review

LIVE REVIEW: NINE INCH NAILS AT HONDA CENTER

Everyone has that one band they absolutely love. That one band that every time they come to town, you drop what you are doing to go see them live. Since the year 2000 when I first saw my all time favorite band, Nine Inch Nails live, I have made it a point to be at every single Los Angeles area show they have done since as well as a few others outside of the area. Last year I had the chance to attend both nights of the Peel It Back tour. I even remember telling my friends I was with, if this tour does a second round, I have to go, this was too damn good not to see again. And low and behold not long after the first leg wrapped up, the second leg was announced. Of course this one had to be in Orange County but, it’s Nine Inch Nails, and I’ll make the trek. After this show, my total of seeing Nine Inch Nails is up to twenty two times and I’m not even close to being done seeing them. This night at the Honda Center not only was astoundingly sublime but, filled with great memories to last a lifetime (wink wink).

The way the show starts on the small B stage is something really special. The stripped down piano version of “Right Where It Belongs” is devastatingly stunning. Then you add in a bit of my all time favorite song in “Somewhat Damaged” and it’s a recipe for greatness. The emotional weight of both those songs are enough to bring tears to your eyes, as it did Trent. Then moving into a partially solo/acoustic performance of “Ruiner” was something else as well. That song in particular sounded so good with just a piano. Then to close out that section with “Piggy (Nothing Can Stop Me Now)” remix really gets the crowd’s energy pumping as Trent and band made their way to the main stage. The space in between was filled with a glorious Josh Freese drum solo section that included a snippet of “Getting Smaller” (which I hope that song makes its way into future set lists). Josh is so special in Nine Inch Nails. If you’ve seen NIN before you know what I mean. The second act on the main stage was just an onslaught of heavy classics like “Wish,””March Of The Pigs,” “Gave Up,” “Heresy.” One of the coolest moments was when “The Frail” was used as the transition out of “March Of The Pigs” into “Reptile.” Wow! What a seriously surreal section of the show. The seemlessness of the way those two songs meld together should be studied. Then we moved back to the small stage for the “Remix” section of the show. The way these remixes hit the audience is wild. If you’ve never been to a rave, this is a small glimpse into the fun you could be having. “Vessel,” and “Closer,” got the crowd jumping and dancing. Then you got hit with the How To Destroy Angels song “Parasite” and that in itself was a treat. This remix version is quite the jam. Closing out this section was the newest song “As Alive As You Need Me To Be.” This song I can’t get enough of. Watching all the camera angles this evening and how Trent, Atticus and BoyzNoize manipulate the sounds was exciting and inspiring. Sure certain parts were on tape but the live remixing really takes things to a whole other level. Now back to the main stage and more awesomness as “Mr. Self Destruct” erupted with such a loud pop that you couldn’t tell if it was Josh’s drums or the audience. The rest of the set was just choice cuts like “Less Than,” “The Hand That Feeds,” and “Head Like A Hole.” I’m personally glad to see “The Perfect Drug” still in the set. This song was for years not played live and in the last few years and tours, it’s been a prominent staple! Plus getting to watch Josh Freese on drums during that drum break is so exquisite. And as always, “Hurt” closed out the show.

The production for this show is something else. The tight camera angles mixed with the lights and visuals makes for a very intense visual show. Then you add in the music, lyrics and vocals, and it just comes together so perfectly. I’ve seen this show three times now and this one just might been the best one. I’ve seen Nine Inch Nails twenty two times now and this was one of the best tours I’ve ever seen. The addition of Stu Brooks to the band brought even more life and energy to the band live. As good as Alessandro was at his instruments his lack of energy on stage always seemed to be a damper. Stu on the other hand moves around and you can see/hear the vitality in him as the songs are played. This lineup of Trent, Atticus, Robin, Josh and Stu is one that I hope stays for a long while. Nine Inch Nails are one of the best live bands of all time. Each tour evokes something different as it should. The sheer intensity you get from a NIN show is unlike anything else. Even the most casual fan will walk out of the show a full fledged fan. The albums and songs are timeless and will be for generations to come. Who knows how much longer Trent will keep going. I surely hope he’s not done yet. Nine Inch Nails are more than just a band. If you are like me, it means so much more. Plus, we still need a full on tour for The Fragile! Just putting that out in the universe to make happen!! What a night and show. If you’ve never seen Nine Inch Nails, make a point to rectify that! You won’t be sorry!

