MIDWEST BEATDOWN PLAYLIST :: 12/27/19
MOST ANTICIPATED OF 2020 part 1
HOUR 1
JOHNNYROOK – “hot tubs (don’t just walk away)” // from remorse we learn
THROW THE FIGHT – “wolves in the dark” // wolves in the dark – single
STITCHED UP HEART – “problems” // darkness
SUPERLUNG – “time is of the essence” // demo
EXACTLYNO – “black Friday” // exactlyno
BIFFY CLYRO – “that golden rule” // only revolutions
ROYAL BLOOD – “where are you now?” // how did we get so dark?
WITHER THE TIDE – “wake it up” // wake it up – single
NINE INCH NAILS – “the collector” // with teeth
VIA – “closets” // sanitize this
RED FANG – “not for you” // only ghosts
T.R.O.Y. – “revolution” // two worlds
KYNG – “burn the serum” // burn the serum
SKYWIND – “escape plan” // escape plan v.2 2019
COMMON CHOIR – “lower roads home” // lower roads home – single
HOUR 2
LOVEBITES – “break the wall” // battle against damnation
SAUL – “I am him” // aeons
DED – “anti-everything” // mis-an-thrope
MASTODON – “the wolf is loose” // blood mountain
IMONOLITH – “hollow” // hollow – single
AUGUST BURNS RED – “empire” // leveler
BUTCHER BABIES – “Lilith” // Lilith
VEIL OF MAYA – “mikasa” // matriarch
BY THE THOUSANDS – “resurgence” // visions of inner depth
REFLECTIONS – “my cancer” // exi(s)t
LAMB OF GOD – “ruin” // as the palaces burn
EVERY TIME I DIE – “floater” // hot damn
HATEBREED – “looking down the barrel of today” // the concrete confessional
CODE ORANGE – “real” // forever
REAPING ASMODEIA – “of talons and teeth” // impuritize
BRIAN POSEHN – “more metal than you” // fart jokes
This is part one of what we hope to see or is tentatively scheduled to be released in 2020.
Sunday, December 29, 2019
Saturday, December 21, 2019
MIDWEST BEATDOWN PLAYLIST :: 12/20/19 - BEST OF LOCAL 2019
MIDWEST BEATDOWN PLAYLIST :: 12/20/19
BEST OF LOCAL 2019
HOUR 1
SKYWIND - "sleeping with the devil" // dreaming of the angel (Honorable Mention)
THE PUSH - "mommy problems" // I liked it better that way (Honorable Mention)
LAKE AVENUE - "loose teeth" // hell or high expectations (Honorable Mention)
AM TAXI - "stuck around" // shiver by me (Honorable Mention)
10. THE MAYBERRY RIOT - "fight" // unbalance
10. ANGRY WATERS - "invasive species" (live) // angry waters live
9. GABRIEL AND THE APOCALYPSE - "counting scars" // alpha bionic
8. FIRE FIGHT - "better" // identity
7. AFTER THE BURIAL - "behold the crown" // evergreen
6. ENEMY X - "endless circle" // endless circle
5. GOODNIGHT RITUAL - "across the fields" // galore
4. SAUL - "brother" // aeons
3. COLD KINGDOM - "volatile" // into the black sky
2. DESSA & MINNESOTA ORCHESTRA - "velodrome" (live) // sound the bells
HOUR 2
1. ERIS - "the roche limit" // formation
EAON - "happy" // lesson no. 1
JOHNNYROOK - "silhouette" // silhouette - single
THE FAILSAFE - "erasing color" // erasing color
ATMOSPHERE - "push play" // whenever
BABES IN TOYLAND - "he's my thing" // painkillers
EMERGENT - "erode" // emergent
WITHER THE TIDE - "wake it up" // wake it up - single
LATE NIGHT FIGHTS - "nothing to lose" // jousthouse
HALESTORM - "what were you expecting" // halestorm
KORN - "cold" // the nothing
AMARANTHE - "helix" // helix
OZZY OSBOURNE - "straight to hell" // ordinary man
LEMMY & DAVE GROHL - "run rudolph run" // we wish you a metal xmas
BEST OF LOCAL 2019
HOUR 1
SKYWIND - "sleeping with the devil" // dreaming of the angel (Honorable Mention)
THE PUSH - "mommy problems" // I liked it better that way (Honorable Mention)
LAKE AVENUE - "loose teeth" // hell or high expectations (Honorable Mention)
AM TAXI - "stuck around" // shiver by me (Honorable Mention)
10. THE MAYBERRY RIOT - "fight" // unbalance
10. ANGRY WATERS - "invasive species" (live) // angry waters live
9. GABRIEL AND THE APOCALYPSE - "counting scars" // alpha bionic
8. FIRE FIGHT - "better" // identity
7. AFTER THE BURIAL - "behold the crown" // evergreen
6. ENEMY X - "endless circle" // endless circle
5. GOODNIGHT RITUAL - "across the fields" // galore
4. SAUL - "brother" // aeons
3. COLD KINGDOM - "volatile" // into the black sky
2. DESSA & MINNESOTA ORCHESTRA - "velodrome" (live) // sound the bells
HOUR 2
1. ERIS - "the roche limit" // formation
EAON - "happy" // lesson no. 1
JOHNNYROOK - "silhouette" // silhouette - single
THE FAILSAFE - "erasing color" // erasing color
ATMOSPHERE - "push play" // whenever
BABES IN TOYLAND - "he's my thing" // painkillers
EMERGENT - "erode" // emergent
WITHER THE TIDE - "wake it up" // wake it up - single
LATE NIGHT FIGHTS - "nothing to lose" // jousthouse
HALESTORM - "what were you expecting" // halestorm
KORN - "cold" // the nothing
AMARANTHE - "helix" // helix
OZZY OSBOURNE - "straight to hell" // ordinary man
LEMMY & DAVE GROHL - "run rudolph run" // we wish you a metal xmas
Saturday, December 14, 2019
MIDWEST BEATDOWN PLAYLIST :: 12/13/19
MIDWEST BEATDOWN PLAYLIST :: 12/13/19
HOUR 1
EAON – “happy” // lesson no. 1
THE FAILSAFE – “head under water” // erasing color
GABRIEL AND THE APOCALYPSE – “here comes the crash” // new world disaster
COLD KINGDOM – “desire” // into the black sky
NUSIANCE – “ashes of empires” // 10 or 10,000
BROTHER ALI – “lookin’ at me sideways” // the undisputed truth
THROW THE FIGHT – “wolves in the dark” // wolves in the dark – single
3 PILL MORNING – “rain” // black tie love affair
ARMS FOR ELEPHANTS – “vagrant” // all rise
MEG & DIA – “let it snow” // December darling
ALL THE WAY RIDER – “fort dodge police” (live) // the folded straw: a live recording
SELF-EVIDENT – “everything all at once” // endings
AVERAGE MAMMALS – “high quality” // high quality – single
ARROWS AT DAWN – “let live” // pieces
LACEY STURM – “impossible” // life screams
ANGRY WATERS – “invasive species” // hold the high ground
HOUR 2
RODRIGO Y GABRIELA – “seasons in the abyss” // mettal ep
STONE SOUR – “whiplash pants” (live) // live in Reno
AVATAR – “hail the apocalypse” (live) // the king – live in Paris
NINE INCH NAILS – “wish” (live) // all that could have been
MY ZERO – “demotivation” // demotivation
MOTIONLESS IN WHITE – “disguise” // disguise
AUGUST BURNS RED – “it’s the most wonderful time of the year” // winter wonderland
JASTA feat BILLYBIO – “silence the enemy mind” // the lost chapters II
ITHACA – “impulse crush” // the language of injury
KNOCKED LOOSE – “Belleville” // a different shade of blue
VEIN – “virus vibrance” // errorzone
ODDS OF AN AFTERTHOUGHT – “show me a sign” // through the eyes of change
IN SEARCH OF SOLACE – “survive” // enslaved to tragedy
