Arts & Entertainment Connexions

*used with permission by Alternative Revolt Magazine

ALBUM REVIEW – Red Line Chemistry “Dying For A Living”

This album is scheduled to be released August 17th but so what? I got the review now and boy am I impressed. It’s as if Seether impregnated Alice in Chains. The harmonies are there, the melodies are glowing, the guitars are in control, the bass roars and the drums smash. I liked about half the songs right off the bat. This was one CD I listened to more than once and those that didn’t completely wow me right away warmed their way into my repertoire the more I listened to it.

Track 1 starts with some cool, eerie keyboards with a quiet guitar build letting you know that the album means business. This is good because after about a minute it slaps you with a fast paced, Seether inspired riff and my groove is on immediately. This is truly a fantastic way to start the album.

Track 2 hits hard as well and it’s this song that hits me with the Alice in Chains vocal comparison. I like it. It humps track 3 with a rhythmic riff that you don’t find much anymore. The lyrics are decent and I feel like I have a solid album in my hands.

Track 4 flips me off and smiles as it slows and the music pulls me into another listening dimension. So far, this is my favorite. Track 5 gets back to slappin’ me and my head hurts a bit as I am absorbed into its sound. Track 6 begins to sound like the other songs and is its least appealing to me, but still good especially when the harmonies come in. Then a soft acoustic presents track 7 and I get treated to a musical marriage of all sorts of cool instrumentation as it builds for over two minutes and presents a nice rocking ending.

Track 8 starts with a fun riff and then slams me in old Warrant fashion complete with a set of story lyrics. It stays heave through track 9 and the drums start punching me in the face without mercy on track 10. This song is bad ass with a bass line that gets me stoked.

Track 11 rounds this album out with an acoustic song that is beautiful with strings to accompany it. This is fantastic.

All in all, Red Line Chemistry’s debut album rocks balls and I am more than satisfied. This is a definite A for a debut CD. I look very forward to them making it to the Billboard Charts.

Daniel C. Morrison aka: Hit Man

Article used with permission by Daniel C. Morrison and Alternative Revolt Magazine

MUSIC REVIEW FOR DESTROPHY’S DEBUT ALBUM

I can’t begin to tell you how elated I am to have been introduced to this band. To be able to review their album is a bonus and I am very pleased. They actually take time to write thought provoking lyrics, orchestrate strong vocal attacks, rip ears out with heavy riffs and manage to keep me from skipping the songs, for the most part. So let’s tear into their debut.

“Send In the Wolves” starts things off with a meaty beginning. Ari’s vocals have an older metal vocalist feel but only barely. He sings with a pair and I am hooked right off the bat!

It only gets better with “Reconnect” as it makes me want to get into a vehicle with weapons and blast away a nuclear wasteland.

When “The Story Of Your Life” hits my headphones I have to take them off and see if I am wearing a supped up, bass enhanced pair. Nope, just simple Panasonic. I put them back on and found my favorite chorus in a song in a long time. I have my favorite song. So far at least.

“Rise of the Overman” gives Ari’s vocals a deeper depth. Soon, I know, he’ll have to clear his throat.

“Arms of the Enemy” is now my new favorite. I feel like I’m in a movie. What is happening here?

Before I get too crazy “The Way of Your World” slows things up and I get to focus more on Ari’s smooth vocals. This is definitely a radio song. It’s a good thing too because it rocks and I can rest my bouncing leg a bit.

“Why I Hate Goodbye” comes next and has a nice mix of calm and heavy. Destrophy is trying to absorb me again. Luckily for them, they had me at track 1 so this sustains my mood and doesn’t sway me to think they’re done hammering out riffs.

I was right. “March of the Dreamless” speaks volumes both lyrically and content-wise. They’re taking me through a rabbit hole and I enjoy the ride.

I land at the bottom of the rabbit hole, finally, where the song “Pray” involves signature moves from the entire band. Each one has their own spotlight in this song. I’m now in a soundtrack, I know it.

“Monarch” comes on next and I’m still loving what I hear but variety in style is starting to decompose. It’s still awesome though.

