| Written by Chris Goodson | |
| March 15, 2008 | |
| Puscifer (the artist collective helmed by Maynard James Keenan (Tool/A Perfect Circle)'s, Latest album "V is for Vagina" comes in the form of a circus like mix of sounds and vocals, not knowing exactly what you are listening to is part of its charm, but its definitely 100% a Maynard mind fuck.
Puscifer "V is for Vagina" For more information please visit www.puscifer.com and if you like "V is for Vagina" be on the lookout for the Remix album out April 29th entitled "V is for Viagra: The Vagina Remixes" Tracklisting is: Originally Posted at: http://iesb.net/audiofrequency/content/view/435/ |
Monday, March 17, 2008
Puscifer - V is for Vagina
Iron Maiden, "Somewhere Back in Time" World Tour Live at the Forum!
| Written by Chris Goodson | |
| March 11, 2008 | |
| After a crushingly good tour supporting their latest album, Iron Maiden was back in town to pay tribute to the songs that made them living legends!  Iron Maiden Of course they need no introduction, and apparently they need no opening act. The Forum was filled with Maiden fans young and old and the anticipation was at maximum. The sold out show was a special present, because this tour is a perfect time warp back to the record setting, and enduring legacy of the "Powerslave" tour. This show however is aptly known as the "Somewhere Back in Time World Tour" which is, in fact, a full fledged, no bullshit, balls to the wall, classic Maiden show that veteran fans have come to expect. Originally Posted at: http://iesb.net/audiofrequency/content/view/434/ |
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Queensrÿche, Alice Cooper, Heaven & Hell
October 6th, 2007
Reviewed by: Chris Goodson
The Verizon Amphiteatre is nestled between business parks, million dollar homes and a huge outdoor shopping center. Located in Irvine, the nexus of ultra conservative Orange County, California. Not exactly a town known for the metal scene, but on this night, the legions were out. The amphitheatre is an odd outdoor venue that is a quasi-stadium/park. It can fit thousands comfortably, but the hike from the parking lot makes you think that you are walking to Mordor.
Trudging up the steep hill and finding my seat, I was pleasantly welcomed by the vivid and fierce Queensrÿche. They opened the show with tracks from their newest album Operation: Mindcrime II. They woke the audience up and played a strong set. Though the wall of guitar sometimes overpowered the bass and the vocals it was the loud pounding of Scott Rockenfield's drums that set the tone for the evening. Though a brilliant set , the sarcasm in the song "I'm American" was lost on this crowd. It was not a flag waving jingoistic anthem. That kind of song would be played later by Alice Cooper. Luckilly, Geoff Tate reminded everyone that music translates all boundaries, religions and politics.
Queensrÿche gave us a special treat this evening. Geoff Tate broke out a saxophone and Michael Wilton alternated between an acoustic and electric guitar and the band played an unbelievably amazing cover of Pink Floyd's "Welcome to the Machine." Tate suggested that their forthcoming album will be an homage to all the great rock n' roll that has inspired them over the years. If this version of "Welcome to the Machine" was any indication, the album will be mind blowing.
After a short intermission, Alice Cooper performed his famous circus of macabre vaudeville. It managed to be both highly entertaining and sometimes laughable. The few technical and performance glitches aside, the music was tight and fluid. I'm sure Alice knew what crowd he was playing to. They pulled out all the stops, and the gun and the demon baby and the guillotine. Cooper played a mixed set that among newer songs also included the classics: "Eighteen," "Schools Out," and "Elected." Even the youngest kids in the audience knew how to sing along with these tracks. An Alice Cooper show must really be seen to be believed, and damn did it ever live up to the expectations. At the end of that show the anxiety in the crowd had grown exponentially. Everyone was riled up and it was only a matter of minutes before Heaven & Hell took the stage.
On this, the last leg of their American tour, Heaven & Hell played with the same energy and thunderous power that they are known for. Having just seen them in April of this year, I was prepared for more of the same. A rearranged set list and seemingly enhanced visuals, added the aesthetic aspects of the show. However, the music was crisper, faster and more visceral than I can remember. I was very foolish to think that I'd be in for a mere rerun.
All four seasoned professionals (metal gods), put on an exacting, powerful and energetic performance. Other older bands may be forgiven for some sloppiness, but Heaven & Hell never gives you the chance to question their abilities. The show began with a warm welcome as they broke into "Mob Rules." Of course all of their set list is comprised of classics, but my particular favorite is "Children of the Sea." Which I must say they really outdid themselves this time, it is the best I have ever heard it played. They segued into "I," and the crazy crescendo that is "Sign of the Southern Cross." In between songs Dio took a few moments to look at the crowd and express his gratitude. By this point late in the night, the crowd were up on their feet and really getting into the show. As they played "Voodoo," and "Computer God," they started queing up some interesting visuals on the two giant screens which lead perfectly into the hypnotic introduction of "Falling Off The Edge of the World." Time and space went right of the window, I was hypnotized. The music was building and building as each band member summoned up the most pristine instrumentation and guided the crowd blissfully though the epic "Die Young" and the masterpiece "Heaven & Hell."
