TRIBUTE: ANDY WILLIAMS

In every band, there’s always at least one member that has a heart of gold. That one guy in the band that goes out of their way to be nice, cool and fun. While already being an absolute force of nature on stage. Which is why it’s really hard to come to terms with Andy Williams being gone.

From his time in Every Time I Die, to becoming a professional wrestler, and starting a new band, Atomic Rule, Andy Williams made sure to follow his passions. The way he played guitar with such love showed in the shows and songs. When you listen back to Every Time I Die songs, you can actually hear Andy’s parts, as they had a distinct tonality and dynamic drive. His stage presence was intimidating but also welcoming. This is a guy who attempted to set the Guinness Book Of Records for most hugs in a day. That tells you what kind of guy Andy was.

The few times I caught him wrestling on TV for AEW, was awesome to watch. As a wrestling fan growing up, seeing Andy as his character “The Butcher” felt like I was watching a classic wrestler.

I had the opportunity to meet Andy after a few Every Time I Die shows and he was always there to take time to talk with you. He was a gentle giant with a heart of gold. One of the nicest people you’d ever meet. He’d talk to you about whatever questions you had and make you feel like you were the only one there he was talking to.

Andy Williams will always be remembered and revered by so many. To all his family, friends, bandmates, and fans everywhere, my deepest condolences and sympathies. Andy was one of a kind and should be celebrated as such! Here’s to Andy!

By: Brian Lacy

My Favorite Every Time I Die Albums:

The Big Dirty:

New Junk Aesthetic:

Ex Lives:

Low Teens:

Radical:

ATOMIC RULE:

SONG OF THE WEEK: FEAR FACTORY- ROBOTICIST

At long last, the first new Fear Factory song with new vocalist, Milo Silvestro! “Roboticist” is straight off the assembly line and drilled straight into your ears. Musically it’s classic Fear Factory in that it’s got a great groove, heavy riffs, thundering drums and the right amount of electronic and industrial soundscapes. Vocally it’s right there in the same lane. The harsh vocals really hit and the cleans come through with individuality as well as respect to the past. All together this is just the start of more new Fear Factory. Well done!

Fear Factory- Roboticist:

ALBUM OF THE WEEK: MASTODON- MARROW DEEP

Every so often throughout music history, a band comes along that transcends the time. Meaning that this band writes songs and albums that are timeless while also exploring different thematic aspects that makes for an experience be it on album or live that is so vivid it all comes to life. For the last twenty six years, Mastodon, have truly been the best new band of the Millennium. Never a band to rest of what they did before, Mastodon have pushed the boundaries aside of what you can do in rock music. Across now nine albums, Mastodon have established themselves as a bands band and one that can play with an array of bands and artists. On their now ninth studio album, Marrow Deep, Mastodon have taken their shared and personal tragedies and turmoil into an album that like Crack The Skye, oozes emotion and reaches so deep that each nuance is felt.

Throughout the twelve songs, there is not one ounce of filler or anything that feels out of place. Some might say there is but, that only exposes that persons lack of interest and knowledge into a musical space that expands ones mind. The intricate details that Mastodon have added over the years shine on Marrow Deep. While this is the first album without longtime bandmate and contributor, Brent Hinds (R.I.P.), it didn’t slow down Brann Dailor, Troy Sanders and Bill Kelliher. Now with the addition of Nick Johnston on guitar and Joao Nogueira on keys, the complete vivid vision has finally come together. Even the album cover hints at this vivid picture as the colors and lines weave in and out of one another.

From the start with “Barbarian’s Blood” till “The Three Fates,” it’s clear that this is a take your time album. The different elements from sludge, prog, space, psychedelia are signature Mastodon. The more cinematic nature on these songs has an almost “score” type of vibe as well. When you listen to a Mastodon album, the ability to lose yourself in it is vital. Be it a heavier song like “Poisonous Weapons” or an epic prog rock song like “Out Like A Lamb” there is something new to find the more you listen. There’s even bits of free form jazz found on songs like “They’re Coming For You,” “Snakes For Dinner” which features Queens Of The Stone Age’s Josh Homme (marking his second collaboration with the band. He was previously featured on “Colony Of Birchmen” off Blood Mountain), and “The Vanishing” the latter of which features Black Sabbath’s Geezer Butler on bass. If you’ve heard Master Of Reality or Volume 4 by Black Sabbath, you know what I’m talking about here. One of the absolute standout songs on Marrow Deep has to be “Moth And Bone.” This song has so many layers to unfold in a beautifully dynamic way. Just listen and you’ll experience it. Throughout the record there are subtle nods to Brent be it in the lyrics like “Your Ghost Again” or small guitar parts or even a vocal melody like on “A Vampire’s Demeanor.” The album ends with “The Three Fates” which again ends an album as Mastodon does on an epic note.

The additions and contributions of Nick and Joao are very present and prevalent. This new blood injected into Mastodon has brought out a side that feels invigorated and alive. The chemistry between Bill, Brann and Troy is unmistakable and now with Nick and Joao, the chemical bond has only grown! These songs when they play them live will no doubt deliver you into a different dimension. Let the Marrow Deep run wild in your ears and mind.

Overall Rating: 9/10

Review By: Brian Lacy

MASTODON- MARROW DEEP:

LIVE REVIEW: NONPOINT, SPINESHANK & (HED) PE

Living nostalgia is quite a head trip. The recent Even More Outta Control tour has been almost like a blast from the past. On one hand you have two bands, Nonpoint and (Hed) PE, that have been consistently out there with new albums and tours. Then you have a band, Spineshank, that has come back to celebrate an absolute classic album in The Height Of Callousness. The three of these bands together came up at or around the same time and on this tour, have been able to transport the audience back to a raucous time!

First up was (Hed) PE who were celebrating their second album, Broke, being twenty five years young. No matter the time or lineup over the years for Hed, they have always brought it. And this night was perhaps even a few notches above that. As soon as the band hit the stage, the crowd welcomed them with a roar of noise as they began their Broke centric set with “Jesus (of Nazareth).” Then came “Killing Time” and the entire venue including the staff were deeply rocking out. With this being on the “hits” from the record, it’s no wonder it got a huge crowd pop. The next few songs kept the crowd bouncing and moshing. Quite a fun sight to see especially when “Feel Good” was played. To end their set the always fun “Bartender” went over very well. The crowd singing back during the chorus felt like it was back in the early 00’s again. What a great set by (Hed) PE. Probably one of the best I’ve ever seen them.

Next up in the direct support slot was Spineshank. Since they have been back, they’ve been on the road constantly. During that time Spineshank have made sure to emphasize the impact their second album, The Height Of Callousness had and continues to have on kids these days. Their set while it was celebrating the album, only had a handful of songs from the record with the other half coming from their third album, Self Destructive Pattern. The choice of songs from both records really hammered home how heavy and hard Spineshank is. Songs like “Asthmatic,” “Synthetic,” “New Disease,” “Smothered,” and “The Beginning Of The End” sounded great and throughout the crowd participation really made the melodic parts soar. One of the fun things to see was drummer Tommy Decker still having the cool put the stick behind the head swing. Such a signature move. To close out their set, it almost seemed like they took a shot of adrenaline because “The Height Of Callousness” and “Dead To Me” haven’t sounded that good for a long time. I’ve seen Spineshank a couple times since their recent reunion and this was the best of the ones I’ve seen.

Headling the night was Nonpoint. If you’ve never seen Nonpoint live, you’ve been missing out. The sheer amount of off the wall energy is infectious as well as invigorating. While it had been a moment since I’ve seen them live, the moment they kicked things off with the one / two punch of “Ruthless” and “The Wreckoning” that was enough to know to prepare for absolute fun. Throughout their set, the entire audience, even myself, were caught in the wave of jumping and bouncing to quite the soundtrack. Songs like “Chaos And Earthquakes,” “Buscandome,” “Dodge Your Destiny,” and “My Last Dying Breath” were absolute highlights during the set. A mini set of songs from their debut album, Statement, transported everyone back to the year 2000 as “What A Day,” Victim,” “Endure,” and “Mindtrip” rocked the house. Two new songs “Is It” and “Red Yeti” from their upcoming album, The Last Word (out 9/20), showed there is no stopping Nonpoint! And of course to close out the night was the ferocious “Bullet With A Name.” What a set from Nonpoint.

This entire night was exciting, energetic and full of absolute fun. Concerts like this are what makes fans come to shows. A great lineup, a great venue (El Corazon in Seattle), great company, and the notion that you will have a great time. While it felt like a nostalgic blast, this show also had a crowd that spanned different ages and generations. To be able to connect with younger fans through music, especially older albums, truly shows how powerful music is and why it is a necessity. All three bands have new music coming soon and those are sure to be on my list to watch out for. What a night for live music and for Nonpoint, Spineshank and (Hed) PE!

Review By: Brian Lacy
Venue: El Corazon- Seattle, WA

(HED) PE SET LIST:
01) Jesus (Of Nazareth)
02) Killing Time
03) Waiting To Die
04) Feel Good
05) I Got You
06) Bartender

SPINESHANK SET LIST:
01) Asthmatic
02) Synthetic
03) Violent Mood Swings
04) Smothered
05) Beginning Of The End
06) New Disease
07) The Height Of Callousness
08) Dead To Me

NONPOINT SET LIST:
01) Ruthless
02) The Wreckoning
03) Buscandome
04) Is It
05) Red Yeti
06) Chaos And Earthquakes
07) Dodge Your Destiny
08) Breaking Skin
09) Mindtrip
10) What A Day
11) Victim
12) Endure
13) My Last Dying Breath
14) Bullet With A Name

TRACK ONE: SOILWORK- STABBING THE DRAMA

The way a first song on an album hits can make or break a record. The impact of track one has to connect on many levels and when all those parts are properly put together, they make for one hell of a song to open up an album. In 2005, Sweden’s Soilwork, released their sixth studio album, Stabbing The Drama. The first song on the album is also the title track and once this song starts, you know there is no turning back. The groove of the song immediately pulls you in. Then the heavy riffs and in your face vocals up the ante. The chorus soars with a great melodic sensibility. When you hear “Stabbing The Drama” there’s an urgency to the song. It’s one of those songs that you want to put on repeat but also, can’t wait to hear the rest of the album. And believe me, you’ll want to listen to the whole album. It has to be said too that Soilwork are in the top five all time of Swedish bands for me. Go liten to Soilwork!!!

