Gibson Launches Gene Simmons EB-0 Bass
Available Worldwide on Gibson.com

International Rock Legend and Co-Founder of KISS
Partners with Gibson for Second Signature Bass, a Limited-Edition Run of 100 Guitars

Gibson, the iconic American instrument brand continues its multi-year partnership with Gene Simmons–international rock legend and co-founder of KISS, America’s #1 gold record award-winning group of all time, in all categories (RIAA)–to create the new Gene Simmons EB-0 Bass. The Gene Simmons EB-0 Bass is inspired by the same Bass that Gene played with KISS in the 1970s. The new Gene Simmons EB-0 Bass is a limited-edition run of 100 guitars and is available worldwide at authorized Gibson Custom Shop dealers and via www.gibson.com.

If you saw KISS perform their high-octane live shows and television appearances in the 1970s, you may have spotted the bass that inspired this signature model from Gene Simmons and Gibson Custom Shop. Based on Gene’s heavily modified 1959 EB-0, the new Gene Simmons EB-0 Bass is the first 30.5” scale bass from the Gibson Custom Shop and the first bass the Custom Shop has produced in quantity. The Gene Simmons EB-0 Bass features a VOS finish in Ebony, as well as VOS hardware throughout, in addition, Gene made several modifications to his EB-0, including refinishing it, reshaping the neck to a custom profile, replacing the pickup with a later model Gibson unit, and relocating it much closer to the bridge, installing a custom pickguard, a fingerboard with Corian nut, adding binding, and changing the original tuners to Grovers. The bridge was also replaced with a high-mass model and can now be strung through-body or as a top-loaded bridge. All of these details are faithfully represented in the new Gene Simmons EB-0 Bass from Gibson Custom Shop. A custom hardshell case as well as case candy developed in collaboration with Gene is also included.

METALLICA
“Too Far Gone? (Live from MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ – August 6, 2023)”
Digital Single Out Now
“Too Far Gone?”
Video Directed by Coan “Buddy” Nichols Live Now

“Too Far Gone? (Live from MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ – August 6, 2023),” a digital single capturing the debut M72 tour performance of the 72 Seasons standout track as played for some 80,000 fans on night two of the tour’s North American opening weekend. Hailed for “its roaring melody” by the OC Register in their review of Metallica’s recent record-breaking weekend at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, “Too Far Gone?” has quickly become a staple of the M72 No Repeat Weekend setlist rotation. Find out for yourself why the song has quickly become a fan favorite by giving “Too Far Gone? (Live from MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ – August 6, 2023)” a listen HERE.

As for the original studio version of “Too Far Gone?”… it’s been reimagined as a music video directed by Coan “Buddy” Nichols (The Original Skateboarder, The Body Corporate, Deathbowl to Downtown, Love Letters to Skateboarding). Through Nichols’ lens, “Too Far Gone?” becomes the score to raw Metallica performance footage intercut with action shots of pro skater Felipe Nunes. The energy levels of the two scenarios feed off one other, resulting in peak after peak of hyperkinetic intensity—plus a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cameo from Tony Hawk, who premiered the video yesterday at: https://youtu.be/T-6Cx-VxXxI

Metallica recently completed the first North American swing of its M72 World Tour September 9 in Glendale AZ. The band will make a headlining appearance October 8 at Power Trip at the Empire Polo Club in Indio CA, before M72 resumes with its next No Repeat Weekend taking place November 3 and 5 at the Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis MO.

KK’S PRIEST Premieres 13-Minute Documentary Detailing the Return of K.K. Downing and the Band’s Debut Performance

Watch the New Mini Documentary HERE

New Album, The Sinner Rides Again, out September 29, 2023
via Napalm Records | Pre-Order HERE

KK’S PRIEST – the iconic heavy metal group of iconic Judas Priest alum and GRAMMY Award winning/nominated musicians K.K. Downing (guitar) and Tim “Ripper” Owens (vocals), along with A.J. Mills (guitar), Tony Newton (bass) and Sean Elg (drums) – will proudly reveal their new sophomore offering, The Sinner Rides Again, on September 29, 2023 via Napalm Records!

Today, in anticipation of the approaching album release, the band has revealed a brand new, 13-minute documentary film directed by up and coming British filmmaker Sam Singer. The piece was filmed at the first official KK’S PRIEST show this past July 6, 2023 at KK’s Steel Mill in Wolverhampton, England. The documentary gives a raw, behind-the-scenes look at the band preparing for the concert, and includes exclusive live footage as well as personal commentary from K.K. Downing, Tim “Ripper” Owens, and the band.