In awesome debut CD fashion, “This Is Not My Life” ends it with a catchy bang. This final song ends the CD well but not as strong as it began. No worries though, I am very pleased.

So, to sum it up, this CD was an awesome experience. While the wow factor lessens slightly by the end of the CD I am still shocked at their style and uniqueness in a crowd of wannabes. I have no choice but to score this CD an A-. Now, I think I need a drink

Daniel C. Morrison aka: Hit Man

FORECASTLE FESTIVAL REVIEW – OMG What A Show! (used with permission from Alternative Revolt Magazine)

Daniel: Louisville, KY, have you found a competitor for the Kentucky Derby Festival?

Louisville, KY: Yes Daniel. In fact I can prove that the Forecastle Festival upstaged the Kentucky Derby Festival.

Daniel: For Real?

Louisville, KY: Yes and the first time I did it was in 2005. Who’s your daddy?

Ok, so this was a fake conversation but that fact is true. If you’ve never heard of the Forecastle Festival it’s a shame. According to Outside Magazine, the Forecastle Festival is “One of the top 15 Outdoor Festivals of 2009.” Even SPIN Magazine named Forecastle as “One of the Top 101 things to do in America.” It started in 2002 as a free show that cost less than five hundred dollars to put on. Volunteers in the local music community agreed to put on the event at Tyler Park in Louisville, KY and drew a crowd of hundreds. The success of the warm vibes and pleasant experience brought the attention of JK McKnight. It was McKnight who brought the local art community into the event. Quickly, environmental organizations wanted in and BAM SUCKA, July 19th, 2003 the Forecastle Festivals moniker was established: Music.Art.Activism®
The Forecastle Festival was expanded on greatly each year, eventually gaining major sponsors allowing it to be a big deal in the life of anyone who enjoys variety in entertainment. The festival got so big that Tyler Park was not large enough. Between 2005 and 2010 the Festival was relocated 3 times finally finding adequate space on 15 acres of Louisville, KY’s Waterfront Park, thanks to the help of the country’s oldest, largest, and most experienced operators of live theatre and music, Nederlander Entertainment .

Forecastle Festival is a 3 day event that boasts an eclectic mix of music, art and environmental activism. Basically, this means that you’re going to witness a variety of bands from all over the nation on 3 different stages. It also means that you will experience bizarre shows of danger, crazy carnival like performances, marching bands, etc. that are famous from other parts of the nation. Another added treat is you can listen to guest speakers from environmentalists who will tell you the positive direction of going green by providing new study information, live demonstrations, and new facts and figures. Let’s not forget either about some pretty cool art exhibits, tattoo artists, outdoor club dancing, and a crowd of thousands upon thousands pouring in from all over the U.S. and even outside the states. There is so much to do at this amazing event that you nearly would have to clone yourself and share the mental connection and imagery with your other self to experience it all. This is both its biggest draw and biggest problem.

On the plus side, an event like this is absolutely amazing with all it has to offer. The art exhibits are great, the people are friendly, the variety in various forms of entertainment including the nationally popular Cirgque Berzerk from California is awesome, and even the music scene has some variety. You can hear Bluegrass music, techno music, classic rock, folk music, alternative rock and it’s all done by flawless performers both locally and nationwide.

On the minus side you won’t be able to witness every show completely. This is a bummer because bands get missed out on, environmental awareness speakers get overlooked, and uniquely dangerous magic acts get missed by performers from all over. For my personal tastes I thought there were too many Bluegrass musicians for one festival but I understand why due to the nature of Kentucky’s music scene. Honestly, there could have been more hard rock and alternative rock that I missed simply because of everything to have to cover.

All in all, the Forecastle Festival is an absolute must if you enjoy just a fraction of what I told you about so far. Hearing new music, seeing new forms of entertainment, gaining education of the very important environmental issues, and making new friends from other states and countries is awesome! This festival allows all that and more. $150 for 3 days of this seems almost like a steal.

