Concert Review! WHITECHAPEL

March 16th, Beaumont Club, Kansas City, MO….the crowd has already gone nuts several times for the opening bands and now they await patiently for the main event, the headliner….Whitechapel. Set up takes awhile and the stage opens up big for the 6 monsters from Knoxville, Tennessee, allowing them to perform and move about without bumping into one another. Lights are set up, tones are checked and the lights go out. The fog machine spews obnoxious amounts of steam into the faces of the crowd and dimly a blue light barely illuminates the stage and the 5 gents up front walk towards the end of the stage and Ben Harclerode sits down at his kit. The beginning of Section 8 begins to play and then slams into it hard just like how the song is done on the EP. The Recorruptour has come and now the main event is owning the crowd, forcing them to headbang, scream and mosh like crazy.

The sound was loud, terrifyingly loud and very very clear. Their stage was mostly blackened with very little lighting at first. Then the spooky lights would come on every once in awhile covering the stage and band with red, blue and green colors. There were also a ton of strobe light action happening on the faster parts of songs as well, sometimes the colored lights joining in on the strobe fest. It was a sight to behold, one second you can barely see the band, next thing you are being bombarded with flashing lights and evil sounding music. It was intense and the experience was a damn good one, the best I’ve ever seen from Whitechapel.

NEW SONG: MARASMUS – Casket Made of Ivory

One last thing, Marasmus out of Kansas City, MO just released a new single from their new album, Mountains of Dead, coming out this Spring on Disgorge Media. The song is Casket Made of Ivory isn’t exactly new for the band but they’ve put a lot of work into this and reconstructed it and polished it up and put it out for us to consume. Enjoy some brutal death metal, enjoy MARASMUS.

Concert Review! HATE ETERNAL

Erik, J.J. and Jade set up and the two front men turn their backs to us and check their tuning (I’m guessing), making sure everything is ready for what is about to happen. The main lights dim and the stage is illuminated with a dark blue color. Erik gets the guitar to scream a little and he and J.J. turn around to begin the sudden slaughter. The sheer brutality and immense sound that comes from the band from here on out was absolutely amazing. This was my first time seeing Hate Eternal live and It was far more satisfying that I had hoped for.

The sound was absolutely breathtaking and true to how the albums sound. Jade’s drumming was impeccable and the performance on J.J.’s and Erik’s fretboard was very impressive. J.J.’s work on that bass guitar was mind blowing and he is incredibly over looked when it comes to talented bass guitarists and even vocals. I managed to talk to both Erik and J.J. briefly and it’s awesome how two genuinely nice guys can growl and scream and play such savage music. They play their music with intensity and precision, the band’s sound throughout the entire set was very tight and just massive. Not one note was fucked up (from what I could hear, I was headbanging quite a bit) and these guys play with a fierce fire in their hearts and it truly shows on stage.

Concert Review – BATTLECROSS

Battlecross came to Kansas City and filled in for 2 bands that couldn’t finish the tour, they received a call late one night and packed their shit and left. Fuckin rock n roll! That’s metal as hell and not only did they do their part and come and finish the tour like a bunch of bad asses, they started off with Kansas City, MO. Lucky us because Battlecross came and kicked our fucking chests in. I don’t think any of us were ready for them. I’ve heard a song by them once and that was it so the band popped my cherry live and in person. Their sense of “bring it the fuck on”, metal riffing and most importantly, headbanging and rocking the fuck out, made the set entirely too much fun.

Their sound was impeccable, the lighting wasn’t spectacular or anything remotely special at all but they didn’t need anything more than just their amps and talent because that’s their main focus. They came and just ripped through their entire set so fast, playing song after song and leaving hardly anytime for anyone to catch a breather. Their sound is so good, guitars and bass were audible, drums were clear and vocals could have slightly been turned up but I was also standing right in front of the lead guitars amp, so that may have affected my hearing a bit.

