Live Review: The Black Queen at The Regent Theater

The Black Queen are the real deal. Everything about this band oozes inspiration and passion. Their two full length albums Fever Daydream and Infinite Games are beyond stellar. Their live show is more than just a concert, it’s a full visceral experience that will leave you in awe. Last night at the Regent Theater in downtown Los Angeles, The Black Queen made an impact with a show that will be on my mind for quite some time. There really is something special about how The Black Queen’s songs translate from record to the stage. It’s a totally different experience. It’s like discovering these songs for the first time.

From the moment the lights dimmed and the video images began, the roar of the crowd eagerly awaited the arrival of Greg Puciato, Steve Alexander and touring member Justin McGrath (filling in for Joshua Eustis). Once they appeared on stage, it was game on. They opened their set with a subdued number “Thrown Into The Dark” then moved right into “No Accusations” from their new album Infinite Games. Both of these songs live took on a whole new life as the beats pulsated from the stage to the audience which then got everyone there moving. From there the set was impeccable as they feverishly played songs like “Ice To Never,” “That Death Cannot Touch,” “Silent Scream,” “Maybe We Should,” One Edge Of Two,” and “Strange Quark.” Closing out the night was the remarkable “Apocalypse Morning” which featured live drums courtesy of former Poison The Well drummer Chris Hornbrook. This song is not only one hell of an end of the set song, it emits a feeling that I just can’t put to words.

Throughout their entire set, singer Greg Puciato’s vocals were exquisite and drew you in word for word. The melodies and effects emitting from Steve Alexander’s guitar were right on cue with the beats and synth layers from Justin McGrath. The three of these gents delivered a show that had those in attendance in a trance and compelled to either dance and sing along. The Black Queen is a band for today and the future. There is something truly special about this band and the music. Just ask those that were there, they will tell you the same thing.

 

The Black Queen Set List:

01) Thrown Into The Dark
02) No Accusations
03) Ice To Never
04) Maybe We Should/Non-Consent
05) Distanced
06) Your Move
07) Taman Shud
08) That Death Cannot Touch
09) Secret Scream
10) The End Where We Start
11) Now, When I’m This
12) One Edge Of Two
13) Strange Quark
14) Apocalypse Morning (with Chris Hornbrook on drums)

Review and Photos By: Brian Lacy

New Release: Rammstein- Deutschland

Rammstein are releasing their new (and final?) self titled album May 17. Today they’ve released the first video for the song “Deutschland.” I’m not saying anything other than, bands don’t make videos like this anymore.

 

Rammstein- Deustchland:

 

Album Review: Moon Tooth- Crux

Moon Tooth is a band that you NEED to know about. There are no if’s and’s or but’s about it. These guys straight up rock. It’s not everyday that a band comes out as strong as they did on their debut album “Chromaparagon,” then follows it up with an album that not only out does their previous effort but, also solidifies them as a force to be reckoned with.

From the moment the first song “Trust” begins with that hard charging riff and pummeling rhythm, it’s game on. An opening track like that not only gets the blood pumping but also sets up the album perfectly for what’s to come. As the album continues, songs like “Omega Days” and “Musketeers” branch out into a proggy atmosphere that is drenched in melody. “Through Ash” and “Motionless In Sky” (which as of this writing are my favorite songs on the album),  are songs that really show off what a great vocalist John Carbone is and what great songwriters the band is as a whole. Other songs like “Thorns,” “Rhythm & Roar,” and “Thumb Spike” are stellar tracks that deliver punch after punch. Then you have a song like “Awe At All Angles” that shows off a different side of the band while at the same time completely fits in the spectrum of the rest of the songs. There is one song in particular that really stood out and that is the title track “Crux,” I’ve long said that title tracks have a tendency to sum up what the album is about and this song is just that. “Crux has all the elements that Moon Tooth brought to the table on this record and delivered it in epic fashion. I’m not even going to tell you how, you just have to listen. Closing out the album is “Raise A Light” a song that like the others on the record, delivers the goods and leaves the album with a sense of closure while at the same time open ended for what’s to come on the next release.

