Concert Review: Hollywood Undead

If there’s one thing Minneapolis knows, it’s music. We know there are some hardcore music fans out there, so we cater to their needs with some pretty awesome shows. This weekend, it’s 93x Fest and there’s a whole lot of great bands in town. The one that sticks out the most, is Hollywood Undead. Talk about excitement. You can feel it vibrate through the crowd even though its cold and rainy. What’s a little water to cool down the rampant temperature rising that’s caused by some badass music?

I know there’s a lot of talk about bands that wear masks and that it confuses people. We get it. But do you? If you were to listen to the heavy beats, tempting rifts and swift vocals, you’d never know these boys “hide” their faces behind masks that identify each as an individual. The moment Hollywood Undead step out onto the stage, you instantly know why they have a hardcore group of fans/followers. They grab your attention and shake it up. The energy in which these guys perform at is phenomenal. You don’t need to see expressions to know that they’re making a statement in every song played. You feel it. They interact with the crowd that isn’t always seen. It’s almost as if they dared every single person not to feel the music and not get into it. Let’s just say that everyone didn’t bother taking up the dare, they were singing and jumping without realizing it. The multiple fist pumps and screaming choruses heard from the crowd, is just one more reminder that HU is indeed that damn good.

Aside from the crowd, this band knows how to make it and how to guarantee a future in this industry. They value their fans and create a bond with them that few bands do. Their ability to perform live is always a treat and one no one forgets about. You’ll be surfing the net as soon as you get home to see when they’re in town next, what new gear they have, when they’re in town next and most importantly, listening to their music on repeat for the next few months. All in all, Hollywood Undead is one of the best bands to see live, hands down.

Music as a Weapon Review: Korn, Disturbed, Sevendust, In This Moment

In an era where music becomes less and less original and live shows cost just as much as your cell phone bill, we get reminded there’s light in the darkness. While local radio stations play the same “hit” songs over and over again, a tour has been drawing the blood of its bands and of its fans. This tour draws attention by being real with its bands compel us to live free for a few hours. The Music as a Weapon Tour has hit across the US and has made its mark once again in Mankato MN. With known bands like Korn, Disturbed, Sevendust and In This Moment, it’s no wonder it’s grown rave reviews all across the board. A line of people, tickets in hand, band t-shirts galore and it’s only a matter of time before people feel alive again. It’s a night to remember.

Amongst the thralls of people, this is the first time for most to see In This Moment live. What they don’t know but are desperately hoping for is a show they won’t forget. In the middle of the stage, an epic mic-stand is set. Boulders of metal, skulls, antlers and heads of dolls entice the audience to pay attention. Lead singer Maria walks out and means business. Grabbing our attention, she sings acoustic until a dramatic moment of completion when the rest of the band arrives. Throughout the entire set, the energy and charisma of the band is contagious. Crowd surfers begin to pile out, fist pumps in the air and the night has officially begun. This is definitely a band worth being on this tour but also to get the venue in the right mind to have an awesome night.

Next up is definitely a local favorite almost everywhere, Sevendust. All you have to do is look at the set banner and not only does the energy rise but so does the temperature. It’s been awhile since Sevendust has graced the Minnesota area, so those who have waited patiently are about to get their much needed Sevendust dose. From the first, middle to last song, the boys put on a performance that will be remembered for years to come. The crowd involvement is something astonishing as every single person from the floor to the back bleachers are one. The bands gift for putting on a great show is little comparison to what was seen tonight. Sevendust always has a home here.

As the set changes, lights dance across the stage, fog rises and out comes Disturbed. The crowds energy and determination to keep this night alive forever, gives the band just what they need: power. A show stopping performance keeps the standard of the night going. Playing hits from the very first album to the very latest one, every song can be heard as everyone in the place sings along. Welcome back to MN Disturbed.

The real show stoppers have finally approached the stage. The signature stand is revealed and all hell breaks loose. Korn has officially marked its presence on us once again. Electrifying as always, the guys of Korn bring the night to its highest high and brand the knowledge that real music is still here. The thrumming of the bass, beats from the drums, rifts from the guitar and the passion from the vocals always makes its mark for those who love Korn. We’ve grown accustomed to expecting the very best from this band and we’re never disappointed. Maybe that’s why they’re one of the original names out there that always puts music back where it’s suppose to be.

