stage ae – PITTSBURGH MUSIC MAGAZINE

Seether Stage AE in Pittsburgh, PA on 5/19

March 27, 2017March 27, 2017 by Alan D. Welding, posted in Pittsburgh Event, Pittsburgh Premiere

Seether will release their new album Poison the Parish on May 12. The band will be touring extensively in support of the album, which features the riffy and tense smash “Let You Down.”

Guitarist Clint Lowery will augment the band’s line-up throughout the upcoming trek, adding his signature axe-work to Seether’s new songs and deep repertoire.

“We’ve been working on some upgrades to the production and the live sound, which includes welcoming our brother, Clint Lowery into the fold to help us thicken up that live sound experience,” Seether vocalist/guitarist Shaun Morgan said. “We want this tour to be exciting and different — a departure from what people expect from us, while retaining the qualities that make us unique, in order to entertain the fans. It’s going to be loud, heavy, old school Seether with a couple of twists thrown in to keep things exciting.”

The band will appear at Stage AE in Pittsburgh, PA on 5/19.

Slayer, Anthrax, and Death Angel Reign Blood on Pittsburgh

September 16, 2016September 16, 2016 by Alan D. Welding, posted in Announcement/News, Concert Review, Pictorial, Pittsburgh Event

When the announcement of the Slayer North American Tour was announced, it may have seemed, to some, that a mistake was made. Slayer with Anthrax and Death Angel? Three thrash powerhouses who have stood the test of time performing on the same night? It’s no wonder Stage AE in Pittsburgh was sold out last night, filled to the brim with raucous metal fans chomping at the bit. All three bands put on killer performances and showed no signs of slowing down, regardless of their ages and band time span.

As far as openers go, well it’s tough to call Death Angel and opener, they have been around since ’82 in one incarnation or another since their landmark hit, “Bored”. Also, Death Angel is in all essence a subset of the Big 4 thrash bands, emerging from the San Fran scene. Since their last Pittsburgh visit a fe Halloweens ago, Death Angel has been busy touring their latest The Evil Divide and even producing a “thrashumentary”. Released last year, the film tells the story of Death Angel from inception to the present day (get it here). Singer, Mark Osegueda, was as lively as ever and spot on vocally. Guitarists Rob Cavestany and Ted Aguilar spew out axe pyrotechnics, while Damien Sisson (bass) and Will Carroll (drums) kept the brutal low end so important to the genre. The new material may be some of their best and is worth getting in the doors early to witness.

Anthrax was in Pittsburgh last January with Lamb of God and put forth one of the best classic Anthrax laden sets that this writer has ever witnessed. This night Anthrax played just a bit more of their excellent new effort For All Kings, but definitely played some of their best including, “Caught In A Mosh”, “Got The Time”, “Antisocial” and “Indians”. Two of those songs (“Got The Time” and “Antisocial”) are cover songs that the band has so uniquely made their own, most people do not know that Joe Jackson and Trust, respectively, actually wrote them. Scott Ian (guitar) was once again a model of thrash and was, as usual, showing what a guitar god can do and really have a good time doing so. Singer Joey Belladonna was in excellent singing condition and has breathed new life into the band since his return. Newcomer, guitarist Jonathan Donais, is fitting in and also breathing fire into the bands material. He proved his worth in Shadows Fall and is absolutely killing it as Rob Caggiano’s replacement since 2013. Charlie Benante and Frank Bello were completely synced in (after all they are family) and a pleasure to watch, although it was tough to get a glimpse of Frank’s face as his hair was in constant motion as he powered through the set. It’s incredible that this band just keeps getting better after all these years (1981) and is not only producing top level records, but also matching that with high energy shows.

It took all of 35 seconds upon entry before one heard the infamous call, “SLAAAAAAYYYYYEEERRRR!” The band has been in high gear as of late, pumping out a trio of videos for Repentless and just starting this N.American Tour. Like their counterparts and tour mates Death Angel and Anthrax, they have been around since the inception of thrash (1981). Their material is as fresh and brain damaging as ever and their live show is tough to top in terms of sheer onslaught of power. Kerry King, massive chains and tribal tattoos and all, stays in the pocket and just rips from there, always a jaw dropper to watch. Tom Araya was dead on vocally as well and of course his bass playing is underrated. The addition of Exodus guitar player Gary Holt since Jeff Hanneman‘s illness and eventual death has added a different layer and dimension to the band, the material on Repentless really showing his influence in various ways. Paul Bostaph’s return on drums is also a different layer, replacing his replacement who he replaced originally (huh?), Dave Lombardo, who is now behind the kit for The Misfits reunion shows. To sum it up, Slayer was Slayer, they were impressive, loud, fast, and like Conan, crushed their enemies before them. An awesome night for metal and for Pittsburgh for sure, and one tough to beat. Maybe Clutch, Zakk Sabbath, and Kyng can try on October 1 when they hit Stage AE.

Zakk Sabbath (Zakk Wylde side project) coming with Clutch and Kyng Oct 1 to Stage AE

September 14, 2016September 14, 2016 by Alan D. Welding, posted in Announcement/News, Pittsburgh Event

ZAKK SABBATH is a side project featuring guitarist/vocalist Wylde, bassist Blasko (OZZY OSBOURNE, ROB ZOMBIE) and drummer Joey Castillo (DANZIG, QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE) performing only BLACK SABBATH SONGS. If that does not get your metal blood rolling then, you are probably dead inside. With a new guitar/amp company dubbed Wylde Audio, his worldwide merch and coffee business, and the release of and tour behind Book of Shadows II, where does the man find time?

Add to this the unbelievable KYNG and legendary CLUTCH, well this could be the show of the year.

Details:

Oct 01 – Stage AE – Pittsburgh, PA

http://www.promowestlive.com/events/1687

See you there!!!

Zakk Wylde: FACEBOOK | WEB | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER

CHICAGO TRIBUNE 5/5/16 | BILLBOARD | LOUDWIRE | Best Rock Albums of 2016 (So Far)

LOUDWIRE | Zakk Wylde Plays ‘Wikipedia: Fact or Fiction?’

Twenty One Pilots Emøtional Røadshøw tour w/ Mute Math, and Chef’ Special- Stage AE Pittsburgh 6/1/16

June 6, 2016 by Alan D. Welding, posted in Announcement/News, Concert Review, Pictorial, Pittsburgh Event

Twenty One Pilots is set to hit Pittsburgh twice this year and if their first stop at Stage AE is any indication, their return in January to Consol Energy Center will be an all out banger. With people waiting in line as early as five days before and having to brave the porta-potties left from the Beyonce concert at Heinz Field, the level of commitment from some fans was proven beyond a shadow of a doubt.

With lots of dressed up fans,a crazy long merch line, and the audience screaming every single lyric while jumping like mad people, their was more to the show than what was happening onstage. In six years 21 Pilots has built a quasi-empire in the making. Last year’s “Blurryface” seemed to have cemented their position as a chart-topping, genre-bending band.

Joseph and Dun combine their antics with huge screens displaying videos, making for an interactive environment that connects with people. They also have looked at the history of theatrical rock and adapted a page or two from the record books. Multiple costume changes, jamming with opening band members Chef’ Special and Mute Math, a backflip off a piano, and crew members joining in on the fun in hazmat suits, the boys from Columbus, OH know how to keep the audience coming back for more. Both band and audience will do just that when they will undoubtedly pack the larger venue on January 27, 2017.

Openers Chef’ Special international hit single “In Your Arms” was named as one of “Tomorrow’s Hits” by Billboard, “In Your Arms,” is currently climbing at Alternative and AAA radio outlets nationwide here in the US. Chef’Special has built a loyal following in their native Netherlands with their combination of hip-hop, rock, funk, catchy pop and laid-back reggae sound. Formed in 2008 in the Netherlands, Chef’Special has toured extensively and has built an enormous fan base across Europe. They were named “Best Band” at the 2015 Dutch Public Broadcasting’s NPO 3FM Awards and had previously been named 2014’s “Best Live Act.” These guys are a definite “must see” so make sure you get their early.

Mute Math, out of New Orleans, are no strangers to touring and have built a lot of their reputation on tremendous live shows. 2007 was their eal outbreak with, “Typical” and the ensuing backward video. Their newest effort Vitals (2015), continues to see their upward trajectory and their performance last Wednesday was certainly an indication that the best is yeat to come.

setlist for 21 Pilots:

“Fairly Local” (Intro)
“Heavydirtysoul”
“Migraine”
“Hometown”
“Polarize”
“We Don’t Believe What’s on TV” / “House of Gold”
“The Judge”
“Lane Boy”
“Ode to Sleep”
“The Pantaloon”
“Fall Away”
“Johnny Boy”
“Forest”
“Addict with a Pen”
“March to the Sea”
“Kitchen Sink”
“Doubt”
“Holding On to You”
“Twist and Shout” (The Beatles cover; with Mutemath & Chef’Special)
“Love Yourself” (Justin Bieber cover; with Mutemath & Chef’Special)
“Jump Around” (House of Pain cover; with Mutemath & Chef’Special)
“Ride”
“Stressed Out”
“Guns for Hands”
“Tear in My Heart”
“Car Radio”
“Goner”
Encore: “Trees”

CARNAGE at Stage AE: Life In Color-Dayglow 10.11.13

October 1, 2013 by Alan D. Welding, posted in Pittsburgh Event

CARNAGE is one of the quickest emerging artists in electronic music today. A DJ, producer and remixer, he is best known for the genre of Festival Trap – a sound that he pioneered. With a number of chart topping singles, he has gained the support of Tiesto, Diplo, A-Trak and Hardwell to name a few, and has collaborated with a wide range of influential DJs and artists. He has performed at a number of major festivals including Ultra, Spring Awakening, Tomorrowland, EDC and Osheaga, and has confirmed appearances at this year’s TomorrowWorld, Nocturnal Wonderland, and Life In Color/Dayglow, with more dates to be announced. He also has a weekly radio show on Sirius XM’s Electric Area channel, ‘Carnage presents:Incredible.’

“Making music is about having an impact,” exclaims DJ Carnage.
It’s easy to feel the impact on every track the Los Angeles-based artist produces or remixes. With a versatile mindset and deft approach, he siphons electro, hip hop, pop, and trap into an intoxicating brew unlike anything out there. It’s dirty, defiant, and diverse. Carnage embraced music at a very young age. Before moving to the suburbs of Maryland, he grew up in Nicaragua and Guatemala. It gave him an international consciousness and perspective at a young age that would pervade his art. In order to get through long car rides with his mom, he’d make mix CDs of everything from Kanye West to Michael Jackson, and they’d listen to them together. It was with mom’s encouragement that he began actually building his own tracks. He recalls, “It’s funny because one day my mom was like, ‘Why don’t you make your own beats?’ I’d never
thought of it before, so she bought me Fruity Loops. From there, I just got hooked.” He carved out a sizable local following in Maryland, slinging independent mixtapes and solidifying an online presence. Niles from The Cataracs actually stumbled upon his MySpace page and immediately became a fan. Their correspondence turned into a creative partnership and led to Carnage’s signing with Indie Pop. One of his first projects under that banner was a tripped-out and captivating remix of Yuna’s “Live Your Life”.
Soon, Tiësto began spinning the cut on his popular Club Life podcast, while Paul Oakenfold inserted it into regular rotation on his radio show, Planet Perfecto. Carnage began turning heads. His “Festival Trap” remix of Hardwell’s “Spaceman” soon exceeded 100k plays on Soundcloud, and he teamed up with Theophilus London and ASAP Rocky for the 2012 single, “Big Spender”, and he co-produced The Cataracs “All You”, featuring Waka Flocka Flame and Kaskade.
Everything simply laid the groundwork for the release of his proper debut, “Bang”, on Fool’s Gold though. It’s an incendiary instrumental with a big hip hop bounce and a dubstep drop at just the right moment. “It’s really massive,” he enthuses. “It’s a rap record with a huge drop. You never hear that kind of climax in hip hop or trap records. It’s the perfect introduction to who I am because it touches on so many genres.”
The single’s B-side is a grimy and guttural gem that sees him collaborate with 15-year-old Chicago underground rap sensation, Katie Got Bandz. It’s bound to get the internet going crazy. There’s nothing quite like seeing Carnage live though. Every show explodes based off his hyperkinetic energy and formidable presence. He’s rocked stages at Nocturnal Wonderland, Electric Daisy Carnival, Coachella, and more as well as performing alongside Borgore, A-Trak, The Cataracs, and countless others.
“I’m a big black guy who loves to rage,” he chuckles. “I’m not what you expect. I feed off the crowd and go for it.”
That’s why Carnage’s impact will be felt for a long time to come.

