Live Review: Black Map & Centershift at The Whisky A Go Go

For the past couple weeks I’ve been eagerly anticipating seeing Black Map again live and for the live debut of Centershift and it most certainly did not disappoint! It’s really interesting to be seeing shows again after being away from them for so long. There seems to be a new life for live music and the bands. Sort of an invigorating sense of let’s go out there and kill! And this evening was just that…

Centershift is one of my favorite new bands. For a three piece band, these guys pack the volume for sure. Riding high off their debut single “9,” Centershift took the stage and immediately opened a can of whoop ass on the crowd. Singer/guitarist Jasan Radford (who you might know from Onesidezero/Abloom), was right at home on stage and that voice of his, resonated so well through their set. You could tell people were getting more and more into it with each note played and lyric sung. Bassist Ted Wenri and drummer Mike Tarabotto are a dominant force of a rhythm section. The prowess they played with really helped to leave a real impression with the audience as well as how tight they are. The other songs they played and debuted all kicked some major ass. Be on the look out for their songs “My Own World,” “Tell Me,” and “11.” Those songs were absolute BANGERS! Centershift has this really cool sound that fits perfectly well with Black Map. Their sound has a bit of a Quicksand/Thrice vibe mixed with a little bit of other 90’s tinges. Centershift is a band that should be on your radars as they will be a name you won’t want to miss.

Black Map is one hell of a band. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing them since they came on the scene and I have to say, like a fine scotch or wine, they’ve only gotten better. As a three piece, it’s astounding how huge they sound. The combination of singer/bassist Ben Flanagan, guitarist Mark Engles and drummer Chris Robyn is an absolute force. Their set this evening was stunning. Picking songs from all their albums including their upcoming one, Melodoria (out Nov 5), Black Map tore up the stage. Songs like “I’m Just The Driver,” “Run Rabbit Run” “Let Me Out,” “No Color” all were stellar and the new songs “Chasms,” “Super Deluxe,” and “Madness (my personal favorite from the new album at the moment)” were impeccable and shows even more growth in their songwriting.

This was a terrific show. Seeing both bands at The Whisky was even better. The history of the venue makes shows like this one special. I have to say too, The Whisky sound was awesome this night. The bands sounded great and the vibe inside was just perfect. Black Map and Centershift is a match made in musical heaven. I’m going to be selfish here but, I really want a full tour with both bands. Hearing them back to back was absolute bliss. What a great night full of great bands, music, people and good times. This is what the music scene should be like. Do yourself a favor and go listen to and see to Centershift and Black Map when they come through your town. You’ll for sure thank me later!!!

Review By: Brian Lacy

Cover Song: John 5 w/ Corey Taylor, Michael Anthony & Fred Coury- Van Halen Covers

A couple weeks back during John 5’s tour stop in Los Angeles at the Whisky A Go Go, John brought out Slipknot/Stone Sour singer Corey Taylor, former Van Halen bassist (and the band’s secret weapon) Michael Anthony, and former Cinderella drummer now film/tv composer Fred Coury to play a couple Van Halen songs. They ripped through “Running With The Devil” as well as Van Halen’s version of The Kinks classic “You Really Got Me” and in prime fashion too.

John 5 w/ Corey Taylor, Michael Anthony & Fred Coury- Running With The Devil:

 

 

 

John 5 w/ Corey Taylor, Michael Anthony & Fred Coury- You Really Got Me:

 

Live Review: Onesidezero and Slant at Whisky A Go Go

It’s always fun when bands you grew up with return to play the venues you once saw them at. Over the many, many years of going to concerts, there is still something fun about heading out to the Sunset Strip and seeing a show. Sure there’s a bit of a nostalgia factor and all the history that is there but, there is something else about seeing bands you really dig at places like the Whisky, Viper Room and Roxy. The other evening, I got to see Onesidezero rock the Whisky stage for the first time in a very long time and it definitely brought back many great memories of seeing them there so many times before.

During this evening there were two additional bands that I saw that left a mark on my mind. The first band that intrigued me was Hyvmine. This four piece band reminded me of a proggy version of Sevendust with Meshuggah breakdowns. They were quite a good live band. Their set was full of great riffs and vocals that were soulful and melodic. I wasn’t familiar with the band before this evening and I’m most certainly interested to see where they go with their style of rock. Definitely give them a listen.