BATTLECROSS: Perform “Breaking You” Live In Kansas City!

FUCK YEAH!!!!

I’ve barely heard of Battlecross‘ music before I saw them the other night. Feb 29th to be exact and they came from Michigan and filled in for Cerebral Bore and Fallujah on a very short notice. They got the call, packed their shit and hauled ass to Kansas City, MO and rocked the fucking place. I was impressed and I’m now a big fan of these guys! I’ll be seeing them live again with Origin, Cattle Decapitation, Aborted and Decrepit Birth in April! Hail the almighty force that is BATTLECROSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Review of their set will be up shortly.

Concert Review – TROGLODYTE

Feb. 29th, 2012 – The Beaumont Club – Gornography just left the stage and we all go about our business and wait for the next band to come out. Luckily, from one good band to the next, Troglodyte is coming up to kick our asses and drag us back to the swamp! Kansas City death metal titans Troglodyte waste no time and they get set up and go. In traditional Trog fashion, they just start ripping their fretboards up and the double bass and blasts from the kit are welcomed by the crowd. We liked what we heard, we liked what we saw. The lights stayed green, just how they prefer. The music was loud and crisp. The screams/growls & grunts were terrifying. Troglodyte was out to get you.

Troglodyte ripped through their set with intensity. They began, raped, then left us all dead in a ditch. I was outside between bands so I missed the main intro but walked in right when they started their first song “Bring Me the Head Of Bigfoot“. Right then, there was no turning back. Just to simply put it, nothing but barbaric attacks and infectious grooves happening on stage. Guitars and bass sounded good, vocals were clear and monstrous and the drums were severe trauma to the body. The only thing that was a little lack luster on stage was the singer, he seemed either tired or uninterested. He wasn’t going insane like I’ve seen before. Kinda just walking back n forth and going through the motions. Usually this motherfucker is jumping around, headbanging and going absolutely ape shit.

TORN THE FUCK APART – Dead Religion (Music Video)

 

Kansas City Local Band “GORNOGRAPHY” Video! Watch Entire Set!

If you like TROGLODYTE, then you’ll enjoy GORNOGRAPHY. I mean it’s the same fucking drummer. Watch this in 1080p and full screen it. Start your morning off right!

Kansas City Death Metal: Marasmus – Modes of Vitriol

Concert Review – CHIMAIRA

October 16th, 2011…Chimaira takes the stage in front of a small crowd at The Beaumont Club. The crowd is the smallest I’ve ever seen at any venue, but that doesn’t stop the band nor does it make the energy in the room feel weaker. The crowd was pumped and ready for the band to take the stage. Once they took the stage, they fucking brought it. Sound, lights, presence…all was as it should be. Anytime I’ve seen Chimaira they have always brought it 100%.

The sound was powerful and loud. Everything was clear and precise. The lighting was phenomenal and was really flashy at times. Sometimes the lights would calm the fuck down and just sit idol. During the guitar solo’s, the spotlight would hit Rob Arnold and it was pretty epic. He is so good at what he does.

The setlist was fucking pro. It was 17 songs long! It’s been years since I’ve seen them perform a headlining set and it was well worth the wait. They played tons of new stuff and it sounded great. Of course with all of the new tunes, they had to throw in some classics like Severed and Power Trip.

Each band member was amazing. Matt never fudged a riff, Rob never missed a note, Mark’s voice sounded better than ever. Stage presence was great as well. The members of Chimaira got into it and were all over the stage. Sean Z did well with the back up vocals and hammering down the electronic ambiance that Chimaira has. Emil was very much into the music and held down the bass guitar duties like a pro. Drumming was done very well by Mr. Austin D’Amond. The stage always had energy and intensity happening, even between songs I never calmed down.

Even with the crowd being incredibly small, they were energetic and moshing. Screaming back the words and enjoying themselves. It was cool to see less than 100 people have such a good time and really get into it.