Overall Grade: A

By: Brian Lacy

Setlist:

01) Right Where It Belongs (Acoustic, with Somewhat Damaged Outro)
02) Ruiner (Partially Acoustic)
03) Piggy (Nothing Can Stop Me Now)
04) Wish
05) March Of The Pigs
06) The Frail
07) Reptile
08) Heresy
09) Copy Of A
10) Gave Up
11) Vessel (with BoyzNoize- Remix)
12) Closer (with BoyzNoize- Remix)
13) Parasite (How To Destroy Angels Cover- with BoyzNoize- Remix)
14) As Alive As You Need Me To Be (with BoyzNoize- Remix)
15) Mr. Self Destruct
16) Less Than
17) The Perfect Drug
18) I’m Afraid Of Americans (David Bowie Cover)
19) The Hand That Feeds
20) Head Like A Hole
21) Hurt

THOSE 90’S SONGS: LIT- MY OWN WORST ENEMY

I’m constantly intrigued by songs of a certain era that live on. You know what I’m talking about. Those songs you heard on the radio that were so popular that they became a part of the whole time. The 80’s and 90’s especially have a ton of these types of bands/songs. What’s even more interesting is the albums these songs are on, most often are pretty damn good and the deeper cuts are what makes it even better over time. One band that has become a mainstay for one hit, though they actually had other hit songs, is Lit. Their 1999 album, A Place In The Sun, produced the songs “Zip-Lock” and “Miserable” but, the one we all know most is “My Own Worst Enemy.” The instant this song starts it’s infectious. The hook is right there in the riff and then the chorus just always explodes into a singalong. Still to this day, if this song gets played at a bar, a concert or just hanging out, it always brings out a good time. I still get a silly smile on my face when this song comes on. “My Own Worst Enemy” would go on to be number one on the Billboard Modern Rock Charts as well as being the top song played on Modern Rock Radio for all of 1999. The song to this day is double platinum (sales of over 2 million) and stands as a testament to a time of 90’s rock music that is still alive and rocking. Fun fact too, “My Own Worst Enemy” is one of the most sung karaoke songs in the United States. Lit is still out on the road touring and making memories with their classics.

Lit- My Own Worst Enemy:

ALBUM REVIEW: CONVERGE- LOVE IS NOT ENOUGH

When a band such as Converge releases a new album, it’s a big deal. For well over 30 years, Converge has been at the forefront of metal and hardcore. Their signature sound is unmistakable. The sheer intensity of the vocals and lyrics will make grown men cry. Musically the intricacies, riffs and pummeling rhythms are as devastating as the most powerful storm. Without Converge we wouldn’t have so many other great bands that we enjoy today.

Which brings me to their new album Love Is Not Enough. The past few albums have been rather epic in their nature. Blood Moon, The Dusk In Us and All We Love We Leave Behind are quite the records in their own right and have their own place within the catalog and genre. Over the course of the time since their release, each of those albums holds a certain place for me. What we have here on this new album is a very direct sense of impact. Not since their album, You Fail Me, have Converge made such an urgent blast of an album. Spanning just about thirty minutes, Love Is Not Enough grabs you by the throat the second the title track kicks off the record. Throughout the ten songs the listener is thrust into the whole career of Converge. Each song is a bit of a snapshot of the best of what Converge is and has done. For those clamoring for the more spastic and heavy fast paced songs, those are here for you and for the taking. There is a thematic level of darkness and gloominess that is a radiating aspect to the album. Which gives it a very profound feeling. There is a balance of both the heavy/dark and spastic/pummeling making, Love Is Not Enough that much more impactful. Even the middle song which is instrumental, this track gives you the moment to gather yourself before the onslaught continues. There is not a song on this album that feels like it shouldn’t be here.