Review- Sigur Ros at Stage AE

September 22, 2013September 22, 2013 by merewhitney, posted in Concert Review

Superb.

If I could provide you with just that one word as my complete review of Sigur Ros’ September 19th show at Stage AE, I would. Sadly, writers are expected to be at least slightly capable of examining and explaining the world, and it’d be negligent of me to leave you, the wonderful reader, with nothing more than a two-syllable summation of a two-hour long concert.

The show began with a short set by the luminous Julianna Barwick. I missed all but two of her songs, so I won’t speak much on her live style, but what I heard was equally as ethereal as her most recent release, Nepenthe. (Side note: don’t wait in the parking lot to hear an opener begin before going in. Often, as was the case with Ms. Barwick, bands cannot be heard outside of the venue. Tactical error.)

The 30-minute set change between acts provided me with more than enough time to wonder how my lyric-driven brain would respond to Icelandic. In recordings, it’s easier to take Sigur Ros’ vocals and composition as ambient, post-modern rock and digest it as such. I resigned myself to at least attempt to imagine each voice as just another instrument. And then the show crew brought out and rearranged bells and strings and drums and brass. There were guitars and keyboards and single light bulbs on tall stands. I worried that perhaps adding another “instrument” for my brain to keep straight was a bad idea.

They began their set began with Yfirborð, off of the recently released Kevikur. It’s an ambitious opener that feels more like a track from one of their previous albums. It’s slower, pretty, almost less-experimental. Perhaps in opening with something new that sounds so much like something old they were appeasing the many fans in the audience who have so obviously followed the band since its inception in 1994. This worked. The throngs of21-year-olds were just as pleased as their middle-aged counterparts. All heads swayed in unison, as projections of what I think were artistically blurred and filtered cordyceps fungi shifted slowly on the projection screen behind the 10-or-so musicians on stage.

The core band members, Jón Þór “Jonsi” Birgisson, Georg Hólm, and Orri Páll Dýrason, were joined by at least six others who did everything from sing ghostly, minor-key backup to play the French horn. In addition to a full drum set, there was a second half set with a series of differently sized bells hanging above it. Sigur Ros moved adeptly from song to song, never spending too long playing tracks from one album. In this way, they managed to keep the pace from ever flying too high or sinking too low. The full setlist is below, thanks to setlist.fm.

Yfirborð
Brennisteinn
Vaka
Glósóli
Hrafntinna
Stormur
Sæglópur
Varúð
Hoppípolla
Með Blóðnasir
Olsen Olsen
Kveikur
Festival
Popplagið

About halfway through, a very tall gentleman in front of me split a pill in half and handed a part of it to his friend along with a beer. He mumbled, “put this in your mouth,” and his companion dutifully obliged. I waited patiently, sure that their sways and bobs would become frantic soon, or that they’d end up just a beat or two behind the rest of the crowd. I was happily surprised when they remained as engaged by the stage as the rest of us. But thinking back on it, what was I to expect? Attending an avant-garde, Icelandic rock show is not for the faint of heart, nor is it for a transitional fan. It’s for people who are delighted by flashing lights and projected floating bodies. For those of us who can, in fact, imagine that foreign-language vocals are just another part of the lushest of musical landscapes. For fans who cannot wait until the next time Jonsi picks up his bow and drags it along the strings of his electric guitar.

Adam Ant: Still Standing and Delivering (Live in Pittsburgh at Stage AE)

September 4, 2013September 4, 2013 by reawelding, posted in Music review, Pictorial, Pittsburgh Event

As I watched Adam Ant gyrate and dance around the stage on Friday night in Pittsburgh, It hit me, I have been listening to this mans music the majority of my life. That’s one hell of an accomplishment considering I am no spring chicken. The 80’s marked the dawn of my crush on Adam Ant. I have to admit, There is something about a sexy man that can pull off wearing make up and a pirate hat that gets me going. Although Adam did not speak one word to the crowd until after at least 5-6 songs, everyone was captivated. At 58 years of age, Adam’s voice is as strong now as it was 20+ years ago. His band is just as talented as he is with two drummers adding that extra rhythm one expects from Adam Ant.

Although it was not a completely sold out show at Stage AE, there was not one person in the crowd (including my metal head husband) that was not dancing when hits such as “Ant Music”, “Desperate But Not Serious”, “Stand and Deliver” and “Goody Two Shoes” were played. Adam’s newer music seems to have taken a more alternative/rock turn as opposed to his pop past and wow, is it good. At times leaning towards the sounds of his new wave counterparts The Cult, Adam’s new material is stunningly relevant and poignant. This is Adam Ant’s largest North American tour in 18 years to support his new album, “Adam Ant is the Blueblack Hussar in Marrying the Gunner’s Daughter”. In expectation of the tour Adam spoke to several media outlets:

“Fans can expect a massive, full-on musical attack that’s bigger and better than ever,” Adam says. “It took years to record this very personal and intimate album. And I’m excited to share the experience with my friends and fans.”

In concert, fans can expect all of the hits including “Goody Two Shoes”, “Stand and Deliver”, “Prince Charming”, “Ant Music”, “Strip”and “Wonderful” as well as deep cuts from Adam’s early days and selections from the new album. The new album, a musical autobiography with 17 musical stories about Adam’s life featuring collaborations with Boz Boorer (Morrissey), debuted at #8 on TheOfficial Chart in the UK and climbed to #3 on the UK Indie Albums Chart. Adam absolutely delivered on all promised and more when he visted Pittsburgh. it was one of the most intimate and stunning shows of the year that took his older fans back to their heyday and won them over again, as well as showed the “newbies” why this man is an icon for the ages and still continues to pump out awesome quality tunes…no one hit hit wonder like so many of today’s fare.

Many people know that Adam, one of the most recognized faces of the 80s who has sold more than 40 million records, lived in Los Angeles for several years while pursuing film roles. But most people never knew that later in life he quietly bought a house and lived in the small town of Dayton, Tennessee. With its swampy, southern flavor, “Cool Zombie”, the debut single, speaks to this aspect of his life.

“I lived in Tennessee for a couple of years,” Adam recalls. “And after a while I started to think about music. I missed it, the creative process and the live side of it.”

The first part of the album’s enigmatic title is a nod to Adam’s iconic “Kings of the Wild Frontier” character who wore the trademark white stripe. Adam now refers to the character as The Blueblack Hussar, a fictional reference to a European cavalry hussar officer ofthe 19th Century. The second half of the title, “Marrying The Gunner’s Daughter”, is the name given to a form of 18th Century naval punishment chosen to reflect some of his experiences in the music business.

Now, Adam has released this album on his own label, Blueblack Hussar Records. This is available in a deluxe double-gatefold vinyl edition as well as a CD with a 36-page deluxe booklet.

For more information, visit www.Adam-Ant.com.

ADAM ANT SETLIST

MARRYING THE GUNNER’S DAUGHTER (New song – Marrying The Gunner’s Daughter is an old naval term for being bent over a cannon and flogged. This reminds Adam of some of his experiences with major record labels)

DOG EAT DOG

BEAT MY GUEST

KICK

ANTS INVASION

HARD MEN TOUGH BLOKES

STAND AND DELIVER

SHRINK

ROOM AT THE TOP

KINGS OF THE WILD FRONTIER

WONDERFUL

WHIP IN MY VALISE

VINCE TAYLOR (This new song about the European rock star is about a friend, French Valerie, who gave Adam a gift – Vince’s gold-plated chain)

STAY IN THE GAME

COOL ZOMBIE (This new song speaks to Adam’s time living in Tennessee and his neighbor Ronnie B. who introduced him to great country music)

STRIP

DESPERATE BUT NOT SERIOUS

CLEOPATRA

NEVER TRUST A MAN WITH EGG ON HIS FACE

ZEROX

VIVE LE ROCK

ANTMUSIC

GOODY TWO SHOES

CAR TROUBLE

PRINCE CHARMING

ENCORES

PRESS DARLINGS

LADY/FALL IN

RED SCAB

PHYSICAL

2013 North American Tour Dates for Adam Ant & The Good TheMad &The Lovely Posse


9/4/13	Revolution Center	Boise, ID
9/6/13	Vogue Theatre	Vancouver, BC
9/7/13	Showbox at the Market	Seattle, WA
9/8/13	Roseland Theatre	Portland, OR
9/10/13	Grand Sierra Resort & Casino	Reno, CA
9/11/13	Ace of Spades	Sacramento, CA
9/12/13	The Regency Theatre	San Francisco, CA
9/14/13	The Republik	Honolulu, HI
9/17/13	Tower Theatre	Fresno, CA
9/18/13	Fremont Theater	San Luis Obispo, CA
9/20/13	Hard Rock Café on the Strip	Las Vegas, NV

Biography for Adam Ant

www.adam-ant.com

Twitter @AdamAofficial

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Adam-Ant/69349615331

In 1980, millions of UK TV viewers saw Adam and the Ants perform ‘Dog Eat Dog’ on Top of the Pops. The phenomenon began andthey would dominate the charts for several years. But this was no overnight success. It had been the culmination of years of toil starting at Hornsey College of Art where Adam formed the band Bazooka Joe. With Adam on bass, they played around London and, in 1975, Adam’s life changed when he saw The Sex Pistols play their first-ever gig supporting Bazooka Joe at St. Martins College of Art. He formed The Ants and in 1979 they released their debut album, ‘Dirk Wears White Søx’ that topped the independent chart. In 1980,the Ants left Adam to work with former Sex Pistols manager Malcolm McLaren.

Adam put his new ‘warrior’ sound into practice and soon had a fresh band including two drummers. They signed a major-label dealand recorded the album ‘Kings of the Wild Frontier’ that became a huge hit, spent 12 weeks at number one and won a ‘Best New Artist’ Brit Award. Antmania swept the nation. ‘Stand and Deliver’ hit the number-one spot for five weeks and earned Adam an Ivor Novello award. ‘Prince Charming’ also hit number one and another 12 singles went Top 30. At one point, Adam had eight singles inthe top 40 in one week! ‘Goody Two Shoes’ crowned both the UK and Australian charts. In the USA, Adam earned a ‘Best New Artist’ GRAMMY nomination in 1982.

His first solo album, ‘Friend or Foe’, delivered three top-twenty hits on the USA Billboard Top 100 chart and in 1983 he appeared onthe ‘Motown 25 Special’(NBC) alongside Michael Jackson who performed his moonwalk dance for the first time. Adam’s second solo album, ‘Strip’, produced the top-five UK hit ‘Puss in Boots’, but the BBC banned the video and the song for the follow-up single ‘Strip’. While recording his third solo album ’Vive Le Rock’ with producer Tony Visconti, Adam started an acting career by appearing in a theatre production. In 1985 Adam performed ‘Vive Le Rock’ at Live Aid and the next few years were devoted to acting in films including Nomads, Love BitesandSlam Dance and TV shows such as The Equalizer, Tales from the Crypt and Sledge Hammer!

During the 1990s Adam, again, split his time between chasing film/TV roles while recording ‘Manners and Physique’ that included thehit ‘Room at the Top’. The follow-up album, ‘Persuasion’, remains without an official release to this day, but in 1995 Adam released ‘Wonderful’ with its self-titled single and follow-up ‘Gotta Be A Sin’ that were accompanied with successful tours of the UK and USA. It would be twelve years before Adam would play live again, acoustically, in 2006, when he read extracts from his autobiography ‘Stand & Deliver’. The book laid bare Adam’s childhood and his well-documented mental-health battles. In 2008, Adam received the ‘Q Music Icon Award’ alongside fellow recipients Paul McCartney and Bryan Ferry.

This rekindled recognition resulted in a series of gigs in 2010 and Adam formed a new band called Adam Ant & The Good, the Mad &the Lovely Posse. After sold out USA and UK tours in 2012, Adam released his new album, ‘Adam Ant is the Blueblack Hussar in Marrying the Gunner’s Daughter’, in 2013. The album, a musical autobiography with 17 musical stories about Adam’s life and things that interest him, debuted at #8 on The Official Chart in the UK and climbed to #3 on the UK Indie Albums Chart.

Now, after a successful 2013 UK tour, Adam is bringing his new sound back to his fans on both sides of the pond.

HUNTRESS Wraps Up North American Tour With Danzig Prepares For Global Domination with Lamb of God

September 3, 2013 by Alan D. Welding, posted in Pittsburgh Event

HUNTRESS has kicked off yet another year of relentless touring, following the release of their critically acclaimed album Starbound Beast. After an amazing run on this summer’s Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival, HUNTRESS has just wrapped up their tour with the legendary Glenn Danzig for his 25^th Anniversary tour with Misfits guitarist Doyle.

