Sevendust at Mill City Nights: What a Way to Start a Week!

With the long, stubborn winter we've had this year, you're sometimes forced to spend a lot of time indoors. That sometimes makes one watch a lot of TV. While channel-surfing on some of those long winter nights, I discovered MTV2's "Guy Code." One of the regular segments on this show is having a celebrity define what they call a "good ass night." For me, last night's Sevendust show at Mill City Nights in downtown Minneapolis is my definition of a good ass night!

I made plans in January to attend this show, which was my eighth Sevendust concert. I've been a fan of the band since 2002. They make great albums, their concerts are always affordable (usually about $20-30 per ticket) with 2-4 opening bands, so you get more bang for your buck, which is important in these economic times. I've also had the fortune to meet the guys in the band several times, and they are all very welcoming and grateful to all of their fans, whether it's a first-time attendee in the back of a concert venue or a longtime fan.

After working in the morning, I took a nice relaxed lunch at the Boulder Taphouse in St. Cloud before making my way down to Minneapolis. I arrived at my hotel room in time to explore downtown Minneapolis, making sure I knew where the concert venue was located since it was a place I'd never been to before.

After a hearty supper at the Loon Cafe a door down from Mill City, I was ready to rock! The crowd began to congregate downstairs in the Nether Bar before being herded upstairs to the concert hall. I racked my brain trying to figure out what this venue might have been named before, since it seemed to be a rather new establishment. Before I could figure that out though, the evening's first band, Candlelight Red hit the stage. They played seven melodic rock songs including the fan favorites "Cutter" and the title song "Demons" from their recent four-song EP.

The next band, Italian rocker Lacuna Coil, hit the stage with a double-vocal punch from lead singers Cristina Scabbia and Andrea Ferro (Andrea is a male). The group did a great job of bringing up the crowd's energy level, running through nine songs including several from their recent disc Dark Adrenaline.

When Coal Chamber lead singer Dez Farara and his band started their set next, I found myself not knowing any of their songs...at least, not until their last song, anyway. They played a dozen thrash-metal songs that were foreign to me. Then they got to their hit "Sway (The Roof is on Fire)," a song that I think I last heard in Michael Moore's documentary film "Fahrenheit 9/11." The mosh pit was extremely busy during their set, making me glad I decided to stand against the far railing and enjoy the action.

Finally, Sevendust had arrived, launching into their great single "Decay" from their new album Black Out the Sun. Complete with smoke cannons, the band kept the crowd's attention from note one. With guitarist/singer Clint Lowery not set to rejoin the band for a while following the birth of his second child, band friend Troy McLawhorn stepped in and played Clint's part admirably.

I was hoping to hear more songs from the new album, but the evening was heavy on some of their bigger hits like "Waffle," "Denial," "Rumblefish," and "Praise." Their set was full of songs that I've heard several times before live and they sounded just as good as ever. Before the band closed their set with "Black," the first song off of their 1997 self-titled debut, the crowd was eagerly chanting for more. Not disappointing their fans, the band returned for a two song encore, finishing with the traditional encore finale "Face to Face" just before the clock struck midnight in Minneapolis.

I'd splurged for the VIP pass months ago, and found myself milling around with other VIP guests before the band members made their way into the Nether bar with us. Although I didn't get any good pictures during the after-show festivities, I did enjoy getting to chat with the guys in the group, had them sign my Black Out the Sun CD booklet, and learned a few things about some of the guys' upcoming plans.

Before I knew it, the evening drew to a close at 2 a.m. I made it back to my hotel room safe and sound, although the energy and enthusiasm from the 41 songs I'd just heard live made sleep difficult to attain. I'm back home now a little weary, but glad I was able to attend my eighth great Sevendust concert since 2002. My only question now is...when will Sevendust show #9 be?

Sevendust set list
Mill City Nights
April 8, 2013
1. Decay
2. Praise
3. Denial
4. Alpha
5. Waffle
6. Strong Arm Broken
7. Rumblefish
8. Bitch
9. Pieces
10. Black
Encore:
1. Splinter
2. Face to Face

CD Review: Black Out The Sun by Sevendust

Three months ago, I first heard Sevendust's new single "Decay." The persuasive vocals, bass guitar bursts from Vince Hornsby and the staccato bursts of guitar and drums left me anxiously waiting for the new album Black Out The Sun, the band's first studio recording in three years.

