MIDWEST BEATDOWN PLAYLIST :: 10/18/19
HOUR 1
MOTION CITY SOUNDTRACK – “my favorite accident” // I am the movie
DIAMANTE – “haunted” // coming in hot
COLD KINGDOM – “desire” // into the black sky
COHEED AND CAMBRIA – “the gutter” // the unheavenly creatures
FIRE FIGHT – “better” // identity
ALTER BRIDGE – “take the crown” // walk the sky
ANGRY WATERS – “invasive species” (live) // angry waters live
JOHNNYROOK – “lucky you” // lucky you – single
COLD – “without you” // the things we can’t stop
B ! – “higher” // degenerator
THEM THAT DARE – “tiny army” // endings
THE RACONTEURS – “born and razed” // help us stranger
EAON – “fan the flame” // eaon
BOSTON MANOR – “flowers in your dustbin” // welcome to the neighbourhood
GOODNIGHT RITUAL – “all my arms” // galore
HOUR 2
BREATH AFTER COMA – “face to the floor” // woke up in babel
SLEEP SIGNALS – “I’ll save you” // at the end of the world
REFUSED – “rev 001” // war music
REVILWEN – “those who control” // follow the money
SUPERLUNG – “time is of the essence” // demo
SOILWORK – “arrival” // verkligheten
ERIS – “the roche limit” // formation
KORN – “the darkness is revealing” // the nothing
COMMON CHOIR – “dive bar knight life” // self inflicted famine
AMARANTHE – “helix” // helix
BLUE FELIX – “hate inside” // battling gravity
IN FLAMES – “take this life” // come clarity
ODDS OF AN AFTERTHOUGHT – “show me a sign” // through eyes of change
JINJER – “on the top” // macro
THE SLAIN – “the haunted castle” // the slain
Saturday, October 19, 2019
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
SHINEDOWN brings the heat to Mankato!
CONCERT REVIEW :: SHINEDOWN, PAPA ROACH, ASKING ALEXANDRIA, SAVAGE AFTER MIDNIGHT
Mankato Civic Center - Mankato, MN
October 6, 2019
Review and photos by Brett Zisler
On Sunday, Oct 6th, Minnesota became one of the lucky markets in the US to not only get Shinedown once, but twice. Lines wrapped outside of the Mankato Civic Center for blocks for the sold-out show. It was very clear that this would be a Sunday night unlike any other that the town of Mankato has seen.
Shinedown started the show off with an eruption of fire as the curtain dropped to the opening of “Devil,” the first single of the band’s newest album “ATTENTION ATTENTION.” Bassist Eric Bass & guitarist Zach Myers provided roaring backup vocals as lead singer, Brent Smith bellowed out some of the fan favorites, “Enemies” & “Diamond Eyes.” Shinedown brings an energy unlike any others that the fans just feed off. Their level of performance and professionalism is simply spectacular. While the stage setup was similar to the show last March at the Target Center, Shinedown did a great job inserting different songs “ATTENTION ATTENTION” and “Through the Ghost” into the setlist for Mankato.
As the show started to wind down, the energy from the crowd and Shinedown never let up. Brent Smith pointed out that “there isn’t one ounce of negative energy in the building tonight.” And he was exactly right. Standing at the soundboard towards the back of the floor and looking around the arena, one couldn’t help but smile at the level of crowd participation and enjoyment of the show. A few tears fell on some of the crowd as Shinedown played their motivating hit “GET UP.” And that’s perfect, that’s what music is all about, invoking emotion and feelings. After Shinedown concluded their set with “Brilliant,” Brent Smith ended the show with the line “This isn’t goodbye, it’s just until next time.” And you can firmly take him on his words.
Shinedown has such a connection with their fans its amazing. Leaving the Mankato Civic Center, statements like “That was the best show I’ve ever been to” and “I can’t wait for Shinedown to come back, hopefully its soon” were pretty common. Shinedown gave their fans their moneys worth and them some on Sunday night. Watching their fans exit the arena with a feeling of joy and satisfaction was something to behold.
Along with on the ATTENTION ATTENTION Tour 2019, Shinedown brought along friends PAPA ROACH to be direct support of them. The one thing you can always take away from a Papa Roach performance is that they are going to give you 110% every night. Jacoby Shaddix and guitarist Jerry Horton kept the energy level up as the bounced around the state to hits “Help” “Between Angels & Insects” “Scars” and of course “Last Resort.” Papa Roach proved to be a perfect choice as an opener for the tour.
Shinedown also brought along UK’s hard rock band ASKING ALEXADRIA. They opened their set with their new single “The Violence” that brought the crowd to their feet. Asking A brings a great amount of energy and heaviness to their setlist every time. Pounding their way through hits, “Into the Fire” and “Where did it go?” Danny Worsnop only got better as time went on. Worsnop along with guitarists Ben Bruce & Cameron Liddell kept the crowd entertained as bassist Sam Bettley rocked the stage as the CO2 cannons went off. Finishing their set with “Alone in a Room,” It was very clear to see that their most recent self-titled album as carved a new direction for the band, one that seems to fit them perfectly. Look for a new album soon from Asking Alexandria late 2019 early 2020.
