Critics who claim Rock And Roll is dead have not listened to Wisconsin native Jared James Nichols’ self-titled third album (Black Hill Records) which is filled with twelve pieces of evidence to the contrary. Nichols is known for his signature pick-less style and is one of only four global ambassadors for Gibson Guitars, which certainly sets expectations high for what you are about to experience.Continue reading
It was a chilly night in December at The Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, NJ for the sold -out Holidaze Rager 2 tour featuring Killswitch Engage, Rivers of Nihil, Unearth, and Lybica. As the parking lot quickly filled up and fans lined up, it was evident we were all about to experience a high-energy show to match the anticipatory buzz of the crowd. The venue has a maximum capacity of 2500 people, and it certainly felt that way as the night developed.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, Industrial Metal giant Ministry was forced to cancel their 2022 European tour. Rather than close out their year quietly, they chose to perform Industrial Strength Live streamed via the high-def 4K Hitkor platform.
“Starting to feel normal again, feels good.” These words were spoken by Pete Loeffler, the front man for Chevelle, during their set at the Orange Loop Festival in Atlantic City, New Jersey. He is right in that people are attending festivals again but this is a new one.
When I last saw Brit Floyd in August, I said that I would gladly see them again. I did just that on Tuesday night at The State Theatre in New Brunswick NJ.
Over the last two years, the State Theatre took advantage of the downtime forced by the pandemic to completely refurbish the facilities. New carpet, new seats, new bar, new bathrooms…everything has been updated and it looks great. I would swear that the seats are even a bit wider than they were before. Parking is readily available in a public garage just a five minute walk from the venue, and there are tons of restaurants of every type in the immediate area. Continue reading
The Wellmont Theater in Montclair NJ was burning inside when Ministry, Melvins and Corrosion Of Conformity took the stage on Saturday night.
The theater itself seats about 2000 people with general admission on the floor which is perfect for a swirling mosh pit. Built in 1922 as an old vaudeville house, it was enovated and reopened in 2008. Now under the Live Nation umbrella, it hosts some major acts and The Montclair Film Festival. It should be noted that if you are going to a show there, plan to arrive early as parking can be a challenge of Herculean proportions.
If you told me that Stabbing Westward, an Industrial Rock band originally from Chicago, would reenter my life twenty years after they first impacted it, I would not have believed you. Yet after all this time, I am listening to their first new studio album since 2001, Chasing Ghosts (COP International), and my world has been changed again. After devouring their most recent EP release Dead And Gone (COP International), fans were hungry for more and I was certainly no exception. Original founding members Christopher Hall and Walter Flakus have retained their signature style and newer members Carlton Bost and Bobby Amaro have brought so much richness to the sound.
Hailing from Southern Connecticut, Progressive Metal band He Was A God, recently unleashed their three song EP The Smile & The Scar. A first for this band, however, they are not new to the scene. Chris Densky (Genitorturers, Deadstar Assembly, Adva), Tony Pellino (Transfixed Movement, Adva), Dan Perrone (Adva, Odessa) and Ray Zvovushe (King Sexy, Adva) have been making music together since grade school. The addition of vocalist Ben Curns completed their lineup and He Was A God was formed.
Upon arrival at Trees in Dallas, it was evident that both the bands and the event staff were excited to welcome the return of live music to their venue. One could feel the excitement build as the empty space came alive with bands loading in gear, sound checks were completed and fans started filtering in.
Ghost Cult’s intrepid correspondent and concert photographer Kim Hansen followed Industrial Rock act Suicide Puppets on Tour recently as the band opened for Soulfly on a string of successful shows. What follows is her account of life on the road with an up and coming band. Continue reading