Album Review: Rob Zombie – The Electric Warlock Acid Witch Satanic Orgy Celebration Dispenser

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April 28, 2016

Rob Zombie returns with what he claims is the most f***** up thing he and his band have ever done in The Electric Warlock Acid Witch Satanic Orgy Celebration Dispenser.

https://vimeo.com/164605960

Text Review:

Band leader, solo artist, actor, director, riot inducer, all of these things are fair descriptions when assigning titles to the success of Rob Zombie. For a man who has fearlessly played by his own rules and succeeded in various media forms and continuing to push the envelope, it can be hard to predict what will come next from a man with a wild music career dating back to 1987.

Whether it’s White Zombie, his solo career or his ever growing film library, just about everyone has something that they love about Rob Zombie. So when a new album with the title of The Electric Warlock Acid Witch Satanic Orgy Celebration Dispenser is announced and it includes song titles to match the insanity of the album title, it’s going to get every type of Rob Zombie fan’s attention.

2016 could be a big year for Rob with this new album and the upcoming movie 31 which already premiered at Sundance. Looking back now at past albums and films made by the man it slowly becomes clear that not only is Rob Zombie a die-hard fan of horror, but he can take elements out of horror films and incorporate them to other mediums like hard rock and science fiction. And if the album and track titles are not indicative enough of what to expect, then take it from the dead man’s own statement on the album: “This album is the best thing we’ve done to date, and we can’t wait to share it with you. No, we mean it. It’s the most f***** up thing we’ve ever done.”

Some of the new tracks have been released slowly to radio over the past few weeks with mixed feedback ranging from high praise to statements of the deadman going off his rocker. But if the goal was to intentionally make something as crazy as an album with the title The Electric Warlock Acid Witch Satanic Orgy Celebration Dispenser, it’s hard to argue that Rob Zombie doesn’t mind living on the brink of insanity. In all honesty, that’s where he has delivered some of his best material.

The album’s first single has an amazing hook and fantastic bass line. Say what you want about the ridiculous lyrics and the potential story involved, but you have to admit it’s hard to not get into the rhythm in this song. Rob’s distant vocals on the track make the story format of the song even more detailed and the guitar riffs followed by the title of the track make this song instantly memorable.

The big complaint about this song is that it’s short. It clocks in at two minutes 43 seconds. That wouldn’t be a big problem if it wasn’t stacked with the fact that almost EVERY song is short. All but one of the tracks on this album are under three minutes in length, and the total album time runs at a little under 33 minutes. When this happens repeatedly, it makes you feel like you aren’t getting enough investment out of each song.

The music itself in just about every track is strong and deep. There is a gritty funk behind most of the songs and I don’t think anyone can argue how creative it is with an amazing list of characters including preachers, gore whores and teenage rock gods, but much of it feels like small portions. The songs that stand out the best are the ones you want more of, and you have to hit the replay button more often not because you love it, but because you missed the song when distracted for a minute.

Gore Whore was the 2^nd song released before the album debut and like the first single it has a funk vibe along with some good organ notes and Rob is once again spectacular on this track. The drums from Ginger Fish are prominent and the singing of Gore Whore sells the song on making you want to sing along. The problem, like the first single and other tracks, is that it feels very short. This track only 2 minutes 47 seconds.

Hearing how this album is the craziest thing and best that Rob Zombie has put out under his solo name is a big statement to get excited over. And while the music and vivid creativity is there, it truly feels like I’m missing out. Much like finally saving up for that fancy restaurant, ordering your food, and getting a portion only big enough to fill a rabbit. It might be great, but you crave more.

Rob Zombie has created a dynamic legacy of music and art over the course of several decades and has proven year after year why he is unrivaled in live performances. Even in 2016 he continues this legacy with his talent and creativity, but even with all this it still feels like we could have been giving something more.

Overall, Electric Warlock is a very fun listen that you can definitely get into, but the good time truly feels short lived. But even with my criticism of the track length, this album still delivers some wild new material that will incite riots at concerts and undeniably belong with the music career of Rob Zombie, as well as his legion of fans.

7/10

Photos: PEARL JAM at JACKSONVILLE VETERAN’S MEMORIAL ARENA in JACKSONVILLE, FL on 4-13-2016

By

Luke Spencer

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April 14, 2016

Photos of Pearl Jam on their one band arena tour. All photos were taken by Luke Spencer at Jacksonville Veteran’s Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, FL on 4-13-2016.