Vocalist Jill Janus had this to say about her time on the road with Glenn Danzig:

“Touring with Danzig has been surreal. As an angsty teenage girl, I used to dream that one day I would duet with Glenn Danzig. Being chosen to tour with him was already mind blowing, but I also had the honor of singing “Skulls” with him in St. Paul, MN! I was watching the show from side stage. Doyle had just played a couple Misfits songs with the band. Then I see Glenn turn and ask if I’d like to join him for a duet! Performing with two of my idols was stellar. This has been a killer experience for HUNTRESS, watching Glenn Danzig nightly from the wings, he has mastered his craft and we’ve learned a lot from him on this short run. He’s also hilarious, his sense of humor and attitude have made our time with him so much more incredible! Hail Danzig!”

After a short break this September, HUNTRESS will be back on the road with heavy metal heavyweights Lamb of God, Killswitch Engage, and Testament! The tour kicks off October 22^ndin Toronto, ON, and runs through November 26^th in Silver Spring, MD. It has also been confirmed that Lamb of God will be taking HUNTRESS to Europe and the UK in early 2014. A complete list of dates can be found below.

HUNTRESS is proud to present their video for the song “Zenith”. Bloody-Disgusting.com calls it “A Sci-Fi Horror Psychedelic Masterpiece!” The spectacular video was directed by Phil Mucci, whose video for HIGH ON FIRE‘s “Fertile Green” was named best video of 2012 by Revolver. Check out the “Zenith” video HERE.

Starbound Beast, is out now on Napalm Records. The album is available for purchase oniTunes, Amazon, and in Best Buy stores in the US.

HUNTRESS was spawned from the preternatural union of Jill Janus with underground metal bands Professor and Dark Black. They thrive on thundering drums, heavy riffs, spectral solos and catchy choruses that come from the band’s musical concoction of occult science and bong rips. HUNTRESS remains true to the roots of melodic heavy metal with a penchant for thrash, death and black metal.
HUNTRESS Lineup:
Vocals: Jill Janus
Guitars: Blake Meahl
Guitars: Anthony Crocamo
Bass: Ian Alden
Drums: Carl Wierzbicky

HUNTRESS on tour with Lamb of God, Killswitch Engage and Testament:

10/22: Toronto, ON @ Kool Haus

10/23: Toronto, ON – Sound Academy

10/24: Montreal, QC @ Metropolis

10/25: New York, NY @ Roseland Ballroom

10/26: Wallingford, CT @ Toyota Presents Oakdale Theater

10/28: Columbus, OH @ LC Pavilion

10/29: Detroit, MI @ The Fillmore Detroit

10/30: Chicago, IL @ Congress Theater

11/1: Kansas City, MO @ The Midland by AMC

11/2: Grand Prairie, TX @ Verizon Theater at Grand Prairie

11/3: Socorro, TX @ Socorro Entertainment Center – Free Show

11/5: Denver, CO @ The Fillmore Auditorium

11/7: Tempe, AZ @ Marquee Theater

11/8: Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Palladium*

11/9: Oakland, CA @ Fox Theater

11/11: Kent, WA @ ShoWare Center

11/12: Vancouver, BC @ Queen Elizabeth Theater

11/14: Edmonton, AB @ Shaw Conference Center

11/15: Calgary, AB @ Big Four

11/16: Saskatoon, SK @ Saskatoon Prairieland Park

11/18: St. Paul, MN @ Myth

11/19: Milwaukee, WI @ Eagles Ballroom

11/20: Grand Rapids, MI @ Orbit Room

11/22: Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom

11/23: Boston, MA @ House of Blues

11/24: Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory

************11/25: Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE***************

11/26: Silver Spring, MD @ The Fillmore Silver Spring

*Testament will not be on the Los Angeles show. Support will be announced in mid September.

European/UK Tour With Lamb of God:

1/6/14: Vienna, Austria @ Venue

1/7/14: Milan, Italy @ Alcatraz

1/8/14: Zurich, Switzerland, @ Komplex

1/10/14: Tillburg. Netherlands @ 013

1/11/14: Brussels, Belgium @ AB Hall

1/12/14: Southampton, England @ Southampton Guildhall

1/13/14: Leeds, England @ Leeds O2 Academy

1/14/14: Newcastle Upon Tyne, England @ Newcastle O2 Academy

1/16/14: Glasgow, Scotland @ Glasgow O2 Academy

1/17/14: Birmingham. England @ Birmingham O2 Academy

1/18/14: London, England @ Brixton O2 Academy

1/19/14: Manchester, England @ Manchester Academy

1/20/14: Bristol, England @ Bristol O2 Academy

1/21/14: Norwich, England @ Norwich UEA

For More Info Visit:

http://huntresskills.com/

https://www.facebook.com/HuntressKills

https://twitter.com/HuntressKills

http://www.napalmrecords.com

A Misfit Shines: Doyle’s Debut Abominator Slays Expectations

August 31, 2013August 31, 2013 by Alex Carlson, posted in Music review

In the Pantheon of punk, there’s always a special place for The Misfits. Where Black Flag and Minor Threat used crazy, hardcore elements and The Ramones spearheaded elements from pop music like The Kinks, The Misfits were the ones who descended into the darker realm of horror-themed images and creepy-as-hell aesthetics. In comparison to the motorcycle-riding, leather-jacket-wearing rebels in the high school parking lot, The Misfits were the guys dressed in black, goth gear and smoking behind the bleachers. After the multiple restructurings of the Misfits lineup, guitarist Paul Caiafa (best known as Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein) took his time to move back into music. After some appearances with former Misfits singer Glenn Danzig on tour with his band, Doyle finally broke his silence and moved into full-fledged solo work. Abominator is the first record from Doyle’s self-titled band and it’s one of the most surprisingly strong solo debuts you’ll see this year.

Doyle is Caiafa’s outlet to let his inner metalhead loose. While there are moments of punk pacing and rapid-fire rhythms, Doyle is no punk band. The rambunctious punk fundamentals of Doyle’s former band are set aside in favor of some blisteringly heavy riffs more in-tune with the heavy metal world. The title track is a furious opener, with vocalist Alex Story screaming his lungs out seconds into the album. Doyle himself is able to add squealing guitar solos into nearly every track on the album, another stark contrast to the hardcore-influenced work of early Misfits recordings. With the ability to focus on metal melody and virtuosity instead of simply punk endurance, Doyle’s skill as a guitarist is clearer than ever. Even more so is his talent in songwriting; he’s in the spotlight now, so passing off the same power chords and punky tones just doesn’t cut it anymore. Fortunately, it pays off on Abominator. Doyle just shines here.

But while Abominator is still a very heavy album, it doesn’t go too far in that intensity. Story’s vocals are near-guttural, but there’s just a smidgen of melody, one that keeps him in the realm of Pantera instead of Sepultura. That walking of the line between extreme metal and melodic heavy metal allows Doyle to pick the best parts of both without suffering too much from either side’s weaknesses. The catchy “Cemeterysexx” may be as romantic as getting your girlfriend a torn-up Jhonen Vasquez comic compilation for your anniversary, but for a song about getting dirty in a graveyard, it’s tone is surprisingly radio-friendly. “Dreamingdeadgirls” is a bizarre left turn, with a surprisingly lighter chorus, one that’s juxtaposed with some gritty verses about necrophiliac relations with murdered women. As you might expect, it’s a fiendish record.

The grindy, gritty metal sounds, above all odds, don’t outstay their welcome. “Valley of Shadows” has a solid pace, one that lets Doyle experiment with his guitar rhythms while still making the song purely metal. “Land of the Dead” has a tight chorus reminiscent of older Metallica recordings mixed with a low “crush” growl that wouldn’t be out of place in a band like Slayer. Doyle performs a very smart act in adding a plentiful amount of variety in Abominator. Behind a doom metal verse in “Love Like Murder” instantly moving to a thrash metal chorus in the same song, Doyle clearly didn’t feel comfortable in sticking to one subgenre of metal music. That decision makes Abominator a much more appealing record altogether.

If Abominator has a mark against it, it would be in the lyrics, which feel juvenile. While The Misfits were the pioneers of integrating horror themes and creepy imagery into their punk songs, the topics of necrophilia and occult practices don’t seem to hold weight here. They don’t sound dark enough to be taken seriously (even by Hot Topic regulars), nor do they sound ironic enough to joke around with; they exist in this half-parody, half-conviction limbo. It’s never clear why the lyrics are what they are, so it damages Doyle’s aesthetic, adding in an indecisive mystery that distracts more than intrigues.

It’s very comforting seeing how Doyle is able to step outside of the shadow of his most iconic project and finally put his talent in songwriting and axe-rocking into legitimate effect. Abominator is a shockingly tight album with some great musicianship from Doyle, with his fellow bandmates keeping up with him every step of the way. Even better is his yearning for difference, his ability to keep the intensity on high and the variety constant. It’s not easy moving into solo work from one of the most prolific backgrounds in punk and goth rock history, but Doyle proves that it can be done. Abominator is a beast of an album with a little something for any variety of headbanger. It’s one of the best surprises of 2013.

**Editors Note: Hopefully you are all well aware that Doyle is on tour with Danzig and he is even doing a Misfits set with Glenn. When he stops in Pittsburgh on 10/21, Doyle promised to chat with us for a bit, so stay tuned for an exclusive interview from Stage AE!!!

Cheap Trick Show No Signs Of Slowing Down At Stage AE

August 23, 2013August 25, 2013 by Alan D. Welding, posted in Concert Review, Pictorial

For the past few days all I’ve been singing around the house, in the car, and in my head have been the words to “Surrender”. Cheap Trick’s songs have always been infectious and that is why they have stood the test of time. The fact that they have been jamming live well after they made Cheap Trick at Budokan one of the best live albums of all time is a feat unto itself and a testament to their musicianship and showmanship (CT has been around since 1975).

Here we are in 2013, and even though drummer Bun E. Carlos is no longer touring with them (replaced by guitarist Rick Nielsen’s son Daxx), they are still amazing in concert and put on one hell of a show. I certainly did not know what to expect having never truly witnessed Cheap Trick live other than TV and YouTube clips. I just could not pass up seeing one of my all time favorite guitar players and characters, Nielsen and one of the original cool lead singers of rock n roll, Robin Zander, with all due respect to bassist Tom Petersson who has his own ultra cool happening. Cheap Trick plays every song you want them too, Rick changes guitars every song and brings out all the crazy funky ones you love to see and throws tons of picks to the fans, and Robin hits every note perfectly while Tom and Daxx hold it down on the rhythm end. These guys have been rockin’ for pretty much forty years and show no signs of stopping…that’s amazing in this day and age of one hit wonder boys and flash in the pan auto tune fakes. Long Live Cheap Trick. (Set List Below)

Setlist: Pittsburgh 8/21/2013 Stage AE

Come On, Come On

Look Out

Big Eyes

Ain’t That A Shame

Need Your love

House Is Rockin’

Clock Strikes Ten

Stop This Game

I Know What I Want

Borderline

Sickman Of Europe

The Flame

IWYTWM

Baby Loves Rock

Dream Police (Encore)

Cali Man

Surrender

AUFFY

Goodnight

A PALE HORSE NAMED DEATH to Support Danzig on North American Tour

August 23, 2013August 23, 2013 by Alan D. Welding, posted in Pittsburgh Event, Tour

A PALE HORSE NAMED DEATH have confirmed that they will be hitting the road this fall supporting Danzig. APHND will appear alongside Texas Hippie Coalition and Butcher Babies on all dates. The tour is set to kick off October 8^th in Ft. Lauderdale, FL and run throughOctober 31^st in San Francisco, CA. More dates may be added shortly. Tickets go on sale for fan club members today and for the general public on Friday August 23^rd and Saturday August 24^th.

A PALE HORSE NAMED DEATH released their sophomore album Lay My Soul to Wasteearlier this Spring via Steamhammer/SPV. Once again the artwork was commissioned by Sam Shearon, who is also responsible for artwork on the band’s first release And Hell Will Follow Me. Lay My Soul to Waste can be ordered on Amazon on both CD and LP and digitally viaiTunes.

On the surface, A PALE HORSE NAMED DEATH are impressive. But you’ll want to dig deeper and immerse yourself in all the sonic and lyrical layers, because the band isn’t afraid to plume the depths of darkness that humanity is capable of. It’s murky stuff, but someone has to do it.

