Concert Reviews

Bloodywood: Concert Review Pittsburgh, PA

Published

2 years ago

June 1, 2023

In a realm of modern music overflowing with musical genres, there are few bands that possess a unique sonic force that defies categorization while leaving listeners spellbound and yearning for more. One such band is Bloodywood. They are a musical force that blends cultural heritage with a relentless fusion of metal, hip-hop, and traditional Indian rhythms.

As a band, they are carving a distinctive path and leaving an indelible mark on the modern musical landscape. Their raw energy, cultural fusion, and a fearless spirit of rebellion is a testament to the transformative power of music, transcending boundaries and uniting people from all corners of the globe. With their infectious energy and thought-provoking lyrics, the band has built an ardent following, igniting a revolution that stretches far beyond the realm of music or the shores of any country.

Born in the vibrant streets of New Delhi, India, in 2016, Bloodywood showcases their unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries, both musically and socially, as they fearlessly tackle pressing issues and ignite conversations.

The sonic odyssey of Bloodywood graced the stage of the Roxian Theater in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, which is nestled in the shadow of Pittsburgh only a short distance down the Ohio River from the infamous Steel City.

The show opened with a blast of energy from the British duo WARGASM, whose stage presence was undeniable. Sam Matlock, Milkie Way, and company tore through an unadulterated set of nu-metal tracks tinged with punk and electronica that included “Super Fiend”, “D.R.I.L.D.O”, and “Rage All Over”. They followed up with the video sensation “Fukstar” and wound down the set with some crowd surfing and a cover of N*E*R*D’s “Lapdance” and closed out the set with the track “Spit”.

After a brief break in the mayhem, Vended made the stage rumble to life. Their agro-metal induced a great deal of similarity to early Slipknot, and that is not surprising given that frontman Griffen Taylor is the son of Slipknot’s Corey Taylor and Simon Crahan is the son of percussionist Shawn ‘Clown’ Crahan. The band sounded tight and featured competent song composition; however, the vocalist needed to learn how to work the stage. It was as if his shoes were nailed to the floor at center stage.

As stage lighting flickered to life, the crowd prepared to be immersed in a symphony of cultural fusion, electrifying riffs, and unapologetic lyrics. We all knew that we were about to experience something quite special. As the sonic saga began, drummer Vishesh Singh sat behind his kit, awash in blue and purple lights, as the anticipation grew more intense. The intro track for “Gaddaar” echoed throughout the theater before the bombastic bass, gnarly guitar riffs, and the thump of the drums shook the walls as the entire band burst onto the stage to metaphorically say, “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to an electrifying evening filled with raw energy enshrined in a mesmerizing tapestry of sound that defies conventions.”

The crowd began losing themselves in the pounding intensity, their bodies moving in sync with each thunderous beat as Sarthak Pahwa wailed away on his dhol. The band seamlessly migrates from the thunderous “”Gaddaar” to “BSDK.exe” from their most recent release Rakshak that couples a more hip-hop vibe on the verses with a crushing guitar rhythm from Karan Katiyar throughout the rest of the track.

Adorned in their fusion of metal attire and traditional Indian clothing, twin vocalists Jayant Bhadula (vocals and growls) and Raoul Kerr (rap vocals) commanded a powerful presence as they ran through “Aaj” with its hypnotic flute licks and downright brutal lead vocals. The five minute long song pushed the audience into heightened frenzy before slapping them across the chin with “Dana Dan”. Which had Raoul Kerr rapping/screaming “I put a fist through the face of a rapist and yeah, I taped this. For the viewing pleasure of the nameless faces he disgraces.”

Up next was the more mellow and chill track “Jee Veerey” that featured more of Karan Katiyar’s enigmatic flute playing along with a more melodic yet still intense vocal delivery from Jayant Bhadula as he sang in his native tongue.

The track “Zanjeero Se” was followed by “Machi Bhasad (Expect a Riot)” which truly showcased the rhythmic prowess of drummer Vishesh Singh and dhol master Sarthak Pahwa. It was so enthralling to watch Sarthak perform on such a simplistic instrument and to make it so vibrant and energetic. His playing transports Bloodywood’s music to a completely different level.

As the set reached its crescendo, it was obvious that the sweat-drenched band had poured their hearts and souls into every note. Wrapping up their set was the sing-along inducing “Ari Ari” that left the crowd breathless and drenched in the passion that radiated from the stage.

But… There is more. As an encore, the band jumps back in to the opening track “Gaddaar” thus cranking up the mosh-pit’s intensity to eleven, causing every person down front to expel every ounce of remaining energy from their bodies.

