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By Andrew Bansal

April 27th 2013, Fox Theater, Pomona CA: Sludge veterans Corrosion Of Conformity have come through what was probably the busiest year of their career in 2012, with two new releases and multiple tours across the States and beyond. For the self-titled full-length release that came out in February of 2012, I’ve heard mixed responses from people but I personally thought it’s a great representation of C.O.C’s repertoire with some solid tunes, and an aptly self-titled album. Then came the Scion A/V-sponsored ‘Megalodon’ EP, free of cost to the public, which saw the band take a little more of a consistent musical direction. Unfortunately, 2012 was my time away from the States so I missed out on all the COC fun. But as soon as I found out about this short touring run they were going to do as support act for Danzig which included a Pomona show, I had no hesitation in making the trek down to the Fox, even though I do not care one bit about the headline act and have no intention of giving coverage to on this website. Continue reading “Corrosion Of Conformity & The Agonist Crush The Fox”

By Andrew Bansal

April 24th 2013, The Satellite, Los Angeles CA: After a rather intense event at the Whisky earlier in the evening, I made the trek from West Hollywood to Silver Lake to catch Black Belt Karate at the Satellite bar. This is Jason Achilles Mezillis’ newest musical project. I’ve known this Los Angeles-based guitarist for a few years now, mainly through his contributions to The Cult bassist Chris Wyse’s band Owl, and I’ve always thought of him as a genuinely creative musician. So, as soon as I got word on his new band Black Belt Karate’s debut album release show, I had to make sure I was in attendance. I reached the place just in time as they hit the stage at 10 PM, and what followed from then on for the next 40 minutes or so was an exhibition of some delightfully fresh-sounding punk-infused rock ‘n roll played with aplomb and filled with boundless energy. Continue reading “Black Belt Karate Rocks The Satellite With Debut Album Release Show”

By Andrew Bansal

April 24th 2013, Whisky A Go Go, Hollywood CA: When I first found out about this show through a press release three weeks ago, I knew it was something worth checking out, something different from what the norm is for the kind of events I get to attend in the LA area. The fact that Megadeth bassist David Ellefson’s name was attached to the event and the project it represents, was in itself sufficient to draw the attention of metalheads like myself. But when I went into the details of the event, I discovered that it was a lot deeper than just another all-star metal jam. I spoke to Ellefson last week and was intrigued by what he had to say, and after attending the special, exclusive event last evening I certainly have a newfound appreciation for the subject matter and the efforts and initiative taken by the people involved. Continue reading “‘Battlefield Of The Mind’ Crew Brings Exclusive Premiere And All-Star Jam To The Whisky”

By Andrew Bansal

April 23rd 2013, Whisky A Go Go, Hollywood CA: After a gap of 12 years, U.D.O., the band headed by original Accept vocalist Udo Dirkschneider, embarked on a short North American touring run on April 9th and played the last show of this tour at the Whisky A Go Go in Hollywood last night. Because of the fact that Udo hadn’t visited this part of the world with his solo band for such a long time, specially Los Angeles, it was the first ever live Udo experience for a large section of the crowd, myself included. With the current lineup of Accept going strong with what they’re doing, I wasn’t sure about how well this show would do, but not only was the turnout great, people were genuinely excited to see the original voice of one of the greatest heavy metal bands of all time. Continue reading “U.D.O. Brings North American Tour To A Fitting End In Los Angeles”

By Avinash Mittur

April 13th 2013, Whisky A Go Go, Hollywood CA: It’s been eleven long years since Lizzy Borden last headlined in their hometown of Los Angeles. The band’s always been a bit of an odd bunch among the many metal bands of the ‘80s; they were just a bit too heavy for the glam metal crowd, and the more traditionally minded metalheads couldn’t see past the teased hair and thick pile of makeup. Lizzy Borden’s studio records consistently suffered from awful production, whether they were low-fi or overly glossed up. After all was said and done though, a ton of very great songs remained. Lizzy Borden dropped by the Whisky-a-Go-Go in Hollywood to celebrate their thirty year anniversary and those great songs, and gave the crowd an enjoyable set that more than likely left them happy. With help from fellow Los Angeles metal flag-bearers White Wizzard, this proved to be a very fun show, and a great way to spend a Saturday night in Hollywood. Continue reading “Lizzy Borden Plays 30th Anniversary Gig At The Whisky”

By Avinash Mittur

April 2nd 2013, House of Blues, West Hollywood CA: For the past few years, Paganfest has annually provided a full night of folk, viking and occasionally pirate-themed heavy metal to audiences all over the world. This year was no exception, with both international and domestic acts coming together to give crowds a great night of music. On this third date of the Paganfest tour, Ensiferum, Tyr, Heidevolk, Trollfest and Helsott stopped by the House of Blues in West Hollywood. Thanks to a packed and cheery crowd and strong performances from all of the acts, a grand time was had and the show was a success across the board. Continue reading “Paganfest IV Merrily Rams Through Hollywood”