Interview: ATLAS GENIUS at SHAKY KNEES 2016

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May 17, 2016

After their performance at Shaky Knees Keith and Mike stop to talk about life on the road, getting serious for their eventual third album, and the importance of “greens”.

You can see my photos of Atlas Genius live at Shaky Knees by clicking here = Atlas Genius at Shaky Knees

You can purchase Atlas Genius’ sophomore album Inanimate Objects on Amazon or stream on Amazon Prime by clicking here = “Inanimate Objects” by Atlas Genius

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85j68HjMZ20

Photos: AT THE DRIVE-IN at SHAKY KNEES in Atlanta, GA on 5/15/2016

By

Luke Spencer

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May 17, 2016

Photos of At The Drive-In at Shaky Knees in Atlanta, GA. All photos taken by Luke Spencer on May 15, 2016.

At The Drive-In was one of the two bands to close out the festival on Sunday May 15th. After the news of the band reforming for a tour and possible new music (although Ward has bowed out), this seemed almost like an impossibility that people could hear At The Drive-In again. But they arrived, and they played, and they delivered.

In an interesting note, after the first song Cedric looked right at me and got on the mic and said “Nice camera! What kind is it?” I shouted “NIKON!” and he said “Awesome”. He then walked over to Omar and introduced him to the crowd as Puerto Rican Bernie Sanders, and told the band “Cosmonaut”.

It was one of the best days I’ve had in doing convert photography and live coverage, and this band was one of the main reasons why. If you are looking for a blast from the past you can watch their music video from 2000 for One-Armed Scissor by clicking here = “One-Armed Scissor” by At The Drive-In

Photos: ATLAS GENIUS at SHAKY KNEES in Atlanta, GA 5/15/2016

By

Luke Spencer

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May 16, 2016

Photos of Atlas Genius at Shaky Knees in Atlanta, GA. All photos taken by Luke Spencer on May 15, 2016.

Atlas Genius flew in from Houston after performing the night before just to make their performance on the Ponce de Leon stage at Shaky Knees at 1:30PM. Even though they were battleworn, they still pulled off a great performance that made the crowd happy.

You can purchase Atlas Genius’ sophomore album Inanimate Objects on Amazon or listen for free on Amazon Prime by clicking here = “Inanimate Objects” by Atlas Genius

Album Review: DevilDriver – Trust No One

By

Luke Spencer

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May 12, 2016

Dez Fafara regroups DevilDriver with some new faces for the new album Trust No One.

https://vimeo.com/166401269

Text Review:

There is an old proverb of “The Only Constant In Life is Change”. While there are occasional bands that stand the test of time for years without a band member ever leaving or being removed, it is now more common than not to have a band with changing members between album releases for one reason or another.

With Dez Fafara now being the sole surviving member of DevilDriver after the departure of guitarist Jeff Kendrick and drummer John Boecklin, it may feel to some that the band could either be heading for a change or in a worst case scenario, starting to wrap it up. But if Dez has anything to say about it, heaviness will continue.

Trust No One marks the seventh full album from DevilDriver and the follow up to 2013’s Winter Kills. And in 2016 the foot has not been taken off the pedal from Fafara or the rest of the band including new members Neil Tiemann and Austin D’Amond. With new faces and hands in a long standing band, it appears that DevilDriver doesn’t intend to slow down.

Whether you have been listening to DevilDriver since the bands founding in 2002 or you just found out about them a few years back when they covered AWOLNATIONS’s Sail, you know this is a metal band that relies on a heavy rhythm. It’s the type of band you play while working out and you end up slamming a dumbbell through the floor while listening because you get so into the music.

The new album Trust No One falls into suit and continues that trend of bringing the heavy and keeping it consistent. Just from the album’s first single Daybreak listeners could tell that although there were big lineup changes, the name and music aren’t slowing down.

The shredding paired with Dez’s growling sounds sublime in the chorus. Even with the speed drop at a little over three minutes into the song, Daybreak still feels incredibly charged and moving. It isn’t reinventing the wheel in terms of mind-blowing creativity, but it’s solid and it feels like a complete listening experience from beginning to end.

