Mudvayne, 10 Years and Snot @ The Electric Factory - Philly, PA
Kicking off the night was the "re-united" Snot, with Tommy “Vext
Cummings (ex-Divine Heresy) now on vocals. It was great to see this
metal punk band back together, playing the old songs live again. Their
sets was in true Snot fashion, with their crazed energetic stage
antics, including splitting the room in two, just to have each side
charge each other, creating one massive pit. Through out the madness,
they never missed a beat and delivered a set that I’m sure made Lynn
Strait (former singer- RIP) proud.
Next up was Knoxville, TN, alt-metal act, 10 Years. With a more radio
friendly sound, their set put a different twist on the evening with a
more hard rock vibe. They are currently out on tour in support of their
latest release, “Division” out on Universal Republic Records. Their live set provided a strong melodic
sound which was packed full of emotions felt throughout the club. According to the band's Myspace blog, they have started to gathering new song ideas for their next album, but stated that they would not be starting the recording process for a while yet. They do insist that the new material would be their heaviest to date.
The crowd's anticipation was at it's peek as the lights went out and the
spotlight was on the main attraction as Mudvayne was about to take the
stage... While it has been nearly 3 years between tours, Mudvayne is
back, roaring from the get go, 
picking up as if they were never really
gone for very long. Musicially, they were solid, as they were armed with an
impressive and energetic sound that lives up to what they are noted
for. Visually, vocalist Chad Gray stood out as the beacon as he took the
stage in the bright red fur suit from the "Do What You Do" video (first single off the newest
album, "New Game"). Guitarist Greg Tribbett also took a twist on a
clock-work orange type face paint. Later on, Gray changed into the old
LD50 overhalls, bringing it back to the early Mud days of "Dig" and
"-1."
Over all, the band seemed tight and together more than ever as
one solid unit. If you missed this first tour outing of Mudvayne, look
for them in early 2009, as they will team up with NONPOINT and IN THIS
MOMENT.
Be sure to check out our PHOTO GALLERY from the show:
For more information, visit:
Mudvayne: mudvayne.com or myspace.com/mudvayne
10 Years: 10yearsmusic.com or myspace.com/10years
Snot: snottheband.com/ or myspace.com/snot
Posted by Nadine Swiger ::
The night continued as the one-man act William Elliot Whitmore took the stage. With his dark, dreary, almost droning melodic voice he put together a set I never could have known could be accomplished with just an acoustic guitar or banjo. Mr. Whitmore's dark and some times morbid lyrics were just a tease of what was to come for the rest of the night. He went on to talk about his last time in Buffalo when he and Murder by Death had played the very same Venue. Adam Turla from Murder by Death went on to elaborate much further about that infamous night in their set The crowd grew close to the very intimate set as if a spell was placed on them by the stories WEW was conveying onto them with his voice. He concluded the set with a new song that will be appearing on his release "Animals in the Dark" which will be released on Feb. 17th of next year.
After a brief issue with Adam from MBD being shocked by the microphone. MBD began their set as Mr. Turla grab his guitar and announced it was "going to be an electrifying performance by Murder by Death," in reference to the microphone shocking him on every syllable. The opening song "52 Ford" a song that seemed to spotlight the electric cello talents of Sarah Balliet. Next up was the song "Sometimes the Line Walks You" off of their release: "In Bocca El Lupo." An album referenced by Turla as a concept album based on "a basic ideas in, 'in the Dante/Divine comedy sense'and doing 12 songs that are very unique and about different people." After a little interaction with the crowd; including the gift of a sock to cover the shock of the microphone to which Adam decided that he kind of preferred the shock MBD went right into "Ball and Chain" with featured more Cello extravagance. It was very evident how the References to Nick Cave and Johnny Cash are construed about Turla's voice and singing structure. This was followed by another song off their newest release: "Red Of Tooth And Claw" entitled "Rumbrave" which was followed by "A Masters in Reverse Psychology" their first trip back to their sophomore release "Who Will Survive, And What Will Be Left Of Them?"
