Reviews

Trans-Siberian Orchestra 2022 Show Review

Published

1 year ago

December 6, 2022

There are a lot of different types of traditions that families dive into around christmas
time. Sitting around a fire watching a holiday movie in your warmest pajamas, and going out
with a creamy hot cocoa looking at christmas lights. However, there is one tradition that doesn’t always come around, but when it does, it’s truly magical.

What we’re discussing here is unique light and orchestral performance by none other than The Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Touring since 1999, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, or TSO, have been spreading holiday cheer for generations in the most memorable form. The rock band, formed in 1996 by producer, lyricist, and composer Paul O’Neill perform their own twist of Christmas classics which give off a very rock opera type persona. To spice it up even more, the band provides the audience with a visual light display that has left many people in awe and craving for more.

Some of their more memorable albums have included but are not limited to, Christmas Eve and Other Stories, The Lost Christmas Eve, The Christmas Attic, and Beethoven’s Last Night. All of these albums, along with a few covers as well, were all featured in TSO’s latest tour, The Ghosts of Christmas Eve, The Best Of TSO and More.

Now into the third week of their 2022 Winter Tour across North America, TSO came to
please. Playing some of their more iconic songs,, such as “Christmas Canon Rock”, which of
course is their own rendition of the infamous Canon in D, or a fan favorite, “Christmas Eve
Sarajevo”, to some lesser beknown to newer fans like “Music Box Blues” or “Child of The Night/
A Last Illusion, fans both old and new are surely are not disappointed. Included in the setlist was
a cover of “If I Go Away” by Savatage, a heavy metal band featuring current members of TSO
Chris Caffery and Al Pitrelli, which they dedicated to O’Niell, who unfortunately passed away in April 2017. Another highlight of the show included the storyline in the first half of the show, told by long time storyteller Bryan Hicks, about a young girl who takes shelter from the cold in an abandoned theater, only to witness different sights and wonders of Christmas Magic, which ends with her receiving a gift to make it home to her family for Christmas. The second half included just as much excitement and brilliant light displays, along with a few satellite stage performances that allowed members to elevate above the audience members, as well as some amazing pyrotechnics. To say the least, there was never a moment where the audience wasn’t on the edge of their seats waiting to see what awaited them in the next song of the night.

To close the night, TSO performed for the second time of the night a reprise of Christmas Eve Sarajevo, to which left audiences on their feet in a standing ovation. So many fans have made it a yearly tradition to make sure that they include TSO in their holiday activities, and after not touring for two years due to the pandemic this is most certainly a genuine treat this holiday season to both fans new and old, a tradition I for one certainly hope to
hold close for years to come.

About Author

Shelby Tyce

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Related Topics:Empire Extreme featured Trans-Siberian Orchestra

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

5 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.