This Music as a Weapon tour has graced it’s presence on us once again and it’s a proven fact that it will be wanted here every year. The bands fit perfectly into what this tour is all about, using music as a weapon for life and believing in something more than you. We’re reminded that we’re all important but also that there’s a world out there that is beckoning us to listen. Until another tour, we shall live in the memories of this night.

Be sure to check out all of the bands sites for news, tours and of course music!

Korn:

www.korntv.com/

www.myspace.com/korn

www.facebook.com/korn

Disturbed:

www.disturbed1.com/

www.facebook.com/Disturbed

www.myspace.com/disturbed

Sevendust:

www.sevendust.com

twitter.com/SEVENDUST

www.myspace.com/sevendust

www.facebook.com/Sevendust

In This Moment:

www.facebook.com/officialinthismoment

www.myspace.com/inthismomen

www.inthismoment.com

To see more MAAWT photos,
go to

www.stillcodaphotography.com

Linkin Park: 1000 Suns Tour 2011

It was only 2 years ago that Linkin Park was in Minnesota at the Excel Center in St Paul, and almost to the date of that second year: they have arrived again. The crowd is rumored to have been over 11,000 which isn't bad considering how cold it is here right now. The line is already down the block and packed inside the arena. People have been waiting to get in for quite some time and they're willing to wait a little longer for a band that causes screams where ever it goes. Upon entrance, the stage and all it's lighting is symbolic to the bands latest album : Thousand Suns. Triangular in shape, it gives optimum crowd coverage even if the stage is a little smaller than we first expected.

After the first 2 bands play their sets, LP is set forth to put forth another amazing show. Always impressive are the lighting effects this band chooses to display when playing any show. Flat screens flip around and reveal one very large monitor screen in the shape of a triangle. This showcases the band in various places from cameramen stationed in the pit. The crowd gets a first hand look at what it would feel like to be in the pit if they're in the seats. From LP classic songs to the newest in that line, the crowd gets them all. All in all, LP is always welcome in MN and we can't wait until they're here once again.

Be sure to follow Linkin Park's new tour and catch them in a town near you!
www.linkinpark.com


To see more photography coverage from this and many more shows, go to www.stillcodaphotography.com

Band Interview: Halestorm while on the UPROAR Tour 2010

Edited and Interviewed by Morris Goodwin and Chelsey Goraczkowski of STILLCODA

As we enter the dressing room, we're instantly embraced by a band we've known since their beginning. That crazy summer of Halestorm shows around the Midwest now returns to us on a much grander scale. They're right where they belong: sharing the main stage with some of music's most talented bands. We knew they'd get here and here they are!

(Lzzy: Singer Arejay: Drums Joe: Guitar Josh: Bass)

STILLCODA: WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE AS A BAND?

Finding the catering! (laughs) All the smells and seeing the signs, but its nowhere in sight and we are hungry and no one can figure it out!

L: But you know, to keep a band together it takes a lot of time. I think in earlier years it was a little bit harder. We didn’t know each other quite well back in the day, but for the most part its easier to keep the band together because everybody is on the same page now. Still there are always challenges. Once you think you’ve had everything figured out, then there is something pains or and effects our day, like how to sell records, how to be creative and writing new songs and definitely the politics.

J: Today to be a band you have to do 4 or 5 times the work whereas a band 10 years ago hadn’t had to do so much

A: And that more work for a quarter of the results. It’s not always about the music. You have to be so much more than the band and as a whole

STILLCODA: WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR THOUGHTS YOU HAVE WHEN YOU GUYS FIND OUT YOU’RE PLAYING FEST/TOURS?

L: Our first thought that goes through our head was this was the first date on the Uproar Tour and when we scored this spot, we were saying ‘what were they thinking!’ (laughs)
Yah know… Somebody really screwed up. I mean, we are on the main stage and I’m not saying that we don’t believe in what we do, but with everything that happens it really blows our mind that we are here.
This is quite the lineup on this tour that you probably won’t see again. All these bands under one tour, it’s kind of a once in a lifetime career thing.

J: Its surreal!

J2: It’s kinda a lot to even just go and watch, let alone be on it.

L: It definitely blows our minds.

STILLCODA: TALKING ABOUT OTHER TOURS, WHAT ARE SOME OF THE THINGS YOU PICKED UP WATCHING OTHER BANDS AND BEING A PART OF THE EXPERIENCE?

