Bullet For My Valentine, Chiodos, Airbourne and Arcanium at First Ave Concert Review

Late one night, I was doing my usual concert searches when I got an email and a text message saying that there was this tour coming my way. All I got in the email was the venue, First Ave. Then as I looked at the date on the site, my pulse went up and my eyes got huge. Who do I find on the calendar for this date? A defying list of noteworthy bands that are finally put together on one bill: Bullet For My Valentine, Chiodos, Airbourne and Arcanium. I instantly knew this was one of those shows that you would never want to miss out on. And I was completely right.

On stage first is a band from Colorado called Arcanium. In all honesty, no one had really heard of the band but knew that if they were on the same bill as BFMV they had to be good. And prove their worth they did. A little death metal or hardcore metal for some of you, Arcanium brought energy, charisma, talent and personality to the stage. Getting the crowds involvement is a hard thing to do when you’re the opening set. It didn’t phase this band at all. They drew the crowd in and delivered a great performance. Before they part the stage, the crowd yells their phrases and rush over to the merch table. They have a bright future ahead of them and Minneapolis will welcome them back anytime.

-My rating based on voice/instruments sound, stage presence

and entertainment-

8/10

Next to appear, is a band well known throughout Australia but has made a name for themselves here in the States: Airbourne. I spoke with Airbourne a few hours before the show doing an interview (check out the page for the interview!). What was to be expected: a hellva great time. Airbourne’s visited the Twin Cities before on different tours and have never let the crowd down for a show stopping adventure. Tonight, that’s no different. Killing the show with nonstop guitar rifts and vocals, every member of the band throws a little of themselves into each note made. The house is already banging their heads and fist pumps are everywhere. In the middle of one song Joel, lead signer, jumps off stage and climbs the stairs off to the side. Hanging over the railing on the landing, he grits out the most wicked guitar solo the crowd’s seen! Never one to not surprise the crowd, this is one of the signature moves Airbourne brings to the table. Or bar top, speakers, stairs, or anything else Joel can stand on.

-My rating based on voice/instruments sound, stage presence

and entertainment-

8.5/10

Next to hit the stage is a band best described as hardcore. That’s the only word that truly makes the most sense. The crowd is already pushing and chanting “Chiodos” to the point of moshing more than just bodies. As soon as the band appears, the crowd goes insane! Teenagers are actually beating past the other generations of people to get to the front. I nod my head in salute to their daring in all honesty. Lights go out then burst back on in a flourish dance of color and dominating presence. Then the band plays. I’ve been to more than my share of concerts and covered bands of various “measures.” The crowds vary with each show but this one…wow. Only after 2 songs, the entire house has lost it’s mind. As I get out of range of fire from everyone, I see how this band ensnares it’s fans so easily. What a power to have. As they continue ripping the stage, I realize this is how the band has made such a name for itself: they don’t hold back. Ever. Show stopping and jaw dropping, Chiodos has opened doors and eyes throughout the music world. Even after they play the last song, the crowd chants “One more song” for several minutes afterwards. If only the show could last forever, their wish would have been granted. My conclusion of Chiodos: hardcore.

-My rating based on voice/instruments sound, stage presence

and entertainment-

9/10

The heat turns up, there’s only inches from one person to the next and “Bullet! Bullet! Bullet!” is being called. The excitement builds until it explodes as they finally walk the stage. Instant stimulation of every sense a person has is being tested. Your eyes are given a feast: strobe lights, colors and your favorite band. Your ears are treated with your favorite songs. Your voice is lost among the rest. Your temperature rises and sweat drips off your face. All your other senses, well…they’re combined until you’re overloaded. It’s a blissful thing and the crowd is thriving on it. BFMV starts off with “Your Betrayal” then hits with other crowd favorites like “Fever,” “Waking the Demon,” “Tears Don’t Fall,’ “The Last Fight,” and “Scream, Aim, Fire.” The security in the pits has their hands full of crowd surfers coming from every direction while watching the moshers push their worries away. I walk up to the second level and what you see there is even more than what you think you see on the ground level. The entire place is moving like bees on a beehive. It’s a crazy mass of energy that intensifies with every song. The band exits the stage but only to return to favor the crowds outburst for more. BFMV graces us with “Begging For Mercy,” “Hand of Blood” and “Alone.” Nothing compares to seeing a band play for their crowd. Even as the concert ends, people are still smiling while recalling their favorite parts of the night. Some of them are even worse for wear but act as if that is exactly what they went there for. Bullet.

