Hi, everyone! My last blog post of 2015 is my annual review of the rock albums of the year. To keep it simple, I've organized the artists alphabetically by artist and only included the albums with 2015 release dates. Now that we've set the ground rules, here we go!
From Birth to Burial by 10 Years
I know the band's gotten some flak for releasing a "concept album" this year, but I think it's fine for artists to continually change. Besides, I think most of the songs work well for this album, and I'm glad to have heard a few of them live in concert this year. A recommended pickup for any 10 Years fan.
Recommended Tracks: "From Birth to Burial," "Miscellanea," "Moisture Residue."
Time and Trauma by 36 Crazyfists
This insanely good band from Alaska impressed me with their energetic set at the Wicked Moose Bar & Grill in Rochester, MN this past March. Their energy can be heard on their latest album. Great guitar work and intense vocals at time, well worth a few listens.
Recommended tracks: "Lightless," "Time and Trauma," "Gathering Bones."
The Light You've Always Had by Aeous
I first heard this band open for Sevendust at the Myth in Maplewood, MN three years ago, and picked up this album during their show at Hipps Pub in Eau Claire, WI in April. A more mature sounding rock album-not polished, but very professional sounding musicians. Check 'em out!
Recommended tracks: "More Than A Miracle," "Top of the List," "Loving this Disease."
Riddles and Riots from Ashes from Stone.
Of course, I have to give a shameless plug for my friends in Ashes from Stone. A great debut album-I'm really proud of the progress these guys have made as musicians, too. These songs will get stuck in your head, and their live shows are well worth the price of admission.
Recommended tracks: "Mine Oh Mine," "Illusion," "Misfire."
From Dusk to Dawn by Breaking Benjamin
I'm still stunned how this band went from a near-breakup and a five year hiatus to a number one album on the Billboard charts. From Dusk to Dawn picks up where frontman Ben Burnley and company left off, another solid effort from beginning to end. The new songs fit in well with their classic tracks in concert, too.
Recommended tracks: "Failure," "Angels Fall," "The Great Divide."
Higher Truth by Chris Cornell
Soundgarden and Audioslave frontman Chris Cornell's fourth studio album is mostly acoustic based, and according to Cornell, is a more personal album than any of his previous efforts. It's a step back from his electric band efforts, but is well worth the listen - a nice diversion for us Cornell fans who are patiently awaiting the next Soundgarden studio album.
Recommended tracks: "Nearly Forgot my Broken Heart," "Josephine," "Let Your Eyes Wander.
Rivals by Coal Chamber
While I'm not a huge fan of this band, I'm glad I was able to see them play with Sevendust live in concert a couple of years ago. The energy from their live shows is evident in this disc, and it's nice to see them mix it up a little. Well worth a few spins until their next show!
Recommended tracks: "I.O.U. Nothing," "Light in the Shadows," "Another Nail in the Coffin."
Immortalized by Disturbed
One of Sevendust's tour crew told me last year that Disturbed would be back soon, and they were definitely back in full force this year with a solid release for their rabid fan base. I've been a casual fan of them for a while, and it's nice to hear them add more of a pop element at times to some of their songs for the less dedicated fans. Plenty of heavy songs for the diehards on here too!
Recommended tracks: "Immortalized," "The Light," "The Sound of Silence (Simon & Garfunkel cover)"
Got Your Six by Five Finger Death Punch
One of those bucket list bands that I finally got to see live this year at Northern Invasion, the guys released their new album this fall. While lacking the same energy as their previous two releases, there's still some good riffs and melodies on this disc. Not an essential disc, but worth checking out if you're a 5FDP fan.
Recommended tracks: "Jekyll and Hyde," "Wash it all Away," "Digging my own Grave."
Saint Cecilia EP by Foo Fighters
One of the most pleasant releases this year was the free 5-song EP that the Foo Fighters released after Thanksgiving. Some of the songs on this EP are stronger than ones on their most recent studio album Sonic Highways. It's still a free download or you can order a copy of the EP on vinyl, too.
Recommended tracks: "Saint Cecilia," "Sean," "The Neverending Sigh."
Into The Wild Life by Halestorm
I wasn't a huge Halestorm fan before I saw them at Northern Invasion this spring, but after I saw their live show, I decided to give this album a try. Formulaic rock and roll at points, but the strong vocals by Lzzy Hale and some clever guitar pieces kept my attention throughout.
Recommended tracks: "Amen," "I Am The Fire," "New Modern Love."
Montage of Heck by Kurt Cobain
I just picked this album up, which is the soundtrack to a documentary film about the late Nirvana frontman. Definitely not an essential pickup, but worth a few listens for the serious Nirvana fans. Interesting to hear some of the demos on here of well-known Nirvana classics.
Recommended tracks: "Been a Son (demo)," "Sappy (demo)," "Frances Farmer Will Have her Revenge on Seattle (demo)."
VII: Sturm and Drang by Lamb of God
The first Lamb of God album that I've ever owned, and one that's grown on me with each listen. Well written lyrics and some surprisingly good melodies for this metal album keep it in my rotation. Definitely worth buying for any Randy Blythe fans or just someone who wants a break from FM rock radio.
Recommended tracks: "Still Echoes," "Erase This," "Embers."