L: The fact that we need more pyro! The great thing about being with all these bands that have done it for years and years and years and are on this level and we are here, it’s like being a freshman in college from being a senior in high school. We are now freshman. We are getting hazed all over again, but it’s wonderful because its like being inducted into this old boys group with their exclusive club. And all these people have so much wisdom. We’ve been talking to Vinnie Paul a lot from Hell Yeah and he has so many great stories and all those boys have such good advice.

J: To get somebody like Vinnie Paul who we’ve looked up to our whole lives to come and say that he likes what we do is pretty mind boggling and these amazing people, the Hell Yeahs, the Avenged Sevenfolds, Disturbed and Stone Sours, they think of us as their peers and that just blows our minds. It’s very humbling.

L: Its not even so much the music, because everyone is such an amazing musician and we have learned a lot from that, but just as people, its really cool to see people who could be prima donnas and want green skittles and all that stuff, we would be fine with it. They’ve earned it, but they aren’t. They are these great down to earth people that reminds us that if and when we ever get to that point (of greatness) we don’t want to be like them.

STILLCODA: PIGGY BACKING OFF THAT, MUSIC ALWAYS HAS A PURPOSE FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL. TELL US ABOUT YOUR PURPOSE. WHAT DOES IT BRING TO YOU?

L: For me personally, I don’t know who I’d be. It became my identity at an early age. It’s become part of who I am. I don’t think I’d be the same person without it. With every year and the more I am in it, it becomes inadvertently your religion, your therapy, the way you define yourself and also how you learn. It kicks you in your butt and you learn more about yourself, though this (the tour) and through music…I need this.

J2: I think music is twofold. You can’t escape it. You see people try and you see the old guys in the bars playing. They should and they try to get away from it and you can’t.

A: It started out as an obsession. It was the only thing that we wanted to do growing up. It was tunnel vision. We knew what we wanted to do and now its evolved where all these kids and people come up to us and you get inspired to play by them watching us and that alone encourages us to keep going.

STILLCODA: NOW THAT “HALESTORM” THE ALBUM HAS BEEN OUT FOR A WHILE, WHAT THE REACTION YOU’VE NOTICED, NOT ONLY WHEN YOU PLAY BUT WHEN FANS COME UP TO YOU?

A: Intensity.

J2: It’s been really great. People come to have a really good time, with us and the people around them. The only thing I can remember, there was one show where people were going nuts and kicking each other’s butt. That’s one thing that some people do when watching a metal show. But a lot of people don’t do that when they come to our shows. They rock out and have a great time. It weird’s me out when you see people getting hurt right in front of me. You can’t even listen to the music at the shows, its crazy, but generally they come and have a great time.

L: They are really respectful at our shows and they feel the same way we do. Rock shows are supposed to be about being together. Its’ not us and them, it’s all of us. From a lyrical standpoint, we wrote this record and me being the lyric person you write these songs very selfishly. You write them about you ‘cause you have something to say, but the great thing is now I’m seeing over the past year and a half, its’ there’s (fans). It’s about them and all of a sudden I’m seeing in a room full of people that are just like me and think like me… It’s so incredibly humbling. It’s been an amazingly overwhelming response to the meaning of these songs and to hear the stories…we’re touching people, we’re talking and its neat.

STILLCODA: THE DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL! WHAT WAS THE EXPERIENCE LIKE?

J2: We got there a day early and got the chance to see Pretty Vultures and ACDC perform which was pretty cool. The next day was really busy with a lot press and didn’t get to see to many bands that day, but most of them were from Rock on the Range. But it was really awesome to see some of the other bands.

STILLCODA: KINDA JEALOUS NOT GONNA LIE

J: A lot of people had no clue who we were. We were pretty much brand new at the time. A few did come back from our first Euro club run we did, but it was an incredible crowd. They love to party.

L: Yeah, just crazy in the pit In between songs, especially when we did the echo (hey hoo)

A: When we did the drum solo and only in Europe and the UK do they clap. Not only did the clap, they shouted (oye oye oye!) It was the most coolest sound I ever heard. It got me so pumped up and I was speeding up. It was amazing.

STILLCODA: YOU GUYS PLANNING ON GOING BACK?

A: Oh yeah, We’re on the Taste of Choas Tour, I think with Buckcherry, Disturbed, Papa Roach, so many others after this tour and we are going to Japan for a show to do a special and we’re pretty excited to do that and then flying all the way to Europe.

