MIDWEST BEATDOWN PLAYLIST :: 03/25/22 - COLD KINGDOM

MIDWEST BEATDOWN PLAYLIST :: 03/25/22
GUESTS :: COLD KINGDOM

HOUR 1
THE WARNING - "money" // money - single
THE FAILSAFE - "burn it to the ground" // burn it to the ground - single
THE PUSH - "survive" // I liked it better that way
SUMO CYCO - "no surrender" // initiation
COLD KINGDOM feat DANNY CASE - "criminal" // criminal - single

COLD KINGDOM - "desire" // into the black sky
THE SIERRA DAY - "closed out" // shanaska
COLD KINGDOM - "devil in me" // into the black sky
VERSION 5 - "why don't you drop" // version 5 ep

HOUR 2
DREAM WIDOW - "the sweet abyss" // dream widow
KORN - "worst is on it's way" // requiem
CHEVELLE - "mars simula" // niratias
CODE ORANGE - "out for blood" // out for blood - single
THROW THE FIGHT - "snake mountain" // snake mountain - single
ANGRY WATERS - "first blood" // the ghosts we chase
MOTOR SISTER - "can't get high enough" // get off
MOTIONLESS IN WHITE - "cyberhex" // scoring the end of the world

MESHUGGAH - "I am that thirst" // immutible
TORCHE - "slide" // admission
ANIMALS AS LEADERS - "the problem of other minds" // parrhesia
OPETH - "width of a circle" // in cauda venenum (extended edition)
VEIN.FM - "the killing womb" // this world is going to ruin you
INFECTED RAIN feat HEIDI SHEPARD - "the realm of chaos" // ecdysis
JINJER - "ape" // micro

**SPECIAL THANKS to ELISSA and EVAN from COLD KINGDOM for zooming in to the Midwest Beatdown this week! COLD KINGDOM's new single "Criminal" feat Danny Case (From Ashes to New) is out now! More new music coming soon!

Midwest Beatdown · Cold Kingdom 2022 interview

SEVENDUST treats MN to a magical evening!

CONCERT REVIEW :: SEVENDUST, TETRARCH, DEAD POET SOCIETY
Skyway Theater in Minneapolis, MN
3/22/22
Photos by Brett Zisler
Review by Nick

There's something special about seeing SEVENDUST live. They are one of the best long running bands out there. The magic between those 5 guys on stage is something that can't be replicated and the energy between the band and the crowd is unlike any other out there. The idea that we’re celebrating 21 years of the album “Animosity” is big in itself, let alone realizing how many solid songs there are on that album.

SEVENDUST came out swinging with "T.O.A.B.", "Praise" and "Trust" to start the show before Lajon Witherspoon took one of many moments out to tell stories from the Animosity album cycle. Plenty of laughs were had throughout the 90 min set with Lajon's stories going from the making of the album to playing The Gathering of the Juggalos. There's not many singers out there that sound just as good 21 years later in concert as Lajon does.

Guitarists Clint Lowery and John Connelly sounded better than ever even taking turns at the front on different songs. Nothing better than seeing bassist Vince Hornsby running around the stage with a big smile on his face. Then there's drummer extraordinare Morgan Rose. An influential drummer who's style is still like no other drummer out there 25 years later. Morgan still does tricks throwing drumsticks out and grabbing a new one without missing a beat. You can't help but smile and be in a good mood with these 5 on stage.

"Dead Set" sounded fantastic live as well as "Shine" in which Lajon got teared up. Showing that the songs from Animosity meaning just the same, if not more to Sevendust as well as the crowd. I didn't miss hearing new songs or favorites in the set as "Live Again" and "Beautiful" sounded just as amazing live as it would've been to hear "Denial", "Enemy" or "Blood From a Stone". Who knows when the next time slower songs like "Xmas Day" or "Follow" will show up in the set again - showing a different side to Sevendust that's not normally seen live. Lajon said it best during the set, "This isn't a concert, this is a family reunion. You are not fans, you are family."