SEE MORE OF BRETT's PHOTOS FROM SHINEDOWN AT THE MANKATO CIVIC CENTER HERE!
SEE MORE OF BRETT's PHOTOS OF PAPA ROACH, ASKING ALEXANDRIA and SAVAGE AFTER MIDNIGHT AT THE MANKATO CIVIC CENTER HERE!
Mankato Civic Center - Mankato, MN
October 6, 2019
Review and photos by Brett Zisler
On Sunday, Oct 6th, Minnesota became one of the lucky markets in the US to not only get Shinedown once, but twice. Lines wrapped outside of the Mankato Civic Center for blocks for the sold-out show. It was very clear that this would be a Sunday night unlike any other that the town of Mankato has seen.
Shinedown started the show off with an eruption of fire as the curtain dropped to the opening of “Devil,” the first single of the band’s newest album “ATTENTION ATTENTION.” Bassist Eric Bass & guitarist Zach Myers provided roaring backup vocals as lead singer, Brent Smith bellowed out some of the fan favorites, “Enemies” & “Diamond Eyes.” Shinedown brings an energy unlike any others that the fans just feed off. Their level of performance and professionalism is simply spectacular. While the stage setup was similar to the show last March at the Target Center, Shinedown did a great job inserting different songs “ATTENTION ATTENTION” and “Through the Ghost” into the setlist for Mankato.
As the show started to wind down, the energy from the crowd and Shinedown never let up. Brent Smith pointed out that “there isn’t one ounce of negative energy in the building tonight.” And he was exactly right. Standing at the soundboard towards the back of the floor and looking around the arena, one couldn’t help but smile at the level of crowd participation and enjoyment of the show. A few tears fell on some of the crowd as Shinedown played their motivating hit “GET UP.” And that’s perfect, that’s what music is all about, invoking emotion and feelings. After Shinedown concluded their set with “Brilliant,” Brent Smith ended the show with the line “This isn’t goodbye, it’s just until next time.” And you can firmly take him on his words.
Shinedown has such a connection with their fans its amazing. Leaving the Mankato Civic Center, statements like “That was the best show I’ve ever been to” and “I can’t wait for Shinedown to come back, hopefully its soon” were pretty common. Shinedown gave their fans their moneys worth and them some on Sunday night. Watching their fans exit the arena with a feeling of joy and satisfaction was something to behold.
Along with on the ATTENTION ATTENTION Tour 2019, Shinedown brought along friends PAPA ROACH to be direct support of them. The one thing you can always take away from a Papa Roach performance is that they are going to give you 110% every night. Jacoby Shaddix and guitarist Jerry Horton kept the energy level up as the bounced around the state to hits “Help” “Between Angels & Insects” “Scars” and of course “Last Resort.” Papa Roach proved to be a perfect choice as an opener for the tour.
Shinedown also brought along UK’s hard rock band ASKING ALEXADRIA. They opened their set with their new single “The Violence” that brought the crowd to their feet. Asking A brings a great amount of energy and heaviness to their setlist every time. Pounding their way through hits, “Into the Fire” and “Where did it go?” Danny Worsnop only got better as time went on. Worsnop along with guitarists Ben Bruce & Cameron Liddell kept the crowd entertained as bassist Sam Bettley rocked the stage as the CO2 cannons went off. Finishing their set with “Alone in a Room,” It was very clear to see that their most recent self-titled album as carved a new direction for the band, one that seems to fit them perfectly. Look for a new album soon from Asking Alexandria late 2019 early 2020.
SEE MORE OF BRETT's PHOTOS FROM SHINEDOWN AT THE MANKATO CIVIC CENTER HERE!
SEE MORE OF BRETT's PHOTOS OF PAPA ROACH, ASKING ALEXANDRIA and SAVAGE AFTER MIDNIGHT AT THE MANKATO CIVIC CENTER HERE!
