By Lisa Burke
February 27th 2016, Loaded Rock Bar, Hollywood CA: After getting all riled up in punk rock mode from my earlier attendance at the Anti-Flag show which was pretty exciting and a not-so-typical way to spend my Saturday night, I decided to run off to another great show once that ended around 11:30, which happened to be one of the last shows at Loaded and I caught the last band in its entirety, which was Yeghikian. This band was started by the singer and guitar player Alexy Yeghikian, and all instruments were played and recorded by him until he brought in his bandmates for the live performances. It’s stoner doom metal genius at work and there is not a dull moment in any of it. The sound is great and the vocals are clean and happy with some somber moments, but what’s fun about it is it has a happy vibe to it that you don’t find in most bands of this nature. Clear influences seem to be Black Sabbath and Motörhead. One of the newer songs ‘Morning Star’ kicked major booty as did the ‘The Witch’, ‘Alone In A Cave’, and the surprise drum solo that I’ve never seen any band do at Loaded before ever, also gave numerous talented bands a run for their money. There were some mind-blowing creative guitar licks that harmonized well with the second guitar and bass, and when all is said and done I just want to hear the whole set all over again. With projects that start with one person on a solo mission, no matter what or who you bring into it, it still remains clear who created it because you can usually see the genius pouring out of their brain all over the stage as was the case here and also when I saw the band Furiosa.
I must say I was very happy to see Yeghikian headlining this show and I wouldn’t mind if they headline every show from here on out because they are truly worthy. It is very sad to lose another venue in Hollywood to the overpriced rent charges and fact that no one wants to spend a minuscule amount of money to see a rock ‘n roll/metal show these days the way they used to. I really hope someone creates a new night somewhere else in Hollywood and I know there are a few places around that would work, including the Dragonfly, although to be successful they would have to be done carefully and tactfully. Until then, let’s just enjoy what we have at the present moment and foresee the future in a positive way to alleviate further disappointment. When one door closes another one opens is an accurate and intelligent phrase that has always held true in my life so far. R.I.P. Loaded Live.
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