Awaken the Fire by Like a Storm
I bought this album after seeing the New Zealand natives perform at the Park in Fridley, MN, and I have to admit that the didgeridoo works well with some of the electric rock songs on this album. A fun band to hear live and headbang to their album to while driving around town.
Recommended tracks: "Love the Way You Hate Me," "Become the Enemy," "Gangster's Paradise (cover)".
The Awakening by P.O.D.
Another of those bucket list bands that I finally got to see live at the Taste of Minnesota this summer, this was the first album by the San Diego natives that I actually purchased. A little different and not quite as heavy as their earlier efforts, but still worth adding to the dedicated fan's collection. Very positive messages in their songs, too!
Recommended tracks: "This Goes Out to You," "Rise of NWO," "Speed Demon."
Up by Pop Evil
Another band that's been on my radar as a casual fan, I decided to pick up their album after hearing them live for the first time at Rockfest in Cadott, WI this summer. A good effort, something for them to build on with future efforts. Still not a huge fan, but at least this album helped me appreciate their musicianship a bit more.
Recommended tracks: "Footsteps," "Take It All," "Dead in the Water."
Saint Asonia by Saint Asonia
While I never was a big fan of lead singer Adam Gontier's previous band 3 Days Grace, I did admire him as a vocalist and was surprised to hear of his new "super-group" featuring Corey Lowery (Eye Empire/Stereomud) on bass guitar and Mike Mushok (Staind). I really liked this album, and will definitely have to check out their live show one of these days! A very solid debut album!
Recommended tracks: "Better Place," "Live My Life," "Leaving Minnesota."
Calamity Scars and Memoirs by Seasons After
I can't say enough good things about my friends in Seasons After, a bunch of hard-working, gritty and honest musicians from Kansas. I first saw them play live at Hipps Pub in Eau Claire, WI this past April, and their great songs and powerful performance hooked me as a fan for life! Just some reasons why I'm glad to support these guys (and the fact that I'm on a first name basis with the dudes doesn't hurt either)! I highly recommend picking up this album and catching them on tour in a city near you - I promise you won't be disappointed!
Recommended tracks: "Lights Out," "So Long Goodbye," "Weathered and Worn."
Kill the Flaw by Sevendust
I don't know what else I can say about the guys' 10th electric studio album. I've been impressed by this album ever since I first got to hear it at the studio hang at Architekt Studios in Butler, NJ this past September. The guys are back in full force, with a ton of energy and swagger on this album. Lajon's melodies shine through, Clint, John and Vinny excel on guitar, and Morgan is spot on with his drumming. This album has been in my car CD player every since I first got a copy in October, and it won't be leaving any time soon-probably not until their next release, anyway!
Recommended tracks: "Thank You," "Death Dance," "Kill the Flaw."
Threat to Survival by Shinedown
I've been a Shinedown fan since their debut album, but I have to say that I was disappointed by this album. It lacks the energy and enthusiasm of their previous efforts, and it almost seems like a rush job. There are some good songs, but it really hasn't held my attention after multiple listens.
Recommended tracks: "Outcast," "Oblivion," "Black Cadillac."
Cauterize by Tremonti
The second solo album by Alter Bridge/Creed lead guitarist Mark Tremonti was one of the albums this year that was well worth waiting for. One of my favorite modern guitarists, I was happy that I was also able to hear some of these tracks live with friends a few months ago! A very solid effort. I wasn't originally a big fan of Tremonti's vocals, but they have grown on me and I think have actually improved, especially on this album.
Recommended tracks: "Radical Change," "Cauterize," "Flying Monkeys."
Well there you have it-my last blog post of 2015! Have a very happy and safe New Year everyone, and I'll be back writing about more great music and shows in 2016!
Thursday, December 31, 2015
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
The Year in Review: 2015 Rocked!
As I look at my brand new Star Wars 2016 calendar, it's hard for me to accept the fact that 2015 is almost over. There were plenty of highs and lows, just like any year, but the one outstanding fact this year was the number of concerts I attended. By my count, I went to 50 shows across 4 states (MN, WI, NJ and PA). Even more surprising was the fact that I didn't go to my first show of the year until March! (I usually hold off on scheduling concerts in the winter, because I never know in advance what the Minnesota weather will be like.)
March started off with the first of a dozen shows for me at Pov's in Spring Lake Park, MN with the Red concert on the 14th. Although headliners Red and favorites Islander received the top billing, I actually enjoyed the first opening acts Romantic Rebel and 3 Years Hollow more. The following week, I returned to Pov's to see Luminoth and the Gracious Sons open for 10 Years and Otherwise. This would be the first of several times for me seeing both 10 Years and Otherwise in 2015, and I enjoyed getting to chat with some of the band members after the show too. The final March concert for me was a trek to the Wicked Moose Bar and Grill in Rochester, MN to see Emergent, Scare Don't Fear, 36 Crazyfists and Nonpoint. I'll remember this show fondly, not just because of the great music by all of the bands, but also because it was the first time I got to meet a couple of great friends in person. We had a such a fun time smiling and laughing the entire evening, carrying the good times over to the North Star Bar in downtown Rochester later to continue the fun and dancing to the cover tunes played by MN favorites Gel.