TREASONS – “sense of pride” // black hearts, broken bones
BODY COUNT – “raining blood / postmortem” // bloodlust
TORCHE – “walk it off” // harmonicraft
HOUR 1
EAON – “happy” // lesson no. 1
THE FAILSAFE – “head under water” // erasing color
GABRIEL AND THE APOCALYPSE – “here comes the crash” // new world disaster
COLD KINGDOM – “desire” // into the black sky
NUSIANCE – “ashes of empires” // 10 or 10,000
BROTHER ALI – “lookin’ at me sideways” // the undisputed truth
THROW THE FIGHT – “wolves in the dark” // wolves in the dark – single
3 PILL MORNING – “rain” // black tie love affair
ARMS FOR ELEPHANTS – “vagrant” // all rise
MEG & DIA – “let it snow” // December darling
ALL THE WAY RIDER – “fort dodge police” (live) // the folded straw: a live recording
SELF-EVIDENT – “everything all at once” // endings
AVERAGE MAMMALS – “high quality” // high quality – single
ARROWS AT DAWN – “let live” // pieces
LACEY STURM – “impossible” // life screams
ANGRY WATERS – “invasive species” // hold the high ground
HOUR 2
RODRIGO Y GABRIELA – “seasons in the abyss” // mettal ep
STONE SOUR – “whiplash pants” (live) // live in Reno
AVATAR – “hail the apocalypse” (live) // the king – live in Paris
NINE INCH NAILS – “wish” (live) // all that could have been
MY ZERO – “demotivation” // demotivation
MOTIONLESS IN WHITE – “disguise” // disguise
AUGUST BURNS RED – “it’s the most wonderful time of the year” // winter wonderland
JASTA feat BILLYBIO – “silence the enemy mind” // the lost chapters II
ITHACA – “impulse crush” // the language of injury
KNOCKED LOOSE – “Belleville” // a different shade of blue
VEIN – “virus vibrance” // errorzone
ODDS OF AN AFTERTHOUGHT – “show me a sign” // through the eyes of change
IN SEARCH OF SOLACE – “survive” // enslaved to tragedy
TREASONS – “sense of pride” // black hearts, broken bones
BODY COUNT – “raining blood / postmortem” // bloodlust
TORCHE – “walk it off” // harmonicraft
Thursday, December 12, 2019
STATIC-X delivers in Minnesota
REVIEW :: STATIC-X, MUSHROOMHEAD, DOPE, WEDNESDAY 13 and RAVEN BLACK
Myth in Maplewood, MN
December 4, 2019
Photos and Review by Brett Zisler
The Minnesota region found itself as one of the few lucky markets in 2019 to have the Static-X “Wisconsin Death Trip” 20th Anniversary tour and Wayne Static Memorial pass through this area in less than 6 months. As one person that was fortunate enough to be at both, I must say, it’s an experience like none other. Static-X dominated the tour circuit in the early 2000’s, finding themselves on nearly every tour they could get their hands on. I can honestly say, few bands carry the clout and fanbase from that era like Static-X does. Their show at Myth proved it once again.
The whole tour is centered around the tribute to Wayne Static and the 20th anniversary of their major label debut, “Wisconsin Death Trip.” An album that carved their path onto major tours such as Ozzfest and Pantera’s last major arena campaign. While it still hurts that the legendary and polarizing front man, Wayne Static, is no longer with us, there is no doubt the fans feel the impact he made when the show starts. Static-X starts their set perfectly with their digital screens projecting early images of the band as “December” starts to echo through the speakers. Pictures of Wayne drew loud roars from the crowd as the bandmembers started to appear one by one onstage. With the intro to their hit “Bled for Days” starting, it was clear the crowd it was go time. Tony Campos, Ken Jay and Koichi Fukuda took their spots as the now tribute/fill in on vocals, xer0, patiently waited for his turn in the light. Almost instantly it felt like the old days of seeing Static-X back at the Quest Club (RIP) and multiple other venues around the area. Having the luxury of seeing Static-X off their first album in small club settings to seeing them make it big to arenas and other major tours, I must admit, I was skeptical the first time I saw. That was until they started playing. They overdeliver and do everything right during this live show.
As I and other photographers noted, it was great to hear how many people were saying, “I’ve been dying to see them for over 10 years” or “I never got to see them.” It’s a way to fill the void for fans. And with the success of the show and tour, as the plowed their way through all of the hits, “I’m with stupid, “Love Dump,” Fix,” and “Pushit,” it's clear that this band still has so much life left playing to their one of the many sold out dates on the tour.
Static-X brought along an incredible supporting cast to help open. To help fill in for Devildriver was the fan favorite, Mushroomhead. If you haven’t seen them before, it’s a must to cross off your live show list. They bring so much visually to the table that even if you aren’t familiar with their entire catalog of music, you still walk away satisfied. Between the dual vocals, over the top stage attire and their additional percussion with water splashing the audience at times, it’s something to not miss the next time they make their way through the area.
Also on the bill was the band Dope. No strangers to the early 2000’s “nu metal” genre, Dope does a great job with their current live show distinguishing themselves from others proving there are still alive and well. Lead by long time front man, Edsel Dope, they played crowd favorites “Debonaire” “Die MF Die” and what was intro'd by Edsel himself as “the dumbest fu*king song” their cover of “You Spin me Round.”
Early support on the bill came from acts Wednesday 13 and Raven Black. Wednesday 13 definitely brings the element of enhanced stage props to the table. Whether it was performing with an almost prosthetic “voodoo” head on while doused in paint to reflect in black lights or completely dawned in a black cloak with mask and pitchfork, Wednesday 13 knows how to add to their live performance.
Raven Black was a very pleasant surprise. I had only heard of the band but had not had the pleasure to see them live, and now that I have, I must say, they made a fan out of me. The quartet comes out dressed in various paint and costumes that need to be seen and not described. I think the best way to describe their sound is almost “evil carnival” style of rock/metal. Raven’s voice fits perfectly with the music as she walks with various props to add to the live show. Needless to say, I feel I am not the only one that will check out their next show when they are on town after this last performance.
