Candlelight Red
“The Wreckage”
Label: Imagen Records
10 Tracks
Total Length: 30:48

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

When I received this album to review, I was unfamiliar with the band. I did some research and found only a little bit of info as this band is fairly new and this is their first album. Well let me tell you this album is freaking intense. I am glad I hear about these guys for sure. They are heavy and remind me of a mix between From Autumn to Ashes mixed with Bullet for My Valentine (two of my favorite bands BTW). If you love hard rock, this is a album you must check out.

One of my favorite tracks right off the bat is “The Wreckage”. All of the songs are all fast, catchy and really rock hard. The album is a little short but I feel that it still delivers some punch. “Medicated” is so loud and fast. The song is easily my second favorite on the album. Overall there is not a bad track on the album and that is usually hard to say (besides the “Intro” which is just 46 seconds). I say this is a great debut album and I can’t wait to see what this band is going to deliver down the road.

Track listing:
1. Intro
2. The Dirt
3. Closer
4. Gone Forever
5. The Wreckage
6. Bend and Break
7. Scream
8. Medicated
9. In Your Hands
10. She’s Got The Look

Judas Priest
“The Chosen Few”
Legacy Recordings
17 Tracks
Length: 78 minutes

Our Score: 5 out out 5 stars

I have been listening to Judas Priest since the last 80’s but it has been a while since I cranked them up. Putting this new compilation album on brought it all right back like it was yesterday. So why is this just NOT another collection of great songs…these tracks were selected by other heavy metal and hard rock musicians. I think that is a mega cool idea since it is not just the same old “greatest hits”, it is a look into today’s well known artists and their personal favorites. I agree with every track put on this album, it is a real tribute to the bands music.

This album is packed with 17 great tracks including some of my personal favorites “Living After Midnight”, “Victim of Changes”, “Breaking the Law” and of course “You’ve Got Another Thing Coming”. The album runs the limits of a CD length hitting just over 78 minutes. If you are a fan of Judas Priest and are interested with this unique approach then this is a no brainer. If you are just getting into Priest then this is the best album to start with since it is the best chosen by the best.

1. “Diamonds & Rust” (Chosen by Joe Elliot of Def Leppard)
2. “Dissident Aggressor” (Chosen by Steve Vai and Geoff Tate of Queensrÿche)
3. “Exciter” (Chosen by the members of Accept)
4. “Beyond The Realms Of Death” (Chosen by Lars Ulrich of Metallica)
5. “Delivering The Goods” (Chosen by Kerry King of Slayer)
6. “The Green Manalishi (With the Two Prong Crown)” (Chosen by David Coverdale of Whitesnake and Randy Blythe of Lamb of God)
7. “The Ripper” (Chosen by Ozzy Osbourne)
8. “Victim of Changes” (Chosen by James Hetfield of Metallica)
9. “Breaking the Law” (Chosen by Lemmy of Motörhead)
10. “Rapid Fire” (Chosen by Vinnie Paul of Pantera and Hellyeah)
11. “Grinder” (Chosen by Zakk Wylde of Black Label Society)
12. “Living After Midnight” (Chosen by Alice Cooper and Geezer Butler of Black Sabbath)
13. “Screaming for Vengeance” (Chosen by Slash of Guns N’ Roses and Velvet Revolver)
14. “You’ve Got Another Thing Coming” (Chosen by Klaus Meine of Scorpions and Corey Taylor of Slipknot)
15. “The Sentinel” (Chosen by Chris Jericho of Fozzy)
16. “Turbo Lover” (Chosen by Jonathan Davis of Korn)
17. “Painkiller” (Chosen by Joe Satriani)

She & Him
A Very She & Him Christmas
Label: Merge Records
Length: 33 minutes
12 Tracks

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

There is only one way to describe this album…”An instant classic”. I have been waiting for Zooey Deschanel to release a Christmas album since she teased us with her amazing singing in 2003’s “Elf”. Here voice is just meant to sing holiday music. The album includes 12 folk/indie covers of classic Christmas songs. I can easily see She & Him’s version of these songs catching on to become the “norm” popular version of these great classics.

