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Album Review: Red Hot Chili Peppers – The Getaway

By
Luke Spencer
-

Red Hot Chili Peppers enlist the help of Danger Mouse to shake things up in the band’s eleventh full album.

https://vimeo.com/171184670

 

Text Review:

The Red Hot Chili Peppers have virtually done everything there is to do in the world of music and made an impression on even the least interested of music fans.  From performing virtually naked to a Superbowl halftime performance to a discography of now 11 full albums since 1984, the Chili Peppers have become a household name and a band that EVERYONE knows of.  But after 2011’s commercial disappointment I’m With You, the band make a choice to push for something different.  Even Flea when on record saying that they were doing the same things they had always done.  So after an unfortunate setback with Flea being injured in a snowboarding accident, the band pushed for something different and enlisted the help of Brian “Danger Mouse” Burton to bring a new pair of eyes and ears to the music writing.

Going back to Flea’s statement of the band doing the same thing, longtime fans of Red Hot Chili Peppers can be somewhat divided.  One fanbase continue to hope for a more funk based revival of the 80’s and early 90’s, while the other fanbase wants the more mellow and soulful tracks that have been given through the 90’s and early 2000’s.   In The Getaway, we have a new producer helping the band with a new recording style where each member played their part over the drum track individually rather than all of the group jamming together in studio for days on end.  That paired with the idea of trying to do something different as opposed to the same song and dance the band has been accustomed to for many years, it could lead to endless possibilities in what we hear.  It was on May 5th of this year that we were given the first listen on the Red Hot Chili Pepper’s first album since 2011 with the song Dark Necessities, that eventually became the band’s 25th top ten single on Billboard’s top alternative chart.  It was something refreshing, unique, and what many people were not expecting to come from the group.

Dark Necessities is an extremely mellow song that is fine-tuned and mastered gorgeously.  Flea’s bass is deep and clean while the added piano keys mesh well to balance the track.  Anthony Keidis doesn’t go on a random location or name tangent and it all sounds peaceful while still having a rhythm that moves.  The chorus featuring the backup vocals and hearing Keidis’ singing the title along with the guitar solo from Josh Klinghoffer put the exclamation point on the song.  I was extremely excited to hear the rest of the new album after this song was released as were many listeners.  As other songs like We Turn Red and the title track were then released to the public, it slowly became clear what the main feature of this album would be.  The days of fast and loud funk inspired alternative rock are going to be rarely heard outside of tracks like We Turn Red and Detroit.  The Getaway is an album that has a slower pace than both longtime Chili Pepper fans and new comers will expect.  That is not a knock on the album’s direction or quality of the music, but  as you listen from beginning to end you quickly figure out that the Chili Pepper’s latest album is a much more tranquil and mellow experience than what the band was known for decades prior.

Detroit and We Turn Red are the two tracks that have a shade of the original energetic and brash days of the band but even then the songs are still tame.  Whether it is age that has finally mellowed the sock wearing dynamos or it really is the focus of the band to not get too loud or fired up, The Getaway feels much like a quiet vacation and may not be something that everyone has the urge to listen to.  There are the memorable staples that are featured in the album like the occasional “Hey Oh” from Keidis in “Goodbye Angels” and the standard loving references to California, but a majority of this album is one smooth transition to another.  While nothing is offensive or harsh sounding, there isn’t much that is memorable.  After 54 minutes, you forget many of the songs you’ve heard and don’t have much desire to replay them.

The Getaway is ambitious and after the setbacks and changes the group made to finally create the album, there is a certain appreciation that has to be given.  After listening to many tracks though and getting past a stellar track like Dark Necessities, you realize that the album isn’t something worth writing home about.  While definitely not bad, it also won’t blow anyone away.  Overall, Red Hot Chili Peppers deliver a tightly produced and well played Getaway that may feel a bit too long and uninteresting at points.  While the high points stand out well, it may not be the fantastic return to form that many fans were hoping for.  It’s an okay listening experience, but in the end it’s just okay.

6/10

Photos: FRANK TURNER & THE SLEEPING SOULS at THE BEACHAM in ORLANDO, FL 6/11/2016

By
Luke Spencer
-

Photos of Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls live in Orlando, FL.  All photos taken by Luke Spencer at The Beacham on 6-11-2016.

Frank Turner performed for over an hour on a co-headlining tour with Gogol Bordello that also supported his latest album Positive Songs For Negative People.  During the performance, Frank called a lucky audience member up to play a harmonica solo (Dmitri the fan nailed it) and then addressed how good the crowds in the Unites States are.  He then added that if we in the US want our favorite bands from UK, France and other nations outside of the US, then we “can never vote that m*****f***** as President” in reference to Fuhrer Trump.

You can purchase Frank Turner’s newest album on Amazon by clicking here = Frank Turner – “Positive Songs For Negative People”

Album Review: Tool – 10,000 Days

By
Luke Spencer
-

A look back at Tool’s 2006 album 10,000 Days.

https://vimeo.com/170660813

 

Text Review:

In this Patreon requested album review I was asked to look back at Tool’s (as of now) most recent release 10,000 Days.  With everyone currently in the cyclical uproar about the possibility of a new Tool album finally coming out this or next year along with consistent touring the band has done in 2016, there is reason for anticipation.  On top of that, it has now been over a decade since the latest Tool album.   10,000 Days, coming FIVE years after the bands previous work Lateralus, sold over half a million copies on its first week of release, received two Grammy nominations and won a Grammy for best recording package.  This album was highly praised from day one and still continues to receive attention for the craft and work included.