Pearl Jam took to a backless stage in front of over 15,000 fans in downtown Jacksonville and played a discography of hits for three solid hours. This was the type of dream concert that fans of the band since the grunge days and music fans in general wish there were more of. In a city with few music venues and fewer bands touring through, Pearl Jam made many people happy this night.

Click on the slideshow to scroll through photos or any thumbnail to open the larger image. Below the photos is a picture of the setlist take from Pearl Jam’s Instagram (which you really should follow). https://www.instagram.com/pearljam/

Setlist:

Elderly Woman Behind The Counter In A Small Town
Mind Your Manners
Hail, Hail
Last Exit
Lightning Bolt
Nothingman
Army Reserve
Given To Fly
Rival
Setting Forth
Corduroy
Evenflow
Of The Earth
Glorified G
Unthought Known
Let The Records Play
Spin The Black Circle
Porch
I Won’t Back Down-(Lynne, Petty)-Ed solo
I Am A Patriot-(Van Zandt)
Just Breathe
Jeremy
Ghost
Do The Evolution
Betterman/Save It For Later-(Charley, Cox, Morton, Steele, Wakeling)
Smile (played to the back of the venue)
Once
Black
State Of Love And Trust
Alive
Rockin’ In The Free World-(Young)
Yellow Ledbetter/Star Spangled Banner

Album Review: Otep – Generation Doom

By

Luke Spencer

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April 12, 2016

Otep returns to the fray with a whirlwind of language and volume in Generation Doom.

https://vimeo.com/162569191

Album Review: Deftones – Gore

By

Luke Spencer

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April 7, 2016

The eight full Deftones album goes in a slightly different direction that still in every way is identifiable as Deftones.

https://vimeo.com/162006118

Regretting The Past: Hinder – Extreme Behavior

By

Luke Spencer

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April 4, 2016

This album is as extreme as naptime in kindergarten.

Onsite Experiences Announced for WELCOME TO ROCKVILLE 2016

By

Luke Spencer

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March 31, 2016

MONSTER ENERGY WELCOME TO ROCKVILLE

ONSITE EXPERIENCES ANNOUNCED FOR

APRIL 30 & MAY 1 FESTIVAL AT METROPOLITAN PARK IN JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA

TICKET PRICES INCREASE ON MONDAY, APRIL 4

Additional onsite festival experiences have been announced for the sixth annual Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville, Saturday, April 30 and Sunday, May 1 at scenic Metropolitan Park along the St. Johns River in Jacksonville, Florida.

The destination festival features a lineup of over 45 bands, including rock icon/filmmaker Rob Zombie, Disturbed (who have returned after a 4-year hiatus), Jacksonville’s own Shinedown, Five Finger Death Punch, ZZ Top, A Day To Remember, Bring Me The Horizon, SIXX:A.M., Megadeth, Lamb Of God, and many more. Visit www.WelcomeToRockvilleFestival.com for the full band lineup.

2016 also marks the return of Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville Tequila World Presented by El Jimador and the debut of Gourmet Man Food, Craft Beer selections, and the Jack Daniel’s Whiskey Row Experience.

General Admission and VIP tickets are available for purchase now at www.WelcomeToRockvilleFestival.com. Ticket prices will increase at 11:59 PM ET on Sunday, April 3, so fans are encouraged to buy now and save. Weekend Zippo VIP Ticket 2-Packs are available for purchase through Friday, April 1.

The current Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville onsite experiences are listed below.

Monster Energy: 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

Bud Light: America, they say we’re a nation divided. They say we disagree on everything, but they’re wrong. We agree on a lot: liberty, justice, ROCK MUSIC, and beer. Nothing brings America together like Bud Light and nothing brings rock fans together like Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville. That’s why we’ve formed the Bud Light Party – a party for everyone. We are the fake political party America needs right now and we’re stopping by Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville to supply ice cold beer all weekend long. Because no matter where we stand on the issues, we all sit on the bar stools with our hands raised in the air listening to our favorite rock bands. America has seen the light, and there’s a Bud in front of it.

Facebook: facebook.com/budlight

Instagram: @budlight

#budlightparty

f.y.e.: f.y.e. will be hosting the ultimate fan and artist interactive experiences throughout the festival. f.y.e. is the only place at the festival to get all your favorite band’s music – and maybe even get to meet your favorite Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville performer. Check back for updates on artist meet and greet and autograph signing sessions.