The album starts off with the instrumental "Moment," a short balanced instrumental song that leads into the heavy guitar riffs of the next song "Faithless." Clint Lowery and John Connolly's balanced guitar work work well throughout the album, and don't overpower frontman Lajon Witherspoon's vocals at all.

Since his return to the band, Clint seems to have found renewed life in his guitar playing and his vocals. He sings in both his normal singing voice that was showcased in the albums Animosity and Seasons, as well as a new death-metal growl that at times competes with drummer Morgan Rose's screaming vocals. Clint's gutural utterances are at times unexpected but work well in songs, especially on tracks like "Faithless" and "Murder Bar," where they banter back and forth with Morgan's vocals.

The album has plenty of heavy songs like "Faithless," "Till Death" and "Murder Bar." The first single "Decay" should rank among Sevendust's biggest hits, and is bound to get the crowds riled up during their live shows. They also display some of Lajon's more melodic vocals on songs like "Dark A.M." and "Picture Perfect."

An unexpected surprise was the acoustic-driven song "Got A Feeling," which perfectly captures the harmonies of Clint and Lajon's singing voices. The song harkens back to similar ballads like "Xmas Day" and "Angel's Son" from Animosity.

After giving this disc about a half-dozen spins, I still find more nuances to enjoy on this album. I'd recommend it for any metal or Sevendust fan. Looking forward to hearing some of these songs live in concert soon too!

Best of Live in Concert Vol. I: Best Rock Guitarists

Hello bloggers!

Been a little wrapped up in work and life in general, so I haven't had the time to post anything until now. I've been thinking lately about some of the best performers I've seen live so far. The hard part is coming up with categories, so I'll do this "best of " list in pieces in probably a monthly or bi-monthly basis, depending on when inspiration strikes me. With that said, I'll start this best of list with the best rock guitarists I've seen live, listed in alphabetical order:

1. John Connolly, Sevendust
I've been to seven Sevendust shows so far (and looking forward to concert number eight this April) so I know their music very well. John is always able to shred a killer riff one moment and then slide into backing guitars the next. He's not a bad singer, either, as evidenced on Sevendust albums and his side project band Projected's album Human.

2. Clint Lowery, Sevendust
John and Clint balance guitar harmonies in Sevendust very well. Clint does have some great solos on classic tracks like "Black" and "Angel's Son." He's also a versatile lyricist and vocalist. He's one busy guy. When he's not playing with Sevendust, he has a few side projects going like Hello Demons Meet Skeletons, Dark New Day, and last year's effort Last Parade by Call Me No One with Sevendust drummer Morgan Rose.

3. Rick Nielsen, Cheap Trick
It's been a decade since I first saw this legendary band play the Paramount Theatre in St. Cloud. Rick stood out as the backbone of the band. Rocking one, two and even five-neck guitars, he is a great performer and showman. It's worth the price of admission to see Rick weave his way around a complex guitar solo.

4. Slash
Most people can identify Slash by his trademark top hat atop a black curly mess of hair and sunglasses, but rock fans can identify his solos in their sleep. I remember watching Slash play guitar on an old Slash's Snakepit song so quickly it looked like his hand was just a blur for a few moments. Very classy performer in whatever band he's in.

5. Eddie Van Halen, Van Halen
What can I say about Eddie that hasn't already been said? I was fortunate to see the classic lineup (with Eddie's son Wolfgang replacing Michael Anthony on bass, of course) last year in concert. All the accolades in his long career are definitely appropriate. If you call yourself a rock fan, Eddie is one of the guitarists you have to see play live sometime in your life, at least so you can tell your grandkids someday.

Honorable Mention: George Lynch, Lynch Mob

Well, that wraps up this best of list. Some themes I have in mind for this series are Best Comedians, Best Showman, and Best Overall Groups. If you have some ideas, feel free to float them my way. Until next time, keep on rockin'!