Sal Abruscato and Matt Brown have followed 2011’s incredible introduction And Hell Will Follow Mewith Lay My Soul to Waste, which keeps the band’s patented signature formula of slow, deliberate sludge and head-down doom intact and as flawlessly executed as ever.

Think Alice in Chains, only harder, angrier and with a more perverse view of the world, as if they were reared in a row house in Bensonhurst, as opposed to the rainy landscape of Seattle, all the while feasting on a steady diet of Black Sabbath records.

A PALE HORSE NAMED DEATH arrived with And Hell Will Follow Me. They have firmly implanted their roots in the metal scene with Lay My Soul to Waste. It’s a metal album that headbangers who enjoy a walk on the darker side of life will end up revering and responding to.

A PALE HORSE NAMED DEATH Tour Dates:

10/8: Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Revolution

10/9: Tampa, FL @ The Cuban Club

10/11: Nashville, TN @ Marathon Music Works

10/12: Atlanta, GA @ Center Stage

10/13: Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore Charlotte

10/15: Norfolk, VA @ Norva Theater

10/17: Niagara Falls, NY @ Rapids Theatre

10/18: New York, NY @ Roseland Ballroom

10/19: Worcester, MA @ The Palladium

*****10/21: Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE ******

10/23: Grand Rapids, MI @ The Orbit Room

10/24: Louisville, KY @ Expo Five

10/26: Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live

10/27: Oklahoma City, OK @ Diamond Ballroom

10/29: El Paso, TX @ Tricky Falls

10/31: San Francisco, CA @ The Warfield

For More Info Please Visit:

http://apalehorsenameddeath.com/

http://www.facebook.com/APHND

https://twitter.com/APHND

http://www.spv.de

SIGUR ROS in Pittsburgh on 9/19 at Stage AE

August 21, 2013August 21, 2013 by Alan D. Welding, posted in Pittsburgh Event

The Icelandic three-piece Sigur Rós begin the final leg of their U.S. tour this fall, and will bring their live experience to Pittsburgh on 9/19 to perform at Stage AE! This run of shows kicks off with a headlining slot at Detroit’s Laneway Festival, and is a part of their most extensive and stunning tour to date.

Sigur Rós has toured all over the globe this year in support of their latest critically acclaimed albumKveikur, out now via XL Recordings worldwide. This tour has seen the band play some of the biggest concerts of their career, including headlining performances at Coachella and Sasquatch Music Festivals, as well as NYC’s iconic Madison Square Garden.

A Sigur Rós show is unlike any other, musically and visually – PRESS HERE to watch their special 360°, interactive webcast recorded live from Germany, which can be viewed from any angle you choose. Sigur Rós also released an Instagram music video for their song “Stormur” – PRESS HERE to watch the ever-evolving video, made entirely of fan submissions.

“Kveikur is the big payback; a bracing record of pummeling post-rock, eerie hauntology and concentrated pop splendor, Sigur Rós finally acknowledge their impact by beating all of their acolytes at their own game. (8.1)” – Pitchfork

“Kveikur has structure and, hello, grit like never before.” – Rolling Stone

“Dark, industrial components bring a fresh edge to the material’s icy beauty…” – USA Today

“This is the album no one anticipated Sigur Rós would make… Kveikur comes as a violent but welcome surprise” – NME

“They sound as out of place as ever, and all the better for it” – Q

SIGUR RÓS

ANNOUNCE FINAL U.S. DATES OF CURRENT WORLD TOUR

STREAM NEW ALBUM KVEIKUR IN ITS ENTIRETY AT AMAZON.COM NOW!

FANS INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN VISUAL INTERPRETATIONS OF KVEIKUR VIA SIGUR-ROS.CO.UK

(Credit: Ryan McGinley)

Sigur Rós announce the ultimate U.S. leg of their globe-spanning tour, which will consist of a final, 20-show run starting with a headlining slot at Detroit’s Laneway Festival on September 14^th. The tour began a year ago on the East Coast trailing the release of the band’s sixth studio album, Valtari, and will continue following next week’s release of its hard-rocking successor, Kveikur (out June 18^th). This tour will reach deep into America, and sees the band playing the biggest concerts of their career. Sigur Rós’ acclaimed live show is not to be missed, and can be seen for the final time in the U.S. during their tour this fall – when it’s done, it’s done.

Starting today, you can stream Kveikur, the band’s first release on XL Recordings worldwide, in its entirety via Amazon.com – PRESS HERE to listen to the incredible new album now! The Icelandic three-piece – Jón Þór Birgisson, Georg Holm and Orri Páll Dýrason – have already given us a taste of the new album on the American late-night circuit, performing on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno – PRESS HERE to watch their Leno performance!

In conjunction with a stream of Kveikur, the band are asking fans to post photos, drawings, and more to their socials with the hashtag #kveikur detailing what they imagine in their heads when they hear the new album. Says bassist Georg Holm, “As a band we always write the music first and listen to it later to work out what it might be about. That’s how we come up with the words, by approaching the music without preconceptions and seeking meaning that was hidden from us at the point of creation. The music tells us what it is about.”

U.S. Tour Dates:

9/14/13 Rochester Hills, MI @ Laneway Festival

9/15/13 Cleveland, OH@ Jacobs Pavilion

9/16/13 Cincinnati, OH @ PNC Pavilion at Riverbend Music

9/17/13 Indianapolis, IN @ Farm Bureau Insurance Lawn at White

9/19/13 Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE

9/20/13 Philadelphia, PA @ Mann Center for Performing Arts

9/21/13 Raleigh, NC @ Red Hat Amphitheater

9/23/13 Charlottesville, VA @ John Paul Jones Arena

9/24/13 Norfolk, VA @ Old Dominion Constant Center

9/25/13 North Charleston, SC @ North Charleston Coliseum

9/27/13 Whites Creek, TN @ The Woods at Fontanel

9/28/13 Asheville, NC @ ExploreAsheville.com Arena

9/30/13 Chicago, IL @ Chicago Auditorium Theatre

10/1/13 St. Louis, MO @ Fabulous Fox Theater

10/3/13 New Orleans, LA @ Champions Square

10/4/13 Birmingham, AL @ Magic City Theatre

10/5/13 Atlanta, GA @ Chastain Park Amphitheatre

10/7/13 Tampa, FL @ USF Sun Dome

10/8/13 Orlando, FL @ UCF Arena

10/9/13 Miami, FL @ Bayfront Park Amphitheatre

DEVILDRIVER Frontman Dez Fafara to Take Part in Alternative Press Video Chat August 21st

August 15, 2013August 15, 2013 by Alan D. Welding, posted in Announcement/News, Pittsburgh Event

DEVILDRIVER will be releasing their sixth studio album Winter Kills August 27^th via Napalm Records. As the release date draws near, DEVILDRIVER frontman Dez Fafara will be taking part in a special video chat with Alternative Press Magazine. The chat will take place on August 21^st at 6:00 PM EDT, and will be conducted through USTREAM. The chat will take place HERE. Fans are encouraged to submit their questions for Dez through Twitter using the hashtag #APAskDevildriver. Then be sure to tune into the chat to see if your question gets answered.

Winter Kills is available in four configurations including a Deluxe Digibook with CD (including two bonus tracks: “Shudder” and “Back Down to the Grave”) and Live DVD (Featuring 45 minutes of live raw DEVILDRIVER power. No studio over dubs at all just the band at their best and includes fan favorites “Clouds over California” and “The Wretched”), standard CD version, digital version and for the first time in DEVILDRIVER history, a 2LP Gatefold edition.

Best Buy stores will be offering an exclusive edition of Winter Kills. The package comes with the Deluxe Digibook version of the CD, the DVD and an exclusive t-shirt, designed specifically for Best Buy’s exclusive edition. This version can be pre-ordered on BestBuy.com and will be available in stores in North America on the release date.

The video for the song “The Appetite” can be viewed HERE. The video was directed by video director is Dan Burke of PianoFight Films.

In support of their new release Winter Kills California Groove Metallers, DEVILDRIVER will be hitting the road this fall on a co-headlining tour with Trivium. Support on the tour will come from After the Burial and Sylosis. Everything kicks off in Boise, ID on September 12^th and rolls through October 17^th in San Diego, CA

Winter Kills is now available for pre-order on iTunes. Pre-ordering the album entitles you to an instant grat track download of “Ruthless”. The album can also be pre-ordered on Amazon

A lyric video for the first single “Ruthless” is available for viewing HERE.

The band recorded the album in Florida at Audio Hammer Studios and vocals in Los Angeles, CA at Dez’s home studio with Mark Lewis (Black Dahlia Murder, Whitechapel, All That Remains) handling production duties. DEVILDRIVER has worked with Lewis previously on “Beast” and “The Last Kind Words” and producer Mark Lewis’s prolific leadership of the new school of metal has yet again helped DEVILDRIVER deliver another Epic heavy Metal record. This record melds what the band does best. In your face power as well as the California Groove sound the band pioneered.

DevilDriver with Trivium, After the Burial and Sylosis:

9/12: Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory

9/13: Spokane, WA @ Knitting Factory

9/14: Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom

9/16: Calgary, AB @ Macewan Ballroom

9/17: Edmonton, AB @ Union Hall

9/18: Saskatoon, SK @ Odeon

9/19: Winnipeg, MB @ Garrick

9/21: Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue

9/23: Columbus, OH @ Newport Music Hall

9/24: Toronto, ON @ Phoenix

9/25: Montreal, QC @ Corona

9/27: New York, NY @ Best Buy Theater

9/28: Boston, MA @ House of Blues

9/29: New Haven, CT @ Toad’s Place

9/30: Philadelphia, PA @ Theater of the Living Arts

10/2: Silver Springs, MD @ Fillmore

10/3: Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues

10/4: Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE

10/5: Detroit, MI @ Harpos

10/7: Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore

10/8: Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade

10/10: Oklahoma City, OK @ Diamond Ballroom

10/11: Wichita, KS @ The Cotillion

10/12: Denver, CO @ Summit Music Hall

10/13: Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theater

10/15: San Francisco, CA @ Regency

10/16: Los Angeles, CA @ House of Blues

10/17: San Diego, CA @ SOMA

For More Info Visit:

http://www.devildriver.com

https://www.facebook.com/DevilDriverOfficial

http://www.napalmrecords.com

https://twitter.com/evilriver

DEVILDRIVER Announce Co-Headline Tour With Trivium/ Pittsburgh’s Stage AE 10/4

July 24, 2013July 24, 2013 by Alan D. Welding, posted in Announcement/News

New Album Winter Kills Available August 27^th in North America

In support of their new release Winter Kills California Groove Metallers, DEVILDRIVERwill be hitting the road this fall on a co-headlining tour with Trivium. Trivium will also be on the road in support of their new release, details on which will be announced soon. Support on the tour will come from After the Burial and Sylosis. Everything kicks off in Boise, ID on September 12^th and rolls through October 17^th in San Diego, CAFrontman Dez Fafara cannot wait to be back on the road in North America:

“It’s been almost a year since DEVILDRIVER have toured the US. I am Stoked to finally be getting the chance to go back out and hit the road with “The Groove Machine”!

This tour will be a mixture of DEVILDRIVER favorites and a bunch of new stuff off of our new record Winter Kills. I cannot wait for the record to come out and to get back to what we do best, play live. Touring with our friends in Trivium, After the Burial and Sylosis is just the fucking bonus!

Come on out for a great night of metal, get ready to get down and dirty, see you in the pit!”

DEVILDRIVER will be releasing their sixth studio album Winter Kills August 27^th via Napalm Records. Winter Kills is available in four configurations including a Deluxe Digibook with CD (including two bonus tracks: “Shudder” and “Back Down to the Grave”) and Live DVD (Featuring 45 minutes of live raw DEVILDRIVER power. No studio over dubs at all just the band at their best and includes fan favorites “Clouds over California” and “The Wretched”), standard CD version, digital version and for the first time inDEVILDRIVER history, and a 2LP Gatefold edition.

Winter Kills is now available for pre-order on iTunes. Pre-ordering the album entitles you to an instant grat track download of “Ruthless”. The album can also be pre-ordered on Amazon

A lyric video for the first single “Ruthless” is available for viewing HERE.

DEVILDRIVER has always been a band on a three-pronged mission: Work hard, rock harder, and kick as many asses as possible in the process. The band tours forever and has since its beginnings. Their live performances and circle pits are as legendary as their music.