STILLCODA: YOU GUYS GOTTA ENJOY SOME OF THE FINER JAPANESE EATERYWHAT’S ONE THING YOU WANT TO EXPERIENCE WHILE WATCHING YOUR SHOW?

A great time, intensity and some oye oye!

MAKE SURE TO CATCH HALESTORM ON THE 2010 ROCKSTAR UPROAR TOUR!! KEEP UPDATED ON ALL THE BAND HAPPENINGS AT:

WEBSITE:
www.halestormrocks.com/

MYSPACE:
www.myspace.com/halestorm

2010 Rockstar Uproar Tour Review

This year, the only thing so many of us couldn’t wait to come was August 17. Why do you ask? Why would you ask is my first question? But then again, I think it depends on where you live and if this is coming your way. Which it’s coming all across the United States, so it damn well is coming your way! That’s right; I haven’t told you what “this” is. One music festival: Rockstar Uproar Tour. Yeah, that’s right. Now you know why so many of us couldn’t sit still the week before Uproar kicked off it’s very first show here in Minneapolis MN. Celebrating another year of amazing music, Uproar grabbed the best line up so far: Disturbed, Avenged Sevenfold, Stone Sour, Halestorm, HELLYEAH, Airbourne, New Medicine and Hail the Villain. Damn fine line up for those of us that have already seen this fist pumping, mosh breaking, attitude wearing crowds.

To start off the day, we journeyed a few blocks away from the Target Center where the outside festival would kick off this year’s tour. A massive crowd has already pushed its way to the lot, grabbing a few Rockstar Energy Drinks along the way. While everyone so “patiently” waits for the music to begin, several of the sponsors are getting things underway too. Best Buy has a line built up for meet & greets of some of the festivals bands; the Marines are testing some daring crowd members to test their strength; Jager is getting the party started for those of us old enough to partake of course; and all the various bands and other sponsors merch tables are filled with eager fans grabbing up t-shirts.

To hit the stage first is Hail the Villian. And do they ever get the crowd going. Being a “neighbor” to us “Minnesotans,” we’ll pretty familiar with the way bands hit the stage while they’re here. And we’re never disappointed. Gearing the crowd up the rest of the day is a huge responsibility few will partake in unless necessary. You would never know they were the openers. High energy, strong vocals, gritty guitars, pulse pounding bass and drums is only the beginning to a great day. (Make sure to check out our interview with HTV too!)

Up next is our local favorite band New Medicine. I didn’t think there was a way for the crowd to expand more, but apparently people started to find a way to crowd themselves in. Amongst the crowd are fans and family that have come out to support NM in their first “big time” tour. The second the music starts, everyone “gets” why they’re on the bill. There’s no denying these boys have talent very few possess and few ever will. Pleasing the crowd with everything they have to give and more is exactly what catches everyone’s attention. If you were to look at your leg, you’d notice it was automatically tapping to the beats and you’d find yourself humming the tunes. They’re that damn catchy! The funny but edged guys have a way with the crowd that only proves they’re in the right spot. (Make sure to check out our interview with NM too!)

As the stage changes, Airbourne makes their appearance. Being here just a few months ago, the band keeps creating more and more fans just by putting on one helleva show. Grit bearing guitar solos, pushed rhythm and fast paced drums keeps your eyes on the stage. There’s nothing better than seeing a guitar player climbing on various things while grinding out a sick solo. It’s a signature move you can’t wait to see.

What’s history without it’s influences right? The final band to play on the Jager stage is one that is filled with so much talent; it almost pukes it out cause it’s too amazing to try to control. But that’s exactly the point, there’s no reason to contain anything. HELLYEAH is that band the burns the word contain into a pile of ashes while laughing as they do it. The crowd goes insane and you expect nothing less. Your jaw drops and your eyes don’t blink for fear of missing this band perform right in front of your face. Very few words can be spoken that would come close to how amazing it is to watch HELLYEAH. The crowd walks away in a numbed happiness a few probably haven’t felt in awhile.

Everyone walks back to the Target Center and is back to the anxiousness they feel every time they wait for a show to start. The floor is full, seats are filled up and the concert begins with a bang.