Now, I will tell you of my experience of the Forecastle Festival and grade it with a Second Opinion to follow from a female’s point of view via local photographer, Staci Scevers, whose photographs sprinkled throughout this article will help you get a deeper feel for this astonishing event!

SIDE SHOWS AND ENVIRONMENTAL ACTS:

There were bands and things I missed. Most of what I missed, being in a music magazine, was the environmental demonstrations. I am an enthusiastic person when it comes to going green and learning about the positive direction of the planet. I missed things like renewable energy, Dr Feel Fine’s “Cure-All” Puppet Show, the Flaming Lips documentary, a yoga workshop, local food production and Middle Eastern belly dancing which would’ve put me in a trance, I’m sure. I cannot give an honest grade overall for that since I only saw pieces but as previous boasting goes in other publications I would imagine they would have received an A.

I did get to see pieces of March Madness Marching Band, a very enthusiastic group of marchers that got into people’s faces and marched throughout Waterfront Park. I believe it was their costumes, constant smiles, and absorbing their costumed characters that scored high with the crowd. They got an A. The Outdoor Extreme Sports Park was cool to see but really, if you’ve seen one show of bike tricks, you’ve seen them all, in my opinion. I saw fascination in the small crowd around this graffiti decorated area so based on their looks I would bump mine up to a C+. Perhaps having to be so many places watered down my excitement for this so other fans would have given this grade even more points.

The Cirque Berzerk from California was an awesome treat. I score this an absolute A. You had a very entertaining, athletic group of performers doing Three Stooges type acts while bouncing around on trampolines and landing flawlessly on a high wall ledge. Then, one by one, female performers came out and did acrobatic things via a loop suspended in mid air, a silk cloth that reminded me of a spider weaving a web and then a combination. Then there was a theatrical scene of athleticism with a pair of men who displayed mild affection towards one another. All these acts were set to music so it was more like a theater production then a circus act. The finale was awesome as every performer came out doing their signature pieces while some of them blew fire from their mouths and such. Even the comical guy on stilts between acts joined in the fun. Excellent!

I also got to see some artwork that was unique. I met local tattoo artists who had some fantastic artwork on display. I also met some of the artists who worked on art displays for the Forecastle Festival. Very cool stuff.

THE MUSIC

This is where I’ll find disagreement I’m sure. I’m not a huge fan of country music. Gladly, there was none there. I’m not real fond of Bluegrass music but that’s what I would say at least 70% of the bands were; Bluegrass and Classic Rock sounding bands. Of course, it’s Kentucky so it was to be expected. I have no idea how Smashing Pumpkins fit into this festival. Their style, from what I could tell, were different than all the rest. However, as a live show with limited effects perhaps it was an easier blend. Let me reiterate that I didn’t get to see all the bands so there could have been some rockers out there I missed.

Now that I’ve said that I was pleasantly surprised by most of the bands I heard. I felt like maybe I missed out on something the last 15 years or so. Some of this Bluegrass music was pretty good. It wasn’t that oldies stuff I remember and it didn’t have that whiny feel that some of the Country music artists have. It was a different sound as if Bluegrass finally evolved. I particularly liked the 23 String Band. Those that did rock didn’t do it in Chevelle or Sevendust fashion or even Smashing Pumpkins fashion. They had a more Classic Rock sound or even a bit jazzy. Death On Two Wheels had my favorite stage performance and rock sound, like a new age George Thorogood. Company of Thieves had an awesome jazzy rock sound that made me smile. The first band on the East Stage on the first day of the festival could have easily been my favorite. They are called Kinetix and they rocked! Each of the bands I listed all get an A with the award for best East Stage performance, in my opinion, going to Death on Two Wheels with Lucero as a Runner Up.
The North Stage had the most diverse bands with some sounding like a meeting with Modest Mouse and the 60’s such as the Doloreans and IamIs who also reminded me a bit of an RPG soundtrack. Then you have local rappers with a style I would define as Disco Rap called Scanners. More Bluegrass music hit that stage with My Morning Jacket co founder’s band, The Raverra Colt, and also Arnett Hollow. You also had a style of rock in the vein of Marilyn Manson, but not. I wish this band, Straight A’s, didn’t have distorted effects on their voices all the time. My pick for winner of that stage out of those I saw perform? 23 String Band with The Raverra Colt as a runner up mostly because of the front man’s sense of humor.