Bucky's Rock Album Review 2012

Well, another year is almost over. I was fortunate enough to hear over two dozen great local and national bands play live this year, and even chat with a few of the musicians after some of their shows. With that in mind, here's some of the best rock albums I listened to in 2012, listed alphabetically by artist:

Live at Wembley (CD/DVD) by Alter Bridge
I enjoyed hearing Alter Bridge play live at the MN State Fair last year, and this is a full-length concert performance from Wembley Stadium in London during the tour for their 3rd studio album. To some this is just Creed with a different singer, but I'd like to think that having Myles Kennedy on vocals and some guitar takes them in a different direction.
Recommended tracks: "Blackbird," "Isolation," "Rise Today."

Last Parade by Call Me No One
One of Sevendust guitarist/vocalist Clint Lowery's side projects from Sevendust, this turned out to be one of the more interesting albums of the year. Clint and Sevendust drummer Morgan Rose join forces to collaborate on a memorable album that really showcases their versatility. I can recommend this album on the song "World is Dead" alone which has an amazing guitar solo from Clint, one that I was able to hear as I walked past First Avenue in Minneapolis this summer as the band rehearsed before a Sevendust show.
Recommended tracks: "World is Dead," "Soapbox," "Last Parade."

New Tradition by Dark New Day
Clint's other side project released their second album in 2012. Although this seems like a rush job (even the band photo looks like it was PhotoShopped), there are enough good songs for devoted fans to enjoy.
Recommended tracks: "New Tradition," "Fiend," "Straightjacket."

Impact by Eye Empire
This is a double album version of the band's debut. If you think they sound like Sevendust or Dark New Day, it's probably because Clint Lowery's brother Clint and B.C. Kochmit from Dark New Day are in this band, and also because Sevendust members Clint, Morgan Rose and Lajon Witherspoon contributed performances to this album. It's a bargain buy, and even has a few bonus acoustic and live performances as well.
Recommended tracks: "Bull in a China Shop," "Idiot," "Moment."

Live and Inspired by Godsmack
Boston rockers Godsmack released their first live concert album, and included a bonus disc of four cover songs like a non-guitar recording of Metallica's "Nothing Else Matters" and the first single, a cover of Joe Walsh's "Rocky Mountain Way."
Recommended tracks: "Alive," "Realign," "Nothing Else Matters."

Welcome to the Freakshow by Hinder
A circus theme seems to envelop the band in the album artwork and the music, but it's pretty standard pop-rock fare for their fourth album. Nothing outstanding, but well worth a casual listen.
Recommended tracks: "Save Me," "Freakshow," "Talk to Me."

The Crux by Hurt
Not a band on everone's radar, but they still manage to put out an album every few years. This one seems more like a concept album, and I think that even casual fans can appreciate this disc.
Recommended tracks: "Sally Slips," "Caught in the Rain," "How We End Up Alone."

HQ Live by Incubus
A treat for the fans, this is a double-live set of performances that were captured in a small setting, and also broadcast live over the Internet. Definitely worth checking out for anyone who's a fan.
Recommended tracks: "Drive," "Anna Molly," "Are You In/Riders on the Storm."

Celebration Day by Led Zeppelin
The full performance from 2007 at London's O2 arena, this double disc set is considered to be one of Zeppelin's best performances ever. With John Bonham's son Jason filling in for him behind the drum kit, Robert Plant, John Paul Jones and Jimmy Page don't miss a beat in this uplifting concert experience.
Recommended tracks: "Ramble On," "Kashmir," "Rock and Roll."

Human by Projected
Another Sevendust side project, this one by guitarist/vocalist John Connolly and bassist Vince Hornsby. Scott Phillips of Alter Bridge/Creed joins them on drums to produce a solid effort, one that I'd be glad to hear live in concert some day.
Recommended tracks: "Hello," "Watch It Burn," "Stella."

Bringing Down the Giant by Saving Abel
I was surprised to hear it was time for a new album by this band, and while it's not my favorite, there are still some enjoyable yet predictable tracks on this CD. Worth buying for dedicated fans.
Recommended tracks: "Bringing Down the Giant," "Me and You," "Michael Jackson's Jacket."

Amaryllis by Shinedown
Another solid outing by frontman Brent Smith and company. I'm glad to hear the lineup for this album is unchanged since the last time I saw them on tour in 2009. Not as strong as the Sound of Madness CD, but still with some tracks well worth listening to again and again.
Recommended tracks: "Adrenaline," "Bully," "Enemies."