I was impressed and blown away, again. This was my….5th or 6th time seeing Chimaira. They never let me down! They always put on a good show. They have never left me disappointed and I am always satisfied with their performance. Well done. Through all of the line up changes and everything, they still continue to kick ass.

Turns out, Rob and Matt are leaving Chimaira later this year. I’m thankful to have seen these two with Chimaira one last time. Also, I happened to score a pick, an interview and a photo with Rob so that means so much more now than ever.

Setlist:

        (intro) Stoma

1. The Age of Hell
2. Clockwork
3. Losing My Mind
4. Power Trip
5. Nothing Remains
6. The Flame
7. Pure Hatred
8. Destroy and Dominate
9. Severed
10. The Disappearing Sun
11. Year of the Snake
12. Born in Blood
13. The Venom Inside
14. Secrets of the Dead
15. Empire
16. Trigger Finger
17. Resurrection
    

Concert Review – REVOCATION

Sunday, October 16th at The Beaumont Club in Kansas City, MO. Revocation opened up for Impending Doom and Chimaira. I was highly anticipating this performance since they released an album earlier this year and I’ve seen them one time previously the year before, they fucking bring it.

The musicians strapped on their instruments and checked their tones and made sure the sound was ready. Once everything was set, it was fucking on. Revocation made sure there was very little down time in between songs (Except for the introduction of Conjuring the Cataclysm with the demon sex in the van talk) and they all ripped through their set easily and flawlessly. Each member wailed on their instrument and performed a very good set. There was nothing special on stage, just a band performing some good tunes. No flames nor fire, no skulls and not even a banner. Revocation deserve a big ass banner behind them, they have the coolest band logo.

Opening with Cretin and going into Cradle Robber, Revocation came out of the gate strong with new music. They played these new tracks like they have been doing so already for years and years. Some of the coolest guitar hooks are played from these gentlemen and they make it look easy. David brings the fury with his leads and Dan can definitely keep up with him. The combination of the two guitar players make quite a metal team and the music from these guys is nuts. Continuing through their set with old songs and new, Revocation brought it and won over some new fans. They did so well a guy in a wheelchair started a mosh pit. How fucking metal is that?!!?!?

The crowd was tiny at the moment as it was pretty early in the night (However it didn’t get much bigger for Chimaira later on) but plenty of people were getting into it. Screaming, horns, moshing and headbanging…Revocation made sure that the people that were there were going to leave fulfilled. They played a great set. The lighting stayed green most of the time, which was weird I thought. It was only until the last song when the lights started going nuts and flashing. It went well with the song.

I had a good time. The show went well and the sound was great. They sound amazing on stage and it was as if I was listening to the actual albums. Not a note was fudged nor was a verse mixed up. Revocation are very professional for such a young band. Quality music and quality performance. Thanks guys!

 

Kansas City, Missouri. Ready for Freakers Ball? Well don’t be, it sucks again.

“This Halloween season, 98.9 The Rock is bringing on the metal with Freakers Ball! 

See Five Finger Death Punch, the reunited Anthrax, Hatebreed, Rev Theory, and the Club Wars winner!” 

Hold the fuck up KQRC (98.9 The Rock), you’re throwing the annual Halloween concert and having FFDP headlining? Not only that…but over Anthrax!? I’m not a fan of either honestly but give Anthrax the headlining spot. They just opened for Megadeth, Slayer and Metallica for fuck sake at 4PM to an empty stadium (It barely had anybody in it). Anthrax have paid their dues and they should be headlining over Five Finger Death Punch, no questions asked. Ugh, I feel sorry for Anthrax…having direct support to these fuck wads who will probably have to perform in front of a bunch of faux hawked, Affliction t-shirt clad douchebag bro-hards.

Will Kansas City stop pretending that FFDP is good music? Also, choose a different band than Hatebreed to be “the heaviest band on stage”, I’m rather sick of seeing the same line up festival after festival around here. Do I need to bring up past Rock Fest line ups and Freakers Ball lineups? They are all the same rotating crap, year after year.