The Ocean Stage was the dance stage and it was always hopping. While it was more a grass area with a booth covering the DF equipment it had some of the festivals finest hotties shakin’ their bodies. Also, most of the shirtless guys were in that same crowd. This is where all the DJ’s partied. A couple Electronica bands shared this stage such as Papadosio which got my Best Of award here. Not much else to say really. If you got a beat and lots of bass people are going to shake their change.

The Main Stage, of course, had the most popular musicians from around the country. This is where I spent most of my time. On Friday, things started off with Scott Miller and the Commonwealth. If you like bluegrass you will like this band. It’s not my cup of tea but the crowd loved it. While not super energetic on stage the emotion from the music to crowd was noticeable. I am not a huge fan of this style but live is always better than an album for first timers. Therefore, I would grade it a C while fans of that genre would probably boot it up to a B or even an A.

Drive-By Truckers was another band I thought was iffy. However, when I heard them play I was pleasantly surprised. I wasn’t disappointed in the least. They have a style similar to Scott Miller but different too. Without being annoyed I give them a B-.

Manchester Orchestra was next and boy was I diggin’ it. There sound is very cool and the lyrics were very intense. Even a guy in the crowd by me said that he came to the Festival to see them because he read the lyrics of some of the songs online and loved them. I concur. An A, Manchester Orchestra!

Headlining Friday was Widespread Panic. That crowd was huge. I don’t get into that kind of classic sounding rock much but they had some sprinkled musical pieces that really rocked. The veteran performers were in their mojo and although there wasn’t a high energy stage presence everyone was having a good time. I give them a B+.

Saturdays’ Main Stage busted out the gate with Modern English, a nod to back to the 80’s with added new stuff. Not too shabby at all. I give them a B as well as Umphrey’s McGee who followed them.
Grace Potter and the Nocturnals was next and I was mesmerized by the vocal quality and pleasant mix of soothing rock. You must check them out if you don’t know them. An A!

Cake followed next and they were fantastic. The women drooled, the music rocked and the crowd was enormous. I score an A.

Devo came next and people went stupid happy. I do not like this strange band very much and will probably get slapped for stating so. But the costumes were top notch, their style immaculate and the crowd was beyond stoked. So my grade of a C because I am not a big fan will be bumped to an A because of stage performance and the people in the crowd loving it.

Bassnectar followed which was odd to me as it was the only DJ on the Main Stage. I didn’t think he belonged but this massive crowd shaking ass was incredible. Also, the light show and song selection was pretty damn good. This was an A and I heard people say it outdid everyone else, probably because the crowd was mostly older teens and 20-30 something’s.

Smashing Pumpkins finished the night with a bang. I read and was even told by some staff there how difficult Billy Corgan can be. For a shy guy who likes to make his image bigger than it is he surprised photographers by allowing extra photos to be taken. He even gave audience members high fives and made funny jokes. According to Jeff Asfahl, one of their biggest fans from Chicago, he was impressed. Was this real? It was plain to see that Billy Corgan really wanted to re-establish his career. I liked the energy on stage. He was great. The problem was the song selection. The crowd didn’t seem to really recognize a few and it seemed everyone was pissed that Zero wasn’t played. The crowd chanted it over and over but never did they play it. I would give them an A but for song selection and lack of Zero I will drop it to a B. We were the only magazine to get a photo of the song set list though. Score!

Sunday’s lineup was the most mild and the crowd didn’t get large until the evening. Joe Purdy did ok scoring a B. Dar Williams’ folk style received a B too because by that time I wasn’t hearing much variety in that style of music. Not her fault. She did talk a lot between most songs which was cool to hear the meaning but not so cool as it detracted from the flow of music.

I’d say my heart stopped when I heard the next band, Sara Watkins of Nickel Creek… .

