full collection of GRUESOME music videos are available HERE.
In a partnership that has been years in the making, GRAMMY® Award winning bassist David Ellefson and acclaimed metal vocalist Jeff Scott Soto have joined forces for an all-new collaboration, Ellefson-Soto. The band follows the tradition of successful individuals that joined forces to create memorable music: David Coverdale & Jimmy Page, Tony Iommi & Glenn Hughes, Tommy Shaw & Jack Blades, Michael Sweet & George Lynch to name a few examples. The metal duo is joined by Andy Martongelli on guitar and keys and Paulo Caridi on drums to unleash their debut album “VacationInTheUnderworld”. The album features eleven tracks and three bonus recordings that demonstrates why Ellefson-Soto are considered legends by many in the metal world.
From the fiery guitar lead of the album opener “Vacation In The Underworld” to the prog-metal fury of closer “Rise To Win,” Ellefson-Soto have created a debut that is sure to capture metal fans from all over the globe. Combining different styles of metal, songs like “Sharpen The Sword,” “The Revolution” and “Live To Die Another Day” showcase the various influences Ellefson-Soto have picked up over their four decades in music. Jade Etro from the Italian power metal band Frozen Crown makes a guest appearance on “The Day Before Tomorrow.” Steve Conley and Ken Mary from FlotsamandJetsam perform on the title track “Vacation In The Underworld.” “Vacation In The Underworld” ignites an inimitable hybrid of thrash firepower, rock swagger, and anthemic arena-ready thunder. Official Worldwide Release Date is Friday, October7, 2022.
TRACK LISTING:
Vacation In The Underworld
Like A Bullet
Sharpen The Sword
The Reason
S.T.N.
The Revolution
Celebrity Trash
Live To Die Another Day
The Day Before Tomorrow
Hercules
Rise To Win BONUS TRACKS [CD, Digital & Download Card]
On August 20, 1976 – KISS performed at Anaheim Stadium in Anaheim, California. An estimated 42,000 fans were in attendance. Ted Nugent, Montrose and Bob SegerAndTheSilverBulletBand opened. Source: Kissonline.com
KISS were touring in support of their fourth studio album Destroyer.
Tankcrimes is pleased to unveil a limited edition vinyl reissue of WingsOfChains, the debut full-length from Richmond, Virginia speed metal cult, BAT.
BAT‘s esteemed membership on WingsOfChains is well known featuring vocalist/bassist RyanWaste (Municipal Waste, Volture), guitarist Nick Poulos (Volture,) and drummer Felix Griffin (D.R.I.) and their collective experience bleeds through every gnarled note of the record.
Initially released in 2016 via Hells Headbangers, the twelve-track production is an unapologetic firestorm of filth and fury. But more than that, such hard-charging and immediately headbanging speed metal can only come from total diehards who intimately know the secret of steel. From the opening “Bloodhounds” on down to the band’s titular theme song, the trio barrels forth like filth hounds of Hades, pounding metal with violence and force, leaving “Total Wreckage” in their wake.
BAT’s Wings Of Chains is available in three color variants – Splatter, Black “DJ Variant,” and Purple. Secure your copy before they’re gone at the Tankcrimes webshop HERE.
Los Angeles-born guitar-driven heavy metal icons ALCATRAZZ have unleashed a video for the track “House Of Lies,” taken from the band’s V full-length released last October via SilverLiningMusic. The video comes in anticipation of the band’s upcoming European/UK tour dates.
From the irresistible bluesy-chug of Joe Stump’s guitar to DoogieWhite’s infectious vocals, “House Of Lies” is a classic slice of foot-stomping heavy metal goodness and ALCATRAZZ take no prisoners in their mission to deliver the dynamite that is V.
Founding member Jimmy Waldo comments, “We are excited to present the new lineup and new music to our fans in Europe. The band is sounding better than ever and we will be performing songs from across the entire ALCATRAZZ catalog. As a taster, check out our new video ‘House Of Lies’ which features on-the-road concert footage, plus Doogie showing us around his home of Edinburgh, Scotland!”
View ALCATRAZZ’s “House Of Lies” video at THIS LOCATION and below:
After a successful UK co-headlining tour, ALCATRAZZ and Girlschool will hit Europe for yet another run together with both bands, providing an in-your-face evening of full volume heavy metal! Kicking off at the Golden Ages Festival in Belgium, it’s no rest for the wicked with the two bands set to bring their electrifying show to the UK in February 2023.