Many people that see, hear and try to understand the concepts that Tool produce are usually left in a whirlwind of information, but in some cases they aren’t as complicated if broken down.  For starters, the term 10,000 days is roughly the time it takes for Saturn to orbit around the sun, but is also described by Maynard James Keenan as: “(10,000 Days is) the time when you are presented the opportunity to transform from whatever your hang-ups were before to let the light of knowledge and experience lighten your load, so to speak, and let go of old patterns and embrace a new life.”

Self-reflection and embracing the future is always an admirable trait, but when you add in the progressive and guttural style of Tool in an album that spans over 70 minutes, it can be a lot to take in.  In the case of 10,000 Days though, it’s worth the experience.  You are going to be getting much more with your money and time in an album that takes its time to build a setting and atmosphere where music like this can live.  But whether you are playing the album from beginning to end or just listening to a specific song, it still feels in every way unique that you are listening to Tool and that there is nothing else like this band and what they can create.

Vicarious was one of three songs featured on radio play that could actually be played as singles.  I say that in a sense because people want to hear Tool on the radio but playing an eleven minute song just isn’t always feasible.  But even a song like Vicarious at seven minutes can be shortened down and still come out beautifully.  Just from the opening guitar riffs and the first verse worth of lyrics you get the feeling that Tool lives in a world all their own.  Keep in mind that 10,000 Days was five years after Lateralus, but even after several years worth of waiting it’s amazing to hear the first couple minutes of a 70 plus minute album and you get the exact same emotions pulled from a band like they picked up where they left off.

My impression with 10,000 Days from the first time I listened years ago and still today is that it feels very bass and drum heavy and that works to the album’s advantage.  It’s rhythmic and deep which helps Maynard’s higher vocals stand out.  The songs feel connected this way and everything flows fluidly from track to track, regardless if it’s a heavier or softer song.

When I first listened to the album back in 2006 from the beginning it was when I got to the title track that I was sold.   It’s almost hypnotic in a way that you are sucked into a slow rhythm and then after five minutes you are on the edge of your seat listening to Maynard get louder and the guitar coming in strong into a pounding heavy sequence just to melt back into a slow burn with Maynard softly closing out the track and Jones strumming a few notes.

While the songs that hit hard like Jambi and The Pot really stand as a testament that Tool is metal, it’s the ones that have an ambience and a pulse that reach out to me personally.  Just like Tool’s albums before, 10,000 Days has these moments also that carry the album in a direction that most people who aren’t familiar with the band would never expect.

The last three tracks of the album starting with Intension are the moments that I think set bands like Tool and A Perfect Circle on a top tier for me.  They can take their time and draw the melody with their instruments and vocals into something that feels almost terrestrial in that it is so natural sounding.  While I still prefer Lateralus as a complete album, 10,000 Days still is undeniably an experience that needs to be heard – whether in parts or in one long listen.  The fleeting moments that may not mesh as well or don’t hold the listener’s interest fail in comparison to the rest of an enormous feat that is this well detailed album.

It’s been 10 years since the last Tool album, and it feels like after each subsequent release the wait grows longer and more unbearable.  The one saving grace is that Tool has delivered every time after the wait.  If all the current touring and rumors lead to something new, then we may be finally getting something legendary in the process with an upcoming album.  As for Tool’s most recent album, 10,000 Days is another example of just how creative and in their own world a band can become.  Whether it’s the high volume or slow brooding you are looking for, this album will have something to offer you in an over 70 minute album, and every minute feeling unique.

Album Review: I See Stars – Treehouse

By
Luke Spencer
-

How much does I See Stars’ style change in their new album Treehouse?

https://vimeo.com/170180493

 

Text Review:

When a band changes style, regardless of the reason, it can be a make or break point for many listeners.  After several years and albums, a band may change their sound whether intentionally or for unexpected reasons.  Many times when this happens it is also a make or break moment for the members of the band as well to see if they can continue with their career under the same name.

Since 2006 I See Stars has been a six piece group but as of last year the group has parted ways on seemingly good terms with long time members Zach Johnson and Jimmy Gregerson.  The group now is a four piece unit with an occasional touring member.  The big shakeup in this is the now vacant spot of unclean vocals from Johnson.  Singing duties are now shouldered solely by Devin Oliver.

Going from a heavy, brash and electronica based metalcore style to one with much more melody and focus on an electronic beat is a major shift.  While many people may get a sensory shock on their first listen when they’ve heard past works from I See Stars, the truth is that the band has already used all of these elements before.  This isn’t totally uncharted territory for the band.

Now in 2016 we have the next chapter entitled Treehouse from I See Stars and the first album since 2013, which is also the largest gap between albums for the band.  There are many arguments that can be made in that that much time off can help or hinder a band, or a significant format and lineup change could eventually cause former listeners to leave the new music behind or only compare it to the music when the band had past members.

We were first given a look into the new album Treehouse in February 2016, but it wasn’t until May that we received a real sample of what I See Stars has been working on and what the new direction will reflect going forward.  In all its electronicore glory with heavy guitar riffs and EDM beats, it can’t be argued that I See Stars is getting creative.

Running With Scissors is the best indicator of style for what to expect on Treehouse.  There are definitely heavy moments in the track but for a majority of the song it is a much more melodic and rhythmic experience highlighted by a well sung chorus in front of some electronic vibes.  The song flows very well and has a great range in going from high volume to low at the right times.

One of the main comments people will make however is the lack of screaming and unclean vocals.  Rather, people may wonder what songs like Running With Scissors would sound like if unclean vocals were also used.  It’s a fair question, but it ignores the fact that a song like this has a lot of great elements and works well on many levels.

There are many songs on Treehouse with the same structure of a quick burst of volume through guitars, drums or a dance beat, but it’s then softened with the vocals of Devin Oliver.  This creates a progression in each song that sounds unique and natural.  In tracks like Running With Scissors, Yellow King, White Lies and Break, you understand the style and format of the band and how they make it work.