Saturday, October 12, 2019
MIDWEST BEATDOWN PLAYLIST :: 10/11/19 - THE PUSH
MIDWEST BEATDOWN PLAYLIST :: 10/11/19
GUESTS :: THE PUSH
HOUR 1
ALICE IN CHAINS - "got me wrong" // sap
ENEMY X - "until you're free" // enemy x
DESSA & the MINNESOTA ORCHESTRA - "velodrome" // sound the bells
DIAMANTE - "coming in hot" // coming in hot
DIVIDE THE FALL - "stay" // stay - single
BEARTOOTH - "afterall" // disease
A DAY TO REMEMBER - "degenerates" // you're welcome
THE PUSH - "mommy problems" // I like it better that way
SKYWIND - "sleeping with the devil" // dreaming of an angel
THE PUSH - "survive" // I like it better that way
THE ALMOST - "chokehold" // fear caller
THE PUSH - "monster" // I like it better that way
HOUR 2
THE SLAIN - "creature of the moat" // the slain
LACUNA COIL - "reckless" // black anima
WEATHER CHECK - "sanity" // weather check vol II
BABYMETAL feat ALISSA WHITE-GLUZ - "distortion" // metal galaxy
RED - "from the ashes" // the evening hate
EXACTLYNO - "black Friday" // exactlyno
RAD OWL - "grape mister misty" // madison beast
JINJER - "on the top" // macro
THE HU - "shoog shoog" // the gereg
COMMON CHOIR - "lower roads home" // lower roads home - single
GWAR - "if you want blood (you got it)" // the blood of gods
SAUL - "I am him" // aeons
KORN - "blind" // korn
**SPECIAL THANKS to ANTHONY from THE PUSH for calling in to the Midwest Beatdown this week to talk about their new album "I Like It Better That Way" out now! Check out THE PUSH tonight (Oct 12) with SKYWIND (CD release) and WILDVIEW at The Dog House in Maplewood (21+)!
GUESTS :: THE PUSH
HOUR 1
ALICE IN CHAINS - "got me wrong" // sap
ENEMY X - "until you're free" // enemy x
DESSA & the MINNESOTA ORCHESTRA - "velodrome" // sound the bells
DIAMANTE - "coming in hot" // coming in hot
DIVIDE THE FALL - "stay" // stay - single
BEARTOOTH - "afterall" // disease
A DAY TO REMEMBER - "degenerates" // you're welcome
THE PUSH - "mommy problems" // I like it better that way
SKYWIND - "sleeping with the devil" // dreaming of an angel
THE PUSH - "survive" // I like it better that way
THE ALMOST - "chokehold" // fear caller
THE PUSH - "monster" // I like it better that way
HOUR 2
THE SLAIN - "creature of the moat" // the slain
LACUNA COIL - "reckless" // black anima
WEATHER CHECK - "sanity" // weather check vol II
BABYMETAL feat ALISSA WHITE-GLUZ - "distortion" // metal galaxy
RED - "from the ashes" // the evening hate
EXACTLYNO - "black Friday" // exactlyno
RAD OWL - "grape mister misty" // madison beast
JINJER - "on the top" // macro
THE HU - "shoog shoog" // the gereg
COMMON CHOIR - "lower roads home" // lower roads home - single
GWAR - "if you want blood (you got it)" // the blood of gods
SAUL - "I am him" // aeons
KORN - "blind" // korn
**SPECIAL THANKS to ANTHONY from THE PUSH for calling in to the Midwest Beatdown this week to talk about their new album "I Like It Better That Way" out now! Check out THE PUSH tonight (Oct 12) with SKYWIND (CD release) and WILDVIEW at The Dog House in Maplewood (21+)!
Thursday, October 10, 2019
SKILLET, ALTER BRIDGE & DIRTY HONEY deliver a show good for the mind, body and soul!
CONCERT REVIEW :: SKILLET, ALTER BRIDGE, DIRTY HONEY
October 8, 2019
Myth in Maplewood, MN
Photos by Brett Zisler
Tonight was a perfect example of why these co-headlining tours work and are successful. Not only did each band bring it a little harder, they make each other shine stronger. ALTER BRIDGE is an arena headlining band in Europe and I still can’t believe they aren’t here while SKILLET proved they are running full force towards headlining arenas in the very near future.
SKILLET came out to a thunderous roar from the near capacity crowd. It’s hard to stand still when “Feel Invincible” comes on and it got the crowd going just as crazy as the band. It’s hard to top the energy that Skillet leaves on the stage. John Cooper running around like a madman with or without bass in hand. I’m surprised Jen Ledger’s drumset didn’t collapse for as hard as she was pounding the drums. Korey and Seth both commanded the stage with a confident swagger. John did a well-executed karate kick right in front of Seth that made Seth bust out laughing – it was so good Chuck Norris would’ve stopped in his tracks to give a nod of approval. I still love seeing a band on stage that makes each other laugh and their set was full of all that and more.
SKILLET is currently getting a huge look from WWE as they are using “Legendary” as the theme for Monday Night Raw this season and even better SKILLET themselves show off their live show in the opening along with clips from various wrestlers. The crowd sang along to the chorus just as loud for “Legendary” as they did any of the other hits from their catalog. “You Ain’t Ready” went over extremely well towards the beginning of the set as SKILLET perfectly paced the new songs in between all the songs the crowd knew and loved.