With neo-classical “shred lord” Joe Stump on guitar, founding members Jimmy Waldo and Gary Shea, plus the addition of DoogieWhite, ALCATRAZZ are offering a high energy metal show covering the ALCATRAZZ classics plus White’s own work as a member of the Michael Schenker Fest and Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow. Newly joined by drummer Larry Paterson, formerly of the Blaze Bayley band, ALCATRAZZ are a metal supergroup in the true sense of the word.
ALCATRAZZ: Jimmy Waldo – keyboards Gary Shea – bass Doogie White – lead vocals Joe Stump – guitar Larry Paterson – drums
ALCATRAZZ w/ Girlschool Co-Headlining EU/UK Tour: 8/21/2022 Golden Age Festival – Liège, BE 8/24/2022 Musigburg – Aarburg, CH 8/25/2022 Charity Biker Rally – Bergamo, IT 8/26/2022 Cresheim Festival – Halbergmoos, DE 8/27/2022 Lido – Berlin, DE 8/28/2022 Bambi Galore – Hamburg, DE 8/29/2022 Matrix – Bochum, DE 8/30/2022 Musicon – The Hague, NL 9/01/2022 Le Forum Vaureal – Paris, FR 9/02/2022 Secret Place – Montpellier, FR 9/03/2022 La Textil – Barcelona, ES 9/04/2022 Sala Lopez – Zaragoza, ES 9/05/2022 Acapulco – Gijon, ES 9/06/2022 RCA Club – Lisbon, PT 9/07/2022 Shoko – Madrid, ES 9/09/2022 Atelier de Moles – Montbéliard, FR 9/10/2022 Altes Kino – Landeck, AT 2/03/2023 Tivoli Venue – Buckley, UK 2/04/2023 Waterloo – Blackpool, UK 2/05/2023 Bannermans – Edinburgh, UK 2/07/2023 Nightrain – Bradford, UK 2/08/2023 Trillians – Newcastle, UK 2/09/2023 Eleven – Stoke, UK 2/10/2023 The Robin 2 – Wolverhampton, UK 2/11/2023 Camden Underworld – London, UK* *Rescheduled 2022 show; original tickets still valid
Witherfall has absolutely nothing to do with this tour cancellation. We found out during rehearsals that the tour had been pulled, one week before the band were set to fly out to pick up our bus. Witherfall had every last production detail on our end completely solidified. Airline tickets, Bus, Trailer, Driver, Tour manager, Shipping of Tour merchandise (which has dates printed on them that no longer exist!!!) Rehearsals, Witherfall Beer at venues and countless other expenses that will not be reimbursed. Needless to say, we are devastated by this news. Each one of the aforementioned pieces took months of planning and every detail was carefully managed making this endeavor very time consuming and VERY expensive.
The reality of the math is Witherfall will need to eat the upfront costs of over $12K not including what our crew, and band members will lose because they turned down other work. None of these expenses will be recouped. We apologize to our fans that has had plans that were affected. We had every intention of bearing the cost to put the band out on the road. Again, we had everything planned and were ready and excited to get to play and meet the fans coming out.
We are extremely upset by this last minute rug pull. Even the best case scenario the band would still be operating at a loss but that is the price of bringing our music to you all. If you’d like to purchase a souvenir of tour and support the band (Tour Funeral Expenses) you can get one of these packages or a shirt here:
Taken from their upcoming album “Symbol Of Eternity” German Heavy Metal legends GRAVE DIGGER release their third single + matching video next week Friday, August 19th, 2022, check out the teaser here or below: https://youtu.be/HxmpXcBrRhk
Belgian melodic dark metal band FRAGMENTUM has released a brand new track, “Quirigua Successors.” The song is a continuation of the Mayan themes explored in the band’s 2021 release, “Masters of Complexity”.
FRAGMENTUM guitarist/vocalist Jan Bruggeman comments on the single: “Quirigua Successors’ is a song about a Mayan clan that endured, but survived Clash Of The Clans and Feast Of The Flesh, as described in our previous album Masters Of Perplexity. The album ends with ‘Secrets Of The Stones,’ like extinguished Maya settlements do, but the Quirigua people are a strong and smart clan. Will they reveal these secrets and who knows what else the future brings for them?”
FRAGMENTUM is a melodic dark metal band from Lokeren, Belgium founded by Jan Bruggeman and Gunnar Nopens, accompanied on stage by WouterMacaré (drums) and Ozzy Voskuilen (bass). The band has been described as a hybrid of Depeche Mode and In Flames, featuring melodies, synths, and ambient sounds combined with heavy riffs and crushing grooves.
In 2019, FRAGMENTUM released its first full-length album, Pugnacity, which showcased a more straightforward approach than earlier material. The album’s lyrics were focused on personal turmoil and inner struggle.
