Ice Nine Kills makes a stop in Sacramento for the Not Your American Idols Tour

Ice Nine Kills are currently out on the Not Your American Idols Tour and we are happy they made a stop in Sacramento earlier this week. One thing is for sure, they put on an incredibly fierce and energetic set every time they perform. This time was no different as they unleashed their energy onto the crowd at the Assembly Music Hall.  It was also a hard night considering they had just learned about the passing of Tyson Stevens from Scary Kids Scaring Kids and they even dedicated a song. The crowd was intense as they had quite a stream of crowd surfers and determined moshers. Of course Spencer couldn’t hold back as he joined in the crowd surfing!  Check out the photos from our Rockin Ryan of their set here:

In case you missed it, make sure to watch their recently released acoustic video for Jonathan. The traditionally melodic heavy band show their emotional soft side as they truly deliver a moving and poignant video which features Jonathan, a handsome young man who suffers from a rare mitochondrial disease. The video will surely be beneficial in raising awareness to find a cure for mitochondrial disorder which could impact cures for Autism, Parkinson’s, Alzheimers, Muscular Dystrophy. As I watch my mom suffer through her advanced stages of Parkinson’s, I can only hope to one day find a cure which will help others as they battle these diseases and ease their suffering. Check out the video here for Jonathan:

Spencer explains more about the song, Jonathan, “‘Jonathan’ is probably the most important song this band has ever created. It’s written from the perspective of my good friend Jonathan, whose sight is being slowly stolen from him by a terrible disease called mitochondrial disorder. We hope his story of unrelenting strength in the face of progressive blindness becomes an inspiring anthem for him and everyone out there who faces life-altering challenges.” – Spencer

The song is off their current release, The Predator Becomes The Prey which was released earlier this year. You can pick up the acoustic version of Jonathan by heading over to iTunes here. A portion of the profits will be going to researching to find a cure. More information about mitochondrial diseas can be found by visiting www.mitoaction.org

There are still some remaining dates for the Not Your American Idol Tour so make sure you don’t miss them!

 

In addition, Ice Nine Kills have a couple dates for their  ‘Thanx-Killing Fest’ which will sell out so be sure to pick up your tickets soon!

11/29 – Cambridge, MA – Middle East Upstairs
Tickets: http://www.ticketweb.com/fb/5425665/mideastnew

11/30 – Hartford, CT – Webster Underground
Tickets: http://tinyurl.com/mu6nqxf

Visit their social media sites  and stay up to date on their latest news and pick up their latest release, The Predator Becomes The Prey available at Best Buy, music retailers or iTunes here.

~ Marisol

Information & Links:

• Website: http://www.purevolume.com/new/iceninekills
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IceNineKills
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/iceninekills
• iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-predator-becomes-the-prey/id779851407

Concert Review:Escape The Fate w. New Years Day and Glamour Of The Kill at STROM, Munich

Concert Review

Escape The Fate w. New Years Day and Glamour Of The Kill at STROM, Munich

Contributed by Alexandra –  Twitter; https://twitter.com/lexi22473_b

Doors opened right on time at 8.30 pm, which is unusually late for a show. The start was announced for 9.30 pm, but already at 9 pm New Years Day started playing. It was their first time in Germany, as singer Ash Costella told, but they were not completely unknown to part of the audience that sang along their songs.

Next up were Glamour Of The Kill from the UK. It’s been their second time in Germany. Last time they came here, they opened up for Papa Roach. Jacoby Shaddix, the singer of Papa Roach, makes an appearance on GOTK’s new single Out of Control which they also played that night, along with well known songs like Second Chance and Freak Like Me. They had to fight with some technical difficulties during their set, but they managed to keep the crowd going, asking for someone to bring 4 Tequilas to the stage, to which two people from the audience happily obliged. They played an energetic set. It was fun watching them and they promised to come back in 2015. Considering how the crowd responded, they’ll sure have no problems to fill small clubs with their own fans.