I caught SKILLET with LACEY STURM back in March and not to take anything away from that special show that we got to see – but there’s an undeniable infectious energy when these 4 get on stage together that made an incredible difference between the two shows. When Jen came out from behind the kit for “Hero” there was definitely a huge difference between the two shows as the crowd was even louder at that point. While we didn’t “Rebirthing” on this tour, you can’t deny “The Resistance” as being an epic show closer. If you were holding anything back during the show, “The Resistance” was your chance to leave it all at the Myth. I can only imagine the band needing a few minutes to catch their breath after that performance.
ALTER BRIDGE threw the show in to high gear right out of the gate with “Wouldn’t You Rather” from their forthcoming Walk the Sky record. Myles Kennedy has one of the best voices in the rock scene. Mark Tremonti was throwing out the riffs like candy on Halloween. Brian Marshall laid down some seriously thick bass grooves and Scott Phillips commanded the drums with incredibly tight precision. Interestingly, Myles kept to stage left and only went to center stage every once in a while during the show. Like Skillet, everyone in this band is an essential piece to making this band the force to be reckoned with that they are.
Hearing “Rise Today” again live, I scratch my head as to why that wasn’t a bigger song for them and it sounded huge live today. “Addicted to Pain” goes over massive and “Take the Crown” is even better live than on record.
The crowd erupted when Myles started the beginning of “Blackbird” which led in to a phenomenal showcase with “Metalingus”. It’s always a trip when you hear a song that you forgot they do and then you really get excited about it with the show closer “Open Your Eyes”.
ALTER BRIDGE left the stage with an incredibly strong 70 minute set that left the entire crowd wanting more. I personally can’t wait to see what they do when they come back around – give me “An Evening With” show and you can take my money right now.
DIRTY HONEY had a well-crafted 6 song set that included everything on their EP that’s out now and just recently released on vinyl. The band itself has improved greatly in the 5 months since I saw them at Sonic Temple in Ohio. Marc Labelle is an undeniable front man who seems even more confident. Guitarist John Notto threw out some crunchy goodness on the guitar. While bassist Justin Smolian and drummer Corey Coverstone kept a super tight groove.
I saw a lot of people go from brushing them off to really digging their sound by the end of their set. There’s a reason why this band has the #1 rock radio track with “When I’m Gone” currently. It’s an ear worm and they’re following it right up with another one in “Rollin’ 7’s”. It’s a perfect way to end the show as it’s the strongest songs in their catalog thus far. They are putting in the work and grinding it out on the road to what should translate into a very solid debut full length. Keep an eye on this four piece!
If anyone still thinks Rock is Dead, you clearly aren’t paying attention – check out this bill of SKILLET, ALTER BRIDGE and DIRTY HONEY and change my mind.
SEE MORE OF BRETT's SKILLET PHOTOS HERE!
SEE MORE OF BRETT's ALTER BRIDGE and DIRTY HONEY PHOTOS HERE!
October 8, 2019
Myth in Maplewood, MN
Photos by Brett Zisler
Tonight was a perfect example of why these co-headlining tours work and are successful. Not only did each band bring it a little harder, they make each other shine stronger. ALTER BRIDGE is an arena headlining band in Europe and I still can’t believe they aren’t here while SKILLET proved they are running full force towards headlining arenas in the very near future.
SKILLET came out to a thunderous roar from the near capacity crowd. It’s hard to stand still when “Feel Invincible” comes on and it got the crowd going just as crazy as the band. It’s hard to top the energy that Skillet leaves on the stage. John Cooper running around like a madman with or without bass in hand. I’m surprised Jen Ledger’s drumset didn’t collapse for as hard as she was pounding the drums. Korey and Seth both commanded the stage with a confident swagger. John did a well-executed karate kick right in front of Seth that made Seth bust out laughing – it was so good Chuck Norris would’ve stopped in his tracks to give a nod of approval. I still love seeing a band on stage that makes each other laugh and their set was full of all that and more.
SKILLET is currently getting a huge look from WWE as they are using “Legendary” as the theme for Monday Night Raw this season and even better SKILLET themselves show off their live show in the opening along with clips from various wrestlers. The crowd sang along to the chorus just as loud for “Legendary” as they did any of the other hits from their catalog. “You Ain’t Ready” went over extremely well towards the beginning of the set as SKILLET perfectly paced the new songs in between all the songs the crowd knew and loved.
I caught SKILLET with LACEY STURM back in March and not to take anything away from that special show that we got to see – but there’s an undeniable infectious energy when these 4 get on stage together that made an incredible difference between the two shows. When Jen came out from behind the kit for “Hero” there was definitely a huge difference between the two shows as the crowd was even louder at that point. While we didn’t “Rebirthing” on this tour, you can’t deny “The Resistance” as being an epic show closer. If you were holding anything back during the show, “The Resistance” was your chance to leave it all at the Myth. I can only imagine the band needing a few minutes to catch their breath after that performance.