It feels like a seamless transition between the chaotic EDM effects to the rock scene where everything feels connected.  In a way the band has replaced the unclean vocals and screaming with more techno drops and beats while the overall mood throughout the album seems softer.  This mainly due to the vocals now being fully melodic, and it works to this album’s advantage.

There are a couple songs that may not be as played as much due to specific moments, such as All In which feels a bit forced and repetitive or Mobbin’ Out which has a majority of the track sounding like a crowded EDM club where the higher volume in the vocals clash with the electronic style, but these examples are few and don’t reflect the entire track each time.

This is a new venture for I See Stars and how they progress from here will depend greatly on their fans’ reception.  While their old works will still be highlighted and played, what comes in the future will now be a more melodic and rhythm based style.  In the case of 2016, there appears to be no real reason for concern.

Overall, while Treehouse does feel different from previous I See Stars albums, it still works on many levels and almost subconsciously makes you want to listen again as soon as some tracks are over.  If you keep an open mind or you’ve been a fan of the band for years, you’ll be more than satisfied with what you hear.

8/10

Voodoo Fest Lineup Announced – Headlined by Tool for Halloween Weekend Oct 28-30 in New Orleans

By
Luke Spencer
-

THE ULTIMATE HALLOWEEN WEEKEND TAKES PLACE
OCTOBER 28-30 IN NEW ORLEANS
3-DAY TICKETS ON SALE AT 10AM CT

(New Orleans, LA – June 7, 2016) Voodoo Music + Arts Experience returns for its 18th edition
with a stacked lineup including headliners Tool, Arcade Fire and The Weeknd along with
performances from G-Eazy, The Chainsmokers, Band Of Horses, Cage the Elephant, Kevin
Gates, Die Antwoord, Foals, Porter Robinson, Carnage and many more. Over 65 bands will
perform on four stages, bringing fans the ultimate Halloween weekend October 28-30 from New
Orleans’ City Park.

Voodoo Fest Lineup

With an exciting lineup including newcomers and established favorites, Voodoo Music + Arts
Experience continues its legacy of delivering diverse performances that span multiple genres.
Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals, Reignwolf, Melanie Martinez, Wild Belle and Bully will lead
the way for artist discovery alongside Sean Lennon and Les Claypool’s The Claypool Lennon
Delirium, Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires and New Orleans’ own Preservation Hall Jazz
Band.

Excision, STS9, DJ Mustard, Party Favor, Lunice and more will bring the beats to the festival’s
day-to-night dance party, rounding out the eclectic roster.

View the full lineup: www.voodoofestival.com/lineup.

Voodoo Music + Arts Experience will also bring fans large-scale interactive art installations,
carnival rides, specialty beers from the Craft Beer Garden as well as authentic food options that
reflect the city’s world-class culinary culture, from local and regional restaurants including vegan,
vegetarian and gluten-free offerings.

3-Day General Admission Tickets ($140) and 3-Day Loa VIP Tickets ($400) are available today at
10am CT. Loa VIP Ticket holders will be treated to exclusive viewing areas at all four stages, a
dedicated express lane at the main entrance, air-conditioned restrooms and much more. For the
full list of amenities and to purchase tickets, visit www.voodoofestival.com/tickets. Payment plan
options are available during check out.

Fans can sign up for the Voodoo Tribe E-List to be the first to get new information at
www.voodoofestival.com and follow social media to stay in the loop for all festival
announcements. Facebook || Instagram || Twitter.

AFTERSHOCK FESTIVAL LINEUP ANNOUNCED – Tool & Avenged Sevenfold Lead Momentous Music Lineup October 22 & 23 In Sacramento, CA

By
Luke Spencer
-

Aftershock logo

MOMENTOUS MUSIC LINEUP LED BY ICONIC BANDS

TOOL AND AVENGED SEVENFOLD UNVEILED FOR

FIFTH ANNUAL MONSTER ENERGY AFTERSHOCK

CALIFORNIA’S BIGGEST ROCK FESTIVAL RETURNS TO

SACRAMENTO’S DISCOVERY PARK OCTOBER 22 & 23

TICKETS ON SALE WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8

An awe-inspiring, momentous music lineup led by iconic bands Tool (in a rare U.S. festival appearance) and Avenged Sevenfold has been unveiled for the fifth annual Monster Energy AFTERSHOCK, which returns to Sacramento, California’s Discovery Park Saturday, October 22 and Sunday, October 23.

California’s biggest rock festival will feature over 35 bands on three stages at Discovery Park, conveniently located near downtown Sacramento, where the American and Sacramento Rivers meet. The current daily music lineup for Monster Energy AFTERSHOCK is as follows:

Saturday, October 22: Tool, Slayer, Primus, Meshuggah, The Pretty Reckless, Anthrax, Baroness, Face To Face, Deafheaven, Motionless In White, Avatar, American Sharks, Whores, Twelve Foot Ninja, The Shrine, Aeges, Big Jesus

Sunday, October 23: Avenged Sevenfold, Korn, Disturbed, Puscifer, Chevelle, Ghost, Parkway Drive, The Amity Affliction, Zakk Sabbath, Max & Iggor Cavalera Return To Roots, Suicide Silence, Whitechapel, Ignite, Some Fear None, Silver Snakes

“We’re excited to give fans a once in a lifetime opportunity to see Tool, Avenged Sevenfold, Primus, Slayer, Korn, Disturbed and the rest of this great lineup all together during this special weekend. Discovery Park is such a unique venue that allows us to put on an experience on a grand scale, but in an intimate setting that sets AFTERSHOCK apart,” says Monster Energy AFTERSHOCK founder and producer Danny Wimmer of Danny Wimmer Presents.

