Arguably the most ambitious and distinctive Code Orange album from the group’s discography. Self-produced and you can hear the time and effort put into it. The Above is proof of Jami Morgan’s statement of the band trying something different. Some brooding tracks like Take Shape and Mirror are standouts for Code Orange in general. Heavier tracks show off the industrial and hardcore highlights. That’s still a strength of the group. Not every song hits the mark or even feels like it belongs. There are some questionable moments in the second half. It all collectively works though. The Above deserves credit for ambition as well as the overall package. Made with the intention not to fit the status quo. 8/10
The Above is the fifth studio album by American hardcore punk band Code Orange, released on September 29, 2023, through Blue Grape Music. It is their first album to be entirely self-produced and their first with the label Blue Grape Music. The album was preceded by three singles: “Grooming My Replacement / The Game”, “Take Shape”, and “Mirror”.
The Above is a departure from Code Orange’s previous albums, incorporating elements of industrial metal, electronic music, and even alternative rock. The album is also more personal and introspective than their previous work, with lyrics that explore themes of self-doubt, addiction, and mental health.
Dad Joke(?) with Code Orange | Riot Fest 2023
Here are some other reviews for The Above:
Kerrang!: “The Above comes from a more personal, emotional point of view… it completes the journey we started on I Am King.”
Distorted Sound Magazine: “There’s simply too much going on to accurately be summed up, or to find even across one, five, even ten listens. The Above takes what CODE ORANGE already did, every part of their DNA, and radically rearranges it in bold new forms.”
Pitchfork: “The Above is a daring and innovative album that sees Code Orange pushing the boundaries of their genre.”
The season end for Saint Louis Music Park came with a loud conclusion. The last amphitheater date for 2023 featured The BABYKLOK Tour with Dethklok and BABYMETAL, which is a unique lineup with two impressive names that do not fit the standard metal narrative.
With Dethklok, Brendon Small has created a closing chapter for the Metalocalypse saga featuring Dethalbum IV, which was released a few weeks previously to this tour stop, as well as Metalocalypse: Army Of The Doomstar. This Blu-Ray release marks the final movie and finale for the beloved animated series Metalocalypse following Nathan Explosion and company.
The Dethklok set featured many songs going back to Dethalbum from the mid-2000s ranging from “Birthday Dethday” to “Hatredcopter”. It was a full catalogue setlist leading all the way to 2023’s latest such as “Aortic Desecration”. This all happened while Crossbones gave proper concert etiquette tips to the crowd between songs.
Dethklok shows are always well organized. Instead of onstage instrument changes and downtime with banter between tracks, it was animated specials on the big screen to make sure the entertainment does not stop. I’ve always appreciated that about Brendon Small’s live shows.
Dethklok “Aortic Desecration”
Dethklok Dethalbum IV Album Review
My first experience with BABYMETAL also marked the first time the Japanese power metal act to the Gateway to the West. Having the opening tracks include the well-known “Gimmie Chocolate” and leading to songs off of BABYMETAL’s 2023 The Other One, it made me realize the adventurous and innovative song-writing BABYMETAL has created over the past ten years.
The show was sick. Both in the 90’s definition describing how great BABYMETAL and the Kami Band were on stage and in the photo pit where a fan leaning over the safety barricade threw up into the pit due to being ill. That was followed by several others vomiting on the floor area left of the stage. This was an odd welcome to St. Louis for sure.
One highlight was the big screen showing an overhead view of the floor crowd and circle pit at Music Park. BABYMETAL performed in front of this, while the crowd saw themselves from overhead and in turn got wilder as the track went on just to see the chaos behind the band.
BABYMETAL “Metali” ft. Tom Morello
BABYMETAL The Other One Album Review
This was a great way to close out the concert season at Saint Louis Music Park. So many venues have soft closings or shows that don’t end the year with a fitting show. The BABYKLOK Tour sold out the venue and made sure Music Park’s final note in 2023 was a triumphant one.
So much of metal is as serious as a funeral and no joy is allowed to be had. The BABYKLOK Tour proved that metal can be a good time where everyone is smiling and enjoying themselves. The BABYKLOK Tour continues through October 11th ending in Los Angeles including a performance from both groups at Aftershock Festival in Sacramento. The remaining tour dates are on the excellent graphic with all band faces below.
Portland’s own DYING WISH will release their new album Symptoms of Survival on November 3 via SharpTone Records. Pre-order the album, produced by Randy LeBoeuf, here.