DevilDriver with Trivium, After the Burial and Sylosis:

9/12: Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory

9/13: Spokane, WA @ Knitting Factory

9/14: Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom

9/16: Calgary, AB @ Macewan Ballroom

9/17: Edmonton, AB @ Union Hall

9/18: Saskatoon, SK @ Odeon

9/19: Winnipeg, MB @ Garrick

9/21: Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue

9/23: Columbus, OH @ Newport Music Hall

9/24: Toronto, ON @ Phoenix

9/25: Montreal, QC @ Corona

9/27: New York, NY @ Best Buy Theater

9/28: Boston, MA @ House of Blues

9/29: New Haven, CT @ Toad’s Place

9/30: Philadelphia, PA @ Theater of the Living Arts

10/2: Silver Springs, MD @ Fillmore

10/3: Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues

10/4: Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE

10/5: Detroit, MI @ Harpos

10/7: Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore

10/8: Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade

10/10: Oklahoma City, OK @ Diamond Ballroom

10/11: Wichita, KS @ The Cotillion

10/12: Denver, CO @ Summit Music Hall

10/13: Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theater

10/15: San Francisco, CA @ Regency

10/16: Los Angeles, CA @ House of Blues

10/17: San Diego, CA @ SOMA

For More Info Visit:

http://www.devildriver.com

https://www.facebook.com/DevilDriverOfficial

http://www.napalmrecords.com

https://twitter.com/evilriver

LAMB OF GOD Partners with KILLSWITCH ENGAGE for North American Tour…Pittsburgh Stage AE Nov. 25

July 22, 2013 by Alan D. Welding, posted in Announcement/News, Pittsburgh Event

Testament and Huntress to Support

Long-time friends LAMB OF GOD and KILLSWITCH ENGAGE have joined forces for what will undoubtedly be one of the essential “can’t miss” tours of the fall of 2013. The tour launches October 22 in Toronto and canvases much of the U.S and Canada. The two bands are a dominant live pairing, and will combine for 28 North American shows in total. Support for all shows except Los Angeles will be provided by thrash legends Testament, with Huntress opening all shows.

LAMB OF GOD will end the North American portion of the Resolution record cycle with this tour. It will include a coast to coast visit to all major Canadian cities which will be LAMB OF GOD’s first visit to Canada on this cycle other than a festival play in June in Montebello and a show in Toronto in January 2012. In the last year, both Ashes of the Wake and Sacrament have been certified gold in Canada. LAMB OF GOD will finish the Resolution cycle completely with a visit to Europe and South Africa in January 2014. Details on that tour will be released late August.

KILLSWITCH ENGAGE released their sixth album Disarm the Descent this April, which debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard Top 200; at No. 1 on Hard Rock Chart; and at No. 1 on the Rock Chart. It marked the first album with frontman Jesse Leach at the vocal helm since 2002’s now-classic Alive or Just Breathing. The album has been warmly embraced and well-received by both fans and the media, as it has just crossed the 100,000-sold mark in only three months of release. Having just wrapped a highly successful U.S summer headline tour, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE look to continue their Disarm the Descent record cycle with this fall trek.

Both LAMB OF GOD and KILLSWITCH ENGAGE have been wanting to hit the road together for quite some time now and are both excited to finally get the chance. They have also made sure to keep the ticket prices as low as possible so that all of their fans can come out and have a good time with them on this tour.

All dates go on sale this weekend July 19^th-20^th. Dates for the tour are below.

Tue/Oct-22 Toronto, ON @ Kool Haus – Tickets

Wed/Oct-23 Quebec City, QC @ Pavillon de la Jeunesse – Tickets

Thu/Oct-24 Montreal, QC @ Metropolis – Tickets

Fri/Oct-25 New York, NY @ Roseland Ballroom – Tickets

Sat/Oct-26 Wallingford, CT @ Toyota Presents Oakdale Theatre – Tickets

Mon/Oct-28 Columbus, OH @ LC Pavilion – Tickets

Tue/Oct-29 Detroit, MI @ The Fillmore Detroit – Tickets

Wed/Oct-30 Chicago, IL @ Congress Theater – Tickets

Fri/Nov-01 Kansas City, MO @ The Midland by AMC – Tickets

Sat/Nov-02 Grand Prairie, TX @ Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie – Tickets

Sun-Nov-03 Socorro, TX @ Socorro Entertainment Center – Free Show

Tue-Nov-05 Denver, CO @ The Fillmore Auditorium – Tickets

Thu/Nov-07 Tempe, AZ @ Marquee Theater – Tickets

Fri/Nov-08 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Palladium * – Tickets

Sat/Nov-09 Oakland, CA @ Fox Theater – Tickets

Mon/Nov-11 Kent, WA @ ShoWare Center – Tickets

Tue/Nov-12 Vancouver, BC @ Queen Elizabeth Theatre – Tickets

Thu/Nov-14 Edmonton, AB @ Shaw Conference Centre – Tickets

Fri/Nov-15 Calgary, AB @ Big Four – Tickets

Sat/Nov-16 Saskatoon, SK @ Saskatoon Prairieland Park – Tickets

Mon/Nov-18 St. Paul, MN @ Myth – Tickets

Tue/Nov-19 Milwaukee, WI @ Eagles Ballroom – Tickets

Wed/Nov-20 Grand Rapids, MI @ Orbit Room – Tickets

Fri/Nov-22 Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom – Tickets

Sat/Nov-23 Boston, MA @ House of Blues – Tickets

Sun/Nov-24 Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory – Tickets

Mon/Nov-25 Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE – Tickets

Tue/Nov-26 Silver Spring, MD @ The Fillmore Silver Spring – Tickets

*Testament will not be on the Los Angeles show. Support will be announced in mid-September.

Jason Spaceman, Drozd and Wayne The Wizard Wield Magic At Stage AE

July 21, 2013July 21, 2013 by Alan D. Welding, posted in Concert Review, Pictorial

The night had its share of “Tobacco”. Through the humid haze in Pittsburgh, Tobacco, of Black Moth Super Rainbow, kicked off the night with a vocoder laced syncopated DJ set with “out of line” visuals that certainly got the attention of most all, at Pittsburgh’s Stage AE. Even The Flaming Lips were amused by the tripped out performance as they stood stage left during most of Tobacco’s set. Reactions could be best described by looks of aghast, collective laughter and appreciation of the cutting edge performance.

We all were treated to a special set from Spiritualized. Jason “Spaceman” Pierce remained seated on the left side the stage and orchestrated his five piece band through a killer hour-long set . After the third song the “sound” of Spiritualized was locked in and they soared through staples like “Let It Flow” and “She Kissed Me”. It was great to have them back in Pittsburgh. They are truly one of the best British acts of our generation. Although Pierce was backed with solid players from the States. At the conclusion of their set I actually was thinking how are the Lips going to top that performance.

This night was all about guitarist-keyboardist, Steven Drozd the sonic wizard behind the enigmatic ever-changing band The Flaming Lips. Drozd has managed to sculpt the sound of the Lips over the past two decades. He provided the uptempo energy that their last studio release “The Terror” never really achieved. Stage AE seemed to be the setting they needed because this set was way better than the performance a few months back with The Black Keys at Consol Energy Center. Wayne Coyne urged the Pittsburgh fan base to “get them through the melancholy moments”. The crowd obliged and fueled the set with appreciative cat calls and cheers. By the time they knocked “Race For The Prize” The Lips were following Steven Drozd through a digital rainbow of rhythmic synth and warm washed-out guitar. Coyne’s voice was solid on this night as he handled “At War with the Mystics”, “The W.A.N.D.” and “Do You Realize??” with relative ease.

The Flaming Lips continue to be one of the most innovative bands both musically and visually. The question is “where do they go from here?” We actually have faith in them as long as Pittsburgh continues to be one of their frequent stops.

by Rob Eldridge

PMM

Flaming Lips Frontman Announces Comic Book “The Sun is Sick”/In PGH TONIGHT at STAGE AE!

July 16, 2013July 16, 2013 by Alan D. Welding, posted in Announcement/News, Pittsburgh Event

THE SUN IS SICK, ADULT-THEMED COMIC FROM FLAMING LIPS FRONTMAN, WILL BE AVAILABLE AT COMIC-CON 2013

Flaming Lips frontman Wayne Coyne has announced the release of his first ever comic book, entitledThe Sun Is Sick. The adult-themed comic is a 40-page 6 ½” x 8 ½” full-color psychedelic fantasy in classic comic book form. It will go on sale at Comic-Com 2013 (at the San Diego Convention Center) beginning July 18^th through 21^st in an extremely limited print run and is sure to sell out. After that,The Sun Is Sick will be available through the official LIPS web store only beginning July 22^nd where it will disappear fast.

WARNING!! The Sun Is Sick may be a comic book but make no mistake; this is not suitable for children and depending on what sort of person you are, it may not be suitable for some of you non-children either. If you have doubts at this moment then The Sun Is Sick is not for you. If you happen to be a LIPS fan that has enjoyed Wayne’s beautiful artwork in the past and like adult-themed comic books then by all means this instant Collector’s Item is waiting for you, but you better be quick.

PasteMagazine.Com will preview The Sun Is Sick on July 17^th, the day before Comic-Con 2013 opens and will include a feature with Coyne on the making of the book.

In other LIPS news, the band has been nominated for a 2013 AIM Independent Music Award for “Best Live Act.” AIM is a trade body established in 1999 to provide a collective voice for the UK’s independent music industry. THE LIPS are signed to Bella Union in the U.K.

Coyne is featured on a track called “The Perfect Life” on Moby’s new album Innocents, which will be released on Oct 1^st in the U.S.

The band are currently touring in support of their latest album THE TERROR. West Coast tour dates will be announced soon. For now, see tour dates below:

PGHMUSICMAG WILL SEE YOU TONIGHT AT STAGE AE!!!

07/16 Pittsburgh, PA Stage AE Outdoors (Spiritualized supports)

07/17 Lewiston, NY Artpark

07/23 Oklahoma City, OK Rock For Oklahoma Benefit / Chesapeake Arena

(with Kings Of Leon, Jackson Browne, Built to Spill and more)

07/25 Salt Lake City, UT Twilight Concert Series, Pioneer Park

07/27 Troutdale, OR McMenamins Edgefield

07/28 Seattle, WA Capitol Hill Block Party

07/30 Reno, NV Grand Sierra Resort & Casino

07/31 Costa Mesa, CA The Pacific Amphitheatre

08/01 Las Vegas, NV Bud Light Music First, House of Blues

08/17 Omaha, NE Maha Maha Festival

09/06 Isle Of Wight, UK Bestival

09/07 Stekene, Belgium Crammerock Festival

09/30 Boston, MA Agganis Arena (w/ Tame Impala)

10/01 New York, NY Terminal 5 (w/ Tame Impala)

10/02 New York, NY Terminal 5 (w/ Tame Impala)

10/03 Philadelphia, PA Penn’s Landing, Festival Pier (w/ Tame Impala)

10/04 Columbia, MD Merriweather Post Pavilion (w/ Tame Impala)

10/21 Tokyo, Japan Blitz

10/22 Tokyo, Japan Blitz

10/23 Osaka, Japan Hatch

10/24 Nagoya, Japan Club Diamond Hall

Additional West Coast tour dates will be announced soon. Keep an eye on www.flaminglips.com for details, new merch and important clues.

Soundgarden Announce Second Leg of US Tour Including Pittsburgh

February 26, 2013 by Alan D. Welding, posted in Pittsburgh Event

Fresh off the first leg of their critically acclaimed sold-out US tour supporting the release of their new record King Animal, Soundgarden have announced a second leg of dates (see below) including festival appearances at Carolina Rebellion and Rock on the Range. Tickets will be available via fan club pre-sale on Tuesday, February 26th. Password: CrookedSteps

Tour Dates:

May 3 Atlantic City, NJ @ Borgata

May 4 Washington, DC @ DC101 Chili Cookoff – RFK Stadium

May 5 Charlotte, NC @ Carolina Rebellion – Rockingham Speedway

May 7 Atlanta, GA @ Tabernacle

May 8 Atlanta, GA @ Tabernacle

May 10 Louisville, KY @ Louisville Palace

May 11 Indianapolis, IN @ WRZK Mayday Event – Klipsch Music Center

May 12 Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE Outdoors

May 14 West Long Branch, NJ @ The MAC at Monmouth University

May 15 Worcester, MA @ The Palladium

May 17 Wallingford, CT @ Toyota Presents Oakdale

May 18 Camden, NJ @ MMR-B-Q – Susquehanna Bank Center

May 19 Columbus, OH @ Rock On The Range Festival – Columbus Crew Stadium

May 21 St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant

May 22 Kansas City, MO @ Midland Theatre

May 24 Houston, TX @ Bayou Music Center

May 25 Austin, TX @ Austin Music Hall

May 26 Dallas, TX @ Palladium Ballroom

May 28 Broomfield, CO @ 1st Bank Center

Mayday Parade Enters Studio to Record New Album, Slated for Fall 2013 Release/ Stage AE April 20

January 11, 2013 by Alan D. Welding, posted in Announcement/News, Pittsburgh Event

Mayday Parade is excited to announce plans to head into the studio to record album number four, slated for a fall 2013 release with Fearless Records, which was premiered by MTV Buzzworthy earlier today.