Facebook: facebook.com/FYE

Instagram: @officalFYEmusic

#unitedstatesofFYE

Jack Daniel’s: Jack Daniel’s brings the “Taste of Tennessee” to Jacksonville as an official sponsor of Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville with the first ever “Whiskey Row” that features all the great Jack Daniel’s offerings. In addition, The Jack Daniel’s Experience, a mobile museum, is bringing a little of the much-loved distillery from Lynchburg. The Experience is open to all folks, 21 years old and up, for tours free of charge throughout the festival. The Whiskey Row will feature a full line of Jack Daniel’s products as well as Woodford Reserve and Old Forester bourbons.

Facebook: facebook.com/jackdaniels

Instagram: @jackdaniels_us

#jackdaniels #BornToMakeWhiskey

Zippo: Zippo Encore will be back in action at Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville with a full stock of Zippo lighters, including limited edition Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville festival designs. Come by and check out their contests and giveaways or get a free lighter fill or tune-up. Be sure to bring your Zippo lighter to the festival, it could be your ticket to special “Can’t Buy” experiences.

Facebook: facebook.com/zippoencore

Instagram: @zippoencore

#zippo #zippoencore

Jägermeister: Jägermeister has been rockin’ with Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville fans since day one and we are excited for an even bigger and better 2016 festival, with the launch of the Jäger Live Lounge. This will be a must see festival destination for fans 21+ and will feature a live DJ, lip synch battles throughout the weekend, and plenty of cold beverages.

Instagram: @jagermeister

#jagermeister #Jägermeister

Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville Ferris Wheel: The ferris wheel returns for its second consecutive year. Make sure to find it on the map, take a ride, and see the beautiful St. Johns River for that ultimate Rockville photo moment.

Gourmet Man Food: Gourmet Man Food (“GMF”) has been part of American culture since pioneers started experimenting with their cowboy menus to “kick things up a notch.” Since then, it’s become a phenomenon of artistically created, statement-making food, served in large portions with a powerful presentation. It is a unique twist to foods you know mixed with flavors you don’t expect. The current 2016 Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville Gourmet Man Food lineup includes: Angry Bird Grill, Aporkalypse Now, Black Rock Grille, Brucci’s Pizza, Captain Nemo’s, Catullo Brothers Pizza, Cheese Louise, Chicago Taste Authority, Classic Home Cookin’, Cravin’ Cajun, Girls Gone Green Nacho Bar, Grumpy’s Homemade Ice Cream, Hebros Bacon Restaurant, Island Girl Foods, Island Noodles, Jim’s Roasted Corn, Knuckle Sandwiches, Mac’ Attack, Mama’s Food, Master Of Patties, Mount Olympus, and Up In Smoke BBQ. The Gourmet Man Food selections in the VIP Lounge will include: What’s The Catch, Pounders, Rock N’ Roll Arepas, Mystery Melt Machine, and Pie Baby.

The Music Experience: The Music Experience (TME) is a free, interactive “rock star” exhibit where fans can get hands-on interaction with tons of musical equipment—much of which is used by their favorite artists performing on stage at the show—and attend meet and greets with various Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville artists. The Music Experience will also feature The Student Experience (TSE) for kids enrolled in music programs in the surrounding areas. TSE features a backstage tour for kids to see the inner workings of a festival and all the jobs the music industry has to offer. TME also offers intimate time with all the instrument manufacturers before the festival opens. 2016 participating manufacturers include: ESP, EMG, PRS, Fender, Earthquaker Devices, Epiphone, Kramer, Korg, Blackstar, Ashdown, Spector, Yamaha Marshall Headphones and Bluetooth Speakers, Takamine, Dunlop, MXR, Way Huge, Yamaha and Vox. For more information, visit www.TheMusicExperience.com and www.TheStudentEXP.com.

Facebook: facebook.com/themusicexp

Instagram: @tmexp

Jacksonville Jaguars: Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville will include onsite activities facilitated by the Jacksonville Jaguars, who will also partner to host the Ultimate Rock-N-Jock Experience contest. One lucky winner will receive prizes from the Jaguars and Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville.

