See the master in action himself – Andre Rieu

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Dutch violinist and conductor Andre Rieu has enjoyed a sensational career, and is as popular and respected around the world as all the biggest rock and pop acts. Rieu is most famous for creating the Johann Strauss Orchestra- the play sells out shows in enormous venues around the world and the show is a must see for any fan of music. It all began for the 65 year old when he was just 5 years old, where he became fascinated with the violin and began to learn how to play it. He was also intrigued by orchestra from a very young age, and this is what inspired him to go on and study music when he was older. He received his degree from the Royal Conservatory of Brussels, and would then embark on a career that would change the musical world forever.

 

After successfully performing the waltz at university, Rieu decided to pursue this further. In 1987 he created the now world famous Johann Strauss Orchestra, starting out with just 12 members (nowadays there are usually between 80 and 150 musicians at each show). As they toured throughout Europe it renewed an interest in the waltz, and people were in awe of Rieu who has become famous for having a rock star like demeanour when on stage which is a large part of his appeal. The orchestra toured consistently all around the world and seem to be appealing to more and more people each year, and the show is a must see for anyone with an interest in music. Rieu quickly became known as the “Waltz King” and has developed quite the reputation over the years. Whether or not you have an interest in orchestra or the waltz, it is a breathtaking show and something to behold as Rieu is certainly a master of his form and immensely talented, and this is something that can be appreciated by anyone.

The orchestra are embarking on a huge tour, and you will want to get your Andre Rieu tickets soon to avoid disappointment. Tickets are likely to go fast due to the popularity of Rieu and the orchestra, and this is a fantastic experience which you do not want to miss out on. In addition to the breathtaking music on display, Rieu is also a master at entertaining the audience, providing humour at parts throughout the show. This makes it enjoyable for people of all ages and fans of all genres of music, and especially those that have a passion for orchestra.

Andre Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra perform sell out shows at all the biggest venues around the world, and many see him and his orchestra much like all the biggest and most legendary rock and pop acts in the world. He has enjoyed a stellar career and brought the waltz to life, and the 65 year old shows no signs of slowing down anytime as he continues to tour the world and bring his fantastic brand of music to the masses.

Slough Feg and the Digital Resistor

By Avinash Mittur

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A resistor is a component found in analog electronic circuits. It impedes the flow of current, and experiences a change in electric potential energy (or voltage, as most call it) across its two ends. All of the current going into a resistor will make it through, but not without that voltage drop. That being said, here’s a bit of an oxymoron: a “digital resistor.” This particular resistor doesn’t impede the flow of electrical current, but rather the onslaught of digital technology in the field of audio engineering. The digital resistor I am referring to is a man named Justin Weis, proprietor of Trakworx Studio in South San Francisco, CA. Weis has served as an engineer on dozens of utterly brilliant metal albums by many of the genre’s most special acts, and his work consistently equals, if not betters, the frequently high quality of the music itself.

One of Weis’ oldest clients is a band called Slough Feg. For a little over twenty years, they’ve been one of the Bay Area’s finest champions for classic heavy metal, proudly standing alongside the likes of Brocas Helm, Midnight Chaser and Hammers of Misfortune. They’ve released albums with a shockingly high level of regularity, and the band consistently delivers one of the most fun live shows you’ll ever see in a grimy dive bar. Singer and guitarist Mike Scalzi is often cited as the sole constant throughout Slough Feg’s history. Well, maybe not the only constant; Justin Weis has served as an engineer on every Slough Feg album in one way or another. Slough Feg and Weis’ latest joint effort, Digital Resistance, is set to release on February 18th on Metal Blade Records. Continue reading “Slough Feg and the Digital Resistor”

NAMM 2014 Recap [Writeup + Photos + Audio]

By Andrew Bansal

01 copyThe 112th edition of NAMM, North America’s biggest annual music trade convention, took place at the Anaheim Convention Center from January 22nd to 26th, and as always, brought together the who’s who of the music industry from America and beyond. Every year, NAMM, acronym for National Association of Music Merchants, ushers in the launch of new musical instruments and music industry-related products through appearances by world-renowned artists in the form of signings, live demonstrations and performances, and also gives an opportunity to the upcoming and relatively unknown artists to display their talent in front of such a huge audience. Metal Assault has covered NAMM every year from 2010 onwards, and it was going to be interesting to discover how different the 2014 edition would turn out to be in comparison to the previous ones. Continue reading “NAMM 2014 Recap [Writeup + Photos + Audio]”

Preview: NAMM Metal Jam Set To Take Place At Whisky-A-Go-Go On January 22

By Andrew Bansal

NammMetal2014-01-614x1024 copyIt’s the month of January, which means it’s that time of the year again when the music industry shifts its focus to NAMM, acronym for National Association Of Music Merchants. This year marks the 112th edition of the NAMM convention, and as always, it’s set to bring together musicians from all over America and various other parts of the world. But while most of the activity is going to revolve around the Anaheim Convention Center, adjacent hotels and nearby concert venues, there is no shortage of related events elsewhere either, such as the NAMM Metal Jam which will take place at the Whisky-A-Go-Go in West Hollywood this Wednesday January 22. Organized by Boston MA-based guitarist/ Berklee graduate Dave Reffett and original Anthrax singer Neil Turbin, this event has become an annual tradition in recent years, and as always, the 2014 edition will be co-headlined by Reffett and Turbin, along with virtuosic guitar player Michael Angelo Batio. Besides, the all-star lineup is set to include the following names: Continue reading “Preview: NAMM Metal Jam Set To Take Place At Whisky-A-Go-Go On January 22”

Steel Panther Runs ‘All You Can Eat’ Promotional Campaign With Grill ‘Em All

By Andrew Bansal

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January 13th 2014, Hollywood CA: Los Angeles-based comedy/parody themed heavy metal band Steel Panther will be releasing their fourth studio album ‘All You Can Eat’ on April Fools Day 2014. To promote the release and present the epic cover artwork of this album, they ran a campaign in Los Angeles yesterday in collaboration with the famous metal-themed food truck/restaurant Grill ‘Em All. Aptly fitting with the album title, Steel Panther and Grill ‘Em All were offering fans a unique opportunity to grab some free burgers and see the album cover at four different locations in Los Angeles. Continue reading “Steel Panther Runs ‘All You Can Eat’ Promotional Campaign With Grill ‘Em All”