Concert Reviews

Bloodywood: Concert Review Pittsburgh, PA

Published

11 months 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

YOU WANT BLOOD?YOU GOT BLOOD. THE BLOODIEST BAND IN THE WORLD…….GWAR

Published

4 weeks ago

April 1, 2024

Ron

GWAR invaded the Baltimore Soundstage once again bringing with them Fuming Mouth and Cancer Bats. Oh yeah and lots of blood.

Fuming Mouth opened up the set. Hailing from Massachusetts, Fuming Mouth got the crowd in a frenzy. Demanding the crowd to circle pit and do a wall of death. Singer/guitarist Mark Whelan also was wearing a GWAR shirt. Fuming mouth was fast and angry and got the crowd ready for the night.

Cancer Bats who come all the way from Toronto Canada were up next. This in your face hardcore band got the crowd right back into going crazy. Singer Liam Cormier was all over the stage. Cancer Bats did a kick ass version of Beastie Boys “Sabotage” and since this was the last show on the tour Sawborg Destructo from GWAR came out on stage sang “War Pigs” from sabbath before killing Liam.

GWAR was up next. This was the first time for us in Baltimore to see the newest addition to GWAR guitarist Grodious Maximus ( he’s not Pustulus). Of course when GWAR comes into town you know chaos and madness will ensue and there will be blood. While I was in the photo pit getting prepared for the onslaught of blood I was grabbed by the back of my hoodie by bonesnapper as he was battling against Sawborg and the blood went gushing all over my back.

GWAR always puts on a hell of a show and the fans came out in full selling out the soundstage. Lots wearing white shirts to keep as bloody souvenirs. There also was an appearance by jesus as this was the day before easter. GWAR played a good set mixed in with new and old songs, some I haven’t heard for a while.

The band always puts on a hell of a show. Blothar, Balsac, Jizmak, and Beefcake thrash and trash the stage always. Grodious was an amazing addition, not only did he slay on that guitar but was all over the stage and a few times jumped off stage to jump into the front of the crowd . Even Balsac joined in on the fun and made his was to the Merch area while the band was playing.

I love going to GWAR shows. It’s always a family reunion with fans of GWAR all reuniting for the enjoyment of horror and rock music. You never know who’s going to be there. Even President Joe Biden was there , he may have been a little confused and eventually annoyed GWAR enough that they took off his head and yes the blood hit the crowd.

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

KK Priest comes to Baltimore and brings with them LA Guns and Burning Witches.

Published

1 month ago

March 16, 2024

Ron

It’s been 2 years since I got to see Burning Witches for the first time at M3, then a couple days later with The Iron Maiden’s and now Courtney Cox of The Iron Maiden’s is in the band permanently. I love the Burning Witches not only are the songs killer, the stage show is always fun but the ladies are so super nice and friendly to their fans. Guitarist Romana had recently hurt her back but when she got to Baltimore was able to sit on the stage and play for us which was awesome to see her out. I can’t wait for them to come back around many more times in the US.

LA Guns was up next and it’s still such a great thing to have Phil and Tracii Guns together on stage, adding Johnny, Ace, and Sean to the lineup makes me so happy and I think one of the better lineups the band has had. I love that Phil was supporting a “PornStatche”. LA Guns always puts on a great show and is a band that’s not to be missed.

I’ve been a huge Judas Priest fan for years but never got the chance to see when KK was in the band. Plus I’ve always been a fan of Priest even when “Ripper” was the singer. So I was super excited to finally get to see KK Priest. They played a good mix of original songs and Judas Priest songs. The stage show was amazing and damn can KK shred.

I don’t ever remember a tour with all the bands who played on the bill to each have such amazing lighting as a photographer we normally get a lot of dark atmosphere and makes it harder to get that shot. Each band lighting just got better and better. Such an amazing tour package and such a great night of rock. The Baltimore M3 crowd came out to support the music.

About Author

Ron

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Concert Reviews

DROPKICK MURPHY St Patrick’s Day Tour: Warren Ohio

Published

1 month ago

March 13, 2024

Shelby Tyce

It’s March, and there are just a handful of things that come to the front of your brain, no matter who you are. People tend to think of Spring, the weather finally breaking and warm weather on the horizon. We also have one of the more loosely celebrated holidays which consists of green tinted beer, foods that heavily involve potatoes, and all around shenanigans. That’s right, I’m talking about St. Patrick’s Day, and what good is an Irish celebration without some good old fashioned pub brawling music? Well, Warren Ohio gained just that as the Packard Music Hall was one of the first stops on DropKick Murphys St. Patrick’s Day Tour, with assisting artists Pennywise and The Scratch.

DropKick Murphys, an American Celtic Punk Band from Quincy Massachusetts formed back in 1996, and despite having been through a handful of various members, have been going strong ever since. With their upbeat energy and love of interaction with their fans, the band certainly knows how to give their fans, Irish or otherwise, a fantastic experience. Their setlist, not always

in the same order, but loosely the same, will always show that the band keeps it unique and one of a kind for their shows, and for that I genuinely applaud them. However, one can always expect to see some fan favorites, such as “Rose Tattoo”, “ Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ya” and no matter the show, the ending hit favorite “I’m Shipping Up To Boston”.

Another thing I always love highlighting when covering a Dropkick show is The Claddagh Fund, which is a charitable foundation which was founded by the bands frontman and only remaining original member, Ken Casey, back in 2009. The mission of the charity is to help various organizations who support veterans, children, and addiction. The charity follows and honors the three attributes that go along with the infamous Claddagh Ring, Friendship, Love, and Loyalty.

This is something that solely stands out at the band’s show, with its own separate merch and information table aside from the straight band merch line. I highly recommend taking the time to check it out next time you’re needing a charity option for an event.

Overall I think it’s safe to say that kicking off the few weeks leading up to St. Patrick’s day for those that made it to the show, and to anyone who is able to catch any of the remaining performances, I highly recommend it. Don’t see a show coming near you? You’re in luck, as the band is offering tickets for a livestream this coming Sunday, for one of their shows in their home state of Massachusetts, as they’ll be performing in Boston from the 15th-17th, including two different performances on St. Patrick’s Day at the MGM Music Hall At Fenway. I don’t recommend missing the shenanigans, it’s going to be one hell of a banger!