ON THE RISE: HEAVY HALO

One of my favorite things about running Audioeclectica is getting to hear all sorts of bands and artists. When new music arrives in my inbox I get pretty excited to check out what’s in there. One of the bands I recently came across that has peaked my interest is a band called Heavy Halo who hail from NYC. Heavy Halo is a very interesting and compelling band as their sound is inspired by Nine Inch Nails, The Smashing Pumpkins and The Cure. When listening to the band you can pick up on the subtleties of those bands but it doesn’t sound derivative. Instead there are distinct sounds of the dark new romantic era mixed with a cinematic element that feels like you are inside a score of a film. Their latest single “New Blood” from their upcoming album, Damaged Dream (out July 25th via Silent Pendulum Records) is quite the trip of a song. The accompanying video definitely plays on the cinematic element that I talked about. I’m really excited to hear more from Heavy Halo and hopefully a Los Angeles show is in the cards soon so I can see this all live! So check out Heavy Halo and see why they are on the rise!

Heavy Halo- New Blood:

By: Brian Lacy

Pre-Order “Damaged Dream” released on Silent Pendulum Records: https://bit.ly/3YVoHkE

LIVE REVIEW: HELMET AT THE REGENT THEATER


There are quite a few bands from the 90’s that are a huge influence and inspiration for bands today. The resurgence of that sound is coming back around and while it’s been fun to hear some of these bands, there is nothing like the ones that pioneered that sound and style. Helmet is one of those band from the 90’s that can be heard in so many bands of the last 20 plus years be it Linkin Park, Chevelle, Deftones and more. Which is why when the chance to go see Helmet play their classic album, Betty in full came up, it was an absolute no brainer to go.

From the moment Helmet took the stage and the feedback started and then launching straight into “Wilma’s Rainbow” you knew this night was going to be special. Playing Betty in order meant that I got to hear one of, if not my favorite Helmet song quite early which is “I Know.” That song is so damn good. It’s one of those too that you can tell many bands have ripped off. Throughout the play through of Betty the band kept the train rolling without breaks making the show quite an immersive experience. Betty has a plethora of great songs including “Biscuits For Smut,” “Milktoast/Milquetoast,” “Tic,” “Street Crab,” “Speechless” and the always fun “Overrated.” The whole play through of Betty was superb and the crowd was super into it. Watching people singing along, moshing, headbanging, swaying, it was all just great. Then came a whole other set featuring songs from Meantime, Aftertaste, Strap It On and their most recent albums, Dead To The World and Left. As a giant fan of Meantime and Aftertaste it was quite awesome to hear those songs especially “Driving Nowhere” from Aftertaste (which I truly believe to be one of the more underrated albums of the 90’s). They also threw in their song “Just Another Victim” from the Judgement Night soundtrack and the crowd went nuts for that one. Didn’t hurt that it was played right after “Unsung” either!

The Regent Theater was packed from the front to the back and upstairs as well. Helmet absolutely decimated the venue with the volume and aggressive performance that left me wanting to go home and riff out. I haven’t been to a show in a while where I have left feeling like that. Page Hamilton is still a force of nature on guitar and one of the most innovative guitarists. Plus those little jazz licks that he throws in just adds to the fun. This lineup of Helmet has been with Page since 2010 and you can most definitely tell how tight the band is not to mention the amount of fun they have up there. Guitarist Dan Beeman is one hell of a player and he brings it each and every night to the songs new and old. He’s got this tone that matches Page’s so well that when you hear it in unison it’s this gigantic wall of sound that will blow your hair back. Then you add in bassist Dave Case and his rumbling low end and drummer Kyle Stevenson and his thunderous groove. Add those all up and you’ve got one hell of a band. Helmet live in 2025 is one hell of a show and I will most definitely be going back again next time they are in LA.

Also playing this evening was a band I was not familiar with called Slomosa. I’ve been trying not to check out the opening bands like I used to so I could go in with fresh ears and I’m glad I did. These Norwegians kicked ass. They have this really cool style that sounds like Songs For The Deaf era Queens Of The Stone Age mixed with Master Of Reality era Black Sabbath along with a bit of Helmet in there. Slomosa is anything but slow. They are one hell of a rock band and I really hope more people get to hear them as they are now on my radar for sure!

I’ve been to a few shows already this year and I have to say this one is going to probably stay in my top ten of the year. Thank you Page, Dan, Dave and Kyle for one hell of a show and the chat! Can’t wait to see Helmet again. And if Helmet is in your neck of the woods, get out to the show! You won’t regret it!


Review and Photos By: Brian Lacy

HELMET:

SLOMOSA:

HELMET SET LIST:

Betty (Set I):
01) Wilma’s Rainbow
02) I Know
03) Biscuits For Smut
04) Milquetoast
05) Tic
06) Rollo
07) Street Crab
08) Clean
09) Vaccination
10) Beautiful Love
11) Speechless
12) The Silver Hawaiian
13) Overrated
14) Sam Hell

Set II:

15) Ironhead
16) Drunk In The Afternoon
17) Birth Defect
18) Broadcast Emotion
19) Bad Mood
20) Dislocated
21) Driving Nowhere

Set III (Encore):

22) Gun Fluff
23) Unsung
24) Just Another Victim
25) In The Meantime

LIVE REVIEW: KERRY KING AT THE FONDA

It’s not everyday that you get to have a second career this far into your career. 5 years ago when Slayer hung it up (or so they said- I even remember telling my friend Justin at the last Slayer show, “Give them 5 years and I would bet they will be back playing festivals at least.”). Well that premonition came true right at the same time Kerry King announced his debut solo album, From Hell I Rise. Technically I could say it’s his second since Slayer’s last album, Repentless, was basically a Kerry solo album but, From Hell I Rise, gave us all another chance to keep riding the Slayer wave.

A few months before this show at the Fonda, I went with a few friends to see Lamb Of God and Mastodon on the Ashes Of Leviathan tour. On that tour they had Kerry opening up for them. While the set was short, it definitely led me to want to see the show when they came through as a headliner as they left a lasting impression on me.

Kerry King’s live band is one hell of a group of guys. First on vocals you have Mark Osegueda from Death Angel. Mark’s one hell of a vocalist and does a superb job here. Even with the moments that sound like Tom Araya, Mark really has come into his own with these songs. On drums you have the ferocious Paul Bostaph. We all know what he’s capable of. Then on bass you have Kyle Sanders. Who if you don’t know if the older brother of Mastodon’s Troy Sanders and was a part of bands like Bloodsimple, Hellyeah, Medication and more. Kyle has one hell of a thunderous low end delivery and the way he plays is outstanding. And on the other lead guitar is one of my favorite guitar players, Phil Demmel. Phil is an absolute beast on the guitar. The leads he added to Kerry’s songs take those ones to all new heights.

The live show for Kerry and company is quite intense as you’d expect. There is no shortage of aggression and heaviness permeating from the stage to audience. The Fonda in Hollywood is one of my favorite spots to see a show as it’s big but not too big and just intimate enough to feel like you are really close. Kerry’s set included all songs from the debut album like my favorites such as “Toxic,” “Shrapnel,” “Tension,” and “Residue” as well as 2 stellar Iron Maiden covers (“Purgatory and “Killers”), and a handful of Slayer songs including of course “Raining Blood.” Though it was cool to hear “At Dawn They Sleep” from Hell Awaits as well as “Disciple” from God Hates Us All. The band throughout the set was on absolute fire from the get go. The way Kerry and Phil play off each other is quite the the sight to see and hear. If you are missing Slayer, get yourself to a Kerry show and it will help with the withdrawls. One other thing before I close this out, I get that this is the Kerry King solo band now but, with a lineup of gents like this, I really hope that when it comes time to write the next album, these guys especially Phil Demmel, are brought in to write cause, if they do, I can definitely see the next album being one that just DESTROYS!

Review By: Brian Lacy (sorry no photos- was too into watching the show)

Set List:

01) Where I Reign
02) Rage
03) Trophies Of The Tyrant
04) Residue
05) Two Fists
06) Idle Hands
07) Repentless (Slayer Cover)
08) Toxic
09) Tension
10) Everything I Hate About You
11) Disciple (Slayer Cover)
12) Purgatory (Iron Maiden Cover)
13) Killers (Iron Maiden Cover)
14) Crucifixation
15) At Dawn They Sleep (Slayer Cover)
16) Shrapnel
17) Raining Blood (Slayer Cover)
18) Black Magic (Slayer Cover)
19) From Hell I Rise

COMING SOON TO AUDIOECLECTICA


Welcome to the almost all new Audioeclectica. Since last year when I took a break from this, I had a lot of time to think about what I wanted this site to be moving forward. As much as I enjoy writing about bands, albums, songs, etc, I came to the realization that I can’t keep up with it on a daily basis. So, as this new chapter of Audioeclectica begins, the articles might not come every day but, there will always be something to check out whether on Audioeclectica.com or on the socials.

During that break I also started to finally put the pieces back together to relaunch the Audioeclectica Podcast. Yes, I know everyone has a podcast these days but, I too have a lot of stuff to share and it’s going to be a fun way to talk about multiple bands and topics. My friend Justin (also a fellow Audioeclectica Reader) will be joining me on the podcast to discuss a myriad of topics. The Audioeclctica Podcast will launch in mid March.

Live Shows are a huge part of the new Audioeclectica. For the past couple years I’ve been working with “Cobalt” Dave Politi, the founder of the legendary So Cal All Ages club, The Cobalt Cafe, on a new venture called The Cobalt Presents. Essentially we brought back the old Cobalt at different venues throughout So Cal, and have reinvigorated a scene for up and coming bands both younger and older, as well as reuniting some old school Cobalt bands. If you are looking for a show please send us an email at thecobaltpresents@gmail.com.

Also coming soon will be Audioeclectica Radio. I’m working on building a really fun and interactive old school radio show where I will play whatever I’m feeling like and talk about interesting things as well as have specialty shows for genres and more. I’m sick of streaming sites and their algorithims ruining music and the listening aspect. So I’m brining it back old school.

Some of you might have already started to see new logo rollouts for Audioeclectica. That’s all part of the fun behind the scenes of what is going on. I’m working on a full on revamp of the site and how it looks. I’m planning on making Audioeclectica more than just an underground thing and I sure hope you all stick around for all that is to come for Audioeclectica.

There will be a lot more to come as well but, I can’t give away all the surprises!

See you at a show or on the interwebs!

-Brian

LIVE REVIEW: Snot at SoHo Santa Barbara

There are certain bands that come around every so often and leave a lasting impact in a short amount of time. That short amount of time and the legacy that carried on is what makes those bands special. One of the bands that I’ve always thought of in that category is the band Snot. Their debut album Get Some, was an absolute force of nature and came at you with an attitude that got right in your face and pulled you in. The story of Snot is tragic yet the surviving members have carried on but kept the torch lit for their old band and singer. Over the years there have been a couple time when Snot has come back. I was lucky enough to open for them years ago when they had a certain singer in the band who will remain nameless. I could tell then that these guys really loved this band and music. And the crowds too were still into it. Of course as time goes on there comes a new breed of kids that discover the band and that is a great source of reinvigoration to get it going again. And let me tell you, SNOT IS BACK!!!

The wait for the right time came just as the right person came along at the right time. All the stars had to be aligned in order for this to come back in this way. And on this particular Saturday night in none other than Santa Barbara, Snot’s hometown, in a rather intimate venue, the fans made sure to make this night special. As they took the stage to a roaring applause the moment those first notes hit, it was go time! Blazing through their debut album with delight on their faces, Snot ripped through the greats including my favorites “Joy Ride,” “Snooze Button,” “Get Some,” “I Jus’ Lie,” and of course the one that kicks it all off “Snot.” For their encore they brought out the Strait Up version of “Choose What” which tonight was “Starlit Eyes” (originally sang by Serj Tankian of System Of A Down) and closed it out with my absolute favorite “Absent.” Watching the band play for the 80ish minutes they were up there was so awesome. It’s not every day you get to see a band you love reunite and it sound as good as it does. <br><br>The dual guitars of Mikey Doling and Sonny Mayo are signature to them and them alone. That sound they have together and how they play off one another is quite special to watch, plus it was a blast to see them see if they could beat each other who could jump higher while playing. Sonny won! Then you have that thunderous low end of John “Tumor” Fahnstock. That tone alone I bet registers on the richter scale. Behind the drums is the one and only Jaime Miller. Jaime is an absolute beast on the drums (as well as pretty much every instrument). His playing and style in Snot should be studied as he makes it look a lot easier than it is. Now those 4 elements make up one hell of a sounding band. The only thing missing was the right guy and they found him in local Ventura County based singer Andy Knapp. I’ve known Andy for a long time and when it was announced it was him, I couldn’t have been happier. Plus Andy is a long time Snot fan and considers Lynn Strait to be one of his major influences. And when he took the mic and the show started, it was on!!!

What a comeback for Snot. This one was a long time coming and it finally aligned the right way. With the resurgence of music from their time, it’s only fitting that one of the originators of that style come back and show these youngsters how it’s done and should sound. The possibilities of new Snot music is on the horizon and I welcome it. Cheers to Mikey, Jaime, John, Sonny and Andy! And as always R.I.P. Lynn Strait and Dobbs!

Review and Photos (sorry for the quality- I was too into watching the show) by: Brian Lacy

Alternate Versions: Helmet- I Know (Demo-Live)

2025 is the year Helmet’s album Betty turns 30. It gets crazier and crazier to me seeing all these album that as a young kid I listened to all the time. Betty is one of the best and underrated albums of the 1990’s. There has always been one song in particular on Betty that I’ve loved since first hearing it and that song is “I Know.” This song is so damn good. It’s got this great rhythm that drives it all and it hits like a sledgehammer through concrete walls. Then you add in the textured guitar part that gives you that moment of “oh shit.” And when you put it all together with the riff and vocals it just takes you to another world! The version you hear on the album is a bit different than the early versions of the song. Take a listen to both and see which one you like better! Enjoy!

Helmet- “I Know” (Demo Version- Live In Italy / 1993):


Helmet- “I Know” (Album Version):

New Release: VOWWS- Blood’s On Fire

One of Audioeclectica’s longtime favorite’s VOWWS have released a fiery new single from their upcoming new album. The song “Blood’s On Fire” is one of those songs that is infectious and a vibe all on its own. The riff of the song drives it, the rhythm sways you in multiple directions and the vocals lift you into a trance. The new album was co-produced by A Perfect Circle’s Billy Howerdel and features live drums from the tour de force that is Josh Fresse. One of the things I love most about VOWWS is that they aren’t complacent in their ideas. Each song and album shows great growth and evolution. I’m quite excited to hear this album and see them live again! Enjoy!!

VOWWS- Blood’s On Fire:

New Release: Poison The Well- Trembling Level

I’m sure I’m not alone in being excited that after 15 years we finally have new music from Poison The Well. Today got a very welcome and exciting new song from the group entitled, “Trembling Level.” this song is a pretty good encapsulation of Poison The Well and it sort of picks up where 2009’s underrated The Tropic Rot. In an interesting development, former guitarist Derek Miller is credited with being one of the songwriters for this track alongside drummer Christopher Hornbrook, vocalist Jeffrey Moriera and guitarist Ryan Primack. This song will be a part of a band new album produced by Will Putney! I for one am stoked on having new Poison The Well. I will hopefully see some of you at their upcoming tour with Glassjaw and Better Lovers!

Poison The Well- Trembling Level:

New Release: Osnova- Climbing Dues

The very awesome and cinematic LA shoegaze band, Osnova, have released a dreamy new single with “Climbing Dues.” Musically on this song Osnova weaves delicate textures and accents those with interesting melodies which then are balanced out by the sweeping vocals that accentuate the dreaminess of the song and feeling. Osnova are one of the LA bands that I’ve been watching for sometime now and I’m enjoying each and every song they put out. Their live shows are captivating in the way the music draws you in and it leaves you with a feather light feeling after. 2025 is shaping up to be a great year for Osnova, so do stay tuned to what they have coming up!

Osnova- Climbing Dues:

New Release: L.A. Crimes- R.I.P.

Since I’ve been getting back into the swing of things with Audioeclectica, I’ve taken a lot of time to check out a lot that I missed out on. One band that I came across that really caught my attention are L.A. Crimes. I was immediately grabbed by their punk rock swagger and great songs. Their latest song “R.I.P.” is classic punk rock at its best. It reminded me of when I was first getting into punk rock as a young kid and L.A. Crimes would most definitely have been a band I’d have listened to back then as well as now. Their self titled EP came out in 2024 but, is fast becoming a favorite of mine in 2025. It’s fast, chock full of great riffs, rhythms that will have you bouncing and a call to action with the lyrics that go deep. I look forward to seeing L.A. Crimes live. I have a feeling they will become a live favorite of mine too.

L.A. Crimes- R.I.P.:

https://www.youtube.com/embed/311OD5Bw3Ys?si=PQxo9INqFO_M9A61&controls=0

Find L.A. Crimes Online Below
https://linktr.ee/lacrimes