Heavy Metal

LIVE SHOW REVIEW: IRON MAIDEN, MEGADETH & ANTHRAX

When a legendary band comes to town, it’s wise to go see them. Even more so when you add two other legendary bands making an absolutely stacked and perfect lineup. On Sunday, September 27th, at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, Iron Maiden along with Megadeth and Anthrax absolutely made their presence known in among the sold out crowd. 

Opening the evening at little after 6:00pm, New York’s own, Anthrax took the stage to a rousing reception to the many thousand already there and immediately launched into “Caught In A Mosh.” Songs like that are quite the pit starter. In fact throughout their entire set, the pit did not let up. “Madhouse” was delivered in grand form. “Metal Thrashing Mad” followed. Anthrax surely had the crowd getting more and more energized and roaring. When they got to “It’s For The Kids” which was the first single from their new album, Cursum Perficio, it was very refreshing and great to hear a new song. So much so that having it sandwiched between two cover songs really felt kind of weird. Maybe it’s just me but, playing covers when you have a wealth of great material doesn’t entice me at all. Yes I know “Antisocial” and “Got The Time” are “hits” for the band but, let’s be honest, it’s taking away from more great music we all would want to hear. Closing out their set was an extended version of “Indians.” The band was firing on all cylinders and were great to watch. Lead Guitarist Jon Donais, really deserves a standout mention. He absolutely killed it on the songs, solos, and genuine energy. Just gonna put this out there, how about Shadows Fall on tour with Anthrax?!

Direct support for the show was Megadeth. Before this goes any further, I have to note that this slot should have gone to Anthrax. Sorry but, Megadeth just doesn’t have it anymore. Don’t worry I’m not talking about their individual playing abilities. Dave Mustaine and company can absolutely still shred. And this evening they surely did that part great. The voice, stage presence/energy and production are just not there. Even the way their set began was bizarre. Not sure if this is playing into the narrative of media or something else but opening with “Mechanix (aka The Four Horsemen) and “Ride The Lightning,” while looks and sounds cool in theory, just feels like trolling. The rest of the set was filled with classics like “Hangar 18,” “Symphony Of Destruction” and a stellar instrumental performance of “Tornado Of Souls.” A new song in “Let There Be Shred” which is a really cool song instrumentally fit well in the set. As said above these guys are great players but let’s get someone else in to sing. It’s time! If this next couple years are to be the retirement tour, go out on top with someone who can really let you go out with a bang!

Iron Maiden. That’s it. That’s the review. All you need to know is Iron Maiden. Kidding of course. What a show this was. From set list, playing/singing, production, and performance, just WOW! It’s been twenty six years since I last saw Iron Maiden. When I went it was the reunion with Bruce Dickinson and Adrian Smith with Halford solo opening and Queensryche as direct support. This evening just like that one, was amazing.

What a great way to open the set then with “Murders In The Rue Morgue,” “Wrathchild,” “Killers,” and “Phantom Of The Opera.” I like to think of this as a tribute to late Paul Di’Anno. Those first two albums still cause the volume to be turned up!!! From there an exquisite barrage of “The Number Of The Beast,” “Infinite Dreams,” “Powerslave” and “2 Minutes To Midnight.” The visual aspect during these three were a show of its own too. Side Note: Hey Guns N Roses!!! You need to hire who Iron Maiden did for theirs! Then right smack in the middle of the set, not only does it go epic and amazingly theatrical, we get “Rime Of The Ancient Mariner.” At this point it’s been a great show even though Rime did feel like it dragged a bit. Thankfully the band brought it all back up with “Run To The Hills.” Next up “Seventh Son Of The Seventh Son” had the crowd in a frenzy. Pits aplenty were everywhere on the floor! The next three songs to close out the main set not only are Maiden classics but, a trifecta of amazement. “The Trooper,” “Hallowed Be Thy Name” and “Iron Maiden.” Each song delivered a performance that any band would strive to aim for. The way the crowd and band connected with these should be studied in the best way possible. There’s nothing like hearing 30,000 plus people singing along. Speaking of singing along. When the encore came, I’m pretty sure the general area of BMO Stadium could hear it too. Closing out the night with “Aces High,” “Fear Of The Dark” and my all time favorite Iron Maiden song, “Wasted Years,” was exhilarating! “Wasted Years” last is just simply divine!

Bruce, Adrian, Steve, Dave, Janick and Simon were on fire for two hours. Tours and shows like this are a reason to celebrate the love of music and the bands. Iron Maiden has been consistently great for fifty years now. Let me say that again, 50 Years! The appropriately named Run For Your Lives tour is going to go down in Maiden history as one of their best. Making it a legendary night. Remember, when the opportunity comes to see three legendary bands on a night, GO!!!

Overall Rating: A

Iron Maiden: A / Megadeth: B- / Anthrax: A

By: Brian Lacy

SET LISTS:

ANTHRAX:

01) Caught In A Mosh

02) Madhouse

03) Metal Thrashing Mad

04) Antisocial

05) It’s For The Kids

06) Got The Time

07) Indians

MEGADETH:

01) Mechanix

02) Ride The Lightning 

03) Hangar 18

04) Let There Be Shred

05) Poison Was The Cure

06) Tornado Of Souls

07) Symphony Of Destruction

08) Peace Sells

09) Holy Wars/The Punishment Due

IRON MAIDEN:

01) Murders In The Rue Morgue

02) Wrathchild

03) Killers

04) Phantom Of The Opera

05) The Number Of The Beast

06) Infinite Dreams 

07) Powerslave

08) 2 Minutes To Midnight 

09) Rime Of The Ancient Mariner

10) Run To The Hills

11) Seventh Son Of The Seventh Son

12) The Trooper

13) Hallowed Be Thy Name

14) Iron Maiden

ENCORE:

15) Aces High 

16) Fear Of The Dark

17) Wasted Years

GUITAR SOLOS: IRON MAIDEN- WASTED YEARS

When you think of guitar solos there are a plethora of bands, players and songs that come to mind. There are certain bands though that really standout in that category and Iron Maiden is definitely one of them. There are certain list of songs are a plenty to choose from when it comes to iconic and memorable guitar solos. “Wasted Years” though an obvious choice, is such a classic it truly deserves its due. The build up to it is so catchy with its high note ascension. The way Steve Harris’s bass gallops with a thundering tone makes the climb even more satisfying. Then when Adrien Smith launches his stunning solo it hits a level that like Bruce Dickinson’s voice can reach it’s oh so sweet. It’s not a flashy super technical solo. Instead, what you hear is really tasteful and adds a great section to an already great song. While you’re listening to “Wasted Years,”and this great guitar solo, give the album Somewhere In Time a listen. It’s a great album (in my top 3 Iron Maiden albums of all time), and one of those game changer records. Enjoy!

Iron Maiden- Wasted Years:

Iron Maiden- Wasted Years (Live During The Book Of Souls Tour 2016):

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 RANK UPDATED: MACHINE HEAD

When the urge to listen to a band comes, more often than not, the want to go through the whole catalog comes with it. While it had been a minute since a few of these have been listened to, the Machine Head catalog is still one hell of a good one. And now the updated Audioeclectica Album Rank for Machine Head.

MACHINE HEAD ALBUM RANK:

11) UNATONED:

10) CATHARSIS:

09) SUPERCHARGER:

08) UNTO THE LOCUST:

07) BLOODSTONE & DIAMONDS:

06) THE BURNING RED:

05) OF KINGDOM AND CROWN:

04) THROUGH THE ASHES OF EMPIRES:

03) THE MORE THINGS CHANGE:

02) THE BLACKENING:

01) BURN MY EYES:

SHOW PREVIEW: THE COBALT PRESENTS- 5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY PT. 1

For the past five years, it’s been an absolute pleasure to be a part of the new Cobalt Cafe. What started off as a one off to celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of the Cobalt in 2021, has turned into five fantastic years of The Cobalt Presents. While the old Cobalt is closed, “Cobalt” Dave and I found a new way to make it feel like you are there still. These three anniversary shows take place at two of the venues we’ve been able to make into a new Cobalt, (so to speak) when we are there, Corbin Bowl in Tarzana and Hotel Ziggy in Hollywood.

Part 1 of The Cobalt Presents Five Year Anniversary shows takes place on Saturday July 11 at Corbin Bowl/Bar10 At Corbin. We have a lineup of 6 great bands that are from way back and new bands that have become mainstays in this new era.

Opening the show is Scrawny Ratz. These youngsters bring a renewed sense of fun and energy to their music. Mixing metal, punk and a bit of extreme music, Scrawny Ratz are the perfect band to open this show.

Next up is Diverted Dissonance. This is a special band for the evening as it’s a mashup of two bands, The Infinity Project and Tantalus. This is going to be a very rocking and melodic set. The Infinity Project has really come into their own as an original band.

Madam Bombs are one of the most fun young bands out there. Their progression over the last few years is astounding. This three piece rock band that mixes punk, garage rock, and tinges of metal and alternative. The influences and inspiration for these ladies is endless and it shines through their songs. If you don’t see em, you’re missing out!

Lava Diva are early 90’s alt rock and were part of the OG scene back in the day. Not only that, they are Cobalt alum. Four years ago at our First Anniversary show, we got Lava Diva to reunite and it’s been awesome since. Be sure to check out their collaboration with Madam Bombs called “Daybreak.”

The mighty MAL! These long time alt rock vets are one of the hardest working bands out there. A live show and performance that feels like it’s a time warp from the psychedelic era and the peak of 90’s rock. A three piece band that packs quite the punch.

Closing out the night is Macro. If you’re into prog rock mixed with a bit of jazz and jam rock, this is the band for you. After so many badass rock bands, having Macro send it out is quite perfect!

So don’t miss out!! Tickets at $10! That’s right TEN BUCKS (CA$H AT THE DOOR)!!

SHOW IS ALL AGES!!!

DOORS AT 7:00PM!

AUDIOECLECTICA RESEQUENCES: METALLICA- LOAD & RELOAD

NEW TOPIC ALERT!!!!

Audioeclectica and Sinister Reviews bring you a very exciting new topic all about, Resequncing The Album. We’ve all listened to albums that feel like songs are out of place or should be higher/lower in the track listing, even the way some songs start and end and what they go into. 

So with that in mind, Audioeclectica has joined up with Sinister Reviews to not just resequence but also combine Metallica’s albums Load and Reload. Both of us have spent a lot of time listening to these two underrated albums to bring you a definitive listening experience. This new version of the album is truly fantastic. It’s one of those that makes you realize if you’re hated on these two, you surely were missing out on great songs and music. 30 years for Load and 29 for Reload, have made them age like fine wine or scotch. The epic is even more epic now, and even the couple songs that people were not into, you’ll hear them differently now.

Without waiting anymore, enjoy the Audioeclectica Resequence of Load and Reload by Metallica. We like to call it…

(more…)

GUITAR SOLOS: METALLICA- ALL NIGHTMARE LONG

Back in 2008, Metallica released their “return to form album, Death Magnetic. This album marked a return to their “thrashier” days as well as more epic notes. Across the ten songs and seventy five minutes, there’s always been one song that from day one, has had my attention. Ever since I heard Metallica’s “All Nightmare Long, I’ve been mildly obsessed with it. Even the music video, directed by, RoboShodo, is stellar.

“All Nightmare Long” is an absolute banger of a song as well as one of my all time favorite Metallica songs. There’s heavy intensity of this song feels like it could have come out on …And Justice For All. In a fun way too there’s a little bit of a Slayer homage to the intro part. James Hetfield sounds masterful on this song both lyrically and vocally. Lars and Robert really gel on this song too, as they hit endless thrash and groove. The real treat though is Kirk Hammett. There’s not one but TWO absolutely killer guitar solos on “All Nightmare Long.” Personally, I don’t know what one is best, though I tend to gravitate toward the second one. This is one of those songs too, that needs to be played live a lot more by Metallica.

