It was a cold, rainy evening last Sunday in Motor City, but that didn’t damper the spirits of those attending the metal show happening at The Sanctuary. Residing in the humble hamlet of Hamtramck, next to Detroit, this music venue is the pulse of the heavy scene for the whole city. Many gathered in the quaint sized concert hall because the Doom Metal masters, Swallow the Sun were in town. This legendary act of doom ‘n gloom is on the road promoting their new album Moonflowers (Century Media Records). Plus, they brought along Abigail Williams and Wilderun as their supporting acts, making it a night filled with decadent heaviness.
Tag Archives: Detroit
Watch Alice Cooper Get A Street Named After Him In Westland, Michigan
Favorite son of Michigan and Rock and Metal legend Alice Cooper had a street named for him on Thursday, September 23. 2021! to unveil “Alice Cooper Court” at Eloise Asylum (30712 Michigan Avenue) in Westland, Michigan, near Detroit. Cpooper’s latest album is Detroit Stories! WCSX-FM morning personality Big Jim O’Brien from “Big Jim’s House” joined Motor City rock legend Alice Cooper Continue reading
ALBUM REVIEW: White Magician – Dealers In Divinity
Consisting entirely of musicians from the eccentric Demon Bitch with equally esoteric pseudonyms, Detroit’s White Magician settles firmly into the world of heavy Occult Rock on their first full-length album. “The Agents Of Fortune”-esque cover art is enough to indicate that any comparisons to Blue Öyster Cult are likely intentional; the band exercises a similarly freerolling attitude with an ominous undercurrent. But while Dealers Of Divinity (Cruz Del Sur Music) gambles on a well-trod formula, the group seems to have a couple of aces up their sleeves.
Marilyn Manson Performs “KILL4ME” Live For The First Time
Marilyn Manson kicked off his new U.S. headlining tour last night at The Fillmore Silver Spring in Maryland, and did not disappoint. Continue reading
Doro Pesch Presents Warlock’s Triumph And Agony 30th Anniversary Tour
Doro Pesch is celebrating the 30th anniversary of Warlock‘s Triumph And Agony album in a big way. Continue reading
Watch Video Of Chris Cornell’s Final Performance With Soundgarden
The music world was rocked earlier today as we learned the devastating news that Chris Cornell had passed away at the age of 52. The legendary musician’s final moment on stage was with Soundgarden at Detroit’s Fox Theater last night, and tons of fan footage of the performance has now made its way online. Continue reading
Wilson – Right To Rise
It’s a chilly Sunday morning and I’m in good spirits. I got to sleep in a bit and no hangover in sight. Proper setting for some productive writing. Enter Detroit, Michigan’s Wilson and their sophomore recording, Right to Rise (Razor & Tie).
At first listen you can expect to think that this album is a parody of the muzak currently branding rock radio unlistenable. Lyrically this is the world’s greatest collection of Hard Rock clichés and buzzwords. Some select examples to illustrate my point: “Gasoline pumping through our veins.” “All my friends are dead,” “Can you satisfy me?” “Motor City,” “Right to rise!” What the hell does “Right to Rise” mean, anyways?
But to complement those wonderful nuggets of insight, the playing on Right to Rise makes Hellyeah sound like Rush in comparison. Slab after slab of midtempo rock pounds your brain into submission. And that is not to be mistaken as praise. ‘Windows Down!’ and ‘All My Friends’ are truly the work of a collective that thoroughly enjoys the Jagermeister, pot and tits that come with stardom, but only put forward the most minimal of efforts to reach those perks. Right to Rise belongs in a Dadrock starter pack alongside a pre-owned Corvette, gaudy Affliction clothing and Just for Men Mustache & Beard dye.
And I gave Wilson a fair shake. I spent a good portion of my Sunday re-listening to Right to Rise. Default angry track ‘All My Friends’ comes close to passable as it recalls Godsmack in their more relevant days. ‘The Flood’ has a Billy Squier vibe to it, so that’s gotta mean something, right? Late in the second half of the album ‘I Am the Fly’ and ‘Give ‘Em Hell’ attempt to break up the monotony by throwing in short guitar solos and leads sporadically.
I get it. Your shtick is “Full Blast Fuckery” (again, whatever the hell that means) and living the rock & roll lifestyle. That being said, why are you so opposed to using some of the most basic rock songwriting tools? You know like, dynamics, solos or memorable melodies.
So there you have it. The soundtrack to the Guy Fieri revolution. Full throttle!
2.0/10
HANSEL LOPEZ