On the heels of their highly-lauded 2021 debut album, Sermons Of The Sinner – which debuted within the Top 20 on charts in the United States, the UK, Germany, Sweden, Finland and more – KK’S PRIEST return to sin again! With The Sinner Rides Again, KK’S PRIEST double down on the ripping melodic force of their debut, Sermons Of The Sinner – which Metal Hammer UK dubbed “hugely enjoyable” and Metal Injection cited as boasting “catchy hooks and plenty of guitar wizardry”. The Sinner Rides Again wields nine tracks of pure hellfire, produced and written by Downing and mixed/mastered by Jacob Hansen.

After stepping out of the Judas Priest spotlight, the return of K.K. Downing was uncertain. Nearly ten years after its onset, the genre-defining guitar icon returned from his hiatus with proof that he was nowhere ready to cease writing classic metal songs or to put away his famous Flying V guitars – taking part in acclaimed international comeback performances (including with his former Judas Priest bandmates when they were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in November 2022) that would act as harbingers of the formation of KK’S PRIEST.

Downing was recently quoted saying, “We’ve lost a lot of great people – Dio, Lemmy, for example – but this amazing and unique style of music must be preserved for as long as possible and I feel it within me to continue to play my role, as I always have, and to defend this metal genre, which we all know and love.” The Sinner Rides Again is a testament to this call for the classics while speeding full force into the future, delivered by some of heavy metal’s most essential performers.

Media acclaim highlights for The Sinner Rides Again singles:

“The riffs fly at you at breakneck speed, the harmonized guitar solos are as sweet as they come, and those shreds will most certainly singe an eyebrow or two along the way.”
– Guitar World

“K.K. Downing at his very best!”
– Götz Kühnemund, Deaf Forever

“…tapping into the fist-pumping energy of classic heavy metal like it’s 1983 all over again.”
– Metal Hammer UK

The immense and intricate art for The Sinner Rides Again was created by talented artist Andy Pilkington.

A haunting introduction of dual guitars carries the listener into the thundering “Sons Of The Sentinel”, winding across a wasteland of burning riffs and a deftly dynamic guitar solo to kick off the record with relentless energy! The undeniably catchy anthem “Strike Of The Viper” proves itself as one of the album’s most unforgettable tracks, before “Reap The Whirlwind” crashes in with a classic heavy metal power thrust of soaring leads, hair-raising harmonics and earworm vocal hooks. First single “One More Shot At Glory” raises its sword high, instantaneously calling for battle with its opening riff and beckoning verses. Heroic chants and unrelenting double bass set the stage for a galloping midsection as a spine-tingling guitar solo commands the song. Striding “Hymn 66” commands with sultry, slow and low metallic punches and a bluesy gait, while massive title track “The Sinner Rides Again” straddles balladic passages and sinister, head-bobbing choruses. Beginning with ominous bells, “Keeper Of The Graves” rounds the final bend of the album with roaring cascades and a dynamic performance from Owens, before charging “Pledge Your Souls” and rollercoaster closer epic “Wash Away Your Sins” rise as the final embers of a certified burner – proving itself as a must-hear metal album of the year by the greatest to ever perform the genre!

The Sinner Rides Again track listing:
1. Sons Of The Sentinel
2. Strike Of The Viper
3. Reap The Whirlwind
4. One More Shot At Glory
5. Hymn 66
6. The Sinner Rides Again
7. Keeper Of The Graves
8. Pledge Your Souls
9. Wash Away Your Sins

The Sinner Rides Again will be available in the following formats:
-Digital Album
-1CD Digipak Edition
-1LP Gatefold in Black
-Wooden Box Edition (incl. Digipak, Flag, Logo Wristband, Artprint, Patch) – Napalm Mail Order only, limited to 500
-1LP Gatefold in Marbled Orange and Black – Napalm International (excl. North America) Mail Order only, limited to 300
-1LP Gatefold in Transparent Orange – Napalm North American Mail Order only, limited to 300
-1LP Gatefold in Orange, Blue and Black Inkspot – Napalm Mail Order only, limited to 500
-Cassette Tape Edition in Red with White Print – Napalm Mail Order only, limited to 200

KK’S PRIEST w/ Paul Di’Anno & Burning Witches across the UK in October:
October 7, 2023 – Birmingham @ O2 Institute
October 8, 2023 – Glasgow @ SWG3
October 10, 2023 – Nottingham @ Rock City
October 11, 2023 – Manchester @ O2 Ritz
October 12, 2023 – London @ O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire

KK’S PRIEST live one-offs:
March 2-7, 2024 – Monsters of Rock Cruise

KK’S PRIEST is:
Tim “Ripper” Owens – Vocals
K.K. Downing – Guitar
A.J. Mills – Guitar
Tony Newton – Bass
Sean Elg – Drums

Damian Darlington is the founder of Brit Floyd, as well as the musical director of the band. Prior to Brit Floyd, Damian was also the musical director and lead of The Australian Pink Floyd for 17 years. This year Brit Floyd is touring celebrating the 50th anniversary of Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of The Moon. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Damian about all things Pink Floyd and discuss their upcoming tour plans!