Read the rest of this review plus see pictures and more at AltRevolt.com

Daniel C. Morrison aka: The Hit Man

TheLiveLine.com – where fans and artists go to shoot the sh** (used with permission from Alternative Revolt Magazine)

One of the hardest working guys I know not only promotes several record companies and a number of artists but he also works for a very cool business, TheLiveLine.com. This company allows fans to call a number and listen to a recorded message left by an actual famous artist of their choice to see what the latest thing going on in their lives is. Not only that, but a fan can also receive a text by the artist of what they’re into or what they’re about to get into. To make it sweeter, sometimes the artist will answer the phone and talk to you if they’re super cool and not super busy. Want to know who some of these artists are? Scott Ian (Anthrax), Dez Fafara (DevilDriver), Burton C Bell (Fear Factory), Maria Brink (In This Moment), and many more.

Not only do they have an amazingly simple and effective idea for promoting businesses, their idea behind fan-to-artist mobile phone interaction is cool and unique which will probably be as important as society has made Twitter. Their press release sounds mighty inviting: “The website allows our talent to create AudioBlogs, and anyone can call them at a number we assign them for FREE. This itself is cool to be able to hear their actual voice, and interact with fans. Fans can even leave voice messages for the Artists, and you never know, the artist may just answer the phone and start talking to you! Every time an artist updates their AudioBlog, a text alert goes out.

Try it for yourself, and give Maria Brink a call for FREE: (877) 306-2742. Who is Maria Brink? The delicious singer of “In This Moment” who also was featured in Playboy.

TheLiveLine.com has an updated version which will go live very soon and you don’t want to miss out on this huge ordeal. You can see a glimpse now at http://www.theliveline.com

What interested me equally was a section they have called “Purgatory.” This is a cool concept where unknown artists get a chance to score a spot with the big boys on the site. Basically, an unknown artist tries to gain 1,000 fans. Until they do they stay in “purgatory” but once they get that number of fans they achieve a spot with the already-knowns. So, to get a bit more understanding here is an interview with someone who knows all about TheLiveLine.com, Scott Holmen.

THE INTERVIEW

Daniel/AR: The idea behind theliveline.com is very cool. It’s been tested for a couple years if my information is correct. What prompted the idea and how did it get moving so fast and successfully?

Scott/TheLiveLine: We were aware that the technology was available but mostly being applied to retail marketing. We approached our parent company with the idea of using their existing technology and applying it to the entertainment industry.

Daniel/AR: Tell me a typical scenario how a fan could benefit from joining.

Scott/TheLiveLine: In addition to getting updates from Artists IN THE ARTISTS’ OWN VOICE, fans on TheLiveLine have access to exclusive contests, promotions, alerts and access to our “Talent Family”.

Daniel/AR: What is the cost to join?

Scott/TheLiveLine: It is absolutely FREE to be a fan or an artist on TheLiveLine.

Daniel/AR: Tell me a typical scenario of how a business could benefit from this. Let’s say the name of the business was Envy Anna Jones or Eggshell White Castle.

Scott/TheLiveLine: The businesses that are coming alongside TheLiveLine see the value of several components that we produce. A business is able to access fans, via their mobile device, which is the most immediate and relevant way to reach their targeted demographic today. We are able to serve highly targeted text, voice and web communications on behalf of these businesses.

Daniel/AR: How would you compare this to Twitter which is what I thought of initially?

Scott/TheLiveLine: We are different than twitter in that we have incorporated an Audio component in TheLiveLine. On twitter, you can’t be too sure who is tweeting on behalf of an artist. Frequently, an administrator is generating the tweets. With TheLiveLine, you are HEARING your favorite artists voice SECONDS after they record their AudioBlog and are provided with a way to engage in 2-way communication with them.

Daniel/AR: When theliveline.com is complete what are all the great things one can expect from visiting it and being a member?

Scott/TheLiveLine: As we continue to build out TheLiveLine we expect to facilitate event based mobile experiences where we are at shows allowing fans to engage with the artists via picture 2 screen text to screen, voting, and providing mobile deals on merch, concessions, etc.
We will be able to provide fans and brands with highly relevant information that they will want based on some of the information that they request. For example, a metal fan will request and get information around metal music, metal merch, metal events, etc.

