W.A.S.P. Golgotha

I don't remember much when I was 13.  But what I do remember was that there were tons to metal bands.  Metal Edge and Hit Parader magazines were saturated with tons of the latest stories and interviews of the hottest bands dressed in leather.  Somewhere in the colorful, glossy pages, I saw posters and written text of W.A.S.P.  But unlike other fellow budding metalheads with raging hormones at that time, I didn't pay attention to them.  I was too busy with my musical love affairs with Poison, Motley Crue, and Guns & Roses.

Well, time has passed and has done well for both me, you, and all of these rock stars...most of whom are still around and making great music.  One of them is none other than Blackie Lawless. 




But like many, things are different-and better-for him:  Lawless is now a born-again Christian.  Around September, I read an article about him and his conversion and the announcement of Golgotha.  In just a short time, I went from not giving this band much thought, to counting down the days (in my mind) to when this CD would be released.  I couldn't wait to hear it.  My curiosity was piqued, to say the least.

For anyone reading this who have been lifetime W.A.S.P. fans, I thought I'd make you proud by saying I'm taking a self-taught, self-paced "W.A.S.P.-ology" course.  I will be listening to as much of this music as I can over the next few months.  I decided on this when I heard Golgotha.  What a beautiful voice Lawless has!  For a moment, my heart broke.  That voice had been lost in lyrics for a long time that hadn't done him justice.  As it is, I had needed something deep, something meaningful to listen to.  This hit the spot. 




This music has feeling, depth, and maybe on a level I had never known in hard rock.  I can "hear" it in songs like "Last Runaway," "Eyes of My Maker," and of course the title track, "Golgotha."

There is even that power ballad of "Miss You."  So there's a little bit of everything on this CD. 

As a critic for both Christian and secular music, I sometimes feel let down when I don't hear depth in the lyrics, and in the music, too...for it to go all-out.  The only other bands I've heard this from are Stryper, Love and Death, Disciple, Guardian, and Third Day.  As you can tell, I'm very selective about this genre of music.  Let me be bold in adding W.A.S.P. to that list.  To me, that's appropriate. 

In taking my W.A.S.P.-ology course, I saw the video of "I Wanna Be Somebody."  I think there's some beauty to that.  Though it took a few decades to get there, I hope Lawless feels like he is somebody now, especially when he has gained yours truly as a fan.

Hair Heaven Concert

There's nothing more unsettling than receiving a phone call about a terrorist attack that took place at an Eagles of Death Metal concert at the Bataclan in Paris the moment I get to a concert I had looked forward to in Nashville.  Furthermore, to find out that Nick Alexander, the merch manager of this band, and Guillaume B. Decherf, a music journalist, are two of many confirmed dead.  Needless to say, this has a very personal touch to me.

Nonetheless, I went in to Soulshine Pizza in downtown Nashville, had some awesome wood-fired pizza, saw some new bands, and saw for the fourth time Chaotic Resemblance.  Only this time it was to raise funds for the movie they were in called God Gave Rock & Roll to You.  Just thinking about this, and how I've seen this band grow in the two years I've known them gives me goose bumps.

And this was the best show of theirs yet!

They are a "hair band"; they need to have other like bands opening up for them whenever possible.  I was gratified to be in that environment. 

The show started with Red Light Angels.  The best way for me to categorize their music is glam/punk.  Though I'm not partial to the latter genre, I do make some exceptions; this is one of them.  The best part was when they did a cover of Motley Crue's "Looks That Kill." 

In life, especially for that of a writer, there is always room to grow, to improve.  One thing I need to do more of is listen to the music of the other opening acts as much as possible, and not just the day before.  I cannot tell you how many times I have done this.  I did that very thing with Lipstick of Nashville, TN. 

Before I go into all of the details of how awesome their music is, and even their out-of-bounds stage presence, I would like to say one thing:  they led in a moment of silence in the middle of their set for the victims of the terrorist attack in Paris. 