GRANTVILLE PA, August 25, 2023 — Brit Floyd founder and musical director Damian Darlington told me “It’s not just about the music, it’s about the multi-media experience.” Commemorating the 50th anniversary of Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” album release, the band presented flawlessly executed tracks from the Pink Floyd catalog, showcasing musical mastery from start to encore and highlighting the band’s remarkable musical expertise.

The sound was perfect throughout the concert. Video projections on the immense circular screen and choreographed fog and dancing lights added to the experience, as they played to a sold-out crowd at the Penn Heros Stage at Hollywood Casino. Everyone had a good seat in the outdoor space and the staff was very courteous and helpful.

Brit Floyd vocalist Eva Avila earned a standing ovation for her thrilling performance of “The Great Gig in The Sky” from Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” album. Bassist Ian Cattle played homage to Roger Waters with his vocals. Edo Scordo’s guitar solos were inspiring and Ryan Saranich’s soulful saxophone solos created unique and memorable experiences on their own. 

The energy kept climbing from the start, leading to more standing ovations as Brit Floyd performed the Pink Floyd classics and dug deep in the Pink Floyd playlist to thrill the crowd with their faultless musical talent. Images of co-founder Syd Barret beamed on the screen as the band performed “Shine on You Crazy Diamond” while the crowd reveled in Matt Riddle’s keyboard skills. Damian told me that his favorite Pink Floyd song to play is “Comfortably Numb.” The second set ended with his flawless guitar solo of the David Gilmour classic producing another standing ovation by the crowd.

If you like Pink Floyd’s music, attending a Brit Floyd concert in your town is a must. The immersive experience they offer is unforgettable, making it an event that will linger in your memory. Don’t miss the opportunity to be captivated by their incredible performance.

Walter Zapotoczny is an author, historian, and local Pink Floyd fan. He can be reached at mail@wzaponline.com.

Photo credit: Aaylan Zapotoczny

Guitarist Gina Gleason joined the heavy metal band Baroness in 2017 and since that time has performed all over the world with the group which hails originally from Savannah, GA. The band is set to release their 6th studio album in September and Media Mikes had the chance to speak with Gina recently about the albums creation, it’s title and the bands upcoming fall tour.

Founded by Ollie Rosenblatt in 2011, Senbla is a London-based concert promoting and production company that operates both nationally and internationally. Ollie has worked on projects like the ‘films in concert’ shows, like Harry Potter and Star Wars film with live orchestra franchises as well as Beauty and The Beast, La La Land, Love Actually, A Muppet Christmas Carol, The Godfather. MediaMikes had a chance to chat with Ollie about the film in concert of Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse Live and it’s upcoming world tour!

Metalocalypse creator Brendon Small (despite some technical connection issues) chats with us about the new Dethalbum IV, the new movie Army of the Doomstar and Dethklok’s upcoming tour!

Von Frankenstein Monster Gear Instrument Strings

Our score 4.5 out of 5 stars

Von Frankenstein Monster Gear guitar and bass strings are the brainchild of Doyle/Misfits guitarist Doyle Wolfgang Von Frankenstein. Produced in conjunction with Sheptone all strings are made in the U.S using the best-available, domestically sourced, raw materials. Each string is made by hand, one at a time, with nickel-plated steel that is wrapped over a treated hex steel core. Von Frankenstein avoids rushed mass production which helps ensures quality, feel and durability from every string produced.

When it comes to guitar and bass strings the market seems to be constantly flooded with new string products boasting enhanced feature including everything from wider gauge options and special coatings to the use of new metals all of which are supposed to help aid or solve all together the age-old pursuit of tone. Along with all these new innovations come an even longer line of questions and debates about which of these new features is actually useful/beneficial and which are only gimmicks.

The latest offering from VonFrankenstein Monster Gear is the Andreas Kisser “Forest Frequencies” and “Infected Voices” signature guitar string sets. The legendary Sepultura lead guitarist brings two signature sets to the ever growing Monster Gear line with the regular “Forest Frequencies” consisting of .010/.013/.017/.028/.038/.049 gauges and the heavy “Infected Voices” set in .013/.017/.021/.041/.050/.060. Both sets feature nickel plating and feature hex steel cores which give the strings tremendous feel and clarity while the individual sealed string packaging ensure consistent durability set after set.

