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Stryper Live 2022 Review

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The legendary yellow and black attack descended on the city of black and gold in the form of iconic Christian metal band Stryper. The prolific musicians made a stop in Warerndale Pennsylvania, a suburb of the Pittsburgh which is fittingly known for it’s black and gold clad Steelers, Penguins, Pirates teams.

Stryper is crisscrossing the nation in celebration of nearly 40 years of dominance in their market and building anticipation for their new album that is set for a fall of 2022 release. Thus far that band has released two tracks from the yet untitled album; “Rise to The Call”, and “See No Evil, Hear No Evil”. These two tracks follow the trend set by the band’s most recent albums. Though heavier and tighter than their eighties metal anthems these songs continue to capture the instantly recognizable vocal melodies, speaker blowing guitar work, and rhythms that most any band would be willing to make the deal at the cross-roads for.

The new release marks Stryper’s 14th studio album which sees front man Michael Sweet again taking on production duties for the band of all original members, save bassist Tim Gaines who exited the band and was subsequently replaced by Perry Richardson formerly of the multi-platinum selling band Firehouse in 2017.

The band opened the night with the thunderous roar of “In God We Trust” from the 1988 album of the same name. Followed by the twin guitar attack of “Revelation” from the album Hell To Pay.

The band was dressed in much more modern attire. Gone is the yellow and black spandex and big hair, but they pay homage to their “stripes” with tasteful hints of the colors throughout their clothing and of course the guitar and bass designs. Michael sported a black skull cap with a white/grey Stryper logo. They call a “slouchy hat” in their web store and is the single piece of band merch. that I must have.

Next up was the guitar crunch and deafening percussion of “The Rock That Makes Me Roll” and the nearly 40 years old vocal harmonies of “Loving You” pulled from the from the band’s debut The Yellow And Black Attack album. Sticking with the early era the band plowed through several tracks from the To Hell With The Devil album including the hits “Calling On You” and “Honestly”. But before they brought the energy level down with the MTV era ballad “Honestly” they turned it up to eleven and tore the roof off with the rhythm heavy simplicity of “Sorry” from the controversially titled album God Damn Evil.

The band did a great job in including tracks from all portions of their history even including the Against The Law era with the inclusion of the song “All For One”. Followed by yet another hit with the pop-metal harmonies of the slickly produced and radio ready “Always There For You”.  Not to corner themselves in, they jumped directly into the modern-rockers “Divider”, “The Valley”, and “Yahweh”. At this point Michael said “Rather than us going over there and off the stage and down the stairs, just to come back and play a couple more songs, we are just gonna stay here and a rock some more for you. Is that OK?” With that they burst into the iconic opening riff of “Soldiers Under Command”. The chorus had the entire audience singing along at the top of their lungs and head banging as Oz Fox and Michael Sweet shared guitar solos. Without missing a beat they burst into the career defining “To Hell With The Devil”, which again had the crowd singing along to every word and enjoying the twin-guitar onslaught of both Oz and Michael. As the song wound down and with the squeal of guitar and thundering drums behind him Michael exclaimed “Stay Safe. Say a pray every day to Him. God bless you all! We love you! Goodnight.” (SEE VIDEO BELOW)

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Concert Reviews

KIM DRACULA/Hanabie SilverSpring Maryland Show Review

Ron

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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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Concert Reviews

TERRIFYING NORTH AMERICA

George Archibald

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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 LIVE DRAMA TOUR 2025: RAMSHEAD ON THE STAGE

Ron

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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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