It was already about 11 pm when Escape The Fate started their set. With every band that evening the crowd got tighter and with the opening tunes of Chose Your Fate you felt the tension rise. It was only a really small club that was filled up, but not sold out. The atmosphere was great. There were circle pits and they even managed a wall of death. The audience knew every word of every single song. They played most of their popular songs like One For the Money, Issues, Ungrateful, Until We Die and also two slower songs Picture Perfect and Something. The set-list was a mix through all of their records, with a focus on Ungrateful though.  It was a fast, well played set. Band and audience obviously had fun, but after about 60 minutes it was over.  By midnight most people were already on their way home, some stayed to talk to the bands that invited the audience to stay and chat.

All in all it was a good show, a bit of a shorter set but nevertheless a fun evening.

Check out a slideshow of photos from the set:

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~ Contributed by Alexandra –  Twitter; https://twitter.com/lexi22473_b

Ed Kowalczyk announces Throwing Copper Unplugged 20th Anniversary Tour

 

Ed Kowalczyk, the legendary songwriter and former lead-singer of the multi-platinum rock band LIVE, announces the first leg of his Throwing Copper Unplugged – 20th Anniversary Tour. I can only imagine the atmosphere that the stripped down, acoustic versions will bring to the intimate settings as Ed Kowalczyk will perform some of rock’s most profound anthems. His signature vocals has attracted legions of fans for more than two decades. For complete tour and ticketing details, visit: www.edkowalczyk.com

I still remember the first time I heard the amazing voice of Ed, it was back in the ’91/’92 and as usual, I went out in search of live bands on a Friday night.  My group of friends and I went to the Paradise Lounge and the DNA Lounge in San Francisco and LIVE was just about to perform there. I remember getting up and going right to the front of the stage and watching the entire set in awe of that amazing voice. Ed’s voice is powerful yet vulnerable, commanding yet inviting, just pure blissful. This is one tour that I strongly encourage you to see.

The first leg of the tour includes the following locations:

• Wed-Feb-04 The Center for the Arts Natick, MA
• Thu-Feb-05 Narrows Center for the Arts Fall River, MA
• Fri-Feb-06 Flying Monkey Perf. Center Plymouth, NH
• Sat-Feb-07 The Ridgefield Playhouse Ridgefield, CT
• Thu-Feb-12 City Winery New York, NY
• Fri-Feb-13 City Winery New York, NY
• Sun-Feb-15 Boulton Ctr for the Perf. Arts Bay Shore, NY
• Fri-Feb-20 Rams Head On Stage Annapolis, MD
• Sun-Feb-22 Altar Bar Pittsburgh, PA
• Tue-Feb-24 House of Blues Cleveland, OH
• Wed-Feb-25 Pasant Theatre at The Wharton Ctr E. Lansing, MI
• Fri-Feb-27 Blueberry Hill – Duck Room St. Louis, MO
• Sat-Feb-28 City Winery Chicago, IL
• Sun-Mar-01 City Winery Chicago, IL
• Mon-Mar-02 Cedar Cultural Center Minneapolis, MN

 

I am hoping that they will be announcing some California dates soon. Make sure to visit his social media sites to stay up to date on the latest news.

 

~ Marisol

Information & Links:

• Website: www.edkowalczyk.com
• Facebook:  www.facebook.com/edkowalczyk
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/EDDIEKLIVE
• Music & Merch:  https://www.facebook.com/edkowalczyk/app_208195102528120

 

Ani DiFranco set to release new album Allergic to Water on October 14th via her own Righteous Babe Records

Great news to share! Ani DiFranco is set to release a new album, Allergic To Water on October 14th through her own label, Righteous Babe Records. The album was tracked by herself at her New Orleans home, often while her family slept and creates a hushed vibe to the album. Ani explained more about the album during a statement on her site:

“Mostly I worked alone in headphones, in the wee hours, while my family slept. It was empowering but terrifying to have the buck stop with me again in terms of the mixes. The recordings are documents of my current touring band (recorded by Mike in our old victorian house in the Marigny neighborhood of New Orleans and also by Andy Taub at a nearby church in the Treme) just laying down the songs.