Apocalyptic Love by Slash
Slash's second official solo record, this one with Alter Bridge's Myles Kennedy and the touring band from his first album (now referred to as "The Conspirators") instead of another all-star effort like his debut solo disc. The band delves into softer rock, pop and even jazzy numbers but Slash's guitar still rocks throughout.
Recommended tracks: "Standing In the Sun," "You're a Lie," "No More Heroes."

Delayed Reaction by Soul Asylum
The Minneapolis natives' first album in six years, which takes more of a pop turn than previous efforts. Now that Dan Murphy has since left the band, frontman/guitarist Dave Pirner is the only original member still left on the band, and he carries this album from beginning to end.
Recommended tracks: "Gravity," "The Streets," "I Should've Stayed in Bed."

King Animal by Soundgarden
The Seattle band's first studio album in over 15 years was well worth the wait! While the songs don't sound like their classic albums, the new sound fits in well with their classic tracks and takes them in a new direction that I'd also like to hear live someday (if their concert tickets are more affordable, that is).
Recommended tracks: "Been Away," "Taree," "Worse Dreams."

House of Gold and Bones Part 1 by Stone Sour
Jim Root and Corey Taylor depart Slipknot again for their side project Stone Sour. This album (which has part 2 coming out in 2013) is more of a concept album that tells a story. I enjoyed the disc, but wonder how the tracks associate with the second part.
Recommended tracks: "Absolute Zero," "RU486," "Taciturn."

Avengers Assemble by Various Artists
I don't normally listen to movie soundtracks, but this one was worth picking up on the hype surrounding Soundgarden's first single in fifteen years "Live to Rise." The album also features interesting B-sides by Shinedown, Rise Against, Buckcherry, Evanescence and others. Five Finger Death Punch also contribute a solid cover of Faith No More's "From Out of Nowhere."
Recommended tracks: "Live to Rise" by Soundgarden, "I'm Alive by Shinedown, "From Out of Nowhere" by Five Finger Death Punch.

Well that's all for now. Enjoy the weekend and I'll be back blogging again in 2013!

More Questions Than Answers

So here it is, three days until Christmas, and I've been feeling a little like Charlie Brown in the classic Peanuts animated holiday special. With the snow on the ground and cold temperatures outside, I've been keenly aware of the approaching holiday season, but it's taken me a while to get into the holiday mood.

I think it's partly because the month began on a sour note for most of us in the community. People in Central Minnesota and my hometown are still feeling the after effects of the shocking and senseless murder of a police officer, one that as of now has no suspect and no resolution. For me, my mind went back to the school shooting at my high school in 2003, one of those things that you think will never happen to your community until it does. Everyone I talked to in town the weekend after Officer Decker's death felt like they had been punched in the stomach, even if they didn't know the officer or his family. It's still going to take more time for this community to heal, although the outpouring of support from police officers from across the state and the country during his funeral service was encouraging.

This was soon followed by another tragedy, this time the school shooting in Connecticut. Another senseless act of violence that leaves so many people asking "why?" This also reminded me of the shooting this past summer in Colorado during a showing of the newest Batman movie, as well as the fact that one of my former grade school teachers was repeatedly stabbed and killed by one of her sons this summer.

I don't know any of the answers or solutions to these seemingly increasing acts of savage violence. I know that violence is at times glorified on TV, in movies and video games, among other things. However, I do think that perhaps we need to take a closer look at this, as well as maybe even requiring a psychological background evaluation before a person can buy a firearm. I mean, I have played some of the more violent video games like the Grand Theft Auto and Resident Evil series, but I have no aspirations to go out on a shooting rampage afterwards, because I can seperate make-believe from reality.

Well, I didn't mean to write a downer of an article so close to the holidays, but I felt I had to get this off my chest. Next week I'll have my annual review of the best rock albums I've listened to of 2012. Until then, have a safe and happy holiday week with your friends and family, full of lots of positive lasting memories!