If it’s been a minute since you’ve listened to Death Magnetic, you should fix that. It’s quite the album. Plus right smack dab in the middle is this absolute masterpiece of a Metallica song! Enjoy “All Nightmare Long.”

Metallica- All Nightmare Long (Live):

Metallica- All Nightmare Long (Music Video):

ALBUM OF THE WEEK: CONVERGE- HUM OF HURT

Earlier this year, Converge released their tenth studio album, Love Is Not Enough. Right out of the gate that album hit you like a pile of bricks. Then a sudden left hook came out of nowhere and the announcement of a second album to be released a few months later. And now we have arrived at that time and Hum Of Hurt, is everything you’d hoped it would be and then some.

Never a band to rest of their laurels, Converge explore every single nuance of influence and inspiration on Hum Of Hurt. There’s a very up front and confrontational approach to a lot of these songs that comes from the depths of each member of the band. One of the best aspects of the album is the sense of groove. The abstract atmospheric elements ooze out of the rhythmic grooves and blasts. While Love Is Not Enough leaned more into metal territory, Hum Of Hurt leans more into noise rock and emotional hardcore. The combination of those and their signature sound, propels this album past the previous.

Each song has its own charm and place. The sequencing of the album is tremendously satisfying. The way the album starts with the very image inducing “Slip The Noose,” you know that this is going to be a record that will tighten your heart. “Doom In Bloom” into “It Only Gets Worse” is a stellar one two punch! Then comes a trifecta of oblivion and obliteration with “Detonator,” “I Won’t Let You Go,” and “It’s Not Up To Us.” At this point catching your breath is a smart idea as “Dream Debris” sweeps you into a new realm. Just as you think the dust has settled, you’re thrust into the final three songs “It Used To Matter,” “Hum Of Hurt,” and “Nothing Is Over.”

What is accomplished here in thirty three minutes is near legendary. This is the year of Converge. It’s started out that way and it’s continued. There’s a feeling to this record too that makes you want to hear it played live in full. I can only imagine the sonic boom of intensity from that. Hum Of Hurt is a soon to be classic not just for Converge but, the genre as a whole.

Overall Rating: 9.5/10

By: Brian Lacy

Converge- Hum Of Hurt:

DEEP CUTS: KILLSWITCH ENGAGE- WE CARRY ON

During my album deep dive into Killswitch Engage, I was quickly reminded of a song of theirs that is truly one of the best in their entire repertoire. For this one we go back to the band’s 2016 album, Incarnate, and find it at track eleven, “We Carry On.”

“We Carry On” what a song! There’s a deeply impassioned vocal performance by singer/lyricist, Jesse Leach throughout the album but, when you get to this song in the course of listening, there’s just something truly remarkable. The weight of the lyrics bellow out of Jesse’s heart into direct hit of optimism and hope. Guiding this vocal is music that hits the right melancholic notes with just the right amount of heaviness to push through the wall and make it past it all.

Songs like this are magnetic and beautiful. I distinctly recall when I bought this CD back in 2016 (Happy Ten Year Anniversary!! By the way), I put it on my stereo at home, grabbed my headphones, went to my favorite spot, pressed play and read the lyrics as I listened. When I got to “We Carry On” there was an instant connection to the song. One of those gems that deep in the track listing.

As great as this song is, it’s only been played live four times. And all in 2023. You lucky 4 shows! Just going to put this out in the universe to put “We Carry On” in the setlist going forward!! It’s too damn good not to play it!

Killswitch Engage- We Carry On:

LIVE SHOW REVIEW: MELTED BODIES AT OBLIVION LA

Late last summer when I went to see Reba Meyers play a solo show, the direct support band that evening really caught my ears. It was one of those moments when you hear a band you know nothing about and it just makes sense. That band was Melted Bodies and I just got the chance to see them again and good golly were they just as awesome. 

(more…)