Daniel/AR: Your “purgatory” is a very cool idea. To what extent will theliveline.com go to make sure these artists get known?

Scott/TheLiveLine: We are huge proponents of the “up & comers”. We have already used our resources to book shows for some of these smaller bands. We truly believe that as Artists see a company in this “Dog Eat Dog” world that you so accurately describe come along side of them and help them with publicity, brand building, management, and bringing them into our network within the entertainment business they will reciprocate by providing TheLiveLine with new content, traffic and otherwise reciprocating. Scratching each others backs if you will.

Daniel/AR: Anything else you’d like to have everyone know?

Scott/TheLiveLine: We would love fan feedback on our TheLiveLine. We would love to know other bands that you would like to connect with through TheLiveLine. This site is meant to cater to the fans so I would hope that they would be generous in letting us know what they want. We will do everything we can to make this site the ultimate site for engaging with artists and gathering information about entertainment.

Daniel/AR: Even though this isn’t an artist interview I’ll throw you a famous question curve ball just the same. If theliveline.com dominated all businesses and could change the way people paid for services what would the change be, would Bill Gates care at all and would it affect the afterlife in any way?

Wow. That is a big question!

1. Ultimately , payment for services would be made by brands that see the tremendous return on getting targeted, relevant information in front of fans on TheLiveLine. This way, fans are only present with information/advertising that they would want to see and advertisers see a high rate of return on their advertising dollars because of this.

2. I hope that Bill Gates would care. If TheLiveLine is “dominating all businesses” we would likely come up on his radar in a meaningful way.

3. As to the afterlife, one can only hope that energy put forth in this life affects the afterlife but I am hardly in a position to speak to these mysteries with any definitive conviction. For now I’ll just trust that if we “do good then good will follow us”.

Daniel/AR: Thank you very much for talking a bit about this amazing concept. Being one for the major and not-so-major artists together in one place is worth telling people about. I wish you all the best.

Daniel C. Morrison aka: The Hit Man

MUSIC REVIEW FOR TAPROOT’S “Plead The Fifth” (used with permission from Alternative Revolt Magazine)

I’m a huge fan of the song “Poem” way back when and, luckily, TAPROOT has pleased me more than any of their other albums. Granted, I didn’t listen to all of them but now that I heard their latest I must insist I pay closer attention to the decade before.

Their latest “Plead The Fifth” has a killer song on the radio that you’ve probably already heard called “Fractured (Everything I Said Was True)” but there are 2 songs on the cd before you ever get to it. Honestly, these first two songs didn’t do a whole lot for me which is ok because once I got to their radio song it was like hearing “Poem” all over again, as far as making me joyful.

You can definitely tell emotion was packed into this cd. You have some awesome crunching guitar riffs, thundering bass, drums that hurt your ears and their unique harmonies. Production value is excellent and the hard rock, point-on lyrics and excellent chord arrangements gave me a surreal dreamy experience. Every song after the third song hit right at home and I found the cd worthy of an entire playthrough which is rare. Tim and Adam Patalon outdid themselves with the production and engineering!

“Words Don’t Mean A Thing” and “Left Behind” could very well be my favorites but it is very hard to pick because “Release Me” grabs me as well. Every other song does something to me. I feel refreshed like I did back when I used music to inspire my comic book drawing. In fact I want to kind of punch something right now.

If you liked their latest radio song, give this cd a listen to. If you liked their older stuff but didn’t quite grab you right then give this cd a listen to. If you like meat and potatoes for music the give this cd a listen to. If you like things flavored strawberry I don’t really care. But if you do listen to this cd while you enjoy the taste. All in all Taproot’s “Plead the Fith” goes in my mp3 player as an entire album with every one of Breaking Benjamin, Chevelle, Ardor and Sick Puppies latest album. Excellent job Taproot, I give your latest album an A!