It was incredibly refreshing to see a band that, in some magical way is able to unite people regardless of age, background, or nationality. To see people connected by their love of the music and a band. The shared experience created an atmosphere of camaraderie and acceptance, where strangers become friends, and barriers dissolve in the face of the music.

Unfortunately, this was the last stop on Bloodywood’s North American tour, save some festival dates. Hopefully, they will be returning to the states soon. If you have the opportunity to see them live, do not sleep on it. I promise you will not be disappointed.

In the meantime you can get more info at: www.bloodywood.net/

About Author

Josh Drespling

Josh is the Publisher and creator of Empire Extreme and it’s sister publication Kingdom Extreme Magazine. He is an accomplished writer, photographer and graphic designer. He is always conjuring up new ideas and has a amazing passion for the music industry and all the things that surround it.

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Concert Reviews

A REUNION OF EPIC PROPORTIONS

Published

2 weeks ago

December 9, 2024

Ron

A Killers’s Confession is on tour right now and doing a huge setlist of songs including a MushroomHead set with JMANN himself together with Waylon. The tour stopped into Baltimore at the Zen West Roadside Cantina.

Aaron from Gemini Syndrome gave us a great solo acoustic set. It was amazing to hear the songs stripped down to just keyboards or an acoustic guitar. You get to hear the raw emotions that came along with the lyrics.

A Killer’s Confession came on stage and got the crowd pumped up for some great metal and music. If you enjoyed the MushroomHead Waylon era you’re gonna dig AKC even more. Waylon’s vocals are amazing and the words and meanings to his lyrics just hit even harder. Waylon blends melodic melodies with an aggressive punch to the gut. The band is just as much fun and amazing as well. I love this version of AKC with the unified outfits and masks.

Songs like “Voices With”, “Greed”, “Kill or be Killed” and “Angel on the Outside” AKC is such a great band to watch play live.

On this tour called “A horrifying trip back to 2000s” not only did we get 11 songs of AKC but also get 9 songs of MushroomHead as well. Waylon came out and did “Simple Survival” and “Qwerty” then the OG man himself JMann came out and they did songs like “Bwomp”, “Becoming Cold” “Sun doesn’t rise” and “Solitaire/Unraveling”

It was great to see JMann and Waylon together again and to have them both enjoying songs that helped define them.

If you get a chance to check out this tour I urge to go and do it not only do you get those amazing AKC songs but you get those bonus MushroomHead songs as well with JMann and even Stitch and Lil Dan joining the tour as well.

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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Concert Reviews

WHO KNEW PANTHERS AND HORSES GO SO WELL TOGETHER

Published

2 weeks ago

December 8, 2024

Ron

Steel Panther is on tour now with the 15th anniversary of Feel The Steel album bringing along Marylands own Stone Horses.

Stone Horses opened up and kicked out the night the right way… by playing some fun and energetic rock and roll. I have been a fan of singer John Allen for many years with all his projects. Stone Horses is just a good ole rock and roll band that have fun songs and just put that great music right in your ear hole. They are a great band to check out and if you’re going to the Panther tour make sure to get there a little early to check them out.

Everyone was excited to see Steel Panther, it’s been since New Years Eve a few years back since they have played at the Filmore in Silver Spring and they brought with them a new bassist Spider.

I love that they are touring on the anniversary of Feel The Steel because we get to hear some of the OG classics that we might not hear usually. We got to hear “The Shocker” and Eating ain’t Cheatin” which I haven’t heard in a while along with all the other classics from that album like “Asian Hooker” which they brought an Asian female onstage and “Death to all but Metal”.

Of course we got some great comedy and fun banter from the boys which you know you’re always gonna get at a Panther show. My friend Megan got invited up for “Oklahoma Girl” and the stage was packed with the ladies for “17 girls in a row”.

I can’t wait for another 2 years to get that anniversary for “Balls Out” but in the meantime go out and see Steel Panther and support fun un-adulterated nonsense. In a world of Cancel Culture we need more bands like Steel Panther who push the envelope.

About Author

Ron

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Concert Reviews

Live Review: W.A.S.P. at Stage AE, Pittsburgh, PA

Published

4 weeks ago

November 25, 2024

Josh Drespling

A Night of Nostalgia and Power

Heavy metal titans W.A.S.P. unleashed a night to remember at Pittsburgh’s Stage AE, delivering a performance that was equal parts nostalgic and incendiary. The evening featured the band’s iconic 1984 self-titled debut album performed in full, followed by a fiery encore of fan favorites, cementing their legendary status in the metal world. Joined by Armored Saint as the opening act, the night became a powerhouse celebration of classic heavy metal.