CHECK OUT MORE OF BRETT's PHOTOS from STATIC-X and MUSHROOMHEAD HERE!
CHECK OUT MORE OF BRETT's PHOTOS from DOPE, WEDNESDAY 13 and RAVEN BLACK HERE!
Myth in Maplewood, MN
December 4, 2019
Photos and Review by Brett Zisler
The Minnesota region found itself as one of the few lucky markets in 2019 to have the Static-X “Wisconsin Death Trip” 20th Anniversary tour and Wayne Static Memorial pass through this area in less than 6 months. As one person that was fortunate enough to be at both, I must say, it’s an experience like none other. Static-X dominated the tour circuit in the early 2000’s, finding themselves on nearly every tour they could get their hands on. I can honestly say, few bands carry the clout and fanbase from that era like Static-X does. Their show at Myth proved it once again.
The whole tour is centered around the tribute to Wayne Static and the 20th anniversary of their major label debut, “Wisconsin Death Trip.” An album that carved their path onto major tours such as Ozzfest and Pantera’s last major arena campaign. While it still hurts that the legendary and polarizing front man, Wayne Static, is no longer with us, there is no doubt the fans feel the impact he made when the show starts. Static-X starts their set perfectly with their digital screens projecting early images of the band as “December” starts to echo through the speakers. Pictures of Wayne drew loud roars from the crowd as the bandmembers started to appear one by one onstage. With the intro to their hit “Bled for Days” starting, it was clear the crowd it was go time. Tony Campos, Ken Jay and Koichi Fukuda took their spots as the now tribute/fill in on vocals, xer0, patiently waited for his turn in the light. Almost instantly it felt like the old days of seeing Static-X back at the Quest Club (RIP) and multiple other venues around the area. Having the luxury of seeing Static-X off their first album in small club settings to seeing them make it big to arenas and other major tours, I must admit, I was skeptical the first time I saw. That was until they started playing. They overdeliver and do everything right during this live show.
As I and other photographers noted, it was great to hear how many people were saying, “I’ve been dying to see them for over 10 years” or “I never got to see them.” It’s a way to fill the void for fans. And with the success of the show and tour, as the plowed their way through all of the hits, “I’m with stupid, “Love Dump,” Fix,” and “Pushit,” it's clear that this band still has so much life left playing to their one of the many sold out dates on the tour.
Static-X brought along an incredible supporting cast to help open. To help fill in for Devildriver was the fan favorite, Mushroomhead. If you haven’t seen them before, it’s a must to cross off your live show list. They bring so much visually to the table that even if you aren’t familiar with their entire catalog of music, you still walk away satisfied. Between the dual vocals, over the top stage attire and their additional percussion with water splashing the audience at times, it’s something to not miss the next time they make their way through the area.
Also on the bill was the band Dope. No strangers to the early 2000’s “nu metal” genre, Dope does a great job with their current live show distinguishing themselves from others proving there are still alive and well. Lead by long time front man, Edsel Dope, they played crowd favorites “Debonaire” “Die MF Die” and what was intro'd by Edsel himself as “the dumbest fu*king song” their cover of “You Spin me Round.”
Early support on the bill came from acts Wednesday 13 and Raven Black. Wednesday 13 definitely brings the element of enhanced stage props to the table. Whether it was performing with an almost prosthetic “voodoo” head on while doused in paint to reflect in black lights or completely dawned in a black cloak with mask and pitchfork, Wednesday 13 knows how to add to their live performance.
Raven Black was a very pleasant surprise. I had only heard of the band but had not had the pleasure to see them live, and now that I have, I must say, they made a fan out of me. The quartet comes out dressed in various paint and costumes that need to be seen and not described. I think the best way to describe their sound is almost “evil carnival” style of rock/metal. Raven’s voice fits perfectly with the music as she walks with various props to add to the live show. Needless to say, I feel I am not the only one that will check out their next show when they are on town after this last performance.
CHECK OUT MORE OF BRETT's PHOTOS from STATIC-X and MUSHROOMHEAD HERE!
CHECK OUT MORE OF BRETT's PHOTOS from DOPE, WEDNESDAY 13 and RAVEN BLACK HERE!
Monday, December 9, 2019
MIDWEST BEATDOWN PLAYLIST :: 12/06/19
MIDWEST BEATDOWN PLAYLIST :: 12/06/19
HOUR 1
KAT PERKINS – “santa baby” // a Kat Perkins Christmas vol II
EMERGENT - "out of the grey" // emergent
FALSE FLOOR - "seize the gravity" // seize the gravity - single
JOHNNYROOK - "silhouette" // silhouette - single
FIRE FIGHT - "better" // identity
VIA - "closets" (live - acoustic) // live on the Midwest Beatdown
GOODNIGHT RITUAL - "all my arms" // galore
LEMMY & DAVE GROHL – “run rudolph run” // we wish you a metal Christmas
LEMMY - "tie your mother down" // snaggletooth: a tribute to lemmy
COREY TAYLOR, DAVE GROHL, RICK NEILSEN, SCOTT READER - "from can to can't" // sound city: real to reel
ALICE IN CHAINS - "don't follow" // jar of flies
DESSA & MINNESOTA ORCHESTRA - "velodrome" (live) // sound the bells
DIESL - "forget it" // the failsafe
ANGRY WATERS - "dead flowers" // the tequila incidents
HOUR 2
FLIPP - "jingle bells" // merry flippmas
DIRTY HONEY - "rolling 7's" // dirty honey
MARK MORTON feat NAEEMAH Z MADDOX - "reveal" // anesthetic
ERIS - "miru-me" // formation
COLD KINGDOM - "devil in me" // into the black sky
ALL THE WAY RIDER – “nordeaster" // city of champions
STITCHED UP HEART – “problems" // darkness
CLUTCH - "fortunate son" // the weathermaker vault series
AUGUST BURNS RED – “rudolph the red nosed reindeer” // sleddin' hill
LIGHT THE TORCH – “the bitter end" // revival
JASTA feat JESSE LEACH - "strength to draw the line" // the lost chapters II
HUNDRED SUNS - "reversal" // the prestaliis
NORMA JEAN - "with_errors" // all hail
TIMES OF GRACE - "willing" // the hymn of a broken man
JINJER – “pisces" // pisces - live session
THE INTERRUPTERS - "bad guy" // bad guy - single
HOUR 1
KAT PERKINS – “santa baby” // a Kat Perkins Christmas vol II
EMERGENT - "out of the grey" // emergent
FALSE FLOOR - "seize the gravity" // seize the gravity - single
JOHNNYROOK - "silhouette" // silhouette - single
FIRE FIGHT - "better" // identity
VIA - "closets" (live - acoustic) // live on the Midwest Beatdown
GOODNIGHT RITUAL - "all my arms" // galore
LEMMY & DAVE GROHL – “run rudolph run” // we wish you a metal Christmas
LEMMY - "tie your mother down" // snaggletooth: a tribute to lemmy
COREY TAYLOR, DAVE GROHL, RICK NEILSEN, SCOTT READER - "from can to can't" // sound city: real to reel
ALICE IN CHAINS - "don't follow" // jar of flies
DESSA & MINNESOTA ORCHESTRA - "velodrome" (live) // sound the bells
DIESL - "forget it" // the failsafe
ANGRY WATERS - "dead flowers" // the tequila incidents
HOUR 2
FLIPP - "jingle bells" // merry flippmas
DIRTY HONEY - "rolling 7's" // dirty honey
MARK MORTON feat NAEEMAH Z MADDOX - "reveal" // anesthetic
ERIS - "miru-me" // formation
COLD KINGDOM - "devil in me" // into the black sky
ALL THE WAY RIDER – “nordeaster" // city of champions
STITCHED UP HEART – “problems" // darkness
CLUTCH - "fortunate son" // the weathermaker vault series
AUGUST BURNS RED – “rudolph the red nosed reindeer” // sleddin' hill
LIGHT THE TORCH – “the bitter end" // revival
JASTA feat JESSE LEACH - "strength to draw the line" // the lost chapters II
HUNDRED SUNS - "reversal" // the prestaliis
NORMA JEAN - "with_errors" // all hail
TIMES OF GRACE - "willing" // the hymn of a broken man
JINJER – “pisces" // pisces - live session
THE INTERRUPTERS - "bad guy" // bad guy - single
Wednesday, December 4, 2019
KING DAIMOND BRINGS HIS INSTITUTE TO ST. PAUL
CONCERT REVIEW :: KING DIAMOND
Palace Theater, St. Paul, MN
Review and Photos by Brett Zisler
Few musicians can bring the excitement and haunting aura to a theater as the one and only King Diamond. St. Paul found itself as one of the lucky cities that saw King Diamond bring his North American “Institute” 2019 Tour to town. Fresh off the news of a new horror themed double concept album on the horizon in 2020, King Diamond proved he is more than ready for the road with no intentions of slowing down.