The band took a short break and Adam decided to tell a story about their experience last the night before since they had a hotel and were able to drink. They decided to play a drinking game called the wizard's staff. You can look that up for yourself but it was professed that drummer Dagan Thogerson eventually won the game. Then friends they met the last time they played at The Mohawk Place proceeded to hand out shots to the whole band triggering another story that ended with an oven following on William Elliot Whitmore's head. Thank god he was able to survive that episode to entertain us this evening. The second part of the set included their lead single "Fuego!," "Steal Away" and a cover of WEW's "One Man's Shame." The latter being available as one side of a split seven-inch split with Whitmore's interpretation of MBD's "Dynamite Mine." This section of the set was concluded with a very energetic rendition of "Ash"
Story and shot time again; This time about how they left Sarah's electric Cello at The Mohawk Place the last time they played and their tour manager had to drive back to get while Sarah was left to only play piano that night in Cleveland. It would be hard to imagine a show with out the mystique of how she plays the Cello and is able to swap right to the piano without missing a note. This portion of the set included "Brother," the Piratesque "Dead Men and Sinners" and "Organ Grinder." Followed by "The Big Sleep" which is an epic tale of a criminal who is sentenced to leave his family for the electric chair but not without "shoebox full of money of which (he) never earned a dime." The set concluded with "Until Morale improves The Beatings Will Continue," a song that Whitmore contributed guest vocals to on the studio cut, and was closed out with "Comin' Home"
It was a packed house when Five Finger Death Punch pulled into Clifton Park on Monday, October 20th. The crowd size
and support was not surprise, as FFDP had ripped up the stage this past summer, drawing huge crowds to the second
stage of the Rockstar Energy Mayhem tour. Live, they set the mood which gets the fist in the air and the crowd
chanting, even before the band takes the stage.
It was a diverse night of metal as we caught the Death By Decibels tour, featuring Keep of Kalessin, Eluveitie, Dying Fetus and Kataklysm at the Palladium in Worcester MA.
Eluvietie is a 7-piece folk/pagan metal band from Switzerland which
take their roots from ancient Celtic traditions. Which makes this band
stand out as truly unique. How many metal bands do you see with a Hurdy Gurdy
player, who headbangs none the less?? This is defineitly one band that
has grabbed the attention of the US metal scene. Out in support of
their latest album, Slavia, look for them to continue their tour over sees, where at the end of the
year, they look to start a new acoustic album, bringing in new
instruments to the mix. Be sure to catch our interview for more info.
Headlining the night was Montreal's Kataklysm. As they head out on the road In support of their new album, "Prevail" on Nuclear Blast Records, this is the first headlining tour for Kataklysm in 4 Years. Kataklysm is noted for their brutal, melodic, technical and progessive elements they bring to their Death Metal Style. Check out the inteview that we did with Jean-Francois Dagenais (guitarist) before the show.
Closing out the celebration of The New York State Fair, which is the oldest and third largest state fair in the USA, Flyleaf played a free show in the Chevrolet Court. While on stage back in Texas,
their hometown was being pounded by Hurricane Gustav. Vocalist, Lacey Mosley
lead the crowd to send heart-felt thoughts out to their family, friends, and neighbors who were going through a hard time.
Motley Crue closed out the summer rock concert series at Saratoga Performing Art Center in Saratoga Springs NY on August 29 as they headlined the Crue
Festival. Others on the bill: Buckcherry, Papa Roach, Sixx Am and Trapt.
show and pyros to boot. Overall it was good time of American Rock . Motley Crue release their ninth studio album, "Saints
of Los Angeles" in June 2008; this album was recorded with the band's original lineup. With 2 days left of The Crue fest (both in PA), Motley Crue will head
back out in October. Crüe fans should be on the look out for the release of their movie, "The Dirt" in 2009, which is based on the book written by Motley
Crue and Neil Strauss. Rumor has it that Christopher Walken has been cast as Ozzy Osbourne and Val Kilmer as David Lee Roth.
Buckchery is currently on tour in support of their latest album "Black Butterfly" album on Eleven-Seven Music/Altlantic Records. This fall, you can catch
them on the road with Avenged Sevenfold, Shinedown and Saving Abel as the tour will be kicking off on September 19th in Nobelsville, IN and will continue
across North America into October.
"Metamorphosis" Spring 2009 (originally was Fall 2008). You can catch them this fall out on the road
with Staind and Seether, starting October 4th in Maryland.
Living Dead reminds me of a young version of NIN meets Gravity Kills meets Orgy and the early days of Marilyn Manson to name a few.
Standing for individuality, freedom, and motivating society to think for themselves, the Living Dead have a set attitude. They will be releasing their latest album, “America The Beautiful” on June 20th for their hometown crowd, at the show in Toledo, OH. The album will be available at the remainder of the tour with Hanzel und Gretyl.
Hanzel Und Gretyl transports their own revolution to the stage, with a blend of death metal and industrial mayhem. Don’t let the German lyrics fool you; HUG are from NYC (although vocalist, Vas lived in Germany for several years). The German influence leads them to great chants and command of their crowds, as they use over-the-top parodies of German Nazi clichés, displayed in a very American way, which are innocent and to be taken as fun while they
mix it into Sci-Fi antics. I guess not everyone got their joke and ironically enough, their albums have been banned in Germany.
