Reviews
EPICA – Epica vs. Attack on Titan Songs
Turning Japanese anime and manga into symphonic majestic greatness isn’t an endeavor many bands could or would want to try and pull off. However, Dutch powerhouse Epica did so with great success. Officially available for the first time outside Japan, Epica vs. Attack On Titan Songs features theme music from the popular anime series adapted and… Read more »
ANNI PIPER Makes First Southern California Performance
Australia’s First Lady of Blues, Anni Piper, made her first ever Southern California performance on Saturday, June 30th, at the Arcadia Blues Club. The statuesque brunette, who moved to the U.S. back in 2014 brought her sultry voice and grooving bass lines to a less than capacity room in the foothills of Los Angeles. She was accompanied… Read more »
SONS OF APOLLO – Belasco Theater, Los Angeles
The ancient Greek god of music and poetry Apollo came to mind when ex-Dream Theater members Mike Portnoy and Derek Sherinian were looking to name their band, but thinking there may already be a band Apollo, they decided on Sons of Apollo, a name which encapsulates both the essence of the band and its members…. Read more »
BREAKING BENJAMIN – Ember Tops the Charts
ember: noun em·ber \ ˈem-bər \ a glowing fragment (as of coal) from a fire; especially : one smoldering in ashes: the smoldering remains of a fire. embers plural : slowly dying or fading emotions, memories, ideas, or responses still capable of being revived the embers of his past Breaking Benjamin released their sixth studio album… Read more »
OVERKILL – Live In Overhausen
Live In Overhausen captures the titans of East Coast thrash celebrating two album anniversaries. A sold-out crowd of German Skullkrushers assembled at Turbinenhalle 2 in Oberhausen on April 16 for 25 years of ‘90s landmark record Horrorscope and 30 years of Feel The Fire. 30 years ago, the spark was lit and the world was… Read more »
LEATHER LEONE – II
Leather Leone, Chastain’s ripping, roaring female throat of the ‘80s and early ‘90s blasts speakers with her second solo release, II. The sonic, guttural, gravel licking rasp that made her a microphone reaping presence continues, blasting through 11 new tracks. Like the Cruella de Vil of metal, Leather has been compared to powerhouses Dio, Bruce… Read more »
13th Annual Ventura County Blues Festival
The Ventura County Blues Society held its annual blues festival on Saturday, April 28th at Studio Channel Islands in Camarillo. This year’s installment was dedicated to the memory of long-time member Mickey Jones. Jones, a 40 plus year resident of Simi Valley, passed away earlier this year. Jones’ professional pedigree in music reaches back almost… Read more »
MYLES KENNEDY – Year of the Tiger
Myles Kennedy’s vocal prowess is well known in the world of rock, having been voted Loudwire’s Vocalist of the Year three times as a result of his work with Alter Bridge and Slash. After decades in the industry, Kennedy has finally released a solo album, Year of the Tiger. The album shows Kennedy taking a… Read more »
JOHN CORABI Unplugs in Columbus
Friday March 16, The Shrunken Head in Columbus got an evening of entertaining stories, acoustic tunes and some late evening ‘80’s glam metal as Tong Productions presented an evening with John Corabi. The current Dead Daisies front man played tunes from their back history as well as classics and staples from his earlier years in… Read more »
NEAL MORSE Shares His Life & Times in Solo Acoustic Show
Neal Morse is like the rolling stone which gathers no moss. Working seemingly constantly, whether it be creating an epic concept record, touring with The Neal Morse Band, or being involved with any number of other projects he stays pretty busy. So what does one do when they need a break from the hectic pace… Read more »
THE DEAD DAISIES – Burn It Down
The Dead Daisies are musical kinfolk to the bands that reigned in the ‘70’s as new record Burn It Down’s 11 songs are inspired by the hammer of the gods along with a few rolling stones. It’s a ‘70’s classic rock sound with an updated, upgraded chrome job and dose of modern mojo with vintage… Read more »
ROBERT PLANT & the Sensational Space Shifters Carry Fire Into the L.A. Rain
Robert Plant is no stranger to the term “reinventing oneself.” After the demise of Led Zeppelin, he wrought a new version of his creative self, with two different solo bands compiling three albums each. After that came a brief detour from solo work for musical exploration with pal Jimmy Page on an album and tour. The early… Read more »