From a playability standpoint both sets performed equally well and sounded
just as good as one another. The “Forest Frequencies” remained stable in both standard and drop tunings without becoming too stiff or too loose. Players who use multiple tunings and who are looking for consistency and comfortability will want to check these out as they require little to no adjustment to your setup. The heavier “Infected Voices” are a touch less forgiving as the higher gauges will require some getting use to as they do require a bit more hand strength however,  Once dialed in take warning as the low frequencies produced by this set are like a solid punch to the gut!

If you are looking for a quality string that does not sacrifice tone or feel and, is hand made in the U.S. then look no further. Von Frankenstein Monster Gear strings are a quality product that guitarists and bassists from all genres and ability will surely enjoy.

To purchase Von Frankenstein Monster Gear strings visit www.vonfrankensteinmonstergear.com

THE MENZINGERS ANNOUNCE 7TH STUDIO ALBUM

‘SOME OF IT WAS TRUE’
OUT OCTOBER 13

WATCH MUSIC VIDEO FOR LEAD SINGLE “HOPE IS A DANGEROUS LITTLE THING”

US HEADLINING TOUR STARTING NOV. 9

More than 15 years in, treasured Philadelphia punk rockers The Menzingers have cemented a multi-decade reputation as road warriors with an unbeatable catalog. Today they expand their impressive repertoire with the announcement of their seventh studio album, Some Of It Was True, due for release on October 13th via Epitaph Records. Pre-order it HERE

Vocalist and guitarist Greg Barnett reveals, “Written over the last two and a half years in hotels, backstages, basements, and rehearsal rooms and recorded during a life-changing retreat down south, ‘Some Of It Was True’ is the most realized version of what we set out to do when we started this band 17 years ago—have fun and be ourselves.” The band also shares the record’s lead single and accompanying music video, “Hope Is A Dangerous Little Thing” that balances confessional lyrics with an anthemic edge.

“Hope Is A Dangerous Little Thing”
WATCH | LISTEN

Four years since the release of 2019’s Hello Exile, the Menzingers presented an EP of acoustic reworks (From Exile, 2020) that saw the band “flex their creative muscles and make the most of their time away from each other in quarantine” according to Chorus.FM. Subsequently, Gregor Barnett’s solo record Don’t Go Throwing Roses In My Grave (2022) was praised by Kerrang! for its “clear-eyed songwriting never wavers.” This was around the time when Some Of It Was True started to come together.

Joined by Grammy-nominated producer Brad Cook (Bon Iver, the War on Drugs, Waxahatchee), the foursome took off to El Paso, Texas to record at the legendary Sonic Ranch. Lending his incredible ear, Cook helped accomplish the daunting task of capturing the Menzingers’ distinctive live energy within the confines of a studio. What results is their most immediate-sounding and energetic record to date, featuring a sound that’s both rich, raw, and complementary to the group’s increasingly prismatic songwriting approach.
“The Menzingers are as real as it gets,” Cook says on his time in the studio with the band. “I had an absolute blast working with these guys and was moved to tears many times. They are truly dedicated to artistic growth, and to each other, in ways I found both refreshing and beautiful. I am now a lifer.”

Speaking on the impact that Cook had on the band, Tom May says, “Brad massively changed the way we were approaching the record. We’d talk about music and develop a vocabulary about how to work together, and that made us embrace chasing the feeling instead worrying about locking in things immediately.

“Lyrically, Some Of It Was True is a showcase for how the band’s songwriting has expanded beyond their own personal experiences, drawing from what’s happening around them and the lives of those who keep this world’s lifeforce pumping. Acknowledging that they’re in a very different place than when they formed in 2008, this album embraces change and it’s definitely for the better. “This record just feels different for us,” Barnett explains. “It’s a really important one in our catalog, and a pivotal moment in our history. We have the liberty of our fans growing with us now, and after writing these lyrical songs about where we are in life, we decided to take other peoples’ stories and make something bigger out of it.”