Soilwork- Stabbing The Drama:

SONG OF THE WEEK: DOWN- BLOOD OATH

It’s been twenty four hours since Down released “Blood Oath,” their first new song since 2014! Right off the bat it’s got that classic Down sound. You know that sludgy sabbath sound?! Kirk and Pepper really play off each other seamlessly. While Pat and Jimmy are locked in with an extra bit of swagger. And the. Phillip H. Anselmo sounding as crisp, clear and thunderous! Needless to say it’s been in heavy rotation since the release!

Down’s long awaited new album, Volume V, arrives on November 20th! It’s been twenty years since their last full length album! Crazy! On a personal note, I have a deep affinity for Down. So much so I get into arguments because I think Down is better than Pantera! Yeah I said it! I’ll explain that at a later date. In the meantime (pun intended since Down and Helmet are on tour together), enjoy “Blood Oath” and be sure you crank that volume!!

Down- Blood Oath:

TITLE TRACKS: CHIMAIRA- THE IMPOSSIBILITY OF REASON

Every band has an album in their catalog that is a complete game changer for them. Interestingly more often than not, the title tracks for these albums are the song that encapsulates the change.

In May of 2003, Chimaira released their second album, The Impossibility Of Reason. When it came out it turned the heavy music circles into quite the frenzy. What was more in vein with their previous album is now flipped into a groove driven, metal and hardcore style that truly came when heavy music needed it.

“The Impossibility Of Reason” is found at track two and immediately punches you in the face. The hits keep coming as the verse goes fast and groovy. The chorus is a slower groove that is mosh inducing. The harmonizing solo in the bridge that takes you into the end of the song could have been pulled from the mid 80’s thrash era. The lyrics and vocals come at you with aggression and are delivered in a very strong and therapeutic manner.

The album The Impossibility Of Reason is a modern metal masterpiece. Almost twenty five years later and it still sounds fresh and alive. With Chimaira being active to a degree these days, it sure would be great to have an anniversary tour of the album when the time comes! Just putting that out in the universe!

Chimaira- The Impossibility Of Reason:

GUEST VOCALS: DAVEY HAVOK

For well over twenty five years now, Davey Havok of AFI has had one of the most recognizable voices in music. His ability to hit high notes one second and then unleash an unheavenly scream the other is astounding. Not to mention the lyrics and melodies the accompany the music. Over the years, Davey has lent his vocals to some great bands and their songs. Check out these songs that feature the one and only Davey Havok.

Guest Vocals: Davey Havok:

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DEEP CUTS: DOWN- IN THE THRALL OF IT ALL

When it comes to complete albums and deep cuts, Down is a band that always comes to mind. Though they only have three full length studio albums, each one is monumental and full of songs that deserve to be well known.

While most recall songs from their classic first album, their third, 2007’s Down III: Over The Under, is one that seems to have gone a bit under the radar. The songs on this album were inspired by the aftermath of the murder of Dimebag Darrell, Hurricane Katrina and more. There are those big, giant, heavy riffs amongst them all to go along with those perfectly delicate notes. The deeper you go into the album the more “epic” it becomes.

One of those songs is the penultimate song, “In The Thrall Of It All.” A song that is bluesy and groovy at the same time sludgy and full of a heavy helping of purity. The vocals here are soaring and chock full of great melodies. It’s one of those songs where the sum of all the parts makes it great. Even the way the songs ends and flows into the masterpiece of “Nothing In Return (Walk Away).” On an interesting note it’s the lone song on the album to be solely written by Philip Anselmo.

And while on the subject of Down III, let’s get more of these great songs in the set list!

Down- In The Thrall Of It All:

ALTERNATE VERSIONS: THRICE- ALL THE WORLD IS MAD

The impact live versions can have over a studio version is quite significant. Often times the studio version, while it still has the deep thought, feeling, and emotion it’s usually too compressed and the mix can make things feel strange. While the live version has a more enigmatic feel and a more raw sound.

Thrice is a band that when you see and hear live it takes things to a different level. Their studio albums have all had different vibes to them and it makes for a great listening experience. One album in particular, Beggars, took me a bit to get into when it first came out but, then seeing them live and playing a slew of songs from said album changed it all. One of those songs has always stuck in my mind and it’s quite fitting for the state of the world we live in now. “All The World Is Mad” is the first song on Beggars and fifteen years later still sounds as alive as ever.

This live version of “All The World Is Mad” is from their “farewell” tour back in 2012. It’s an electric and excellent version of an already great song. And in a personal side note, this song needs to be played live more!! Enjoy!

Thrice- All The World Is Mad (Live 2012: San Diego):

Thrice- All The World Is Mad (Album Version):