“‘Path to Your Grave’ was written in mind as ‘Fragments Part Two,'” says Emma Boster. “‘Fragments’ is written about my struggle of my relationship with my stepfather, who was manipulative, controlling, and abusive towards me. That mistreatment has resulted in a lot of unhealthy habits and patterns in my life that I have struggled to move on from. ‘Fragments One’ was me talking about my experience publicly for the first time. After expressing my grief, the song concludes with ‘I would bury you if I could.’ This song also concludes with the same seven words but has a different outlook. Since releasing ‘Fragments,’ I have grown to a new level of acceptance with my trauma and this song is about that acceptance. The anger and the hurt is still there, but now, it just stings a little less. It has a much more triumphant expression.”
Dying Wish will also hit the road next month. All dates are below.
DYING WISH ON TOUR: WWITH BOUNDARIES, OMERTA, FOREIGN HANDS, GATES TO HELL, ROMAN CANDLE, + EXCIDE: 10/20 — Santa Cruz, CA — The Vets Hall 10/21 — Fresno, CA — Full Circle Brewery 10/22 — Las Vegas, NV — American Legion Post 8 10/24 — Mesa, AZ — Nile Underground 10/26 — San Antonio, TX — The Rock Box 10/27 — Dallas, TX — Wrecking Ball Fest* 10/28 — Houston, TX — White Oak Music Hall 10/31 – 11/4 — Downtown Miami, FL — Headbangers Boat* 11/6 — Tampa, FL — The Orpheum 11/7 — Atlanta, GA — Masquerade Purgatory 11/8 — Greensboro, NC — Hangar 1819 11/9 — Baltimore, MD — Metro Gallery 11/10 — Philadelphia, PA — Underground Arts 11/11 — Brooklyn, NY — Meadows 11/12 — Worcester, MA — Palladium 11/14 — New Kensington, PA — Preserving Underground 11/15 — Columbus, OH — Ace of cups 11/16 — Detroit, MI — The Sanctuary 11/17 — Chicago, IL — Cobra Lounge 11/18 — Saint Paul, MN — Amsterdam 11/19 — North Kansas City, MO — The Rino 11/21 — Denver, CO — Marquis Theater 11/22 — Salt Lake City, UT — Kilby Court 11/24 — Portland, OR — Hawthorne Theater 11/25 — Seattle, WA — Vera Project 11/26 — Spokane, WA — Big Dipper 11/27 — Boise, ID — The Shredder 11/29 — Sacramento, CA — Goldfield Trading Posts 11/30 — San Francisco, CA — Neck of the Woods 12/1 — San Fernando, CA — Midnight Hour 12/2 — Anaheim, CA — Chain Reaction *Dying Wish Only
SYMPTOMS OF SURVIVAL TRACK LISTING: “Symptoms of Survival” “Watch My Promise Die“ “Starved” “Prey For Me” “Path To Your Grave” “Paved In Sorrow” “Tongues of Lead” “Kiss of Judas” “Hell’s Final Blessing” “Torn From Your Silhouette” “Lost In The Fall“
DIY will never die – and the statement couldn’t be more true for the music scene. If you’re so inclined to dive deep, you’ll discover tunes that you just might spin for years to come. Using KingdomLeaks (RIP) to track new releases is how I discovered pulses. when I was just getting my start in writing, and I’ve been hooked on their brand ever since. In an industry where it’s easy for one band to sound just like another, that mantra doesn’t apply for the Virginia-based group that amalgamates so many far-reaching influences into a post-hardcore blender that the end result is a surprise for every first listen. I loved Speak It Into Existence in 2020, so my bar is high for pulses. to keep their signature sound intact in It Wasn’t Supposed To Be Like This.
Opening with a one-two punch of singles in “Different Strokes” and “Run The Ghouls” (bravo on the seamless transition), expect a brash, funky introduction in It Wasn’t Supposed To Be Like This. Dueling guitar melodies, stumping time signatures in the bridge, and a vocal verse that delightfully parrots the cadence of Slipknot’s “Psychosocial” just in the first song, it’s such a fun mixed bag. The latter track has such compelling, varied vocal delivery that only gets better when you realize how many references are crammed in that the Genius.com page would need Cliff notes. Follow that up with a trifecta of features in “Loafers With The White Socks” with nightlife/Belle/Gavin Cole that feels more like a group effort than a drag-and-drop, and this three-song start couldn’t be stronger.