The Oddfathers Debut

About ten years ago, I worked in downtown St. Cloud, within walking distance of several restaurants and nightclubs. This also led my friends and I to see several great Minnesota bands at some of these clubs. One of the more memorable bands I remembered seeing was the Twin Cities based band Flipp. Fronted by Brynn Arens, this quartet was famous for playing loud rock, their flashy onstage personas, and for playing almost anywhere in the state. This past Tuesday, I attended the debut show by the Oddfathers, Brynn's new band, at the Pioneer Place on Fifth. While the flashy personas and glam rock were gone, the enthusiasm and energy were still the same!

The show kicked off at 7:30 p.m. with a quick set by the opening act, Minneapolis artists GlitterGun. They reminded me of some of the pop/rock acts in Flipp's heyday, especially with a female lead singer with bright hair extensions and lights in her mini-tutu. They are another new band, with their debut album coming out early next year. They're playful and fun, but definitely not a top 40 band, as you can tell from the following lyrics from their song "Sugar & Spice:"

I'm sugar and spice
I'm not so nice
I'd stab you in the back
with a frosting knife

After the customary set change break, a snippet of Godfather movie music filled the speakers before the red curtain parted, and the Oddfathers hit the stage. Decked out in mobster-style pinstripe suits, Arens, guitarist Casey Gooby, former Great White bass guitarist Krys Baratto and drummer Tom Cook started their set with songs from their debut EP. The set was more of a classic rock sound than Flipp's power pop/rock, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. They're a unique act, especially considering that they're only releasing their EP on vinyl - if I still had a record player, I would have bought a copy!

The set closed with the first single "Another Tear Goes Dry." Arens may not have the bleached white hair, flashy red suit or painted face that I remember from Flipp, but he still has the spiked (now gray) hair and facial contortions while playing the guitar that I have fond memories of. The only disappointment I had, besides not being able to buy their EP on CD, was the fact that only about 70 or so people attended the show.

If you're a fan of Flipp, Brynn or good Minnesota rock, give them a try when they play in your town, or look them up on Facebook. They're defninitely worth the effort!

Guitars & Gratitude with the Fabulous Armadillos

This past Tuesday, the United Way that I work for hosted a special evening to thank some of our generous donors with a free concert featuring the local group the Fabulous Armadillos. As I helped with some of the preparations for this event, I found myself growing more and more eager for the night of the show to arrive. I had seen some of the members of this group perform many times at the Red Carpet in downtown St. Cloud as Slip Twister, but this would be the first time I'd get to experience the Fabulous Armadillos in person.

I helped with some set up tasks at the Pioneer Place that rainy night. Although I had to miss the social next door at D.B. Searle's, I did get to interact with some of our donors and a few old friends, including coworkers and even one of my grade school teachers. I was prepared to wait for any late arrivals just as the show was starting, until a coworker friend of me urged me to immediately join our group.

The eight-member group was quite impressive. Paul "Stretch" Diethelm was just as impressive on guitar as he was when I first saw him in Slip Twister when they opened for Jonny Lang at the Red Carpet back in the mid-Nineties. His Slip Twister bandmates, Mike Zeleny on bass and Jay O'Donnell on drums, were also great. Keyboardist Greg Armstrong kept the tempo even throughout  the night, and horn players Mike Kreitzer and Patrick Thorn also kept the crowd going, particularly during a couple of memorable Chicago covers.

Pamela McNeill has a strong voice, which she showcased during the group's covers of Aretha Franklin, Janis Joplin and Journey tunes. I was amazed by the vocal range of singer Billy Scherer, as he went from singing tunes by Prince, Chicago, Joe Cocker and Kenny Loggins with seeming ease.

Concert attendees were invited to vote for five of their favorite songs for the Armadillos to play during the evening's show, and the number one vote-getter was Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline," which was performed beautifully not long after the mid-show break. The group closed out their lengthy set of popular cover songs with a grooving rendition of Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love." Needless to say, a particular Zeppelin-loving coworker of mine was in hog heaven! The band kept the audience, not to mention the fans who had already been dancing most of the night off to the side of the seating area, enthralled until the very last note and thank yous were finished.

I joined some of my friends and coworkers at D.B. Searle's after the show for "Dessert with the Dillos" and had some good conversations with friends and Stretch and Greg from the Fabulous Armadillos. I didn't have the endurance to stay for the entire after party, but after a long but very rewarding day, I was proud to have been part of such a wonderful experience. Makes me wonder what the next special event will be?