Fuck you KQRC.

Concert Review – Rob Zombie

On Sat. July 16th, Rob Zombie and CO. decided to stop by Bonner Springs, KS and headline a show at Sandstone Amphitheater.

After a long set up and waiting in the extreme heat, the lights dim and the eyes of the giant robot in the middle of the stage start to glow as well as it’s teeth. The band begins to play music and then the entire front torso of the robot opens up and Rob Zombie himself pops out. With a 3 foot arm extension that was sorta like those robot arms you could play with in the 90′s, Rob looked fucking cool. The stage was a sight to behold, video screens in the back and mini screens on the front of the risers. Skeleton mic stands and things everywhere to look at and enjoy.

They opened up with “Jesus Frankenstein” and that song is really kick ass live. The band sounded great and you could hear Rob loud and clear. Tons of low rumbling bass rolled on through the set as well. Rob Zombie’s setlist was good up until “Sick Bubblegum”, that song as well as “Mars Needs Women” and “Never Gonna Stop” are incredibly boring live. They ended their show with White Zombie’s “Thunderkiss ’65″. After that John 5 played a guitar solo but the crowd was more focused on Rob Zombie walking around through the crowd. I saw him up close and personal at this time. I dunno what he was doing, but then he returned on stage to finish off the night with 3 more songs.

Performance wise, they played well. Nothing went wrong and they had a good time playing. The sound was loud, clear and done very very well. No complaints here, it sounded as if we were listening to the real albums. The only problem that my fiance actually caught was he fumbled up on some lyrics.

Stage Presence was phenomenal. Tons of video, chicks came out on stage and wouldn’t leave (the bouncers came out and grabbed them up), awesome monsters and robots came out to entertain as well as terrorize. There was nothing tame about the lighting and pyro as well. The bands costumes and face paint also added to the entire set as a whole. They really know how to put you in the right state of mind for this show.

The crowd was as exciting as watching a slug crawl across the wet pavement. Hardly anything was sung back, no horns or fists in the air (unless Zombie requested it), hardly any pits or movement and worst of all, I saw hardly any head banging. Seriously, the only time the crowd interacted with the band is when Zombie literally had to ask for it. That’s pathetic. I am not a big Zombie fan but if all of these people are hardcore Zombie fans, then I feel sorry for the band. If I was the band I would have had more fun throwing freshly cooked spaghetti at a wall and watching it peel off and fall.

Setlist was great for the first 7 songs. Classic Zombie: Sex, drugs and rock and roll all the way. Playing only a few bad songs and a couple of White Zombie songs, the set was full of energy and the band themselves had a great time on stage.

I had a mild amount of fun. Like I said, I’m not the biggest Zombie fan. The crowd was dull however the band themselves were really good. I feel like if the crowd would have been better, I would have enjoyed myself a little more as well. Crowds really do matter, it creates a more entertaining atmosphere. John 5′s guitar solo was really good even though I’m sure no one was paying attention to it at all. This band had everything from strippers to giant robots, pyro to bubbles. Rob Zombie came and rocked the place and besides a few lyric problems, the band played flawlessly.

Scoring (out of 5)

Performance – 5

Stage Presence – 5

Crowd – 1

Setlist – 3.5

Fun – 3

Overall – 3.5

Overall I had a decent time and heard some great songs being played flawlessly as well as being visually stimulated. I would recommend seeing Rob Zombie atleast once if they happen to come through your town. It is a fun time.

Setlist:

Jesus Frankenstein

Superbeast

Scum of the Earth

Living Dead Girl

More Human Than Human (White Zombie cover)

Pussy Liqour

Demonoid Phenomenon

Sick Bubble-Gum

Mars Needs Women

Never Gonna Stop

Thunderkiss ’65

(encore)

Dragula

House of 1000 Corpses

Lords of Salem