Converge is Converge for a reason. Their music is a true testament to what moves them. An album like Love Is Not Enough might not be the be all end all of metalcore albums but, what this album does is show everyone else trying to cop this style that, this is the way to do it. Imitation can be a form of flattery at times but, don’t mess with it in hardcore and metal. The equal parts of Jacob Bannon, Kurt Ballou, Nate Newton and Ben Koller made one hell of an album here. One that should not only be listened loudly but, one that shows there is no letting up for these gents. The standard was set long ago by Converge and they just keep moving the bar higher for everyone else. I’m personally beyond stoked on their upcoming tour with Poison The Well. That decibel levels in the venues should register on richter scales.

Overall Rating: 9/10

By: Brian Lacy

Converge- Love Is Not Enough:

ALBUM OF THE WEEK: PUSCIFER- NORMAL ISN’T

The evolution of a side project into a full fledged band is quite something to witness. As I’ve stated in other articles pertaining to Puscifer, what started out as a side project and tongue in cheek has truly blossomed into a band. Normal Isn’t, their latest offering and fifth studio album, is truly a remarkable record. It’s also the first album of theirs that I’ve truly been excited about. What Maynard James Keenan, Carina Round and Mat Mitchell have composed and created with Normal Isn’t feels visceral and direct.

Normal Isn’t is an album that evokes as much emotion as it does thought. Lyrically throughout, the themes of the songs illuminate different concepts be it political, sociological, or psychological. Musically, the way the post-punk elements are the foundation thus making all the other parts be it the electronics, guitars, bass and drums stand out on their own merit. It’s interesting to listen and feel the inspiration of other bands be it Nine Inch Nails and Killing Joke to something more in the electronic realm. The dark undertones contrast really well against the glistening of the vocals. Carina and Maynard have really found a stride on this album both solo and together that feels more uplifting than haunting.

The songs themselves are captivating and compelling. As much fun as it would be to go into each song, it’s better to just listen without any preconceived notions. There are though, certain songs here that need to be highlighted without giving anything away. As of this review and writing, “A Public Stoning” is my favorite song here. The epic nature of this one along with all the intensity is truly remarkable. And to have a song like this smack dab in the middle, what a treat! Then you get into “The Quiet Parts” and it’s sprawling yet melodic aspects make that one/two punch repeatable. I do find myself gravitating to the back half of this album more. There’s an eclecticism to this album that is rich in its delivery and pseudo-minimalism.

Puscifer has produced quite possibly their best album yet. This is their most meticulously put together album that stays cohesive throughout. There is still all the artistic aspects of the root of the project but, everything that is here is in service of the song. The end result of Normal Isn’t shows that this “project” is now a full fledged band that has found it’s stride. Seriously, this album is one of the best of 2026 (and it’s only February 06) and I’m here for it all!

Overall Rating: A

By: Brian Lacy

Puscifer- Normal Isn’t:

ALBUM REVIEW: BLACKWATER HOLYLIGHT- NOT HERE NOT GONE

2026 has already been a strange year. The world may be falling apart but, the music keeps playing! So much so that the first great album of 2026 was released at the end of January. Blackwater Holylight’s new album, Not Here Not Gone, expands upon their already dark yet light contrasts and pushes the doomgaze genre into new worlds.

Throughout the ten tracks on the album, there is no shortage of great moments and new things to discover with each listen. Not Here Not Gone is as haunting as it is seductive and sonically bombastic. The way the band can weave an intricate web of shoegaze, doom metal and indie/folk is breathtaking. There is a calm to the heaviness on this album that keeps you coming back. The way the album glistens as it begins with “How Will You Feel” opens the window to what’s to come. From there “Involuntary Haze” ups the volume and shows off the heavy nature of the band. “Bodies” riffs out with a stellar explosion that captivates from the moment it starts. “Heavy, Why?” is quite the contemplative song that is filled with crisp sonics and soaring vocals. “Giraffe” is a bit of a departure but, it’s one of those interesting ones that acts as a bridge between parts of the album. TV On The Radio’s Dave Sitek guests on this track. “Spades” returns to the heavy/gaze with more of a pulsating undertone. “Void To Be” feels like a sort of shoegazy prog rock track but with a dark pop sense. “Fade” is a delicate song that goes more cinematic as it builds. “Mourning After” is another soulful song that has a ton of ear candy to explore. Closing out the album is the epic “Poppyfields.” This is one of those songs that will stay with you long after you are done listening. In fact, it’s one of those that will make you want to put the album on again.