Instead of ending the main set with the powerful "Angel's Son", they moved "Cruicifed" from track 4 to track 13 to end the show on a rowdy note. SEVENDUST returned victoriously coming back out for an encore of arguably two of their biggest songs "Bitch" and "Face to Face." There's nothing more cathartic than screaming along to "Face to Face" at a Sevendust show. Everyone left a satistified Sevendust fan hearing some songs for the first time that may never be played again live, the real joy of this Animosity 21st Anniversary Tour. Does that mean we'll see a 25th Anniversary Tour from Sevendust this fall? Only time will tell.

TETRARCH wins the Most Improved Band Award. You can tell they spent the downtime of the pandemic making sure they came back swinging harder than ever before. I haven’t seen them since they opened for Devildriver and 36 Crazyfists and they have solidified their live sound since then. When TETRARCH say that they have invested in themselves as a band, that’s 100% true.

Starting off their set with "Stitch Me Up" and running right in to the heavy "Negative Noise", TETRARCH were not messing around. There's probably not many drummers who punish their drums as hard as Ruben Limas. At one point during "Negative Noise", I thought he was gonna smash his snare thru the stand. Absolute power behind the kit.

Vocalist and guitarist Josh Fore commanded the crowd like a seasoned frontman. Guitarist Diamond Rowe showing exactly why she's a badass, slaying the guitar. Bassist Ryan Lerner running all over the stage like a madman while handling the low end. TETRARCH was able to have a great light show on this tour really setting them apart from other bands in the direct support slot.

With their singles "I'm Not Right" and "You Never Listen" getting great crowd reaction, TETRARCH let it all out and left it all on the stage in their 40 minute set. This band will continue to claw their way to the top of the metal mountain and the future of metal will be in good hands with TETRARCH leading the way.

Kicking off the night was DEAD POET SOCIETY. If you are a fan of Muse, you will definitely like Dead Poet Society. A good solid rock band and a nice opener for the night. A little different than the other two bands and that was appreciated. “.SALT.” was a great track letting the band jam out a little. Keep an eye on them.

SEE MORE OF BRETT'S PHOTOS FROM SEVENDUST and TETRARCH HERE!

MIDWEST BEATDOWN PLAYLIST :: 03/18/22 :: SEVENDUST

MIDWEST BEATDOWN PLAYLIST :: 03/18/22
GUESTS :: SEVENDUST

HOUR 1
ANGRY WATERS – “first blood” // the ghosts we chase
THROW THE FIGHT – “snake mountain” // snake mountain – single
3 PILL MORNING - "dichotomy (tear me in two)" // dichotomy (tear me in two) - single
SUPERLUNG – “time is of the essence” // demo
THE FAILSAFE - "burn it to the ground" // burn it to the ground - single
THE INTERRUPTERS - "take the power back" // live in Tokyo
FLOGGING MOLLY - "within a mile of home" // within a mile of home

POPPY – “lessen the damage" // flux
COREY TAYLOR - "on the dark side" // CMF...B-sides
COHEED AND CAMBRIA - "the liar's club" // vaxis II: a window to the waking mind
FALSE FLOOR - "equals" // equals - single
SEVENDUST - "praise" // animosity
SEVENDUST - "shine" // animosity

HOUR 2
TETRARCH - "negative noise" // unstable
SEVENDUST - "dead set" // animosity
ENEMY X - "endless circle" // endless circle
ICE NINE KILLS - "rainy day" // the silver scream 2: welcome to horrorwood
MOTIONLESS IN WHITE – “cyberhex” // scoring the end of the world
CAVE IN - "new reality" // heavy pendulum

LET IT BREATHE - "second hit" // let it breathe
GHOST - "watcher in the sky" // impera
MOTOR SISTER – “can't get high enough" // get off
SABATON - "race to the sea" // the war to end all wars
RED HANDED DENIAL - "cloud 9" // I'd rather be asleep
MESHUGGAH - "light the shortening fuse" // immutable
JINJER – “disclosure" // wallflowers

**SPECIAL THANKS to LAJON from SEVENDUST for calling in to the Midwest Beatdown this week to talk about their show TONIGHT (3/22) at the Skyway Theater in Minneapolis with TETRARCH and DEAD POET SOCIETY - 18+ show!