The Palace Theater of St. Paul, MN almost felt like the perfect venue to accommodate the enormous asylum style stage set that Kind Diamond brought on this tour. Complete with two different levels to where the band could roam, it appeared more than daunting to the packed crowd. Fittingly, the metal icon himself, King Diamond made his entrance as he was ushered out via hospital gurney. Rising almost like from the dead, King Diamond flipped to switch on the asylum wall and then grabbed his trademark, bone-cross microphone. The band then ripped through their classic “The Candle” as the crowd roared to the fan favorite.
It was impressive to say the least to see King Diamond work the crowd with the furvert and ease he does after all the years. He still knows what his legions of fans dressed in their Mercyful Fate & King Diamond shirts want to see. The look of conviction and satisfaction as the coffin with “Abigail” was wheeled before King Diamond was fitting. A crowd-pleasing part of the show he has conducted for years as he went into “Arrival” and other classics like, “Halloween” & “A Mansion in Darkness.” One of the many highlights of the show included King Diamond playing his new song “Masquerade of Madness” to the delights of the fans of St. Paul.
As the set closed out with “Burn” & “Black Horseman,” one thing is for certain, 2020 is shaping up to be a big year for King Diamond. With the new horror themed doubled album due along with headlining sets with Mercyful Fate at some of the biggest festivals in Europe, its safe to say we can plan to see and hear the King back in Minnesota soon.
SEE MORE OF BRETT's KING DIAMOND PHOTOS HERE!
Palace Theater, St. Paul, MN
Review and Photos by Brett Zisler
Few musicians can bring the excitement and haunting aura to a theater as the one and only King Diamond. St. Paul found itself as one of the lucky cities that saw King Diamond bring his North American “Institute” 2019 Tour to town. Fresh off the news of a new horror themed double concept album on the horizon in 2020, King Diamond proved he is more than ready for the road with no intentions of slowing down.
The Palace Theater of St. Paul, MN almost felt like the perfect venue to accommodate the enormous asylum style stage set that Kind Diamond brought on this tour. Complete with two different levels to where the band could roam, it appeared more than daunting to the packed crowd. Fittingly, the metal icon himself, King Diamond made his entrance as he was ushered out via hospital gurney. Rising almost like from the dead, King Diamond flipped to switch on the asylum wall and then grabbed his trademark, bone-cross microphone. The band then ripped through their classic “The Candle” as the crowd roared to the fan favorite.
It was impressive to say the least to see King Diamond work the crowd with the furvert and ease he does after all the years. He still knows what his legions of fans dressed in their Mercyful Fate & King Diamond shirts want to see. The look of conviction and satisfaction as the coffin with “Abigail” was wheeled before King Diamond was fitting. A crowd-pleasing part of the show he has conducted for years as he went into “Arrival” and other classics like, “Halloween” & “A Mansion in Darkness.” One of the many highlights of the show included King Diamond playing his new song “Masquerade of Madness” to the delights of the fans of St. Paul.
As the set closed out with “Burn” & “Black Horseman,” one thing is for certain, 2020 is shaping up to be a big year for King Diamond. With the new horror themed doubled album due along with headlining sets with Mercyful Fate at some of the biggest festivals in Europe, its safe to say we can plan to see and hear the King back in Minnesota soon.
SEE MORE OF BRETT's KING DIAMOND PHOTOS HERE!