Monster Energy AFTERSHOCK tickets go on sale Wednesday, June 8 at Noon PT at www.AFTERSHOCKConcert.com. Tickets are limited and will go fast. Fans are encouraged to buy early so they don’t miss out on the chance to see so many iconic rock bands at one American festival. See below for details.

In 2015, a sold-out crowd of 45,000 was in attendance at Monster Energy AFTERSHOCK to experience the best hard rock, metal and alternative artists, along with gourmet food trucks and extensive onsite experiences. Loudwire.com called the festival “one of the nation’s premier music events.” Elsewhere, Johnny Firecloud of CraveOnline.com noted, “…Aftershock has found a new thread, and the way they’re approaching the festival ecosystem may just defibrillate the soul of rock fests in America. They’re mixing vibrant alt rock colors into what was typically a monolithic skull-and-crossbones metal template of black on black, side-stepping the big-box corporate model and building peripheral excitement through on-site activities, enhanced Gourmet Man Food attractions and more” (February 18, 2016).

Monster Energy AFTERSHOCK tickets go on sale Wednesday, June 8 at Noon PT at www.AFTERSHOCKConcert.com. Tickets and VIP packages will initially be priced as follows (increasing in the coming weeks):

General Admission Weekend: $149.50

General Admission Single Day: $89.50

GA Weekend 4-Pack: $476.00

VIP Weekend: $279.50

VIP Single Day: $154.50

VIP Zippo 2-Packs: $679.00 (includes VIP amenities + 2 Monster Energy Aftershock 2016 commemorative Zippos)

VIP passes include: VIP entrance lanes into venue, shaded VIP hang area with seating for dining, seated and standing viewing area of main stage South (left), video screens featuring live feed from main stages inside VIP hang area, upgraded food and drink selections (for purchase), dedicated VIP restrooms, and a commemorative Monster Energy Aftershock 2016 laminate.

Specially priced hotel + festival ticket packages make planning for Monster Energy AFTERSHOCK as easy as possible. Visit http://aftershockconcert.com/tickets/#post-2994 for more info. Discounted online hotel rates are also available through Curadora at: https://curadora.com/events/aftershock-2016-44293b99/.

Monster Energy AFTERSHOCK is also offering a Park & Ride shuttle program this year, since parking at Discovery Park is extremely limited. Each Park & Ride ticket includes parking for your vehicle at Sleep Train Arena and a non-stop shuttle directly to the festival site. Festivalgoers are encouraged to carpool to Sleep Train Arena and save. For pricing and more details, visit www.AFTERSHOCKConcert.com.

Here’s a preliminary lists of onsite experiences and nonprofit organizations with a presence at Monster Energy Aftershock:

Monster Energy Experience/Sampling: Monster Energy will be keeping all fans fueled up and ready to rock by offering free sampling on their Monster Energy viewing deck. Enjoy Monster Energy drinks from one of the best seats in the house. Make sure to check back throughout the festival for a schedule of Monster Energy’s interactive artist experiences.

Facebook: facebook.com/monsterenergy

#monsterenergy #monstermusic

Jack Daniel’s Experience: “Taste of Tennessee” invites visitors to come out and tour the nation’s oldest registered distillery from outside the Jack Daniel’s Hollow. Visitors get to see (and smell) whiskey dripping slowly through charcoal and the new oak barrels used in maturing Tennessee’s finest whiskey. The Jack Daniel’s Experience is open to all fans, 21 years old and up, for tours free of charge.  Stop by the Jack Daniel’s Experience for interactive engagements throughout the weekend.

Facebook: facebook.com/jackdaniels

Instagram: @jackdaniels_us

#jackdaniels #BornToMakeWhiskey

The Music Experience: The Music Experience features all the elements that are involved in making music in a professional band setting. The interactive exhibit features guitars, basses, amps, drums, keyboards and electronic gear that are used by today’s most popular bands. The Music Experience has autograph signings and artist interactions throughout the day. Check Facebook and Instagram for the latest info on who will be hanging out at The Music Experience.

Facebook: facebook.com/themusicexp

Instagram: @tmexp

Dyin 2 Live / Fxck Cancer: The F C Cancer Foundation’s mission is to fight cancer by raising awareness and to educate about early cancer detection, ultimately putting an end to late stage cancer diagnosis. The Dyin 2 Live wish granting program looks to enrich the lives of those fighting cancer by offering them an experience that will bring joy, hope, inspiration, and courage into their lives. In doing this, the program hopes it can help give the cancer fighter a chance to forget, even if it’s only for a day, what they are battling. The hope is that it can be used as a source of inspiration to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour.

www.FxckCancer.org

www.makingdreamshappen.org

www.Dyin2Live.org

Facebook: facebook.com/Dyin2LiveDREAMS or facebook.com/FxckCancerUSA

Instagram: @FxckCancer and @Dyin2LiveDreams

Coors Light Sports Bar: Coors Light, World’s Most Refreshing Beer, is proud to sponsor the Monster Energy AFTERSHOCK Festival. The Coors Light Sports Bar will be showing college football games on Saturday and NFL games on Sunday, courtesy of Coors Light and Sacramento’s KHTK Sports 1140 AM. Coors Light goes to great lengths to bring you the coldest, most refreshing beer. Please remember to drink responsibly.

Keep Golf Metal: Keep Golf Metal is a movement that encourages festival attendees to play a 9 hole putt putt course with PGA level golf clubs provided by Rife Putters and MasterFit Custom Golf Clubs. Keep Golf Metal also has apparel that features designs that fuse the rock and golf worlds together.