It was bold of pulses. to utilize all three singles for It Wasn’t Supposed To Be Like This at the start of the record, but they’ve always been a band where the deep cuts are on par. That rings true with “Ain’t Got No Ceiling” as the producer chops of guitarist/vocalist Caleb kick in with binaural cues and stellar equalization across all the moving parts. Band bestie Sierra Binondo of With Sails Ahead returns in “Honestly Honestly” as a more low-key, honed-in performance from the band sets the stage for her to truly shine – across the majority of the track, a more-than-welcome addition. The bass intro in “Ask A Unc” is gonna turn heads, as this groovy midpoint is likely the one I’ll be singing along to the most.
Where It Wasn’t Supposed To Be Like This goes out of left field is “Take A Look Y’all” with ample raps, intensely-clever lyric lines, and divine guitar runs making this an easy standout song. If that wasn’t enough, here comes ska post-hardcore in “Them Phones” – and it somehow works. Maybe it’s because minor key isn’t where we typically hear these instruments, but it adds a certain dramatic flair that complements the track massively; tack on the middle 8 reminding me of Franz Ferdinand’s “Take Me Out” and this song truly fires on all cylinders.
Jane Sun
The more eclectic side of pulses. heard in Speak Less comes out in “Kupo!”, a two-minute whirlwind that juxtaposes every song that came before it in intensity and meter. “Heaven or Helvetica” has a neat little chug and a savory bridge after chorus two – plus some growls for an interesting change. Title track “It Wasn’t Supposed To Be Like This” channeled some Timbaland energy and the record comes to a close with “But It Is” capturing the six-minute closure that the album needed for a sendoff. It Wasn’t Supposed To Be Like This is easily pulses.’ best work, an album that definitely benefits if you fixate on the lyricism, the background details in the self-production, and incredible range that the band possesses. I’ll be spinning this one for a good while.
Photo by Ana Santos @ Prudential Center, Newark NJ
Have you ever gone to an event, your friend or coworker asks you how it was and the only thing your brain can come up with is “it was great?”
That’s kind of how I feel after Sunday night’s Revolutions Live tour at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. Don’t get me wrong, the show wasn’t bad, or even just “ok.” It was honestly freakin’ great in a way that’s both expected from chart-toppers like Shinedown and Papa Roach, and also pleasantly surprising because despite their long careers, neither band has ever phoned it in. But I’ll get there in a second.
Spiritbox kicked off the night with a resounding heaviness that set the stage and made people pay attention. The band has been getting some well-deserved buzz of late, and for good reason. Their sound is fresh in a way that they manage to straddle that line of melodic and heavy-metal, making their songs accessible to a wider audience. This was my first time catching them live, and it was a fully enjoyable experience. I’m sure I wasn’t the only one who went home to check out their Spotify after the show.
Full disclosure–I’ve been listening to Papa Roach since my high school days when “Last Resort” was all the rage. Yes, I’ve just aged myself, but I figured I’d add some context. Whenever a tour is announced for the area, I try to be there not because I’m actually a die-hard fan, but because their life show is just that good. 20+ years since Infest, and Papa Roach continues to put on a thoroughly engaging show, shock-full of anthemic sing-along tracks old and new. Sure, the production has gotten grander, but at its heart, it’s the band’s energy that gets fans riled. In all the best ways, mind you.
Over my last several years of covering Shinedown, one thing sticks out above all else–the production showiness might have increased, the stages gotten bigger, the audiences grown but Shinedown at its core remains a consistent powerhouse. To be honest, I don’t think I’ll ever not be impressed by Brent Smith’s flawlessly clean vocals. While the band is on tour in support of the latest studio album, Planet Zero, the 19-song setlist was delightfully balanced with a mix of newer tracks and older fan-favorites like “45,” “State of my Head,” “Sound of Madness” and the best “Simple Man” cover to date. The show wrapped with the explosive “Cut the Cord,” which definitely left fans buzzing well into the night.
In all, super strong tour lineup and not a dull moment, in my opinion. There’s a few more weeks left, so if you’re along the tour routing (see dates below), get yourself a ticket. It’ll be worth it.