Crux is truly a work of art. The balance of the different genres from rock, metal, prog, jazz and blues really work and compliment each other. The performances from each member are exquisite. Guitarist Nick Lee is a talent for sure. It’s hard to believe at times while listening, that he’s the only guitarist in the band. It’s like he’s got eight extra arms to pull off some of what he’s playing. The rhythm section of drummer Ray Marte and bassist Vincent Romanelli is outstanding. Not only are they super tight but they really compliment each other well. John Carbone has a voice that is soaring and melodic. The passion that is emitted from him and the rest of the band shows through on each and every song. The tenacity and strength of Moon Tooth shines on Crux. This is an album that will be in many top lists at the end of the year. It’s that good. Crux is a complete album from start to finish and deserves to be played that way to get the full experience. Moon Tooth are about to sink their teeth in and rightfully take a bite of their own.

 

Overall Rating: A

 

Moon Tooth- Crux:

 

Videos:

Trust:

 

Awe At All Angles:

 

 

 

Review By: Brian Lacy

Alternate Versions: Bush- Mouth (The Stingray Mix)

After the success of Sixteen Stone and Razorblade Suitcase, Bush started to mess around with their style. In late 1997, they released a remix album called Deconstructed. While it was a departure and it angered many fans, there were a few tracks on it that were pretty cool. One such was the reworking of “Mouth” which you might recognize from the movie An American Werewolf In Paris. The video for the song featured Julie Delpy who also appeared in the movie.

 
Bush- Mouth (The Stingray Mix) From Deconstructed:

 

 

Bush- Mouth (Music Video):

 

Live Review: Mark Morton, Light The Torch & Moon Tooth at The Roxy

On a clear Monday night in Los Angeles, at the legendary Roxy on Sunset, three bands, each with their own style, left an imprint on this fabled street and venue. Those in attendance (and there were quite a few, especially on a Monday), were witness to one hell of an energetic evening of heavy music. Led by headliner Mark Morton along with Light The Torch and up and comers Moon Tooth, there was no stopping the train of heavy from decimating the Roxy.

Opening up the evening was Moon Tooth. Ever since I heard of them a few months back, I’ve been highly intrigued by them. Their blend of heavy and psychedelia mixed with bits of prog and jazz makes them one of the most exciting new bands to come along in a while. Their second album Crux (which comes out Friday March 29), is one hell of a record and it most definitely will be at top ten album of the year. Every minute of their set was absolutely on fire. As they ripped through new songs like “Trust,” “Omega Days,” and “Awe At All Angles,” there was no question that these four gents are primed for something great. Each member from Nick Lee (Guitar/Vocals), John Carbone (Vocals), Ray Marte (Drums/Vocals), and Vin Romanelli (Bass), really gave it everything for each song. Personally I was kind of bummed their set ended. I really wanted more. Moon Tooth really got the crowd going and delivered a performance that when they are headlining their own shows, will be talked about for some time.

The middle slot of the night belonged to Light The Torch (formerly Devil You Know) and they brought the thunder with them. As the lights dimmed down, the frenzied crowd lost their shit when singer Howard Jones took the stage. For the next hour, Light The Torch, riding high off their new album, Revival, Howard Jones along with Francisco Artusato (Guitar), Ryan Wombacher (Bass/Vocals) and Mike Sciulara (Drums) delivered a set that was inspiring and crushing. Playing songs like “Die Alone,” “Calm Before The Storm,” “The Bitter End,” “The God I Deserve,” and “The Safety Of Disbelief,” there was no doubt on anyone’s mind that Light The Torch are here to stay. One of the best parts of their performance was the interaction between Howard and the crowd. It’s clear that Howard is a favorite among many people. His time in Killswitch Engage was something special and getting Howard back doing what he is meant to do is just great. Light The Torch are primed for a take over and rightfully so.

The main event of the evening belonged to Mark Morton of Lamb Of God. His debut solo album, Anesthetic, is a departure from what most fans of Lamb Of God are used to. This evening though showcased what a talented songwriter Mark is as well as solidifying his status as a modern day guitar hero. For this tour Mark recruited drummer Art Cruz (Prong, Winds Of Plague and Chris Adler’s fill in for Lamb Of God), guitarist Doc Coyle (God Forbid, Bad Wolves) and Sons Of Texas members Mark Morales on vocals (who also sang the song “Blur” on the record) and Nick Villarreal on bass. This lineup along with Mark on lead guitar stormed through their set with vigor and passion. The songs on the album feature a diverse style of songs ranging from super heavy like “The Truth Is Dead” and “The Never” to more rock styles like “Cross Off,” “Sworn Apart,” “Save Defiance,” “Blur,” and “Imaginary Days.” The best songs though are the total curve balls like “Axis” and “Reveal” which truly show how good Mark Morton really is. The performances of these songs were right on target. Mark Morales did a stellar job handling the vocal duties for all these songs. The tandem guitars of Morton and Coyle were spot on and the pounding and thunderous rhythm of Cruz and Villarreal was right in the pocket. They even had a couple special guests joining them on stage. Naeemah Maddox was brought up to sing her song “Reveal” as well as staying on stage to perform “The Truth Is Dead” with Roy Mayorga (Stone Sour, Soulfly, Abloom, etc) pounding the drums.