REVIEW FOR TAPROOT’S “Plead the Fifth” TOUR in Louisville, KY

I need to start this review off by saying “wow!” Every band that performed at Taproot’s show simply banged it out. Everyone belonged. Not one act stood still. The stage was not merely a platform to support weight but a wooden trampoline to represent decibel mayhem.

After nearly 40 shows Taproot was winding down but only metaphorically. Leading up to their solid performance was an ensemble that smoked the stage and simply knew how to rock it out. I got mad at my nearly broken toe because I wanted to hop around as well, to absorb the energy that normally involves a heavy thunderstorm.

First off, there was a local Louisville, KY band called Nothing Wrong. Armed with a lead singer whose face was painted in a Slipknot fashion, a guitarist and bassist seeming to mismatch physically but rock poetically and a drummer that was determined to show why they belonged on the opening stage for Taproot, they did it right. The screams were there, the deep, gritty sound was all action and the energy that busted through the room, especially by the singer, was just what the show needed to open the door. After the show they told me that they have a variety of different musical styles but picked scream metal because of the appropriateness of the lineup. Fair enough. Their performance was an A and their music was just a grade lower for my personal taste. However for heavy hitting metal most would probably give them an A for that. And why not? They scored an opening gig for Powerman 5000 here in November. Rock!

Next up was a band that shocked the crap out of me. If you would have looked on the floor behind me you might have seen crap. They are called Destrophe. This band had the energy I stated previously but had some awesome chord arrangements, effects and quite enjoyable singing ability. To make things better their humble nature poured out into the crowd. It was like being slapped with a steak dinner and steak dessert free of charge. Don’t believe me? One of their fans who called herself their number one fan drove all the way from Rhode Island to see them. Lauren was her name and with her was possibly Destrophe’s number two fan, Nicole. Both paraded proudly and even had their breasts signed by the band. Go Destrophe! I give them a solid A across the board for both music and performance!

Then, after quite a stage presence, a group called Ice Nine Kills hops on stage and pounced around in the same enigmatic glory that Nonpoint gives. Spit, sweat, blood and tears soaked the stage as they murdered the ears on my head. While I didn’t find much variety in the songs, their performance was a solid A while their music was around a B-. However, as I like to state, hard metal fans would slap me for being like that. To them I say, “Sorry. But they did act like the sweat glands of Zeus on stage!”

Then, as if Zeus didn’t want to give me a break he pours out a band called Anew Revolution and again, a mighty show prevailed on stage. With a sound similar to the other bands I have to give their music a B but their performance was another rock solid A. This band was amazing to watch! I couldn’t believe that every band, including Anew Revolution hit such high marks with their sound and energy. How could Taproot top this?

Finally, Taproot took the stage and found a way to close with a magical performance that only outdid the others barely. The reason being was not the music which rocked balls but because of their fan interaction. Unlike most other artists I’ve seen, Stephen was making the hardcore fans nestled up tightly against the stage all warm and cozy by making the girls wet as he looked in their eyes while singing, rubbing people’s heads, fist bumping and playing with hats, and making the guys feel like a part of the band by holding the microphone up to some of them so they could do some screaming parts of Taproot’s songs. Not only that but at one time he took the camera from a woman and filmed the audience from his point of view and then gave it back. He even passed around bottles of water to emphasize the act of sharing most likely to reflect the message of one of the songs.

Nick, their newest drummer of the last two years, was right at home with the band hammering away those poor drums as if his life depended on it. Phil’s performance with the bass was as if his body disappeared and nothing was there but a bass jammin’ out. This guy was way too modest during the rocking interview you read. If I could play bass at a professional level his demeanor would be an inspiration. Even Mike showed he had a pair as he took front and center with his awesome leads and frantic rhythm and giving fan love when he could.

Although not as crappy as blowing his knee out when he used to play hockey, something sucky did happen to Stephen on stage. This guy rocked so hard that he…

Read the rest of this review plus see pictures and more at AltRevolt.com

Daniel C. Morrison aka: The Hit Man

MUSIC REVIEW FOR LUCID FLY’S “the escape stage” EP (used with permission from Alternative Revolt Magazine)

Once again I am pleased after listening to an unsigned artist’s album. You may recall the interview I did with beautiful Nikki, lead singer of Lucid Fly (check out our previous issue if you didn’t.) When I was awaiting their excellently produced CD, both artwork and music, I felt like a puppy waiting for my owner to come home. I listened to the songs on their press kit and knew I had to check out more of them. When the review copy came I wagged my make-believe tail and hurried to give it a listen.