The Menzingers Tour Dates
W/ Prince Daddy & The Hyena + Mercy Union

Aug 11 Akron, OH – Musica
Aug 12 Iowa City, IA – Wildwood
Aug 13 Omaha, NE – Slowdown
Aug 15 – Fort Wayne, IN – Piere’s
Aug 16 – Madison, WI – Majestic Theatre
Aug 17 – Bloomington, IL – The Castle Theatre
Aug 18 – Knoxville, TN – The Mill & Mine
Aug 19 – Athens, GA – 40 Watt Club
Aug 20 – Pensacola, FL – Vinyl Music Hall
Aug 22 – Jacksonville, FL – Underbelly
Aug 23 – Columbia, SC – The Senate
Aug 24 – Asheville, NC – Salvage Station
Aug 25 – Virginia Beach, VA – The Bunker Brewpub
Aug 26 – Stroudsburg, PA – Sherman Theater

W/ Microwave, Cloud Nothings

Nov 09 – Rochester, NY – Water Street Music Hall
Nov 10 – Boston, MA – Roadrunner
Nov 11 – New York, NY – Knockdown Center
Nov 12 – Philadelphia, PA – Franklin Music Hall
Nov 14 – Atlanta, GA – Masquerade
Nov 15 – Nashville, TN – Marathon Music Works
Nov 16 – Cincinnati, OH – Bogarts
Nov 17 – Richmond, VA – The National
Nov 18 – Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore
Nov 19 – Pittsburgh, PA – Roxian Theatre
Nov 24 – Columbus, OH – The Athanaeum Theatre
Nov 25 – Chicago, IL – The Salt Shed
Nov 26 – St. Louis, MO – The Pageant
Nov 28 – Dallas, TX – Southside Music Hall
Nov 29 – Austin, TX – The Far Out
Dec 01 – Phoenix, AZ – The Nile
Dec 02 – San Diego, CA – The Observatory
Dec 03 – Los Angeles, CA – The Belasco
Dec 05 – Berkeley, CA – The UC Theatre
Dec 06 – Portland, OR – Revolution Hall
Dec 07 – Seattle, WA – Showbox SoDo
Dec 08 – Vancouver, BC – Harbour Convention Centre
Dec 09 – Eugene, OR – McDonald Theatre
Dec 10 – Sacramento, CA – Ace of Spades
Dec 12 – Salt Lake City, UT – Rockwell at The Complex
Dec 13 – Denver, CO – Mission Ballroom
Dec 14 – Lawrence, KS – Liberty Hall
Dec 16 – Detroit, MI – Royal Oak Music Theatre
Dec 17 – Toronto, ON – Danforth Music Hall

The Menzingers are Greg Barnett (vocals, guitar), Tom May (vocals, guitar), Eric Keen (bass), and Joe Godino (drums).

GWAR
Announces “Age of Imbeciles” Tour

Tenth Anniversary Edition Of ‘Battle Maximus’
Out September 1st on Pit Records!
Pre-Order HERE

The Intergalactic Scumdog Warriors GWAR are declaring war on humanity (AGAIN!) for their upcoming “Age of Imbeciles” Tour! The infamous Lords and Masters of Shock Rock will return to the road wreaking havoc, and laying waste to audiences across the US and Canada this Fall. The tour, featuring support from Negative Approach, X-Cops and Cancer Christ on select dates, starts October 11th in Hampton Beach, NH and runs through October 30th in Orlando, FL.

A complete list of dates and supporting act information can be found below.
Presales begin tomorrow and the general on-sale date is Friday, August 17th at 10:00 AM local time.

Lead singer, The Berserker Blothar had this to say about the impending battle:

“Attention People of Earth! Halloween is coming, and your world is up in flames. You’re a bunch of hairless apes with the smoothest of all brains. We see you there, groping in the chaos of maddening darkness. GWAR is coming to end your suffering, to bring a close to the Age of Imbeciles.”

Age of Imbeciles Tour
10/11 Hampton Beach, NH @ Wally’s*
10/12 S. Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground*
10/13 New York, NY @ Palladium Times Square*
10/14 Reading, PA @ Reverb*
10/15 Niagara Falls, NY @ The Rapids Theatre*
10/16 Toronto, ON @ The Phoenix#
10/18 Cincinnati, OH @ Bogarts
10/19 Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave
10/20 Columbia, MO @ The Blue Note
10/21 Louisville, KY @ Mercury Ballroom
10/22 Huntsville, AL @ Mars Music Hall
10/24 Richmond, VA @ The National
10/25 Raleigh, NC @ The Ritz
10/26 Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel
10/27 Gainesville, FL @ The Fest, Bo Diddley Plaza
10/28 Pensacola, FL @ Vinyl Music Hall
10/29 Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade (Heaven)
10/30 Orlando, FL @The Beacham
*No X-Cops
#No Negative Approach