MAKE YOUR MARK Graffiti Zone: This interactive graffiti art installation will showcase multiple live demonstrations and will allow AFTERSHOCK artists and fans the chance to add to the exhibit.

Take Me Home Animal Rescue: Take Me Home is a not for profit, volunteer based foundation that has been saving the lives of homeless animals since 2001. Many families living in low-income areas cannot afford medical care, basic vaccinations, or spay/neuter surgeries for their companion animals. The donations raised help us to fund mobile veterinary hospitals to travel into these under-served areas to provide free spay and neuter, vaccinations, microchipping and administer medical care for animals in desperate need. Take Me Home also supports local animal charities. Come by the booth to help out our furry friends by buying a shirt, signed merchandise, and entering a raffle. Danny Wimmer, Founder, DWP, said, “DWP is proud to support various charities, giving them a national platform to promote their messages. We are particularly fond of Take Me Home, which advocates for animal adoption. I hope everyone stops by their booth and supports their fundraising efforts to help animals in need.” For more information, please visit: www.takemehome.tv.

Facebook: facebook.com/TakeMeHomeRescue

Instagram: @TakeMeHomeRescue

Twitter: @TMHRescue

Life Looks Good On You: Monster Energy AFTERSHOCK Festival has partnered with Sacramento County Department of Regional Parks for the Life Looks Good On You life jacket water safety campaign. Danny Wimmer Presents is pledging support with Monster Energy AFTERSHOCK alumni and DWP friends to create awareness for the Life Looks Good On You campaign. So far, music artists that have joined the efforts include Sacramento’s own Deftones, Rob Zombie, Disturbed, Five Finger Death Punch, Papa Roach, Pop Evil, and Avatar. Photos of band members wearing life jackets will be part of a social media campaign designed to encourage people to safely participate in water activities by sharing photos of themselves and friends wearing life jackets.

www.lifelooksgoodonyou.org

#sacrivers

LTD (Living The Dream) Foundation: A portion of all Monster Energy AFTERSHOCK ticket fees will be donated to Living the Dream. LTD Foundation bridges the music industry together with fans who are fighting terminal illnesses by giving them All Access VIP experiences backstage with their favorite bands and artists.

www.ltdfoundation.org

Monster Energy AFTERSHOCK is produced by Danny Wimmer Presents, a producer of some of the biggest rock festivals in America, including Rock On The Range, Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville, Monster Energy Fort Rock, Monster Energy Carolina Rebellion, LOUDER THAN LIFE, Northern Invasion, Monster Energy Rock Allegiance, Chicago Open Air, Houston Open Air, and more.

Sponsors for Monster Energy AFTERSHOCK include: Monster Energy, Jack Daniel’s, Coors Light, The Music Experience, Keep Golf Metal, Sound Exchange, Thunder Valley Casino Resort, Fxck Cancer, Take Me Home, KHTK, 98Rock, and SoHo Concessions.

Website: www.AFTERSHOCKConcert.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/AFTERSHOCKFestival

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/AFTERSHOCKSAC

 

 

KORN Announces the ‘Nocturnal Underground Tour’ This Fall with Breaking Benjamin

By
Luke Spencer
-
KORN TO HIT THE ROAD THIS FALL FOR THE
‘NOCTURNAL UNDERGROUND TOUR’
WITH BREAKING BENJAMIN
AND SPECIAL GUESTS MOTIONLESS IN WHITE AND SILVER SNAKES
TICKETS ON SALE THIS FRIDAY, JUNE 10
 