There is just something about Zooey Deschanel’s voice that makes this a total kick-back and relax Christmas album. Her voice is really mellow but also uplifting which makes for a unique folk take on these tracks. What I like most is the track “Baby It’s Cold Outside”, which Zooey is known singing in the movie “Elf”, role reversal with her and M. Ward, which is really fun. The rendition of “Blue Christmas” is one of my new favorite version of this song.  “Little Saint Nick” and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” are definitely two of the most fun tracks on the album.

Overall I think this will be my new favorite Christmas album of the year if not the last few years. I also see this album sticking around on my iPhone even after the holidays are over. If you are fan of great Christmas music, then you need to check this album out and help it put you in the real mood for this year’s upcoming holiday.

Track list:
1. “The Christmas Waltz”
2. “Christmas Day”
3. “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”
4. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”
5. “Christmas Wish”
6. “Sleigh Ride”
7. “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”
8. “Silver Bells”
9. “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”
10. “Blue Christmas”
11. “Little Saint Nick”
12. “The Christmas Song”

Andy Timmons
“Andy Timmons Band Plays Sgt. Pepper”
Label: Favored Nations Entertainment
Running Time: 48 minutes
14 Tracks

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

The Beatles “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” is definitely one of the best albums ever released. It has been redone many times by various bands. This re-imagination by guitarist Andy Timmons is a fresh take and done all-instrumental. Andy Timmons is no joke on that guitar and really perfects this album. He also sheds a real amazing new light on the already perfect tracks. This isn’t just an overnight album either supposedly it took two years to complete. Of course the original The Beatles “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” is still the best…this is a very true and honorable cover.

Every song on this album is just so strong and vibrant. Supposedly when working on this album, Andy Timmons did it all from memory and never once referenced the original album. Andy’s guitar work is stunning and totally jaw-dropping especially on tracks like “Within You Without You” and “The Benefit of Mr. Kite”. Usually when you have cover albums it is never true to the original but this one tracks along side the original and adds a new level of greatness.

What is also very cool as well is that Andy included the track “Strawberry Fields Forever”, which was original meant to be released on “Sgt. Pepper”. That rendition of the song is just breathtaking. If you are a fan of amazing guitar work or Beatles fan this is must. A MUST!

Track list:
1. Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band
2. With a Little Help From My Friends
3. Lucy In the Sky With Diamonds
4. Getting Better
5. Fixing a Hole
6. She’s Leaving Home
7. Being For the Benefit of Mr. Kite!
8. Within You, Without You
9. When I’m Sixty-Four
10. Lovely Rita
11. Good Morning, Good Morning
12. Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise)
13. A Day In the Life
14. Strawberry Fields Forever

The Jigsaw Seen
Winterland
It’s Alive! Media
10 tracks
30 minutes

Our Score: 2 out 5 stars

I am sorry to say this but from the first note on the CD, I knew I wasn’t going to like this album. This album tells a story which showcases the group’s take on the season. The leader singer, Dennis Davison voice is very mellow and a little winy especially in the first track “What about Christmas?”. I can see his voice really kicking some ass perhaps with some much faster music. I think the most exciting part of this album is the insert page with its paper snow surprise.

One song that I did in enjoy is “Candy Cane”, it is faster pace and has a good beat. “Circle of Steel”, I thought sounded like a like a total rip off of Gordon Lightfoot song but it turns out it in fact IS a Gordon Lightfoot song. “Christmas Behind Me” sounds like it belongs in a western film. “December” is instrumental and runs less than two minutes. Overall nothing really jumps out as extraordinary on this disc.

I should also point out that I am bit of holiday music snob as I love good holiday themed music. This doesn’t capture the holiday spirit at all and leave you wanting to listen to real Christmas music. The album is also very short and only runs about 30 minutes. If you want to check out a great new folk Christmas album this Holiday season, check out She & Him: “A Very She & Him Christmas”. It is amazing. This one not so much.

