Author: admin

DT live images by Darko Boehringer
Words & marquee image by Andrew Bansal

October 31st 2017, Paramount Theatre, Denver CO: As soon as prog titans Dream Theater announced that they would be celebrating the 25-year anniversary of their seminal ’92 release ‘Images and Words’ by performing the album in its entirety this year, excitement among fans of the band and genre knew no bounds. After taking the tour to territories worldwide, DT finally returned to home base for the North American leg of the ‘Images, Words & Beyond’ tour, presenting the album and a whole lot more to sold-out venues across the continent. I missed the Los Angeles date due to other commitments, but the magnitude of this show was such that I was compelled to seek an alternative, and as it turned out, I found myself in Denver, Colorado on a chilly Halloween night. Continue reading “Prog Heaven in Mile-High City: Dream Theater brings ‘Images, Words & Beyond’ Tour to Denver”

Words by Andrew Bansal (Days 1 and 2) & Harry Walia (Day 3)
Images by Stephanie Cabral (Ozzy) & Chad Alexander (all other bands)

November 3-5 2017, Glen Helen Park, San Bernardino CA: In 2016, Slipknot’s ‘Knotfest’ and Ozzy Osbourne’s ‘Ozzfest’ joined forces for a joint 2-day festival which took place in San Bernardino, California and was largely successful, not only reviving Ozzfest back from the dead for the first time since 2010 but also giving Knotfest more impetus. ‘Ozzfest meets Knotfest’ returned in 2017 to the same venue, and caught many pleasantly surprised by its diverse, eclectic lineup of bands big and small, and had everyone unanimously relieved that it was held in November as opposed to the summer time. Metalheads from Southern California and beyond turned up in large numbers, and were treated to an extravaganza of heavy music that offered big names, new discoveries, and the odd damp squib. Continue reading “Heavy Metal Overload: 2017 edition of ‘Ozzfest Meets Knotfest’ rocks San Bernardino with Eclectic Lineup”

By Rosie Walker
(photos by Brian Wyner)

November 1st 2017, Exit/In, Nashville TN: The Bloodletting North America tour is one of the most extreme metal tours of the year. Six insanely talented and unique bands from across the globe have come together to make one of the most lurid lineups that this side of the pond has ever seen. For the eleventh year in a row, the Bloodletting tour is making its mark across this great country. Starting out in Kansas City on October 20, these hardworking bands are making lasting impressions in the towns they play. On Wednesday November 1st, their vans and buses pulled up to Nashville’s legendary venue, Exit/In. Loved by local metalheads, Exit/In is one of the few places that cater to heavier music in this Southern city. The metal scene in Nashville is humble in size but has heart, and many loyal fans showed up to their favorite venue on this night. Continue reading “Unparalleled Extreme Metal: ‘Bloodletting Tour’ hits Nashville”

By Rosie Walker

October 28th 2017, The Masquerade, Atlanta GA: Deep in the Underground Atlanta, the city’s favorite entertainment district, rests The Masquerade. When you mention this venue’s name, most alternative artists will know exactly where you’re talking about. This iconic, massive building has three indoor venues that are cleverly called Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven. The largest room, Heaven, appropriately titled, opened its doors last Friday for Arch Enemy and Trivum’s co-headline show. Continue reading “Metal in Masquerade Heaven: Arch Enemy & Trivium bring co-headline tour to Atlanta”

By Rosie Walker
(photos by Brian Wyner)

October 25th 2017, Exit/In, Nashville TN: Nestled near the heart of Music City, Exit/In is a historic venue that caters to the alternative. Breaking out from Nashville’s country music stereotype, this legendary location has been the start for a lot incredible acts. Many Nashville locals who are less than keen on country music, consider this place a haven. Their loyalty and love have kept the venue’s doors open for over 40 years. As you enter the dark building, you can feel the magic and history it holds. The entire venue is painted black, their uniqueness in ascetics and sound resonates with the special bands that get to play there. On Wednesday October 25, the New England act Elder took Exit/In’s stage and proved how exceptional this venue can be when talent takes its stage. Continue reading “Purveyors of the Heavy: New England psych/prog group Elder rocks Nashville”