Saturday, November 30, 2019
MIDWEST BEATDOWN PLAYLIST :: 11/29/19
MIDWEST BEATDOWN PLAYLIST :: 11/29/19
HOUR 1
FAITH NO MORE - "last cup of sorrow" // album of the year
RED FANG - "cut it short" // only ghosts
CITY OF THE WEAK - "censor this" // pulling teeth
LATE NIGHT FIGHTS - "galvanized" // jousthouse
CHELSEA WOLFE - "16 psyche" // hiss spun
GABRIEL AND THE APOCALYPSE - "counting scars" // alpha bionic
NUISANCE - "ashes of empires" // 10 or 10,000
ENEMY X - "endless circle" // endless circle
JASTA feat KIRK WINDSTEIN - "spilled blood never dries" // the lost chapters II
KIRK WINDSTEIN - "dream in motion" // dream in motion
ERIS - "aret efter" // formation
CWN ANNWN - "outlander" // patron saint
KILLING STARES - "for the record" // for the record - single
EVERY TIME I DIE - "I didn't want to join your stupid cult anyways" // low teens
THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN - "prancer" // one of us is the killer
HOUR 2
MY ZERO - "lower your standards" // demotivation
PERIPHERY - "blood eagle" // periphery IV: hail stan
COMMON CHOIR - "lower roads home" // lower roads home - single
KILLSWITCH ENGAGE feat HOWARD JONES - "the signal fire" // atonement
AUGUST BURNS RED - "hero of the half truth" // phantom anthem
BY THE THOUSANDS - "resurgence" // visions of inner depth
TURNSTILE - "real thing" // time and space
MY ZERO - "demotivation" // demotivation
NINE INCH NAILS - "getting smaller" // with teeth
AFTER THE BURIAL - "the great repeat" // evergreen
CODE ORANGE - "spy" // forever
PYRALIS - "daggers" // everything is emptiness
KNOCKED LOOSE feat KEITH BUCKLEY - "forget your name" // a different shade of blue
IN SEARCH OF SOLACE - "survive" // enslaved to tragedy
REAPING ASMODEIA - "of talons and teeth" // impuritize
CONVERGE - "beautiful ruin" // beautiful ruin
HOUR 1
FAITH NO MORE - "last cup of sorrow" // album of the year
RED FANG - "cut it short" // only ghosts
CITY OF THE WEAK - "censor this" // pulling teeth
LATE NIGHT FIGHTS - "galvanized" // jousthouse
CHELSEA WOLFE - "16 psyche" // hiss spun
GABRIEL AND THE APOCALYPSE - "counting scars" // alpha bionic
NUISANCE - "ashes of empires" // 10 or 10,000
ENEMY X - "endless circle" // endless circle
JASTA feat KIRK WINDSTEIN - "spilled blood never dries" // the lost chapters II
KIRK WINDSTEIN - "dream in motion" // dream in motion
ERIS - "aret efter" // formation
CWN ANNWN - "outlander" // patron saint
KILLING STARES - "for the record" // for the record - single
EVERY TIME I DIE - "I didn't want to join your stupid cult anyways" // low teens
THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN - "prancer" // one of us is the killer
HOUR 2
MY ZERO - "lower your standards" // demotivation
PERIPHERY - "blood eagle" // periphery IV: hail stan
COMMON CHOIR - "lower roads home" // lower roads home - single
KILLSWITCH ENGAGE feat HOWARD JONES - "the signal fire" // atonement
AUGUST BURNS RED - "hero of the half truth" // phantom anthem
BY THE THOUSANDS - "resurgence" // visions of inner depth
TURNSTILE - "real thing" // time and space
MY ZERO - "demotivation" // demotivation
NINE INCH NAILS - "getting smaller" // with teeth
AFTER THE BURIAL - "the great repeat" // evergreen
CODE ORANGE - "spy" // forever
PYRALIS - "daggers" // everything is emptiness
KNOCKED LOOSE feat KEITH BUCKLEY - "forget your name" // a different shade of blue
IN SEARCH OF SOLACE - "survive" // enslaved to tragedy
REAPING ASMODEIA - "of talons and teeth" // impuritize
CONVERGE - "beautiful ruin" // beautiful ruin
Saturday, November 23, 2019
MIDWEST BEATDOWN PLAYLIST :: 11/22/19
MIDWEST BEATDOWN PLAYLIST :: 11/22/19
HOUR 1
BABYMETAL feat ALISSA WHITE-GLUZ - "distortion" // metal galaxy
THE HU - "shoog shoog" // the gereg
SAUL - "trial by fire" // trial by fire - single
THROW THE FIGHT - "my disaster" // my disaster - single
THE GLORIOUS SONS - "panic attack" // a war on everything
SUPERLUNG - "time is of the essence" // demo
TONY WILLIAMS - "masked" // destined to be real
ROYAL THUNDER - "whispering world" // CVI
ROYAL TUSK - "die knowing" // tusk II
LAKE AVENUE - "loose teeth" // hell or high expectations
JOHNNYROOK - "silhouette" // silhouette - single
PEARL JAM - "last exit" // vitalogy
PEARL JAM - "spin the black circle" // vitalogy
LIZZO - "cuz I love you" // cuz I love you
HOUSTON - "cover" // overhead
HOUR 2
OZZY OSBOURNE - "straight to hell" // ordinary man
COLD KINGDOM - "volatile" // into the black sky
RED - "feed the machine" // until we have faces
IN FLAMES - "burn" // I, the mask
LATE NIGHT FIGHTS - "a beautiful lie" // jousthouse
WITHER THE TIDE - "wake it up" // wake it up - single
APOCALYPTICA feat LACEY STURM - "broken pieces" // 7th symphony
LACUNA COIL - "reckless" // black anima
DIVIDE THE FALL - "I won't fade away" // I won't fade away - single
MOON TOOTH - "trust" // crux
THE MAYBERRY RIOT - "closed out" // shanaska
TORCHE - "admission" // admission
JASTA feat JESSE LEACH - "strength to draw the line" // the lost chapters II
DEFTONES - "rocket skates" // diamond eyes
HOUR 1
BABYMETAL feat ALISSA WHITE-GLUZ - "distortion" // metal galaxy
THE HU - "shoog shoog" // the gereg
SAUL - "trial by fire" // trial by fire - single
THROW THE FIGHT - "my disaster" // my disaster - single
THE GLORIOUS SONS - "panic attack" // a war on everything
SUPERLUNG - "time is of the essence" // demo
TONY WILLIAMS - "masked" // destined to be real
ROYAL THUNDER - "whispering world" // CVI
ROYAL TUSK - "die knowing" // tusk II
LAKE AVENUE - "loose teeth" // hell or high expectations
JOHNNYROOK - "silhouette" // silhouette - single
PEARL JAM - "last exit" // vitalogy
PEARL JAM - "spin the black circle" // vitalogy
LIZZO - "cuz I love you" // cuz I love you
HOUSTON - "cover" // overhead
HOUR 2
OZZY OSBOURNE - "straight to hell" // ordinary man
COLD KINGDOM - "volatile" // into the black sky
RED - "feed the machine" // until we have faces
IN FLAMES - "burn" // I, the mask
LATE NIGHT FIGHTS - "a beautiful lie" // jousthouse
WITHER THE TIDE - "wake it up" // wake it up - single
APOCALYPTICA feat LACEY STURM - "broken pieces" // 7th symphony
LACUNA COIL - "reckless" // black anima
DIVIDE THE FALL - "I won't fade away" // I won't fade away - single
MOON TOOTH - "trust" // crux
THE MAYBERRY RIOT - "closed out" // shanaska
TORCHE - "admission" // admission
JASTA feat JESSE LEACH - "strength to draw the line" // the lost chapters II
DEFTONES - "rocket skates" // diamond eyes
Saturday, November 16, 2019
MIDWEST BEATDOWN PLAYLIST :: 11/15/19
MIDWEST BEATDOWN PLAYLIST :: 11/15/19
HOUR 1
