Reviews

Shinedown/Papa Roach/Spiritbox Pittsburgh Show Review

Published

7 months ago

September 19, 2023

On Friday September 8, the revolutions tour Featuring Spiritbox, Papa Roach and Headliners Shinedown stopped at Burgettstown. The pavilion hosted around 14 thousand people on a beautiful day for an outside show.

At 640 Spiritbox was the surprise opening act and I say surprise because of how heavy this band is compared to the follow up acts. The band grew traction after their first release in 2017 and continued to grow during the pandemic. Singer Courtney Laplante has learned how to put on a show with cool finesse and sultry moves. From beautiful singing to guttering screams from the deep pits of Hell. This is why she is becoming the Queen if Metal. They opened with new single jaded, then hurt you into YellowJacket. That one slams. They played 7 songs ending with the crushing track that is, Holly Roller.

Papa Roach came out with an energy I wasn’t expecting. I also believe a great opening act can and will push the other bands to perform on top of their game. Between angels and insects into kill the noise and getting away with murder was a 1-2-3 punch in the face that kept the entire set full of energy. That energy was turned down for the PSA about mental health and suicide awareness . Leave a light on is being played every night for suicide awareness and a 800 number is displayed for anyone struggling. Ot was a moving moment. They played 11 songs and ended with a so g that has become an anthem of the last 20 years, last resort.

Then Shinedown came out. The crowd was ready as a huge led screen began the countdown and then the band appeared. Not with instruments but just all 4 standing there. A moment later they start playing diamond eyes. The third song I’ll follow you was a quick change of pace as a piano came down from the sky and they played the ballad. Then every song after became sing along. This band has an obviously huge following. 19 songs . 2 hours of music was a solid show to see. They closed with cut the cord. The revolutions tour headed to Blue Ridge fest the following night where Papa roach, shinedown and Oliver Anthony would do an acoustic act together

About Author

Brian Altman

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Reviews

Collective Soul “7EVEN YEAR ITCH” Greatest Hits 1994-2001 Vinyl

Published

4 months ago

January 4, 2024

Ron

I’ve always been a big fan of Collective Soul and have been lucky to have seen them a few times. This band has always been in my music mixes since the 1990s.

The vinyl release is exactly what you would want for a greatest-hits album. All the best songs that collective soul had from 1994–2001 If you were a teenager or an adult in the 90s, you can’t tell me that you didn’t jam out to songs like “Shine,” “Gel,” and “December.”

With other great songs like “Heavy,” “Run,” “The World I Know,” and “Forgiveness,” This greatest hit album sounds amazing on vinyl as well. Craft Recordings has done a really great job of keeping the magic and sound of these amazing songs.

The sleeve cover has some cool photos of the band throughout the years. This vinyl just came out in Collective Soul fashion in December, and is ready to be part of your vinyl collection, and just brings you back to a great time in life.

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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Reviews

Otep – Hydra 10th Anniversary Vinyl

Published

4 months ago

December 15, 2023

Ron

I received a copy of the album, and when I first opened it, the artwork struck me first. Otep has always been a great visual artist, with her amazing drawings and characters. I even have one of them tattooed on myself. When you see the artwork on this vinyl release, you will really be drawn in and appreciate the artistry.

The sound of this vinyl is amazing. It’s been years since I’ve listened to anything on vinyl and forgot how much I loved the sound of the medium compared to CDs and digital releases. I love the songs on this album because, as with all Otep albums, it has such raw power and emotions, mixed with the anger and beauty of Otep’s poetry. Otep is one of the greats.

The album starts off with the track “Rising,” and this initial song sets the tone for what you’re about to hear from the balance of the album. The standout tracks on this album have to be “Necromantic,” “Apex Predator,” “Voyeur,” and “Feral Game.” Over all, the album as a complete piece of art is amazing. I would encourage you, if you’re a fan of Otep or a collector of vinyl, to add this vinyl to your collection.

About Author

Ron

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Reviews

WEDNESDAY 13: Performs Muderdolls Lititz PA Show Review

Published

5 months ago

November 24, 2023

Ron

Wednesday 13 came into Lititz, PA, on November 18th, bringing the music, or The MurderDolls, with him. Continuing the legacy of Joey Jordison and Ben Graves.

Wednesday 13 is on a tour now; that’s all MurderDolls. 21 years have passed since Beyond the Valley of the MurderDolls came out, and 13 years have passed since Women and Children Last was released. Wednesday and his bandmates are sharing the stage with Infected Rain and Gemini Syndrome on this tour.

The show was amazing; this was our first time covering a show at Mickey’s Black Box. The venue, the staff, and our media contact were so hospitable. The venue was amazing, with a cool balcony on the second floor to watch the show as well.

We got to hear a full set of 20 MurderDolls songs, which was pretty much every song on both albums. There were some songs I haven’t gotten to hear in a long time, like “Grave Robbing USA”, “Drug Me To Hell”, and “Summertime Suicide”. Of course, it wouldn’t be a MurderDolls show if they didn’t play “I Love to Say Fuck” and finish the night with “Dead in Hollywood.”

It’s always a blast to see Wednesday 13 in concert, and I was so excited for the band that a lot of these shows were sold out. It was also a special night because it was my GF’s “50th” birthday and my buddy’s GF’s birthday the next day. We got the MC of the show, Don Jamieson, to give them a little birthday shout-out.

Although it’s sad that Joey and Ben are no longer with us, I’m sure Joey is loving that Murderdolls is still kicking ass after all those years, and I know that Wednesday 13 is so appreciative of what MurderDolls has done for his career.