Reviews
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 »
JUDAS PRIEST – Firepower
British metal legends Judas Priest are set to release album 18, Firepower, March 9. The leather-clad legends are still cranking out new, heavy, valid metal. With a 40-year library of classic albums, not many bands can say they were part of metal’s formation. Lightning Strike and Firepower are the first tastes of new electricity from… Read more »
WATAIN – Trident Wolf Eclipse
Even if one is not familiar with Swedish Black Metal band Watain’s music, they have probably heard rumors about their stage shows, which often feature decapitated goat heads on spikes, giant upside down crosses, fire, and generally satanic epicness. The rumors are true, the band is a force to be reckoned with live, but they… Read more »
The Witching Hour Tour – In This Moment, P.O.D., New Years Day & DED
Friday February 2, the 20-date The Witching Hour Tour featuring In This Moment, P.O.D., New Years Day and DED played Express Live in Columbus. It was a four-punch West Coast package with fans stacking the venue, many dressing as ‘Blood Girls’ or in Maria Brink attire. Hardcore, nu metal from Phoenix poured out the speakers… Read more »
NEW YEARS DAY – Diary of a Creep
New Years Day has tailored their vision from the beginning, dangling inner skeletons and personal demons for the world to see. With infectious sights and sounds vocalist Ash Costello has left her mark in every ringing ear and devoted eye. Like a haunted house she’s painted grim portraits with harsh decayed brushstrokes. Diary of a… Read more »
SAXON – Thunderbolt
After 40 years, Saxon is still going strong, releasing their 22nd album, Thunderbolt. Battering Ram in 2015 was their latest release, and although there have of course been a few line-up changes throughout the years, Biff and the boys don’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon as they embark on leg one of their… Read more »
THUNDERMOTHER – Thundermother
In their nearly decade of existence, Sweden’s all female Thundermother have gone through trials and tribulations, enough to put a permanent pothole in the road to success. Sole original member guitarist Filippa Nässil has soldiered on, carrying her vision high with pride along new blood in vocalist Guernica Mancini, bassist Sara Pettersson and drummer Emlee… Read more »