Halestorm enters with voice first. You hear Lzzy singing while trying to find out where she’s hiding. She enters the stage and everyone goes crazy! A fan favorite for so many, they know how to bring a crowd. As they play their set, everyone’s adrenaline gets pumping, hearts start racing and excitement builds. All of the sudden, the entire band breaks down to play the drums in a show stopping performance. It’s no wonder Halestorm is wanted by every guy and girl in the crowd, there’s something about their confidence and charisma that stands out to even the quietest sections of the Center. (Make sure to check out our interview with Halestorm too!)

Who comes on next except a band that has made waves in the industry for it’s collection of talent? Stone Sour. That’s all that really needs to be said. While Slipknot fans aren’t seeing the entire band in costume, they are seeing a few of the real members face to face. There’s a whole new meaning to the word elation when Corey is fixed on the crowd. His raw voice and fluid connection with the crowd is one very few bands have. Jumping over speakers to reach the crowd is exactly what was ordered. Let’s all get 5 orders of that please!

Now the real drama begins. The crowd starts chanting “Sevenfold” until their voices are raw and their neighbors ears are punctured. The sheet is withdrawn and the stage is…well…speechless. Filling the stage is an amazing set of arched gateways and brick posts with changing backgrounds. Smoke rolls off the floor and pryos begin. Once each band member walks on stage, there’s no turning back for either the band or the crowd. Connected to one another as Family is what they’re known for, but until you feel it yourself, you don’t quite understand. Playing several songs off their new record is a tribute to their late drummer, The Rev. Every single beating heart in that venue is one and bows their head to a lost one head dear to so many. Each song is a testament to why this band has gotten so far and why their “family” is everywhere. Stage theatrics are only the icing on the cake for most. The spell binding guitar solos from both Gates and Vengance are impacted into your limbs as nothing other than exactly that: spell binding. Shadows controls the attention of every single person while Christ owns the entire stage. While remembering their lost brother, their performance is perfected by that very brotherhood. A7X’s soul crunching performance is why every single person came to this tour.

What better way to end a historical night than to end it with a “little” band called Disturbed. The die hard band and it’s fans tend to always create a few memories neither are willing to forget. Debuting a few songs off the upcoming record, the crowd grows wicked. Moshing is now in order and sweaty people are happily being pushed into the people on all sides of them. Each song turns up the tempo. Playing the mixture of new upcoming songs with the favorites is successful for Disturbed. Everyone craves the new cd and once they get a taste of it, the need of getting it drives them crazy. Releasing all that pent up energy is good for the soul most say. I quite agree.

As the shows come to a conclusion, each person to walk out of that building has left changed even if it’s only a tiny bit. They’ll forever remember what it was like to be apart of this tour. When they’re at work, dreading the next few hours, all they’ll have to do is think on this night and know there are things worth waiting for. Until next year, we’ll all keep a count down until the next Uproar tour is underway.

CHECK OUT MORE PHOTOS AT

WWW.STILLCODAPHOTOGRAPHY.COM!!

DON'T FORGET TO LURK ON OUR UPROAR INTERVIEWS AS WELL AT:

http://stillcoda.blogspot.com/

Make sure to get your ass to an Uproar show near you!

Band Interview: Airbourne

After a few years of major touring, 2 records, countless traveling around the world and creating a show stopping routine, Airbourne is finding themselves in the “Greatness” book. Just finishing up with a tour with Bullet For My Valentine and Chiodos, the boys are finding they’re exactly where they need to be: performing music they believe in. The best part is, their fans agree with them 100%.

STILLCODA: HOW MUCH PRESSURE WAS THERE FOR LIVING UP TO “RUNNING WILD” SUCCESS?

RYAN: Well, I think with the first album, there are a lot of things that we didn’t know when recording an album. We’ve learned a lot and with the second album (“No Guts, No Glory) we knew what to expect. So we had to knuckle down and get a lot of songs together and pretty much let the songs run their own competition. Then eventually throw them down and made sure to record them live.

STILLCODA: BETWEEN BOTH ALBUMS, WHAT WAS THE WRITING PROCESS LIKE? WAS ONE “HARDER” TO PUT TOGETHER, ETC?

RYAN: I think with the first one, we had our whole life to write out whereas with the second one, we wrote it on the road. We still had a good two years of touring that we spent on the road just putting ideas down. From there, when we go home, we managed to get all the rifts together from sound checks and stuff. Once we had that, we started putting them into songs.

STILLCODA: THE BAND HAS SPENT A LOT OF TIME ON THE ROAD. HOW MUCH TIME OFF DID YOU HAVE IN BETWEEN ALBUMS?