A concept album, titled “Masters Of Perplexity” was released in 2021. This album explored Mayan history and philosophy, each song a chapter in an elaborate and epic story. After the album’s release, FRAGMENTUM embarked on a short tour across Eastern Europe.
You can experience the band’s most recent creation, a single titled “Quirigua Successors” this summer. The song is a precursor of their next full-length album, coming later this year.
FRAGMENTUM has shared the stage with some of metal’s biggest names, including Children of Bodom, Swallow the Sun, Wolfheart, Soulfly, and Annihilator.
The newly released LOCRIAN album New Catastrophism is now streaming on the Profound Lore Youtube channel. The album was released on August 12, 2022 on vinyl, CD and digital formats. Alongside New Catastrophism, LOCRIAN will also be releasing the Ghost Frontiers EP that will come as a bonus disc with the CD edition, a bonus digital download with the LP, and released through all digital channels on August 12th. The Ghost Frontiers EP features the two tracks “Witness The Collapse Of Geologic Time” and “The Chasm Of The Future”.
The band comments: “NEW CATASTROPHISM is the expression of years of observing disasters all around us and an opening to a new vision of a world changed beyond repair. We’re pleased to share this album with the world after such a long break and hope it serves as a soundtrack to the changes to come.”
New Catastrophism sees the iconic experimental music trio return back to their roots through four immersive tracks that signal towards the band’s signature expressions through dark ambient, experimental music, drone and post rock. Massive dystopian soundscapes through the intricate, layered, and spacious sound palette LOCRIAN unveil.
LOCRIAN is a prophetic voice of decline. From the band’s inception, it has comfortably straddled both the experimental and metal underground, weaving themes of apocalypse, urban decay, environmental destruction and birth/death/rebirth throughout its multifaceted and genre-defying releases. The trio formed in 2005 in Chicago and features Terence Hannum (synthesizers, vocals, tape loops), André Foisy (guitars, electronics), and Steven Hess (drums, electronics). Over their sixteen-year history, Locrian have released six studio albums, three collaborative albums, and numerous limited-edition releases.
New Catastrophism and Ghost Frontiers was recorded and mixed by J. Robbins, mastered by Brad Boatright, and features artwork by Trevor Paglen with design by ChimereNoire.
New Catastrophism Tracklist:
1. Mortichnia 2. The Glare Is Everywhere And Nowhere Our Shadow 3. Incomplete Map Of Voids 4. Cenotaph To The Final Glacier
While on the SonicSlamTour, LAGuns and Faster Pussycat broke away from the Keifer Band to perform a sold out show of their own. Fans of all ages lined up outside Amos’ Southend in Charlotte North Carolina to witness their own piece of 80’s metal history. Members of Faster Pussycat graciously greeted fans as they walked to the connected restaurant for some preshow refreshments.
Doors opened at 7:00pm and fans filed in filling in both levels to max capacity. First to take the stage was Carolina natives LAMaybe. This 5-piece rock n roll band was the perfect way to open the show. These young musicians perfectly captured the old school style of rock that both LA Guns and Faster Pussycat bring to the table. Right out of the gate they had the whole venue pumped and ready to go, playing all original music. Midway through the show, guitarist Driz let fans know that he had rocked so hard he chipped a tooth. As their set came to an end lead singer, Goliath Furr, began to talk about how the band was trying to gain a spot on the upcoming KISS Kruise. Furr turned his attention to drummer, Ryan Fosnow, who was holding up a sign that said “Show me your boobies.” Once he turned the sign over it instructed fans to vote for them on Lamaybe.com/vote. They ended their show encouraging fans to sing along to their original song “Oh Sugar”. After the show the band mingled with fans to watch the rest of the performers.
Faster Pussycat took the stage next and were welcomed by thunderous applause and cheers. Opening the show with “Jack the Bastard” it was immediately clear that lead singer, Taime Downe, still had the vocal strength that made Faster Pussycat just as fierce in the 80’s. Downe stands center stage with such pride and confidence and has an amazing band to back him up. The talents of bass player Danny Nordahl, best known as Slim Tender, and drummer Chad Stewart combine to create an exceptional rhythm section and truly shine in songs like “Bathroom Wall”. The guitar duo of Ronnie Simmons and Sam Bam Koltun really bring the sleaze. Before he even plays a note, you can already tell that Simmons is a true rockstar. His style, both in the way he plays and how he dresses can easily be seen as having inspiration from the Ramones to AC/DC. The punk flair that Simmons provides adds a little extra something to the Pussycat set. The true star of the show, however, was in fact Sam Bam Koltun. He truly is a guitar virtuoso at such a young age. He makes every strum and pluck look so easy and it is safe to say that being on stage and performing truly comes natural to him. Even though there is only one original member left, each musician plays like they were there the day the song was written.