 
What a great night for every band on the bill. Each band was different and brought an energy that carried on to the next. It’s shows and tours like this that get people excited and want to go see live music. Not only was that a great show but, it was a great way to start the week. I know I’ll be replaying the show in my head for sometime, especially Moon Tooth. I can’t wait for them to come through town again. And a special shout out to Heavy Grass for making it happen for me to attend this great show!

 

Review and Shots By: Brian Lacy

(I was too into the show to take many pictures).

List: Best Start To Finish Albums

The other day I was chatting with some friends and one of them was talking about the best start to finish albums. As the discussion went on, a list was being made and I thoguht this one would sure be a fun one. So, lets get this started. Your input is more than welcome on this list. I’m sure it will grow into one hell of a great list.

This list is in NO PARTICULAR ORDER!!!!

Nine Inch Nails- The Downward Spiral
Nine Inch Nails- The Fragile
Nine Inch Nails- With Teeth
Nine Inch Nails- Year Zero
Failure- Fantastic Planet
Deftones- Around The Fur
Deftones- White Pony (Original Release- No the one with Back To School)
Deftones- Diamond Eyes
Pink Floyd- The Dark Side Of The Moon
Pink Floyd- The Wall
Pink Floyd- Wish You Were Here
Alice In Chains- Dirt
Metallica- And Justice For All
Metallica- Master Of Puppets
Metallica- Ride The Lightning
Mastodon- Crack The Skye
The Doors- The Doors
The Smashing Pumpkins- Siamese Dream
The Smashing Pumpkins- Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness
Radiohead- OK Computer
Radiohead- Kid A
Tool- Undertow
Tool- Aenima
Tool- Lateralus
Jane’s Addiction- Nothing’s Shocking
Stone Temple Pilots- Purple
Stone Temple Pilots- Core
Led Zeppelin- Led Zeppelin IV
Led Zeppelin- Presence
Soundgarden- Bad Motor Finger
Nirvana- In Utero
Pearl Jam- VS
AC/DC- Highway To Hell
Audioslave- Audioslave
Black Sabbath- Masters Of Reality
Brand New- The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me
Cave In- Jupiter
The Clash- The Clash
Converge- Jane Doe
The Cure- Disintegration
Depeche Mode- Songs Of Faith And Devotion
Depeche Mode- Violator
Down- Down I: Nola
Dredg- El Cielo
Far- Water and Solutions
Helmet- Meantime
Isis- Oceanic
Isis- Panopticon
Joy Division- Unknown Pleasures
Massive Attack- Mezzanine
Neurosis- Through Silver and Blood
Neurosis- Times Of Grace
Neurosis- A Sun That Never Sets
O’Brother- Endless Light
The Dillinger Escape Plan- Calculating Infinity
The Dillinger Escape Plan- One Of Us Is The Killer
Oasis- Definitely, Maybe
Oasis- What’s The Story Morning Glory
Ministry- Psalm 69
Oathbreaker- Rheia
A Perfect Circle- Mer De Noms
Sex Pistols- Nevermind The Bollocks
Slayer- Seasons In The Abyss
The Velvet Underground- The Velvet Underground & Nico
The Velvet Underground- White Light/White Heat

Band Of The Week: Brutus

A couple days ago while I was reading one of the many music news sites that I frequently visit, I saw a post about a band that a friend had mentioned before. To this point I had never heard anything by this band so I figured why not give it a shot. What I then heard absolutely floored me. I immediately played the song again and again. From there I was sold. So I did what I always do and went back through the bands catalog and at that point knew, this was going to be the band of the week.