Circle. On the album, Billy Howerdel played almost every instrument used
(vocals, guitar, bass guitar, keyboard), along side of Josh Freese who was on
drums and Devo Keenan who was on the cello (the son of Maynard Keenan -
Tool/A Perfect Circle). The album also featured drummer Dean Sainz, ( Johnette
Napolitano), Matt Skiba (Alkaline Trio) and bassist Paz Lenchantin (ex- A
Perfect Circle). Their debut album is "Keep Telling Myself It's Alright" which was released in April. Live, their set was packed full of emotion. This
is one of those bands, that I would say to keep your eye on.
single "Ten Ton Brick." Live, Hurt improvises, shapes and molds their
music, where it is a different form from the original recording. For an
example, the intro for "Summers Lost," could of passed for a different
interpretation of "House Carpenter."Recently, (May) they parted ways with
their bassist and picked up Rek Mohr (ex-Leo) as their replacement which
appears seamless. Hurt is currently out on their headlining tour until June
21st. Keep an eye out for when they come through your town.
Second to take the stage, Memphis TN’s EGYPT CENTRAL in support of their self-titled debut, produced by Josh Abraham (Linkin Park, Korn, Velvet Revolver), which came out back in January (2008). Their current single, "You Make Me Sick" is climbing up the modern rock charts as it makes it’s mark, lighting up the phone request lines as their catchy guitar riffs get stuck in your head. Check out their video on myspace (http://www.myspace.com/egyptcentral) as it’s a fair representation of what this band is like live. They will be on 
Third up: FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH. They hit the stage with brass knuckles on, kicking the crowd’s energy in motion!! Earlier in the year, FFDP had to cancel 2 months of tour dates, due to their singer developing calluses on his vocal chords. He didn’t miss a note and his vocals were back stronger than ever. Although their set was cut a little short, they left a lasting impression on everyone in the club. FFDP's debut album, "The Way of the Fist", has sold more than 90,000 copies since coming out last summer (debuting it while on the Family Values tour). They will continue on tour with Drowning Pool until April 25; then they will jump on tour with Disturbed on April 27th. Look for FFDP this summer on the Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival which starts in July.
Fourth up: Drowning Pool. They are out on the road in support of their third album, "Full Circle."
The album is the bands recording debut of new singer Ryan McCombs (ex-Soil). This was our first chance at seeing them live with Ryan. He puts his own twist on the band, yet it compliments them nicely. They will continue to tour across the US until May 25, 2008. Then head out to Australia until June 4th, then back on the road to Canada Montreal June 22, 2008.
Last up: Nonpoint. Vocalist, “Elias Soriano� made the comment on stage that it seemed like they were here in Clifton Park last week. It was actually a few months ago, but the crowd couldn’t get enough either way! Out in support of their latest release, "Vengeance,"on Bieler Bros Records.May 10, Nonpoint will be headlining "The Most Wanted" tour in Houston, TX with
THE EXIES, DEEPFIELD and UNDER THE FLOOD. 
will continue throughout North America with their last show on April 18th in Tempe, Az. We got to catch up with this unique lineup in Clifton Park, NY...
with front woman Alexis Brown. She has powerful clean vocals and brutal growls which complement their music style nicely. Currently out in support for their upcoming album, "When Skies Wash Ashore".
their new song,"Absent Are The Saints" exclusively on Myspace Metal: 
Fourth band to take the stage brought a British Invasion; but definitely not the type you will find in our American Pop Culture. Hailing from Birmingham, England comes metal pioneers Napalm Death. For over 2 and a half decades, Napalm Death have invented and crafted grindcore! They have proven to outlast any trend while never compromising
their style. This tour is a treat for any metal head to see in a club setting.
Last to take the stage, from Santa Barbara California, was DEVILDRIVER. Out in support of their third album, "The Last Kind Word" on Roadrnnner Records. This is their first headlining tour since the new album was released.
The mosh pit couldn't get much bigger at the Northern Lights Nightclub on Jan 25. HellYeah kicked off the second leg of their headlining tour,
"More Balls, More Volume, More Strength tour." HellYeah shared the stage this time with Machine Head, NonPoint and Bury Your Dead.
Then, exploding on stage was Machine Head, which sent the crowd into a state of euphoric chaos!!! Their unrelenting brutality can not be ignored!!! Last year proved to be a rewarding one for Machine Head, they gained astronomical reviews for their latest 
album "The Blackening." After 12years and 8 albums, the buzz created well deserved attention, which in turn led them to win several
international awards including "Best International Album" at the Danish Metal Awards to their Grammy nomination for "Best Metal Performance." MH ended up on several "End of The Year/ Best of" lists including Kerrang!, Metal Hammer, Terrorizer, Revolver, Metal Maniacs, Decibel, and Guitar World to name a few for their album and live performances. If you haven't seen MH, especially in support of "The Blackening," you have no idea just how much you are missing out!!
Finally to take the stage, was the well anticipated headliner, HellYeah.
describe it that way. What started out as something for fun has turned into a metal beast, taking on a life of its own. From the moment the
band took the stage to the last song, the crowd was one giant pit, leaving out only the back edge near the door. The sweat drenched metalheads
left with a night full of ultimate gratification.