Metal Assault: Gig Reviews

Review by Lisa Burke, photos by Matt Nielson

May 16th 2016, The Regent, Los Angeles CA: The Los Angeles metal scene has been thriving on new collaborations and promotions that either float or sink, and every night of the week there is usually a heavy metal show or six going on. With growing popularity, new weekly or monthly nights are being added in almost every day of the week and they seem to have the most impact on school nights. On Monday May 16th 2016, I attended a new monthly heavy metal night called Black Communion at the Regent. It kicked off with much success and a very decent turn out, featuring headliners Holy Grail with support acts Thrown Into Exile, Harassor, Infinite Death, and Ascension. With an offering of such a great line up for free for over 21 and $5 for under 21 with all local bands, you really can’t go wrong. Continue reading “Holy Grail, Thrown Into Exile, Harassor Rock Inaugural ‘Black Communion’ At The Regent”

By Lisa Burke

May 13th 2016, Complex, Glendale CA: Friday the 13th is usually a day of luck and insanity when you are a person as unlucky as me, and on Friday May 13th 2016 I went to Complex in Glendale for another fun-packed night of heavy metal with headliners Widower and support acts Brain Dead, Ironaut and MutAgeN. This was one of those nights with heavy metal genres all over the map yet the overall outcome was cohesive, as all bands complimented each other in my mind and the progression to the top was a fun and interesting ride. Continue reading “Widower, Brain Dead, Ironaut & MutAgeN Perform At Complex”

By Lisa Burke

May 12th 2016, Fonda Theatre, Hollywood CA: The debate about whether rock ‘n roll is dead or dying has been discussed for too many years now, and with many upcoming internet sensations such as Justin Bieber running around on the loose, sometimes we lose hope and can not see what is right in front of us. I am here to help you see again, and to remind you that there are still filthy rich rockstars out there giving their time and money to help the future of rock ‘n roll. Last Thursday May 12th 2016 at the Fonda Theater, I attended the ‘Adopt The Arts’ Benefit show hosted and co-founded by Matt Sorum with some initial host help from Hal Sparks. Matt Sorum is a better rockstar for putting hard work into this noble cause and gets my vote as a true artist of his craft. This was also a ceremony to honor Rock ‘N Roll Hall Of Fame inductees Glenn Hughes and Robin Zander, best known for their vocals in Deep Purple and Cheap Trick respectively. Continue reading “Glenn Hughes & Robin Zander Honored At ‘Adopt The Arts’ All-Star Concert”

By Jason Williams

May 7th 2016, The Observatory, Santa Ana CA: Heroes. What do we consider a hero to be? One of the definitions include: “a person who, in the opinion of others, has heroic qualities or has performed a heroic act and is regarded as a model or ideal.” Throughout our lives, we symbolize heroes in all facets of life. Firefighters, doctors, athletes, law enforcement, and much more. However, as a generation, we also apply that to the music that touches our very soul. When it comes to bands and musicians, we admire and revere their quality albums, remarkable musicianship, generosity to the fans, and how wonderfully passionate the sound of music carves the base and character of our well beings. But through the course of our lives, we can become disappointed with our ‘heroes’, and in my case personally, this was the case with Behemoth, an astonishing powerful black/death metal act from Poland, who has risen through the ranks of the metal world to become one of the most popular underground bands out there. Over time, I found myself distancing from the band, due to what I felt were albums quite lacking in emotion, quality and real, unique substance. Ranging from 2004-2009, Demigod, The Apostasy, and Evangelion were released, and I found myself unable to relate to them, just unable to connect, and surely, was ready to write them off… until Feburary 2014 occurred, and the menacing, provocative, and grand album, The Satanist, was released. Continue reading “Behemoth Performs ‘The Satanist’ In Its Entirety In Orange County”

By Lisa Burke

May 7th 2016, Fonda Theatre, Hollywood CA: One of the greatest ways to relive a part of your youth is to hear a band play an album live in its entirety that was significant to you at a memorable time in your life. On Saturday May 7th 2016, I had this opportunity for my fourth time that week at Fonda Theatre with the band Fear Factory playing their ’95 ‘Demanufacture’ album in its entirety for its 20th anniversary tour. Other bands on this roster were Soilwork, Spades & Blades, and Omnikage. Continue reading “Fear Factory Ends ‘Demanufacture’ U.S. Tour With Hometown Show”

By Lisa Burke

May 6th 2016, Fonda Theatre, Hollywood CA: Last week was all about the Fonda Theatre for me, since all the shows I was interested in attending were at that location, which added up to a total of four. If the general prices there were more reasonable I would go see every show at the Fonda since its size and sound quality are very ideal for rock ‘n roll and heavy metal shows. On Friday May 6th 2016, it was my third night at this same venue with headliners Kvelertak, and the other bands along on the tour were Torche and Wild Throne and opening the night was All Souls. Continue reading “Kvelertak Headlines The Fonda”