What Blackwater Holylight have made with Not Here Not Gone is triumphant. Sunny Faris, Eliese Dorsey and Mikayla Mayhew have cemented themselves as a force to be reckoned with. Albums like this take quite a bit of time to make and when the end result is this powerful, it’s a statement record. Personally, I’m enthralled with what I heard on this album. I can only imagine the magnitude of volume that is their live show and these songs will definitely push the decibel levels of wherever they play. Seriously, put Not Here Not Gone on and just let it take you on it’s journey.

Overall Rating: A

By: Brian Lacy

Blackwater Holylight- Not Here Not Gone:

BAND OF THE WEEK: HELD.

Held. are here and they are not about to loosen their grip! This new band on the scene that has caught my attention and I’m quite excited to share this with you all. Held. is made up of Douglas Robinson (vocals/guitars) who you know from The Sleeping and formerly of Night Verses, Sal Mignaro (bass) from The Sleeping and Josh Eppard (drums) of Coheed and Cambria. The band’s debut album “GREY” is headed for a May 15th release through MNRK Heavy. Their debut single/video for “New You Anthem” is as infectious as it is direct. The melodic nature balances quite well with the post-hardcore approach throughout. I have to say too its very cool to hear Douglas’s vocals like this again. I really enjoyed the Night Verses albums he was on and was disappointed when he left the band. But that was then and Held. is Now! Another fun and cool thing about “New You Anthem” it features My Chemical Romance’s Frank Iero on vocals as well. Frank adds another layer to this already great song. The voices of Douglas and Frank compliment each other very well. And I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention how damn good Sal and Josh are as a rhythm section. I already knew Josh was a great drummer but, this just proves he’s damn good! Mark your calendars for May 15th and the release of Held.’s debut album, Grey!

Held.- New You Anthem:

HELD ONLINE:

▲ VINYL/MUSIC/MERCH + PRE-ORDER: https://held.ffm.to/grey

▲ Subscribe on YouTube:    / @held.sounds  

▲ Follow Held. Instagram:   / heldsounds  

By: Brian Lacy

DEBUT ALBUMS: SPLIT CHAIN- MOTIONBLUR

It’s happened to all of us I’m sure at one point or another. You hear a song/band in passing and you really dig it but don’t know who it is. Then on a random whim you hear it and then all is right for that moment. That happened recently for myself a couple months back, I had heard a band and I completely forgot the name as well as the song and then when I found out who it was, the volume sure went up. The band I’m talking about is Split Chain. If this is your introduction to them, you are in for a treat!

Split Chain is an English rock band that formed in 2023. This explosive five piece band, while still in it’s infancy is already packing quite the punch. Their first release, the single “Get Inside” came out in 2023 and it was a siren call for what was to come. A few more singles would be released as would a really fun cover of Type O Negative’s “I Don’t Wanna Be Me.” Then in later 2024 it was announced the band had signed with Epitaph Records and would begin work on their very anticipated debut album. Motionblur, would be released in July of 2025. Split Chain’s musical style incorporates bits of shoegaze, grunge, post-hardcore, and a dash of nu-metal. The combination sounds absolutely as you’d expect it to sound. It’s lush and full of space and dreaminess and on the other side there’s the heaviness and crunch.

Motionblur is one hell of a debut album. It’s one of those records you can just put on start to finish and just get lost in it. Across the eleven songs, you’ll find a very raw and dense album that is fused with soaring yet gut wrenching vocals, layered guitars that sway into the heavy and dreamy side of things, a rhythm section that thumps and kicks while also delicately ripping limbs away. The honesty found throughout is quite stunning too. You can hear it in the delivery of performances on the songs. The sonic aspect of the album is very direct in the way the album is produced. There are in your face moments of each instrument. The vocals are very up front but it doesn’t take away what the music is doing. The push and pull of both, makes these songs more haunting and personal. Each song has its own charm but, the sum of all the parts is what makes this album standout.