“Many also feature a couple of very choice special guests. My killer band these days consists of bassist and composer Todd Sickafoose, who not only brings an always wonderful and unexpected counterpoint to my guitar with his bass playing, but is also my secret weapon in terms of production- overdubbing atmospherics and embellishments that add depth and color to the stories I tell.

“My drummer is Terence Higgins, a New Orleans native, who brings that deeply funky pocket that makes me smile so wide, yet all-the-while listening through to the whole picture and really making music with his instrument, not just rhythms. Though most of Terence’s musical incarnations have him playing drum kit, this record really features his hand-percussion prowess- like the congas on “see see see see”, the Mardi Gras Indian style tambourine on “genie” – he nailed it every time.”

We are so excited for the album and can’t wait for it. You can check out the first song Woe Be Gone here:

Once again, Ani treats us with her sweet beautiful music and you can’t help but fall in love with this amazingly talented singer/songwriter/poet. We had the opportunity to catch her performance earlier this year in Napa and it was one of the most magical nights. You can read all about it here:  Ani DiFranco mesmerizes Napa.  Check out a slideshow of photos from that night by our Rockin Ryan:

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We will continue to keep you updated and make sure to also visit the social media sites for more news. I hope you take the time out of your busy schedule and put on some Ani DiFranco, one thing is for sure, you will feel alive and vibrant as you soak in her energy and feel her music enter your soul. I would encourage you to head over to www.righteousbabe.com and pick up some music today. Also, Not A Pretty Girl is available as a newly re-mastered Vinyl and is a MUST HAVE or make sure you have her latest of her 20 albums, ¿Which Side are You On?,

~ Enjoy, Marisol

Information & Links:

• Website: www.righteousbabe.com/blogs/ani-difranco-news
• Ani DiFranco Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anidifranco
• Ani DiFranco Twitter: www.twitter.com/anidifranco
• Ani DiFranco Music: www.righteousbabe.com/collections/ani-difranco

Awoken Shadows debut album, Till Death Do Us Part is a MUST HAVE!

We are excited to announce that the debut album by the fast rising band, Awoken Shadows is now available. Their debut album, Till Death Do Us Part was released today and available on iTunes, GooglePlay, Amazon, etc. Awoken Shadows have been garnering a lot of high praises and are sure to capture everyone’s attention with this new album. For a debut album, they are coming out of the gate running and have delivered a complete musical gem. After first listen, you may think you are listening to a well established band of many years since the songs are well written, fluidly executed and blends so well the style of theatrical metalcore and post hardcore rock.

They have seamlessly created songs that create depth with layers, rich in cinematic tones and bring to life their theatrical style. It is like the gifted offspring of Vampires Everywhere, Avenged Sevenfold and early Motionless in White with a side of Danny Worsnop growls/screams.  There is the right mixture of heaviness amid the melodic chorus’ that creates their own unique sound that is truly infectious. You will find yourself singing the chorus or tapping to the beats long after listening and looking forward to putting it on replay again.

The album starts right off with the heavy hitting track of Broken Mirrors and you are drawn to the precision double bass drums of Anthony. The anthemic vocal chants highlight the smooth vocals and a kick ass breakdown and melodic solo. The Will To Die gets you revved up with it’s fierce heavy riff and unapologetic tones. The screams and vocals are well executed in such a way that they fit so smoothly into their songs and are a hit. You also are treated to a powerful drum transition to a sweet guitar solo.

Next up is our favorite, Fall With Me featuring Jordan Blake. This song has everything you want in a well crafted metalcore song; bass drops, great screams, high chant vocals, dramatic pause, guitar dive bomb, passionate growls, in your face heavy, breakdown and one of the most catchiest choruses that you will find yourself singing to long after playing the song! The hard pounding double bass at the end has you in awe as you are banging your head into the bass drop at the end.