When I listened to their music on Reverb I did tune in closely to "We're Here to Rock You." I'm glad I did, because that was the first song in their set.  Great show starter, guys!

Their cover song of choice was Alice Cooper's "18." 

As if it wasn't enough that lead singer Greg Troyan was so made up, dressed appropriately for the occasion, he ran around the room, the entire second floor.  I had had this feeling that stage wasn't enough room for him.  I almost didn't get a good picture of this.  I'll try better next time, I promise.  And I will see this band again.  That is a guarantee.

As a rookie fan, I was also introduced to Mr. Cool, their mascot. 

By this time, I was laughing so hard.  I did even more so when Greg "volun-told" Chaotic Resemblance bassist Donnie Sixx to go around the room and hand out candy...because the theme of their song was about food.

I love the theme of their last song of the set, which I believe was titled, ""Rock & Roll Forever".  Three simple words:  love, hope, freedom.

Then came Chaotic Resemblance...to "Invade", which was their first song.  And it was over from there on out.  The best part was when they played Sweet's "Ballroom Blitz".  This was an 80s night, this was my moment:  I got in a circle with about three other women and danced.  Lead singer Rexx Roxx had a contest for the best dancer  I opted out, but the best winner won, I'll say that.

I almost thought a short, stocky guy was going to come strolling in and extend his hand and say, "Frankie Sharp, Sharp Records...."  But that didn't happen.

Now, I don't know about you, but I'm so anxious to see God Gave Rock & Roll to You.

We Sold Our Souls to Metal

What a show!  And what a name for one!

My first question is: Was it intentional to have all five bands playing that have names that start with the letter "s?"  I don't know if that helped anyone.  For someone who hadn't heard of any of these bands, except for Scent of Remains, I was confused.  It was a wonder I didn't sound or act like an idiot at this show.

My next question is:  Was it planned for all of these bands to play when they all have one thing in common (other than playing some aspect of metal):  they're all about to release a new CD.

Whether you take those questions as rhetorical or not is yours for the taking. 

Apparently, 6:45, the start time of this show, couldn't come fast enough.  Scent of Remains was the first band up-before that time.  Having gone to shows in which many bands were playing, I'm not sure if I had seen this one.  But what I do know is that I like their music.  This band is worth following and seeing whenever I get the chance.  I did like their heavier version of Ozzy's "No More Tears," and how their last song vibrated and lingered.

The audience didn't really start filing in until Shattered Sun of Corpus Christi, Texas, came up to play.  What I think about the lead singer Marcos Leal:  he's a great metal advisor.  Let's heed to anything he advises us to do.  Reminder:  We sold our souls to metal, didn't we?  Underneath all the lights and standing up on a box, he told us to bang our heads.  Suffice it to say he used enough strong language in saying so.  Though we seemed slow in doing it, we did it. 

It was to prepare us to Soilwork.  Let me be more specific about the theme of the show when this band (and the others to come) played:  Knoxville has sold themselves to Swedish metal.  My "moment" happened during this set.  I believe the title of the song was "Life in the Aftermath."  The vibrations that came from every one of these bands went straight to my chest during this song.

Soulfly could have just led the audience in singing over and over, "WE SOLD OUR SOULS TO METAL."  But that wouldn't do them justice.  I'll just say, as the evening progressed, the more metal it got-and louder.  Soulfly should have the award (from me) for the most audience response.  That's what it's all about.  It's all because Max Cavalera, lead singer, made it happen.  It was around ten at night.  I gotta say, no one was allowed to be drowsy. 

I have been to many shows in which there was more than one encore.  But I don't recall going to one in which there were not one, not two, but three encores.  In one of the encores, Max played his (I think I have the name of this right) didgeridoo, a Brazilian instrument.  That by itself was worth coming out on a Thursday night to see.