Track list:
1. What about Christmas?
2. December
3. Snow Angels of Pigtown
4. Woman Loves the Season
5. Candy Cane
6. Circle of Steel
7. Christmas Behind Me
8. First Day of the New Year
9. Dreams of Spring
10. Winterland’s Gone

Location: House of Blues, Orlando FL
Date: October 19, 2011
Bands: Bush, Chevelle and Filter

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Attending this concert was like heading back in time to the mid 90’s.  I was blasted back to my teens listening to Bush and Filter in the early 90’s.  Chevelle though was more around 2002-2004, during their peak years.  Either way this concert is a great combination of hard rock.  The concert was held at one of my favorite venues House of Blues at Downtown Disney in Orlando, FL.  This venue is very intimate and very accessible.  Overall the concert was decent but not up to par as to what I was expecting.  I felt like it was missing that spark. I think I would have changed the lineup and had Chevelle open followed by Filter and then lead into Bush.

We started off with Filter lead by Richard Patrick.  He had some mega energy and was right in the middle of the crowd…I mean literally.  He was crowd surfing while singing.  It was cool finally getting a chance to see them live.  I have been a fan for many many years and still have my “Short Buss” cassette tape…that’s right kids cassette tape.  The set was only eight short songs running about 30 minutes but they really did amp up the audience and kick off the night well.  They even got all the classics in like “Hey Man Nice Shot”, which was their last song and they went off with a bang.  We even got a chance to meet up with Richard Patrick after their set.  Which is another reason why I love this venue, the bands are very accessible.

Chevelle came on stage next and definitely brought the energy.  The crowd was roaring but I felt they where sort of upstaged by Richard Patrick antics prior from Filter.  There set was loud and intense and the audience was cheering, but I wasn’t totally feeling it.  I used this opportunity to set back from the open pit to get some air and re-collect waiting for Bush.  They definitely played all the hits though and got the best responses from “Send the Pain Below” and “The Red”. Good music but band wasn’t very engaging.

When Bush came on things got a little nuts especially since people were all boozed up by that time.  They blasted out on stage and the energy was very high and they jumped right into it with “Machinehead”.  Everyone was singing along and jamming.  I had one major problem though…Gavin Rossdale was very drowned out by the guitars and backgrounds.  I enjoy loud music but his voice was getting major lost. They mixed in quite a few songs from their new album “The Sea of Memories”…and the energy cooled down.  I don’t blame them for playing them since it is the main reason why they are touring.  I actually enjoy the new album.  The concert did end on a high note as they delivered the goods with the encore covering The Beatles “Come Together” and playing their classics “Glycerine” and “Comedown”.

Filter set list:
1. Welcome to the Fold
2. Drug Boy
3. No Love
4. Gimme All Your Lovin’ (ZZ Top cover)
5. (Can’t You) Trip Like I Do
6. Take a Picture
7. The Best Things
8. Hey Man Nice Shot

Chevelle set list
1. Family System
2. Jars
3. Get Some
4. Antisaint
5. Sleep Apnea
6. Face to the Floor
7. The Clincher
8. Letter From a Thief
9. Send the Pain Below
10. The Red
11. Vitamin R (Leading Us Along)
12. I Get It

Bush set list:
1. Machinehead
2. All My Life
3. The Chemicals Between Us
4. The Sound of Winter
5. Everything Zen
6. I Believe In You
7. The People That We Love
8. Greedy Fly
9. The Heart of the Matter
10. All Night Doctors
11. Swallowed
12 .The Afterlife
13. Little Things
Encore:
14. Come Together (The Beatles cover)
15. Glycerine
16. Comedown

Fallon Bowman
“Human Conditional”
Social Unrest Records
Producer: Justin Johnson
Tracks: 11

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

“Human Conditional” is the first solo release by founding Kittie vocalist/guitarist Fallon Bowman. The album features 11 new tracks that cover a variety of musical genres. “Human Conditional was produced by Justin Johnson and is being released via Bowman’s own record label Social Unrest Records. The band consists of Fallon Bowman on Guitar/Vocals, Josiah Sherman- Keys, Keith Lowe- Bass, Brian Oaks- Guitars and Justin Johnson- drums, keys and back ground vocals. “Human Conditional” is the follow up release to Bowman’s previous band Amphibious Assault’s 2007 album “On Better Days and Sin-Eating”.