ALTER BRIDGE threw the show in to high gear right out of the gate with “Wouldn’t You Rather” from their forthcoming Walk the Sky record. Myles Kennedy has one of the best voices in the rock scene. Mark Tremonti was throwing out the riffs like candy on Halloween. Brian Marshall laid down some seriously thick bass grooves and Scott Phillips commanded the drums with incredibly tight precision. Interestingly, Myles kept to stage left and only went to center stage every once in a while during the show. Like Skillet, everyone in this band is an essential piece to making this band the force to be reckoned with that they are.
Hearing “Rise Today” again live, I scratch my head as to why that wasn’t a bigger song for them and it sounded huge live today. “Addicted to Pain” goes over massive and “Take the Crown” is even better live than on record.
The crowd erupted when Myles started the beginning of “Blackbird” which led in to a phenomenal showcase with “Metalingus”. It’s always a trip when you hear a song that you forgot they do and then you really get excited about it with the show closer “Open Your Eyes”.
ALTER BRIDGE left the stage with an incredibly strong 70 minute set that left the entire crowd wanting more. I personally can’t wait to see what they do when they come back around – give me “An Evening With” show and you can take my money right now.
DIRTY HONEY had a well-crafted 6 song set that included everything on their EP that’s out now and just recently released on vinyl. The band itself has improved greatly in the 5 months since I saw them at Sonic Temple in Ohio. Marc Labelle is an undeniable front man who seems even more confident. Guitarist John Notto threw out some crunchy goodness on the guitar. While bassist Justin Smolian and drummer Corey Coverstone kept a super tight groove.
I saw a lot of people go from brushing them off to really digging their sound by the end of their set. There’s a reason why this band has the #1 rock radio track with “When I’m Gone” currently. It’s an ear worm and they’re following it right up with another one in “Rollin’ 7’s”. It’s a perfect way to end the show as it’s the strongest songs in their catalog thus far. They are putting in the work and grinding it out on the road to what should translate into a very solid debut full length. Keep an eye on this four piece!
If anyone still thinks Rock is Dead, you clearly aren’t paying attention – check out this bill of SKILLET, ALTER BRIDGE and DIRTY HONEY and change my mind.
SEE MORE OF BRETT's SKILLET PHOTOS HERE!
SEE MORE OF BRETT's ALTER BRIDGE and DIRTY HONEY PHOTOS HERE!
Monday, October 7, 2019
MINNEAPOLIS KICKS OFF OCTOBER WITH A HAUNTING
SHOW REVIEW :: GHOST and NOTHING MORE
THE ARMORY in Minneapolis, MN
October 5, 2019
Review and Pictures by Brett Zisler
One look at the streets of Minneapolis Saturday night let you know more than just a concert was going to happen at the Armory. Lines stretched for blocks as fans anxiously waited to get inside to see the Grammy award winning Swedish band GHOST. The Armory has hosted a plethora of popular acts but none quite like the event that GHOST puts on.
As soon as the house lights went dark to the intro of “Ashes” the frenzy of the crowd grew. There the Nameless Ghouls stood on their staircases observing their sold out crowd before the drums kicked into the ever so popular “Rats”. The tension was mounting until the moment everyone was waiting for finally happened. Cardinal Copia made his triumphant entrance dressed appropriately in a cardinal red velvet suit. Cardinal Copia, just like his predecessors, moved just seamlessly across the stage as the band went into hits “Absolution” and “Faith.”
GHOST’ setlist was perfectly crafted including some of their oldest hits like “Ritual” and “Satan’s Prayer” to their newest additions “Mary on a Cross” and “Kiss the Go-Goat.” Cardinal’s legion of fans he as built over the years never once let up lending their vocals. As the show started to wind down, GHOST didn’t let up. Ending the night with their ultimate one – two punch in “Dance Macabre” and “Square Hammer” couldn’t have been any better. Fans from the front to the back of the Armory bounced and bellowed out their vocal harmonies with Cardinal Copia.
All in all, the evolution of the band GHOST has been nothing but remarkable. From their early tour stops in Minnesota at Station 4 & opening for Mastodon at Myth in 2012, this band has done nothing but move onwards and upwards. Each tour has proven to be building blocks for putting on what is now one of the best live rock shows you can see. Never did I think I would see parents bringing their children dressed as Papa Emeritus or countless number of people walking in as a nameless ghoul to a GHOST concert. But it’s a testimony as to how good of a live show GHOST really is, and that live show is only getting better with every tour. Each time they have passed through Minnesota they have played a larger venue. And if Saturday night is any indication, that growth is showing no signs of stopping.
Opening the night GHOST brought along Texas natives NOTHING MORE. After touring almost all 2020 of their newest album “The stories we tell ourselves,” NOTHING MORE added an upbeat opening to the show that accommodated the GHOST crowd perfectly. Lead singer Johnny Hawkins displayed his wide range of vocals as they made their way through such hits as “Let’em Burn” “This is the Time” and the ever so personal “Jenny.” As Hawkins asked the crowd how many people had never seen NOTHING MORE before as many hands went up, it’s safe to say they made a large number of new fans after Saturday night.
