Marty Friedman is on tour right now with his Live Drama 2025 and he brought Patrick Kennison and Nikki Stringfield on tour with them. 

Nikki and Patrick opened up the show with an amazing acoustic set, I’ve got to see both of them many times with their other bands but this was the first time seeing them perform together and it was magical. I loved the way they not only complemented each other vocally with harmonies and more but just the feeling of love on the stage as well. We got to hear some great songs like “Where Demons Lie” and “Numbered” which is about addiction issues and dedicated to Layne Staley. We also got to hear an Iron Maiden cover “Aces High”.  

Marty and his band came out on stage and if you’re into high energy and some mind blowing shreds, this is a tour for you. I love that Marty’s band is backed by some amazing Japanese musicians and probably one of my favorite drummers Chargeee, (he’s Insane while playing the drums: he’s like the live action version of Animal from the muppets) 

I loved that Marty is from the area and was talking to his band mates about it and the laurel area. There was one time when Marty’s guitar player Naoki played the lead that Marty was supposed to play then they had an argument all in Japanese (the one time I wish subtitles was a real thing) the other band mates gave him the finger then Marty started to shred. 

I just the energy that’s on the stage it doesn’t stop and it’s so infectious. The crowd at rams head on the stage were in full capacity for the show and ready to rock and roll with Marty. 

We got to hear some of the softer more romantic side of Marty and the band when they played a few songs off the “Drama” album which was fun as well. 

It’s insane to watch someone like Marty shred in a small intimate venue, you really get to see how amazing he really is and the passion he has for his craft.  

About Author

Ron

Ron has keen eye for new talent, a love for the underground, and a tremendous passion for music of any genera. You’ll probably bump into him at a horror convention or some seedy club checking out the next need-to-know band.

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ITS THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN WHEN THE POWERS TO BE GATHER FOR THE MOST BAD ASS OF TIME. YES ITS THAT TIME FOR ANOTHER NIGHTMARE AFTER XMAS.

OF COURSE YOU HAVE SPELLBOOK AND WRATH OF TYPHON ON THE BILL, AND HEADLINING PRINCE DIAMOND (This year doing an all Mercyful Fate set) WE ALSO GOT SABBATH WARLOCK AND ZAUBEREI AS WELL.

EMPIRE EXTREME also did another interview with Wrath of Typhon and also an interview with Nate of Spellbook.

About Author

Ron

Ron has keen eye for new talent, a love for the underground, and a tremendous passion for music of any genera. You’ll probably bump into him at a horror convention or some seedy club checking out the next need-to-know band.

See author's posts

What’s up, my friends and fellow metalheads? Klownz is back for yet another Empire Extreme review comin’ at you from the Fillmore in the heart of Minneapolis. I want to say something before we get into the shenanigans that transpired last night. I was very excited to cover this show and a little nervous, but overall it was AMAZING!

So to start off the show, arriving at the venue, I was taken aback by how much the crowd was much older than I am used to, so that really made me feel right at home. I thought it was awesome to see such dedicated fans of Kerry King. We will get into that in a few, but first I want to draw your attention to the first band on the lineup.

Alien Weaponry! These young gentlemen from the heart of New Zealand did not disappoint at all. This is my first time seeing these guys, and I was so blown away I needed to find my head because it was completely blown off my shoulders. These young rascals did an amazing job, and they really know how to get the crowd eating out of their hands, and I was definitely one of them. I believe this band is the new-aged Sepultura, and I stand by that statement. They played their new single, “Mau Moko,” and ended it with one of my favorites, “Kai Tangata.”. To be honest, I think I pulled a muscle while headbanging!

After that there was a band, and to be honest, I had never heard of Municipal Waste before. I had no idea what to expect, but wow! They were amazing; the lead singer had so much energy I needed a nap after watching him run around. They are a mix between ska, punk, speed metal, and of course, good old 80’s thrash hairband metal. I loved these guys. Their onstage antics definitely kept the crowd enticed and energized for the main event!

The headliner needs no introduction that will do him justice as one of the founding members of the immortal band SLAYER. Kerry King is definitely a force to recon with, playing his signature flying V guitar like the Wylde Warhammer, Kerry King Overlord signature, and the Kerry King Black Satin V. He definitely still shreds. Starting off the show with “Where I Reign,” “Rage Trophies of the Tyrant,” and how could you not play “Repentless,” “Disciple At Dawn They Sleep,” and “Black Magic,” and of course “Raining Blood” and some of Slayer’s greatest songs? They ended the night with “From Hell I Rise.”

So after some much-needed medical attention because my brains were smashed all over the venue, I had to head home and reflect on one hell of a great show. In conclusion, this show will definitely be one of my best memories of all time. I got an opportunity to see one of the greatest guitar players in the HISTORY of thrash metal and one of the founding members of one of the top 10 metal bands of all time, SLAYER!

So folks, there you have it, my interpretation of how to survive Kerry King, and always remember

Keep It Real and Keep It Metal!

Klownz

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Anthony Bernardi

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