I love debut albums like this. You get to see and hear what the band is about but, you know there is way more to explore. Which means the what’s to come from Split Chain is going to be intense. Motionblur is authentic as it is a visceral album. Currently, Split Chain is out in Australia with Better Lovers. Their US tour with Soul Blind (another band you should know about) will be one hell of a great tour and chock full of high decibels!

By: Brian Lacy

Overall Rating: 9/10

Split Chain- Motionblur:

Split Chain Online:

▶ Store: https://splitchain.ffm.to/store ▶ Website: https://www.splitchain.uk ▶ Facebook:   / splitchainband   ▶ Instagram:   / splitchainband   ▶ YouTube:    / @splitchainband  


ALBUM RANK UPDATED: BUSH

It’s crazy to think about sometimes that you’ve been listening to a band for over thirty years. Then when you look at how old you are, it’s pretty much a lifetime of listening to a band. I still remember the first time I heard the band Bush. I distinctly remember being in the car with the radio on (106.7 KROQ) and heard “Everything Zen” and I was hooked. Now over thirty years later and ten albums deep, Bush, are still going and as good if not better than before. The second act of Bush has given new life to the old and brought a bevy of great new songs and a live show that is so energetic and quite the rocking night. That all being said, lets go through the ten Bush albums and put them in a proper rank!

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B-SIDES: SILVERCHAIR

Silverchair are one of the bands on my short list that need to get back together. Every time I go to put them on, I always seem to gravitate to watching live footage of them. Thankully I did get to see them many years ago during the Young Modern era but, I’ll always kick myself for not seeing them sooner. Their 1999 album, Neon Ballroom is an absolute modern unsung masterpiece. Silverchair were also one of those bands from the 90’s that had great B-Sides to their singles and albums. Often times I wonder why these songs didn’t make the album cut because they are that good! So with that in mind, take a listen to these Silverchair B-Sides and lets put it out in the universe that we need Silverchair back!

SILVERCHAIR B-SIDES:

“Untitled” (Found on the Anthem For The Year 2000 Single & Godzilla Soundtrack):

New Race (Found on the Freak single):

Trash (Found on Ana’s Song Single):

Madman- Vocal Version (Found On 20th Anniversary of Frogstomp):

Blind (Found on the Tomorrow Single- Rerecorded for The Cable Guy Soundtrack):

Punk Song 2 (Found on the Freak single):

COLLABORATIONS: YUNGBLUD & THE SMASHING PUMPKINS- ZOMBIE

Every so often a mainstream artist really surprises me. For a while now, I’ve had my hear and eyes on Yungblud. When I first heard him in 2018, I wasn’t too into what he was doing. Then as time went on and the evolution of Dominic Harrison grew, I could tell that there was more than what was happening at first. Deep down, you could tell he wasn’t going to sit idly by and let others dictate where he was to go. So instead, Yungblud/Dominic committed to his vision and went for it. The end result is the album Idols. Since I don’t believe in guilty pleasures anymore, I have to say this album is quite enjoyable and full of rather interesting songs that explore more than just a surface level that pop music usually does. Instead, digging into the bands and artists that fed into Dom becoming “Yungblud” makes Idols a great listen. The song “Zombie,” and no it’s not The Cranberries song or a cover, has really taken things to another level. The song is now nominated for a Grammy and has an all new, reimagined version that features The Smashing Pumpkins. Since this alternate version with The Smashing Pumpkins arrived last week, I’ve been stuck on it. The original version of “Zombie” already had a Pumpkins gloss to it and now, it’s fully realized with this collaboration. When Billy Corgan sings the lyrics and especially the second verse, the chills and goosebumps will appear! If you get the chance to, check out Billy’s interview show, The Magnificent Others, and watch the couple interviews he’s done with Dominic/Yungblud. They are great intereviews and gives a really good insight into who he is as a person and artist. This kid is the real deal and I’m quite interested to see what comes next! And who can forget his absolute stellar performance of Black Sabbath’s “Changes” at the Back To The Beginning concert!

YUNGBLUD and The Smashing Pumpkins- Zombie:

By: Brian Lacy