Connect with us

Concert Reviews

Corrosion Of Conformity – Live Life Loud Tour Review

Jason Sealand

Published

on

Pittsburgh, PA – By Jason Sealand

Corrosion of Conformity brought their Live Life Loud Tour to Pittsburgh with supporting acts The Native Howl and Spirit Adrift. The Pittsburgh show is their second to last stop of the tour as they finish up in Grand Rapids tomorrow.

Native Howl had the honors of opening up the show and they instantly injected an energy into the room as they totally knocked the audience off guard with a blistering set no one saw coming. The Native Howl play fast and tight as they infuse American roots bluegrass into thrash metal. Something they like to call “Thrashgrass”. They opened with the song “Harvester of Constant Sorrow” a 2019 single. Check it out here: The Native Howl – Harvester of Constant Sorrow Official Video. Below is one of my favorite shots of the night I got of Alex Holycross.

 

Next up was Sprit Adrift, which is a 2015 solo project start up of of multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Nate Garrett, who is also from Tempe Arizona based Gatecreeper. Spirit is melodic, riff-forward doom metal which kind of reminds me of a Dio inspired Black Sabbath with some Maiden mixed in. They seem to have dumped everything that is good metal into their bags from metal legends of past and shook it up to deliver something new yet familiar to the ear. The crowd was headbanging for most of the set and the band set the stage for what was to come. Spirit Adrift is playing 3 more dates as a headliner and finishing up in Little Rock Arkansas at the White Water Tavern. A shot of Nate Garrett below:

 

When Corrosion of Conformity took the stage at Mr. Smalls Theatre this Saturday it was immediately clear that the audience was filled with metal heads looking for that COC fix, blend of punk and metal that the band is famous for. I got a peek of the setlist and was instantly stoked for what I was about to see. I knew it was going to be an incredibly loud and heavy setlist and I was not disappointed.

The band came out washed in the shadows with a cutting light of red hues as bassist Mike Dean opened the show with a deep yet rumbling chug of a doom bassline with a bit of audio feedback as the band took the stage before tearing into the opening song, “Bottom Feeder” Whereas headbanging was the preferred audience show of appreciation for the opening bands, an instant circle pit opened up. Anywhere you looked people were smiling and having the time of their lives. Corrosion of Conformity fans knew all of the words and they screamed them as loud as they could. COC fed off of this crowd energy and gave all of it back and more.

The setlist contained material from the band’s back catalog of albums and included the slow groove of “13 Angels” from Americas Volume Dealer along with “Who’s Got The Fire”. Before closing out the night with an encore containing “Albatross” and “Clean My Wounds” from 1994’s album Deliverance. The setlist flowed incredibly well with no drop in energy nor time to rest. Guitarist and lead vocalist Pepper Keenan, were joined by bassist Mike Dean, lead guitarist Woody Weatherman, and drummer Jason Patterson of Cry of Love who is currently sitting in. The band played tight and were totally in control and clearly loving the energy in the room, Corrosion of Conformity looked as if they were having as much fun as the audience. As a fan I cannot wait to see them again and I am keeping my ears to the ground hoping for any news as far as new material coming out.

I have included their setlist below.

 

CORROSION OF CONFORMITY SETLIST:

1. Bottom Feeder (Wiseblood ’96)
2. Paranoid Opioid (In The Arms Of God ’05)
3. Shake Like You (Deliverance ’94)
4. Seven Days (Deliverance ’94)
5. Diablo Blvd. (Americas Volume Dealer ’00)
6. Senor Limpio (Deliverance ’94)
7. Wiseblood (Wiseblood ’96)
8. Who’s Got The Fire (Americas Volume Dealer ’00)
9. Stonebreaker (IN The Arms Of God ’05)
10. 13 Angels (Americas Volume Dealer ’00)
11. Vote With A Bullet (Blind ’91)
12. Born Again For The Last Time (Wiseblood ’96)
13. Albatross (Deliverance ’94)
14. Clean My Wounds (Deliverance ’94)

CORROSION OF CONFORMITY

SPIRIT ADRIFT

NATIVE HOWL

About Author

Concert Reviews

A REUNION OF EPIC PROPORTIONS

Ron

Published

on

By

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

Continue Reading

Concert Reviews

WHO KNEW PANTHERS AND HORSES GO SO WELL TOGETHER 

Ron

Published

on

By

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

Continue Reading

Concert Reviews

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

Published

on

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

Inside the Electric Circus / I Don’t Need No Doctor / Scream Until You Like It

The Real Me (The Who cover)

Forever Free / The Headless Children

Wild Child

Blind in Texas

About Author

Continue Reading

Things You May Have Missed

%d bloggers like this: