The No Name Gang headlining this party. (L to R: Bassist Zac Harriot, guitarist John Haskin, vocalist Justin Hendrick and guitarist Dana Roselli)
The Merrow was teaming with energy and all sorts of hooliganism on July 7 and not just because of ‘Mericuh’s birthday. Hooliganism on a Friday night? How perfect! Metal Assault and Dark Gem Entertainment kept the 4th of July party alive with local cool kids The No Name Gang and a supporting acts that made the night all the more memorable.
Lighting the first spark of the night was Tijuana heavy metallers Meltdown which happened to be their first time at The Merrow. Frontman/guitarist Ian Roa was the embodiment of old school heavy metal not only because he was donning the tight pleather pants but because he had that charisma metal vets posses. Roa along with bassist Daniel Cázares and guitarist Carlos Savage lit up the stage when they lined up and played side by side and had a mini riff battle.
Meltdown stir The Merrow (L to R: Guitarist Carlos Savage, vocalist/guitarist Ian Roa, and bassist Daniel Cazares)
When Roa wasn’t hitting those impressive high notes and owning the stage, he was sharing stories of their eager fans while they encountered minor technical difficulties. If you think Tijuana doesn’t get down, well think again. Meltdown reinvigorates an old sound with their jovial energy and will certainly spark your interest. The quartet showcases the type of fun and fresh new acts Tijuana is producing that will appeal to both the youngins and the diehard metal OG’s.
After Meltdown finished their impressive set, Long Beach busted out their big guns with Railgun. No, it was not the Klown’s signature move from his short lived days in the Railing Bros. Circus but it was the kick ass band called Railgun! Railgun came out and meant business with their unique brand of thrashy power metal or whatever they classify themselves as, but all yours truly knows is that they’re damn addicting!
IDK what type of genre Railgun identifies themselves as but we lurrrve it! (L to R: Bassist Brice Snyder, vocalist/rhythm guitarist Cole Jones and lead guitarist Luke Cohen)
Frontman/rhythm guitarist Cole Jones wasn’t wrangling onstage like a mad man but his storytelling vocals and diligence in his guitar playing was more than enough to reel you in. Guitarist/back up vocalist Luke Cohen, however, didn’t hold back and let it all out. WHOA THERE! Not ALL out, he is a classy gent! When Cohen wasn’t in a frenzy because of his awesome riffs, he was engaging with fans and playing alongside Jones and bassist/backup vocalist Brice Snyder. These guys certainly gave this night more oomph, not that it needed any.
The night didn’t die there. Not even close! Especially when Livin Alive took over and lived up to their name and stirred the amped crowd some more. Livin Alive shredded with their brand of skater thrash and was the band of cool rockstar kids you went to school with. The vocalist/lead guitarist of the group put the wow in Wowie which is not only his stage name but we’re also going to assume that it’s his birth name ‘cause trust us we be investigators… The drummer Big “This is his real name too…” D, shined brighter than the stage lights by giving us a badass drum solo that resonated even when the show was over. Livin Alive can and will resurrect the dead.
ITS ALIVE!!!! With Livin Alive! (L to R: Bassist Alain Simental, drummer Big D and vocalist/guitarist Wowie)
After we learned to live with Livin Alive, it was time to give in to the secret society of The No Name Gang. Okay they are not a secret society… YET. They are but a “simple” band…ok ok you caught me again! They are NOT just a simple local band. They were the headliners of the night with an alluring moniker. Though the quartet were not the original headliners of this gig, the hometown collective stepped up to the plate and knocked it out of the park to say the least. Vocalist Justin Hendrick made us feel the profound power of his lyrics as he belted out the songs and shut his eyes channeling each emotion in to the verses. They even premiered a new song called “I Fear,” guess you shoulda been there huh?
There were many things to celebrate that Friday night, aside from it being Friday, ‘Meriuch, and life. Speaking of which, it was a special birthday show for bassist Zac Harriot who was giddy because who wouldn’t be? Harriot was all of us especially because it was his b-day AND he was performing in the headlining band. Someone buy him a shot! Who cares if it’s a month late, buy him an unbirthday shot! You know what, buy everyone in the band an unbirthday shot.
Justin Hendrick of The No Name Gang can’t contain his excitement over that unbirthday shot you promised him…
Though this band has only been around since 2012, they continue to leave an impression on new and old fans alike. The No Name Gang didn’t need any fancy props, lasers or fog machines to reel the audience in. Sometimes all a band needs to catch a crowd’s attention is the simple humility and passion for the craft which is something this band of free spirited dudes has.
Prong returns with their 12th studio album Zero Days via SPV/Steamhammer records and this album is here to make an impression. Now the J-Oh’ster (Klown, c’mon tell me if I’m doing this right!) must admit the first track “However It may End” made the J-Oh think she played a new Slipknot track minus the beep-beep-scratch sounds…Have those green Cali fumes FINALLY messed with yours truly?! Don’t know. The title track will make you grab your shit and run and start your own rebellion. Great track! Which is complimented by “Divide And Conquer,” where Tommy Victor shows off his nice set of pipes in the chorus and also keeps shining in the angsty ballad “Blood Out Of Stone.” *replays* They get it! They get me!
Now Prong is not one to shy away from in-your-face tracks or songs about how they are being wronged! NO!! They throw “Self Righteous Indignation” right at you, which prowls with a calculating pace rather than charge right at you. RAWR! Want something more serious with a foreboding sense of doom? “Wasting Of The Dawn” and “The Whispers.” Victor’s vocals AND riffs continue to shine along with the Art Cruz’s definitive drum pounding and the base foundation from Mike Longworth. It should be a crime that the J-Oh’ster FINALLY mentioned Victor’s riffs ‘cause he’s not just a pretty voice!
This album will more than suffice the Prong lover and will cause a nice head bopping for the casual metalhead. Though yours truly is not an avid Prong follower, the J-Oh’ster’s gotta admit that this was a very nice personal buffer between listening to tar black metal, decaying death metal, grimy industrial tunes, and the magical wonders of Loreena McKennitt and Bjork. That’s right kids, there’s no in between with the J-Oh’ster and she can go on and on! So with that being said, Zero Days provides that pleasant middle ground for anyone. Be sure to snag a copy of this baby before you head in to your bunker here and bask it in.
5 Out 6, The Final Countdown Was Good!
Alice Cooper Conjures Up The ‘Paranormal’
The father of shock rock is back to show us a whole new type of nightmare with Paranormal via earMusic Records. Alice Cooper kicks off with the title track which has a nice and acoustic riff before the brief and epic electric riffs strike you down. The title track has an appropriate feel as the intro track because it has a haunting and welcoming tone and Alice Cooper’s melodic vocals will stay with you.
The sextet switches gears with “Dead Files” and “Fallen In Love” which had some faint bluesy overtones which was awesome. Now there’s a very special guest in “Fireball,” and you are right it is the organ! Why enjoy this so much? Because it made this track so much stronger. Why is the J-Oh’ster too excited over the organ? Because shut up that’s why. which for some reason amuzed me and we hear a guest appearance from the organ in “Fireball” which makes this baby sizzle. The boppy and rebel with a cause “Genuine American Girl” is the track that will steal your heart and break it before taking off to Broadway.
Alice Cooper revisits some of his older style in vocals and sound in “Paranoiac Personality,” “Private Public Breakdown.” Cooper adds a little bit of bluesy noir to his rock n’ roll in “The Sound Of A,” which the J-Oh’ster must admit is her favorite song of this album. This legend flirts with different musical influences without straying away from his classic and signature sound. Paranormal will make a believer out of you and is sure to appeal to the youngins. Contact and receive your copy with open arms here.
6 Out of 6, We believe!
‘Ultu Ulla’ Is A Different Kind Of Species
We’re going to Saturn, dude. To the Rings Of Saturn to be exact! And you bet we’ll be blasting their latest Ultu Ulla which made its way out in this universe via Nuclear Blast Records. Those beginning riffs from guitarists Lucas Mann and Miles Dimitri Baker in their first track “Servant of this Sentience” heighten the anticipation of what’s to come in this album and deliver a track that flows nicely.
“Parallel Shift,” however, shakes things up with their tempo and even throws in some good ol’ keyboards adding that a faint sense of mystique considering we’re breaking supersonic barriers in this journey! Now these guys don’t just stick to the brutal side of things and add some spice to this album. Nope, these guitarists add some pizzazz to this album by showcasing their strumming chops and give us a great acoustic intermission in “Unhallowed” and the pleasant and epic instrumental “The Macrocosm” where they mix some technical and brutal influences with acoustic elements, and lest we forget the predominantly acoustic snippet in “Inadequate.”
Rings of Saturn don’t just remain in the deathcore side of the spectrum and dabble in a lot of technical death metal influences in Ultu Ulla. This album is a different species that is in the middle of evolving from its previous form. The Bay Area quartet are ready to hunt and convert new fans with the new influences they are playing with. Book your ticket to Ultu Ulla here and prepare to get your mind blown.
6 Out 6, I Have A Feeling This Isn’t Just Deathcore Anymore
*Look what I found at the bottom of my Comic Con bag! That lil sneak!*
Mosh to ‘The Overlord Messiah’
Nearly three decades later, David DerMinasian, ex-member of 1988’s AVATAR (no not James Cameron’s blue man group or the eccentric Swedes), not only returned to the metal scene with a new band called Retched (pronounced “Retch” ‘cause they’re cool like that) BUT they also released The Overlord Messiah via Alone Records on July 21. Something worth noting about this EP is that it was recorded as AVATAR in ’88 before they split, and the former member had to sit on this record until last year when he released it through Bandcamp. Do we need more reasons to love Bandcamp!? The Greek record label then swooped in and released it to the masses last week.
Flash forward to 2017, where the two piece SoCal thrash band not only delivered a big surprise to their faithful legion but also have the potential to wow thrashers and casual listeners alike. “Black Leather And Me” is the perfect 80’s montage music for a metalhead and oozes that OG coolness. “Insane” and “Lost In The Night” will make you wild with their intro riffs and don’t even get me started about that breakdown!
The title track “The Overlord Messiah” lives up to its name and is a divine ruler no one would dare challenge! Yours truly can continue breaking down all six tracks of this EP but yours truly has said more than enough. It would have been a sacrilege of metal proportions had this EP not made it in to our ears. The multi talented DerMinasian’s voice is a whole new level of heavy metal magic, not that the J’Oh-ster is downplaying his riffs.
With Retched due to release a full length album in Nov. 2018, we can’t wait to see what this duo will produce in their new chapter. Become a believer and get it in their bandcamp OR get the sweet bundle pack at Alone Records’ site.
Editor’s note: Whoa! What’s with the “Really J-Oh?! This stuff is, like, old you’re not a real music journalist!” Though you are right on the last six words of your pointless insults, THIS IS THE MISTRIALS! *Sparta kicks* Duh! So sit back and let these babies shine and shimmer.
Nukem Converts With ‘The Unholy Trinity’
Local thrash legends-in-the-making Nukem delivered their debut album The Unholy Trinity on Sept. 16, 2016 via Sleaszy Rider Records. Nukem help me declare war on my worthless enemies with “WarWolf” with a strong, sexy but independent riff from vocalist/guitarist Steve Brodgen. My dog, man! The Lunacy approved and might possibly cover this track on Nattevakt’s next album. The riff was mighty that it caused the vengeful “Evelyn’s Awakening” to come and hex us all in this wild and fun adventure. Brogden and company continue to fuel your appetite with “Atomic Age” and have axe goddess/live guitarist Laura Christine and bassist Don Lauder show us the raw power of their mighty riffs in “The Deceiver.” Brogden strikes you with that high note before unleashing his rifftastic fury and thick vocals in “Bloodseeker.”
As you approach the end of this thrashy fallout, Nukem softens the blow of this realization with the amazing instrumental intro of “Lethal Injection” before releasing the heavy metal hound on you. After walking and moshing in this nuclear metal land, the acoustic “Lucida Sidera” celebrates your metal journey. Missed out on their debut 2015 self titled EP? No problem! Nukem concludes with their classic thrash anthem, “Nukem All” where Brogden and Christine have mesmerizing riff war.
Nukem obliterates all expectations with their debut LP and leaves a residual radiation that will make the Geiger counter throw its horns up. You think this album was good? Then see what we thought about them on their last performance of 2017 here and jump into the action yourself and get this album here. Is that not enough?! Check out their music video for “Evelyn’s Awakening.”
6 Out 6, They Nuked us all!
Squirrelly Arts Are On A Mission To Take Over
The local industrial rockers Squirrelly Arts have released their five song EP Made of Machine And Body Parts independently on June 2. The quintet points their attention grabbing “Index Finger” at ya. You’ll be mesmerized by the beginning riffs by lead guitarist D3V01D, that pounding courtesy of drummer Goreskin and Korpse’s bass strums. If that instrumental ensemble wasn’t enough to catch your attention, just wait for vocalist Vikki SexXx’s growl which will pierce your ears while back up vocalist Emma-O pins you down till you gladly succumb to their will.
In the appropriately titled “Second” and “Rock Star” VexXx’s shows us that not only can he growl but that he can also bark and bite! In these tracks, Korpse and Goreskin shine and compliment the intensity and rage projected by the vocals. Squirrelly Arts’ industrial style is a little more dominant and slow down their tempo for “Destroy Kill” allowing the array of instruments and German play tracks really soak in ‘cause industrial! Machine…ends with their dominant genre and give us a dancey and slower industrial remix of “Rock Star.” Can’t wait to hear this track bumpin’ in Club Sabbat? Me too!
Squirrelly Arts flirt a lot more with the metal sound and burst out with a sharper edge without losing their industrial touch. Made of Machine And Body Parts will not only feed the lil goth that lives inside you but it will also indulge the nostalgic 90’s hell child in you. Be sure to pick up this EP in this link and check out their earlier goods in their bandcamp. If you’re still a little curious about this elusive quintet keep your eyes peeled for our First Impressions (coming soon) and like them on Facebook!
After three years, The Acacia Strain delivered Gravebloom via Rise Records and begins with the angsty and frustrated “Worthless,” which is a dark hymn that a perturbed individual would recite before going postal. The Acacia Strain then unloads its frustration with “Plague Doctor” and “Bitter Pill” before taking things down a notch with “Big Sleep” and the title track “Gravebloom.” “Gravebloom” starts more in your face and simmers down its tempo giving way to lead guitarist Devin Shidaker’s soothing riff to close off the song.
The slow burning “Abyssal Depths” is the perfect embodiment of the mysterious oceanic corner of hell and slinks out quietly and calmly till Vincent Bennett’s growl and the rest of the ensemble swoops out of the darkness and slaps you silly! If you’re missing the more “in your face” then prepare yourself for the “Dark Harvest.”
Gravebloom was a pretty slow paced album especially for those that crave the fast paced, foaming at the mouth type of deathcore. Deathcore may not be yours truly’s cup of tea but The Acacia Strain is one of the very few bands The JOh’ster (Am I doing this right, Klown?) enjoys. However, like I mentioned before, this album felt a little too mellow and didn’t pull me in as much as I hoped it would. Fans, however, may appreciate this album a lot more and enjoy the connection The Acacia Strain provides by voicing the frustrations and disdain we may feel at some point in our lives. Us? Feel?! Blasphemy, right? Snag this baby over here!
2 Out 6, Maybe it needs a hug?
Origin Takes You To A Different ‘Universe’
The technical death metallers along with Nuclear Blast Records are here to take you to an Unparalleled Universe. In case you were not aware who Origin was or what type of metal they play, they do a nice reminder right from the beginning and unload all that is technical with the first three tracks “Infinitesimal to the Infinite,” “Accident And Error” and “Cascading Failures, Diminishing Returns” though “Accident…” will bite you right in the ass! They showcase more brutality and a little less technicality in “Mithriatic” and “A Burden Of Prescience” though the technical death metal gopher peaks out a bit on “A Burden..” Vocalist Jason Keyser, lead guitarist Paul Ryan, drummer John Longstreth wastes no time and dive in head first.
Longstreth and bassist Mike Flores take the reins in “Truthslayer” and though this song is a little less than three minutes, man well let’s just say quality over quantity! ALWAYS. Hold on to your band tees with “Dajjal” because it will take you on a bumpy ride without a warning especially those riffs courtesy of Ryan. Those riffs possess an enviable energy and stamina we here at Ugh Metal are constantly searching for. Origin finishes things off with their take of Brujeria’s “Revolución” with guest vocalist and actress Jessica Pimentel from Netflix’s Orange Is The New Black who also happens to be the vocalist of extreme metal band Alekhine’s Gun. This album will appease the technical death metal gods and fans alike and if you just can’t get enough of them catch them on tour at Summer Slaughter (August 13 here in San Diego at the HOB) and snag that bad boy here!
6 Out Of 6, Technically super good!
Stone Sour Returns After A 4 Year Drought
Corey Taylor has safely stashed away his Slipknot mask and flashed his pretty face along with the rest of Stone Sour with Hydrograd via Roadrunner Records. The playtrack “YSIF” builds up and spills into the anthem “Taipei Person/Allah Tea” and pulls back that energy with their singles “Hydrograd,” and the catchy “Song #3” where Taylor lets out his impressive clean vocals anyone can appreciate and gets in your face with “Fabuless.” Dust off your angst with the beautifully troubled “The Witness Trees” which will surely tap in to that misunderstood teenage you deep inside you…if that makes any sense.
Stone Sour ditches the distress and picks things up mid way and venture in to country music territory with the ballad “St. Marie.” This track uses a lot of the signature acoustics heard in country music and a nice little chorus and though this ballad threw yours truly off, it was a pleasant little surprise. Yeah ballads are nice once in a while but ready for more in your face stuff? Well tighten that belt and get ready for “Whiplash Pants,” hot pants! Like the end of any wild journey, Hydrograd concludes with the slow and wistful “When The Fever Broke” which perfectly voices the desire of returning home after you knowingly burned bridges in the midst of self destruction. Whoa that escalated quickly…
Yours truly may not be a Stone Sour aficionado but Taylor and company bring their best to fans after a four year drought and dare to let their hair down and experiment. Stone Sour lovers will love this baby and one has to admire the quintet for showcasing different musical elements bands shy away from for the sake of sticking to their “sound.” Stay tuned to see what the Klown thought about their live performance in our Vegas adventure but in the meantime, get this sentimental wild child right here.
5 Out 6, Bear Hug Magnet
**Uh Oh! The Klown has cracked open a fresh one!**
Beekeeper Unleashes their First Swarm
Assuming you keep up with Ugh Metal, Beekeeper should be somewhat familiar to you. In fact, the last time they were featured in Ugh Metal we talked about how they almost blew away the Brick by Brick… brick by brick. Now they make a triumphant return to our site with their debut album Slave to the Nothing which they released independently.
Right away the local trio start powerfully with “Vargas” a great opening riff and cymbal snares done by frontwoman/guitarist Ally Levine and drummer Dylan Marks, respectively, which hooks and serves as the catalyst for a great but brief thrash metal jam session which immediately transition to Levine’s unique vocals which range from screaming, growling and high notes. Beekeeper use the momentum from the previous track and keep you invested in the rest of the album with “Fictitious,” “Picket Fence Death Night” and “Instant Death” which can be described as absolute thrash metal bliss.
Dragonball Z fans will also get a kick out of this album as they pay homage to the series with “Vegeta,” who is one of the most popular characters of the series. For those nitpicky DBZ fans, the answer to the question you probably were not going to ask: yes the lyrical content did justice to the prince of the Saiyans. Also worth noting that this song truly features bassist Adam Wollach showing his strong bass strumming which compliment Levine’s guitar riffs and vocals. The trio pay homage to the mascot of our genre with “Satan” and finishes this debut with “Trials of the Shredder,” sorry Ninja Turtle fans it’s not about that shredder but is very thrashy. The track features a very harmonic chorus between Levine and Wollach and teases its ending quite a bit as if it knows that you’re going to be asking. The Klown was very happy to obtain this album. For those missing out, listen to this beauty in Beekeeper’s bandcamp.
Nukem ALL! (L to R: Vocalist/guitarist Steve Brogden, drummer/birthday boy Norm Leggio, guitarist Laura Christine and bassist Don Lauder)
Nukem were on a mission to make their biggest explosion yet! Nuclear hellfire and all, we were not on a mission to find a fallout shelter because we wanted to absorb whatever they launched at us. Radiation and Geiger meter be damned! On June 3 the Brick By Brick housed an unforgettable night filled with balloons, thrash and cake? That’s right CAKE, not only to commemorate Nukem’s fifth anniversary as a band but to also celebrate and surprise one of their band member’s birthday milestone.
Jenny Oh: The cool kids finally invited us to their surprise birthday party Chuggo! Which means we’re FINALLY cool! Right?
Chuggo the Klown: That never stopped the Klown! ‘Cause then they be like “OH! Please get us beer! Please gets us weed! Watch out for my dog, he doesn’t know you!” Then usually I would say “Nah man, I’m cool.”
J: My god they sound so damn needy! And…
C: I know right!? That’s why the Klown charges to make appearances
J: Oh I was gonna say that you finally referred to yourself in third person, you freak! Perhaps you will finally stop embarrassing me, especially in front of all my new friends!
C: You mean in front of Malison? The guys don’t even know you!
J: Or you ‘cause you suck and you smell!
C: Well their newest member Sharky would beg to differ!
Malison’s newest edition, guitarist Sharky, will shred and chomp ya down while drummer Nick Mafi pounds you down!
J: He was just being polite!
C: No he just knows greatness when he sees it, that’s why he joined Malison!
J: I will only agree with the second part of your statement! I didn’t know what to expect from these guys but I gotta say, they blew me away. Their sound is a whole new different kind of thrashy breed with some power metal elements.
C: They brought some Bay Area thrash influences with a touch of SoCal groove. The Klown understands why Holy Grail handpicked them!
J: Malison not only brought a great set with great and catchy music but their members were so fun to watch especially your new friend and guitarist Sharky. It was a good time whether we were laughing at the jokes vocalist/bassist Steven Rondina would make or watching Sharky get down with his axe.
Never a dull moment with Malison! (L to R: Vocalist/bassist Steven Rondina, drummer Nick Mafi, guitarist Mario Lovio, guitarist Sharky)
C: Speaking of friends and Sharky, my bestie, Temblad managed to surprise the Klown. They surprised the Klown not just because he got to see them again but because of one of their newest additions.
J: You mean you know the new guitarist Dave Calhoun and the bassist Kyle Netland? Damn Chuggo, you’re such a socialite!
C: The Klown was not expecting a high school reunion but there he was, their new guitarist/ex bassist Dave Calhoun. We obviously missed the first reunion but I guess not this time!
For the first time in forever, we see Temblad again! (L to R: guitarist Dave Calhoun, vocalist/guitarist Lorenzo Kemp, drummer Marlon Matthew and bassist Kyle Netland)
J: You’re doing first person again?! You must be sober! So you didn’t know the other new member? Nevermind I guess you’re not that cool. Anyway, it was so great to finally get our Temblad fix…it’s been too long! *Stares off into the distance*
C: I’ll say! The Klown finally got to hear “The Murderous Fifth” and “Mockery of the Fanatic” in real time! But the real treat was the Klown’s favorite song “Ship of Traitors.”
J: Temblad sounded fresh, vocalist/lead guitarist Lorenzo Kemp slayed his performance and was so happy to be there especially after sharing with fans their journey as a band and assembling their current lineup.
Lorenzo Kemp of Temblad shivered our timbers!
C: They made me tremble. Speaking of shivering me timbers, vocalist/lead guitarist Lucas Kanopa of Void Vator…that voice though! I know it’s meant for the ladies but damn!
J: Okay Klown, because you are now objectifying Mr.Kanopa…I shall now partake in this vulgar display of affection! His angel face matches that voice and rhythm, he is sure to lure demons towards the righteous path with his skills and looks.
C: Settle down, Pastor Jenny Oh! It was rock show not a sermon…but I agree! Because the “Time Has Come.”
Lucas Kanopa of Void Vator will lure demons into the light side of the moon.
J: For what? More objectification of this beautiful angel?! Ok! These LA rockers brought the spirit of the Sunset Strip to us minus the broken dreams and starving artists because we have plenty to spare here.
C: Sometime I hear the spirit of Vince Neil roams around the Sunset Strip crying about being barred from the Rainbow Bar & Grill because the powerful spirit of Lemmy doesn’t fuck around.
J: Yes, I shall contact Buzzfeed…again to investigate this, Rumor is you can know hear Vince’s spirit at the Brick but I don’t man. Now that we shed light on the ghost of Vince Neil, Void Vator did a great combo of old and new LA rock offering a new and invigorating take on this genre.
Void Vator brought the Sunset Strip to us. (L to R: Bassist Ian Shea , drummer German Moura, vocalist/guitarist Lucas Kanopa, guitarist Erik Kluiber)
C: Major props to guitarist Erik Kluiber because he managed to make two trips to our humble abode in one month for the inaugural Metal Assault Vol.1 SAN DIEGO EDITION! *Jazz hands* Not only did he not miss a beat but his voice helped accompanied and amplified Kanopa’s angelic voice.
J: Keeping the spirit of of influential genres alive were the headliners Nukem. To make this celebration extra special, Jack Kwiatkowski, the co-host of the now defunct “Another State of Mind” segment (from the radio station San Diego’s 105.3), made the big reveal to the drummer Norm Leggio that the show was a surprise birthday party.
C: AND a commemoration of the band’s fifth anniversary. Jack also shared the fun stories Leggio and him had during their times hosting the awesome but lost show “Another State of Mind.” Enough memories! *Wipes away tears, smears makeup*
J: They assembled with badass/guitarist Laura Christine in tow! Christine along with vocalist/guitarist Steve Brogden slashed us with ear splitting thrash and riffs.
Guitarist Laura Christine and bassist Don Lauder of Nukem showed off their riffs.
C: Aww shiiiiah! The lady of the shred. Just like she can tame any beast, she can tame any guitar string!
J: Stop embarrassing me in front of her and the rest of Nukem!
C: “Evelyn’s Awakening,” WE FINALLY HEARD IT LIVE! Since we didn’t have a chance last time because the set had to be cut short L
J: Yeah but we always have The Unholy Trinity and a killer video to binge on this song and then some!
C: That’s true but it’s not the same, you’ll almost feel like “The Deceiver” when you recommend to people to listen to the album instead of the show.
J: No! I’m telling people if they had the misfortune of missing their show, check out their album to nurse the feels of missing the show.
C: The best part of this show was that bassist Don Lauder was in great health and spirits. We were unexpectedly invited to Leggio’s birthday and for once the cake was not a lie! What better way for him to embark on his other professional endeavors. If Leggio happens to be reading this, on behalf of Ugh Metal, break a leg and have a great tour!
The battle of the axes! Steve Vs. Laura…who will win?!
J: And thanks for the sick shirts! We wish you the best and many more birthday! Though we may be a tad late on these tardy wishes but Chuggo’s sex accident was to blame…again.
C: Hey! The guy wanted to verify my sex because he didn’t believe I’m all man!
J: Any excuse to pull down your pants huh?
C: I don’t need an excuse! On that note, close this out sister of mine. SAY SOMETHING WITTY!
J: OK! I’ll give it the ol’ college try! *Clears throat, does quick vocal exercises* No amount of darkness could dim Nukem that night and went out with a bang. ‘Tis gonna be a long year without a Nukem performance but I’m sure it’ll be worth the wait! We can’t wait to see what these individuals will offer to the metal scene when they come back in full force.
Within radius of Nukem’s fallout. (L to R: Vocalist/guitarist Steve Brogden, drummer Norm Leggio, guitarist Laura Christine and bassist Don Lauder)
Note: It seems that the Klown and Ugh Metal keep finding themselves in a state of déjà vu when it comes to moving forward in real life. The Klown can only offer his deepest condolences to anyone and everyone damaged in London and in Kabul, Afghanistan. For those unaware an attack in Kabul happened two days prior as of this article’s date. Metal or not, let’s unite under the arts and peace and attempt to unite and pull forward in the face of fear and terror.
Satan’s Dealer Have Blazed their First Stash
The Milwaukeean pushers known as Satan’s Dealer have released their debut album Dealer of the Gods independently. The duo, as if it wasn’t already apparent, produce some stoner metal with some humorous song titles. The album begins with “Don’t Fear the Reefer.” This is, to say the least, some typical stoner metal with frontman/guitarist Jim Powell vocals matching the overall tone and sounds of the song. “Jesus is My Copilot… And We’re Cruisin’ for Pussy” became one of the Klown’s favorites not only is it humorous but it was rather fast paced considering the fact that it was still a stoner metal song.
“I Sold It For Drugs” was also funny as hell and felt like the Klown was listening to an old school GWAR song when Oderus Urungus was young and starting out. Another personal favorite is “Jesus Loves You… Everyone Else Thinks You’re an Asshole” was like the previous but with doom undertones and a little less humorous. “Nomad” and “Keepin’ It Nasty” will take you back to the days when Black Sabbath was fresh and began to carry the metal banner minus the legendary sounds of Geezer Butler and Ozzy’s legendary vocals. The Klown is usually not big on stoner/sludge metal but this was a good album to hear. The Klown highly recommends this album if you like humorous content with your metal and, especially, if you love stoner metal. You can check this album out in the band’s bandcamp.
5 out of 6 It’s Some Good Shit
Tankard Lives to Produce Another Album
One of the big four of Teutonic thrash has returned with their 17th album One Foot in the Grave through Nuclear Blast Records. The quartet known as Tankard start this album off with “Pay to Pray” with the brand of thrash they helped create with Kreator, Destruction and Sodom in Germany and features a killer solo from Andreas Gutjhar which can also be said about “Don’t Bullshit Us!” “One Foot in the Grave” gives you some melodic thrash which sounds like an homage to an earlier version of another fellow German metallers Helloween. “Syrian Nightmare” really brings pure intensity and makes you realize why they are atop of a Teutonic thrash throne. The song also serves as a catalyst for “Northern Crown (Lament of the Undead King).”
Tankard revisits the Bay Area with “Lock’em Up!” and “The Evil that Men Display” in terms of sounds and influence. “Secret Order 1516” was nearly 8 minutes and bring pure thrash to the table and has a chorus line that sounds more like a battle cry and another solo from Getjhar. The song also begins and finishes with an orchestral overture of strings and a bit brass for a strong dramatic effect. The album finishes strongly and slightly how it began with “Sole Grinder” by not skimming on the thrash and ends with the sounds of the band members hollering like hooligans at a metal show. This album was pretty good especially if you love thrash metal or if you want to hear some new things from a pack of living legends. You can get this album here.
5 out of 6, Outta the Grave
Flogging Molly Returns After a Long Absence
If you haven’t checked out Ugh Metal in the past, The Trials of March 17 was the first time this Celtic punk band was mentioned. Nevertheless, the Klown was incredibly stoked when the face/voice/guitarist Dave King returned with his sixth album Life is Good through Borstal Beat Records. Allow the Klown to let you peeps know that, for those who listened to the last album Speed of Darkness, this album is livelier and reminiscent to the Float album. For those who haven’t relished the Float album allow the Klown to tell you that the album is lively but mellow by comparison to their breakthrough Within A Mile From Home. With that said this album begins with the dark ballad track “There’s Nothing Left Pt. 1” as an introductory track but then switches to the upbeat “The Hand of John L. Sullivan.” “The Hand…” although it’s upbeat and faster than the prior, incorporates a male chorus and the sounds of the tin whistle, the fiddle and the banjo but slows down a bit during the middle and picks up the pace to end on a high note.
The Klown took a liking to “Welcome to Adamsville” because it was the first time the Klown has heard something different. The use of brass instrumentals made the song far more cheerful and colorful than the Klown expected. Do you need a boost of morale? Then “Reptiles (We Woke Up)” is your song! The Klown thinks this song would be perfect for a movie during a montage of things getting better while “Hope” is an ideal song when you need to listen when you’re in need of some optimism. “The Last Serenade (Fisherman and Sailors)” was a ballad that the Klown can picture being sung at a dive bar near the pier in honor of the sea dwelling professionals.
“The Guns of Jericho,”“Crushed (Hostile Nations)” and “The Bride Wore Black” go full Celt. While “The Guns…” features the accordion and is positive, “Crushed…” not only features the bagpipes, tin whistle and accordion but it was more punk and is a first person anecdote of living through a nation’s power struggle. This album was pretty tits and was worth the six year wait. The Klown will say this with the risk of sounding like a grandpa but this album is definitely going to be enjoyed by an older audience with the added benefit of the angsty preteens and teens who never got to chance to grow up with grunge. You can get your copy of this album here.
6 out of 6, Life Is Indeed Good
Tengger Cavalry Rides Again
The Mongolian metal horde known as Tengger Cavalry have returned to Ugh Metal and with a new album to kick off their recent venture as a signed band. The Cavalry has returned with Die on My Ride through M-Theory Audio Records. Unlike their last release Hymn of the Earth, the band takes a more of an orchestral and dramatic approach. “Snow” starts the album with the deep but soothing sounds of the cello like Apocalyptica which carry over on to “Die on My Ride.” The latter and “Me Against Me” also features some piano, Nature Ganganbaigal’s throat singing in English and Asian folk theme. “Strike” features the same elements as the previous song but incorporate a melodic chorus that resembles a ceremonial hymn, and features a cool but brief guitar solo from Ganganbaigal.
This Mongol horde proving that they have a soft side bust out a song for the ladies and the gentle men with their slow ballad “Ashley.” Unlike most ballads that metalheads are used to hearing, “Ashley” takes a page from pop music starting with Ganganbaigal’s clean baritone vocals combined with a bit of autotune. The song establishes intimacy by using the piano, acoustic guitar, electric drum and cello as the foundation of the song and still manages to incorporate the morin khuur and the igil to keep the folk motif going. “The Choice of My Mind” is another ballad that this album has to offer but unlike “Ashley,” “The Choice…” takes a simplistic approach by ditching the autotune and having a chorus, acoustic guitars, the morin khuur along with the cello, and a bit of cymbals for effect. “The Frontline” and “We Will Survive” feature the sounds most fans of the Cavalry are most acquainted with. This was a great album and it was an excellent way to celebrate their signing. If you don’t take the Klown’s word you can check out their bandcamp and hear for yourself!
6 out of 6, It was a Strong Charge!
Wednesday 13 Has Nothing to Commiserate For
When Ugh Metal reported that Wednesday 13 had officially joined the Nuclear Blast family, the Klown got a little giddy. The primary reason the Klown was excited was because he didn’t know what to expect this time around from Joseph “Wednesday 13” Poole and his latest album, Condolences. For those who’ve never indulged in Wednesday 13 , the previous album Monsters of the Universe: Come Out and Plague took the approach of UFOs and Cults, while their breakthrough The Dixie Dead was about zombies, relationships and horror movies such as Poltergeist. This time around, Wednesday 13 takes it a bit old school but edgier and darker.
A great example of that is “What The Night Brings” and “Cadaverous” which, after the introductory track, “Last Rites,” transition to a rougher and heavier version of “Watch Out for The Skies” in terms of sounds, specifically Roman Surman’s signature guitar riffs combined with the whammy pedal for the signature b-movie horror movie sound. “Good Riddance” takes an opposite approach in the grieving concept with expressing apathy instead of sympathy and takes a more metal approach. “Omen Amen” and “Cruel To You” revisits Poole’s other known project the Murderdolls in terms of cynicism and roughness. “Condolences” capitalize on the gloomy tones that Poole established by making the song a heavy and dark ballad, and features an awesome solo from Surman and Poole where he uses his low whispers his condolences in the track. The song also had a bit of piano trickled in until you realized that the song transitions to “Death Infinity” without you noticing, which was perfectly executed especially to cap off the album. If you’ve never heard Wednesday 13 before you may want to consider listening after you get your ears on this album. You can get a copy of this record right here.
6 out of 6, The Klown Feels Sorry for your Loss if Haven’t Checked Out Yet!
Testament show us their power! (L to R: Guitarist Alex Skolnick, bassist Steve Di Giorgio and vocalist Chuck Billy)
Legendary thrashers Testament brought some of that bay area thrash to our shores at the House of Blues on May 16 on their first California stop. This show’s a little extra special because not only was it a Testament show with an impressive lineup with seasoned metallers in tow such as Prong and Sepultura but because it was on the eve of our first anniversary (May 17)! That’s right, one year of murdering grahmmur and counting, sweet cheeks! Before you ask, yes, we are accepting gifts but please settle down guys, not all at once! Now enough about us and back to the unofficial Ugh Metal birthday pre-party!
Assuming mercury was in retrograde that day, we sadly made it a little over halfway to Prong’s set due to a few setbacks…I know, we are ready for the “BOO, YOU WHORES!!” The Ugh Metal stooges arrived just in time for the song that they were shouting at the Ugh Metal mark #2 a few minutes before hopping on the Ugh Metal mark #1, “Snap Your Fingers, Snap Your Neck.” We will not confirm nor deny that it was actually the other way around, since the U.M.M.2 was allegedly not complying and laughing at them while they pushed its lifeless ass and parked it… you know what, back to the show. YAY!
Prong soothed the Ugh Metal stooges’ sore, decrepit bodies and made everyone come alive with their 1994 hit. Though frontman/ guitarist Tommy Victor remained faithful to his mic stand, he expelled a lot of passion and intensity for this rabid anthem while bassist Mike Longworth buzzed around and drummer Art Cruz was merciless at the drum kit. We hope to see the trio back in our neck of woods and hope to be there for the WHOLE set.
Prong play the song we were shouting at the Ugh Metal mobile mark 2 earlier in the evening, “Snap Your Fingers, Snap Your Neck.” Thanks for giving us the shitty spot U.M.M.2 -_- (L to R: Drummer Art Cruz, vocalist/guitarist Tommy Victor and bassist/backing vocalist Mike Longworth)
The co-headliners don’t need an introduction, it was the renowned Sepultura cover band called Sepultura 2.0! TROLOLOL! Assuming this grabbed your attention and you fell in to the trap and are still reading all I have to say for myself is, don’t get your band tees and vinyls in a bunch and grow up! TROLOLOL’ing aside, the iconic name alone had the warm and sweaty bodies around us grow closer in a non sexual way… for once… ‘cause we totally get that all the time ‘cause we’re Ugh Metal, betch! Anyway, now that its increasingly quite right now, let me tell you that it was anything but quiet especially when Sepultura’s Derrick Green unleashed his growl for “I Am The Enemy” with the instrumental chaos blaring.
The string of new material didn’t end there! Machine Messiah was there to stay as the band dove right into “Phantom Self” and later in the set played the theatrical “Resistant Parasites” and “Sworn Oath” which Green fueled with intensity as he passionately expelled the lyrics. Sepultura knew that fans were gonna be craving the old stuff and they delivered and sandwiched “Kaiowas” from Chaos A.D. in between the newer stuff.
Sepultura show us who are the “Messiah” (L to R: Bassist Paulo Jr., vocalist Derrick Green, drummer , and Eloy Casagrande and guitarist Andreas Kisser)
That’s not all! It’s not a Sepultura show without their iconic hits but they weren’t gonna unload the goods so early into the show. The thrashers wrapped up their set with their iconic songs “Refuse/Resist,” “Ratamahatta” and of course “Roots Bloody Roots.” Though Green’s take on these hits felt slightly tamer than Max Cavalera’s because they are obviously two different artists with their own style, the frontman made them his own. Green’s version may (personally) feel slightly mellow but they will slowly burrow itself into your brain and muscles and then BAM! You’re in the pit or raising some hell! Whereas Cavalera’s immediately slaps you silly and makes you ready to fuck shit up.
Having seen Cavalera not once but twice this year gave me this personal feel and better insight in this half assed elementary level compare and contrast. To be clear though, I am NOT bashing on Green or Sepultura. In fact, it was such a tremendous honor to finally see these legends perform in our hometown. It’s still borderline surreal that the Ugh Metal team was so fortunate to be intoxicated with Green’s melodic but harsh vocals and see THE Andreas Kisser shred live and in Technicolor before our eyes and a few feet away from us.
Derrick Green of Sepultura sounds off the military drums! (L to R: Bassist Paulo Jr., vocalist Derrick Green, drummer Eloy Casagrande and guitarist Andreas Kisser)
Kisser is gifted to say the least and you can watch him play for hours, as he rightfully deserves to be the metal living legend. Lest we forget OG supreme member and bassist Paulo Jr. slapped that bass like his life depended on it while flashing his warmest smile to their faithful legions. Maybe someday we’ll be treated to a duet with Green and Cavalera and the rest of Sepultura jamming, a girl can dream, right!?
Now that the crowd was riled up and rejoicing in their bloody roots, Testament officially inducted us all to the “Brotherhood of the Snake” and had us “Rise Up” in our invisible seats and ended their first set of new songs with “Centuries of Suffering” with a mesmerizing guitar solo from Alex Skolnick. Skolnick was not the only one to show off his skills that night, throughout the performance guitarist Eric Peterson, drummer Gene Hoglan and bassist Steve Di Giorgio had their moment in the sun and created a melodic supernova.
Alex Skolnick of Testament promises more cool riffs for those that join the brotherhood…AND pies!
The thrashers busted out the big guns and dusted off classics that they had not performed live in a long time. The pit grew when vocalist Chuck Billy announced “Low” and their ode to the sweaty whirlpool “Into The Pit” and “Souls of Black.” Billy kept the nostalgia alive by sharing a personal anecdote when they were touring and trying to think of an album title for their follow up to The New Order.
Billy reminisced how drunk they had gotten during the filming of a music video when they were in Texas, and how they attended the local bar where a little known band by the name of Pantera was playing. After meeting and living it up with the up and coming musicians, inspiration struck Billy and named their follow up Practice What You Preach and performed the titular song.
Testament induct us into the “Brotherhood of the Snake” (L to R: Guitarist Alex Skolnik, bassist Steve Di Giorgio and vocalist Chuck Billy)
Testament wrapped up their fantastic set with the super classic “Over The Wall” off of their debut The Legacy. It was Ugh Metal’s first time in seven years watching these bay area thrashers live and it was worth the wait. If San Diego had their own version of Clash of the Titans show, we’d hope to see these icons in our backyard again!
Superjoint kick off the San Diego Metal Swap Meet After Party! (L to R: Guitarist Jimmy Bower, vocalist Phil Anselmo, unimpressed security dude, bassist Stephen Taylor, and guitarist Kevin Bond)
If you don’t keep up with any form of social media or Ugh Metal, April 29 was a very busy but fun day. First a pre party was held at the Soda Bar featuring Ugh Metal alumni Sergulath a day prior. Sadly, the evils of adulthood got in the way and Ugh Metal couldn’t attend. The day after (April 29), the eighth annual San Diego Metal Swap Meet took place in Downtown San Diego at the Quartyard and featured legendary power metal band Jag Panzer (stay tuned) as a performing act, both official and unofficial meet and greets, and of course great vendors and consumptions.
Lastly, the after party which took place later that night after the Metal Swap Meet at Ugh Metal’s home away from home, Brick by Brick. The night featured both locals, and known acts who were miles away from home, and the guests of honor Phil Anselmo and the rest of Superjoint. This whole thing was so yuuuuuuuge, the Klown had to call in some assistance for the show.
Jenny Oh: By assistance you mean me, right? Of course, I’m always here to save the day and clean up your mess.
Chuggo: Don’t get too full of yourself! The Klown called an actual assistant to the mix… a friend!
J: Oh… you mean the slave in training, Jason? Oh yeah… I guess.
C: Right… anyway the night started off with the local quintet known as Sight Unscene which the Klown can say that is the metalcore of the Killswitch variety.
J: I did feel like I was a teenager again listening to them.
C: Emo and cheap make up of the Hot Topic variety?
J: No, you dumbass. Angsty and no makeup! I refused to conform and I was making a statement…I was also too broke for makeup.
Sight Unscene stirs all sorts of emotions and the get us ’cause no one gets us! (L to R: Guitarist Mike Halsdorff, Vocalist Anthony Dedrick, bassist William Buckwalter, guitarist Tony Lamarra)
C: I guess some things never change. But yes, the Klown can agree in the sense that it felt like a time in which metalcore was at its zenith.
J: It may not have been my cup of tea, now as an adult, but it is a nice band to listen to on a chill day and if you want to reminisce about your high school days. I will drown out my reemerging high school angst with Anthony Dedrick’s voice!
C: They get me. *chugs down a 40* They ended their time in the after party with a very feel good song with “Wait to Breathe.” Dedrick’s vocals along with the killer guitar riffs and solos left a balance between craze and appeasement amongst the already excited crowd.
J: The crowd was so excited that they disturbed the hive and brought forth Beekeeper.
C: Yes, the Klown was looking forward for some honey in the form of their brand of metal since the last time we saw them at the Brick. This time though the queen bee known as Ally Levine not only cranked the power to 11 but had a commanding presence to her. Not to discredit bassist Adam Wollach and drummer Dylan Marks.
J: They managed to do what not many openers can do, start a pit on the first song!
C: Damn straight! The Klown believes that Beekeeper may have been inspired by his former volatile roommate or the circus the Klown should have joined in the first place, “Vargas.”
Beekeeper made us into rabid metal junkies! (L to R: Vocalist/lead guitarist/KWEEN Ally Levine, drummer Dylan Marks and bassist Adam Wollach)
J: Not everything is about you, Chuggo! Or your string of failures. This “Vargas” was anything but failure! They poured sugar on us for sure. Levine made us believe with “Fictitious” which not only kept the crowd alive but it’s riff kept buzzing in our ears.
C: The pit that these trio had going looked like a swarm of angry bees protecting the queen from possible danger. The Klown would also like to point out that our non metalhead intern, Jason, became an instant fan by this time.
J: I was surprised the slave… I mean intern in training, really dug them considering it’s not the type of honey he puts in his tea. Even he couldn’t resist KWEEN Ally’s ferocious campaign, who continued to shine with those riffs and interchanging vocals. Disney’s got nothing on her voice which has the ability of taking you deep into the scary forest and quickly bring you back to the beautiful castle.
C: That was beautiful, man. But now venturing out of Disney territory, Levine took us to the world of Dragonball Z and invoked the spirit of “Vegeta” which left the performance with a power of over 9000! The Klown also enjoyed Wollach’s performance as he rocked out with his bass and played like the late great Cliff Burton of Metallica.
KWEEN Ally Levine from Beekeeper stirs the hive with her growls and high notes and killer riffs
J: Too bad they shut off Beekeeper’s supply of honey prematurely, we were all screaming like a bunch of rabid junkies. But alas, it had to be done. Beekeeper may have blown off the roof of the Brick but Child Bite glued it back together… just not back in its place.
C: Yeah… Dylan Walker’s (Full of Hell vocalist) volatile father took the stage proving that he could throw a tantrum like a child on a sugar high.
J: Who dafuq…? Oh! You mean Trevor from GTA 5? It was great to see that he found a creative outlet and that the meds were kicking in. I do miss fucking shit up with him in Los Santos though.
C: Right you are! The best part was that they played the Klown and Ugh Metal’s theme song!
J: Ah yes, the song we recite, especially, right before a family gathering, “Still Fucked Up After All These Years.”
C: A timeless classic, it’s right up there with “Belle.”
Ever wonder how it would be like if Trevor from GTA V found a creative outlet for his outlet? Look no further! (L to R: Bassist Sean Clancy, vocalist/contortionist Shawn Knight and drummer Jeff Kraus)
J: The Beauty and The Beast song? I… I think you may have inhaled too many Superjoint fumes already, Chuggo. Way to commit yet another “Molestation of the Arts,” Klown! Anyway, Trevor…Oh right I mean the vocalist Shawn Knight was bouncing off the walls and showing off his contortionist skills. Also how could I forget Knight playfully getting in my face and asked “What are you looking at?” My defense mechanism kicked in and stuck my tongue out at him. I can totally be a bodyguard! *Flexes*
C: Ah yeah, it was pretty entertaining and a unique experience but then we went off to battle!
J: We were starving for blood so Battlecross delivered a meal with “Force Fed Lies”
C: Indeed. Although they fed us they still said that they’re “Not Your Slave.”
J: Kyle Gunther was fun and seemed very happy to be there especially after seeing the selection of hot girls with ugly guys, according to him. This may motivate him to be a San Diego resident soon.
C: Yeah he said he has hope for himself. Either way Battlecross’s performance was “Beast!”
Battlecross serenaded to hot girls and dudes alike in this grand celebration. (L to R: Guitarist Tony Asta, vocalist: Kyle Gunther, bassist Don Slater and guitarist Hiran Deraniyagala)
J: Kyle Gunther was figuratively the embodiment of “Flesh & Bone” because he gave that song some oomph. He may not have yet won the hot San Diegan girl he hopes to find but he won our respect dammit! ‘Cause he’s a strong, independent front man that don’t need no woman!
C: ….. Umm, Okay…Gunther’s performance didn’t just end with the set, he continued it by convincing everyone to crowd surf him to his merch stand. At first everyone was thrown off until he really dove in!
J: AND AWAY HE WENT! *Cues this anthem* Great set by these guys and they delivered. The quest we had with Battlecross was great and all but after a long hot day, we just had to wind down. So it was time to sit back, relax, drink and take a hit of Superjoint.
C: More like several, ‘cause it’s legal now. We burned something alright, but not what we were supposed to burn in the first place.
J: That’s right Phil Anselmo started “Burning the Blanket” but don’t worry, no actual blankets were sacrificed in this performance.
C: He blazed through his performance to the already lit show, or whatever the kids are saying these days. But he took it down a notch with “Ruin You.”
Phil Anselmo singing the Ugh Metal staff anthem “Asshole” (L to R: Vocalist Phil Anselmo, bassist Stephen Taylor and guitarist Kevin Bond)
J: Hmm, that’s tame for you huh? Makes sense considering our ear drums weren’t ruptured, ‘twas a chill show I guess.
C: ‘Twas indeed. Then he dedicated one towards the Klown! Even though he “dedicated” the song to himself.
J: “Asshole,” Ah yes. I totally saw him looking at you before I nudged you so we wouldn’t make eye contact with him. We are not worthy! But you know what I think he totally dedicated another song to you, Chuggo.
C: Again, the Klown is NOT an alcoholic. He is “The Alcoholik” and even then he does not have a problem, other than why is his beer mug empty?!
J: Anselmo added a dash of darkness in this audible trip with “Ozena” but quickly bounced back to festivity mode by inviting Sean Knight back on stage. Together they performed “It Takes Guts” and added more intensity with Anselmo’s fierceness and Knight’s hyperactive contortions. Good shit!
C: Knight was as good as any cocktail, a Molotov that is! It was nice though when Phil would slightly toned it down by sharing some of his personal anecdotes especially when he recalled the time he met Brian May from Queen in 1991.
Child Bite frontman Shawn Knight and Phil Anselmo tell us why “It Takes Guts”
J: The shock in Phil’s face when he realized he met May in 1991! That had to be his best and funniest story especially when he thought May was a delusion caused by the fever he had at the time. The shock factor didn’t stop there especially when May was surprised that Phil knew who he was by naming prolific Queen songs. After that anecdote, it led Phil, Shawn and fans to sing the first verse of “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
C: The Klown was amongst that group. It was fun to let it all out, I worked out those pipes. A shocking twist would occur towards the end of his stories. Phil was very transparent about a band’s concept of an encore and made it clear he wasn’t going to leave the stage because he knew they were going to come back anyway. But most importantly, his final message was feel good and spoke louder than the show itself.
J: Phil’s message was “be kind and respect everyone because all we have is each other” and added to be kind and respect yourself. The string of messages the iconic vocalist shared throughout the night, weighed heavier than Chuggo’s keg. Anselmo’s words were filled with more wisdom than the Klown’s drunken rants considering everything Anselmo has been through and done. Amidst the metal, the surmountable amount of people, and the good time Superjoint provided, it became a show seething with intimacy. Anselmo became a self professed cautionary tale seeking atonement who is on a mission to inspire both fresh and seasoned metalheads.
Metalheads outside the Queen Bees raise their horns for the Metal Swap Meet in 2015 (Photo courtesy of Blake Morgan on YouTube)
San Diego may not be known as the metal city… yet, but this fine ass city offers a place where heathens can ditch their lairs for a moment and let down their L’Oreal hair. No, it’s not a goat sacrifice or a demon conjuring, but the annual Metal Swap Meet in broad daylight! This year’s gathering will be held on April 29 and will usher in its eighth birthday with a bigger location and bigger everything ‘cause Texas ain’t the only well endowed state.
Before the Metal Swap Meet became the grand heavy metal ball, it was an intimate gathering that was held at Brian Parker’s drive way. Who is this fellow, you ask?! Why he’s the Metal Swap Meet supreme overlord/creator, silly! Parker created a haven for metalheads with an itch for some good metal and goodies.
“I used to work at a record store called Blue Meannie Records. It specialized in heavy metal, and was a gathering place for local people into metal music.” Said Parker when he dished out the origin story on the Metal Swap Meet. “I enjoyed the social environment, as well as the social aspect. When the music industry depression hit, the store was forced to close. After a few years, I started missing that atmosphere.”
San Diego Metal Swap Meet offering all the goods in vinyl format in 2015. (Photo courtesy of Blake Morgan on Youtube )
Parker along with his friend and fellow overlord, Israel Pelayo, partnered up to launch the first edition before joining forces with Jared Wills. These three musketeers nourished this get-together and transformed it into a staple in the San Diego metal scene with the help of their dedicated and faithful henchmen/volunteers. Metal Swap Meet flew away from North Park after outgrowing Queen Bee’s and reached capacity with a whopping 1,200 attendees! This year, however, Parker and co. are ready to reign the Quartyard located in Downtown San Diego from 11-5:30 which is sure to reach their capacity of 1,500.
Admission for the annual gathering will be $10, no virgin’s blood or arm carvings needed! Why should you spend $10? Glad you asked. Remember how I mentioned that this year is BIGGER? Aside from the spacious location, this year they’ll be having more than 40 vendors, food trucks, an actual bar (for 21+, sorry kiddies) and meet and greets. So you can bring your mother, your grandmother… you know what, just have your family reunion here because ALL AGES ARE WELCOME. Some of the high profile sponsors are none other than Metal Blade Records, Pabst Blue Ribbon and Dark Descent Records.
Once you gathered your fam, enjoy a musical set from DJ Katon W. de Pena who is also the vocalist of veteran thrash band Hirax. Did you love his set and Hirax? You can tell him yourself at the meet and greet! Pena is not the only legend gracing the greet by the way. This meet will also include the original Dark Angel vocalist Don Doty, former Metal Blade Records VP/ legendary music producer Bill Metoyer who has worked alongside many greats such as Slayer and Morbid Angel, and Nunslaughter vocalist Don “Don of the dead” Crostley.
Slaytanic killin it at the 2015 Metal Swapmeet at Queen Bees
Do you idolize Iron Maiden and their beloved Eddie? Well now you can meet and worship Eddie’s father, artist Derek Riggs who will be selling his very own prints and art book. And added to the meet and greet is none other than the Metal Swap Meet After Party headliners, Superjoint! The guys will be signing at 3:30 PM at Brick By Brick’s booth, you just gotta purchase a goodie from their booth before 1 PM to get the coveted wristband. Now, a BIGGER party needs a BIGGER closer right? So this year’s Metal Swap Meet reeled in Power Metal legends Jag Panzer to blow out this party’s candle and leave you ripped with epicness and merch! *Muscles and loin cloth not included. Good time guaranteed.*
Can’t wait for the 29th and wanna pre game really really badly?! No worries, the Soda Bar’s got you covered with the Metal Swap Meet’s official Pre-party on Friday, April 28. Feast on death metal from locals Condemned, Eukaryst, Sergulath and catch all the rogue waves with Dethsurf. REMEMBER, the fun does NOT end after the Metal Swap Meet. Assuming you’re not too high on all the metal goodness ahead of us, chill at the Brick By Brick and take a big hit of Phil Anselmo’s Superjoint at 8 PM! Be sure to get your tickets ASAP ‘cause tickets to this smoke circle are running out!
“In the future, I’d like to have heavy metal industry people giving music lessons, and tips. Also Comic Con style panels.” Said Parker when asked what his hopes are for the Metal Swap Meet’s future. “I’m a metal geek, and that’s stuff I would enjoy, and I don’t think I’m the only one.”
The Ugh Metal team along with the legion of rabid metalheads can confirm that you are not the only one, Mr. Parker. So be part of this fun metal shindig and see ya there with our horns held high!
Tankard charges in to this battle with full force and killer riffs in their latest lyric video for “Arena Of The True Lies.” As a metalhead, I’m digging this song. It’s easy on my decrepit ears after a long day of adulating and if you want to sing about the grievances in the world. As a millennial, however, how dare you Tankard?! Attacking social media!? I’m gonna Snap about this later with my dog filter!
They’re lucky this is an enjoyable song and they have beer that will be featured in their 17th album titled One Foot In The Grave which will rise out of the Nuclear Blast crypt on June 2. Prepare to be outraged and check them out while I go Snap about this with my dog filter! Did I mention I’m gonna use the dog filter?
April 11
Professional teases known as Tool have announced a show on June 24 in San Bernardino at the Glen Helen Amphitheater. The quartet will mindfuck audiences with their powers of visual and audible deepness with Primus, Melvins, The Crystal Method and a mystery “special guest” which will be announced later… see what I mean about teasing!?
Frontman Maynard James Keenan has been BUSY with his successful side projects such as Puscifer and is currently on the road with A Perfect Circle. Tickets are now on sale for the upcoming Tool show and here’s hoping they will debut a new song from the highly anticipated follow up. Can’t a girl dream?
April 12
Dragonforce Cast The ‘Curse of Darkness’
Power metal extravaganza known as Dragonforce treat us to an easy paced but beautifully wide eyed track with “Curse of Darkness.” Though this track is a little “slower” than their well known songs, it’s a nice breather and allows us to soak in Herman Li and Sam Totman’s somewhat chiller riffs and Marc Hudson’s melancholic but hopeful vocals. “Curse of Darkness” will be featured in their May 19 album Reaching Into Infinity via earMUSIC records and is now available for pre order, but for now grab your satchel and reach for the starts, young padawan!
April 13
Firewind Serenades The ‘Lady of 1000 Sorrows’
Firewind ignites the power of love and feels with their latest ballad “Lady of 1000 Sorrows” from their latest album Immortals which was released earlier this year. The music video is anything but sorrowful and follows the power metallers through their gigs. The real stars of this video, however, are their passionate fans and the ecstasy they radiate will definitely make that lady of 1000 sorrows turn that frown, upside down! To save you the trouble from replaying this song a few times, tough guy, pick up a copy of Immortals and see what the Klown thought about it.
April 14
God Dethroned Sets ‘The World Ablaze’
The Dutch are coming!…With another music video for the for their May 5th record The World Ablaze which will rise from the pits of hell via Metal Blade Records and will be the final part of their WWI concept. “The World Ablaze” video shows the band jamming in front of an audience fused with WWI footage and imagery and the track is very complimentary to the concept. Don’t be a square and pre order yours today!
Suffocation Do A 360
Unfortunately for us, not literally, be just like Journey once said, we won’t stop believing ‘cause we’re always to the jungle because they have fun and games. Powerful stuff. Anyway enough about my philosophies and back to SUFFOCATION! The Long Island death metallers debuted their 360 degree lyric video for “Your Last Breaths,” which will be featured in their June 9 album …Of The Dark Light and will seep through Nuclear Blast Records.
The song itself is not only brootal but it’s 360 DEGREES! YES!!! *furiously looks around the lyric video* Check it out and have first dibs on this baby and pre-order your copy! While you’re at it, check out our slave unpaid intern’s (who is obsessed with me and wants to be me!) debut article on Metal Assault regarding Suffocation.
April 15
Join Megadeth in the Fight!
Unfortunately Dave Mustaine and Lars Ulrich won’t be engaging in to an epic slap fight, but you can defend the Earth in Megadeth’s Space Invaders type game on their site. The soldiers that enlist in the Cyber Army will have a chance to win a prize pack such as a Dystopia deluxe VR bundle, Kiko Loureiro signature KIKOSP2 Ibanez guitar and a signed Dystopia poster and vinyl record.
The GRAND PRIZE winner, however, will not only get all of these treats but they will also have the opportunity to punch a member of Metallica of their choosing or have Sunday brunch with Metallica, Megadeth and the founders of Napster. [citation needed] To rack up those points to win this grand prize, be sure to snag a copy of Dystopia which is out now! Now go forth and kick some butt!
Ugh Metal 