Midwest Beatdown · Sevendust 2022 interview

UNDEROATH stuns at The Fillmore

CONCERT REVIEW: UNDEROATH and BAD OMENS
THE FILLMORE, Minneapolis, MN
March 7, 2022
Photos by Brett Zisler
Review by Nick

UNDEROATH brought their Voyeurist tour to Minneapolis at The Fillmore for what should have been a show of epic proportions. The tour started out as UNDEROATH, EVERY TIME I DIE and SPIRITBOX. This was a much raved about pairing. Unfortunately, Every Time I Die broke up and BAD OMENS and STRAY FROM THE PATH were added. As much as ETID breaking up was a kick to the pants, it was going to be cool to see BAD OMENS and STRAY FROM THE PATH. Got to the venue, there were signs everywhere that SPIRITBOX were not playing tonight. Another kick to the pants. Found out later, someone in their camp tested positive for COVID so they were unable to play. That’s understandable.

UNDEROATH came out with all the lights, a few screens and enough energy between all the members on stage to power said lights and screens. Like the Killswitch Engage show the previous night, you could tell UNDEROATH were truly happy to be there. They were going to leave everything they had on that stage and wanted the crowd to do the same. The set was nicely paced mixing the new material in from Voyeurist in with their catalog.

A new found fire has been put back in to these older songs that might not have been there since the songs were brand new. Matching the same energy they would use for “It’s Dangerous Business Walking Out Your Front Door” or “In Reguards to Myself” for songs not often played live like “A Fault Line, A Fault of Mine,” “There Could Be Nothing After This” and “Too Bright to See, Too Loud to Hear.” One could argue that those songs being played during the Observatory streaming series brought them back to the live sets that had the pandemic not happened, might not be in the current set list.

“Pneumonia” was a stand out of the set allowing the song to breathe in a live environment. As much as you would think the song was a chance for Underoath to catch their breath, it was far from that and just as intense as the rest of the set. Spencer and Aaron trading vocals back and forth sounded better than ever. Chris moving his set up from the front of stage left to the back of stage right didn’t make one bit of difference as Chris is still lighting up that stage as if he was in the front. Tim was super animated and engaged with the crowd right along with Spencer. James and Grant holding down stage right with intensity. Underoath's set was pure joy for the eyes and the ears.

BAD OMENS came out in a complete opposite way than 99% of bands out there and it really made me take notice right away. Singer Noah Sebastian came out first to deliver the first verse and chorus of “The Death of Peace of Mind” before drummer Nick Folio came out for the second verse. Guitarist Joakim Karlsson and Bassist Nicholas Ruffilo finally came out for the second chorus and put an extra strength in to a fantastic opener.

Reappearing with a ski mask on, Noah changed the tone completely with the heavy “Artificial Suicide” showing a different side of the band. Then melding the two sides together for their latest single “Like a Villain” before mellowing it out for a tad with “What Do You Want From Me?”

Taking a cue from the headliner, Bad Omens came equipped with a light show to match the mood of their music. Something you don’t normally see from an opener. The crowd was definitely here for Bad Omens and they were singing along with every word to the final 3 songs of their set “Never Know”, “Limits” and “Dethrone”. Bad Omens definitely made a lasting impression and I look forward to seeing them again.

Given all the obsticles this tour had faced, UNDEROATH, BAD OMENS and STRAY FROM THE PATH all gave 110% and left it all on stage for Minneapolis!

SEE MORE OF BRETT's PHOTOS of UNDEROATH and BAD OMENS here!

KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, AUGUST BURNS RED and LIGHT THE TORCH bring the fun back to The Fillmore!

CONCERT REVIEW : KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, AUGUST BURNS RED, LIGHT THE TORCH
The Fillmore - Minneapolis, MN
March 6, 2022
Pictures by Brett Zisler
Review by Nick

One of the many tours we’ve been waiting for, for the past two years finally happened this past Sunday night. KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, AUGUST BURNS RED and LIGHT THE TORCH finally came to The Fillmore in Minneapolis and it was an uplifting experience for all involved.