SEE MORE OF BRETT's PHOTOS OF GHOST HERE!
SEE MORE OF BRETT's PHOTOS OF NOTHING MORE HERE!
THE ARMORY in Minneapolis, MN
October 5, 2019
Review and Pictures by Brett Zisler
One look at the streets of Minneapolis Saturday night let you know more than just a concert was going to happen at the Armory. Lines stretched for blocks as fans anxiously waited to get inside to see the Grammy award winning Swedish band GHOST. The Armory has hosted a plethora of popular acts but none quite like the event that GHOST puts on.
As soon as the house lights went dark to the intro of “Ashes” the frenzy of the crowd grew. There the Nameless Ghouls stood on their staircases observing their sold out crowd before the drums kicked into the ever so popular “Rats”. The tension was mounting until the moment everyone was waiting for finally happened. Cardinal Copia made his triumphant entrance dressed appropriately in a cardinal red velvet suit. Cardinal Copia, just like his predecessors, moved just seamlessly across the stage as the band went into hits “Absolution” and “Faith.”
GHOST’ setlist was perfectly crafted including some of their oldest hits like “Ritual” and “Satan’s Prayer” to their newest additions “Mary on a Cross” and “Kiss the Go-Goat.” Cardinal’s legion of fans he as built over the years never once let up lending their vocals. As the show started to wind down, GHOST didn’t let up. Ending the night with their ultimate one – two punch in “Dance Macabre” and “Square Hammer” couldn’t have been any better. Fans from the front to the back of the Armory bounced and bellowed out their vocal harmonies with Cardinal Copia.
All in all, the evolution of the band GHOST has been nothing but remarkable. From their early tour stops in Minnesota at Station 4 & opening for Mastodon at Myth in 2012, this band has done nothing but move onwards and upwards. Each tour has proven to be building blocks for putting on what is now one of the best live rock shows you can see. Never did I think I would see parents bringing their children dressed as Papa Emeritus or countless number of people walking in as a nameless ghoul to a GHOST concert. But it’s a testimony as to how good of a live show GHOST really is, and that live show is only getting better with every tour. Each time they have passed through Minnesota they have played a larger venue. And if Saturday night is any indication, that growth is showing no signs of stopping.
Opening the night GHOST brought along Texas natives NOTHING MORE. After touring almost all 2020 of their newest album “The stories we tell ourselves,” NOTHING MORE added an upbeat opening to the show that accommodated the GHOST crowd perfectly. Lead singer Johnny Hawkins displayed his wide range of vocals as they made their way through such hits as “Let’em Burn” “This is the Time” and the ever so personal “Jenny.” As Hawkins asked the crowd how many people had never seen NOTHING MORE before as many hands went up, it’s safe to say they made a large number of new fans after Saturday night.
SEE MORE OF BRETT's PHOTOS OF GHOST HERE!
SEE MORE OF BRETT's PHOTOS OF NOTHING MORE HERE!
Saturday, October 5, 2019
MIDWEST BEATDOWN PLAYLIST :: 10/04/19
MIDWEST BEATDOWN PLAYLIST :: 10/04/19
HOUR 1
THE SLAIN - "the vampire bat" // the slain
DOWN AND ABOVE - "digging in the dirt" // vena cava
RAD OWL - "hannah barbera" // Madison beast
PAPA ROACH - "elevate" // who do you trust
SHINEDOWN - "devil" // attention attention
ASKING ALEXANDRIA - "into the fire" // asking alexandria
THE PUSH - "controller" // oh, victory
SKYWIND - "escape plan" // escape plan v.2
SCARLET HAZE - "blame it on you" // one bad
ALTER BRIDGE - "addicted to pain" // fortress
DIRTY HONEY - "while I'm gone" // dirty honey – ep
SKILLET - "feel invincible" // unleashed
WOLFKAT - "missing out" // missing out – single
AVADO - "the leech" // viscera
HOUR 2
THE FAILSAFE - "head under water" // erasing color
DIVIDE THE FALL - "I won't fade away" // I won't fade away – single
NOTHING MORE - "do you really want it" // the stories we tell ourselves
GHOST - "dance macabre" // prequelle
CITY OF THE WEAK - "drag us under" // pulling teeth
ENEMY X - "endless circle" // endless circle
BLUE FELIX - "hate inside" // battling gravity
ARCH ENEMY - "war eternal" // war eternal
AMON AMARTH - "raise your horns" (live) // the pursuit of vikings: live at summer breeze
LACUNA COIL - "reckless" // black anima
LET IT BREATHE - "bucket of bullheads" // let it breathe
KOBRA AND THE LOTUS - "thundersmith" // evolution
IN SEARCH OF SOLACE - "survive" // enslaved to tragedy
JINJER - "judgement (& punishment)" // macro
HOUR 1
THE SLAIN - "the vampire bat" // the slain
