Concert Reviews
Live Review: W.A.S.P. at Stage AE, Pittsburgh, PA
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
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AUSTRALIA AND JAPAN COLLIDE TO BRING THE USA SOME KICK ASS MUSIC AND FUN.
Kim Dracula alongside Hanabie and Crystal Lake came into the Filmore in SilverSpring Maryland and brought the right kind of entertainment that we so needed.
Crystal Lake put on a super intense and chaotic live show. With super insane riffs and brutal drums Crystal Lake opened up the show perfectly getting the crowd into a frenzy. This was my first time seeing the band and they brought the fierceness of the metal genre with them.
Hanabie was next and this was my second time getting to see them, I saw them last year when they toured with Jinjer. They are a perfect mix of metal, k pop, and all around fun. These girls not only know how to entertain and put on a show, they also play their instruments with perfection. Such a great blend of vocals from sweet and innocent playfulness to gutteral growls. The crowd was loving them and they have such a huge following in America and I only see them getting even bigger.
Kim Dracula was the headliner and this was my first time seeing the band. I’m kinda new to the whole Kim Dracula scene, but have jumped on board right away with their mix of music and odd and weirdness they bring to the stage. I’m an old head so for the younger generation the closest I could say is that Kim Dracula reminds me of Mr Bungle with a new generation twist. The show was fun and damn is Kim such a phenomenal persona. Not only just amazingly entertaining but also what an amazing voice. Kim Dracula goes from metal screams, to deep voice talking, to crazy fast raps, to singing high chops like Rob Halford. I was surprised to hear not one but two covers. Pearl Jam’s “Even Flow” and Lady Gaga’s “Paparazzi”.
Not only do you get this amazing music and musicians on stage but then all of a sudden the song breaks out into a saxophone solo. WHAT?? So I encourage everyone go see Kim Dracula when they tour in your area, you won’t be disappointed.
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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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