Graveyard Romance has a cinematic intro that captures the intensity of the song. Vocals are absolutely captivating and remind me of a Murderdolls/Marilyn Manson vibe. Michael and David work seamlessly in their vocal work together and compliment each other as they are each highlighted in this song. This is another one of my favorites.  The Black Rose is what a true metalcore ballad should be like. It features a symphonic keyboard reminiscent of Motionless in White. The emotionally driven screams take you into a fluid like state that blends with the melodic chorus and then takes you back into another true heavy caliber breakdown.

The Devil Inside picks things right back up and takes you into a heavier style leading into a dramatic pause that gets brought back in with a hard hit to Anthony’s ride cymbal. You will find yourself head banging to this one as it is fierce throughout. This will be the song that will get the most intense circle pit action as you are infused with energy throughout.

Angels Inferno featuring Jake Pitts of Black Veil Brides is another great track with great screams, band chants that will have you with your fist in the air and takes you into the amazing solo of fast paced picking and sweep picking.

The title track Till Death Do Us Part has a very dark mysterious intro that captures a theatrical mood of the finality. It is an amazing track that once again highlights the great work of Michael and David on their vocals. Their styles work together so well and flow fluidly throughout and are powerful yet so vulnerable. These guys definitely have honed in their craft and musicianship. I can only imagine what is next for these amazing talented young musicians.

The final track is a remix of Graveyard Romance by Ryan Stikowski which is a cool take on the song. I love it as it reminds me of William Control vibe. All in all, this is probably one of the most impressive debut albums I have heard in a long time. So make sure to pick it up today and do yourself a favor by catching them live. One thing is for sure, they do not only have a great studio sound, they also give one of the best live performances.We had the opportunity to chat with them last month and if you didn’t get a chance before, check out our interview with them here:

Make sure to visit their social media sites and stay up to date on their latest  news. They are currently on tour now with KUZA and Controlled Demise. Check the dates below and get yourself to a show!

 

Awoken Shadows with Kuza

~ Marisol

Information & Links:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AwokenShadows
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/AwokenShadows
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/awokenshadowsband
• iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/till-death-do-us-part/id893637199
• GooglePlay: https://play.google.com/store/music/album/Awoken_Shadows_Till_Death_Do_Us_Part?
• Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Till-Death-Do-Part-Explicit/

Awoken Shadows belong in the spotlight for metalcore!

Earlier this month, we told you about the awesome show that Awoken Shadows put on as they opened up for Cherri Bomb at the DNA Show in San Francisco. You can read all about that coverage here. We have been following the fast rise of Awoken Shadows after first seeing them perform earlier this year at Ace of Spades opening for Escape The Fate. They were awesome at the DNA Lounge and couldn’t wait to catch them when they came to perform in Santa Rosa at the Live Musician’s Co-op, opening for Farewell, My Love  last week.

Sure enough, Awoken Shadows put on another fantastic set. These guys successfully bring out a theatrical side to metal that is something you have to experience for yourself. They each have great stage presence and are completely in tune with the crowd. We had the opportunity to talk with the band before their set and are pleased to bring you that interview here:

 

There are so many great things in store with this band and we are excited to hear the new music they are working on. Even better news is that they will be returning to the Live Musician’s Co-op and the DNA Lounge for stops on the See You In Hell Tour which features KUZA and Controlled Demise. We have two nights that we look forward to bringing you more updates from this awesome band. Check the Kuza Tour dates below:

 

Try to make it out to a show because you will be happy to catch this fast rising band on tour now. They definitely have the energy, drive, passion and the musical talent to back it up. They are going places, watch and see!  Check out the photos from Rockin Ryan of their set at the Live Musician’s Co-op here:

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So make sure to visit their social media sites and stay up to date on their latest news. Also, stay tuned for some new music coming soon from Awoken Shadows. I will leave you with a tribute video that Rockin Ryan made from live footage.

~ Marisol

 

Information & Links:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AwokenShadows
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/AwokenShadows
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/awokenshadowsband
• Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/OfficialAwokenShadows

Awoken Shadows bring to life a theatrical side to metalcore that you must see!

We recently told you about the amazing night on Sunday as we covered Cherri Bomb at the DNA Show in San Francisco. Another great band we must tell you about is Awoken Shadows who we have been waiting to once again catch live!  We will also be bringing you coverage on the opening bands of A Hero to Fall, Oh! The Horror and Chapters.

We have been following the fast rise of Awoken Shadows after first seeing them perform earlier this year at Ace of Spades opening for Escape The Fate. They instantly caught our eye and we were sad we got there to only catch a couple songs.  But this time, we were excited to see Awoken Shadows perform at the DNA Lounge and we were not going to miss any of their set! Check out the photos from Rockin Ryan of their set and when they came back out to perform a kick ass last song of the night with Cherri Bomb.

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These guys successfully bring out a theatrical side to metal that is something you have to experience for yourself. They each have great stage presence and are completely in tune with the crowd.  They literally controlled everyone through their music and raised the intensity levels two fold. We are very excited to see them coming up and performing next week on June 12th at the Live Musician’s Co-Op in Santa Rosa with Farewell, My Love, Jamies Elsewhere, Incredible’ Me, Lionfight and A Hero to Fall.

We will definitely be there to bring you more coverage of Awoken Shadows as well as a video interview with the band. If you can’t make it to that show, don’t worry they are going to be heading out on tour with Kuza and check those dates below:

 

 

So make sure to visit their social media sites and stay up to date on their latest news. We are hoping to hear if they win the Battle of Bands for Warped Tour too!! Also, stay tuned for some new music coming soon from Awoken Shadows.

~ Marisol

Information & Links:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AwokenShadows
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/AwokenShadows
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/awokenshadowsband
• Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/OfficialAwokenShadows

 

Skid Row performs for a SOLD OUT SHOW at the Whisky A Go Go

This past Saturday at the legendary Whisky a Go Go was a night that many will remember. Skid Row was making a stop at the legendary venue for their United World Rebellion Tour. It was a sold out show and the venue was packed with a crowd that was ready to ROCK!  The opening bands, Ragdoll, No More Solace, State Line Empire, and Shattered Sun all put on excellent sets. We just caught them at the DNA Lounge in San Francisco earlier in the week and they were so spectacular that we wouldn’t miss their Hollywood show.

Skid Row has been filling up venue after venue and everyone in attendance will surely agree that they put on an amazing performance.  Skid Row is:

• Johnny Solinger (vocals)
• Scotti Hill (guitar)
• Rachel Bolan (bass)
• Snake Sabo (guitar)
• Rob Hammersmith (drums)

Once again, they sounded great and Johnny killed it on vocals.  Scotti and Snake are madmen on their guitars as they each dominated their area and commanded the attention of the audience with their amazing guitar work. Rachel on bass is always a pleasure to watch, he is such a cool cat and we were even treated to hearing him sing on Psycho. Rob is a powerhouse on the drums and brings the sound all together.  What I really love is that each band member feed off each other’s energy and their is such a cohesion as they play. They played a lot of the fan favorites and some new songs. They even played a kick ass cover of Cheap Trick’s  Surrender. Check it out here:

 

The energy of the crowd was literally off the charts. I have been to many shows at the Whisky and Saturday night had me thinking, I was transported to the bustling nightclub back in the late 80’s. There was only one thing on everyone’s agenda…. To Rock out!  Check out the slide show of Rockin Ryan’s photos from their set:

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Skid Row are touring in support of their highly anticipated seven song EP,  RISE OF THE DAMNATION ARMY – UNITED WORLD REBELLION – CHAPTER TWO”. The EP is set for an August 5th release in North America via Megaforce Records. If you haven’t listened to any of their newer music, you are missing out. Their United World Rebellion Chapter One is bad ass! With tracks like the guitar crazy Kings of Demolition or Letting Go you might think you are listening to an old Skid Row album. Then their is the stellar ballad of This is Killing Me that will become one of your favorites. Stitches brings a dose of metal that is just the perfect touch. Johnny’s vocals are spot on with his throaty gritty style and will definitely have you beggin for more!

Make sure to visit their social media sites to check for upcoming tour dates and the latest on all Skid Row news. I will leave you with some videos from their set!

~ Marisol

Information & Links:

• Website: www.skidrow.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/OfficialSkidRow
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Officialskidrow
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SkidsTV
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/officialskidrow

 

 

The Dead Daisies and Kobra and the Lotus are set to support Kiss/Def Leopard

 

 

The Dead Daisies have just announced on their Facebook page that they will be heading out on tour in August for support on the Kiss and Def Leppard Tour. Kobra and The Lotus are also to support on the tour with split dates.

For tickets + info see: http://thedeaddaisies.com/upcoming-shows/

KOBRA AND THE LOTUS and The Dead Daisies to support KISS/ Def Leppard Tour this summer.Kobra and the Lotus will be covering dates from 6/23-8/1 & 8/12 (Toronto, the band’s hometown) and The Dead Daisies from 8/2-8/31 (excluding Toronto).www.KISSONLINE.com/tour

The Dead Daisies put on an incredible set. We had the opportunity to see them perform last year at the Rockstar Uproar Festival. Check out a bad ass tribute video that Rockin Ryan put together with footage and photos of their set.

Make sure to visit their social media sites and stay up to date on their latest news.

~ Marisol

Information & Links:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheDeadDaisies
• Twitter: http://thedeaddaisies.com/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/thedeaddaisies
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/thedeaddaisies

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Skid Row stops in at the DNA Lounge for the United World Rebellion Tour

Last night was an awesome night of ROCK n ROLL. We went to the DNA Lounge in San Francisco and the kicked off with a solid set by The Devil in California, then local favorite State Line Empire, Black Star Riders (Thin Lizzy) and ended with the a headlining performance by Skid Row. Make sure to read about all our band features.

Skid Row just began their US leg of the United World Rebellion Tour last week and last night it was San Francisco’s turn to be in the spotlight. It was a great crowd that had a range of ages from teens up to seniors. I love seeing the variety in the crowd as it always gives me the hope that rock and roll will never die. Skid Row is:

• Johnny Solinger (vocals)
• Scotti Hill (guitar)
• Rachel Bolan (bass)
• Snake Sabo (guitar)
• Rob Hammersmith (drums)

They sounded great and Johnny killed it on vocals.  Scotti and Snake are madmen on their guitars as they each dominated their area and commanded the attention of the audience with their amazing guitar work. Rachel on bass is always a pleasure to watch, he is such a cool cat and we were even treated to hearing him sing on Psycho. Rob is a powerhouse on the drums and brings the sound all together.  What I really love is that each band member feed off each other’s energy and their is such a cohesion as they play.The set was filled with some old hits, fan favorites and even new ones. Check out the set list for the night:

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It was a set filled with straight up rock and roll and one thing is for sure, Skid Row is definitely a band to keep your eye on. I am not even going to say the frivolously used “C” word… okay, I will say it… Comeback! because honestly Skid Row never left and if you think they are in a comeback phase, maybe it is you that is making a comeback or a return to your love of rock and roll. Time for you to renew your long lost love of rock and roll and there is no better band to do that with, than with Skid Row.

Skid Row are touring in support of their highly anticipated seven song EP,  RISE OF THE DAMNATION ARMY – UNITED WORLD REBELLION – CHAPTER TWO”. The EP is set for an August 5th release in North America via Megaforce Records. Make sure to visit their social media sites to check for upcoming tour dates and the latest on all Skid Row news. I will leave you with some videos from their set!

~ Marisol

Information & Links:

• Website: www.skidrow.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/OfficialSkidRow
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Officialskidrow
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SkidsTV
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/officialskidrow