Forever Abbey Road at Open Chord

There was a Tennessee-Georgia game this past Saturday?  And they won?  Really?  I didn't know that.  I took a trip down memory lane, to a place where I had never been before, to a road where lots of people of all ages and walks of life are:  Abbey Road.  Forever Abbey Road , to be exact, a new Beatles tribute band out of Nashville.




The way this band pays tribute to the Fab Four is having parts in their set dedicated to each band member.  Their first focus was Paul, my favorite, starting with "Can't Buy Me Love" three songs into the set.

What made this show interesting was the Beatles trivia at one point between songs.  At one point, lead vocalist Adam said something about a few of their songs having punch lines, like "Norwegian Wood" (I know that one).  That led to "Drive My Car."  Right now, I'm drawing a blank.  I'm going to have to re-read that part of A Hard Day's Write to refresh my memory.

That brings me to my next point.  Three words:  "1 After 909."  I had never heard of this song.  And it's a Paul song!  My point in saying this is you could live your whole life listening to the Beatles and never know everything about them, not know every song.  That's what makes them so unique, even after 50+ years!

Continuing in the punch line/trivia vein, there were not one but two birthdays to be celebrated that night.  It's a no-brainer what song the band played...and a lot of the audience danced to.

In fact, Adam asked the audience to sing along at the end of a song I had never expected:  "Hello, Goodbye."  There's a first time for everything, right?  And my writer-self brain has been stretched and enlightened.  And I have cued to Magical Mystery Tour again.  It sounds sweeter than it ever has been.

There were even more surprises:  the drummer led in some of the songs, a few of which were "Something" (another one of those George songs), "With a Little Help From My Friends," and "Come Together." 



I can't forget to mention keyboardist and backup vocalist John Lloyd.  What talent in the band!  He is multi-talented, not the least of which is having that high note.  Needless to say, that's what's needed in a Fab Four tribute band.  He led in an amazing cover of "Let it Be" and "Carry That Weight," which was the last in the second set.

Forever Abbey Road will be playing in Lebanon, TN, at the end of November.  Those who saw them Saturday night wanted to get a bus to go see them.  If that were to happen, I think it would be appropriate to call it the Magical Mystery Tour bus.

Before I close, this band has some interesting trivia, themselves.  Except for the lead singer's name, all of the band members' names start with J.  If I have this correct, the keyboardist's name is John Lloyd, the drummer John, the bass player John, the lead guitarist Josh, and the lead singer...Adam.  I think he should be called J'Adam.  It almost reminds me of how we all list the Beatles' names.

I hope I see you at Abbey Road on the River.

A Foreigner's Journey

I love Journey.

I love Foreigner, too.

What happens when I do the same with both, think outside the box, and take time to explore things?  I discover via LinkedIn A Foreigner's Journey, a cover band for both bands.




A Foreigner Journey is a cover band for hits of both Journey and Foreigner.  Based out of the UK, and having mostly shows in that area, many live coverage videos on YouTube, and a social media presence, they're not unknown.

The one video I can't seem to not see enough of is one from December 2011 when they're playing "Don't Stop Believing."  Here I am, sitting in front of my computer watching this, singing along with every word.  The audience is doing that very thing, nailing every note.  It's almost as if the lead singer, Matt Black, doesn't have to sing; he can give his voice a break, at least during this song.  Not even a minute of seeing this video, and I'm green as the lights on stage with envy, wishing I had been there. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=hPLACmHTW6g

The video ends.  But I, myself, shouldn't stop believing it's possible for me to be in this audience.  Now, I should view a video in which they're playing a Foreigner hit.

Because I'm star-struck, I chose "Juke Box Hero." 

https://youtu.be/V-IPAhtJX-o


All I can say is:  Wow.  Though this is neither Foreigner nor Journey, this band does well in covering both and engaging the audience.  I'll admit I may be like some of the others who'd be in the audience who are spoiled, wishing it would be the original of the two bands.  But there has to be someone to keep the music alive. 

I will not stop believing in juke box heroes.