Current GWAR Tour Dates
“The Psychotherapy Sessions” Tour:
8/15 Albuquerque, NM @ Isleta Amphitheater
8/16 Phoenix, AZ @ Talking Stick Resort Amphitheater
8/17 Irvine, CA @ FivePoint Amphitheater
8/19 Concord, CA @ Concord Pavilion
8/20 Reno, NV @ Grand Theater at the Grand Sierra Resort
8/22 Auburn, WA @ White River Amphitheater
8/23 Ridgefield, WA @ RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater
8/25 Salt Lake City, UT @ USANA Amphitheater
8/26 Englewood, CO @ Fiddler’s Green Amphitheater

GWAR Headlining Shows:
8/21 Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory *
8/27 Lincoln, NE @ Bourbon Theatre +
8/28 Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue +^
8/29 Des Moines, IA @ Wooly’s +^
8/30 St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant +^
9/1 San Antonio, TX @ Vibes Event Center +^
* – w/ Nonpoint
+ – w/ Crobot
^ – w/ 200 Stab Wounds

Festival Appearances:
9/2 Pryor, OK @ Rocklahoma
9/3 Cookeville, TN @ Muddy Roots Festival
10/26-27 Gainesville, FL @ The Fest
10/31 – 11/4 Lamb of God’s Headbangers Boat – Sold Out
11/5 San Mateo Otzacatipan, MX @ Hell & Heaven Festival

In other GWAR news, the band will release a tenth anniversary Edition of their “Battle Maximus” album September 1st via Pit Records. This new version is completely remixed and remastered, and features the final recorded vocal performance of Oderus Urungus on the previously unreleased and never-before heard song “Tammy, Queen of Dirt.”
It is Available for Pre-Order HERE

Pantera, Lamb of God, Child Bite

Sunday, August 6th, 2023
The Pavilion at Montage Mountain
Scranton, PA

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Child Bite from Detroit, Michigan started the evenings festivities, with a manic fueled set of punk tinged metal which grabbed listeners attention however, I am not completely sure if it was the four pieces mixture of spastic stage moves and chaotic songs structure or if it was that they were actually enjoying what was being performed. Thankfully the set was brief and the minimal change over time made up for it as veteran Richmond, VA metalers Lamb of God would hit the stage next with a bombastic barrage of stacatoing guitars and rumbling double bass which shook the venue from front back and side to side as frontman Randy Blythe led the ever growing crowd through songs like “Walk With Me in Hell”, “Ruin” and, “Omens”. Blythe paused briefly during the 40 plus minute set to help energize the crowd and to elecit multiple sing-alongs which echoed throughout the mountainous venue. Before leaving the stage for the night the band dedicated their final song “Redneck” to the fallen Abbott brothers which garnered the loudest crowd response thus far.

As the closing notes rang out and with lingering pyro smoke still hanging in the air a giant banner emblazoned with the Pantera logo was dropped from the ceiling shielding the now tightly packed crowds view of the stage. With Clips of the bands “Vulgar Videos” showing on the sides screens and the band blasting through the PA, the curtain would be dropped as the band layed into a thunderous version of the song “A New Level” from the “Vulgar Display of Power” album. The band which now consists of founding members Phil Anselmo and Rex Brown has been completed with the addition of Anthrax’s Charlie Benanti on drums and Ozzy Osbourne/Black Label Society guitarist Zakk Wylde filling in for the dearly departed Vinnie Paul and Dimebag Darrell. The band looked and sounded great as they flawlessly plowed through tracks such as “Mouth for War”, ” 5 minutes Alone” and “This Love” with reckless abandance and ease. On stage banter was kept to a minimum as the show seemed to be very regimented and only paused briefly allowing for Anselmo address the crowd with his signature gravely growl. The shows production was top knotch as it included tons of corresponding visuals, dual lighted CFH logos flanked both sides of the stage and a giant flaming Pantera sign hung high above the band. Anselmo may not jump and stalk the stage as he did in his younger years his performance he sounded really good and I think the lesser movement helped with that. Bassist Rex Brown popped his foot up on the monitors in his signature lanky pose like no time had passed at all. With easily the largest shoes to fill both Charlie Benanti and Zakk Wylde showed why they were the obvious choices for these jobs. Both players showcased their high level of musician ship by not only nailing the performance side of each song but also capturing a number of the nuances that both Abbott brothers were known for.

Though you can never replace the loss of the original members and the twenty two years since the bands last performance certainly have taken a toll in one way or another on the original two members however I can tell you that the bands current line and production captures nearly all the elements of the original with an air of aged perfection which fans both new and old will surely enjoy banging their head to. With lots of dates remaining you will surely want to catch this show if it comes to your town.