The CD starts out with “dirge,” a song that really gets it going. It is followed by “dramatis personae” which continues to keep me salivating. As the world of Lucid Fly unfolds even further in my ears with songs “alohum” and “back & forth” I start to experience being on a beautiful island with hints of danger and adventure. Then they pull out an epic ending appropriately titled “means to an end.” Sadly, that was the end.

When I finished this thrill ride of a CD I immediately saw why this band is compared to Evanescence which is never a bad thing. They will achieve a rightful place in the national music scene, I feel. On this album every instrument combines to give a solid heavy sound but not so heavy it requires screaming. Pieces of each song tend to pull a little melody and slow the pulse before kicking it back up a notch.

Again I am pleased with another unsigned artist. I did notice that as the EP went on the variety in song variety seemed get that feeling of sameness. I am only a fan of a CD where each song sounds similar if the style is good but it always takes it down a slight notch for me anyway. I say this because I slightly take the grade down from an A to an A- but want you to know that it is damn good! However, discography-wise, this band is a solid A across the board. Check them out immediately at www.lucidfly.com

Read the review plus see pictures and more at AltRevolt.com

Daniel C. Morrison aka: The Hit Man

MUSIC REVIEW – Fateless Tears “The Chaise” (used with permission from Alternative Revolt Magazine)

I know bands strive to have their own identity. As more and more artists blaze the scene, thanks to the internet, you sometimes find that new sound and most of the time you find similar sounding acts. Fateless Tears falls somewhere in the middle.

I can’t help but say that they remind me a lot of Dream Theater and 80’s metal although not quite Metallica par. I hear hints of Megadeth, Helmet and even Prong but with a female vocalist touch. You get the rhythmic, metal guitar riffs and chords, the fast paced drums but you also get a keyboard arrangement that speeds up and down as well. Also, like Dream Theater you sometimes get pieces of a song that rock while other pieces lose their appeal. Then, you’ll get back to an awesome lead guitar or arrangement that puts you back in the game.

The first two songs, “Flicker” and “Halogen Dawn 2” keep a pretty steady pace at reminding me why I wanted to interview them (see the article/interview in this issue.) S. Lee’s vocals are light and adds mysteriousness. I like her approach at mood setting.

Once track 3 comes along I am knocked off balance with “Virulent” which I guess I should be due to its definition (one of my Master Vampires in my yet to be released vampire epic novel is named Virulant.) You have Richard Lee doing his vocal gruffness and, in my opinion, isn’t working for this song. S. Lee comes in later to help out but for me it just doesn’t mix that well. Then we have a change that brings in cool guitar leads and I get back to that vocal combination and it keeps punching at me. I guess it’s as the name suggest.

Heading on to track 4, “Harbinger”, I am introduced to a pretty cool song because it has a bunch of quality changeups with lead scales and rhythms that make me think suddenly I found my way in dream land. I like this one the best so far.

Next up, “Firestorm” has a cool soundtrack intro and I wonder where this cool intro is going to go. S. Lee comes in and it starts to get a little Evanescence like. Then I hear Richard in the background and his gruff voice actually adds a nice element to this song. The movie “Legend” pops into my head but not because of the band Tangerine Dream, which this band sounds nothing like, but because I can see a long journey taking place.

“Cycles” comes after this. It has that 80’s metal feel like the album started out. It’s ok but I’m starting to sense a repetition in style so I head to the next song, Halogen Dawn.

For a softer approach this song is pretty decent. I didn’t find myself wanting to hurry through it. This was one I enjoyed on their Myspace page. Almost my favorite one on this CD so far.

Read the rest of this review plus see pictures and more at AltRevolt.com

Daniel C. Morrison aka: The Hit Man