DOWN AND ABOVE - "digging in the dirt" // vena cava
RAD OWL - "hannah barbera" // Madison beast
PAPA ROACH - "elevate" // who do you trust
SHINEDOWN - "devil" // attention attention
ASKING ALEXANDRIA - "into the fire" // asking alexandria
THE PUSH - "controller" // oh, victory
SKYWIND - "escape plan" // escape plan v.2
SCARLET HAZE - "blame it on you" // one bad
ALTER BRIDGE - "addicted to pain" // fortress
DIRTY HONEY - "while I'm gone" // dirty honey – ep
SKILLET - "feel invincible" // unleashed
WOLFKAT - "missing out" // missing out – single
AVADO - "the leech" // viscera
HOUR 2
THE FAILSAFE - "head under water" // erasing color
DIVIDE THE FALL - "I won't fade away" // I won't fade away – single
NOTHING MORE - "do you really want it" // the stories we tell ourselves
GHOST - "dance macabre" // prequelle
CITY OF THE WEAK - "drag us under" // pulling teeth
ENEMY X - "endless circle" // endless circle
BLUE FELIX - "hate inside" // battling gravity
ARCH ENEMY - "war eternal" // war eternal
AMON AMARTH - "raise your horns" (live) // the pursuit of vikings: live at summer breeze
LACUNA COIL - "reckless" // black anima
LET IT BREATHE - "bucket of bullheads" // let it breathe
KOBRA AND THE LOTUS - "thundersmith" // evolution
IN SEARCH OF SOLACE - "survive" // enslaved to tragedy
JINJER - "judgement (& punishment)" // macro
Friday, October 4, 2019
CLUTCH and HATEBREED tear it down and go wild at the Myth!
CONCERT REVIEW: DROPKICK MURPHYS, CLUTCH, HATEBREED, AMIGO THE DEVIL
Myth in Maplewood, MN
October 1, 2019
Photos by Brett Zisler
When this tour was announced – you knew it was a show you cleared your calendar for. DROPKICK MURPHYS and CLUTCH teamed up for a co-headlining fall tour bringing out HATEBREED with them along to make this an unforgettable package with AMIGO THE DEVIL opening. Those 3 bands can all headline on their own (and have headlined this very venue on their own) but by teaming up this is a show for music fans of all types. Not to mention one they will probably never see again!
CLUTCH came out and launched right in to “How to Shake Hands” and instantly had the crowd engaged. Neil Fallon was all over the stage being the terrific energetic frontman that convinced even the toughest Dropkick fan. Tim Suit was riffing in fantastic form and probably the closest to the edge of the stage as I've ever seen him. Dan Maines and Jean-Paul Gaster were laying down the groove thick. This is seriously one of the tightest bands in the business. I stood there in awe most of the night just watching Jean-Paul bring the beat.
Stirring up the crowd real early with "The Mob Goes Wild" the set never had a lull. Clutch was bringing fan favorite after fan favorite tonight. "X-Ray Visions" went straight into "Firebirds!" which brought us to "Gimme the Keys" before giving us a little bit of a breather after "Burning Beard"! This is where I saw Clutch win over some Dropkick fans. That's seriously fun to watch when a band makes a new fan.
I don't know who's set went by quicker Hatebreed 30's minute set or Clutch's near perfect 60 minutes. While I was disappointed we weren't treated to "Evil" or "Precious and Grace" from their new Weathermaker Vault Series, we did get "Willie Nelson"! "Electric Worry" was raging but it seems weird not be followed up by "One Eyed Dollar" but we got perhaps the best version of "Rats" I've yet to hear!
I saw lots of extra mics on stage so I'm hoping this means a new live record as this is the best Clutch has ever sounded. This band has been on fire touring in support of Book of Bad Decisions and that's saying something with as massive as this band's catalog is and as much of a stand out live band they are.
HATEBREED had a quick 30 minute set compromised of 9 songs. (I still think they got 10 in but I can't remember the extra song they played either) "To the Threshold" and "Live for This" got the pits running real early! The band didn't have a whole lot of room on stage but they brought it a little harder to make up for not being able to move around much. One of these days they'll get me out of mosh retirement and in retrospect, this probably would've been the perfect time.
"Before Dishonor" and "Empty Promises" made the set from Satisfaction for all the people around in '97 and they brought it all the way to their recent release with the big pit turner "Looking Down the Barrel of Today"! While I miss Jasta just calling out the songs, it was good to see them stick to the same set list to make the most of their 30 minutes to get the crowd amped up for Clutch and Dropkick Murphys! Leaving the stage, they said they'd be back next year with a new album. Can't flippin wait!