“The band will start writing for our new record this month and will be releasing it later this year with Fearless Records. Fearless has always been family to us and we’re really happy to have that again. Exciting times!” – Jake Bundrick

ABOUT MAYDAY PARADE: For the past seven years, the members of Tallahassee, Florida’s Mayday Parade – Derek Sanders (Vocalist), Jeremy Lenzo (Bassist), Alex Garcia (Guitarist), Brooks Betts (Guitarist), and Jake Bundrick (Drummer) – have been perfecting their unique brand of pop-infected punk rock, a process that has garnered fans globally since their formation in 2005.

Debuting at #8 on the Billboard Heatseeker’s Chart with a chart position for 70 consecutive weeks, the band’s debut full-length A Lesson In Romantics (2007) set the path for Mayday’s success-to-come. Selling over 600,000 albums and 3,000,000 tracks worldwide, the band’s extensive discography also includes the release of Anywhere But Here (2009), followed by their self-titled album (2011), which debuted at #12 on the Billboard Top 200. The band has made appearances on numerous installations of the Punk Goes… series, including Punk Goes Acoustic 2, Punk Goes Pop Volume 2 & 3, with their most recent stunning rendition of Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used To Know” featured on Punk Goes Pop Volume 5.

The power-pop ensemble have recently announced North American tour dates alongside Pierce The Veil, All Time Low, & You Me At Six, to kick off on April 11th. The band has shared the stage with such acts like Plain White T’s, The Maine, We The Kings, We Are The In Crowd, Set Your Goals, and performed on both the Alternative Press and Vans Warped tours.

Spring Fever Co-Headliner Tour with Pierce The Veil, All Time Low, & You Me At Six
Apr 11 – Tulsa, OK @ Cain’s Ballroom
Apr 12 – Dallas, TX @ Palladium Ballroom
Apr 13 – San Antonio, TX @ Backstage Live
Apr 14 – Houston, TX @ Bayou Music Center
Apr 16 – St. Petersburg, FL @ Jannus Live
Apr 17 – Lake Buena Vista, FL @ House Of Blues
Apr 18 – Atlanta, GA @ The Tabernacle
Apr 19 – Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore Charlotte
Apr 20 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE
Apr 21 – Philadelphia, PA @ The Electric Factory
Apr 24 – New York, NY @ Best Buy Theatre
Apr 26 – Lowell, MA @ Paul E. Tsongas Arena
Apr 27 – West Long Branch, NJ @ The MAC at Monmouth University
Apr 28 – Towson, MD @ Towson Center Arena
Apr 30 – Rochester, NY @ Main Street Armory
May 1 – Detroit, MI @ The Fillmore
May 2 – St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant
May 3 – Chicago, IL @ Congress Theatre
May 4 – Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave
May 6 – Denver, CO @ Ogden Theatre
May 8 – Tempe, AZ @ Marquee Theatre
May 9 – Hollywood, CA @ Hollywood Palladium
May 10 – San Diego, CA @ SOMA
May 11 – San Diego, CA @ SOMA
May 12 – San Francisco, CA @ Warfield Theatre

LAMB OF GOD MANAGER RESPONDS TO BLYTHE INDICTMENT

December 3, 2012 by Alan D. Welding, posted in Announcement/News

As news breaks of Randy Blythe’s indictment on manslaughter charges in the Czech Republic, manager Larry Mazer responds with the following statement:

“After a three month investigation, the prosecutor in the Czech Republic has decided to move forward with an indictment of Randy Blythe on the charge of manslaughter with intent to cause bodily harm. Obviously, we intend to fight vigorously against these charges as we feel that in no way did Randy intend to cause bodily harm on the young fan who subsequently died from injuries sustained at the show. As he has stated previously, Randy intends to go to Prague to defend himself at trial.

While it is a tragedy that a Lamb of God fan died following a performance by the group, in no way do I feel that Randy did anything improper that led to the young man’s injuries and subsequent death. The price of a ticket to a show does not entitle audience members access to a band’s stage. In the years since the murder on stage of Dimebag Darrell Abbott, performers of all genres have had to become more guarded while performing in response to the dangers presented by fans trying to become part of the performance. We believe that Randy responded professionally to the numerous amount of fans rushing the stage that day, a number of them captured on videos that have been posted on the internet. We have testimony from the venue operator that acknowledges lax security and an improper barricade being used that evening. Numerous testimonies from fans also were contradictory as to the actions of the multiple fans that tried to access the stage.

At this point, all that the band, myself, and our lawyers can do is to present a defense and try to convince the panel of judges who will hear the case that Randy is innocent of all charges and that his name and reputation need to be cleared and that he be permitted to carry on with his life and career always mindful that a fan passed away after a Lamb of God performance”.

Lamb of God: Live Shots From Pittsburgh at Stage AE 11.27.12

November 30, 2012November 30, 2012 by Alan D. Welding, posted in Pictorial

Lamb of God setlist 11.27.12 Stage AE Pittsburgh, PA

Desolation
Ghost Walking
Walk With Me in Hell
Set to Fail
Ruin
Now You’ve Got Something to Die For
11th Hour
The Undertow
Omerta
Contractor
Encore:
The Passing
In Your Words
Laid to Rest
Redneck
Black Label

All photos property of AWeldingphoto, KBegleyphoto, and Pittsburgh Music Magazine copyright 2012

All That Remains Pittsburgh Pictorial

November 11, 2012 by Alan D. Welding, posted in Concert Review, Pictorial, Video

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Certainly well on their way to cracking the highest level of metal stardom is the band All That Remains. This is not the first time in the last few years that they have graced a Pittsburgh stage, and surely not to be the last, but their set was an impressively hard, fist pounding, circle trashing, metal mashup of musical bliss. Super fan friendly, hard working, and extremely talented ALT proved at Pittsburgh’s Stage AE why they just keep rising to the top.

“From cracking the Billboard Top 20, to joining the elite active rock radio fraternity, to being one of just a handful of acts to take part in the Rockstar Mayhem Festival, Ozzfest and Vans Warped Tour trifecta, the group has shattered previously-held expectations about just how far a band with roots in independent heavy metal can go – and with their fifth album, For We Are Many, it’s clear they’re only getting warmed up”.

untitled-669 — Hanging with lead singer Phillip Labonte at Stage AE

Guitarist Oli Herbert says For We Are Many was the group’s most challenging album to date, he believes the end result was worth the fight. “I feel we have a consistently strong album that has not left even the smallest detail to chance,” he says. Vocalist Phil Labonte agrees. “When we wrote the album, it was a really good time for the band creatively,” he says. “Mike (Martin, guitars), Oli and I have written four discs together now, so when we get together, it’s very easy to communicate ideas.”

untitled-679 — Talking to lead guitarist Oli after the show at Stage AE

While the album was again produced by Killswitch Engage guitarist and fellow Massachusetts native Adam Dutkiewicz (August Burns Red, Parkway Drive, As I Lay Dying) – who previously collaborated with the band on their second and third albums, This Darkened Heart (2004) and The Fall Of Ideals (2006) – For We Are Many sees All That Remains unafraid to experiment. One track (“Won’t Go Quietly”) includes a guitar solo featuring a talk-box; another sees the band utilize a Leslie speaker, which gives the Hammond B-3 organ its distinctive sound. “We weren’t afraid to be wrong,” Labonte says. “If we try something and don’t like it, no big deal – but if you don’t try it, you might miss something cool.”

Herbert praises Dutkiewicz for the professionalism he brought to the table. “Adam is a very gifted but demanding producer,” he says. “He can make you laugh, and then cry the next moment when he informs you of your continued failure. He does it in a joking manner, of course, but at the end of the day, nothing short of perfection is accepted under his watchful ear. This gave me comfort, in that only the best performances were used and I didn’t have to second-guess myself.”

Following the runaway success of 2008′s Overcome – which debuted at #16 on the Billboard Top 200 and yielded two top 20 active rock hit singles, “Forever In Your Hands” and “Two Weeks” (the latter of which peaked at #6) – many bands would get complacent, but All That Remains‘ decade-long fight for survival prepared them for the long haul. “We are a band that came up the hard way, and the first seven years were pure struggle,” admits Herbert. “Once big things started happening along the way, we have been greatly appreciative.” Labonte echoes the sentiment. “It’s been over 10 years since we started ATR, and it’s amazing that in this day and age, we’re still able to do this for a living,” he says. “It’s the most amazing, crazy, annoying, fun and rewarding job I can imagine, and we’re so grateful to the people who have been here all along, and to all the new people who are just getting into the band right now.”

After laying the groundwork for the release of Overcome with a summer-long stint on the 2008 Vans Warped Tour, All That Remains – which also features drummer Jason Costa and bassist Jeanne Sagan – toured aggressively around the globe, including North American stints with underground metal heroes (In Flames, Trivium), hard rock heavyweights (Slipknot, Disturbed) and screamo titans (The Devil Wears Prada) alike. The 2009 Rockstar Mayhem Festival, meanwhile, saw the group perform alongside a lineup that ranged from Bullet For My Valentine to Slayer. In recent weeks, All That Remains has played with everyone from Avenged Sevenfold, to Limp Bizkit, to Fear Factory, further proving the diverse appeal of the band’s unique mix of muscle and melody – something Herbert believes stems from the band’s unique mix of personalities. “The five of us are radically different people with completely different views on what we like, and the challenge is to make those differences meet somewhere in the middle,” he says.

As For We Are Many proves, never has compromise sounded so compelling. The album deftly shifts from the aggression of the title track, to the memorable hooks of “The Last Time” and first single “Hold On,” to the slow groove of the chorus of “Dead Wrong,” with infectious vocal melodies and fleet fingered yet tasteful guitar solos peppered throughout. Musically, the measured and precise riffing of Herbert and Martin and Costa’s complex rhythms compel throughout, as they surely will on stage when ATR kicks off an extensive touring cycle with As I Lay Dying, to be immediately followed by a headlining tour beginning in mid-October.

Having SoundScanned a combined half-million copies of their last two albums alone, All That Remains is poised to soar to new heights, but as For We Are Many proves, they’ll do so on their terms, without compromising the ideals and independence demonstrated during the band’s first decade of existence. “Every time a band gains more success,” Herbert says, “they are expected to live up to or surpass their previous effort – but we just wanted to make a consistently good album.” Clearly, sometimes modest goals yield immodest dividends.

-from All That Remains website

All photos property of AWeldingphoto, MPapphoto, and Pittsburgh Music Magazine

LAMB OF GOD Tickets Go On Sale this Weekend- Pittsburgh Show Stage AE November

September 19, 2012 by Alan D. Welding, posted in Tour

New Show Added in Glens Falls, New York

Cannibal Corpse Added in Columbus, Ohio

This weekend (September 21, 22) tickets for 36 of the 38 shows on the fall LAMB OF GOD tour will go on sale. The Atlanta show and the Kansas City show will go on sale the following weekend (September 28, 29). As previously announced, the tour starts October 30th in Phoenix, Arizona and runs to December 16th in Seattle, Washington. In Flames and Sylosis are on all of the dates with Hatebreed and HELLYEAH splitting the tour.

In conjunction with ESP guitars, LAMB OF GOD will be giving away a signed guitar in every market. The giveaway will be in conjunction with local media partners. For the Columbus show on December 2nd, Cannibal Corpse will replace HELLYEAH. A new show has been added November 15th in Glens Falls, New York at the Civic Center. Also, the Los Angeles show on October 31st will be at the Palladium.

For dates and tickets click here

HATEBREED Finish Tracking New Album and Embark on “10 Years of Perseverance” Tour

September 14, 2012September 14, 2012 by Alan D. Welding, posted in Announcement/News, Event

HATEBREED kicks off their “10 Years of Perseverance” tour tonight in Clifton Park, NY with direct support from Whitechapel and special guests All Shall Perish and Deez Nuts. The U.S. headline tour was launched to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the band’s ground-breaking 2002 major-label debut, Perseverance. See below for all current tour dates. In the coming months Pittsburgh will may have the opportunity to catch up with Hatebreed twice. The first time will be Oct. 11 at Stage AE and then November 27th with Lamb of God’s tour also at Stage AE.