I was very surprised upon listening to “Human Conditional”. Until now I always had the picture of Fallon sporting bright pink/red hair screaming lyrics to songs like “Brackish”. However “Human Conditional” showed a side of Fallon that until now I don’t think I or many others had seen before. Songs like “Force Me Not To Breathe Again” and “Make Up Your Mind” sport catchy choruses that have you singing along on the first listen. While the synth infused “Mistake: Retake” combines heavy guitars with Bowman’s melodic vocal stylings. “Human Conditional” features a great mix making all the instrumentation contained on the album really enjoyable to listen to.

Fallon Bowman’s “Human Conditional” is a great listen from start to finish. Though much different than her previous releases the album is very fresh. “Human Conditional” might not be heavy enough for fans of Fallon’s previous work but for me “Human Conditional” had everything I look for in an album.

Track Listing:
1.)    Human Conditional
2.)    Force Me Not To Breathe Again*
3.)    In Your Room
4.)    Make Up Your Mind*
5.)    Laughing With me
6.)    Rio De Janeiro
7.)    Love Affair
8.)    Tales From The Fourth Floor
9.)    Mistakes: Retake*
10.)  Disappearance
11.)  The Empty Space

JT Hodges is a new up-and-coming  country music singer. He recently signed with  Show Dog-Universal Music and released his debut single “Hunt You Down”, which has been blowing up on the country radio.  JT is currently touring with Toby Keith and Eric Church throughout the country.  Media Mikes had a chance to chat with JT about his music and about touring.

Mike Gencarelli: Tell us the story behind how the song “Hunt You Down” came to be and now hitting high on the charts?
JT Hodges: I guess the story of the song is I got a opportunity for a private tour of Graceland about 14 months ago.  I had family in Memphis and went back and forth from Ft. Worth, TX to Memphis all the time when I was a kid…but I never got to go to Graceland.  I got to go and I spent about six hours there.  I stayed up till about 3am in the morning on Beale street celebrating and just soaking all of Memphis in.  I had a writing session back in Nashville the next day with Rivers Rutherford.  I walked in a little red eyed, I’ll never forget, he asked where I was and I told him about the night and my experience.  He told me he was born and raised in Memphis, which I didn’t know.  I had a riff and 45 minutes later we grabbed it out of the air.  The music Gods blessed us that day…it was cool.

MG: I love that video too with you walking down Beale street.
JTH: Yeah man, we went back to Memphis to shoot it.  It had to be shot down on Beale street! It was a good time.

MG: You know you are going to be responsible for bringing back whistling right?
JTH: Well man, there is a funny story behind the whistling though.  It was a little early in the morning and I was a little under the weather.  It was too high for me to be singing the melody…so I was whistled the melody.  Once we wrote the song, the whistling came back and it works.  It was fun.

MG: Who has been your musical inspiration in your life?
JTH: I grew up in a studio.  It was in cow town, so country music was prominent.  I love George Strait.  I was really into the group Blackhawk.  A lot of the 90’s country stuff really, I had it in for.  There was also this audio library ranging from John Melloncamp to The Eagles to Elvis Presley to Buddy Holly.  There are so many great artists out there.  I am also inspired by great songs.

MG: Give us a few highlights touring with Toby Keith and Eric Church on the Locked & Loaded tour?
JTH: Every show has really been a highlight personally for me and the band, since we are getting better and better.  Really it is great just getting to have one-on-one time with Toby and Eric, talking music and just hanging out.   It has been a very relaxed tour.  We leave it all out on the stage.

MG: What is going to be your next single and when can we expect album?
JTH: The album is looking like it is going to be towards the beginning of the year.  The same with the second single.  We got about three or four songs that we are considering.  It is a good problem to have that we have a lot of songs that we like.  The thing I tell everyone about this record is that just because you hear “Hunt You Down”, don’t expect the whole record to center around that song.  It is going to be a very diverse record.  I do everything in a frame but it is not just one thing I do.  I am looking forward to people seeing and hearing that.

MG: You are co-writing 9 out of the 11 songs on the album, how was it been writing your own songs?
JTH: Oh man, it has just been so great.   Nashville has the best songwriters in the world.  Just in the last year and a half, I have learned so much.  I am ten times a better writer than I was.  It has been a great process and I look forward to doing it more…and more.