 
I’d like to introduce you to the band Brutus. Hailing from Belgium, this three piece band is well on their way to leaving their mark. Brutus isn’t just any run of the mill “heavy” band they, have taken an approach that feels organic and bursting at the seams. Taking bits of post hardcore, rock, punk and black metal, Brutus is delivering a melodic blast of fury. Their debut album BURST is one hell of an introduction to the band. Their upcoming album NEST (out March 29 via Sargent House) is shaping up to be one of 2019’s most exciting and acclaimed albums of the year. The three songs released so far “War,” “Cemetary,” and “Django” are utterly astounding. The progress Brutus has made from their debut till now is perfect and what is about to be unleashed is something that will keep this band in constant rotation.

 

Brutus- Django:

 

Brutus- War:

 

 

Brutus- Nest (Pre-Order):

 

Brutus- Burst:

Live Review: Ho99o9

I’m sure you’ve all had this thought before. You hear an album and it really impresses you and then you start to wonder how they are live. Will they be able to pull this off live? Will it live up to the feeling you got when you first heard the album? Well, let me tell you, if you’re like me and you listened to Ho99o9 and thought those things, you will absolutely 100% not be disappointed when you see them live. As I watched the crowd explode into a frenzy and the band utterly decimate the small venue, I knew from the first minute in, that Ho99o9 are without a doubt, the real deal.

 

At a little after 10pm, the lights went down and projections appeared on the brick wall behind the stage, then 3 figures appeared on stage. From that point, it was a burst of chaos and excitement. Eaddy and TheOGM owned that stage from the get go along with drummer Brandon Pertzborn. The amount of energy radiating off that stage was reminiscent of my time going to see punk and hardcore shows in small/tight venues. Over the course of an hour, Ho99o9 blazed through songs from their debut album United States of Horror as well as their Cyber Cop EP. Songs like “War Is Hell,” “Street Power,” “Money Machine,” “Face Tatt,” “Knuckle Up,” “United States of Horror,” and “Mega City Nine” were commanding and performed with a take no prisoners approach. Their unique blend of hip-hop, industrial and punk rock is pummeling and vigorous while at the same time full of piss and gasoline.

 

I’ve seen a lot of shows in my life (and I mean A LOT), and this was one of those shows that will be replaying in my head for days, weeks and months to come. Ho99o9 are taking over and you should prepare accordingly. If they are on the bill and playing early, do yourself a favor and get there to see them. They will also be the band that steals the show from whoever they are playing with. I can’t wait to see what they do next and where they go musically. As I said above, Ho99o9 are the real deal and they should be on your radar.

 

Review and Photos By: Brian Lacy

(I was too into the show to really take many pictures)

 

Title Tracks: Metallica

Metallica are one of those bands whose title track songs are among the best in their catalog. There is no denying the power of a song like “Master Of Puppets” or even “And Justice For All.” I’ve said it many times and I’ll continue to say it, James Hetfield is one of the best songwriters and lyricists. Even the song “St. Anger,” though the production and tones are all terrible, there is a certain something about that particular song that just sums up that album perfectly. With all that being said, here’s Metallica’s title tracks for you to enjoy!

 

Metallica- Ride The Lightning:

 

 
Metallica- Master Of Puppets:

 

 

 

Metallica- And Justice For All:

 

 
Metallica- St. Anger:

 

 

Metallica- Hardwired…:

 

Classic Soundtracks: Forrest Gump

One of the best things about movies set during specific times is the music that is chosen. I’ve always felt that if you can nail the look of the time, than you had best make sure you get the sounds right as well. It’s sort of funny to think about but, also not surprising that one of the best soundtracks ever also came out in 1994. I’m telling you, 1994 was beyond a magical year. The soundtrack I’m speaking of is for Forrest Gump. As you know, the film takes place across a few decades and the music chosen to represent those years is absolutely perfect. You’ve got selections from Elvis Presley, The Four Tops, Creedence Clearwater Revivial, Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan, Buffalo Springfield, The Doors, Jefferson Airplane, The Supremes, Bob Segar & The Silver Bullet Band, Harry Nielsson, etc. This soundtrack really is exquisite. Even the rest of the songs in the film not included on the soundtrack were great. Songs by Fleetwood Mac, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Canned Heat and Jackson Browne really bring it all together. Even the score for the film by Alan Silvestri was perfect. The soundtrack to Forrest Gump is one of those that will always be recognized and rightfully so.

 

Forrest Gump Soundtrack: