Metal Assault: Gig Reviews

Review by Jason Williams
[Videos by Arturo Gallegos] 

May 1st 2014, The Complex, Glendale CA: This would be a very special night for those in Los Angeles who love their death metal. New Zealand’s very own Ulcerate would make their very first California trip on their second US tour ever. Playing the US for the very first time in 2012, Ulcerate made a small East Coast tour to also coincide with the Maryland Death Fest of that same year. And thankfully, we were the very first show of their first West Coast tour this time. Supporting their newest release ‘Vermis’, Ulcerate would bring their massive techincal death metal sound to us all, and I was extremely curious to see how people would react to a band of their caliber of musicianship and presence.  Continue reading “Ulcerate Conquer The Complex In Los Angeles”

By Andrew Bansal

May 1st 2014, The Echo, Los Angeles CA: In an endeavor to continue spreading their devastation, Oxnard CA power violence tyrants Nails embarked on a five-date US West Coast run, starting with a hometown show at the Echo in Los Angeles last night. Accompanying them on this tour are Washington-based bands Iron Lung and Bone Sickness along with fellow Southern California outfit Skinfather, and as special local guests for this particular show, LA death/grindcore veterans Nausea were thrown in the mix as well. Presented by FYF, Numbskull Productions and Vacation Vinyl, the show attracted its expected amount of buzz as the LA hardcore/grind/power violence/crust punk fans turned up in good numbers to show their support.  Continue reading “Nails Begin West Coast Tour At The Echo”

Review & photos by Andrew Bansal

April 30th 2014, The Troubadour, West Hollywood CA: As part of their ongoing North American headline tour, longstanding Japanese instrumental rock quartet Mono played at the Troubadour last night, with Los Angeles based doom cellist Helen Money as the opening act. Over the years, Japan has treated us with some very unique and creatively eclectic groups of musicians, bands such as Boris coming to mind straightaway. So, although I was honestly not familiar with Mono prior to seeing them here and attended this show more so for Helen Money, I had a feeling I wasn’t going to be disappointed with Mono’s efforts.  Continue reading “Mono & Helen Money Captivate Troubadour Audience”

By Andrew Bansal

April 27th 2014, Fonda Theatre, Hollywood CA: Swedish occult rock sensation Ghost embarked on the ‘Year Zero’ North American tour ten days ago and made their way to a sold-out Fonda Theatre last night, along with opening act King Dude. Having never had a chance to see Ghost perform live prior to this and quite honestly with little to no understanding of what exactly makes this two-album old band such a hotly popular entity, I ventured to the Fonda greatly curious to discover the Ghost phenomenon.  Continue reading “Ghost Performs At The Fonda”

Review by Andrew Bansal
[Photos by Matt Nielson]

April 25th 2014, El Rey Theatre, Los Angeles CA: Following a brief break after yet another highly successful North American tour as main support act to Between The Buried And Me, San Francisco’s fastest rising band Deafheaven returned to Los Angeles to play a sold-out show at the aptly chosen El Rey Theatre, their biggest headline show till date, along with Seattle instrumental drone doom pioneers Earth and Los Angeles atmospheric rockers plus Sargent House label mates Marriages as opening acts. This was an eagerly awaited show among locals, was officially sold out five hours before its start, and the long line of excited people waiting outside the venue foreshadowed a special event in the offing. Continue reading “Deafheaven, Earth & Marriages Play Sold-Out Show At The El Rey”

Review by Darshun