JOHNNYROOK – “silhouette” // silhouette - single
SAUL – “trial by fire” // trial by fire - single
ATMOSPHERE – “the best day” // blood makes the blade holy
MOTION CITY SOUNDTRACK – “time turned fragile” // commit this to memory
EXACTLYNO – “black Friday” // exactlyno
TW – “masked” // destined to be real
HEROES OF HEARTACHE – “tonight” // tonight - single
AVERAGE MAMMALS – “nothing” // nothing - single
WOLFKAT – “missing out” // missing out - single
THEM THAT DARE – “tiny army” // endings
GOODNIGHT RITUAL – “international” // galore
ARROWS AT DAWN – “let live” // pieces
RED – “the evening hate” // the evening hate
FIRE FIGHT – “better” // identity
STITCHED UP HEART – “problems” // darkness
HOUR 2
SLIPKNOT – “all out life” // all out life - single
LET IT BREATHE – “second hit” // let it breathe
IN THIS MOMENT – “just drive” // a star crossed wasteland
DED – “anti-everything” // mis-an-thrope
AFTER THE BURIAL – “the great repeat” // evergreen
DEVILDRIVER – “end of the line” // the fury of our maker's hand
STATIC-X – “push it” // wisconsin death trip
KIRK WINDSTEIN – “dream in motion” // dream in motion
DOWN – “lifer" (live) // diary of a mad band
ENEMY X – “endless circle” // endless circle
ANIMALS AS LEADERS – “an infinate regression” // weightless
VEIL OF MAYA – “mikasa” // matriarch
GABRIEL AND THE APOCALYPSE – “systematic chaos” // alpha bionic
NETHERLANDS – “casual monsters” // casual monsters - single
TURNSTILE - "big smile" // time and space
HOUR 1
JOHNNYROOK – “silhouette” // silhouette - single
SAUL – “trial by fire” // trial by fire - single
ATMOSPHERE – “the best day” // blood makes the blade holy
MOTION CITY SOUNDTRACK – “time turned fragile” // commit this to memory
EXACTLYNO – “black Friday” // exactlyno
TW – “masked” // destined to be real
HEROES OF HEARTACHE – “tonight” // tonight - single
AVERAGE MAMMALS – “nothing” // nothing - single
WOLFKAT – “missing out” // missing out - single
THEM THAT DARE – “tiny army” // endings
GOODNIGHT RITUAL – “international” // galore
ARROWS AT DAWN – “let live” // pieces
RED – “the evening hate” // the evening hate
FIRE FIGHT – “better” // identity
STITCHED UP HEART – “problems” // darkness
HOUR 2
SLIPKNOT – “all out life” // all out life - single
LET IT BREATHE – “second hit” // let it breathe
IN THIS MOMENT – “just drive” // a star crossed wasteland
DED – “anti-everything” // mis-an-thrope
AFTER THE BURIAL – “the great repeat” // evergreen
DEVILDRIVER – “end of the line” // the fury of our maker's hand
STATIC-X – “push it” // wisconsin death trip
KIRK WINDSTEIN – “dream in motion” // dream in motion
DOWN – “lifer" (live) // diary of a mad band
ENEMY X – “endless circle” // endless circle
ANIMALS AS LEADERS – “an infinate regression” // weightless
VEIL OF MAYA – “mikasa” // matriarch
GABRIEL AND THE APOCALYPSE – “systematic chaos” // alpha bionic
NETHERLANDS – “casual monsters” // casual monsters - single
TURNSTILE - "big smile" // time and space
Friday, November 15, 2019
MIDWEST BEATDOWN PLAYLIST :: 11/08/19 - 19th ANNIVERSARY SHOW
MIDWEST BEATDOWN PLAYLIST :: 11/08/19
19th ANNIVERSARY SHOW
HOUR 1
DESSA & MINNESOTA ORCHESTRA - "fighting fish" // sound the bells
DIAMANTE - "haunted" // coming in hot
COLD KINGDOM - "desire" // into the black sky
THE ALMOST - "I think I am" // fear caller
THE PUSH - "mommy problems" // I liked it better that way
WEATHER CHECK - "swarm in numbers" // weather check
EAON - "fan the flame" // eaon - ep
THE FAILSAFE - "head under water" // erasing color
JOHNNYROOK - "wrong thing" // between love and loss
ERIS - "the roche limit" // formation
ICON FOR HIRE - "get well" // scripted
CITY OF THE WEAK - "drag us under" // pulling teeth
THROW THE FIGHT - "my disaster" // my disaster - single
ANGRY WATERS - "invasive species" (live) // angry waters live
HOUR 2
JASTA feat JESSE LEACH - "strength to draw the line" // the lost chapters vol 2
KILLSWITCH ENGAGE feat HOWARD JONES - "the signal fire" // atonement
AUGUST BURNS RED - "empire" // leveler
SUPERLUNG - "time is of the essence" // demo
NORMA JEAN - "with_errors" // all hail
WARROOSTER - "hyperdrive" // demo
BAD WOLVES - "no messiah" // n.a.t.i.o.n.
CODE ORANGE - "3 knives" // the hurt will go on ep
JASTA feat MATTHEW K. HEAFY - "when the contagion is you" // the lost chapter vol 2
COMMON CHOIR - "lower roads home" // lower roads home - single
MY ZERO - "can't lose control" // can't lose control - single
SCREAMING MECHANICAL BRAIN - "the end ... tis rising in squares" // the process of assimilation
DODD - "empty words" // xxx-mas ball 2002
DEVILINSIDE - "kiss the cynic" // volume one
BANEHINGE - "lemmings" (live) // live at star central
DISEMBODIED - "anvil chandelier" // diablerie
SPECIAL THANKS to KMSU, all the bands, PR reps, record labels and my family for 19 years of this little radio show going strong!
19th ANNIVERSARY SHOW
HOUR 1
DESSA & MINNESOTA ORCHESTRA - "fighting fish" // sound the bells
DIAMANTE - "haunted" // coming in hot
COLD KINGDOM - "desire" // into the black sky
THE ALMOST - "I think I am" // fear caller
THE PUSH - "mommy problems" // I liked it better that way
WEATHER CHECK - "swarm in numbers" // weather check
EAON - "fan the flame" // eaon - ep
THE FAILSAFE - "head under water" // erasing color
JOHNNYROOK - "wrong thing" // between love and loss
ERIS - "the roche limit" // formation
ICON FOR HIRE - "get well" // scripted
CITY OF THE WEAK - "drag us under" // pulling teeth
THROW THE FIGHT - "my disaster" // my disaster - single
ANGRY WATERS - "invasive species" (live) // angry waters live
HOUR 2
JASTA feat JESSE LEACH - "strength to draw the line" // the lost chapters vol 2
KILLSWITCH ENGAGE feat HOWARD JONES - "the signal fire" // atonement
AUGUST BURNS RED - "empire" // leveler
SUPERLUNG - "time is of the essence" // demo
NORMA JEAN - "with_errors" // all hail
WARROOSTER - "hyperdrive" // demo
BAD WOLVES - "no messiah" // n.a.t.i.o.n.
CODE ORANGE - "3 knives" // the hurt will go on ep
JASTA feat MATTHEW K. HEAFY - "when the contagion is you" // the lost chapter vol 2
COMMON CHOIR - "lower roads home" // lower roads home - single
MY ZERO - "can't lose control" // can't lose control - single
SCREAMING MECHANICAL BRAIN - "the end ... tis rising in squares" // the process of assimilation
DODD - "empty words" // xxx-mas ball 2002
DEVILINSIDE - "kiss the cynic" // volume one
BANEHINGE - "lemmings" (live) // live at star central
DISEMBODIED - "anvil chandelier" // diablerie
SPECIAL THANKS to KMSU, all the bands, PR reps, record labels and my family for 19 years of this little radio show going strong!