Along with Daybreak, there are many tracks on this album that feel just as solid and complete. But one quality that stands out the most is the drum work of Chimaira’s former pounder Austin D’Amond. There are frequent examples throughout this album that you can focus solely on the drumming and hear just how much he adds to the experience.

Songs like Daybreak and My Night Sky set the best example of what you’ll hear on Trust No One. While there is a moment of reflection of lower speed, the tracks are mostly dominated by a heavy groove and strong chorus with Dez Farara giving his all into the microphone. It never feels like DevilDriver lose focus or are going through the motions. Whether it’s a feeling of rage or a sense of impending doom, the impression of a band all focused still comes in clear.

I love the dynamic in songs like My Night Sky. The mood and deep speed shift adds a dynamic to the song without making it feel like it’s becoming light. When the guitars and drums are going at full volume, drop to a rhythmic slow beat, and then pick back up, the song feels like more of an experience to listen to. It’s not overbearing and doesn’t drag too long in each sequence, all leading to a chorus that becomes the peak of the song.

There is a definite consistence in quality and firepower coming from Dez and company but in all honesty it does tent to be a bit overwhelming in a straight listen. There is a long sequence of tracks in the middle that will cause you to lose focus after sensory overload. That’s not a knock on quality, but it’s just too much to take in and it can dampen the listening experience. But while not every song in these sequences is worth a replay, the good definitely outweighs the bad.

More often than not a band has to change and adapt. There are unfortunate circumstances for some groups where after a member departs, the band just isn’t the same. Fortunately for Devildriver, it appears Dez Fefara is able to find people who share his vision.

Overall, Trust No One serves as a strong entry with some fresh faces in the continuing saga of Devildriver. Even if there are some songs that won’t be as played, there are more than enough tracks on this album that will satisfy both new listeners and fans back from the mid 2000’s. Even if the title is Trust No One, this album is one that fans of the band can put their trust in.

Shiprocked 2017 Lineup Announced

By

Luke Spencer

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May 10, 2016

ShipRocked 2017
Musical Marvels Announced!

Ladies and Gentlemen! Boys and Girls! Step right up and behold the amazing lineup of Musical Marvels who will be performing for you this January under the ShipRocked Big Top, during The Greatest Vacation On Earth!

Cabins On-Sale Soon!

Cabin selection for pre-booked guests starts Wednesday, May 2nd at 12pm-ET.
If you are pre-booked for SR17, you should have already receive an email with your unique booking token and complete instructions on when and how to complete your reservation!

Remaining cabins for all those who did not pre-book will go on-sale Tuesday, May 10th, at 12p-ET!

A ship-ton of information, including stateroom pricing and our convenient payment plans is live on our website now! Click here to browse the site for everything you need to know before you go!

Experience The Wonders!

Need a glimpse into what it’s like to rock hard and vacation harder onboard ShipRocked? Then click here or below to see what the hullabaloo is all about!

2nd Annual Rock Allegiance Lineup Announced – Extended To Two Days

By

Luke Spencer

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May 9, 2016

MONSTER ENERGY ROCK ALLEGIANCE

RETURNS TO PHILADELPHIA’S TALEN ENERGY STADIUM

SEPTEMBER 17 & 18, 2016

AVENGED SEVENFOLD AND ALICE IN CHAINS

TOP A SPECTACULAR LINEUP ALSO FEATURING

SLAYER, THE OFFSPRING, BREAKING BENJAMIN, VOLBEAT & MORE

FOR MUSIC, CRAFT BEER & GOURMET MAN FOOD FESTIVAL

Eat.Drink.Rock.Repeat.

Monster Energy Rock Allegiance returns to Talen Energy Stadium (formerly PPL Park) in Chester, PA, just outside Philadelphia, on September 17 & 18, 2016 with a lineup of over 35 bands on three stages, led by Avenged Sevenfold and Alice In Chains, along with Slayer, The Offspring, Breaking Benjamin, Volbeat and more. Monster Energy Rock Allegiance expands to two days in 2016, after the festival’s single-day debut in 2015 shattered Talen Energy Stadium’s previous attendance high by nearly 10,000 people, with over 26,000 total in attendance.