Now, where is my passport and airline ticket to fly overseas to see this band? 

(Click here http://www.aforeignersjourney.com/ for tour dates and other information.)

Transparent Soul, Belfast Six Pack, Killing Grace, and Van Kale

Transparent Soul of Knoxville, TN, opened up to a great start last night at the Open Chord/All Things Music in Knoxville.  To say this band is "all things music," themselves, wouldn't be far-fetched.  I don't know of too many bands who have their set list like that of a bell curve.  As their set was increasing in intensity (I feel like I'm talking about a moderate-intensity aerobic workout), they, the rock band they are, did a rap.  Matt Sassano, the lead vocalist did do a great job, I do give him props for that.  That only set the stage (no pun intended) for "Control Freak."  I love the title, I love intensity in the song, I love the theme.  It was perfect for the peak of their set! 

He also loves him some photographers:  he knelt down to and pointed at every one of them. 



Check out their music, which is also on an EP on https://www.reverbnation.com/transparentsoul7

Happy birthday to Keith "Pirate" Rudder, the drummer of Belfast Six Pack.  You, and the rest of the band, sounded the best you ever have.  You never cease to amaze about how animated you are on stage. 



It bears mentioning this was an all-ages show.  At times, guitarist Rusty "Chief" Coleman played some random guitar solos, or had a truly awesome one during one of their songs that was that, too.  I noticed a few young boys playing air guitar. How inspiring!



If you haven't yet had the privilege of playing either air guitar or air drums to their music, here is the link to their music https://www.reverbnation.com/belfast6pack

Killing Grace of Nashville, TN, made their debut appearance in Knoxville.  And what better place to do that than Open Chord!  Of course, no one there knew what they were in for; the suspense was killing me during sound check.  With all due respect, it seemed to take forever.  Everyone from this band kept me guessing, especially when I noticed the lead singer, Matt Edmonson, was wearing an Iron Maiden t-shirt.
I had a feeling I knew what style of music they'd play. 

And I was right...

Old-school metal. 

That spoke right to my heart.  They even dedicated a song to me...er...us:  "17 Scars."  The story that inspired the song is very deep.  Like any old-school metal band playing live, they played their hits, a few of which were "Nobody's Hero," "Revolution," and "Fight Back," which their label didn't approve for their CD coming out in December...but they played it anyway.  Old-school metal at its finest.

They also showed love, the way any metal band would do.  How do they do it?  Matt hugged both lead guitarist Colt Hendricks and bass player Tony Hindman, but literally picked up Colt.



And they expressed detailed appreciation for every last person there.  With that came another song dedication:  "Untouchable."  I'm now going through my rock ballad library to see what song I can dedicate to you.  When I find one, I'll let you know.

If you missed their music, here's their link https://www.reverbnation.com/killinggrace

In the two times I've seen Van Kale, I've noticed they play last.  I think I've figured out why.  While it's par for the course that they're loud, there's something to the way they do it that keeps the audience alert, awake, and to see who the fans and loyal supporters of local music really are.  By this time, it was around 11:30 at night.  Not only were they loud, but they were theatrical.  They had some musical intro before really getting down-and-dirty loud.  A random mix of old and new Van Kale (oldies but goodies), including a new one called "Leave Them Broken" made a great night.  Unfortunately, none of us will be able to hear that song on 95.7 the way we did the others.  But Van Kale is still cumin' atcha live, and will do so till the bitter end.



Of course, there's always Reverbnation https://www.reverbnation.com/vankale



 

Moxy & the Influence

Have you seen that commercial where several young girls were interviewed and asked how they felt when they were told they couldn't do something because they were a girl?  Obviously, none of them were Moxy (lead vocals), Shea (bass), or Sydney (guitar)-and Ignacio Barrientos-of Moxy and the Influence, a modern-day glam rock band from Costa Mesa, California.  But if they were, they'd all give a different response from all the others.  And I a dare say they may even sing or play their respective instruments, as well. 