Armored Saint: A Thunderous Opening Act

Setting the stage for an unforgettable night, Armored Saint delivered a blistering performance that electrified the crowd and set the perfect tone for the chaos to come. John Bush, the charismatic vocalist, commanded the stage with his powerful voice, a seamless blend of raw grit and soaring melody. Tracks like “March of the Saint” and “Can U Deliver” pulsed with intensity, each riff and drumbeat reverberating through the venue, igniting the crowd’s energy.

With their signature blend of melodic yet muscular metal, Armored Saint proved why they remain a revered force in the heavy metal world. Their performance was a thunderous reminder of their enduring legacy and a testament to their ability to shake the rafters, priming the audience for the monumental act to follow.

W.A.S.P.: Reliving the Birth of a Legend

When W.A.S.P. stormed the stage, the room exploded with electrifying energy. Frontman Blackie Lawless, an enduring icon of heavy metal, led the charge as the band launched into their groundbreaking self-titled debut album, performing it in its entirety. Joining him were longtime bassist Mike Duda, guitarist Doug Blair, and the drumming powerhouse Aquiles Priester. Together, this seasoned lineup forged a connection with the crowd that bridged decades of metal history.

The show opened with the explosive anthem “I Wanna Be Somebody”, sending the audience into a frenzy as they belted out every word. This 1984 hit encapsulated everything that made W.A.S.P. legendary: searing guitar riffs, thunderous rhythm, and Lawless’s magnetic stage presence. The band’s chemistry was undeniable, with Blair’s razor-sharp guitar licks, Duda’s commanding basslines, and Priester’s thunderous precision propelling the performance.

Tracks like “L.O.V.E. Machine” drew roars of recognition, its seductive groove and infectious riff a nostalgic throwback to the band’s early MTV appearances. The haunting “Sleeping (In the Fire)” highlighted Lawless’s raw vocal power, complemented by Blair’s emotive guitar solo that sent chills through the crowd. Slower yet equally powerful, the song underscored the band’s ability to balance intensity with emotional depth.

The rebellious spirit of “School Daze” brought youthful anarchy to life, while “Hellion” surged with primal energy, its relentless tempo whipping the crowd into a frenzy. “Tormentor,” famously featured in the cult 1984 horror film The Dungeonmaster, captivated the audience with its sinister edge and theatrical flair. By the time they reached “The Torture Never Stops,” steeped in heavy riffs and ominous overtones, the band had cemented their command over the audience.

This extraordinary set proved that their early material remains as potent and relevant as ever. Each note, riff, and lyric was delivered with precision and passion, celebrating the raw energy that first defined the band while reigniting the flames of their legacy. It was a performance that honored their roots, thrilled longtime fans, and reminded everyone why W.A.S.P. remains a towering force in heavy metal history.

Encore: A Theatrical Spectacle of Defiance and Nostalgia

After a brief pause, W.A.S.P. returned to the stage, igniting the crowd with an encore steeped in theatricality and a celebration of their expansive catalog. Kicking off with “The Big Welcome,” the dramatic prelude gave way to a medley of metal exuberance, blending “Inside the Electric Circus” (from their 1986 album), the raucous “I Don’t Need No Doctor” (a 1987 single), and the cinematic anthem “Scream Until You Like It” (featured in the Ghoulies II soundtrack). The medley was a whirlwind of 80s-era high-octane theatrics, and unrelenting energy.

One of the encore’s most captivating moments was their cover of The Who’s “The Real Me,” from their 1989 The Headless Children album. Doug Blair’s blistering guitar work added a sharp edge to the classic track, while Blackie Lawless’s powerful vocals roared with intensity, paying homage to the rock legends who inspired them.

The mood shifted with “Forever Free,” a poignant ballad that showcased the band’s introspective side. This reflective moment seamlessly transitioned into the epic title track of The Headless Children, an apocalyptic anthem with complex arrangements and evocative imagery, illustrating W.A.S.P.’s evolution beyond their glam metal origins.

The night reached its fiery climax with “Wild Child,” from their 1985 album The Last Command. Its sultry swagger and rebellious energy had the crowd singing along in unison. Finally, they launched into the quintessential party anthem, “Blind in Texas,” bringing the performance to an electrifying conclusion.

SET LIST:
I Wanna Be Somebody

L.O.V.E. Machine

The Flame

B.A.D.

School Daze

Hellion

Sleeping (in the Fire)

On Your Knees

Tormentor

The Torture Never Stops

Encore:

The Big Welcome