Thursday, November 14, 2019
ICE NINE KILLS SLAYS MINNEAPOLIS
CONCERT REVIEW :: ICE NINE KILLS, FIT FOR A KING, LIGHT THE TORCH
Varsity Theater, Minneapolis, MN
Review and Photos by Brett Zisler
Numerous bands have passed through Minneapolis in the past six months, but few have had the crowd in a frenzy from the get-go as ICE NINE KILLS did at the Varsity Theater on Sunday Nov. 3rd. The Boston based band brings a different anxiousness out of the crowd as their “Lets Go to the Movies” intro plays. The minute that song kicked in and their movie rating curtain illuminated, the crowd knew they were in for an experience they may have not had before.
Darkness set in the Varsity Theater as the intro to “Thank God it’s Friday” started to echo through the speakers with the crowd matching its volume. The roar of the crowd as the curtain fell showing the members of ICE NINE KILLS dressed impressively as some of the most notorious horror movies was deafening. Spencer Charnas stood at the front of the stage sporting a Jason Voorhees mask and overalls while he sang out the chorus pointing his blood stained machete at the concert goers in the front row. ICE NINE KILLS do an unbelievable job of putting in the small details into their live show. Going as far as having incredible makeup provided by their touring artist Shevy Marie, whom they incorporate into their show as Jason Voorhees’ mother, Drew Barrymore’s character from scream and many others.
One thing to take away from this show, while providing incredible visuals, this band delivers so well live. The amount of energy and spot on musicianship they display live is something to take note of. A great addition to their live show is some of the background vocals provided by bassist Joe Occhiuti, which might be some of the best backing & harmonizing vocals you could have for a live show. Guitarists Dan Sugarman & Ricky Armellino do such great job of making their songs so raw and intense live it only adds to the chaos of their show as drummer Patrick Galante pounds away behind them impressively dressed and painted as the doll from the movie “SAW.”
ICE NINE KILLS definitely raised the bar on themselves with this fall Octane Accelerators tour. Numerous dates have sold out as fans are grabbing tickets quickly, some shows selling out months prior to the show date. After the Minneapolis show, its easy to see why. While ICE NINE KILLS has albums that date back to the mid 2000’s, it feels like this is just the tip of the iceberg and there is a lot ahead for this band.
Also on the tour was heavy weights, FIT FOR A KING. No strangers to Minnesota, the confidently pounded their way through their set with the crowd hanging on word for word. Walking off stage, hopefully they had the same feeling of enjoyment the crowd had.
Another great addition to the Octane Accelerator tour was Light the Torch. The L.A. based quartet featuring past members of Killswitch Engage, Blood has been Shed, Bleeding Through among others gave maybe their best performance yet in Minnesota. As front man Howard Jones bellowed his lyrics, it was easy to see they have gained even more legions of fans since their last stop here. The door is wide open for Light the Torch in 2020.
SEE MORE OF BRETT's PICTURES FROM ICE NINE KILLS HERE!
SEE MORE OF BRETT's PICTURES FROM FIT FOR A KING & LIGHT THE TORCH HERE!
Varsity Theater, Minneapolis, MN
Review and Photos by Brett Zisler
Numerous bands have passed through Minneapolis in the past six months, but few have had the crowd in a frenzy from the get-go as ICE NINE KILLS did at the Varsity Theater on Sunday Nov. 3rd. The Boston based band brings a different anxiousness out of the crowd as their “Lets Go to the Movies” intro plays. The minute that song kicked in and their movie rating curtain illuminated, the crowd knew they were in for an experience they may have not had before.
Darkness set in the Varsity Theater as the intro to “Thank God it’s Friday” started to echo through the speakers with the crowd matching its volume. The roar of the crowd as the curtain fell showing the members of ICE NINE KILLS dressed impressively as some of the most notorious horror movies was deafening. Spencer Charnas stood at the front of the stage sporting a Jason Voorhees mask and overalls while he sang out the chorus pointing his blood stained machete at the concert goers in the front row. ICE NINE KILLS do an unbelievable job of putting in the small details into their live show. Going as far as having incredible makeup provided by their touring artist Shevy Marie, whom they incorporate into their show as Jason Voorhees’ mother, Drew Barrymore’s character from scream and many others.
One thing to take away from this show, while providing incredible visuals, this band delivers so well live. The amount of energy and spot on musicianship they display live is something to take note of. A great addition to their live show is some of the background vocals provided by bassist Joe Occhiuti, which might be some of the best backing & harmonizing vocals you could have for a live show. Guitarists Dan Sugarman & Ricky Armellino do such great job of making their songs so raw and intense live it only adds to the chaos of their show as drummer Patrick Galante pounds away behind them impressively dressed and painted as the doll from the movie “SAW.”
ICE NINE KILLS definitely raised the bar on themselves with this fall Octane Accelerators tour. Numerous dates have sold out as fans are grabbing tickets quickly, some shows selling out months prior to the show date. After the Minneapolis show, its easy to see why. While ICE NINE KILLS has albums that date back to the mid 2000’s, it feels like this is just the tip of the iceberg and there is a lot ahead for this band.
Also on the tour was heavy weights, FIT FOR A KING. No strangers to Minnesota, the confidently pounded their way through their set with the crowd hanging on word for word. Walking off stage, hopefully they had the same feeling of enjoyment the crowd had.
Another great addition to the Octane Accelerator tour was Light the Torch. The L.A. based quartet featuring past members of Killswitch Engage, Blood has been Shed, Bleeding Through among others gave maybe their best performance yet in Minnesota. As front man Howard Jones bellowed his lyrics, it was easy to see they have gained even more legions of fans since their last stop here. The door is wide open for Light the Torch in 2020.
SEE MORE OF BRETT's PICTURES FROM ICE NINE KILLS HERE!
SEE MORE OF BRETT's PICTURES FROM FIT FOR A KING & LIGHT THE TORCH HERE!
Tuesday, November 5, 2019
A DAY TO REMEMBER BRINGS THE DEGENERATES TO THE ARMORY!
CONCERT REVIEW :: A DAY TO REMEMBER, I PREVAIL, BEARTOOTH, CAN'T SWIM
THE ARMORY in MINNEAPOLIS, MN
October 27, 2019
Pictures by Brett Zisler
The Degenerates Tour came to a very sold out The Armory in Minneapolis with a stacked bill destined to please any rock fan no matter who you like. Even with this being a home coming of sorts for A Day to Remember guitarist Kevin Skaff, there was no way this show wasn't going to sell out.
I will never get tired of see A DAY TO REMEMBER come out to "The Downfall of Us All". It's a song that gets the crowd just as pumped up as the band 10 years later. The crowd got rowdy as soon as the chant hit and never let up for ADTR's entire set. Going from one crowd sing a long to the next, the band tore right in to "All I Want" before taking a short break after "Mr. Highway's Thinking About the End".