I just love not the drum intro, but the cymbal intro in "Breathe. Scream. Survive."  I can't remember the last time I heard a female sing like that, either.  Thank you, Moxy, for keeping that alive.  Girls rock X 3.  I can't begin to imagine how wild your crowds go at shows when you play this. 

You also respect yourselves, as heard in "Me4Me."  Did you hear my applause when I heard "Were you hoping to change the way I dress? Maybe I should wear a little less."  Modest is hottest, that's for sure.  That is a bit cliche, but that's how I roll.

I think you've obtained another fan.  If anyone would like to hear what I've heard and more, here's the Reverbnation link.

https://www.reverbnation.com/MoxyAndTheInfluence

Hope Through Suffering

There seems to be a relatively new movement in Christian rock:  death metal.  Now is the time for me to put aside my personal bias and be more open to this sub-genre of Christian hard rock.

My first real attempt to this has gotten off to a great start.  I was introduced to Hope Through Suffering, from Franklin, Indiana.




Paul Hedrick, whose stage name is "Pastor Stitch", is the lead vocalist for this band.  He has been very outspoken about this band on Facebook.  I thought he could be a little bit more like that through an interview on All Things Hard Rock.

What got you interested in death metal?

I got into heavy metal music in 2011-2012.  However, I couldn't relate to it, I needed something more.  I discovered Mortification and was hooked on their sound, especially the vocals.

How did you come up with the stage name "Pastor Stitch"?

Stitch became my nickname because I used to cut myself.  In a way, God "stitched" me.  As for "Pastor", I do not know how that got started.  I remember going by that one time, and the name just stuck.  People say I should go as "Pastor", since I'm not one.  But the cool thing is I'm aiming to get my local minister's license.

Who are the other members in the band?

As of right now, I plan on using studio musicians.  There really aren't any members.  How things work with the studio musicians will hopefully determine that.  Right now, it's just me.

This genre is often criticized, looked down upon, in the Christian music scene.  How would you defend it?

As a Christian, it is my duty to reach the world.  Many exclude metal, which in turn excludes the fans, who are as much a part of the world as hip-hop or pop music fans.  Psalm 33:3 tells us to sing a new song, to play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts.

I love your intention of playing with secular bands.  How have others reacted to this intention?

For the most part, that has gotten as lot of positive feedback.  I know there is always someone who will not let me do this or that.  But I know what I'm called to do.

How is the music scene in your area (Indiana, Kentucky)? Do they prefer death metal over contemporary Christian music?

We have a cool metal scene, tons of great talent!  I'm willing to go either way, with Christian and secular bands.  I often think how contemporary Christian music is frowned upon.  But then again, there's also the thriving hip-hop scene.

Is there a CD coming out soon?  If so, when?

There will be an album very soon.  I cannot say when. All of that depends on when I can afford the studio costs.  A big boost to me is if I get signed to a label.
I'm also trying to organize a speaking tour to promote my band and ministry.  I also plan on doing a performing tour.  I have written sixteen songs, and I plan to write more.

You can check out Hope Through Suffering's music on Sound Cloud:

https://soundcloud.com/thepastorstitch

Steve Sizemore Group

Last Thursday, I went to Whitesburg, Kentucky, to see Michael Sweet of Stryper, for the first-and not the last-time.  Here is a link to what I'm proud to claim as my first big-name concert review.

http://www.horrormetalsounds.com/lunatics-serenade-michael-sweet-review.html

As if it wasn't enough that I was a "virgin" Stryper fan-meaning I, a child of the 80s though I am, didn't "get" Stryper until around 2010 (the complete triumphant story is beyond the purpose of this post, but life happened to me, as they say)-I was to discover another band.

Though I don't expect myself to know and like everything about hard rock or metal, I felt like I had really lived under a rock when I heard the opening act for this Evening with Michael Sweet. 

I even had to ask Greg Napier, the talent buyer and booking agent for the Summit City Lounge who it was.