MG: What are you plans after this tour ends?
JTH: I tell everyone I have been taking this whole thing one day at a time.  Not trying to look too far ahead and definitely not trying to look too far behind me.  There are some stuff lined up, I am getting to play the Opry at the Ryamn for the first time on November 4th.  I am looking forward to that opportunity.  There are some more shows lined up.  There are also some tour packages with some artists that we are trying to work on now but I am not giving that away just yet [laughs].

Sick Of It All
“Nonstop”
Century Media Records
Tracks: 20

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

As a fitting gesture to the Old School Hard Core scene legendary NY band Sick Of It All have compiled an album of re-recorded tracks titled “Nonstop”. The album features 20 tracks which have been re-recorded to commemorate the bands 25 year anniversary. The album was recorded at Tue Madsen’s Antfarm Studio and is being released via Century Media Records.

Fans of the 80’s/90’s hardcore scene will instantly be transported back to the hay day of basement shows and slam pits as Sick Of It All’s latest release “Nonstop” is a great reminder. Tracks such as “Sanctuary”, “Just Look Around” and “Pushed Too Far” conjured up some great memories from my teens. I was a little skeptical when I heard the album was only going to contain re-worked songs from the bands catalog. However I couldn’t have been more pleased with how the tracks sounded. The band still captured the original feel of the songs while adding an updated, polished sound which really in my opinion brought the tracks into a whole new light.

Sick Of It All’s “Nonstop” is a great tribute not only to the bands 25 year anniversary but to a scene that has long deserved recognition. Sick Of It All and a slew of other great bands from the Hard Core genre need to be recognized for their contributions and DIY attitude. “Nonstop” is a great starting point. Long time fans of the band will certainly enjoy the re-worked songs. For those new to Sick Of It All be prepared for 20 tracks of in your face NYC hardcore!

Track Listing:
1.) Clobberin’ Time
2.) Injustice System!
3.) Sanctuary
4.) Scratch The Surface
5.) Us Vs. Them.
6.) The Deal
7.) Just Look Around
8.) Ratpack
9.) World Full Of Hate
10.) Pushed Too far
11.) GI Joe Headstomp
12.) Never Measure Up
13.) Chip Away
14.) Busted
15.) Locomotive
16.) My Life
17.) Friends Like You
18.) Relentless
19.) No Labels
20.) Built To last

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Date: 10.14.2011
Location: 1-800-ASK GARY Amphitheater – Tampa, FL
Acts: Toby Keith, Eric Church, J.T. Hodges

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

I have to start with the fact that this was my first official country music concert. I have seen Southern rock bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd dozens of times but never really experienced the official country concert. Well, let me tell you it was quite an amazing experience. It started with us heading backstage to interview the next big country star J.T. Hodges in his trailer. After that we got situated in our seats and got ready for J.T. Hodges to hit the stage. J.T. Hodges is known best for his hit single “Hunt You Down”, which is flooding the radio waves. His album is set to drop early 2012 and it is going to be amazing! J.T. had great stage presence and only had the chance to play five songs but sealed the deal on every one of them. I tell you now give him a few months and he will leading the his headlining his next tour.

Eric Church took the stage next and immediately he had the audience in the palm of him hand. People roared out of their chairs and leaped to their feet. The energy was very intense and everyone was singing…including myself. One thing that I noticed about Eric is that he seemed really excited and passionate about his music. I think that is why his music has the power that it does.  Eric got to perform 13 songs and I am sure I am not the only one wishing he came back one for more. His biggest songs were definitely “Jack Daniels” and “I’m Gettin’ Stoned”.  Stay tuned to Eric Church because his album is only getting more popular and popular.

Honestly after J.T. great performance and Eric’s energy, I was beat and ready to call it a night but then there was….Toby Keith. This guy comes out on stage with fireworks, all the bells and whistles and blows up the audience. The crows was cheering beyond belief and got me all recharged. It was so energetic at the 1-800-ASK GARY Amphitheater as he belted out “American Ride”. From there on it was just one hit after another. I cannot wait for his new album Clancy’s Tavern which comes out Oct.25th and he made sure to play a punch of new songs from the album, which made me even more excited. After eight songs, he had his backup singer belt out “Lady Marmalade”, which gave everyone a chance to sit down and get drinks (definitely a chance for him to also chill   his voice). Of course Toby sang one of my favorite song “I Love This Bar”, which really got the crowd singing along. Throughout the rest of the concert, Toby was like the energizer bunny he just kept belting them out one after another totaling over 20 songs. I will be first in line next time he is our the Florida area for sure.