Today, June 6, KORN has announced details for the “NOCTURNAL UNDERGROUND TOUR” where they will share co-headlining duties with Breaking Benjamin and will be joined by special guests Motionless In White and Silver Snakes.  Tickets go on-sale this Friday, June 10 in most markets via Ticketmaster. VIP packages will also be available.
___
The “NOCTURNAL UNDERGROUND” arena tour will kick off on September 24 at Scheels Arena in Fargo, ND taking KORN deep into the heart of America through late October. On this out, the band will pass through such markets as Omaha, Cedar Rapids, Charlotte, Biloxi, Tampa, Jacksonville, Tulsa and beyond.  In between, KORNwill appear at the Louder Than Life festival in Louisville, KY on October 2.  KORN‘s full tour routing-which also includes the Return of the Dreads Tour (their co-headlining trek with Rob Zombie this summer)-can be found below.
 ___
It’s no secret KORN have been hunkered down in the studio working on a new album, as Brian “Head” Welch told Billboard earlier this year, “We’re focusing on guitars and spending a lot of time on them.  It sounds really good, and I think it’s going to end up a heavier record.”  It’s quite possible new tracks will be heard this fall.
 ___
About KORN:
KORN built an immortal bond in 1993 the first time Jonathan Davis, James “Munky” Shaffer, Reginald “Fieldy” Arvizu, and Brian “Head” Welch decided to make music as a unit. They shed blood, sweat, and tears in the studio and on stage, fashioning an undeniable and unique sound that would permanently alter the course of rock music. After six seminal releases, two Grammy Awards, countless sold out shows, and selling 35 million albums worldwide, Head left the group in 2004 to face the demons of addiction. KORN soldiered on, adding drummer Ray Luzier in 2007 and releasing four more full-length releases. In 2012, a triumphant and tear-filled reunion happened on stage as the group headlined the Carolina Rebellion Festival with Head reprising his legendary part on “Blind.” The initial bond came back into focus, and it was time for their next studio album, The Paradigm Shift, which seamlessly melds the group’s ever-present spirit of innovation with their signature metallic catharsis, paving the way for the future yet again. In 2014, KORN started their 20th anniversary celebrations, playing their critically acclaimed self-titled debut album in its entirety. The shows were so well received, the group continued the festivities into 2015, performing the record on tour to fans around the world. At present, KORN is back in the studio hard at work on their twelfth album set for release in 2016.
KORN’s complete U.S. tour routing for 2016 is:
Festival Appearance:
Sat
7/16
Chicago, IL
Chicago Open Air
Co-headlining with Rob Zombie
Tue
7/19
Englewood, CO
Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre
Wed
7/20
Salt Lake City, UT
USANA Amphitheatre
Fri
7/22
Albuquerque, NM
Isleta Amphitheater
Sat
7/23
Phoenix, AZ
Ak-Chin Pavilion
Sun
7/24
Irvine, CA
Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre
Tue
7/26
Nampa (Boise), ID
Idaho Center Amphitheater
Wed
7/27
Auburn, WA
White River Amphitheatre
Fri
7/29
Mountain View, CA
Shoreline Amphitheatre
Sat
7/30
Las Vegas, NV
Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino
Tue
8/2
Austin, TX
Austin 360 Amphitheater
Wed
8/3
The Woodlands, TX
Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Thu
8/4
Dallas, TX
Gexa Energy Pavilion
Sat
8/6
Noblesville, IN
Klipsch Music Center
Sun
8/7
Cincinnati, OH
Riverbend Music Center
Tue
8/9
Maryland Heights, MO
Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
Wed
8/10
Kansas City, MO
Cricket Wireless Amphitheater
Sun
8/21
Clarkston, MI
DTE Energy Music Theatre
Tue
8/23
Toronto, ON
Molson Canadian Amphitheatre
Wed
8/24
Cuyahoga Falls, OH
Blossom Music Center
Thu
8/25
Burgettstown, PA
First Niagara Pavilion
Sat
8/27
Syracuse, NY
Lakeview Amphitheater
Sun
8/28
Boston, MA
Xfinity Center
Tue
8/30
Holmdel, NJ
PNC Bank Arts Center
Thu
9/1
Hartford, CT
Xfinity Theatre
Fri
9/2
Camden, NJ
BB&T Pavilion
Sat
9/3
Bristow, VA
Jiffy Lube Live
Co-headlining with Breaking Benjamin
Sat
9/24
Fargo, ND
Scheels Arena
Sun
9/25
Omaha, NE
Baxter Arena
Tue
9/27
Cedar Rapids, IA
US Cellular Center
Wed
9/28
Peoria, IL
Peoria Civic Center
Festival Appearance:
Sun
10/2
Louisville, KY
Louder Than Life
Co-headlining with Breaking Benjamin
Wed
10/5
Charlotte, NC
PNC Music Pavilion
Fri
10/7
Pelham, AL
Oak Mountain Amphitheatre
Sat
10/8
Southaven, MS
Landers Center
Sun
10/9
Biloxi, MS
Mississippi Coast Coliseum
Tue
10/11
Tampa, FL
MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre at the FL State Fairgrounds
Wed
10/12
Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Coliseum
Thu
10/13
Alpharetta, GA
Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
Sat

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Moving Pictures with LAMB OF GOD

By
Luke Spencer
-

My photos of Lamb Of God live at Welcome To Rockville 2016!  All photos were taken by Luke Spencer in Jacksonville, FL on 5/1/2016.

The 8-Bit version of Laid To Rest was provided by xGameGuideGuyx.  You can find the song on his channel here = xGameGuideGuyx’s YouTube Channel

You can find all these photos in the album here = Photos: Lamb Of God at Welcome To Rockville 2016

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAZxjPETvGY

Album Review: Volbeat – Seal The Deal & Let’s Boogie

By
Luke Spencer
-

Will Volbeat’s sixth full album get everyone to groove along in Seal The Deal & Let’s Boogie?

https://vimeo.com/169164999

 

Text Review:

In theory, a Danish rockabilly band is an anomaly.  Paring that description with a vocalist who has been described as a metal Elvis Presley adds even wilder description to a group.  Finally add an album title “Seal the Deal & Let’s Boogie” and you have a unique entity in the hard rock scene that can only be heard to be understood.

Volbeat have been creating unique music for years and been a major part of the hard rock and metal scene with the dynamic voice of Michael Poulsen.  Along with founding member Jon Larsen on drums and well-travelled and prolific guitarist Rob Caggiano, this Danish based outfit has earned their place in today’s music market with multiple platinum selling albums through various nations and an insane amount of psychobilly guitar shredding.

Now in 2016, their sixth full album Seal The Deal & Let’s Boogie has swayed from tales and sounds of the wild west to violence and voodoo as their loosely tied theme.  But just like their previous album Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies, Volbeat continue their fusion of rhythm and rock in their new album.

Volbeat have a unique identity in music in that it’s very difficult to compare them to other groups because of their style and song structure.  In many songs a chorus or line will be carried into a blistering guitar solo only to be led to banjo plucking or harmonica playing and then back to a verse based around a funk vibe in Poulsen’s vocal delivery.  Like I said, it’s difficult to compare them to other groups, and in many ways even describe.

And speaking of a fusion with rhythm, rock and funk, when you get an album title like Seal The Deal & Let’s Boogie, you can get idea of how the music is going to get you to move.  And from the opening track you get that exact impression of music having a groove and this Danish “metal Elvis” in all his glory.  As far as an album opener, the steady build into the track has a great vibe to it and gets you in the mood for the album.  Poulson’s voice comes in brilliantly and the guitar riffs keep a strong rhythm without overtaking the song.  The buildup to the bridge and guitar solo at just before two minutes makes the song feel bigger and more eventful while Caggiano lets loose on the fretboard.

