Saturday, March 30, 2024

MIDWEST BEATDOWN PLAYLIST :: 03/29/24

MIDWEST BEATDOWN PLAYLIST :: 03/29/24

HOUR 1

WEEKEND PICNIC – “I will remain” // I will remain - single
KORN – “worst is on it's way" // requiem
GOJIRA – “our time is now" // our time is now - single
SPIRITBOX – “jaded" // the fear of fear
JOHNNYROOK – “if you’re dying, I’m dying” // if you’re dying, I’m dying - single
BOSTON MANOR – “container” // container - single
THE CHALLENGER DISASTER CONSPIRACY - "corncob messiah" // city pages 2023 band of the year

AMIRA ELFEKY – “save yourself" // skin to skin
KILL THE LIGHTS - "from ashes" // death melodies
HOT WATER MUSIC – “menace" // vows
THE BURN VAULT - "Johnny Thunders come lately" // ignite
THE WARNING – “hell you call a dream” // keep me fed
THE FORECAST - "good journey" // good journey
ALPHA WOLF – “whenever you’re ready” // half living things
WAGE WAR - "magnetic" // magnetic - single

HOUR 2
FLIPP - "half a brain" // flipp 20th anniversary platnium edition
CLUTCH – “a shogun named marcus" // transnational speedway league
IRON MAIDEN – “stratego" // senjutsu
THE HU – “shoog shoog" // the gereg
CORSAIR - "battle eternal" // the golden heart
SLDG - "100 yard stare" // predicaments ep
SPOKEN feat RYAN CLARK – “sleeper” // reflection

BOUNDARIES feat MARCUS VIK – “blame's burden" // death is a little more
VENDED - "the far side" // the far side - single
RED HANDED DENIAL – “parasite” // a journey through virtual dystopia
KUBLAI KHAN TX – “low tech” // low tech - single
HARMS WAY - "devour" // common suffering
OUR COMMON COLLAPSE - "languish" // languish - single
KITTIE - "eyes wide open" // eyes wide open - single
REAPING ASMODEIA - "false awakening" // darkened infinity


Saturday, March 23, 2024

MIDWEST BEATDOWN PLAYLIST :: 03/22/24

MIDWEST BEATDOWN PLAYLIST :: 03/22/24

HOUR 1

WAGE WAR - "magnetic" // magnetic - single
THROW THE FIGHT - "obey" // strangeworld
DIVIDE THE FALL - "I won't fade away" // dead memories
ANGRY WATERS - "invasive species" // hold the high ground
THE BLACK CROWES - "bedside manners" // happiness bastards
ZAKK SABBATH - "lord of this world" // doomed forever/forever doomed
MADAM DRIVER - "through the trees" // negative ghostrider

UNLEASH THE ARCHERS - "ghosts in the mist" // phantoma
PLUSH - "hope it hurts" // find the beautiful
AMIRA ELFEKY - "tonight" (demo) // tonight - single
CHARLOTTE SANDS - "pity" // can we start over?
WIDOW7 - "miserable" // miserable - single
BACKHAND BLUE - "paranoid" // paranoid - single
GREYWIND - "you're my medicine" // antidote ep
PINKSHIFT - "i'm not crying you're crying" // love me forever

HOUR 2
RED HANDED DENIAL - "parasite" // a journey through virtual dystopia
STARBENDERS - "blood moon" // take back the night
JUDAS PRIEST - "vicious circle" // invisible circle (deluxe edition)
SEBASTIAN BACH - "everybody bleeds" // child within the man
SETYOURSAILS - "bad blood" // bad blood
THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA - "ritual" // ritual - single
KNOCKED LOOSE - "blinding faith" // you won't go before you're supposed to

KUBLAI KHAN TX - "low tech" // low tech - single
SOULKEEPER - "inflorescence" // holy design
IN SEARCH OF SOLACE - "no turning back" // the endless ache
REFLECTIONS - "my cancer" // exi(s)t
BY THE THOUSANDS - "the flood" // the descent
BETTER LOVERS - "30 under 13" // God made me an animal
FORIEGN HANDS - "conditioned for a head-on collision" // conditioned for a head-on collision - single
BOUNDARIES - "easily erased" // death is a little more
ORBIT CULTURE - "descent" // descent


Tuesday, March 19, 2024

NITA STRAUSS and STARBENDERS harness the wild at Studio B

CONCERT REVIEW :: NITA STRAUSS, STARBENDERS
Studio B @ Skyway Theater in Minneapolis, MN
March 16, 2024
Photos by Brett
Review by Nick



NITA STRAUSS returned to Studio B at Skyway Theater to support her second solo record “The Call of the Void” in a full headlining capacity. NITA was opening for Mammoth WVH just as the record came out and had a very solid set at First Avenue a couple months ago but what could she do when she got to fully shine on her own?