-My rating based on voice/instruments sound, stage presence and entertainment-

10/10

Make sure and check out each band along with this show stopping tour!

Bullet For My Valentine:

www.bulletformyvalentine.com

Chiodos:

www.myspace.com/chiodos

Airbourne:
www.airbournerock.com

Arcanium:
www.myspace.com/arcaniumband

Sick Puppies, Shinedown & Breaking Benjamin Concert Review

I’ve been beyond fortunate enough throughout my career to see some gifted bands play. It only gets better when these bands collide and create one massive Rock show. It doesn’t matter who the headliner is in this case for it’s the opening bands that create the environment for that band. It’s always the anticipation that gets to you as you’re looking for the bands that are opening these huge shows. Sometimes it’s a little of “Awesome! I know all these bands!” or “I know that one, but not the other one…” In this case, it doesn’t matter. All that matters, is that you’re about to get your face rocked off with: Sick Puppies, Shinedown and Breaking Benjamin.

I remember seeing Sick Puppies back in the day when they were first touring around the US with Finger 11 and various other artists. From the first few songs, I was hooked. This 3 person band from Australia brings more rock than some American bands. I only say that because they can prove it many times over. Opening for 3 major acts can be intimidating for some bands, but they handled it like pros and acted as it didn’t matter what size the crowd nor venue was. They’d still put on a hellva great show. Mixing a couple of old songs off their record “Dressed up as Life” and “Tri-Polar,” the crowd got a good mix of how they’ve gotten so far and where they’re going. The only thing I wished for their set was for them to have a larger set list. Once you get a taste of the music, it makes you want more.

-My rating based on voice/instruments sound, stage presence and entertainment- 8/10

In the world of madness, a band has always announced itself as one of its creations: Shinedown. With 3 widely known CD’s, Shinedown is known for their masterful vocals, defying guitar rifts, mood changing bass and tempo creating drums. I’ve watched them over the years as well and every time seeing them only gets better. They keep with their signature style while revolutionizing the way they bring the show. Never ones to shy away from anything, Shinedown reintroduced Minnesota to what real music is and how it’s evolved. Always humble, they graciously share the stage with every band they’ve ever played with while remembering those we’ve lost in months/years past. The soulful vibes this band brings to the table is one to give you shivers and remind you real musicians are born, not made.

-My rating based on voice/instruments sound, stage presence and entertainment- 9/10

I’ve seen Breaking Benjamin 3 times just this year and no matter how many times I see or talk about them, the response is always the same: Brilliant. I’m leaving this review as simple as I can. If you want the details, check out the previous reviews.

-My rating based on voice/instruments sound, stage presence and entertainment- 9/10

KoRn Concert Review

It never ceases to amaze me that no matter how long you’ve followed a band, been a fan for years; listened to their CD’s to non-existence; then to finally seeing them live, you’re still in awe. You hear stories from fans all over the world saying their perspectives on the band and it still doesn’t hit home until you’re there, standing amongst the crowds. I can say there are several bands that go in this list but I can only speak for one band that stands out in my mind: KoRn.