This song is a good example of what to expect on the first half of Seal The Deal & Let’s Boogie.  It has a focus on the hard rock rhythm and emphasizing Poulson’s ability to carry a note and have it resonate through each song.  It’s the standard that Volbeat has done many times and is very reminiscent of Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies that way.

At about half way through the album there is a different feeling you get while listening to Black rose featuring Danko Jones.  You hear the gruff vocals and the many different speeds of the track that lead to something solid.  It’s from this point on the album starts to feel like Seal The Deal has its own unique feeling compared to past works.

Danko Jones adds a GREAT contribution to Black Rose that matches well with the guitar style, but this song like others on the album kind of shift style in a bridge that may not be for everyone.  After hearing Black Rose I got excited to see if this album would take a new direction, and While I stand by this track and some of the already released singles are the highlights of the album (including the title track), the album overall feels like a continuation of Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies.

There are moments in several songs on Seal The Deal that you’ll be headbanging and air-guitaring too, but as for replay value you may be straining to find a reason to listen to some of these tracks again.  Songs like Battleship Chains and Seal The Deal have a good singalong vibe and again the guitar work is amazing, but it still feels like an incomplete experience when listening to the entire album.

Volbeat is a unique AND talented entity in today’s hard rock and metal scene that may NEVER be duplicated.  As for new material in 2016 however, it does feel like the same wheels have hit the ground.  The good outweighs the bad, but the album also is weighted down with the same groove and vibe that has been done by the band for years.  Overall, Seal The Deal & Let’s Boogie will satisfy long time Volbeat fans but may not be their favorite release from the group.  There are definitely highpoints on the album to get just about anyone to move, but the deal should have been built up before it was sealed.

LOUDER THAN LIFE 2016 LINEUP ANNOUNCED – SLIPKNOT, A7X, SLAYER, DISTURBED TO HEADLINE

By
Luke Spencer
-

ltl

LOUDER THAN LIFE

THIRD ANNUAL DESTINATION FESTIVAL CELEBRATING THE WORLD’S TOP BOURBON,

MUSIC AND GOURMET MAN FOOD

SET FOR OCTOBER 1 & 2 AT CHAMPIONS PARK IN LOUISVILLE, KY

FEATURING TWO TITANS OF ROCK:

SLIPKNOT AND AVENGED SEVENFOLD,

ALONG WITH DISTURBED, KORN, SLAYER, THE CULT, GHOST AND MANY MORE

EARLY BIRD TICKETS, VIP, HOTEL & CAMPING PACKAGES AVAILABLE JUNE 1

“Louisville: The Home Of Bourbon.

Great People. Great Food.”

Following a 2015 sellout with 50,000 in attendance, LOUDER THAN LIFE returns to Champions Park near downtown Louisville October 1 & 2, 2016 for the third annual destination festival celebrating the region’s culture and cuisine, and featuring award-winning bourbons and spirits, Gourmet Man Food, craft beer and some of the biggest names in rock music. Slipknot and Avenged Sevenfold top a mindblowing music lineup of over 35 bands on three stages, with performances from Disturbed, Korn, Slayer, The Cult, Ghost, Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Cheap Trick and many more.

Produced by Danny Wimmer Presents, America’s premier production company for rock music festivals, Louisville’s LOUDER THAN LIFE features a selection of award-winning bourbons, whiskey, spirits, craft beer, and Gourmet Man Food curated personally by festival creator Danny Wimmer, along with a powerful music lineup of rock legends and breaking talent. The festival celebrates the bourbon culture and culinary heritage of this unique American city. In 2015, Louisville was #2 on the USA Today list of Best Local Food Scenes and was featured in Time Magazine’s list of America’s Best Music Scenes.

LOUDER THAN LIFE founder and producer Danny Wimmer of Danny Wimmer Presents declares, “Louisville: The home of bourbon. Great people. Great food. How can those ingredients not make a perfect place to have a festival? This is a place you have to visit if you’re a lover of bourbon, a lover of food…a lover of life. I asked my team how we could top last year’s LOUDER THAN LIFE sellout. The easy answer? Slipknot and Avenged Sevenfold.”

LOUDER THAN LIFE tickets go on sale Wednesday, June 1 at Noon ET at www.LouderThanLifeFestival.com with limited quantities available at early bird discounted prices. Ticket prices will increase in the coming weeks, so fans are encouraged to buy early to save. See below for details.

The daily music lineup for LOUDER THAN LIFE is as follows:

Saturday, October 1: Avenged Sevenfold, Slayer, The Cult, The Pretty Reckless, Pierce The Veil, Cheap Trick, Chevy Metal, Anthrax, Motionless In White, Hellyeah, Sick Puppies, The Amity Affliction, Avatar, Neck Deep, Young Guns, Being As An Ocean, ’68, Twelve Foot Ninja, Dinosaur Pile Up

Sunday, October 2: Slipknot, Disturbed, Korn, Ghost, Alter Bridge, Clutch, Biffy Clyro, Pop Evil, Skillet, Sevendust, Zakk Sabbath, Parkway Drive, Trivium, KYNG, Skindred, Adelitas Way, Crobot, Smashing Satellites, Sabaton

One highlight of the Gourmet Man Food experience will be Doc Crow’s and Doc’s Cantina, featuring the cuisine of Executive Chef Jonathan Schwartz, including BBQ cheese fries, beef brisket sandwiches, and pulled pork sandwiches. In addition, a joint venture between two St. Louis based restaurants–Food Network star Tom Coghill’s Iron Barley and Bill Kunz’ Highway 61 Roadhouse–will be staging a full scale Pig Roast.