The first Saturday in April rocked at the Fine Line Music Cafe in downtown Minneapolis with an all-local night of rock music from Arson River, Cold Kingdom, Fifth Hour and Sin City Escape. On the 18th, I made my first Wisconsin road trip of the year to Hipps Pub in Eau Claire to catch Aeous, Fifth Hour and MN favorites American Head Charge with a Wisconsin buddy of mine. I'd return to Hipps a week later with a good friend to catch Romantic Rebel and Seasons After for another great show.
May kicked off with a cancer benefit for local rocker Chris Crooker at Niesen's in Savage on the 3rd, and a rocking show from Arrows at Dawn, my buddies in Seasons After and national recording artists Flaw at Pov's on the 6th. The following weekend was my first major rock festival of the season: Northern Invasion in Somerset, WI. My friends and I braved the staggering crowds to catch bands like Cold Kingdom, Crobot, 3 Days Grace, Anthrax, Volbeat, In This Moment, Five Finger Death Punch, Halestorm, Slipknot and several others. The month ended on a high note with a show by Sin City Escape, Nonpoint and Seether at the Myth in Maplewood, MN on the 21st and Dividing Eden, Pathos Ethos, Romantic Rebel and Tantric at Pov's on the 22nd.
The first weekend in June began with an indoor rock festival at the Skyway Theater in downtown Minneapolis featuring Whither The Tide, Motograter, Dead Horse Trauma, Blue Felix, Thira, and others, headlined by national rockers Ill Nino. The following weekend, I joined several members of my tribe to see City of the Weak, Via, Arson River and Ashes from Stone during Ashes' CD release show at the Myth. After a Chicago tribute band show at Summertime by George at Lake George in St. Cloud the next week, I got to rock with friends to Emergent, 3 Years Hollow, Soil and Powerman 5000 at Pov's on the 24th before the month drew to a close.
After watching the annual Joetown fireworks from the safety of my driveway on July 3rd, I ventured to the Taste of Minnesota on July 4th in time to see national rockers Fuel and P.O.D. kick off the holiday in style. The next weekend, I got to celebrate with friends at Turtle Lake Casino at the Antistar, Ashes from Stone and Hoobastank concert. I had to hurry back home the next day, as I ended up going to see Stone Sour/Slipknot frontman Corey Taylor's solo show at the packed Turf Club on University Avenue in St. Paul (I got to meet him and shake his hand after the show). From there, I could relax and enjoy my birthday week in peace and quiet-that is, until it was time to join my friend s in enjoying a free show featuring Matrekis and Screaming for Silence at Pickle Park in Fridley, MN on my birthday! I ended the week with a few days worth of rock from KingShifter, Emergent, Cold Kingdom, Fifth Hour, Chevelle, Pop Evil and Screaming for Silence at Rockfest in Cadott, WI and another helping of Dividing Eden, AntiStar and Otherwise at Pov's. Following a quick show by Pandemic Inc, the Phoenix Philosophy, the GoodBars and Utah rockers Royal Bliss on the 22nd, I got to relax a bit the final weekend of July with my class reunion, library book sale and hometown summer festival, but wasn't about to be done rocking yet!
I began the first night of August with a show featuring Avenue Army, Mothership and Crobot at Pov's (I missed rockers Wilson that night, but I had a good reason that is another tale in itself.) Except for a quick show by Life Tragic, Ashes from Stone, Whither the Tide and New Zealanders Like A Storm at Pickle Park on the 9th,, I didn't get to rock out for a couple of weeks later when I ventured back to the Wicked Moose to catch Awaken the Empire, the Family Ruin, 10 Years and Nonpoint on a Thursday night and Skywynd and 3 Pill Morning at Pov's on a Friday evening.The following weekend was busy with shows featuring Mortificator and Ashes from Stone on a Friday night in Minneapolis, the Foo Fighters' 3 hour show at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul on Saturday night, and Screaming for Silence and Seasons After at Hipps Pub in Eau Claire on Sunday night. No rest for the weary, and those ready to rock, I guess! The month closed out with a Seasons After headlining show at Pickle Park on the 25th.
The first weekend of September continued the rock, with a quaint acoustic show from Todd from the GoodBars and Wally from Skywynd at the Boulevard Bar & Grill in Coon Rapids on the 3rd and another drive to Hipps on the 5th for City of the Weak, Gemini Syndrome and an interesting local band called Good Men Wear Goats. The next Saturday was time for Arms for Elephants, Pinwheel, Cold Kingdom and Emergent at Pickle Park. Mid-September was time for an adventure: I flew out to Newark, NJ on the 16th looking forward to hanging out with my friends in Sevendust at Architekt Studios in Butler the next day. I woke up that morning to greet their manager George Roskos, bass guitarist Vinny Hornsby and their tour bus driver at the breakfast bar and ran into drummer Morgan Rose in the elevator after lunch. I'm glad I was able to meet up with some fellow Sevendust friends at the studio that evening, where we enjoyed gourmet food from Chef Eric LeVine before the event, got to hear the new album Kill the Flaw in its entirety, witness a four-song live performance by the band and chat with the guys in the group after the show. One of those once in a lifetime opportunities that I'm glad I decided to take the chance on.
The next day, I made the two-hour drive to Scranton, PA to chat with Sevendust's lead guitarist Clint Lowery at a meet and greet at the Northeast Music Center. I then ventured to the show that evening, where I got a free ticket from a fellow fan! Even though I'd rather have them headline instead of open for local favorites Breaking Benjamin at the Pavilion on Montage Mountain, it was still an amazing evening nonetheless. On the third day, I joined my friends in time to see Otherwise and Skid Row at the outdoor food truck festival in Clark, NJ and bond with them before Sevendust took to the stage for a powerful set. We wandered around the fairgrounds afterwards enjoying the food, more music and a lot of laughs before I flew back home the next morning.
The next Saturday, I shared my Sevendust experiences with a lot of my Minnesota friends at the show featuring Emergent, Sidewise and Sevendust at Pickle Park. This show was special to me, because I got to experience it with some valued members of my tribe. During that show, one of the 93X deejays gave me tickets to the nex night's show featuring Starset, 10 Years and Breaking Benjamin at the Myth. I enjoyed that show on a steamy summer night, and got to catch up with 10 Years' frontman Jesse Hasek for the 3rd time this year too. The last day of September ended with a show at Mill City Nights in Minneapolis by Wilson (my first time getting to see them live!), Tremonti and Trivium, another good night of music with good friends.
October started rocking with Soundgarden/Audioslave frontman Chris Cornell's solo acoustic show at the State Theater in downtown Minneapolis. A few days later, it was time to rock with Slash featuring Myles Kennedy (of Alter Bridge) and the Conspirators at Mill City Nights. After a little break, the rock resumed with music from the GoodBars, Mortificator and Loudness at Pickle Park on the 18th and Strate Jak It, UnSaid Fate, Amerikain Overdose and Mushroomhead at Pov's on the 20th. October finished with a bang, with the Kill Bill cancer benefit featuring Dividing Eden, AntiStar, Cold Kingdom, Emergent and the farewell performance by Fifth Hour at Pov's on the 30th, and Halloween Hellfest at Pov's on the 31st featuring Gabriel and the Apocalypse, Piranha, Dead Horse Trauma, Blue Felix and lots of costumed patrons.
I barely had time to recuperate from my family get-together at a cousin's house on November 1st before it was time to head to LaCrosse, WI on the 3rd, to catch Sevendust and Breaking Benjamin. I splurged on a VIP pass, and got to catch up with the guys in their brand new tour bus for a bit following my fifth Sevendust show of the year. Aside from catching a cover band with a couple of my tribe sisters in the Cities a couple of weeks later, November was rather quiet, music-wise, anyways.
December's rock began with a free fan appreciation show by Cold Kingdom and 3 Pill Morning at Pickle Park on the 6th. The following Thursday, I went to what would be my last show at Pov's featuring Strate Jak It, Arson River, Murder FM and Hed P.E. The following weekend, I caught Twin Cities rockers Lamp Shade Betty and national rockers Saliva at the Red Carpet for my annual downtown St. Cloud rock show. I saw Saliva again the next night at Pickle Park with friends and openers Strange Daze, Downtread and Ashes from Stone. That was it for me for live music for 2015, unless you count the Cold Kingdom music video premiere at the Pourhouse in downtown Minneapolis on the 19th.
It's been over a decade since I've been to so many shows in such a short period of time. I had a lot of fun, heard over 100 bands, snagged my fair share of guitar picks, setlists, front row bruises and other souvenirs, but most importantly, I made a bunch of great new friends. I can't wait to rock with them again in 2016-first shows of the year are coming up soon!
Thanks for reading this-I hope you enjoyed reading about my concert experiences as much as I enjoyed having them. Take care my friends, and have a very safe and Happy New Year! Hope to be back rockin' out with many of you in 2016!
March started off with the first of a dozen shows for me at Pov's in Spring Lake Park, MN with the Red concert on the 14th. Although headliners Red and favorites Islander received the top billing, I actually enjoyed the first opening acts Romantic Rebel and 3 Years Hollow more. The following week, I returned to Pov's to see Luminoth and the Gracious Sons open for 10 Years and Otherwise. This would be the first of several times for me seeing both 10 Years and Otherwise in 2015, and I enjoyed getting to chat with some of the band members after the show too. The final March concert for me was a trek to the Wicked Moose Bar and Grill in Rochester, MN to see Emergent, Scare Don't Fear, 36 Crazyfists and Nonpoint. I'll remember this show fondly, not just because of the great music by all of the bands, but also because it was the first time I got to meet a couple of great friends in person. We had a such a fun time smiling and laughing the entire evening, carrying the good times over to the North Star Bar in downtown Rochester later to continue the fun and dancing to the cover tunes played by MN favorites Gel.
The first Saturday in April rocked at the Fine Line Music Cafe in downtown Minneapolis with an all-local night of rock music from Arson River, Cold Kingdom, Fifth Hour and Sin City Escape. On the 18th, I made my first Wisconsin road trip of the year to Hipps Pub in Eau Claire to catch Aeous, Fifth Hour and MN favorites American Head Charge with a Wisconsin buddy of mine. I'd return to Hipps a week later with a good friend to catch Romantic Rebel and Seasons After for another great show.