Fans were given a special treat when former Faster Pussycat and current LA Guns guitarist, Ace Von Johnson joined the band to perform “Bathroom Wall”. The fun did not end there, though. Downe took to side stage as Slim Tender had his turn on vocals. The band welcomed LA Guns bass player, Johnny Martin to the stage and Tender sang “Pretty Fucked Up”. This certainly got the crowd even more pumped. Faster Pussycat ended their show with “Babylon” and left fans scratching for more.
LA Guns wrapped the night with a miraculous 16 song set that included songs from a very diverse set of albums. They opened with an explosion performing the first track off “CheckeredPast”, “Cannonball”. Lead vocalist, Phil Lewis, immediately had the crowd eating out of the palm of his hand. It does not take long to pick up on the fact that Lewis loves what he does. He is a front man that the younger generation will always be able to enjoy as his vocals have remained immaculate even after over 44 years of singing. While having Lewis on vocals is extremely important for their sound, you can’t have LA Guns without founding member and band namesake, TraciiGuns. Guns continues to amaze fans with his iconic technique and sound. Right before playing “Over the Edge”, Guns began to play his guitar with a violin bow. Long time fans of Tracii know that he is a very big Led Zeppelin fan and this is evident to be a tribute to Jimmy Page with a Tracii Guns twist. This was the first tour to feature Shawn Duncan on drums. Duncan, who also played in BulletBoys, melded so well with the rest of the band, you would have thought he had been with the band from the beginning. A ball of energy was personified in the form of Johnny Martin that night. Martin was in everyone’s face playing his absolute heart out on bass. It was quite the sight to see as he and Ace would bump into each other or play back to back throughout most of the set.
The fun did not stop there, as both Lewis and Guns stepped aside and welcomed Koltun back to the stage as guitarist Ace Von Johnson took over on vocals to sing a cover of “New Rose” by The Damned. Ace started the song with a small speech stating “Do something fucking nice man, this world is fucking numb as it is. There’s too much fucking negative shit man, do something cool”. As a well known animal advocate this type of thing is not out of character for Ace, and the speech was met with a very intense positive reaction. Though Ace is better known for his guitar work, his love for punk rock showed through in his vocals and wowed everyone. As the show came to an end the band took their final bow and, to lighten the mood, began to dance around the stage to a cover of “So Long, Farewell” By The Vandals. Fans cheered and screamed for more as the band excited the stage.
After the show 4 out of 5 members of Faster Pussycat made their way over to their merch table to take pictures with EVERYONE. Ace also made his way into the large crowd of fans to take pictures. Faster Pussycat and LA Guns are perfectly matched to tour together. The crowd’s energy was constant during both bands. Even though the Sonic Slam Tour has come to an end, it is safe to say that this is not going to be the last time we see Faster Pussycat and LAGuns together.
Acclaimed Blues Rock guitarist Anthony Gomes will release his 13th studio album entitled, “High Voltage Blues” on Friday September 23, 2022 via RatPakRecords. Coming off the heels of his highly successful 2020 #1 Billboard charting release, “Containment Blues”, “High Voltage Blues” is a compilation album that showcases three new studio tracks, along with eleven re-recorded fan favorites and features guest appearances by legendary bassist Billy Sheehan, KoRn drummer Ray Luzier, renown vocalist BekkaBramlett and The Voice™ contestant Wendy Moten. Watch the video and pre-order you exclusive hand autographed bundles at: https://ratpakrecordsamerica.com/anthonygomes
TRACK LISTING: 01 Painted Horse (featuring Billy Sheehan & Ray Luzier) 02 Fur Covered Handcuffs 03 Blues-A-Fied 04 Born to Ride (featuring Billy Sheehan & Ray Luzier) 05 Peace, Love and Loud Guitars (featuring Billy Sheehan & Ray Luzier) 06 I Believe 07 Red Handed Blues 08 Turn It Up! 09 Blues In The First Degree 10 Hell and Half of Georgia 11 Darkest Before The Dawn (featuring Bekka Bramlett & Wendy Moten) 12 Blues Child Bonus Tracks 13 White Trash Princess 14 Rebel Highway (featuring Billy Sheehan & Ray Luzier) 15 Darkest Before The Dawn – Extended Version (featuring Bekka Bramlett & Wendy Moten)
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Metal Odyssey's Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Hall of Fame! These Are The Rock And METAL Legends Wrongfully Ignored By "The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame"
Metal Odyssey > Heavy Metal Music Blog 
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