Lamb of God Setlist:

1.) Memento Mori
2.) Walk With Me in Hell
3.) Resurrection Man
4.) Now You’ve Got Something to Die For
5.) Ruin
6.) Ditch
7.) Omens
8.) Contractor
9.) Laid to Rest
10.) Redneck

Pantera Setlist:

1.) A New Level
2.) Mouth for War
3.) Strength Beyond Strength
4.) Becoming (w/ “Throes of Rejection” outro)
5.) I’m Broken (w/ “By Demons Be Driven” outro)
6.) Suicide Note Pt. II
7.) 5 Minutes Alone
8.) This Love
9.) Fucking Hostile
10.) Planet Caravan (Black Sabbath cover)
11.) Walk (with Child Bite)
12.) Domination / Hollow
13.) Cowboys From Hell

Encore:
14.) Yesterday Don’t Mean Shit (w/ “Stairway to Heaven” outro)

CROWS FEET RECORDS RECORDING ARTIST
EMILY WOLFE
RELEASES NEW SINGLE
“WALK IN MY SHOES”

2023 TOUR DATES ANNOUNCED

LISTEN TO “WALK IN MY SHOES” HERE

Photo Credit: Jackie Lee Young

Singer/songwriter/guitarist, Emily Wolfe today releases her powerful new song, “Walk In My Shoes,” via Crows Feet Records.

“Walk In My Shoes” kicks off with a compelling recording of a protest echoing words heard across the United States in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe V. Wade, “My Body, My Choice.” The new single hones in on issues that are very important to Emily, specifically bodily autonomy and LGBTQ+ rights.

Emily says, “‘Walk in My Shoes’ was inspired by the actual sound of a protest rally that I attended the day after Roe V. Wade was overturned. As I marched alongside others, I took an iPhone recording of the sounds of women marching, hitting pots and pans with sticks in sync, shouting into megaphones, and rising up against the oppression that comes with political injustice.”

The new song follows the release of Emily’s 2021 album Outlier which was celebrated by fans and critics alike, receiving praise from publications like American Songwriter, Guitar World, Parade Magazine, and Atwood Magazine who said, “Outlier is a dynamic and energetic frenzy finely balancing chaos with artistic control.”

Just released in June 2023, Epiphone / Gibson announced the newest edition to the Emily Wolfe signature guitar line, the White Wolfe. This is the second guitar Epiphone / Gibson have released for Emily, following the Sheraton Stealth, released in 2021.

In addition to her skillfully crafted recorded music, Emily has generated excitement for her live performance as well, touring with artists like Heart, The Gaslight Anthem, and Neal Francis. Emily is currently on a US tour that will take her into 2024.

EMILY WOLFE TOUR DATES: TICKETS HERE

AUG 4 FRI – B Side Lounge – Cleveland Heights, OH
AUG 5 SAT – Cobra Lounge – Chicago, IL
AUG 6 SUN – Leicht Memorial Park – Green Bay, WI
AUG 8 TUE – The Back Room at Colectivo – Milwaukee, WI
AUG 9 WED – Sanctuary Detroit – Hamtramck, MI
AUG 10 THU – The Burl – Lexington, KY
AUG 11 FRI – The Blue Room – Nashville, TN
AUG 12 SAT – Railgarten – Memphis, TN
SEP 6 WED – Rumba Cafe – Columbus, OH
SEP 8 FRI – Hard Rock Cafe – Pittsburgh, PA
SEP 9 SAT – Artie’s Bar and Grill – Frenchtown, NJ
SEP 10 SUN – World Suicide Prevention Day Benefit – New York, NY
SEP 12 TUE – Deep Cuts – Boston, MA
SEP 13 WED – The Homestead – Morristown, NJ
SEP 14 THU – The Drake – Amherst, MA
SEP 17 SUN – Silk City Diner – Philadelphia, PA
SEP 20 WED – The Southern Cafe and Music Hall – Charlottesville, VA
SEP 21 THU – Capital Ale House Downtown – Richmond, VA
SEP 22 FRI – Bull City Summit 2023 – Durham, NC
SEP 23 SAT – The Evening Muse – Charlotte, NC
SEP 24 SUN – Purgatory at The Masquerade – Atlanta, GA
OCT 13 FRI – Ocean Fest 2023 – Surf City, NC
NOV 3 FRI – Luna Del Lago Festival 2023 – Peoria, AZ

Photo Credit: Beth Garrabrant

Jason Michael Paul is a concert producer, promoter, and entrepreneur. His production company, JMP Entertainment, produced Dear Friends – Music from FINAL FANTASY, PLAY! A Video Game Symphony, and Nintendo’s Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses. His latest video game music concert is called “Heroes: A Video Game Symphony” and it kicks off this August!