Eric Church set list
1. Creepin’
2. Hell on the Heart
3. Guys Like Me
4. Drink In My Hand
5. Jack Daniels
6. I’m Gettin’ Stoned
7. Springsteen
8. How Bout You
9. Love Your Love the Most
10. Lotta Boot Left to Fill
11. A Country Boy Can Survive
12. Homeboy
13. Smoke a Little Smoke

Toby Keith set list
1. American Ride
2. God Love Her
3. Made In America
4. I Need to Hear a Country Song
5. Clancy’s Tavern
6. Red Solo Cup
7. Get Drunk and Be Somebody
8. Whiskey Girl
9. Lady Marmalade
10. I Wanna Talk About Me
11. Does That Blue Moon Ever Shine on You
12. Who’s Your Daddy?
13. Ballad of Balad
14. As Good As I Once Was
15. I Love This Bar
16. Should’ve Been a Cowboy
17. Weed With Willie
18. Get Out of My Car
19. Beer For My Horses
20. How Do You Like Me Now!?
21. A Little Less Talk and a Lot More Action
Encore:
22. American Soldier
23. Courtesy Of The Red, White, and Blue

Josh Moore is the lead guitarist for the Metal-Core band We Came As Romans. Media Mikes had a chance recently to speak with Josh about the bands current release titled “Understanding What We’ve Grown To Be” as well as their upcoming tour with Hollywood Undead and Asking Alexandria.

Adam Lawton: What can you tell us about the band’s latest release?
Josh Moore: The album is called “Understanding What We’ve Grown To Be” and it was released in Mid-September. This is our second release through Equal Vision Records. The album is a little different than our first “To Plant A Seed”. The new album features some different guitar tunings which make the songs sound a little heavier. The vocals on this album are more honest and real to how life really is. When we recorded the first album we were all still very young. During the two years in between the albums we have all grown up and the lyrics have grown with us.

AL: How do you think the approach to this album differed from the previous?
JM: We recorded this album in two different sessions. I think we took about two2 weeks longer on this album than we did on “To Plant A Seed”. We did all the drums and pre-production during the first session, which was about two weeks long. From there we went on tour with A Day To Remember and then on to Europe where we headlined the Scream It Like You Mean It Tour. Straight from that we went back into the studio. The two months between studio sessions really gave everyone a lot of time to really listen to the songs and decided if they were going in the right direction. I even ended up writing a song while on tour in Europe that made it on to the album.  I was pretty stoked about that. Everything was done differently with the new CD.

AL: Do you have a favorite track off the new album?
JM: Probably the last song on the album which is the title track “Understanding What We’ve Grown To Be”. I think that is the best song we have ever put out as a band. I really like the flow of the song.

AL: What has been you experience being out on the road so far?
JM: It’s rough! There are a lot of ups and downs. I would say it’s probably not for everyone. We have been touring since early September and we will have had only one day off when everything wraps up in three months. It takes a strain on personal relationships and we don’t get to see our families that often. It’s a sacrifice we all had to make in order to play music and be an influence in people’s lives.

AL: Any funny stories from touring with A Day To Remember?
JM: One thing they had as part of their production for the tour was during the encore all these balloons would drop. For some reason when we were playing our last song one night the balloons came untied and they all started falling on us. They weren’t mad at us but they did leave a note on our door saying we owed them for all the balloons. (Laughs) On the last day of the tour some of our guys filled up a ton of balloons and filled their dressing room.

AL: Do you have a favorite track to play live each night?
JM: I really like playing “To Plant A Seed”. That is like a fan favorite. That song was also our biggest single of that album. Everyone sings and goes crazy during that song.

AL: What are the upcoming plans for the band?
JM: After this tour we fly to Australia where we are doing a week long run with The Devil Wears Prada. After that we fly to California and head out on tour with Hollywood Undead and Asking Alexandria as the co-headliners. That tour is going to be really good. Both those bands are doing really well, so it’s going to be awesome supporting them. When that tour ends we are going to do a short two week tour with Falling in Reverse and Sleeping with Sirens. We then have a short break for the holidays and will be back out on the road in mid January of 2012.