The running theme for this tour .. every member of every band were all having fun being up there and in front of an audience again. An audience who was equally excited to see all 3 bands! This was the first time in a long time I’ve felt like we are back to a normal show where everyone was having fun and probably releasing everything from the last two years in a positive way.

LIGHT THE TORCH came out swinging and were firing on all cylinders mixing tracks from last year’s You Will Be the Death of Me and their first record as Light the Torch Revival equally in to their 40 min set. Howard looked and sounded great running all over the stage and seemed to be equally as happy bringing this new material to MN for the first time. Kicking straight in to “More Than Dreaming” and really not letting up until just before their final song of the night “Die Alone”, the band was all about making the most of their time on stage.

“Let Me Fall Apart” sounded fantastic live as well “Death of Me” being a just little heavier live than what’s on the record. “The Safety of Disbelief” and “Die Alone” both brought some big sing-a-longs from the audience that’s rare for an opening band, however Light the Torch is far from your regular tour opener.

Francesco had the guitar sounding massive in the venue. Ryan’s background vocals were on point and had probably the most interesting looking bass guitar of the night (and Dustin from August Burns Red had a really cool headless bass!)

AUGUST BURNS RED wasted no time coming out microphone swinging with riffs for days! These are 5 guys who have not aged a day since I first saw them at Station 4 in St. Paul back on the Messengers tour cycle. JB shredding The Fillmore stage just like it was another day at the office not breaking a sweat. How Jake never actually hit anyone while swinging the mic is beyond me. There was a close call with Brent but thankfully no one was harmed during this performance on Sunday night! What can I say about Matt’s drumming that hasn’t been said before? One of the best drummers in heavy music.

Newer songs like “Invisible Enemy” and “Defender” sounded massive and right at home with older songs like “The Truth of a Liar” and “Meddler”. The guitar and bass switch between Brent and Dustin respectively during “Bloodletter” led in to an absolute guitar clinic masterpiece showing of “The Legend of Zelda” cover.

The downtime from the pandemic only made this band stronger. These 5 guys excel in technical excellence with their 45 min set which ended with crowd favorites “Marianas Trench”, “Composure” and “White Washed”. While it was weird not hearing “Empire” or “Thirty and Seven”, it didn’t matter. This was a perfectly planned out set with favorites, new songs and songs that might not have been played live in a while (which I suppose could be the whole set).

KILLSWITCH ENGAGE came out and it was like seeing family that you haven’t seen for awhile. The band went from 0 to 100 faster than NASCAR coming out with “Unleashed” and “Know Your Enemy” from their latest record Atonement mixing in “Hate By Design” from Incarnate in between the two tracks. “My Last Serenade” came very early on in the set and the sing alongs began from there.

KSE also pulled out some rarities for this show with “This Fire” and “Rise Inside” but it was “Daylight Dies” that had the crowd going crazy. I’m not sure if I’ve ever seen Jesse do that song with KSE and it was electric! Closing out the main set with the crowd favorites “Always”, “My Curse” and a thunderous “Strength of the Mind”.

Adam D was the quietest I’ve ever seen him not saying a whole lot in between songs like he usually does. But in classic Adam D fashion, he did talk about using the bathroom in a new venue. A line that was quoted by any people leaving the show that night.

**SPOILER ALERT**



Howard comes out for the last 3 songs and takes a band that’s already on fire to extraordinary levels. Howard tackles “Rose of Sharyn” by himself which is something I never thought I would see again. Followed by Jesse and Howard taking “The End of Heartache” to tag-team championship match extremes for the loudest crowd sing a long of the night. Ending appropriately with “The Signal Fire” made this for a show I want to relive again!

To sum it up … this is a tour for the record books, a tour well worth the 2 year wait. Everyone in every band at the top of their game, just as excited to be there as the fans. It was simply like the last 2 years never happened and isn’t that something we all wish we could do?

SEE MORE OF BRETT'S PICTURES FROM KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, AUGUST BURNS RED and LIGHT THE TORCH HERE!

