Concert Reviews
KISS: THE END OF THE ROAD TOUR BALTIMORE SHOW REVIEW
Well, all good things must come to an end. Tonight in Baltimore was the last time we will get to see KISS, and boy did they put on one hell of a show.
Opening up the evening was Amber Wild, who is fronted by Paul Stanley’s son Evan, with Marshall Via on guitar, Jake Massanari on bass, and Thomas Lowrey on drums. The band has a very 70s-inspired rock sound to them, with some hints of KISS in there, but you can tell they are not trying to be another KISS.
I’ve got to see KISS a few times over the years, but I’ve never seen the original lineup. This was my first opportunity to photograph the band, which felt somewhat surreal since, according to the band, this is mostly likely the last time the band will be touring. The KISS backdrop was in place, and the fan’s excitement was building for the curtain to drop. Before it dropped, I got to see Shannon Tweed walk past me.
There were these huge statue-like figures of the band members in the corners of the stage that looked awesome, and everyone was trying to figure out how to sneak one off the stage and take them home.
As the banner dropped, the band came down on platforms with so many fireworks and pyro. I’ve always been curious about how much KISS spends on each show just for the pyro/fireworks/confetti alone.
KISS opened up with “Detroit Rock City” and “Shout It Out Loud.” Trying to photograph KISS during those two songs was fun and nerve-wracking at the same time. It’s such an iconic band that’s in front of you and songs that you grew up listening to, but you know you need to focus and get some good shots as well.
KISS played an epic setlist with songs like “War Machine,” “I Love It Loud,” “Cold Gin,” and “Calling Doctor Love.” Of course, you know you’re going to get a killer bass solo from Gene with the iconic blood spit and “God of Thunder,” which raises Gene to the top of the arena. You also know you’re going to get “Love Gun” with Paul using a zip line to the B stage, and while he is there, they also played “I Was Made for Lovin’ You.” We also got to hear Eric come off the drums and play a little piano song called “Beth.” You also know that it’s not a KISS show without ending the night with “Rock and Roll All Night.”
This was such an epic show and a huge bucketlist band to be able to photograph. It was a rollercoaster of emotions, for sure. The fans that get to be in NY for the final two shows are in for one hell of a night, and as for us in Baltimore, we sold out the arena and made it one night that the band and the fans will remember forever.
If this truly is the end of the road for KISS, then Baltimore wanted the best, and they got the best. The hottest band in the world… KISS!
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Terrifying North America Tour featuring Aborted,Ingested, Peeling Flesh and Extermination Dismemberment at Preserving in New Kensington Pa 3-2-2025
It was a bitter cold Sunday, a biting cold as death metal fans lined the sidewalk in front of the old church which is Preserving Records in New Kensington Pa. Tonight the Terrifying North America tour brings death metal veterans Aborted back to the Burgh. Aborted have frequented the Pittsburgh area over the last few years having played the Roxian, and buildinf a solid fan base within the city. Along with Aborted is English death metal act Ingested. Also a season veteran in the genre, Ingested returns to the states with new vocalist Josh Davies and new guitarist Andrew Virrueta. Also opening up the tour is Extermination Dismemberment and Peeling Flesh, two bands making thjer rise in the scene.
Extermination Dismemberment kicked off the show. This band didn’t waste anytime, grinding and slamming out of the gate, the pit was churning immediately. The band welcomed everyone for coming and made everyone aware they came from Belarus to kick their asses. The songs were filled with double bass, snare blasts, and fast paced grinds; enough to make any hardcore enthusiasts ears perk. When the band kicked into Corpsepit the crowd was jumping up and down in unison before breaking out into chaos. The band closed out their set with Omnivore.
Peeling Flesh was up next, this band has been gaining quite a bit of attention in the scene lately. Having appeared on the Garza Podcast and hitting the road hard has helped in growing their following. Another slam from the start and count the bodies later band, Peeling Flesh came out in a fury. Pit churning, limbs flying as straight out the game the band was bringing heat. Mr. Nasty Time, 12 Gauge Autopsy, and Bodega Bloodbath really got the crowd moving. The band will throw samples and hip hop beats in at times, then like whiplash head into another slamming breakdown. Snare bombs going off, and bodies careening, it islike watching a car crash unfold.
UK death metal veterans Ingested took to the stage opening things up with Titanomachy. New Vocalist Josh Davies is full of energy and fits well into the shoes of former vocalist Jason Evans. The band sounded mean, slams and fast paced breaks kept the crowd on its toes. These veterans know how to work a crowd, as surfers we now making their way onto the stage. Newest single Alter of Flesh, really got the bodies moving, the band kept up the energy ripping through Invidious,and CrematedExistence, before closing with a wall of death on Skinned and Fucked.
Closing out the night was Aborted. The crowd was all fired up and eagerly have been awaiting these masters of macabre to take the stage. Vocalist Sven De Caluwe, paced the stage as a mad man, known for his high energy live shows, this crowd wouldn’t get a rest during the set. The bands set list was filled with heavy hitters, Retrogore, Dreadbringer and Death Cult made the pit sway and churn. The band continued the mayhem playing through The Shape of Hate before ending with Hecatomb.
Pittsburgh was such a gracious host for the Terrifying North America tour. The crowd was enthusiastic and the energy never dropped. If you are looking for a heavy death metal show to get the blood moving, this is the tour for you.
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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.
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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.
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MACHINE HEAD TOUR 2025
TERRIFYING NORTH AMERICA
MARTY FRIEDMAN LIVE DRAMA TOUR 2025: RAMSHEAD ON THE STAGE
APOCALYPTICA PLAYS METALLICA VOL 2: DC SHOW REVIEW
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Kerry King 2025
ROCK LANSING 2025
KERRY KING Tour 2025
A REUNION OF EPIC PROPORTIONS
WHO KNEW PANTHERS AND HORSES GO SO WELL TOGETHER
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STRYPER ON A SUNDAY. YES PLEASE
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INTERVIEW WITH JACK GRIFFITH OF NOVO COMBO
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LUDACRIS : THE HALL AT LIVE
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