The initial band lineup for Monster Energy Rock Allegiance is as follows: Avenged Sevenfold, Alice In Chains, Slayer, The Offspring, Breaking Benjamin, Volbeat, Chevelle, The Cult, The Pretty Reckless, Pierce The Veil, Of Mice & Men, Ghost, Anthrax, Killswitch Engage, Chevy Metal, Baroness, Hellyeah, Sevendust, Motionless In White, Buckcherry, Trivium, Avatar, Max & Iggor Cavalera Return To Roots, Jim Breuer and the Loud & Rowdy, Sick Puppies, The Amity Affliction, letlive., Neck Deep, Skindred, KYNG, Young Guns, Crobot, Devour The Day, Twelve Foot Ninja, Dinosaur Pile Up, Death Angel and Hundredth.

A rolling discounted Early Bird on-sale for weekend General Admission and VIP tickets begins Tuesday, May 10 at Noon EDT, continuing through Friday, May 13 at 10:00 AM EDT. Visit www.RockAllegiance.com for complete details. A limited quantity of Early Bird tickets will be available at the following prices, while supplies last:

Early Bird #1: $79 GA Weekend Stands, $99 GA Weekend Floor, $219 VIP Weekend

Early Bird #2: $89 GA Weekend Stands, $109 GA Weekend Floor, $239 VIP Weekend

Early Bird #3: $99 GA Weekend Stands, $129 GA Weekend Floor, $259 VIP Weekend

Zippo VIP 2-Packs will also be available during the early bird sale for $550 (includes 2 VIP Weekend tickets and 2 commemorative Zippos).

Single day ticket and general weekend packages for Monster Energy Rock Allegiance will be available starting on Friday, May 13 at 10:00 AM EDT. Tickets and VIP packages will initially be priced as follows (increasing in the coming weeks):

GA Weekend: $129 floor, $99 stands

GA 4-Packs: $308

VIP Weekend: $219

VIP 2-Packs: $550

Single Day GA (stands): $44.50

Single Day VIP: $119.50

Monster Energy Rock Allegiance VIP packages include: Stadium-level VIP main stage viewing, floor-level VIP viewing area for the west main stage, dedicated entrance lanes into the festival, VIP area with shade and picnic tables, VIP restrooms, special food and beverage offerings (for additional purchase), and a commemorative VIP laminate.

Hotel discounts for Monster Energy Rock Allegiance are available through Curadora at: https://curadora.com/events/rock-allegiance-2016-c21ee149/. For full details about all tickets, hotel and VIP packages, visit www.RockAllegiance.com.

In addition to three stages of top rock bands, Monster Energy Rock Allegiance features a craft beer and Gourmet Man Food experience celebrating what makes Philadelphia cuisine famous, unique and delicious.

Monster Energy Rock Allegiance is proud to support beer entrepreneurship with a celebration of local breweries and specialty drafts hailing from throughout the nation. The initial lineup of regional and national craft beers at Monster Energy Rock Allegiance is as follows: Evolution Craft Brewing Co (Salisbury, MD), Fordham & Dominion Brewing Company (Dover, DE), New Belgium Brewing (Fort Collins, CO), Starr Hill Brewery (Crozet, VA), Tröegs Independent Brewing (Hershey, PA) and Victory Brewing Company (Downington, PA).

The initial Gourmet Man Food lineup for Monster Energy Rock Allegiance includes: Braz-B-Q, Chickie & Pete’s, The Cow & The Curd, Dos Hermanos, Dump ’n’ Roll, M.A.T.T.’s Gourmet Sliders, Mama’s Meatballs, Seoulfull Philly, Sum Pig and The Tot Cart.

