Show Review for HEAVY T.O. in Toronto
One of the cool points of growing up in a singular geographic location is getting to travel and experience different cultures in different areas of the world. We’re all people and everything, but as products of our physical surroundings, we undoubtedly feel a slight shock when taken out of our comfort zones and thrust ourselves into new situations and atmospheres. Thankfully for me, Toronto has itself quite a metal scene and this year’s offering of HEAVY T.O. and HEAVY MTL, taking place in (you guessed it) Toronto and Montreal, saw thousands of black clad, heavily tattooed and pierced crunch lovers packing vacant fields to get their fill of breakdowns, screams, and solos from some of modern metal’s most significant artists. When you pack System Of A Down, Slipknot, Deftones, Marilyn Manson, and Suicidal Tendencies onto the same bill, it’s gonna be a good time, and I felt right at home.
Interview with Fuzz and Carrie Sangiovanni from Caravan of Thieves; Playing Catskill Chill
Bridgeport, Ct.’s Caravan of Thieves are heading to Catskill Chill this next month, and what a spectacle they’ll be bringing with them! Formed in 2008 by husband/wife team Fuzz and Carrie Sangiovanni, the quartet plays a style of gypsy inspired music that is certain to entertain Hancock, NY come September.
With as many albums under their belt as years active, Caravan of Thieves are keeping a steady pace in bringing their sounds to the crowd. With a focus on audience participation and interaction, the group strives to get the crowd involved in the music, making the experience truly interactive for those who wish to help them create a fun and festive atmosphere.
Interview with Travis Paparoski from FiKus; Playing Catskill Chill
Electo-Funkadelic-Hip-Rock. Ok, I can get into that! River Vale, NJ’s Fikus is the official host band for all of the official Catskill Chill pre-parties for 2012, and that’s no short order to fill, so expect a wild time if you get to check them out. The 5 piece’s meshing of acoustic and electronic instrumentation in their songs exemplifies a strong desire to forge a bond between the two mediums, and their performances take fans on a wild ride full of energy and sonic bursts.
Interview with Yellow Dogs from Iran; Playing “Made in Iran” event in NYC next week.
Yellow Dogs are a 4-piece post-punk band from Iran who are not legally allowed to play in their home country. As it turns out, the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance deems their music unfit for their conservative society, and the band will be arrested if they go home. If you would, I’d like you to re-read and think about that for a moment. It’s cool… The post will still be here when you’re done. Read More…
Show Review for Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival 8/1/12 – Darien Lake
This year’s installment of the Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival made its way at Buffalo, NY’s Darien Lake this year, and metal heads of all ages made their way from rollercoaster to moshpit on a warm, comfortable day. Buffalo will probably get buried in a few feet of snow come September, so it was nice to have a good day to celebrate a 4-way metal legend extravaganza! The lineup, consisting of Anthrax, Motorhead, Slayer, and Slipknot, made no bones about what the day was going to bring forth. Stripped down from the full tour lineup, it was basically a “Headliners Only” showcase. It would’ve been cool to see the entire package in a day, but I was happy to only catch the cream. Read More…
LIVE HIGH FIVE 