Who was it?

Steve Sizemore (in the center in the picture below)...of the Steve Sizemore Group.


All in a few moments, I went from thinking I was one with everyone there who was raised on rock, to that I had been living under a rock.

This Group has great stuff!

The biggest thing about them:  According to some online source, originally known as Contagious, when they transformed into the Steve Sizemore Group in 2000, they recorded two KISS songs that were released online.  Two years later, they played at Ace Frehley's birthday party in New York.

When I got home from the show, not only was I floating from the absolutely amazing show Sweet had given; but I wracked my brain thinking about the Steve Sizemore Group.  In addition to promising Michael that I'd make it up to him and the rest of the band to be a fan for the rest of my life (because I hadn't been all those other years), I wanted to do the same thing to this band, too.  My way was to "Like" them on Facebook.

Well, of course, that wasn't enough.  My writer-self wanted to know and do more.

I found them on YouTube...and I hung my head in shame.  Over the past few days, I have seen several of their videos, maybe some more than once.

Because I love me some Foreigner (it's great to write to), here is a link to their cover of "Hot Blooded."

https://youtu.be/ZwXJQ4ZaZMA

If I could do it, I'd be there in Louisville, Kentucky, at the Abbey Road on the River Featival May 21-25, particularly Friday, May 22, and Saturday, May 23rd. 

However, if you're able to be in that area, please show your support for this band.  You will not be let down, no matter who you are, what your walk of life is, or what your walk through life has been.

http://www.arotr.com/site/?page_id=3978

Minor Nine, Susana Cole, and Rudy Simone at the Birdhouse

For those of you who have never been to the Birdhouse, it's a great place for just about anything in entertainment.  What makes it appealing is its informal atmosphere, in an historic home in downtown Knoxville.

No matter what I'll do there or whom I'll see, I'll always be reminded of last year around this time, when I first got my face melted by a band called Minor Nine. In light of the acoustical theme, they were unplugged last night.  And when they are, you can hear all of their songs in a different perspective, a different ear.  "Mark Afraid to Fly" was about lead vocalist's Rex Greene's brother who served in Iraq.  One song the band is known for-so much so, the fans come up close to the band and sing it with them, was "Madame Lowe," about a girl who is just plain trouble.  If a song had lyrics that were about someone stabbing you in the back, who would you dedicate that to?  They left that song's dedication to the fans.

If you'd like to hear some Minor Nine, face-melting style, they are on Reverbnation:  http://www.reverbnation.com/minornine

"Your voice is lovely!" A young woman said, after only the first song that Susana Cole sang. 




It was "Butterflies." In the time she sang, no one moved.  They were all awestruck at her stage presence, laughing with her about herself, such as for a moment to two not remembering lyrics or adjusting the microphone from "June," her Autoharp, whose strings were cold to the touch, to her keyboard.  They laughed with her when she sang "Man With a Wo," and were in awe of how she thought of that when she was in Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas, to meet up with some friends.  How many singers can you think of who live in Tennessee and think of an idea for a song in Texas?  Most of all, the applause during a long pause at the end of "Living the Dream"-something she did very well at, in more ways than one, including singing a song that took her twenty years to complete.  Needless to say, she nailed it!



(Susana playing "June")

To hear a sample of "Free Falling," one of her most recent songs, please click on this link http://www.reverbnation.com/susanacole/song/22566067-free-falling

"Look at those boots!" A few men shouted when Rudy Simone came up to play. Those same men got as close to her as possible.  She's not just another girl with a guitar...or with boots. 



How many musicians do you know of, not to mention, a one woman-act, have a song that's dedicated to Dracula, himself, and she even had a dance to go with it, and a song about The Hobbitt called "Thief of Dreams"?  A young girl was moving her hips.  So, she had affected at least one person there.

And that was the whole purpose of last night's acoustical show at the Birdhouse:  to inspired all ages, to believe that dreams can come true.