Facebook: facebook.com/jacksonvillejaguars

Twitter: twitter.com/jaguars

#RockNJockJax

The Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville Craft Beer selections will feature top breweries from the region, including Jacksonville’s Bold City Brewery (Duke’s Brown Ale, Orange Screamsicle), Jacksonville Beach’s Green Room Brewing (Head High IPA, Count Rock-U-La), St. Augustine’s Ancient City Brewing (AC/BC – Back In Black Cherry Ale, Matanzas River Red Ale) and many more to be announced.

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.

Facebook: facebook.com/keepgolfmetal

#KeepGolfMetal

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 and is making a donation to Friends of Jacksonville Animals with Jacksonville’s Animal Care and Protective Services. Come by the booth to help out our furry friends by buying a shirt and entering the 50/50 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 by participating in the 50/50 lottery.” For more information, please visit: www.takemhome.tv.

Facebook: facebook.com/TakeMeHomeRescue

Instagram: @TakeMeHomeRescue

Twitter: @TMHRescue

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. Through our Dyin 2 Live wish granting program, we look 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. We hope it can be used as a source of inspiration to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour. For more information, please visit: www.FxckCancer.org, www.makingdreamshappen.org and www.Dyin2Live.org.

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

Instagram: @FxckCancer and @Dyin2LiveDreams

Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville Tequila World Presented by El Jimador: The Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville Tequila World Presented by El Jimador returns for its second year and will feature a variety of tequila flavors and options from the El Jimador brand. Admission to this area is free and open to those 21 and up.

Florida’s biggest rock festival kicks off the World’s Loudest Month festival series and is produced by Danny Wimmer Presents, a producer of some of the biggest rock festivals in America, including Rock On The Range, Monster Energy AFTERSHOCK, Monster Energy Fort Rock, Monster Energy Carolina Rebellion, LOUDER THAN LIFE, Northern Invasion, The Big Ticket, Monster Energy Rock Allegiance, and more. After expanding into the adjacent EverBank Field grounds in 2015, Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville drew a record crowd of 50,000 and continues to grow.

The festival is fueled by Monster Energy. Additional 2016 sponsors include: Bud Light, f.y.e., Jack Daniel’s, Zippo Encore, Matador Beef Jerky, Jägermeister, El Jimador Tequila, The Music Experience, Marshall Headphones, Take Me Home Animal Rescue, Fxck Cancer’s Dyin2Live, Jacksonville Jaguars, Jacksonville Sharks, Metro PCS and more.

For more information on Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville, visit:

Website: www.WelcomeToRockvilleFestival.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/welcometorockville

Twitter: @RockvilleFest

Instagram: @welcometorockville

Patreon Q&A #1

By

Luke Spencer

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March 28, 2016

A very informal Q&A for my patrons on Patreon! Stuttering, rambling and jump cuts galore!

You can join in on the questions for only $2+ a month! Click here = https://www.patreon.com/Rocked

Big thanks to Victoria Tobin for the Title Card work! Hit here up online to get your own work done by her!

https://www.facebook.com/8bitcookies/

https://www.twitter.com/8bitcookies

https://vimeo.com/160544914

Photos: OPEN YOUR EYES at Harmonious Monks in Jacksonville Beach, FL on 3-26-2016

By

Luke Spencer

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March 26, 2016

Photos of Open Your Eyes on tour with One-Eyed Doll. All photos were taken by Luke Spencer at Harmonious Monks in Jacksonville Beach, FL on 3-25-2016.

Open Your Eyes’ debut album (produced by Brandon Saller of Atreyu) has just released and is available here = http://merchnow.com/products/v2/225497/truth-or-consequence-cd

Album Review: Zakk Wylde – Book of Shadows II

By

Luke Spencer

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March 25, 2016

Twenty years ago Zakk Wylde delivered his solo album Book of Shadows. Now in 2016 we get the sequel with Book of Shadows II.

https://vimeo.com/160361667

Photos: TUPPER WARE REMIX PARTY at MAGfest 2016 in National Harbor, MD on 2-19-2016

By

Luke Spencer

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March 20, 2016

Photos of Tupper Ware Remix Party at MAGfest. All photos were taken by Luke Spencer at the Gaylord Hotel in National Harbor, MD on 2-19-2016.

Tupper Ware Remix Party came from the future to show us where music is going while high-kicking and slinging keytars as weapons. Click on any picture below to open the gallery!