HATEBREED is also offering an exclusive VIP Diehard Package that includes a Meet and Greet, Commemorative Diehard Laminate, Poster and more! Make sure to head over to www.hatebreed.com/VIP for all ticketing and VIP Diehard details.

HATEBREED just finished tracking their upcoming full-length album and are ready to begin the mixing process. The album is produced by the band with co-producer assistance from world-renowned metal producers Josh Wilbur (Lamb of God, Avenged Sevenfold) and Chris “Zeuss” Harris (Suicide Silence, All That Remains, Shadows Fall).

Guitarist Wayne Lozinak states, “I’m very excited that the album is tracked! It was a great experience working with Zeuss and Josh Wilbur on this one. Every song is heavy, straight and to the point, in keeping with the traditional HATEBREED sound. Can’t wait to put some of these songs in the set and start playing them live!”

HATEBREED bassist Chris Beattie went on to say, “This is the album that HATEBREED fans have been waiting for – catchy, ignorant and full of energy!”

HATEBREED w/ WHITECHAPEL, ALL SHALL PERISH & DEEZ NUTS:
Thu/Sep-13 Clifton Park, NY @ Upstate Concert Hall
Fri/Sep-14 Worcester, MA @ The Palladium
Sat/Sep-15 Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory
Sun/Sep-16 Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom
Mon/Sep-17 Buffalo, NY @ The Town Ballroom
Tue/Sep-18 Cleveland, OH @ House Of Blues
Wed/Sep-19 Chicago, IL @ House Of Blues
Thu/Sep-20 Lawrence, KS @ Granada Theater
Fri/Sep-21 Denver, CO @ The Summit Music Hall
Sat/Sep-22 Salt Lake City, UT @ In The Venue
Sun/Sep-23 Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory Concert House
Mon/Sep-24 Spokane, WA @ Knitting Factory Concert House
Tue/Sep-25 Seattle, WA @ Showbox at the Market
Wed/Sep-26 Portland, OR @ Wonder Ballroom
Thu/Sep-27 Sacramento, CA @ Ace of Spades
Fri/Sep-28 San Francisco, CA @ The Regency Ballroom
Sat/Sep-29 Pomona, CA @ The Fox Theater
Sun/Sep-30 San Diego, CA @ House of Blue
Mon/Oct-01 Tucson, AZ @ The Rock
Wed/Oct-03 Austin, TX @ Emo’s East
Thu/Oct-04 Dallas, TX @ House of Blues
Fri/Oct-05 Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live
Sat/Oct-06 New Orleans, LA @ House of Blues
Sun/Oct-07 Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade
Mon/Oct-08 Jacksonville, NC @ Hooligans
Tue/Oct-09 Charlotte, NC @ Amos’ Southend
Wed/Oct-10 Richmond, VA @ The National
Thu/Oct-11 Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE
Fri/Oct-12 Detroit, MI @ Harpo’s
Sat/Oct-13 Huntington, WV @ Whisky Rock (no Whitechapel)

After their headline tour, the band will be joining Lamb of God, In Flames and Sylosis on the road this fall from October 30th through November 19th. See directly below for those dates.

HATEBREED w/ LAMB OF GOD, IN FLAMES & SYLOSIS:
Tue/Oct-30 Phoenix, AZ @ Comerica Theater
Wed/Oct-31 Los Angeles, CA @ TBA
Thu/Nov-01 Las Vegas, NV @ House of Blues
Sat/Nov-03 Lubbock, TX @ Lonestar Pavilion
Sun/Nov-04 San Antonio, TX @ Sunken Garden
Mon/Nov-05 Oklahoma City, OK @ Diamond Ballroom
Wed/Nov-07 St. Louis, MO @ Pageant
Thu/Nov-08 Indianapolis, IN @ Egyptian Room
Fri/Nov-09 Milwaukee, WI @ Eagles Ballroom
Sat/Nov-10 St. Paul, MN @ Myth
Mon/Nov-12 Louisville, KY @ Expo Five
Wed/Nov-14 Stroudsburg, PA @ Sherman Theater
Fri/Nov-16 New York, NY @ Roseland
Sat/Nov-17 Silver Spring, MD @ Fillmore
Mon/Nov-19 Orlando, FL @ House of Blues

HATEBREED will be headlining the EMP presents Persistence Tour 2013 in Europe in January 2013. For more information, check out http://www.persistencetour.de.

EMP PERSISTENCE TOUR 2013
Jan-10 Berlin – Astra (Germany)
Jan-11 Lint – Eurocam Media Center (Belgium)
Jan-12 Oberhausen – Turbinenhalle (Germany)
Jan-13 Paris – Bataclan (France)
Jan-14 Saarbrücken – Garage (Germany)
Jan-15 Wiesbaden – Schlachthof (Germany)
Jan-16 Hamburg – Docks (Germany)
Jan-17 Stuttgart – Schleyerhalle (Germany)
Jan-18 Lichtenfels – Stadthalle (Germany)
Jan-19 Dresden – Event Werk (Germany)
Jan-20 Tilburg – O13 (Netherlands)

LAMB OF GOD Announces Fall U.S. Tour

September 5, 2012 by Alan D. Welding, posted in Announcement/News

IN FLAMES to Support HATEBREED and HELLYEAH Split Tour Appearances

SYLOSIS to Open

After a successful reunion with singer Randy Blythe at the two Knotfest shows in mid-August, LAMB OF GOD is pleased to announce a 38-date fall U.S tour starting October 30th in Phoenix, Arizona. Joining LAMB OF GOD as direct support for the entire tour is In Flames. Hatebreed will be joining the package from October 30th until November 19th at which point HELLYEAH will replace them for the remainder of the shows. British band Sylosis will open all dates. Due to Randy Blythe’s continuing legal situation, the band will not be able to perform in Canada on this tour but look forward to doing an entire Canadian run in the near future.

The tour will be the first U.S tour in support of the band’s CD, Resolution, which debuted at #3 upon its release in January, and will be the last tour dates of 2012. Tickets for the tour will begin to go on sale the weekend of September 21st.

Below are the dates for the tour:

Tue/Oct-30 Phoenix, AZ @ Comerica Theater
Wed/Oct-31 Los Angeles, CA @ TBA
Thu/Nov-01 Las Vegas, NV @ House of Blues
Sat/Nov-03 Lubbock, TX @ Lonestar Pavilion
Sun/Nov-04 San Antonio, TX @ Sunken Garden
Mon/Nov-05 Oklahoma City, OK @ Diamond Ballroom
Wed/Nov-07 St. Louis, MO @ Pageant
Thu/Nov-08 Indianapolis, IN @ Egyptian Room
Fri/Nov-09 Milwaukee, WI @ Eagles Ballroom
Sat/Nov-10 St. Paul, MN @ Myth
Mon/Nov-12 Louisville, KY @ Expo Five
Wed/Nov-14 Stroudsburg, PA @ Sherman Theater
Thu/Nov-15 TBA
Fri/Nov-16 New York, NY @ Roseland
Sat/Nov-17 Silver Spring, MD @ Fillmore
Mon/Nov-19 Orlando, FL @ House of Blues
Tue/Nov-20 Atlanta, GA @ Tabernacle
Wed/Nov-21 Charlotte, NC @ Fillmore
Fri/Nov-23 Wallingford, CT @ Oakdale Theater
Sat/Nov-24 Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory
Sun/Nov-25 Boston, MA @ House of Blues
Mon/Nov-26 Niagara Falls, NY @ Rapids Theater
Tue/Nov-27 Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE
Wed/Nov-28 Richmond, VA @ The National
Fri/Nov-30 Chicago, IL @ Congress Ballroom
Sat/Dec-01 Detroit, MI @ State Theater
Sun/Dec-02 Columbus, OH @ LC Pavilion (no HELLYEAH)
Mon/Dec-03 Grand Rapids, MI @ Orbit Room
Tue/Dec-04 Des Moines, IA @ Val Air Ballroom
Thu/Dec-06 Houston, TX @ Bayou Music Center
Fri/Dec-07 Dallas, TX @ Palladium Ballroom
Sat/Dec-08 Kansas City, MO @ Uptown Theater
Mon/Dec-10 Denver, CO @ Fillmore
Tue/Dec-11 Farmington, NM @ McGhee Park
Thu/Dec-13 San Francisco, CA @ Warfield
Fri/Dec-14 Medford, OR @ Medford Armory
Sat/Dec-15 Spokane, WA @ Knitting Factory
Sun/Dec-16 Seattle, WA @ Showbox SODO

Jane’s Addiction Leaves Pittsburgh With Lifetime Memories

August 23, 2012August 23, 2012 by Alan D. Welding, posted in Concert Review

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-All Photos Alan Welding

“I don’t want to leave. I like it here.” Thus spoke frontman of pre-grunge craze masters Jane’s Addiction, Perry Farrell. With an array of ambient lighting and a somewhat theatrical backdrop, the band delighted the Pittsburgh crowd with hits, hidden gems, and new favorites peppered with flavorful stage banter from Farrell, precision blistering fretwork from Navarro, and the ever constant tribal backbeat of Perkins. The original trio (plus bassist Chaney filling in for original member Avery) that shocked us out of our musical doldrums in the late eighties was more than ready to entertain and mystify the diehard fans, the curious, and the newfound fanatics with a “club-like” show that allowed everyone to feel up close and personal.
The eclectic Pittsburgh crowd brought together lovers of metal, classic rock, dance, funk, and a myriad of other genres to revel in the spectacle Janes’ has been producing for 27 odd years. Despite a few sound issues with vocals sometimes a bit low and one incident with Navarro’s speaker, the set was virtually flawless. With classics such as “Mountain Song”, “Been Caught Stealin'”, “Jane Says”, and “Three Days” any fan would be satisfied. Throw in throwbacks like “Whores”, “Summertime Rolls”, “Ocean Size”, and “Stop!” and you have your cake and eat it too. The icing could very well be performances of “Up the Beach”, “Chip Away” (with show openers Big Black Delta), and “Just Because” to top off one hell of an experience for all involved.
The band members truly seemed to be enjoying themselves, reveling in the opportunity to actually interact with the fans up close. Perry brought up The Steelers and The Pirates, seeming to be very aware that the town was finally doing well in baseball, and even donning a crowd thrown Pirate cap for awhile. He even remembered that old time Pirate Doc Ellis threw a no-hitter on LSD once and told the crowd how great of a video on YouTube Doc’s explanation is and threw in to his cohort Navarro, “Hey we played some great shows on LSD!”. Farrell truly was the ring master of the evening, dancing and gyrating his way through the tunes and keeping everyone on their feet. Of course, guitarist Dave Navarro was mesmerizing, not only for his guitar work and showmanship, but for his physical beauty as well. And in the pocket as always was one of the most truly underrated drummers of rock, Stephen Perkins, who is really mind-blowingly talented. Without Perkins, Janes’ could never really pull off their signature sound. Of course bassist Chris Chaney makes a great rhythmic pair for Perkins and hold his own as well.
The night’s highlights were certainly the acoustic jam of “Jane Says” with the entire crowd singing along, the spiritual journey that is “Three Days”, and the in your face power of “Whores” and “Ain’t No Right”. Farrell strayed a bit from the normal vocalization of “Been Caught Stealin'” which may have bummed some fans, and some of the onstage theatrics during one of the songs, that included repeated beatings of baby dolls, may have left some of the less artfully motivated a bit confused- but all in all the show was simply amazing. As a whole this was the type of show you start with, “I saw Janes’ Addiction play club style once at Stage AE” and maybe the little whipper snappers you tell the tale to will be enthralled that someone they once thought was uncool was way more hip than all of them combined. Long live Jane’s Addiction.

God Forbid Makes a Lasting Impression on Pittsburgh

August 16, 2012 by Alan D. Welding, posted in Pictorial

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God Forbid truly dominated at Metal Hammer’s “Trespass America Festival” that landed in Pittsburgh August 14. Check out their new CD Equilibrium- it may be their finest work to date and proves why God Forbid is at the top of the metal game.