Citizens of Slayer MacCheeze-Town
Our Fearless Leaders Are Takin’ It To The Road
MAC SABBATH
Announces More Than Meats The Eye U.S. Tour 2023

Tickets On Sale Friday, August 4th

http://www.officialmacsabbath.com/

“Are you ready for an army of playboys, manbabies and a regime of giant robots that would make Optimums Primerib shake in his vacuum boots?!? Prepare to be unprepared for all the surprises in store! THE MIGHTY MAC IS BACK with our biggest circus ever! This tour is MORE THAN MEATS THE EYE!“ – Ronald Osbourne

“This tour has everything! It’s a fever dream of childhood nostalgia run amok, doled out in stupor sized portions, served at questionable drive thrus. For those who enjoy Mac Sabbath’s banquet of rock, you now get a side order of robot rock. It’s like a free toy with every meal!” – The Cybertronic Spree

“It’s the return of the Mac! We are Back Sabbath with Mac Sabbath! Couldn’t be happier to be on the road again with the titans of drive through metal for a stupor sized tour with extra cheese. You shall dance, you shall jive, having the time of your life. Woah.” – Playboy Manbaby

More Than Meats The Eye U.S. Tour 2023

9/27/2023 – Felton, CA – FELTON MUSIC HALL
9/28/2023 – San Francisco, CA – Great American Music Hall
10/1/2023 – Portland, OR – Aladdin Theatre
10/2/2023 – Tacoma, WA – Spanish Ballroom at Elks Temple
10/5/2023 – Greeley, CO – Moxi Theatre
10/6/2023 – Denver, CO – Oriental Theatre
10/7/2023 – Albuquerque, NM – El Rey Theatre
10/10/2023 – OKC, OK – Beer City Music Hall
10/11/2023 – Wichita, KS TempleLive
10/13/2023 – Omaha, NE – The Waiting Room
10/14/2023 – Lawrence, KS – The Granada
10/15/2023 – Madison, WI – Majestic Theatre
10/16/2023 – Milwaukee, WI – Turner Hall Ballroom
10/18/2023 – Peoria, IL – Revival Music Hall
10/19/2023 – Indianapolis, IN – The Vogue Theatre
10/23/2023 – COHEED & CAMBRIA CRUISE (MAC ONLY)
10/28/2023 – Charlotte, NC – Mad Monster Party (NO PBMB)
10/30/2023 – Philadelphia, PA – Brooklyn Bowl
10/31/2023 – Worcester, MA – Palladium
11/2/2023 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Bowl
11/3/2023 – Buffalo, NY – Town Ballroom
11/4/2023 – Pittsburgh, PA – Jergels
11/5/2023 – Cleveland OH – Temple Live
11/7/2023 – Nashville, TN – Exit/In
11/9/2023 – New Orleans, LA – Zony Mash
11/11/2023 – Austin, TX – Come & Take It
11/12/2023 – San Antonio, TX – Paper Tiger
11/14/2023 – Dallas, TX – Granada Theatre
11/16/2023 – Mesa, AZ – The Nile Theater
11/19/2023 – Los Angeles, CA – The Vermont Hollywood

Can’t wait until Fall? MAC SABBATH will be working up appetites at Cultivate Chicago on August 25th, appearing at The Nursery with Crumb, Andy Frasco & the UN, Lucky Boys Confusion, Murphy’s Law, and more…
1800 West Lake Street
Chicago, IL
– Ages 21+ Doors 2 PM – Tickets $49.98 & up

https://www.tixr.com/groups/cultivate/events/cultivate-2023-71920

Also, September 1st and 2nd , MAC SABBATH’s special two date, two city line up will share the stage with the biggest assemblage of ADOLESCENTS alumni (four out of five original members) since the blue album! Casey Royer on drums, Rikk Agnew on guitar, Alfie Agnew on guitar, Dan Colburn on bass and Frank Agnew Jr. on vocals bring you: rADOLESCENTS!!!!! With a special mini set from The Hajj and the amazing Bad Brains tribute band The Big Takeover,
THIS WILL SELL OUT!

http://www.officialmacsabbath.com/

September 1, 2023
Transplants Brewing Company
40242 La Quinta Lane
Palmdale, CA

https://www.ticketweb.com/event/mac-sabbath-with-special-guests-transplants-brewing-company-tickets/13246978

September 2, 2023
Garden AMP
12762 Main St
Garden Grove, CA‎

https://www.ticketweb.com/event/mac-sabbath-garden-amphitheatre-tickets/12968005

and also appearing on the COHEED AND CAMBRIA S.S. NEVERENDER Cruise
ALREADY SOLD OUT!!!