Remaining Revolutions Tour Dates: with Papa Roach & Spiritbox September 26 – Simpsonville, SC @ CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park September 27 – Atlanta, GA @ Lakewood Amphitheatre September 29 – Tampa, FL @ MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheater September 30 – Hollywood, FL @ Hard Rock Live October 3 – Franklin, TN @ FirstBank Amphitheater October 5 – Rogers, AR @ Walmart AMP October 6 – Allen, TX @ Credit Union of Texas Event Center October 8 – Houston, TX @ The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion October 9 – San Antonio, TX @ Freeman Coliseum October 12 – Phoenix, AZ @ Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre October 13 – Las Vegas, NV @ MGM Grand Garden Arena October 15 – Irvine, CA @ FivePoint Amphitheatre October 17 – Salt Lake City, UT @ USANA Amphitheater October 19 – Albuquerque, NM @ Isleta Amphitheater October 20 – Denver, CO @ Ball Arena
Life Is But A Dream…is not only the latest album from Avenged Sevenfold but also what must feel like a realization after so many years away from performing live, but now on stage to packed Hollywood Casino Amphitheater in St. Louis, MO. On what M. Shadows said was a controversial tour (his own words), the singer told the crowd they (A7X) were determined to give their all. The band was back on the stage and were ready to return after health issues, label issues, pandemic, and everything else the world can throw at a group.
It has been nine years since I have shot Avenged Sevenfold live. The differences in stage presence from 2014 and 2023 is staggering. Full production video boards based around songs from Life Is But A Dream… surrounded the stage while spotlight rigs shined down on the group to the point of being a planetarium spectacle.
This performance gave me a new appreciation for songs from the 2023 album. Hearing “Mattel” live as the second track on the setlist made me appreciate the grit and drive more than hearing the album version. Seeing the crowd jump during “We Love You” made me realize that the song is able to get a positive reaction; more so than I would have thought from hearing the single months ago.
Avenged Sevenfold impressed me on this night. M. Shadows was able to perform with no throat issues. The guitar work from Synyster Gates and Zacky Vengeance was as creative as it was impressive. From starting with a calm opener under a ski-mask to closing the night with a St. Louis crowd screaming, this band has avenged their name as a force in heavy music. The St. Louis performance is proof.
You can listen to songs from Life Is But A Dream… and see a review of the album below. The band is continuing on the Life Is But A Dream…North American Tour Pt. 2 through 10/15/23 ending in Fort Worth, Texas.
Avenged Sevenfold Life Is But A Dream…Album Review
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From Google Bard: “Avenged Sevenfold is an American heavy metal band from Huntington Beach, California, formed in 1999. The band currently consists of lead vocalist M. Shadows, lead guitarist Synyster Gates, rhythm guitarist Zacky Vengeance, bassist Johnny Christ, and drummer Brooks Wackerman.
Avenged Sevenfold is known for their energetic live shows and their diverse range of musical styles. Their music incorporates elements of heavy metal, hard rock, progressive metal, and alternative rock. They have been praised for their songwriting skills, their musicianship, and their ability to blend different genres together.
In 2023, Avenged Sevenfold is currently on a North American tour in support of Life Is But A Dream… They are also scheduled to perform at several major festivals, including Aftershock Festival in Sacramento, California.
Grammy-nominated band Sum 41 have announced their new single “Landmines”, set for release on Wednesday, September 27 alongside a new music video. “When I wrote Landmines I had no intention of writing an old school “pop punk” song. It just came out really quickly and I knew right away that this song felt special to me,” shares vocalist Deryck Whibley.
Next month, Sum 41 will be performing on October 21 and October 22 at When We Were Young in Las Vegas, Nevada. The band is also performing a set at a sold-out When We Were Young Sideshow on October 20 at Brooklyn Bowl alongside Bowling For Soup, Plain White T’s, Your Broken Hero, and more.
Looking back at the band’s storied 27 year career, Sum 41 has firmly cemented their place in rock history with over 15 million records sold worldwide, multiple Billboard Charting releases, a Grammy Award nomination, 2 Juno Awards (7 nominations), a Kerrang! Award in 2002, multiple Alternative Press Music Awards, and countless other accolades.
