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

COLD: 25 YEARS OF 13 WAYS TO BLEED ON STAGE/20 YEARS OF A DIFFERENT KIND OF PAIN TOUR

Published

3 days ago

April 21, 2025

Ron

COLD came back into Baltimore to bring us an anniversary of 2 amazing albums, “13 ways to bleed” and “a different kind of pain. Bringing along with them Thrower, University Drive, and September Mourning.

Thrower opened up and this was my first time seeing this band from Texas. The best way I can describe them is a good mix of 90s grunge with a little modern rock. They had a really cool sound and had a great vibe on stage. The band did a really cool eerie rendition of Blue Oyster Cults “Don’t Fear the Reaper”.

University Drive was up next and this was also my first time seeing the band, even though they have toured with Cold a few times, I just haven’t got the chance to see them. UD has 3 members of Cold in the band making them have double duty on tour. I thought UD were really great, I loved the sound and the stage energy. The music is also different from Cold, so it makes a good combo with the band. Having 3 guitarists was crazy on stage but seemed to work so perfectly.

September Mourning was up next, and after an early van issue on tour, they were able to come back and rock out for the crowd. September knows how to get the fans ready and eager to have some fun and listen to some theatrical metal. I loved the tv screens on each side showing you some art and lyrics and all things September Mourning while the band played .

Cold was up next and everyone in the house was ready to sing, to laugh, to cry, to remember when and where these songs were a huge part of our lives. It’s crazy that 13 ways to bleed is 25 years old and Different kind of pain is 20, where does the time go? Cold always takes us on an emotional rollercoaster when they come to play, but this time it was different. We got to hear 25 songs from both albums that both played a huge role in my life and the lives of the fans at the show. I love seeing Cold play, and seeing the crowd cause everyone knows the lyrics, sings to the top of their lungs and show so much emotion for a rock/metal concert.

I love the combo of both these albums. They both take you on a journey of life, with all kinds of feelings along the way. Feelings of hope, depression, fear, pain, sadness, anger , having no faith to having faith again, to drug use and suicide. Ya that sounds a lot like Emo music, but Cold was this way before Emo was a thing, plus the music is way better. I love that Scooter takes times to tell the fans about certain songs and the meaning and inspirations around the lyrics, I also love that everyone has their own opinion about the lyrics and how they mean to them. It was great to hear these albums in full because normally you may hear a few of the tracks but it’s great to hear songs you haven’t heard Live in years or ever.

Cold just doesn’t compare to any other bands out there. Not only is Scooter one of the best lyricists and poets of the 90s-2000s but also is such a great man, loving father and truly a gem within the world of musicians that let their ego take control. Scooter and the band are truly for the fans, they always make sure to take time to meet the fans, take photos, sign autographs and talk about how the songs of the band have impacted them personally. I’ve got to hang out with my friends with the Kid Dreadful camp and got to see how excited and truly interested that the band are into her life and her art. It’s just makes you love this band anymore.

I can’t wait till they come back again and maybe in 2028 we can get the 30 year anniversary of the “Self Titled” album and get to hear the songs that first got me into the band. It’s crazy that I’ve been going to see Cold for 25 years. The one thing that’s been the same in those 25 years is my love of this band. This band has honestly saved my life many times and helped many others too.
THANK YOU COLD.

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

WEDNESDAY 13:THERES NO SUCH THINGS AS MONSTERS MARYLAND SHOW REVIEW

Published

2 weeks ago

April 12, 2025

Ron

MURDER TO THE LEFT…MURDER TO THE RIGHT. HORRAY FOR WEDNESDAY 13, STITCHED UP HEART AND DEAD RABBITS

The Dead Rabbits opened up and started the show off with great music, awesome rabbit masks, and “Escape The Fate” singer Craig Mabbit’s birthday. This was my first time being able to see the band live, and they put on a great show. With songs like “Dead by Daylight,” “Dead Again,” and “Deer in the Headlights,” Dead Rabbits got the crowd pumped for a good time.