Be sure to check out our review of We Came As Romans newest release “Understanding What We’ve Grown To Be” and also check out our review of the bands show from Rochester, NY.

I’M ALIVE TOUR
Featuring: We Came As Romans, Miss May I, Of Mice And Men, Texas In July
and Close To Home
Date: Friday, October 14^th 2011
Venue: Water Street Music Hall, Rochester, NY

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

The I’M ALIVE tour featuring We Came As Romans, Miss May I, Of Mice And Men, Texas In July and Close To Home wrapped up its month long run in Rochester, NY on Oct. 14th. The show was held at the legendary Water Street Music Hall with the bands playing to a near capacity crowd. It was a predominately younger crowd for the metal-core tour package which featured a solid line up of today’s upcoming acts. The Michigan based band We Came As Romans were billed as the headlining act. The band is out touring in support of their newest release titled “Understanding What We’ve Grown To Be”. The album was released in Mid-September via Equal Vision Records.

Close To Home kicked off the night with a brief set which in my opinion was the spark that started off the night. The band played a tight set which got the crowd going from the first note. Texas In July took the stage next and provided a solid performance. Though there seemed to be little interaction between the crowd and the band the performance was still on point. Of Mice and Men were next and proved to be the catalyst that stepped the concert up a notch. OMAM vocalist Austin Carlile brought his A game which the crowd recognized by crowd surfing Carlile from the stage to the rear of the venue as the bands set came to a close. The Ohio based Miss May I were up next and continued to throw gasoline on the fire as an attempt was made to crowd surf 100 people over the security barricade. Last to take the stage was We Came As Romans. The band played song a variety of songs of their latest release as well as the bands 2009 release “To Plant A Seed. Despite being the last night of the tour We Came As Romans and all the other bands on the tour put on a great show.

Even though the venue seemed to be unprepared for the amount of fans wanting to get into the show each band put on a solid performance that made standing in the rain for almost 2 hours worth it. Of Mice and Men really put on a stellar performance that not only musically sounded good but seemed to really invoke the crowd into a rabid frenzy. By the time headliners We Came As Romans hit the stage the club was bursting with energy and people. At times throughout the set you could feel the club shake as fans moved from side to side. Water Street Music Hall despite the slowness of the ticket taking process is still a great place to see a show and, if you get a chance to see any of the bands featured on the I’M ALIVE tour definitely check them out as you won’t be disappointed!

Be sure to check out our album review of We Came As Romans “Understanding What We’ve Grown To Be” as well as our interview with lead guitarist Josh Moore.

We Came As Romans
“Understanding What We’ve Grown To Be”
Equal Vision Records
Producer: Joey Sturgis
Tracks: 12

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“Understanding What We’ve Grown To Be” is the follow up release to We Came As Roman’s 2009 release “To Plant A Seed”. The album features 12 new tracks from the Michigan based metal-core act and debuted at # 20 on Billboard’s Top 200. “Understanding What We’ve Grown To Be” was produced by Joey Sturgis (Asking Alexandria, Attack Attack!) and released via Equal Vision Records.

“Understanding What We’ve Grown To Be” is chocked full of catchy break downs and melodic vocal harmonies that I am sure will ensue the most fiercest of circle pits. Tracks such as “Mis//Understanding” “Stay Inspired” are shining examples of in your face metal-core. The albums title track “Understanding What We’ve Grown To Be” showcases the band as a hole providing a variety of stylistic performances both vocally and instrumentally. A person favorite of mine was the track “Cast The First Stone” which had some really intricate guitar playing combined with an interesting array of syth samples.

“Understanding What We’ve Grown To Be” overall I felt was a decent album. However, I would have liked to have heard a little more diversity from track to track. That aside “Understanding What We’ve Grown To Be” was enjoyable to listen to. If you are into bands such as Devil Wears Prada and A Day To Remember then you definitely will want to pick up the newest release from We Came As Romans titled “Understanding What We’ve Grown To Be”.

