Concert Reviews

Escape The Fate: Pittsburgh Show Review

Published

1 year ago

September 25, 2023

Say what you want about comebacks; yes, sometimes they can be something we can go without, but other times they are a solid reminder of the music that started an era. Escape the Fate, for example, is a band that technically never disbanded but just took a long hiatus, and in their case, it paid off for the better. With the occasional appearance at festivals over the years and being featured on the soundtrack for the 2022 film “The Retaliators,” The band kept their heads pretty low up until recently, however, with the release of their latest album Out of the Shadows and a tour jam packed with openers including Garzi, Stitched Up Heart, Point North, and D.R.U.G.S..

The openers at any show, in my opinion, have one of the most important jobs in the music industry, because as the fans slowly roll in for the main act, it is the opening artist’s jobs to make sure that the crowd is hyped up by the time they reach that point, and I can certainly say that this group of openers had no trouble doing so. With such an eclectic genre mix, from rock/hip hop from Garzi, to a rock band like Stitched Up Heart, a female-fronted band by Alecia “Mixi” Demner, and of course the more alt rock aspect from Point North and D.R.U.G.S. Each band played on average about 6–8 songs, each one having a recent single that had just dropped. So, of course, this was an ideal time to highlight those as well. After a killer kickoff, we go into the main event, where fans, both new and old, were not likely to be disappointed.

I personally have to say that Escape the Fate should not be slept on. With a well-rounded set list playing at least one or more songs off of their well-known albums, such as “This War is Ours”, or “One For the Money” , as well as highlighting some of the more popular tracks off of their latest album, including “H8 MY SELF” and “Cheers to Goodbye”, they certainly kept fans both old and new engaged and on their feet til the bitter end. Other highlights included their incredible cover of Def Leppard’s “Pour Some Sugar on Me”, to which lead frontman and vocalist Craig Mabbitt took to the crowd, getting up close and personal with everyone, including those in the balcony area, and of course no Escape the Fate Show would be complete without a highlighted guitar solo from guitarist Matti Hoffman. Overall, it was an awesome time had by all, and what better way than to go out with a confetti canon and a satisfied crowd.

About Author

Shelby Tyce

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Related Topics:d.r.u.g.s.Empire Extreme Escape The Fate featured GARZI point north Stitched Up Heart

Concert Reviews

MARTY FRIEDMAN LIVE DRAMA TOUR 2025: RAMSHEAD ON THE STAGE

Published

2 weeks ago

February 10, 2025

Ron

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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Concert Reviews

APOCALYPTICA PLAYS METALLICA VOL 2: DC SHOW REVIEW

Published

2 weeks ago

February 9, 2025

Ron

Apocalyptica is on tour now with Nita Strauss on their PLAYS METALLICA VOL 2.

Nita opened the show and as always put on an amazing show, it’s fun to see Nita on these solo tour when she’s not touring with Alice Cooper. You get to see her shine even more and just put a clinic on with shredding on the guitar. I’ve seen Nita a few times but this night was a little extra special, she brought out Kasey Karlsen of the band Deadlands out to sing a few songs which was great cause normally there’s no vocals at her shows.

This was my first time being able to not only see Apocalyptica but also photograph them. I’ve always been a huge fan of their music and loved the 2 Metallica albums as well. I figured this was more than likely the only way I’ll get to hear Metallica play is with Apocalyptica playing them.

We got to hear an amazing mix of songs throughout Metallica’s career. Opening up with “Ride the Lightning” and “Enter Sandman” you knew you were gonna rock out.

The band is amazing, such awesome and jaw dropping skills on those Cellos. There’s something magical about musicians that come from Helsinki and the Finland area. Eicca Toppinen, Paavo Lotjonen and Perttu Kivilaakso are insanely talented but also demand the stage so well and bring in that comedy as well.

We also got to hear songs like “Creeping Death”, “The Call of Ktulu” “St Anger”, “Blackened” “Master of Puppets”, “Nothing else Matters” and ending the night with “Seek and Destroy” and “One”. This was such a great night in a cool setting at Warner Theater in DC. I loved the atmosphere and the blending of not only music with classical and metal but also the crowd was as diverse as well.

If you get a chance to go out and see this tour, you must you won’t be disappointed.

About Author

Ron

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Concert Reviews

NIGHTMARE AFTER XMAS 9

Published

3 weeks ago

January 31, 2025

Ron

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.