Upcoming Sum 41 Tour Dates:
October 20 – Las Vegas, NV – Brooklyn Bowl
October 21 – Las Vegas, NV – When We Were Young 2023
October 22 – Las Vegas, NV – When We Were Young 2023
Gritty, plodding, industrial that sets a disgusting but amazing atmosphere. Collaborations with Doom’s Mick Gordon add the extra flair that EndEx needs to stand out. It’s industrial with pacing. It’s not high volume and speed at all times. There is a mood and pace set. It’s a post-apocalyptic album about the dangers of technology leading to a dark future, much like many other industrial albums. 3TEETH do not reinvent the industrial wheel but some of the hooks and heavy-hitting tracks like Merchant Of The Void stick with you. EndEx becomes hypnotic and once again 3Teeth knows how to play to their strengths. Are you an industrial fan who still hasn’t checked out 3TEETH? This album should help. 8/10
3Teeth is an American industrial metal band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 2013, the band currently consists of Alexis Mincolla (vocals), Chase Brawner (guitars), Xavier Swafford (keys & synth), Andrew Means (modular synth & bass), and Nick Rossi (drums). They have currently released four studio albums: their self-titled debut in 2014, in 2017, Metawar on July 5, 2019, and EndEx on September 22, 2023.
EndEx is the fourth studio album by the American industrial metal band 3Teeth. It was released on September 22, 2023, through Century Media Records.
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From Google Bard: “3Teeth is an American industrial metal band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 2013, the band currently consists of Alexis Mincolla (vocals), Chase Brawner (guitars), Xavier Swafford (keys & synth), Andrew Means (modular synth & bass), and Nick Rossi (drums). They have currently released four studio albums: their self-titled debut in 2014, <shutdown.exe> in 2017, Metawar on July 5, 2019, and EndEx on September 22, 2023.
3Teeth are known for their dark, aggressive sound, which blends elements of industrial metal, nu metal, and electronic music. Their lyrics often explore themes of technology, dystopia, and the human condition. The band is also known for their intense live performances, which often feature elaborate visuals and pyrotechnics.”
From Google Bard: “Blink-182 is back in a big way in 2023. The band, which reunited with original vocalist and guitarist Tom DeLonge in 2022, is currently on a massive world tour that has been selling out arenas around the globe.
In addition to their world tour and new album, Blink-182 is also celebrating their 30th anniversary in 2023. The band released their debut album, “Cheshire Cat,” in 1994 and has since gone on to become one of the most successful pop-punk bands of all time, with over 50 million albums sold worldwide.
Blink-182’s enduring popularity is a testament to their timeless music and their ability to connect with fans of all ages. The band’s songs are known for their catchy melodies, witty lyrics, and relatable themes of love, loss, and growing up.”
The Callous Daoboys will release God Smiles Upon The Callous Daoboys and having already shared the crushing “Waco Jesus,” today the six-piece band drop the mind-boggling “Pushing The Pink Envelope.” The single will make you want to mosh and dance at the same time, as odd time signatures meet rave-worthy synths. Carson Pace’s high-pitched clean vocals bounce off guttural screams, and it’s all just the next step in The Callous Daoboys’ genre-less takeover. The video for the single sequels “Waco Jesus” as the band continue on their Phantom Phinders journey to locate the “suburban spectre.” You can watch the video for “Pushing The Pink Envelope” HERE and stream the track HERE.
The Callous Daoboys “Pushing The Pink Envelope”
Following 2022’s highly praised and chaotic album Celebrity Therapist, God Smiles Upon The Callous Daoboys takes the experimental noise the band have become known for and unleashes it into their most confident body of work yet. Being the first self-titled release in their discography, this three-song collection showcases what this group is capable of – breaking ground in innovative and unconventional songwriting, while seamlessly transcending genre limitations. From careening through chaotic breakdowns to belting calculated TRL-inspired hooks, the band leaves it all on the table, flirting with Nu-Jazz, Nu-Metal, and twisting through Salsa. There’s a brutal honesty to the tracks, with underlying themes of being true to yourself and your art.
The band will join Protest The Hero and Moon Tooth on a North American tour this fall and will head to Europe with TesseracT and Unprocessed in January 2024. Full dates below.
God Smiles Upon The Callous Daoboys can be preordered HERE. The album will be available on 12” 45RPM LPs, limited to 1000 copies across three variants. The deluxe edition vinyl packaging features a matte cover and die-cut jacket with a photograph spot-glossed pull-out insert. This EP is only being pressed one time on vinyl.
“Waco” Variant – Bandcamp Exclusive limited to 200 copies
“Shroud” Variant – MNRK Heavy Exclusive available in US, EU, UK limited to 600 copies
“Pink Envelope” Variant – The Callous Daoboys US Tour Exclusive limited to 200 copies
The Callous Daoboys is Carson Pace (vocals), Daniel Hodsdon and Maddie Caffrey (guitars), Jackie Buckalew (bass), Amber Christman (violin/synths) and Matthew Hague (drums).