Just as I thought the night was over, a DJ from INDIE 105 presented awards to the band for their DVD (Live at Radio City Music Hall) going Gold. After a short dedication, Heaven & Hell came right back on stage and played "Neon Knights." The perfect end to an amazing reunion tour. The band brought a freshness to the material that never sounds dated or worn. Seeing Ronnie James Dio, Geezer Butler, Vinny Appice and Tony Iommi together again is awe-inspiring. Even if your not a fan the Dio-era Black Sabbath, the sheer talent and magnitude is unarguable and this was certainly one hell of a show.
"Captains at the helm, sail across the sea of lights"
Check out the HEAVEN & HELL: Live at Radio City Music Hall DVD & CD. Now available wherever fine music is sold.
Originally posted on iesb.net
Scorpions-Humanity Hour 1
SCORPIONS-HUMANITY HOUR 1
Reviewed by: Chris Goodson
Bands that have had 30+ years of experience and a pantheon of greatest hits tend to play it safe and take the easy rode in album making. Luckily for us, the Scorpions have never fallen into this category. They have just added another high mark to an already staggering discography. Humanity Hour 1 makes it perfectly clear that the Scorpions are not messing around or regurgitating old material. They are exploring new ideas and delivering ferocious hard rock just as they always have.
The enthusiasm and positive vibe that the Scorpions have on stage, translates to this whole album. The only major shortcoming of Humanity Hour 1 is that is actually doesn't last a full hour. However, this electric album is both full of darkly prophetic prose and immense power. Musically and lyrically the band as a whole has reached a new peak. Uber producer Desmond Child, contributed both lyrically and conceptually, and has helped present a clean and heavy concept album, that while at times melodic and moody still manages to satisfy.
The Scorpions sure haven't lost touch with what makes them cherished; mega power ballads, catchy riffs and a tounge-in-cheek attitude that conjures up both the sanguine subtext and showcases the musical talent of each band member. Though the meat and potatoes of this album consist of hard rock, there is a more optimistic thread including tracks like "You're Lovin Me to Death," a"Love Will Keep Us Alive" and "We Were Born to Fly." There is genuine optimism in these songs, even though there is some sappiness. Alternating between power ballads and hard rock, the album has a little something for everyone, even if the theme gets a little lost at times. First and foremost, the Scorpions are about entertaining, but the lyrical content on this album deserves closer examination. They have something to say and tracks like "321," Love is War," and "Humanity" more than prove the staying power of the band. This is introspective hard hitting stadium rock that has not lost any of its vigor or charm.
The great thing about the Scorpions, is that they do not take themselves too seriously, yet they can still delve into heavy subject matter. The post-apocalyptic themes suit them well and provide a mysterious and dark atmosphere that is never stale and provides ample opportunity to reflect and rock out on a global scale. Equal parts optimism and warning, Humanity Hour 1 delivers everything an old fan expects and everything a new fan can fall in love with.
8 out 10
SCORPIONS-Humanity Hour 1 from New Door Records is available wherever music is sold.
Originally posted on iesb.net
Monday, September 17, 2007
SCORPIONS at the Gibson Amphitheatre
95.5 KLOS PRESENTS
SCORPIONS
Concert Review by Chris Goodson
September 15th, 2007.
The SCORPIONS have been touring consistently, but they show no sign of fatigue. Their vibrant energy came off not in waves, but rather (excuse the unavoidable pun), like a hurricane. The audience stood and participated in most every song, proving that their music is more than mere power ballads, it is transcendent, full of variety and just plain fun.
As an opening act, “3” were consistently engaging and often jaw dropping. They played several tracks from their lasted album, including “The End is Begun,” and “These Iron Bones. The lead singer has a voice and flamenco/slap guitar technique that must be seen to be believed. They were the perfect compliment to the main event and are astonishingly good in their own right.
No strangers to American audiences, the SCORPIONS still kicked up plenty of special treats for the audience. The bassist’s memorable solo stride through the amphitheatre floor seats, the drummer’s wife playing his kit, as good as him, and even at one point, we heard an incredible interlude of a bass and drum solo version of Rush’s YYZ.
The SCORPIONS played a vivid barrage of pristine rock and roll, and also did an excellent job of melding the set list around new and classic material. “Big City Nights,” “
Individually, every member played with succinct power and coordination. Klaus Meine sung with profound enthusiasm and endurance. James Kottack made his love for LA as loud and clear as his drumming. The guitar wielding Matthias Jabs and Rudolf Schenker tore sonic shreds through the amphitheatre and Pawel Maciwoda’s bass playing summoned up the best of his enormous talent.
The whole performance felt unique and interactive, something bands decades younger often fail to accomplish. They played their collective hearts out and put on a truly spectacular show, one that you should not miss when it comes your way.
SCORPIONS are currently on tour nationally. Humanity Hour 1 is available now from New Door Records
Originally posted on iesb.net