Stitched Up Heart was up next, and it had been a while since they played in Maryland. The band has always put on a hell of a show, and singer Mixi always brings such energy and fun to the shows as well. She’s always talking to fans and being genuinely an amazing person. When she’s on the stage, you can tell she’s in her element. The crowd was really getting into them, and the band even got to have a little mosh pit. With songs like “To the Wolves,” “Catch Me When I Fall,” and “Sick Sick Sick,” Stitched Up Heart always puts on a hell of a show and gets the crowd pumped.

The Duke of Spook. MR. MOTHERFUCKING13. WEDNESDAY 13 was up next, and the crowd was ready to be shocked and rocked. Playing a good mix of Muderdolls In the Valley of the MurderDolls and Wednesday 13’s first “solo” album, Transylvania 90210. You know when you go to a Wednesday 13 show you’re gonna hear some fun songs, you’re gonna hear some great songs, and you’re just gonna have fun. I was excited to hear a few songs that I haven’t gotten to hear in a while, like “Ghost of Vincent Price,” “Rambo,” and “God is a Lie.” We also got to hear a few songs off the new album that comes out on April 25th called “Mid Death Crisis,” songs like “When the Devil Commands,” “In Misery,” and “No Apologies.

With the new album coming out Wednesday, Wednesday 13 has a new addition to the band: guitarist Ashes (DevilDriver, Static X) has joined the WED13 camp. Which is awesome because not only is he a good friend, he’s a kick-ass guitarist and just an all-around badass and great guy. Wednesday and the band came out for an encore and gave us a few more songs to bang our heads to, like “Slit My Wrist” and “Love at First Fright,” and ended the night with “I Love to Say Fuck,” in which, during the end of the song, Wednesday broke his umbrella, looked at just the handle, laughed, and used it like he was leading an orchestra.

It was a great night of music and hanging out with great friends. We got to celebrate the lives of MurderDolls Joey Jordison and Ben Graves. And the show just happened to be on Paul Gray’s (Slipknot) birthday.

About Author

Ron

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Concert Reviews

Paleface Swiss Pittsburgh Show Review

Published

3 weeks ago

March 31, 2025

George Archibald

A packed crowd gathered outside the Roxian Theater in Pittsburgh tonight for The Cursed Tour featuring Paleface Swiss, Stick to Your Guns, and Nasty. The crowd was lined up across the front of the venue and several blocks down the street, with all types ready to get out their weekly frustrations this Friday eve. Hardcore, deathcore, and beatdown will be the soundtrack to usher in the weekend for all in attendance tonight.

Nasty would kick off things; this band comes from Belgium and has a metalcore/beatdown sound to them. Nasty also released their latest EP on March 14th, called Black My Heart, which features a single with tourmates Paleface Swiss entitled ‘Talk.’ From the first note, Nasty cranked the energy to 11, heavy riffs and fast, heavy vocals coming right down the barrel. The pit was going hard and fast with bodies careening into each other for the whole set. The band was just as energetic, pacing the stage while performing and running across the stage; vocalist Mathias even jumped down into the crowd for a part of the set.

With the crowd now primed and firing, Stick to Your Guns took the stage next. This Californian hardcore outfit dropped an album in early 2025 entitled Keep Planting Flowers. Their high-energy set had this Pittsburgh crowd bouncing to every song. The pit kept turning as crowd surfers were starting to come over the barricade now. The band played through many of their hits, “Invisible Rain”, “Keep Planting Flowers”, and “Spineless”, before wrapping up.

Paleface Swiss took the stage in a fury of angst. As soon as the lights rose after Un Pobre Nino Murio finished, the venue was in chaos. Vocalist Marc Zelli Zellweger ripped right into “Hatred”, pacing the stage as the crowd whipped into a frenzy. The music was fast and heavy as security had their hands full with moshers, crowd surfers, and occasional injuries along the way. The band played through “Nail to the Tooth”, “The Gallow”, and “Rivers of Sorrow” before throwing the crowd into another gear with “Please End Me”. The pace was unrelenting as the band came back out for an encore, closing out with the single Love Burns.

If you are looking for a fast-paced, heavy show, mark off the calendar to see The Cursed Tour. These bands came to play their asses off, and you won’t be able to stand still the whole show.