Metal Assault: Gig Reviews

Review & photos by Andrew Bansal

May 24th 2016, The Echoplex, Los Angeles CA: Pioneering doom legends Pentagram have had a chequered career to say the least, and after a period of hiatus and uncertainty, their 2011 documentary ‘Last Days Here’ told the story of the band in a manner that introduced and endeared them to metal lovers that were unfamiliar with them. Interest in the band, from doom fans, promoters, booking agents and record labels alike, was renewed, and the ‘Last Rites’ album followed soon after the release of the documentary. Four years later, Pentagram put out their eighth studio album ‘Curious Volume’ via Peaceville Records in 2015, and following several one-off festival appearances over the years, in 2016 they are finally touring the States, much to the delight of their fans. Pentagram embarked on a two-week U.S. tour with support acts King Woman and Wax Idols on May 17th, and made their way to Los Angeles for a sold-out show at the Echoplex on Tuesday May 24th. The anticipation surrounding this gig was high, and considering that Pentagram’s live shows in the recent past have been known to be erratic, it remained to be seen which Pentagram would turn up on this occasion and whether they would live up to the hype. Continue reading “Pentagram, King Woman & Wax Idols Play Sold-Out Show At Echoplex”

By Andrew Bansal (photos by Alex Lucero)

May 22nd 2016, The Echoplex, Los Angeles CA: Stalwarts of the American metallic hardcore movement that began in the mid-nineties and still continues to survive, Hatebreed released their seventh full-length studio album ‘The Concrete Confessional’ via Nuclear Blast on May 13 2016, and immediately embarked on the corresponding world tour, starting with a North American headline tour with support act DevilDriver and opening acts Devil You Know and Act Of Defiance (select dates). The tour visited Los Angeles county for not one but two back-to-back shows, at the Glass House in Pomona on May 21st, and then the Echoplex in Los Angeles proper on Sunday May 22nd. Continue reading “Hatebreed Packs Echoplex On ‘Concrete Confessional’ Tour”

By Lisa Burke

May 21st 2016, The Wiltern, Los Angeles CA: In case you weren’t aware, Saturday nights are made for heavy metal concerts and if you aren’t at one, you are doing it all wrong. Seriously though, I’m actually serious about this and what better way to spend an evening than with viking metal from overseas as I did on Saturday May 21st 2016 at the Wiltern? Headlining the nocturnal hour was, of course, Amon Amarth, with tour support from Entombed A.D. and Exmortus. This was also a sold-out show and rightly so, with three high quality bands that are actually quite different yet fit together well like the Brady Bunch boys at a soccer game. Continue reading “Amon Amarth, Entombed A.D. & Exmortus Play Sold-Out Los Angeles Show”

Review by Jordan Salfity

May 20th 2016, Sleep Train Amphitheatre, Chula Vista CA: English rock veterans The Cure generated a large amount of hype and excitement among fans in North America with their 2015 announcement of a headline tour in this part of the world in 2016, selling out shows at rapid rates, including multiple gigs in major cities. The Cure embarked on this tour in May, promising to bring an extensive set list spanning their entire 37-year discography, and made their way to San Diego County for a gig at the Sleep Train Amphitheatre in Chula Vista. Our writer Jordan Salfity was in attendance to review the show for us. Read his review below: Continue reading “The Cure Rock San Diego County With Massive Show”

By Andrew Bansal

May 19th 2016, Complex, Glendale CA: Norwegian rock group Arabrot recently concluded a U.S. headline run with support acts Helen Money and Insect Ark. Having been around since 2001 but still an unknown commodity to many, Arabrot arrived in the Los Angeles area as part of this tour for a gig at the most appropriately chosen Complex in Glendale last Thursday May 19th 2016, to bring their brand of post-punk and heavy experimentation. The event was put together, as almost always, by Church Of The 8th Day. Continue reading “Arabrot, Helen Money, Insect Ark & Hexa Perform At Complex”

By Lisa Burke

May 18th 2016, Good Times At Davey Wayne’s, Los Angeles CA: Live rock ‘n roll and heavy metal venues come and go all the time in Los Angeles, and due to the loss of Loaded Hollywood’s live venue, finding a comfortable place to play in Hollywood has been few and far between. One emerging small venue that definitely works for certain rock ‘n roll bands is Good Times At Davey Wayne’s, which is a ’70s themed bar where there’s an old-fashioned refrigerator door as the entrance, and a living room style dance floor with a wooden stage. This place always has a line out front to get in after 10 PM, so getting there ahead of time is always recommended. On Wednesday May 18th 2016, I arrived just before the line started to form to see the only live band of the night, The Drama. Continue reading “The Drama: Keeping Rock ‘N Roll Alive In Los Angeles”