RYAN: Yea, we basically toured non stop for two whole years. It gave us a lot of opportunities to headline shows where we’d have a lot of sound checks so we were able to play around with a lot of rifts.

STILLCODA: HOW WERE YOU ABLE TO MAINTAIN AIRBOURNES SIGNATURE SOUND WHILE EVOLVING MUSICALLY ON “NO GUTS, NO GLORY?”

RYAN: Well I guess we’ve always been happy with the way we sound and it’s something that will always be an Airbourne thing. We always try to spice it up a bit but we keep the drums and vocals straight forward.

STILLCODA: WHAT ARE YOU GUYS EXPECTING TO COME OUT OF THE UPCOMING “ROCKSTAR UPROAR” FESTIVAL COMING UP WITH AVENGED SEVENFOLD, DISTURBED, HALESTORM, ETC?

RYAN: Yea, it looks like it’s going to be a great festival. The last time we did something like that was 2 years ago at Mayhem and it was just a blast. There were a lot of car parked BBQ’s and everyone was just fun. We’re just looking forward to getting on the whole festival thing again and be on stage.

STILLCODA: AWESOME! WE’RE EXCITED TO SEE YOU ON THAT BILL, THAT’S FOR SURE. STILLCODA: WHAT ARE SOME TRACKS ON THE NEWEST RECORD THAT HIT CLOSEST TO YOU?

RYAN: “Born to Kill” is a good one. The reason is cause its very fast for me so it hits me more. It’s something I have to make sure I keep up the pace with.

STILLCODA: WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR “RITUALS” BEFORE A SHOW THAT ALLOW YOU TO GET READY FOR SONGS LIKE THAT?

RYAN: We just sort of have a couple of beers, but we pretty much just want to get up there and have fun.

STILLCODA: WHAT’S THE GREATEST “GIFT” YOU’VE GOTTEN SO FAR?

RYAN: Uh, Moonshine! We got some in a mason jar. It was the gift that did a lot to my head the other day and the day after….(both laugh).

STILLCODA: ARE THERE ANY TRICKS OF THE TRADE THAT HAVE HELPED SAVE MOMENTS WHILE PLAYING?

RYAN: Pretty much when anything goes wrong, we just have a laugh. Just laughing at it helps. There are some things that you can’t fix right away so you have to laugh about it and move on.

STILLCODA: ANY SPECIFIC TRADITIONS THAT THE BAND HAS HAD SINCE THE BEGINNING?

RYAN: That’s a good question (sits there thinking for a bit). Listening to certain tapes which can be weird if you knew who they were (laughs).

STILLCODA: WHAT ARE SOME THINGS THAT HAVE HAPPENED WITH FANS COMING UP TO YOU?

RYAN: We have a lot of people come up to us and say it’s a “breath of fresh air” to hear us play. That they’ve been waiting for a band like that so yeah, it’s awesome hearing that.

STILLCODA: WHAT’S THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE TOURING THE US VS AUSTRALIA?

RYAN: The biggest thing is size I think. The US has cities all over whereas Australia has only 5 big parts to it. You have to fly to get to the big cities. Here, you spend all your time in a tour bus with a lot of driving. It’s great because every state’s different than the next so you can explore. It’s culturally different as well and is always a lot of fun.

STILLCODA: TOURING WITH BFMV RIGHT NOW, WHAT’S BEEN THE BEST THING ABOUT THIS TOUR?

RYAN: Playing early and drinking later (both laugh). Just being back again, it’s been awhile. And we are very much looking forward to the Uproar tour coming up.

STILLCODA: WHAT’S IT BEEN LIKE TOURING WITH BULLET?

RYAN: it’s been great! The crowds have been fantastic especially with younger crowds. It’s been a nice comfortable tour to be on.

STILLCODA: THAT’S AWESOME! WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU BACK THIS WAY SOON! WE’LL EVEN MAKE SURE TO HAVE SOME BEERS WAITING FOR YOU.

RYAN: That’s great! We’ll definitely take you up on that!

STILLCODA: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR TALKING WITH US AND WE’LL SEE YOU SOON!

RYAN: Thank you!

To check out photos from the show, go to: www.stillcodaphotography.com

Make sure you check out more of AIRBOURNE at:
www.airbournerock.com
www.myspace.com/airbourne
http://twitter.com/airbourne
http://www.facebook.com/airbournerock
http://www.youtube.com/airbournerock

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