The only disappointing factor in the show was the long waits in between bands. HATEBREED had the crowd amp'd up but then had to wait 30 minutes for CLUTCH to come out. Then there was 40 minutes between CLUTCH and DROPKICK MURPHYS to where the fans were getting extremely antsy waiting for The Boys to come back looking for trouble. In the end, everyone definitely got the price of their ticket and then some from this once in a lifetime bill! If this tour hasn't went thru yet and you got a chance to go, don't miss it! You'll kick yourself after words if you're not there.
SEE MORE OF BRETT's CLUTCH, HATEBREED and AMIGO THE DEVIL PICTURES HERE!
CLUTCH's set list
How to Shake Hands
Ghoul Wrangler
The Mob Goes Wild
H.B. is in Control
X-Ray Visions
Firebirds!
Gimme the Keys
Burning Beard
Vision Quest
Spirit of ‘76
In Walks Barbarella
Willie Nelson
Electric Worry
Rats
HATEBREED's set list
To The Threshold
Live for This
Before Dishonor
Last Breath
This is Now
Destroy Everything
Empty Promises
Looking Down the Barrel of Today
I Will Be Heard
Myth in Maplewood, MN
October 1, 2019
Photos by Brett Zisler
When this tour was announced – you knew it was a show you cleared your calendar for. DROPKICK MURPHYS and CLUTCH teamed up for a co-headlining fall tour bringing out HATEBREED with them along to make this an unforgettable package with AMIGO THE DEVIL opening. Those 3 bands can all headline on their own (and have headlined this very venue on their own) but by teaming up this is a show for music fans of all types. Not to mention one they will probably never see again!
CLUTCH came out and launched right in to “How to Shake Hands” and instantly had the crowd engaged. Neil Fallon was all over the stage being the terrific energetic frontman that convinced even the toughest Dropkick fan. Tim Suit was riffing in fantastic form and probably the closest to the edge of the stage as I've ever seen him. Dan Maines and Jean-Paul Gaster were laying down the groove thick. This is seriously one of the tightest bands in the business. I stood there in awe most of the night just watching Jean-Paul bring the beat.
Stirring up the crowd real early with "The Mob Goes Wild" the set never had a lull. Clutch was bringing fan favorite after fan favorite tonight. "X-Ray Visions" went straight into "Firebirds!" which brought us to "Gimme the Keys" before giving us a little bit of a breather after "Burning Beard"! This is where I saw Clutch win over some Dropkick fans. That's seriously fun to watch when a band makes a new fan.
I don't know who's set went by quicker Hatebreed 30's minute set or Clutch's near perfect 60 minutes. While I was disappointed we weren't treated to "Evil" or "Precious and Grace" from their new Weathermaker Vault Series, we did get "Willie Nelson"! "Electric Worry" was raging but it seems weird not be followed up by "One Eyed Dollar" but we got perhaps the best version of "Rats" I've yet to hear!
I saw lots of extra mics on stage so I'm hoping this means a new live record as this is the best Clutch has ever sounded. This band has been on fire touring in support of Book of Bad Decisions and that's saying something with as massive as this band's catalog is and as much of a stand out live band they are.
HATEBREED had a quick 30 minute set compromised of 9 songs. (I still think they got 10 in but I can't remember the extra song they played either) "To the Threshold" and "Live for This" got the pits running real early! The band didn't have a whole lot of room on stage but they brought it a little harder to make up for not being able to move around much. One of these days they'll get me out of mosh retirement and in retrospect, this probably would've been the perfect time.
"Before Dishonor" and "Empty Promises" made the set from Satisfaction for all the people around in '97 and they brought it all the way to their recent release with the big pit turner "Looking Down the Barrel of Today"! While I miss Jasta just calling out the songs, it was good to see them stick to the same set list to make the most of their 30 minutes to get the crowd amped up for Clutch and Dropkick Murphys! Leaving the stage, they said they'd be back next year with a new album. Can't flippin wait!
The only disappointing factor in the show was the long waits in between bands. HATEBREED had the crowd amp'd up but then had to wait 30 minutes for CLUTCH to come out. Then there was 40 minutes between CLUTCH and DROPKICK MURPHYS to where the fans were getting extremely antsy waiting for The Boys to come back looking for trouble. In the end, everyone definitely got the price of their ticket and then some from this once in a lifetime bill! If this tour hasn't went thru yet and you got a chance to go, don't miss it! You'll kick yourself after words if you're not there.
SEE MORE OF BRETT's CLUTCH, HATEBREED and AMIGO THE DEVIL PICTURES HERE!
CLUTCH's set list
How to Shake Hands
Ghoul Wrangler
The Mob Goes Wild
H.B. is in Control
X-Ray Visions
Firebirds!
Gimme the Keys
Burning Beard
Vision Quest
Spirit of ‘76
In Walks Barbarella
Willie Nelson
Electric Worry
Rats
HATEBREED's set list
To The Threshold
Live for This
Before Dishonor
Last Breath
This is Now
Destroy Everything
Empty Promises
Looking Down the Barrel of Today
I Will Be Heard
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