Track Listing:
1.)    Mis//Understanding
2.)    Everything As Planned
3.)    What I Wished I Never Had
4.)    Cast The First Stone
5.)    The Way That We Have Been
6.)    A War Inside
7.)    Stay Inspired
8.)    Just Keep Breathing
9.)    Views That Never Cease, To Keep me From myself
10.)  What My Heart Held
11.)  I Can’t Make Your Decisions For You
12.)  Understanding What We’ve Grown To Be

Be sure to check out our interview with We Came As Romans guitarist Josh Moore. Also check out our review of the bands show in Rochester, NY.

The Orlando Calling event is shaping up to be on the biggest tours that the Orlando area has seen in quite a while.  It is a two day festival, spanning from Nov 12-13th will include 60 bands planned to perform.  We are hoping to cover this event and be sure to get some excellent coverage and interviews from the bands.  If you would like to get tickets for this event you can do so by clicking here.

The full Orlando Calling lineup includes:

Saturday, Nov. 12: The Killers, The Pixies, Avett Brothers, The Roots, The Raconteurs, O.A.R., Gavin DeGraw, Iron and Wine, Pete Yorn, Jenny & Johnny, Civil Twilight, Lucero, Dr. Dog, Justin Townes Earle, Felice Brothers, Ben Solee, Renee & the Translators

Sunday, Nov. 13: Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band, Kid Rock & Twisted Brown Trucker, Blake Shelton, Doobie Brothers, Buddy Guy, the Warren Haynes Band, Chris Isaak, Dwight Yoakam, Robert Randolph & the Family Band, Flatlanders, Los Lonely Boys, Blues Traveler, Brandi Carlile, the David Mayfield Parade, Michelle Branch, the Supervillains

Day Ticket prices for Saturday / Sunday:
Stage 1 Field Access – $87.50 + $5.75 tax + Fees
General Admission Field Access for Stage 1
General Admission Field Access for Stages 2, 3 and 4

Stage 1 Reserved – $87.50 + $5.75 tax + Fees
Reserved Seating for Stage 1
General Admission Field Access for Stages 2, 3 and 4

Weekend Ticket prices for Saturday / Sunday:
Stage 1 Field Access – $160 + $10.50 Tax + Fees
General Admission Field Access for Stage 1
General Admission Field Access for Stages 2, 3 and 4

Stage 1 Reserved – $160 + $10.50 Tax + Fees
Reserved Seating for Stage 1
General Admission Field Access for Stages 2, 3 and 4

Also available are VIP tickets for each day, weekend packages and ultimate VIP packages.  Click here to find out more info on how to purchase tickets.

Be sure to follow Orlando Calling on Facebook and Twitter.  Here is a link to their official website: http://orlandocalling.com

Knight Area
“Nine Paths”
The Lasers Edge
Producer: Neil Kernon
Tracks: 9

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

“Nine Paths” is the 4^th release from the Dutch band Knight Area. The album was produced by well known producer Neil Kernon (Cannibal Corpse, Queensryche). Knights Area is a 5 member group lead by Mark Smit on vocals, Gerben Klazinga- keyboards, Pieter van Hoorn- drums, Gijs Koopman on bass and Taurus pedals and Mark Vermeule on guitars. Together the band creates a interesting blend of progressive rock.

“Nine Paths” is a blistering assault on the musical senses as the album covers a variety of sounds that all may not be heard without multiple listenings. The album was one part Dream Theater and one part Europe. Mark Smit has a very melodic sounding voice that lends itself very well alongside the key work Gerben Klazinga on tracks such as “The River”.While songs like “Pride and Joy” feature the fantastic bass and guitar grooves of Gijs Koopman and Mark Vermeule. Though the album is a progressive rock album there was a very jazz/easy listening element to the album which I thought was an interesting approach.

Though “Nine Paths” might not be heavy enough for some progressive rock fans it is a fairly easy listen for those just venturing into the genre. Each track on the album was very rich and showcased each members proficiency at their instruments

Track Listing:
1.)    Ever Since You Killed Me
2.)    Summerland
3.)    Please Come Home
4.)    Clueless
5.)    The River
6.)    Pride and Joy
7.)    The Balance
8.)    Wakerun
9.)    Angel’s Call