May kicked off with a cancer benefit for local rocker Chris Crooker at Niesen's in Savage on the 3rd, and a rocking show from Arrows at Dawn, my buddies in Seasons After and national recording artists Flaw at Pov's on the 6th. The following weekend was my first major rock festival of the season: Northern Invasion in Somerset, WI. My friends and I braved the staggering crowds to catch bands like Cold Kingdom, Crobot, 3 Days Grace, Anthrax, Volbeat, In This Moment, Five Finger Death Punch, Halestorm, Slipknot and several others. The month ended on a high note with a show by Sin City Escape, Nonpoint and Seether at the Myth in Maplewood, MN on the 21st and Dividing Eden, Pathos Ethos, Romantic Rebel and Tantric at Pov's on the 22nd.
The first weekend in June began with an indoor rock festival at the Skyway Theater in downtown Minneapolis featuring Whither The Tide, Motograter, Dead Horse Trauma, Blue Felix, Thira, and others, headlined by national rockers Ill Nino. The following weekend, I joined several members of my tribe to see City of the Weak, Via, Arson River and Ashes from Stone during Ashes' CD release show at the Myth. After a Chicago tribute band show at Summertime by George at Lake George in St. Cloud the next week, I got to rock with friends to Emergent, 3 Years Hollow, Soil and Powerman 5000 at Pov's on the 24th before the month drew to a close.
After watching the annual Joetown fireworks from the safety of my driveway on July 3rd, I ventured to the Taste of Minnesota on July 4th in time to see national rockers Fuel and P.O.D. kick off the holiday in style. The next weekend, I got to celebrate with friends at Turtle Lake Casino at the Antistar, Ashes from Stone and Hoobastank concert. I had to hurry back home the next day, as I ended up going to see Stone Sour/Slipknot frontman Corey Taylor's solo show at the packed Turf Club on University Avenue in St. Paul (I got to meet him and shake his hand after the show). From there, I could relax and enjoy my birthday week in peace and quiet-that is, until it was time to join my friend s in enjoying a free show featuring Matrekis and Screaming for Silence at Pickle Park in Fridley, MN on my birthday! I ended the week with a few days worth of rock from KingShifter, Emergent, Cold Kingdom, Fifth Hour, Chevelle, Pop Evil and Screaming for Silence at Rockfest in Cadott, WI and another helping of Dividing Eden, AntiStar and Otherwise at Pov's. Following a quick show by Pandemic Inc, the Phoenix Philosophy, the GoodBars and Utah rockers Royal Bliss on the 22nd, I got to relax a bit the final weekend of July with my class reunion, library book sale and hometown summer festival, but wasn't about to be done rocking yet!
I began the first night of August with a show featuring Avenue Army, Mothership and Crobot at Pov's (I missed rockers Wilson that night, but I had a good reason that is another tale in itself.) Except for a quick show by Life Tragic, Ashes from Stone, Whither the Tide and New Zealanders Like A Storm at Pickle Park on the 9th,, I didn't get to rock out for a couple of weeks later when I ventured back to the Wicked Moose to catch Awaken the Empire, the Family Ruin, 10 Years and Nonpoint on a Thursday night and Skywynd and 3 Pill Morning at Pov's on a Friday evening.The following weekend was busy with shows featuring Mortificator and Ashes from Stone on a Friday night in Minneapolis, the Foo Fighters' 3 hour show at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul on Saturday night, and Screaming for Silence and Seasons After at Hipps Pub in Eau Claire on Sunday night. No rest for the weary, and those ready to rock, I guess! The month closed out with a Seasons After headlining show at Pickle Park on the 25th.
The first weekend of September continued the rock, with a quaint acoustic show from Todd from the GoodBars and Wally from Skywynd at the Boulevard Bar & Grill in Coon Rapids on the 3rd and another drive to Hipps on the 5th for City of the Weak, Gemini Syndrome and an interesting local band called Good Men Wear Goats. The next Saturday was time for Arms for Elephants, Pinwheel, Cold Kingdom and Emergent at Pickle Park. Mid-September was time for an adventure: I flew out to Newark, NJ on the 16th looking forward to hanging out with my friends in Sevendust at Architekt Studios in Butler the next day. I woke up that morning to greet their manager George Roskos, bass guitarist Vinny Hornsby and their tour bus driver at the breakfast bar and ran into drummer Morgan Rose in the elevator after lunch. I'm glad I was able to meet up with some fellow Sevendust friends at the studio that evening, where we enjoyed gourmet food from Chef Eric LeVine before the event, got to hear the new album Kill the Flaw in its entirety, witness a four-song live performance by the band and chat with the guys in the group after the show. One of those once in a lifetime opportunities that I'm glad I decided to take the chance on.
The next day, I made the two-hour drive to Scranton, PA to chat with Sevendust's lead guitarist Clint Lowery at a meet and greet at the Northeast Music Center. I then ventured to the show that evening, where I got a free ticket from a fellow fan! Even though I'd rather have them headline instead of open for local favorites Breaking Benjamin at the Pavilion on Montage Mountain, it was still an amazing evening nonetheless. On the third day, I joined my friends in time to see Otherwise and Skid Row at the outdoor food truck festival in Clark, NJ and bond with them before Sevendust took to the stage for a powerful set. We wandered around the fairgrounds afterwards enjoying the food, more music and a lot of laughs before I flew back home the next morning.