 

The direct support for Onesidezero this evening was the band Slant. This band I’ve heard of and checked out before and was quite interested to check them out. Over the course of the last year or so, they have been building quite the fan base and leaving their mark on the scene. Slant’s set was quite rockin. They have a very cool alternative rock side to them with the right amount of “heavy” to accompany them. Something else that stood out about Slant is their positive outlook in their words. It’s not something you notice right off the bat but, as you listen you really start to hear it. They know how to put on a show and their excitement for playing live shows. I will say though, they really need to not play their cover of U2’s “With or Without You.” Perhaps it’s just me (and I’m pretty sick of bands playing covers) but, it just didn’t do anything for me and it was generic at best but, minus that song, they had quite a good set.

 

Onesidezero took the stage later than scheduled but, those that were there to see them, like myself, made sure to stay. Since Oneside returned to the stage at the end of 2018, it’s been quite a welcome return. Looking around at the crowd as they played, I saw many familiar faces from over the years and it was quite cool to reconnect with a bunch of older fans like myself. Oneside’s set consisted of gems like “New World Order,” “A Point In Time,” “Instead Laugh,” “Eight,” “Carry Your Gun” and he very awesome “Sleep.” Also played was the soon to be released “Chasing the Sun,” as song that has been around for a bit in the bands history but never got the proper treatment and their new song “Eleven” which is one hell of a good song.

 

Having a band like Onesidezero back is genuinely a welcome return. They have always had great songs, and are still making great tunes. Plus it doesn’t hurt that they are nice guys too. The whole evening was a great night for rock music and rock music in Los Angeles. Bringing together bands like Slant and Hyvmine to accompany Onesidezero was the right choice. All three of these bands are definitely worth the time to check out and see live. You won’t be disappointed that you did! Also on a side note, the whisky seems to have updated their lights and sound equipment, making for a very enjoyable listening and visual experience!

 

Review and Photos By: Brian Lacy

Live Review: Superjoint at The Whisky

Last night was one hell of a night. The last time I saw Superjoint was in 2004 at the Ventura Theater. I don’t really remember much about the show but, I do remember the sheer intensity that came pouring from the stage to the audience. Fast forward 13 years and that intensity is still pouring from the stage, only this time, it was a direct punch to the face. After being on a “hiatus” (I really hate that word) for the past 10 years, Superjoint returned with a sense of urgency and truth. Their performance this evening was beyond what I thought it would be and then some. But first let’s get to the other bands on the bill.

When I arrived at the venue and stepped inside, Child Bite was just taking the stage. I purposely didn’t check them out before seeing them, because I wanted to experience something I have never heard. Wow, was Child Bite superb. They had an energy and attitude about them, the permeated through the Whisky. Those that were there early got to witness a truly enigmatic performance. Singer Shawn Knight, is one hell of a frontman. He’s got the screams, cleans, and charisma that every frontman needs. Sean Clancy (Bass), Brandon Sczomak (Guitar) and Jeff Kraus (Drums) are tremendous and tight. The band is a very interesting group, as their influences range from Mr. Bungle/Faith No More to The Jesus Lizard, with a bit of Black Flag and a dash of Pantera. Child Bite are a band to look out for when they come through your town and steal the show.

The direct support for the evening came from Detroit, Michigan’s Battlecross. I have heard them before and Battlecross sure brought the energy. Ripping through their set, the metal was delivered. Their sound is a mix of thrash metal and a bit of metalcore. These guys know how to play and rock a stage. Battlecross are on the right track of flying the metal flag. I have to give them their due for the showmanship while playing. The guitar solos and bass solo really added a layer of enjoyment to their performance.

Now Superjoint was what the crowd was waiting for all night. Philip was looking in shape and ready to get back to doing what he does best, decimating stages and audiences. Joining Phil in Superjoint are long time guitarists Jimmy Bower and Kevin Bond and two newcomers Joey “Blue” Gonzalez on drums and Stephen Taylor on bass. Both Joey and Stephen are perfect fits for the band. From the moment the set began with the instrumental “Obilvious Maximus” you knew that Superjoint meant business. Ripping through songs from their first two albums and their new one, Caught Up In The Gears Of Applications, Phil and company have never been tighter. Not only that but, they genuinely looked like they were having a good time. Other songs like “Ozena,” “Waiting For The Turning Point,” “Fuck Your Enemy,” “The Alcoholik,” “It Takes No Guts,” and “Everyone Hates Everyone,” really stood out to me. The new songs played, sounded better live than on the album. Interestingly too, the evening’s show was being filmed for a future release. Needless to say, this was a special show. Superjoint was on fire and blazing. The crowd was into every minute of it. This was a truly great show not just for the band, but those of us who were there.

I also feel the need to mention something else. The Whisky, has really stepped up their game in regards to making the bands sound great. The new system they have in there, really makes all the difference. So, thank you to the Whisky for doing what was necessary. Next thing, is getting a credit card machine at the box office!

 

By: Brian Lacy

Live Review: Vision Of Disorder at The Whisky

One of my favorite things about going to see bands that I’ve loved for years and years, is looking around at the crowd and seeing fans from the beginning till now reveling in the music. Vision Of Disorder has that effect on people. The legends that they are still pack one hell of a punch live and deliver with all their might. More on them in a bit.

The night began for my friend and I with the band Matriarchs. This 5 piece hardcore band from Los Angeles was the surprise of the night. Not only did they pummel the crowd with their brutal intense brand of hardcore, they managed to get a Los Angeles crowd on a Sunday night into quite a frenzy. It’s been a while since I listened to this type of hardcore. They reminded me of old school Hatebreed and Terror. Matriarchs are legit and deliver the goods as each song goes into the next. This band is on my radar for sure.

Next up was a band called Critic. These guys had something really cool going on. Musically they had elements of prog, industrial and hardcore, making for quite an intriguing set. Just as Matriarchs did, the crowd got into a bit of a frenzy during their set. Even the security guards at the venue were into them and Matriarchs. This band as well will see some more attention as time goes on.

After Critic, the reformed Pissing Razors took the stage. I have to say that while enjoyable, I couldn’t help but think they were taking their groove metal love of Pantera a bit too far. While watching them, I could see and hear the distinct similarities of Pantera in their music and stage personas. Not to take anything away from them, but when you start singing Pantera songs over their songs, you might want to revisit your own songs.

The highlight of the night was of course the legendary Vision Of Disorder. Their unrelenting set consisted of songs from their beginning to their latest release Razed To The Ground (which by the way is a great album). The sheer magnitude of intensity that lives within each member of the band was left on stage last night. Songs like “DTO,” “Suffer,” “What You Are,” “Set To Fail,” and “Loveless,” killed. One of the coolest things during their set was watching a swarm of fans push forward to the front of the stage to sing along with Tim Williams. Amongst the crowd and singing along was Dave Peters of Throwdown. Seeing him in the crowd pushing to sing along instead of jumping on stage was quite an awesome move on his part. Very punk rock Dave!!!

The entire night was outstanding. Vision Of Disorder are still the real deal and continue to put out great new music. Matriarchs and Critic are two bands I will be following and writing about soon. It’s shows like this that make it fun for me still. As I get older I’ve noticed I’ve become more selective in the shows I go to, but as long as my favorite bands keep playing in Los Angeles, like VOD, I will be there.

 

 

By: Brian Lacy

Live Review: Soilwork At The Whisky

One of the coolest things about going to concerts pretty much my entire life has been to be able to see so many great bands. There are times that you don’t really dig on their newest material so you pass when they come to town. Last night, a friend of mine convinced me to go to the Whisky to see Soilwork. I haven’t seen them in about 10 years, and they crushed it. Soilwork just released a really solid new album called The Ride Majestic.  A good few songs from the new one were played along with some classics and other deep cuts from their catalog. The band themselves seemed like they were really having a great time on stage. This was also the last night of their current tour, thus allowing them to leave it all out on stage. Singer Bjorn “Speed” Strid’s vocals were crisp and tight as tight can be. Even the crowd for it being a Monday night was extremely into their set. The pit was moving and the people were singing along. Not to mention that the sound inside the Whisky even sounded good. All in all it was a great night, and Soilwork made it that much better.

Also playing was Shattered Sun from Texas. Their brand of metal is akin to the likes of Killswitch Engage meets a bit of the Swedish metal. These youngsters were going all out and put on a good show. The only draw back was the banter in between songs. Given enough time to properly develop their sound, Shattered Sun could be on the rise to bigger things. On a side note their guitarist Jesse Santos is one hell of a player. His leads on the songs and backing vocals really helped gain my attention. It makes me really intrigued to see what they do next.

Before Shattered Sun was Earthside. This 4 piece instrumental band was good, and brought out a good vibe for the evening to break up some of the heavy. Their set was decent and you could tell that these guys were having a great time on their first tour. Speed from Soilwork does guest vocals on a track on their new album, but didn’t sing with the group onstage, which was kind of a let down.

It was a fun night to be back out in my old stomping grounds from my youth. Seeing Soilwork again after many years was quite fun, nostalgic, and reenergizing. I’ve been away from the “Metal” scene for a bit, but as long as bands like Soilwork are still around and commanding the stages they play, I’ll keep coming back.

Soilwork Setlist:

The Ride Majestic
Nerve
Bastard Chain
The Crestfallen
Death In General
Alight In The Aftermath
Tongue
Follow The Hollow
Petrichor In Sulfer
Stabbing The Drama
Spectrum Of Eternity
Let This River Flow
Late For The Kill, Early For The Slaughter

Encore:

Rejection Role
Enemies In Fidelity
Rise Above The Sentiment

Why The Whisky A Go Go needs to GO GO AWAY!

The “Sunset Strip” is one of the most legendary places in Los Angeles. The musical history that surrounds the area is rich and full of greatness. Everyone knows the stories of The Doors, Motley Crue, Guns n Roses, etc. Everyone has dreams of playing at the venues up and down the strip. The sad thing is that today in 2014, there isn’t much left of the greatness that once was such a legendary place. There is no scene anymore, and venues are closing down. The Key Club and The Roxy are no longer open. All that is left is the Whisky and The Viper Room, and the little bit of nostalgia that you get from walking around the area.

I recently attended a show at the Whisky to see Fear Factory. In my mind I thought this will be great to see them again and at the Whisky of all places. I remember seeing them there back when their album Obsolete came out. Boy was I wrong. First off they were horrible live and Burton C. Bell couldn’t hit the notes. They seemed like a second rate version of what they used to be, holding on to what they once were thinking that they still had “it”

The main reason for this piece is to detail how downhill the Whisky has become. Nevermind the history of the place, plain and simple this place is a hole in the wall now. The exterior alone needs a drastic update. The people working the ticket booth are some of the laziest rude people ever. It’s 2014 people, it’s about time to start taking credit cards to buy tickets. Security wise, I understand the need to pat people down, but don’t grab my ass. If I wanted to get felt up I’d stay home with my lady. Once inside the stench of mold, sweat, and filth fills the room. The carpet has got to be so old they are afraid to rip it up and see what lies beneath. The layout downstairs doesn’t make any sense. Why have booths downstairs in an area that takes away from the standing room? The Roxy had a different area for that, same with the Key Club. They understood the need for continuity in the building. The bathrooms, are a travesty to all ends. The upstairs area is where the booths should be. Thus providing the “VIP” experience. Instead there are plastic chairs that you would find at your local Home Depot. Another aspect of the place is the crappy sound system. It looked like they updated the board, but not the speakers or the direction of how the sound travels.

One of the worst parts about the Whisky is the way they stack the lineup for the night. It makes no sense to have 6 bands on a bill before the main band of the night. Not to mention have them sell tickets at an outrageous amount just to cover their own cost. Pay to play is one of the biggest scams ever. The sad reality is that most of the bands that do this really aren’t that good at all. During the night that I was there, not one of the bands that opened for Fear Factory were good. They were so bad in fact that my friend and I left and went to a bar next door to wait out the time till Fear Factory went on (thank goodness for the rule of in’s and outs for those 21 and over). One of the other main things that is wrong about the venue is their lack of crowd control. First of all there was way too many people inside. It’s almost like they oversold the event. The way they handle the “pit” is non existent. Not everyone wants to be involved in it. While my friend and I were leaving mid set (due to Fear Factory being horrible) we had to walk through the pit instead of a clear walk way. Perhaps they should get someone in there and prevent the large people from hurting the other people in attendance.

Times they are a changing, and the Whisky needs to do the same or follow in the footsteps of the other venues that closed down. There is no need for any of what I just mentioned to happen. For a place that once was a spot that bands dreamed of playing at, they really let it go. How about really taking the time and care about your place and make it that way again. Otherwise shut your doors and walk away.

UPDATE:

Since I wrote this article, I’ve been back to the Whisky for countless shows and they really have stepped up and worked to make this venue better. The sound system seems new(er) and the rate of speed between bands seems to be tighter. Sure there is still room for improvement but, they are getting their act together. This venue is historic and special and needs to be treated that way. A coat of paint inside and good pressure wash could do wonders for the place.