I think I stood there with my mouth open the first few songs until I was able to think properly. Out of all those accounts you’ve heard, no one else’s will compare to your own view. No matter the history or problems any band has, what matters is the music and show they put on. Of course playing the crowds favorite songs doesn’t hurt either. From “Coming Undone,” “Freak on a Leash,” to “Falling Away From Me,” “Throw Me Away,” “Somebody Someone” to even an encore with “Clown”, “Shoots and Ladders” and “Got the Life;” everyone got exactly what they expected plus more. Playing these songs is only one part, the other part is the energy the give and receive. The arena is one family and is sharing the moment together. JD also gifts us with something so uniquely him, it leaves little question to why we love this band. One word: bagpipe. If you’ve never seen this, you’re missing out on something amazing, words can barely describe it. So I don’t think I’ll even try to.

There’s always a lot of talk and hype made for every band that comes around. No matter how long they’ve been around or what they bring to the table, it’s the nature of people. For once, I’ll say the rumors are true: KoRn is one band you HAVE to see and will thank me for it later.

-My rating based on voice/instruments sound, stage presence and ente

rtainment-

10/10

RED, Far From Falling, Throw The Fight and The Action Blast show Review

Whenever a show comes to the area, most people have about 3 reactions once they see the bands listed: I’m going. I wish I could go but damn work! Hmm, this sounds like a good show but I’ve never seen these bands live before. Tonight was a night of firsts for a few people. 2 of the 3 reactions came across a 15yr olds face when I told him who I was taking him to see for his very first concert. Who better for a “newbie” (as us seasoned people like to call them), to see for their first concert than 3 phenomenal local bands and one jaw dropping national band? I think that’s one fine list to me. So this time, I’m taking us through memory lane and describing the show as you would see it through a newbie’s eyes. My only reaction: awe inspiring. Tonight’s list: Far From Falling, Throw the Fight, Action Blast and RED. Like I said, one hell of a great line up if I say so myself.

First to open the show is Far From Falling. A local band from Minneapolis, this band starts the show off with vocals and beats that draw the eyes and ears. Even this early in the show, the crowd has come to show support. Most of the time, when we think of local bands, we think “Well, they could be good if…” Not this time. We KNOW this band is good and is making it just by listening to them play. Lighting and fog effects edged with soul moving vocals, gifted guitar players, rhythm making bass and beat making drums shows us just that. Each band member gets lost in the moment and as a part of the crowd, you feel it in the music.

-My rating based on voice/instruments sound, stage presence and entertainment- 8.5/10

Next to perform is Throw the Fight. Another local band from the area, TTF opens their show with a bang. You instantly notice 3 guitar players versus the normal 2 and see the energy each member brings to the table. Introducing tunes we’ve heard on the radio and ones that we haven’t, TTF offers a variety of beats to get the blood moving. The crowd involvement picks up and soon it’s a great show by this band.

-My rating based on voice/instruments sound, stage presence and entertainment- 8/10

Up next is The Action Blast from Chicago. After only being together since December 2009, it’s impressive to see them already sharing the stage with National acts. As the first few songs play, a small but aggressive mosh pit begins. The first pit of the night to become something energy building while adding to the anticipation of what’s to happen next. The show continues and the crowd gets larger. AB notices and steps it up a notch and gets the crowd involved in a song. As one, the entire place picks it up a step and is excited all over again.

-My rating based on voice/instruments sound, stage presence and entertainment- 8/10

Last, but not least, is RED. The crowd is thick with people and tension builds as they wait for this one band to appear. Lights dim and the real music begin. Pushing through the crowd to the front is what seems to be everyone’s prerogative. Kicking off their show, RED plays fan favorites ranging from “Fight Inside,” “Already Over,” Overtake,” “Pieces” and so many more. As you look around, every single person is singing each note of every song. The music is drawing out everything every person has to give right at that moment. Just like Michael, Anthony, Randy and Joe are giving to us. As “Pieces” begins, Randy plays the keyboard and all eyes are riveted on his hands. As Anthony and Michael begin their portion, you get lost in the moment, lighters appear and hands are in the air. Amongst the cheering, tunes change to a remix of certain well known songs with familiar beats. Everyone leaves the stage and Joe appears at his drum kit. While the remix is played, he creates the beat of each song and needless to say, the effect is jaw dropping. The faster he goes, the more the trance he holds over on everyone. In all of the drum solos I’ve ever seen, I have never seen one with this type of mix or feeling. From the newbie’s stand point, none other will compare to this one. The rest of the band appears and plays a few more songs and the crowd goes even wilder. The vocals Michael and Randy present, give a new meaning to the balance you need to have as a band. The enthusiasm Anthony gives while moving all around the stage, reminds you to move yourself. Joe’s constant beats give you a measure that only you can feel. As they walk off the stage, chanting begins for “One more song!” and “RED RED RED!” Even being apart of the crowd, you know the band has to be smiling from ear to ear just hearing this. It’s louder than anything and only few bands gets this type of response. Instead of gracing us with one more song, they give us two, “Ordinary World” and “Breathe Into Me.” As the show ends, the appreciation and love this band has for their fans is seen in their faces. The meet and greets begin and the night closes to an end. For someone who has never seen this band or any band play live before, it is one memory you’ll always remember and smile back on. The response from the newbie was quite simply, “Wow. That was AMAZING!”

-My rating based on voice/instruments sound, stage presence and entertainment- 10.5/10

Alice Cooper and Rob Zombie: Gruesome Twosome Tour Review

What comes to your mind when you think of concerts? What bands do you want to share the stage with each other? What is it that you’re looking for in a great show? I have a prime example of all these things and more. Although, in all honesty, I really only need to say two bands and the answers are clear: Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper. See? All those images and thoughts that are flickering in your mind right now is exactly what I’m talking about. The Gruesome Twosome tour is everything and more.

To kick off the night, Alice Cooper and his band mates kick off the show. He has always been known for his stage theatrics and he definitely doesn’t disappoint. Balloons filled with confetti are bounced around and popped all over the crowds: they revel in it. Swords, leather, stage hands, a nurse, whips, deaths and so much more are being filed in everyone’s minds. There’s nothing better than seeing an iconic rock star “killing” on stage in more ways than one! But then again, you would expect nothing less coming from Cooper. Upon entering the crowd and watching the expressions being given, you know there’s some dreams coming true. Whether it’s seeing Cooper on stage for the first time, seeing theatrics that include more than 3 “deaths” or just being able to say “I went to THAT show,” you know this is going to be a night everyone will remember. I talked with some friends and found out that they’ve seen Cooper live several times over the years. Their response, “You always know it’s going to be a great show and you never leave disappointed.” Everyone that’s here will agree. I for one will forever have the pleasure of saying I got to see Alice Cooper perform like none other.

-My rating based on voice/instruments sound, stage presence and entertainment- 9.5/10


As the stage is being hidden by a large black drape, you immediately wonder, “What’s happening next?!” There are very few times where you’ll see the stage being covered while equipment is being changed and the next set is being put up. The crowd packs in closer and waits eagerly for the lights to dim. Among the Zombie and Cooper shirts pressed in on one another, a little boy of about 7 is grinning from ear to ear off to the side. His dad is standing behind him pointing things out. Even at such a young age, it’s awesome to know that kids enjoy music just as much as the adults. And the show begins. Three large flat screens are seen with the drum kit on top. The music starts and all hell breaks loose. Rob Zombie appears. I didn’t think more hell could break loose, but apparently I learned there’s always a little more room for it to grow. Between the flat screens lighting shows, pyros and beats, the crowd gets lost in the moment. As Zombie runs all over the stage, you never question the energy that he alone brings to the table. As each song is sang, the atmosphere is charged and the show begins anew. Now everyone knows from seeing Zombie live, why he’s made a name for himself in the music community as one of the best acts to see. If you haven’t seen him live, what are you waiting for?!
-My rating based on voice/instruments sound, stage presence and entertainment- 10/10