The next Saturday, I shared my Sevendust experiences with a lot of my Minnesota friends at the show featuring Emergent, Sidewise and Sevendust at Pickle Park. This show was special to me, because I got to experience it with some valued members of my tribe. During that show, one of the 93X deejays gave me tickets to the nex night's show featuring Starset, 10 Years and Breaking Benjamin at the Myth. I enjoyed that show on a steamy summer night, and got to catch up with 10 Years' frontman Jesse Hasek for the 3rd time this year too. The last day of September ended with a show at Mill City Nights in Minneapolis by Wilson (my first time getting to see them live!), Tremonti and Trivium, another good night of music with good friends.
October started rocking with Soundgarden/Audioslave frontman Chris Cornell's solo acoustic show at the State Theater in downtown Minneapolis. A few days later, it was time to rock with Slash featuring Myles Kennedy (of Alter Bridge) and the Conspirators at Mill City Nights. After a little break, the rock resumed with music from the GoodBars, Mortificator and Loudness at Pickle Park on the 18th and Strate Jak It, UnSaid Fate, Amerikain Overdose and Mushroomhead at Pov's on the 20th. October finished with a bang, with the Kill Bill cancer benefit featuring Dividing Eden, AntiStar, Cold Kingdom, Emergent and the farewell performance by Fifth Hour at Pov's on the 30th, and Halloween Hellfest at Pov's on the 31st featuring Gabriel and the Apocalypse, Piranha, Dead Horse Trauma, Blue Felix and lots of costumed patrons.
I barely had time to recuperate from my family get-together at a cousin's house on November 1st before it was time to head to LaCrosse, WI on the 3rd, to catch Sevendust and Breaking Benjamin. I splurged on a VIP pass, and got to catch up with the guys in their brand new tour bus for a bit following my fifth Sevendust show of the year. Aside from catching a cover band with a couple of my tribe sisters in the Cities a couple of weeks later, November was rather quiet, music-wise, anyways.
December's rock began with a free fan appreciation show by Cold Kingdom and 3 Pill Morning at Pickle Park on the 6th. The following Thursday, I went to what would be my last show at Pov's featuring Strate Jak It, Arson River, Murder FM and Hed P.E. The following weekend, I caught Twin Cities rockers Lamp Shade Betty and national rockers Saliva at the Red Carpet for my annual downtown St. Cloud rock show. I saw Saliva again the next night at Pickle Park with friends and openers Strange Daze, Downtread and Ashes from Stone. That was it for me for live music for 2015, unless you count the Cold Kingdom music video premiere at the Pourhouse in downtown Minneapolis on the 19th.
It's been over a decade since I've been to so many shows in such a short period of time. I had a lot of fun, heard over 100 bands, snagged my fair share of guitar picks, setlists, front row bruises and other souvenirs, but most importantly, I made a bunch of great new friends. I can't wait to rock with them again in 2016-first shows of the year are coming up soon!
Thanks for reading this-I hope you enjoyed reading about my concert experiences as much as I enjoyed having them. Take care my friends, and have a very safe and Happy New Year! Hope to be back rockin' out with many of you in 2016!
Sunday, December 13, 2015
A Second Helping of Saliva - Live at Pickle Park
Last night, I attended my second Saliva show in as many nights, this time at Pickle Park in Fridley, MN. I got to the show in time to see some familiar friendly faces while the first band Strange Daze were playing. I said hello and Happy Holidays to my friends before making my way to the stage where I greeted a few more friends. Strange Daze has played the St. Cloud bar circuit plenty of times before, but this was the first time I got to hear them play live. They did a good job of warming up the audience.
Next up were my friends in Ashes from Stone, in a festive mood for their last show of 2015. They played the familiar songs from their debut album, and unleashed a few new heavy songs that have yet to be recorded. It was great seeing so many smiling faces both in the crowd and onstage during their set! These guys have come a long way, and I'm proud of the progress they've made as musicians.
The final opening act, Downtread, was another band that I knew by name only. They were selling CDs for whatever price people wanted to pay at the show, and I bought a few discs and snagged a setlist and guitar pick at the show. I loved the dual guitar layers of their songs and people really dug their grooves onstage. Their positive energy was contagious, an addiction no one wanted to let go of until it was time for Saliva to take the stage.
By the time Downtread took the stage, I was standing on the right side of the stage, just where I was the previous night at the Red Carpet. Sure enough, I got to trade stares and fist bumps with Bobby Amaru and Wayne Swinny during Saliva's set. They started with "Black Sheep" again, but mixed it up a bit. A slightly shorter set than Friday night, they also played the song "Always" which got skipped the night before. It was fun seeing the crowd bounce up and down in rhythm to the Saliva classics "Survivor," "Click Click Boom" and their traditional closing song "Disease." I also got a few more of Wayne's guitar picks, keeping only one for myself and giving the rest to other friends and fellow Saliva fans.
Last night's show was an exclamation point on a busy concert season-by my count, that was the 50th rock show of the year for me! There may be another local show or two before the New Year rolls around, but that was probably the last national rock show of the year for me. Until next time, have a great week, and for all you Star Wars fans, may the Force be with you next weekend!