God Forbid forges the gritting, teeth-baring bile of American death metal together with the melodic overtones of the so-called “New Wave of Swedish Death Metal” promulgated by bands like In Flames, Arch Enemy, and the late, lamented, and legendary At the Gates. Equal parts Pantera, Hatebreed, and early Sepultura, the central New Jersey based band have carved out a name for themselves touring with the formidable likes of Cradle of Filth, Nile, and Candiria, and playing gigs with bands as diverse as Sevendust, Sick of it All, Soul Brains, and Shadows Fall. God Forbid’s music cuts a clear, brutal path through metal’s inter-genre barriers as swiftly as the band’s diverse ethnic makeup cuts across color lines. The men of God Forbid — hulking, imposing vocalist Byron Davis; bassist Beeker; drummer Corey Pierce; and the brotherly guitar team of Doc Coyle and his older sibling Dallas — first emerged with the Out of Misery EP in 1998. Their debut full-length album, Reject the Sickness, followed in 2000 through the small but fierce indie imprint 9 Volt Records. The album received a ton of spins on New Jersey/New York-area metal radio powerhouse WSOU, and eventually garnered the attention of the L.A. offices of Century Media Records, who quickly signed God Forbid to a worldwide deal. The result was 2001’s Determination album, a sharp, crisp, and incredibly focused effort showcasing the band’s songwriting talents and penchant for diverse musical interplay and technical wizardry. Subsequent touring with some of the biggest acts in metal and hardcore music followed, solidifying God Forbid’s position as an up-and-coming contender for a highly regarded position amongst metal’s most elite. Even Cradle of Filth vocalist Dani Filth was suitably impressed, reveling in the band’s intensity and commenting on it nightly from the stage while touring across the States alongside them. That same year, the Reject the Sickness EP was reissued with extra tracks as the band embarked on tours with Opeth and crossed the pond for sold-out U.K. and European shows (Ryan Downey http://www.allmusic.com/artist/god-forbid-mn0000666117).

In 2004, they released Gone Forever, which along with a slot on Ozzfest’s second-stage, increased their profile considerably. The next year, they released IV: Constitution of Treason, a concept album about the end of the world. It was their first album to enter the Billboard 200, debuting at number 118. In 2005 and 2006, they supported Trivium on their UK tour along with Mendeed and Bloodsimple. In late 2006 and early 2007, they headlined the Chains of Humanity tour.
In 2006, God Forbid’s “To the Fallen Hero” won the Independent Music Award for Best Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Song. They released a DVD on June 10, 2008, and their fifth studio album, Earthsblood, was released on February 24, 2009, and landed at number 110 on the Billboard 200. God Forbid toured across the United States and Canada in the No Fear Energy Music Tour featuring Lamb of God and others in April.
In March 2009, Dallas Coyle left the band. His replacement for the upcoming tour was named as former Darkest Hour guitarist Kris Norris. He was later replaced by Matt Wicklund. In July 2009, God Forbid participated in the Rockstar Mayhem Festival along with Trivium, Bullet for My Valentine, Cannibal Corpse, All That Remains, Slayer, Marilyn Manson and many others.
In April 2010, the band issued an update that they started work on a new album. The new album is titled Equilibrium and was released on March 26, 2012 (wikipedia).

Battlecross Draw The Line in Pittsburgh

August 15, 2012 by Alan D. Welding, posted in Concert Review, Pictorial

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Battlecross opened up The Trespass America Festival yesterday in Pittsburgh at Stage AE and proved they are a force to be reckoned with. With an onslaught of metal music pointed right at your ears, this band is sure to be headlining the festival stages in very short order. The Pittsburgh crowd was completely lost in abandon when the powerful music belted them full throttle. It was readily apparent what an impression the band made on the crowd by the enormous line gathering up CD’s, posters, t-shirts, and autographs. Battlecross is a group of musicians who are very gracious, fan friendly, and hard working in their pursuit of metal domination. If you missed them be sure to take the short road trip to Wheeling West Virginia where they will be playing a club date in September (http://www.metalblade.com/battlecross/). Definitely check out their new LP Pursuit of Honor. PMM gives it pure heavy metal hands up.

With the mindset to create a sonic metal assault unlike any other, childhood friends, Tony Asta and Hiran Deraniyagala, set forth on the path to shred and abandoned the idea of following any trends. The guitar slinging duo brought an infused style of old school metal with dark elements of thrash and death metal and destined to find the right members.

Struggling for years to find reliable and dedicated members, the true formation of BATTLECROSS was born in 2007 when Drummer Mike Kreger responded a want ad, and added a machine-like, brutal precision on the drums, and proved to be just the right match for Tony and Hiran’s mature and technical style of thrash. Bringing a whole new level of musicianship and intensity with his quick finger picking and tasty solos, Bassist Don Slater joined the group, bringing a skill and technique that impresses even the most prolific bassists. The thrash metal band was finally complete when popular area vocalist, Kyle “Gumby” Gunther joined the band. Known for his command of the stage and alternating deep growls with high pitched screams, Gumby punishes the audience and inspires pits of rage.

Together, the five-piece create an unforgettable and energetic live show that decimates their audience with raw energy and persistence, that has earned a style of their own: “Blue Collar Thrash Metal”, in reference to the hard-working, ‘never give up’ attitude of those who hail from the Motor City.

This reputation for technical talent, humility and kick ass live shows resonated throughout the regional metal scene and BATTLECROSS soon became a fan and band favorite. Sharing the stage with the likes of Dying Fetus, GWAR, Devil Driver, The Absence, Vital Remains, The Faceless and Metal Fests throughout the Midwest, BATTLECROSS began to bang heads nationally with a nod from MySpace-A Place for Metal’s 2008 ‘Best Unsigned Metal Band’ contest, for being ‘Metal Sucks’ worthy, Mike Kreger’s crowning as Sickdrummer.com & Zildjian’s ‘Sickest Dirt Fest Drummer’ and featured on local, national and global metal radio.

After years of persistence and dedication, BATTLECROSS is celebrating their hard work and prolific future by signing with Metal Blade Records. “We are extremely honored to join such a respected label and humbled by their belief in our music. We’re stoked to be part of a label that has a great roster of bands we all admire and respect!” says Tony. Hiran adds, “We understand the hard work and pavement pounding that is required of a Metal Blade band and we are going to work our asses’ off to show the world what we’re about”

Kyle ‘Gumby’ Gunther – Vocals
Tony Asta – Guitar
Hiran Deraniyagala – Guitar
Mike Kreger – Drums
Don Slater – Bassist

KORN PITTSBURGH 6/19/2012

June 20, 2012June 20, 2012 by Alan D. Welding, posted in Event, Music, Music review

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Korn’s return to Pittsburgh to promote The Path of Totality (featuring Skrillex) took a cue from the experienced: ‘new stuff is fine, but what we really want are the hits’. Although their opening acts of J DEVIL (Korn frontman Davis as his alter ego) and EDM artist SLUGGO stayed with their very new and profitable direction of dub step sounds, Korn knows where their bread and butter will always lay. Their set opened with a video (that was really just to set the mood) and then straight into barn-burners such as ‘Divine’, ‘Predictable’, and ‘Good God’. The crowd was intensely fired up and raucous from the get-go. The mosh pit breathed with its own fire and lifeblood to the security’s dismay. This is the kind of stuff a Pittsburgh crowd lives for and stays loyal to their favorite bands to see.
Newcomer to the group Ray Lazier is a West Newton boy and it was great to see him soaking up his hometown crowd with his family and friends. But, the rest of the Korn boys are no stranger to Pittsburgh and it’s ilk. Having spent time with Fieldy and former member Head during their Lollapalooza in ’97 (and a next week following visit to their former friends in Limp Bizkit at the Warped Tour), it is quickly acquiesced that their fans are most important. Jonathan Davis was spot on in his vocal range and produced an Energizer Bunny like performance. Sound was top notch as evidenced by the ‘second half’ of the set which ventured into the newest material. Pulling off the dub step sound, yet retaining metal funk mastery, Korn proved why they took the gamble to tweak their sound and collaborate with Skrillex. When the hit ‘Get Up’ came up in the set the audience’s heads where mimicking their heroes head throws, others moshed, and quite a few danced the night away.
The third act of the show went back to basics and churned out ‘Here to Stay’, ‘Freak on a Leash’, ‘Falling Away From Me’, and what may have been the shows highlight, their cover of Pink Floyd’s ‘Another Brick in the Wall’ from their 2004 greatest hits collection. The live version puts the studio track to shame and was stunning in sound and musicianship. Korn’s encore ‘Shoots and Ladders’, ‘Got the Life’ and of course the song that took them from Bakersfield, CA and put them on the path to fame: ‘Blind’.
It will be interesting what direction Korn takes next, but wherever their next venture leads, it is sure to be worth it to catch it live and in person. For a band that has been in the industry for as long as they have to continue to take risks, survive personnel losses and personal issues, and continue to keep their fans in mind and heart it is impressive they do not ‘mail it in’ but fight with artistic integrity to stay Kings of the Hill.

Review and photos: Alan D. Welding

photos of JDEVIL coming soon!

Girl Talk Throws One Hell of a Party in Pittsburgh

June 15, 2012 by Alan D. Welding, posted in Concert Review, Event, Music

I first met Gregg Gillis when he performed with an electronica/experimental band at a talent show. Gregg went to Chartiers Valley High School in Pittsburgh where I teach. If you ask any of his former teachers or alumni they will all say the same, ‘Great guy. Really quiet.’ But when he performs as his stage name “Girl Talk” Gregg is far from quiet. He throws the best party with the best party tunes. Not a soul at Stage AE was sitting, they were too busy moving their entire bodies to the undulating rhythms pounding their brains.

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All photos aweldingphoto.com

If you have an opportunity to check him out (and be aware he sells out quick) you are in for the party night of your lifetime…

The following is an excerpt from The Pittsburgh Post Gazette Elliot Alpern / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

“For me, the pressure’s always on with the Pittsburgh show — I want to make it something special,” Mr. Gillis said. “We’re going to be trying to go as big as we’ve ever gone at any festival; that’s how I’m approaching this particular show. There should be some unique surprises.”
The 30-year-old artist is known for blending samples of music — often different genres — into one cohesive piece. And though many of his contemporaries take the stage with a previously determined set of music, Girl Talk triggers and mixes each of the samples live, on-stage, which can pose obstacles for other aspects of the show.
A feature of his performances for the past year and a half, Girl Talk has utilized a large screen to play video clips and live feed from the concert. But because his music has an element of spontaneity, syncing the video with the audio can be a challenge.
“It’s really a guy clicking those triggers in real time,” Mr. Gillis said. “Sometimes, there’s variation in my set, and he needs to, on the fly, change it up or extend something or loop something over.”
Mr. Gillis ventured into the art of deejaying while attending Chartiers Valley High School. He studied tissue engineering at Case Western University, eventually working as a biomedical engineer, but he decided to quit to focus on the project he had started in college: Girl Talk.
With his special style of composition — deftly fusing modern hits with vintage classics — Girl Talk must have a finger on the vein of American pop music. That means scouting up-and-coming pop songs as possible influences for his music — including, he described, a few making the rounds as we speak.
“I like the new Wiz Khalifa song, ‘Work Hard, Play Hard,’ ” Mr. Gillis said. “I think that will be a bigger and bigger hit as the weeks go on. … I really like that song ‘Cashin’ Out’ by the artist Cash Out. It’s very bizarre to me. It’s kind of like an R&B hook. Not to insult the song, but it has kind of an amateur quality to it. But it’s very appealing in the sing-songy rap — it’s reminiscent of D4L’s ‘Laffy Taffy.’ ”
And with his wide breadth of knowledge about the pop music world, Girl Talk has a couple of guesses about the next big breakout.
“I think, from the rap world, Chief Keef definitely has the most buzz right now,” Mr. Gillis saud. “He’s definitely a street rapper, so I don’t think he’ll be a pop star any time soon, but he could definitely be the next Waka Flocka [Flame] character. These rappers, like Meek Mill or 2 Chainz, are really popular, but not necessarily recognizable faces on the pop chart yet, but those are definitely the guys most likely to be everywhere in the next couple years.”
Look for those names to be in the mix for Girl Talk records in the future. Mr. Gillis still finds time to work on material for his future releases, even during the heavy workload of the tour — and as he explained, he is trying out a new direction for his music.
“I’ve been working on a little bit of material, for the first time in the past five years, that isn’t geared for the live show,” Mr. Gillis said. “The past few months, I’ve stepped outside of that. I’ve been working on some stuff that’s a little different — still sample-based, just slightly more obscure source material. And also, when I am using popular material, I’m just using it in a different way. I’m not sure where that’s going to go, but I definitely have been motivated on that material, so that could become a next release at some point.”
But for now, buckle down on Saturday to witness something that had been building for more than a year and a half: Girl Talk’s homecoming.