Metal Assault: Gig Reviews

By Andrew Bansal

June 14th 2013, The Joint, Los Angeles CA: Local bands Witchaven, Madrost, Internal Corrosion, Fenders Ballroom Band and Hereticide came together to play the Joint’s monthly metal Friday night, a show that was free for everyone aged 21 and over. Seeing the national and international touring bands come through and play in LA is all well and good, but the local shows bring a different kind of vibe, a sense of community with the bands, friends and fans uniting, and it’s always great to experience that. Last night was no exception, as all these LA-based bands got up on that stage one by one and attempted to do the best they could for this crowd which was growing rapidly in number as the evening progressed. I was very much looking forward to this show, and it turned out to be quite an interesting night on many counts. Continue reading “Local Thrashers Perform At The Joint On ‘Free Metal Friday’”

By Andrew Bansal

June 12th 2013, Five Star Bar, Los Angeles CA: Based out of Nashville, Tennessee, psychedelic rock trio Across Tundras have been around for almost a decade now, but for some reason they fall into that category of bands that deserve to be a lot better known than they actually are. I first discovered them when I was sent a promo download link of their 2011 ‘Sage’ album. Upon listening to it I found myself intrigued by their blend of classic rock, psychedelic elements, Morrison-esque vocals and a distinguishable taste of Americana, the kind that would make a perfect soundtrack for Spaghetti Westerns. Following that release, the band went totally D.I.Y. and self-released their new album ‘Electric Relics’ last month. Currently, they are on a Western US tour with fellow Nashville rockers Hellbender, with whom they also share their bassist Mikey Allred. The tour made a stop at the ever-cozy Five Star Bar last night. I for one wasn’t going to miss this opportunity to check out Across Tundras, and was looking forward to seeing what the other bands bring to the show as well. Continue reading “Across Tundras Bring Western US Tour To Los Angeles’ Five Star Bar”

By Andrew Bansal

June 6th 2013, The Echoplex, Los Angeles CA: Based out of the Northern California town Rohnert Park, hardcore punk outfit Ceremony have been going at it since 2005, prolifically releasing four critically acclaimed as well as fan-appreciated studio albums and three EPs during this period. Currently they are on a West Coast run which included a Los Angeles date at the Echoplex last night. I got my first live Ceremony experience at a Scion-sponsored show at the Roxy in 2010 when they opened for Integrity, and was impressed with what the band had to offer then. The endless amount of energy that accompany a good hardcore punk performance like that put on by Ceremony on that occasion is what draws me towards attending such shows, even though the genre isn’t my favorite by any means. So, I decided to venture down to the Echoplex to check out what Ceremony is like as a headliner. Continue reading “Ceremony Play Headline Gig At The Echoplex”

By Andrew Bansal

June 5th 2013, Five Star Bar, Los Angeles CA: Seattle-based doom metal outfit Anhedonist have been around for five years now, releasing a demo called ‘Drear’ in 2010 and their debut full-length ‘Netherwards’ last year, amidst a moderate number of live performances. I remember seeing them and enjoying their set when they opened for Australian funeral doom masters Mournful Congregation in late 2011 at the Five Star Bar, and coming to the final rites of their current US touring run, they visited the same venue last night, this time for a headline gig of their own. In support were local openers Harassor, Invocation War and Agowilt. The Five Star bar has this quality to it, a unique atmosphere that has always attracted me to attend shows there at every possible opportunity. So, as soon as I caught wind of the occurrence of this show, I immediately decided to make an outing to the Five Star, anticipating another interesting evening of live music. Continue reading “Anhedonist Turns Five Star Bar Into Shrine Of Doom”

By Andrew Bansal

June 3rd 2013, The Joint, Los Angeles CA: Hailing from Tokyo, Japan, blackened thrash metal stalwarts Abigail have been around for more than 20 years now, spreading their filthy, evil brand of fast heavy music across the planet, even reaching out to places like India where they played a very successful gig in early 2012. I missed out on that show even though I was there at the time, but heard some great things about Abigail from my Indian friends. The band hadn’t visited the Los Angeles area for a number of years, but they finally quenched the LA Abigail fans’ thirst. Following killer performances at Maryland Deathfest and Chaos In Tejas on their current US mini-tour, they took over the Joint in West Los Angeles last night and promised to bring some good ol’ black-thrash to the masses gathered here. Continue reading “Abigail Makes Long-Awaited Return To Los Angeles”

By Andrew Bansal

May 31st 2013, The Viper Room, West Hollywood CA: Rising from the ashes of their previous band The Binges, guitarist Mayuko Okai and her sister Tsuzumi Okai on bass recently formed a new band called Boost, originally as a classic four-piece lineup much like the old band, but later on moving to an instrumental power trio style whilst their search for the perfect singer continues. Having seen and admired The Binges plenty of times in the past, including what turned out to be their last show in Pasadena with Holy Grail two years ago, I was yet to see them in this new incarnation, and was very much stoked to get the chance to do so last night. The Viper Room, a venue frequented by the sisters probably more than any others in the Los Angeles area, was chosen this time too, and the stage was set for a fun night of LA-style rock n’ roll. Continue reading “Boost & Brainspoon Bring LA-Style Rock N’ Roll To Viper Room”