Next up were my friends in Ashes from Stone, in a festive mood for their last show of 2015. They played the familiar songs from their debut album, and unleashed a few new heavy songs that have yet to be recorded. It was great seeing so many smiling faces both in the crowd and onstage during their set! These guys have come a long way, and I'm proud of the progress they've made as musicians.
The final opening act, Downtread, was another band that I knew by name only. They were selling CDs for whatever price people wanted to pay at the show, and I bought a few discs and snagged a setlist and guitar pick at the show. I loved the dual guitar layers of their songs and people really dug their grooves onstage. Their positive energy was contagious, an addiction no one wanted to let go of until it was time for Saliva to take the stage.
By the time Downtread took the stage, I was standing on the right side of the stage, just where I was the previous night at the Red Carpet. Sure enough, I got to trade stares and fist bumps with Bobby Amaru and Wayne Swinny during Saliva's set. They started with "Black Sheep" again, but mixed it up a bit. A slightly shorter set than Friday night, they also played the song "Always" which got skipped the night before. It was fun seeing the crowd bounce up and down in rhythm to the Saliva classics "Survivor," "Click Click Boom" and their traditional closing song "Disease." I also got a few more of Wayne's guitar picks, keeping only one for myself and giving the rest to other friends and fellow Saliva fans.
Last night's show was an exclamation point on a busy concert season-by my count, that was the 50th rock show of the year for me! There may be another local show or two before the New Year rolls around, but that was probably the last national rock show of the year for me. Until next time, have a great week, and for all you Star Wars fans, may the Force be with you next weekend!
I'm a Roller, I'm a Rider...I'm a Saliva Concert Front Row Survivor!
Friday night was time for my first local concert in about a year. I used to go to shows in downtown St. Cloud quite a bit, but in recent years most of my shows have been in the Twin Cities and beyond. When I heard that national recording artists Saliva were going to be playing the Red Carpet Nightclub downtown, I decided to go. I ended up having a great time with friends old and new!
I got to the Carpet in time to find my name on the will call list-for some reason, the venue won't let you print a paper ticket and puts your name on will call. I was talking with someone who had driven a few hours for the show, who was disappointed with a snafu on the will call list. I caught up with her later after the issue had been straightened out, not long after I caught up with a few other people in the front row who were filling me in on the recent Pop Evil show at the Myth in Maplewood, MN.
First on the bill were the Twin Cities rockers Lamp Shade Betty. One of the few Twin Cities acts I'd never heard of before, I was impressed by their energy and enthusiasm. They played 90 minutes of enthralling covers and original songs. They also hung out after the show, willing to chat with anyone who wanted to.
Shortly before 11 pm, Saliva took to the tiny Red Carpet stage, kicking off their set with the hit song "Black Sheep." I enjoyed their set, but remembered why I don't go to the venue very often: when a national band plays, shows can be kind of a contact sport! I kept my ground on the front row, but did get jostled around quite a bit. If someone pushes me in the pit, I'm going to push right back! A few times, lead singer Bobby Amaru noticed the commotion in the crowd and brought the security guards' attention, telling the audience to be respectful of their neighbors.
The band has a new album coming out next March, but they stuck to the familiar songs the crowd came to hear. I was standing in front of guitarist Wayne Swinny the entire set, and got a few guitar picks and fist bumps from him during the show. I gave a couple guitar picks to some of my front row survivors after the show, and chatted with drummer Paul Crosby and bassist Brad Stewart as they signed my setlist. I also got to talk to Amaru and pose for a picture with him after the show, not long after I caught up with an old classmate.
I survived night #1 of Saliva, and wondered how night #2 would be?
I got to the Carpet in time to find my name on the will call list-for some reason, the venue won't let you print a paper ticket and puts your name on will call. I was talking with someone who had driven a few hours for the show, who was disappointed with a snafu on the will call list. I caught up with her later after the issue had been straightened out, not long after I caught up with a few other people in the front row who were filling me in on the recent Pop Evil show at the Myth in Maplewood, MN.
First on the bill were the Twin Cities rockers Lamp Shade Betty. One of the few Twin Cities acts I'd never heard of before, I was impressed by their energy and enthusiasm. They played 90 minutes of enthralling covers and original songs. They also hung out after the show, willing to chat with anyone who wanted to.
Shortly before 11 pm, Saliva took to the tiny Red Carpet stage, kicking off their set with the hit song "Black Sheep." I enjoyed their set, but remembered why I don't go to the venue very often: when a national band plays, shows can be kind of a contact sport! I kept my ground on the front row, but did get jostled around quite a bit. If someone pushes me in the pit, I'm going to push right back! A few times, lead singer Bobby Amaru noticed the commotion in the crowd and brought the security guards' attention, telling the audience to be respectful of their neighbors.
The band has a new album coming out next March, but they stuck to the familiar songs the crowd came to hear. I was standing in front of guitarist Wayne Swinny the entire set, and got a few guitar picks and fist bumps from him during the show. I gave a couple guitar picks to some of my front row survivors after the show, and chatted with drummer Paul Crosby and bassist Brad Stewart as they signed my setlist. I also got to talk to Amaru and pose for a picture with him after the show, not long after I caught up with an old classmate.
I survived night #1 of Saliva, and wondered how night #2 would be?