Monster Energy Rock Allegiance producer Danny Wimmer of Danny Wimmer Presents says, “When we came to Philadelphia last year, we knew there was a demand for this kind of festival in the market, but the response exceeded our expectations. Growing to two days in our second year was an obvious decision, and we’re looking forward to giving fans an even better experience in 2016.”

“Last year’s Monster Energy Rock Allegiance was a huge success on so many levels,” adds Geoff Gordon, Live Nation Philadelphia Regional President. “We were proud to bring this venue their first ever concert; a record-setting, sold out smash hit. The audience had such a great time enjoying a unique experience of music and lifestyle — we knew in 2016 we could turn it up a notch!”

Monster Energy Rock Allegiance is produced by Danny Wimmer Presents, Live Nation, and Spectra at Talen Energy Stadium.

Talen Energy Stadium is a state-of-the-art Major League Soccer stadium that serves as the home to Philadelphia Union and is located at 1 Stadium Drive in Chester, PA, just outside Philadelphia.

The festival is fueled by Monster Energy. Additional sponsors include Jack Daniel’s, Zippo Encore, The Music Experience, Take Me Home, and Fxck Cancer/Dyin2Live, with more to be announced.

For more information on Monster Energy Rock Allegiance, visit:

Website: www.RockAllegiance.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/rockallegiance

Twitter: https://twitter.com/rockallegiance; @RockAllegiance

Instagram: @RockAllegiance / #RockAllegiance

Talen Energy Stadium social media accounts:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/talenenergystdm

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalenEnergyStadium/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talenenergystadium/

To receive advance notice and special offers to future Talen Energy Stadium events, join the free Talen Energy Stadium CyberClub here.

Photos: TRIVIUM at WELCOME TO ROCKVILLE in Jacksonville, FL 4/30/2016

By

Luke Spencer

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May 8, 2016

Photos of Trivium at Welcome To Rockville in Jacksonville, FL. All photos taken by Luke Spencer on April 30, 2016.

Trivium performed on the main stage on day one of Welcome To Rockville. The band is currently on tour with Sevendust and promoting their latest album Silence In The Snow which came out last fall. You can purchase the new album or stream it for free on Amazon Prime here = Trivium – “Silence In The Snow”

Photos: 3 DOORS DOWN at WELCOME TO ROCKVILLE in Jacksonville, FL 4/30/2016

By

Luke Spencer

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May 8, 2016

Photos of 3 Doors Down at Welcome To Rockville in Jacksonville, FL. All photos taken by Luke Spencer on April 30, 2016.

3 Doors Down closed out the Metropolitan Stage on day one of Welcome To Rockville to an enormous crowd ready to sing along with their hits from the early the late 90’s/early 2000’s. The band is currently promoting their newest album Us and The Night. You can watch the first single from the album titled “In The Dark” by clicking here = 3 Doors Down – “In The Dark”

Photos: TEXAS HIPPIE COALITION at WELCOME TO ROCKVILLE in Jacksonville, FL 5/1/2016

By

Luke Spencer

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May 8, 2016

Photos of Texas Hippie Coalition at Welcome To Rockville in Jacksonville, FL. All photos taken by Luke Spencer on May 1st, 2016.

The band took to the stage with THC’s singer Big Dad Ritch saying the following:
“It’s waaaaaay to f****** early. I’ve only been able to have two shots of Whiskey so far.”
*crowd laughs*
“But that’s okay cause I’ve already had five joints.”
*crowd cheers*

You can watch the music video for the song “Angel Fall” from their latest album by clicking here = Texas Hippie Coalition – “Angel Fall”

Photos: CANE HILL at WELCOME TO ROCKVILLE in Jacksonville, FL 4/30/2016

By

Luke Spencer

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May 7, 2016

Photos of Cane Hill at Welcome To Rockville in Jacksonville, FL. All photos taken by Luke Spencer on April 30, 2016.

New Orleans’ Cane Hill opened day one of Welcome To Rockville. The band is about to go on tour with Asking Alexandria and Bullet For My Valentine while supporting their debut album which released this past October.

You can purchase Cane Hill’s self-titled debut on Amazon by clicking here = Cane Hill on Amazon