Metal Assault: Gig Reviews

Review by Jason Williams, photos by Karina Diane

May 12th 2015, Complex, Glendale CA: Carnage: “The killing of many people.” The definition from the Webster-Dictionary. Only a handful of bands come to mind to describe them in this way, and British extreme outfit Anaal Nathrakh happens to be one of those very few. An incredibly spellbinding grindcore death metal act with epic passages and even clean singing along the way, they’ve paved the way for 17 years and counting. Rarely touring, Anaal Nathrakh first came to CA on some Maryland Death Fest off dates in 2007 and fans here were honored to have witnessed it. Four years later, they played the Scion Rock Fest, with their set cutting into Morbid Angel’s on another stage, but in front of a large crowd regardless. Now set on their first proper US tour, and a sensational new record ‘Desideratum’ to boot, Complex in Glendale was surely in for a delectable metal treat brought to us once again by Church Of The 8th Day. Continue reading “Anaal Nathrakh Reign Supreme In Los Angeles”

By Jason Williams

May 11th 2015, The Whisky-A-Go-Go, West Hollywood CA: 30 years ago, Brazilian sensation Sepultura hit the world with their aggressive and catchy style of intense thrash metal. As the years went by, frontman, founder and creator Max Cavalera slowly went into a more tropical, groovy, and somewhat “nu-metal” sound. Eventually, Cavalera left to form Soulfly, leaving his fellow axeman Andreas Kisser to keep Sepultura alive. Despite these dramatic occurrences, Sepultura forged on. Now in the midst of celebrating 30 years as a band, Sepultura embark on a US tour with German thrash legends Destruction and Virginia melodic death metal group Arsis. With the second show of the tour took place at the sold out Whisky-A-Go-Go on Sunset Blvd in Los Angeles, California, an event that would appeal to all metalheads in attendance. Continue reading “Sepultura Play Sold-Out 30th Anniversary Gig At Whisky-A-Go-Go”

Photos by Carsten Steinhausen

May 7th 2015, The Whisky-A-Go-Go, West Hollywood CA: For the first time in over 25 years, Swiss rockers Krokus embarked on a US tour. This long-awaited run spanned three weeks, started off with the band’s participation in the annual Monsters Of Rock cruise, and was followed by some select dates, ending at the Whisky-A-Go-Go in West Hollywood. This show on May 6th was sold out well in advance, and the demand was so high that a second show was added the night after. Our photographer Carsten Steinhausen was in attendance for night #2, and captured these scintillating photos for us. Check them out below. The thumbnails are linked to high-res images that open in a new tab. Continue reading “Photo Gallery: Krokus Pack Whisky-A-Go-Go”

Review & photos by Karina Diane

May 6th 2015, House Of Blues Sunset Strip, West Hollywood CA: Finnish warriors Ensiferum embarked on a North American tour with fellow Finnish band Korpiklaani and Norwegian group Trollfest to present to audiences across the continent an out-and-out folk metal lineup from start to finish. Los Angeles witnessed the first show of the tour, at the House Of Blues Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, and our photographer/writer Karina Diane was on-site to capture the action via some beautiful images and a brief recap. Check it out below. Continue reading “Ensiferum, Korpiklaani & Trollfest Begin North American Tour in Los Angeles”

Review by Jason Williams, photos by Carsten Steinhausen

May 1st 2015, Greek Theatre, Los Angeles CA: An album selling over one million copies, another selling over two million, with various gold and platinum awards, and even their own soundtrack. Most wouldn’t believe that a metal band would be capable of such accomplishments. If I told you that band was Nightwish, however, your surprise would wane. Founded by Tuomas Holopainen nearly 20 years ago, Finland’s greatest band have pulled no punches in capturing the hearts of fans with their signature style of symphonic metal, even more so with Floor Jensen as their new vocalist. Nightwish set off on their first US tour in nearly 3 years, and alongside Delain and Sabaton, would present Los Angeles with an unforgettable show. Continue reading “Nightwish Headlines Greek Theatre”

Review & photos by Karina Diane

May 1st 2015, Black Castle, Los Angeles CA: Portuguese gothic/melodic death metal veterans Moonspell, Greek symphonic extreme metal titans Septicflesh and Swedish industrial/gothic quartet Deathstars embarked on the ‘Conquerers Of The World’ North American tour together in April 2015, and a week into the run, arrived in Los Angeles for a gig at the Black Castle, put together by promoters Church Of The 8th Day and The Elegy Ensemble and also featuring local support from Noctuary and Kaustik. Our photographer/writer Karina Diane was on site to provide us some captivating images in addition to a brief recap of the event. Check it out below. Continue reading “Moonspell, Septicflesh & Deathstars Perform At Black Castle”