MIDWEST BEATDOWN PLAYLIST :: 03/11/22

MIDWEST BEATDOWN PLAYLIST :: 03/11/22

HOUR 1
PLUSH - "athena" // plush
THE SIERRA DAY (The Mayberry Riot) - "fight" // unbalance
COLD KINGDOM feat DANNY CASE - "criminal" // criminal - single
THE WARNING - "Z" // mayday ep
THE MYSTERINES - "hung up" // reeling
BRING THE SUN - "death pigeon" // ghost
HALESTORM - "the steeple" // back from the dead

CITY OF THE WEAK - "drag us under" // pulling teeth
DOROTHY - "rest in peace" // rest in peace - single
LEDGER - "not dead yet" // ledger ep
ERIS - "miru-me" // formation
WITHIN TEMPTATION - "faster" // the unforgiven
POPPY - "lessen the damage" // flux
THE PRETTY RECKLESS - "death by rock and roll" // death by rock and roll
BABES IN TOYLAND - "he's my thing" // painkillers

HOUR 2
CODE ORANGE - "bleeding in the blur" // forever
GABRIEL AND THE APOCALYPSE - "counting scars" // alpha bionic
LACUNA COIL - "heaven's a lie" // comalies
LACEY STURM - "state of me" // state of me - single
LILITH CZAR - "feed my chaos" // created from filth and dust
NITA STRAUSS - "our most desperate hour" // controlled chaos
SPIRITBOX - "silk in the strings" // eternal blue

UNLEASH THE ARCHERS - "faster than light" // abyss
BUTCHER BABIES - "lilith" // lilith
DYING WISH - "until mourning comes" // fragments of a bitter memory
ARCH ENEMY - "deceiver, deceiver" // deceivers
IN THIS MOMENT - "next life" // beautiful tragedy
INFECTED RAIN - "pendulum" // endorphin
JINJER - "perennial" // micro

MIDWEST BEATDOWN PLAYLIST :: 03/04/22

MIDWEST BEATDOWN PLAYLIST :: 03/04/22

HOUR 1
JINJER - "pisces" (live sesion) // pisces live session - single
THROW THE FIGHT - "wake up" // wake up - single
3 PILL MORNING - "dichotomy (tear me in two)" // dichotomy (tear me in two) - single
GREG PUCIATO feat REBA MEYERS - "lowered" // mirrorcell
DIESL - "forget it" // the failsafe
ARROWS AT DAWN - "let live" // pieces
TURNSTILE - "mystery" // glow on
TURNSTILE - "T.L.C. (turnstile love connection)" // glow on

THE PUSH - "controller" // oh victory
UNDEROATH feat CHARLOTTE SANDS – “hallelujah" // hallelujah (Charlotte Sands version) - single
SPIRITBOX – “eternal blue" // eternal blue
BAD OMENS – “the death of peace of mind” // the death of peace of mind
PAPA ROACH – “kill the noise" // ego trip
COLD KINGDOM feat DANNY CASE` – “criminal” // criminal - single
THE LONELY ONES – “the way out” // the way out - single
COHEED AND CAMBRIA - "the liar's club" // vaxis II: a window of the waking mind

HOUR 2
MESHUGGAH - "light the shortening fuse" // immutable
KILLSWITCH ENGAGE feat HOWARD JONES – “the signal fire" // atonement
AUGUST BURNS RED feat MATTHEW K HEAFY – “internal cannon" // leveler (10th anniversary edition)
LIGHT THE TORCH – “let me fall apart" // you will be the death of me
INDEX CASE - "silver" // ocean
DESTROPHY - "new gods" // new gods ep
WIDOW7 - "therapy" // therapy - single

VEIN.FM – “the killing womb" // this world is going to ruin you
SEPULTURA - "means to an end" // quadra
CROWBAR – “crush negativity" // zero and below
SABATON – “race to the sea" // the war to end all wars
COMMON CHOIR – “idle hands" // idle hands - single
INFECTED RAIN feat HEIDI SHEPARD - "the realm of chaos" // ecdysis
JINJER - "colossus" // wallflower
JINJER - "micro" // micro