Hed PE at Pov's
This past Thursday was the first of three days of rock for me! I decided to go to this show for three reasons:
1. I've never seen Hed PE live in concert before, but I've always been interested in their music ever since my brother bought and started playing one of their CDs.
2. I was in the middle of a busy work week and needed a little stress relief.
3. I was looking forward to enjoying some great music at a low price with some great friends!
I got to Pov's just as the Vikings game was starting. I watched the game for a while with a friend before my friends in Arson River took to the stage to start the concert. I've seen them a few times before, and I've gotten to appreciate their bluesy, Southern-sounding rock. I was glad to hang out with friends in the front row, and got a really nice compliment from their singer the next day. Just glad to do my part to support local rock!
Next up were the rap rockers Strate Jak It. One of the friends I caught up with at this show had been singing their praises to me ever since we last saw them at another show at Pov's a few months ago, and I'm happy to say that the praise is well-deserved. They do a great job of maintaining a high energy level and keeping the crowd involved during their sets.
The final opening act was the Texas based band Murder FM. I didn't know much about this group, but my friends and I were pleasantly surprised by the heavy riffs and showmanship from them. I made a mental note to check them out later and recommend them to friends.
I sat chatting with my concert buddies, as a frown grew on my face as I watched the Vikings blow the potential to send the game into overtime with a costly turnover and eventual loss. Looking for something positive, I headed back to the side of the stage to watch headliners Hed PE. I couldn't stay for their entire set, but I was happy to see so many people enjoying a great show on a Thursday night. It was very cool hear songs from their 20 year history being played live on stage, too.
Next up for me were a couple of doses of Saliva...stay tuned!
1. I've never seen Hed PE live in concert before, but I've always been interested in their music ever since my brother bought and started playing one of their CDs.
2. I was in the middle of a busy work week and needed a little stress relief.
3. I was looking forward to enjoying some great music at a low price with some great friends!
I got to Pov's just as the Vikings game was starting. I watched the game for a while with a friend before my friends in Arson River took to the stage to start the concert. I've seen them a few times before, and I've gotten to appreciate their bluesy, Southern-sounding rock. I was glad to hang out with friends in the front row, and got a really nice compliment from their singer the next day. Just glad to do my part to support local rock!
Next up were the rap rockers Strate Jak It. One of the friends I caught up with at this show had been singing their praises to me ever since we last saw them at another show at Pov's a few months ago, and I'm happy to say that the praise is well-deserved. They do a great job of maintaining a high energy level and keeping the crowd involved during their sets.
The final opening act was the Texas based band Murder FM. I didn't know much about this group, but my friends and I were pleasantly surprised by the heavy riffs and showmanship from them. I made a mental note to check them out later and recommend them to friends.
I sat chatting with my concert buddies, as a frown grew on my face as I watched the Vikings blow the potential to send the game into overtime with a costly turnover and eventual loss. Looking for something positive, I headed back to the side of the stage to watch headliners Hed PE. I couldn't stay for their entire set, but I was happy to see so many people enjoying a great show on a Thursday night. It was very cool hear songs from their 20 year history being played live on stage, too.
Next up for me were a couple of doses of Saliva...stay tuned!
Sunday Fun Day Free Music at Pickle Park
Last Sunday, after a very disappointing Vikings home loss, it felt good to head out to the all-too-familiar Pickle Park in Fridley, MN. Minnesota rockers Cold Kingdom and 3 Pill Morning were featured in a free concert at an earlier time.
I got to the venue in time to catch up with some good friends as we made our way to the stage to see Cold Kingdom start the evening's music. I'm impressed with the positive attitude they've had ever since their trailer full of gear and merch was stolen a few months ago, not to mention the overwhelming support and assistance they've received from the community. They played a great set with familiar songs and some new music. Lead singer Danielle Engum's day job is that of a music teacher, so it was a special treat to see one of her students join her onstage to help her sing a special song.
The second band, 3 Pill Morning, was playing a hometown show to show thanks for fans who've contributed to their Pledgemusic crowdfunding campaign. As one of those contributors, I was happy to hear them play some great songs that I've been listening to ever since I donated. They didn't play a long set, but their energy was consistent throughout. It was great catching up with a few of the band members after the show too.
This was just the first of several MN shows in December. I usually don't plan on a lot of shows, because you never know what the weather will be like in Minnesota-so far I've lucked out!
I got to the venue in time to catch up with some good friends as we made our way to the stage to see Cold Kingdom start the evening's music. I'm impressed with the positive attitude they've had ever since their trailer full of gear and merch was stolen a few months ago, not to mention the overwhelming support and assistance they've received from the community. They played a great set with familiar songs and some new music. Lead singer Danielle Engum's day job is that of a music teacher, so it was a special treat to see one of her students join her onstage to help her sing a special song.
The second band, 3 Pill Morning, was playing a hometown show to show thanks for fans who've contributed to their Pledgemusic crowdfunding campaign. As one of those contributors, I was happy to hear them play some great songs that I've been listening to ever since I donated. They didn't play a long set, but their energy was consistent throughout. It was great catching up with a few of the band members after the show too.
This was just the first of several MN shows in December. I usually don't plan on a lot of shows, because you never know what the weather will be like in Minnesota-so far I've lucked out!
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