Based on over 50,000 attendees in 2015, it’s estimated that LOUDER THAN LIFE generated $13 million in economic impact to the city of Louisville, including more than $3 million in hotel revenue and more than 18,000 incremental room nights. Of those attendees, over two-thirds were from outside the Louisville area, and the majority said they came to the city specifically for the event. In addition, over 350 media were on hand to cover the second annual event, coming from around the U.S. and as far as away as the U.K., The Netherlands and Turkey.

“We decided to start a festival in Louisville because it is such a special city,” says Danny Hayes, CEO of Danny Wimmer Presents. “It has a great Mayor, hospitable local government, welcoming CVB and outstanding city services that in turn make our job really easy. We have a long term plan to grow LOUDER THAN LIFE that includes a significant increase to the economic impact we have created in just the first two years of the festival.”

“Louisville is a festival city – and LOUDER THAN LIFE, in just two years, has proven to be a huge success, both in terms of attendance and economic impact to the city. We look forward to many more years of hosting this impressive festival by the impressive Danny Wimmer Presents company,” says Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer.

“We know from tourism research that attending a festival is one of the primary drivers for weekend visitation to Louisville,” says Karen Williams, President & CEO, Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Hosting LOUDER THAN LIFE drives lucrative leisure business to Louisville’s hotels, restaurants and attractions.”

Here are the preliminary lists of LOUDER THAN LIFE celebrity chefs, bourbon, craft beer, and Gourmet Man Food partners:

Celebrity Chefs: Edward Lee, Tom Coghill, Bill Kunz, Jonathan Schwartz

Bourbon World presented by the Louisville Courier-Journal: Angel’s Envy, Basil Hayden’s, Benchmark, Buffalo Trace, Bulleit, Eagle Rare, Evan Williams, Four Roses, Jim Beam, Knob Creek, Maker’s Mark, Michter’s, Old Forester, Town Branch, Willett, Wild Turkey, Woodford Reserve

Whiskey & Other Spirits: Jack Daniel’s, Copper & Kings American Brandy

Gourmet Man Food Village: 502 Café, Art Eatables, Aporkalypse Now, Blackbeard Espresso, Black Rock Grille, Cheese Louise, Chicago Taste Authority, Classic Home Cookin’, The Comfy Cow, Cousins Maine Lobster, Cravin’ Cajun, Louisville Dessert Truck, Dia De Los Tamales, Doc Crow’s, Doc’s Cantina, The Duffy Shuffle, El Luchador, Gelato Gilberto, Hebro’s Kitchen, Hi-Five Doughnuts, Highway 61, Hole Mole, International Spud Station, Iron Barley, Island Noodles, Lexi Lu’s, Lil Cheezers, Longshot Lobsta, Mac’ Attack, Mike’s Kentucky Kitchen, Momma’s BBQ, Mount Olympus, Mr. G’s Kettle Corn, Pie Baby, Pollo: A Gourmet Chicken Joint, Red Top Gourmet Hot Dogs, Spotz Gelato, Spudz Chips, Louisville Sushi Truck, The Traveling Kitchen, Tumbleweed (serving Jack Daniel’s inspired food items), Up In Smoke BBQ, Zoom Zoom Yum

Craft Beer (Regional) & Artist Inspired Beverages: Alltech Lexington, Falls City Beer, Goodwood Brewing Company, Motörhead Shiraz, New Albanian Brewing Company, Trooper Beer, West Sixth

LOUDER THAN LIFE will also feature interactive experiences including: • Artist autograph signings and beverage sampling at the Monster Energy Hospitality Rig • Jack Daniel’s Experience • Zippo Music Experience • The Bourbon Tent presented by the Louisville Courier-Journal • The Music Experience • It’s Miller Time VIP Lounge • Dyin 2 Live / Fxck Cancer • Keep Golf Metal • The Christian Benner Experience • Take Me Home Animal Rescue • and more.

Single day and weekend tickets for LOUDER THAN LIFE will be available starting on Wednesday, June 1 at Noon EDT. Tickets and VIP packages will initially be priced as follows (increasing in the coming weeks):

GA Weekend: $89.50

GA 4-Packs: $340.00

VIP Weekend: $234.50

VIP Zippo 2-Packs: $550.00 (includes VIP amenities + 2 LTL 2016 commemorative Zippos)

Single Day GA: $79.50

VIP passes include: VIP entrance lanes into venue, shaded VIP hang area with seating for dining, seated and standing viewing area of Main Stage South (left), video screens featuring live feed from main stages inside VIP hang area, upgraded Gourmet Man Food and drink selections (for additional purchase), dedicated VIP restrooms, and a commemorative LOUDER THAN LIFE 2016 laminate.

Hotel discounts are available through Curadora at: https://curadora.com/events/louder-than-life-2016-dea7cc2c/. Camping and VIP packages can be purchased at www.LouderThanLifeFestival.com.

All LOUDER THAN LIFE camping passes include campsite space for 3 nights as well as access to campground bathrooms, showers, food and beverage concession stands, and a general store. Campers also have in and out privileges between the campground and festival grounds throughout the event. Car (tent) camping passes are $99.00 and RV camping passes are $175.00.

LOUDER THAN LIFE is produced by Danny Wimmer Presents, a producer of some of the biggest rock festivals in America, including Chicago Open Air, Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville, Monster Energy Fort Rock, Monster Energy AFTERSHOCK, Monster Energy Carolina Rebellion, Northern Invasion, Monster Energy Rock Allegiance, Rock On The Range, Houston Open Air and more.

Sponsors for LOUDER THAN LIFE include Monster Energy, Jack Daniel’s, Miller Lite, The Music Experience, Zippo Encore, El Jimador Tequila, Take Me Home Animal Rescue, and more to be announced!

Website: www.LouderThanLifeFestival.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/louderthanlifefestival

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ltlfest

Instagram: http://instagram.com/louderthanlifefest

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