ADTR's set was tailor made to make sure every single fan went home hearing their favorite song. I was excited to hear songs like "Have Faith In Me" and "If It Means a Lot to You" still in the set which made for great breathing points in the set before the pits erupted again! "Degenerates" got a huge pop for a brand new song that signals everyone is just excited for new ADTR as the band is to put the new album out there.
Jeremy, Kevin, Neil, Joshua and Alex were leaving it all on the stage with a mostly white stage set up and a video screen that did well not to over power the performance. They knew they brought a stacked lineup with them that fueled a more aggressive show than I've seen in the past couple visits from the band. Don't get me wrong, there was tons of fun had during the show - but the band definitely had a fire with them that was great to see. Which makes me even more excited for the forthcoming "You're Welcome" release.
The show closed out with the serious fun having encore of "All Signs Point to Lauderdale" and "The Plot to Bomb the Panhandle" complete with confetti! I look forward to see what A Day to Remember brings when they come back around with a new album having been out for a few months. Definitely don't miss ADTR when they come back around.
The sold out crowd was ready for I PREVAIL to take the stage. The crowd came unglued for I Prevail's set opener "Bow Down" from their latest album Trauma and never let up. Eric and Brian both command the stage very well and the crowd was eating up everything the band would throw at them.
The crowd sang along with "Paranoid" and "Breaking Down" and got quite the impressive circle pit around the sound board for "Deadweight". I Prevail's 9 song 45 minute set flew by as they did a great job getting the crowd excited for A Day to Remember.
BEARTOOTH absolutely dominated with their 30 minute set wasting no time running thru 7 songs getting the crowd nice and rowdy for the rest of the night. The crowd was in to it from the moment "The Lines" began the set. I've never felt the floor at The Armory bounce the way it did during Beartooth's set (to which it continued the rest of the night) which made me a little worried as we were parked right below but we made it out!
"Hated" and "Aggressive" came early to the delight of the packed crowd before 3 from Beartooth's newest record Disease arrived - "You Never Know," "Bad Listener" and a huge crowd sing a long of "Disease" signaled we were close to the end of a fantastic set from Beartooth.
The band was extremely tight riding on the wave of a very successful Disease touring cycle. They seemed to be enjoying themselves playing this huge stage just as much as the crowd enjoyed jumping around during "You Never Know" and "Bad Listener".
After seeing their headlining set at the Varsity Theater last year, 30 minutes is way too short of a set as it seemed like the crowd as well as Caleb, Kamron, Zach, Oshie and Connor were just getting started as soon as it was over. "In Between" seemed to be an interesting closer but the crowd loved every second of it. Beartooth, please come back soon!
The Degenerates Tour was a well constructed tour with the fans in mind. Each band played to win the crowd over and set the bar a little higher for the next band. Normally, you see a portion of the crowd leave as the night goes on. This was not the case tonight. The crowd stayed until the show was over. Every fan and band member should be very proud of this tour as it will be hard to top this one in the future.
SEE MORE OF BRETT'S PHOTOS FROM A DAY TO REMEMBER, I PREVAIL and BEARTOOTH at the Armory in Minneapolis HERE!
THE ARMORY in MINNEAPOLIS, MN
October 27, 2019
Pictures by Brett Zisler
The Degenerates Tour came to a very sold out The Armory in Minneapolis with a stacked bill destined to please any rock fan no matter who you like. Even with this being a home coming of sorts for A Day to Remember guitarist Kevin Skaff, there was no way this show wasn't going to sell out.
I will never get tired of see A DAY TO REMEMBER come out to "The Downfall of Us All". It's a song that gets the crowd just as pumped up as the band 10 years later. The crowd got rowdy as soon as the chant hit and never let up for ADTR's entire set. Going from one crowd sing a long to the next, the band tore right in to "All I Want" before taking a short break after "Mr. Highway's Thinking About the End".
ADTR's set was tailor made to make sure every single fan went home hearing their favorite song. I was excited to hear songs like "Have Faith In Me" and "If It Means a Lot to You" still in the set which made for great breathing points in the set before the pits erupted again! "Degenerates" got a huge pop for a brand new song that signals everyone is just excited for new ADTR as the band is to put the new album out there.
Jeremy, Kevin, Neil, Joshua and Alex were leaving it all on the stage with a mostly white stage set up and a video screen that did well not to over power the performance. They knew they brought a stacked lineup with them that fueled a more aggressive show than I've seen in the past couple visits from the band. Don't get me wrong, there was tons of fun had during the show - but the band definitely had a fire with them that was great to see. Which makes me even more excited for the forthcoming "You're Welcome" release.
The show closed out with the serious fun having encore of "All Signs Point to Lauderdale" and "The Plot to Bomb the Panhandle" complete with confetti! I look forward to see what A Day to Remember brings when they come back around with a new album having been out for a few months. Definitely don't miss ADTR when they come back around.
The sold out crowd was ready for I PREVAIL to take the stage. The crowd came unglued for I Prevail's set opener "Bow Down" from their latest album Trauma and never let up. Eric and Brian both command the stage very well and the crowd was eating up everything the band would throw at them.
The crowd sang along with "Paranoid" and "Breaking Down" and got quite the impressive circle pit around the sound board for "Deadweight". I Prevail's 9 song 45 minute set flew by as they did a great job getting the crowd excited for A Day to Remember.
BEARTOOTH absolutely dominated with their 30 minute set wasting no time running thru 7 songs getting the crowd nice and rowdy for the rest of the night. The crowd was in to it from the moment "The Lines" began the set. I've never felt the floor at The Armory bounce the way it did during Beartooth's set (to which it continued the rest of the night) which made me a little worried as we were parked right below but we made it out!
"Hated" and "Aggressive" came early to the delight of the packed crowd before 3 from Beartooth's newest record Disease arrived - "You Never Know," "Bad Listener" and a huge crowd sing a long of "Disease" signaled we were close to the end of a fantastic set from Beartooth.
The band was extremely tight riding on the wave of a very successful Disease touring cycle. They seemed to be enjoying themselves playing this huge stage just as much as the crowd enjoyed jumping around during "You Never Know" and "Bad Listener".
After seeing their headlining set at the Varsity Theater last year, 30 minutes is way too short of a set as it seemed like the crowd as well as Caleb, Kamron, Zach, Oshie and Connor were just getting started as soon as it was over. "In Between" seemed to be an interesting closer but the crowd loved every second of it. Beartooth, please come back soon!
The Degenerates Tour was a well constructed tour with the fans in mind. Each band played to win the crowd over and set the bar a little higher for the next band. Normally, you see a portion of the crowd leave as the night goes on. This was not the case tonight. The crowd stayed until the show was over. Every fan and band member should be very proud of this tour as it will be hard to top this one in the future.
SEE MORE OF BRETT'S PHOTOS FROM A DAY TO REMEMBER, I PREVAIL and BEARTOOTH at the Armory in Minneapolis HERE!
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