NITA brought with the massive lighting set up she had with Mammoth WVH, as she’s just coming off the second leg of that tour finishing up the these solo dates getting her back to the West Coast. I kinda think they couldn’t put up ALL the lights on stage with having 6 band members on that kinda small Studio B stage but it was still blinding and impressive nonetheless.


NITA and the band seemed to really enjoy having the crowd up close and personal for the full hour set. No barricade and everyone was on their best behavior the entire night. The whole band really seemed to enjoy playing some songs that they didn’t normally get to play in their limited opening set time. There was more new material from Call this time with the first half still being instrumental and the second half with touring vocalist Kasey Karlsen. Kasey comes out swinging absolutely crushing “The Wolf You Feed” doing vocal gymnastics to stay true to Alissa White-Gluz’s version on the album. While no easy feat there, Kasey ran head first in to “The Golden Trail” and delivers the goods on “Through the Noise”.


Nita gives everyone equal time to shine live. While Nita’s shredding, her guitarist and bassist (forgive me, I couldn't find their names on the internet) are running around the stage as much as they can keeping the crowd hyped up. Keyboardist and background vocalist Katt Scarlett whips her hair around constantly while laying down the groove while drummer Josh Villalta is a monster behind the drums! Nita has a really impressive band with her look no further than the intricaices of tracks like "Our Most Desperate Hour" and "Marianas Trench".


I’m still at a loss on how to describe STARBENDERS and I’m good with that. STARBENDERS don’t easily fit in to any catagory or genre. Best I can do is think 70’s and 80’s rock and metal put together in a blender and updated for today’s time. The band really blurs lines with each song, when you think you got it, they throw another curve ball.


“Blood Moon” kicked off their set and I was confused and interested all at the same time – crunchy riffs and infectious grooves with vocalist and guitarist Kimi Shelter belting out these insane screams at the end of the chorus without opening her mouth super big like every other singer. Guitarist Kriss Tojkaji looks like Slash up on stage while bassist Aaron Lecesne gives a nod to Bowie. New drummer Qi Wei looks like she’s having time of her life up on stage with the band. Put all 4 together and you have a band you can’t look away from – they keep you engaged with great stage presence and then add in the electricity of knowing that you’re not quite sure what you’re gonna get next.


Kimi channeled some serious Stevie Nicks vibes with “Seven White Horses” complete with a tambourine. A slower tempo track that stood out from the rest of the set which flowed really well in to “Cherry Wine” showcasing the beauty in Kimi’s vocals before amping it back up to close out the set with “If You Need It.”


I’m glad I bought a record from Kimi as she was packing up the merch table during Nita’s set. I’m very intrigued that this band is very unique to the point where after seeing as many concerts as I have, there’s still a band that keeps me on my toes and keeps me guessing. Check out STARBENDERS live the next time they roll thru town and be entranced.



SEE MORE OF BRETT'S PHOTOS OF NITA STRAUSS and STARBENDERS HERE!



Friday, March 15, 2024

MIDWEST BEATDOWN PLAYLIST :: 03/15/24

MIDWEST BEATDOWN PLAYLIST  ::  03/15/24

HOUR 1

THE BLACK CROWES – “wanting and waiting" // happiness bastards
WEEZER – “suzanne" // weezer (deluxe edition)
JOHNNYROOK – “if you’re dying, I’m dying”  //  if you’re dying, I’m dying - single
CRASH CUDDLE – “dead harmonics" // klaxon
THE WARNING – “hell you call a dream”  //  keep me fed
NITA STRAUSS feat ALISSA WHITE-GLUZ – “the wolf you feed" // the call of the void
DIAMANTE – “American dream”  //  American dream

GREYWIND - "antidote" // antidote ep
FEVERDREAM - "falling out" // falling out - single
DRAGONFORCE – “wildest dreams (dragonforce's version)" // warp speed warriors
THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA – “ritual”  //  ritual - single
SPOKEN feat RYAN CLARK – “sleeper" // reflections
PROJECT 86 – “complete the circle" // omni pt 2
DEMON HUNTER - "worlds apart" // worlds apart - single
GOJIRA - "only pain" // magma

HOUR 2
VENDED - "the far side" // the far side - single
SLDG – “calcify”  //  predicaments ep
DRUID – “nothing left" // nothing left - single
CORSAIR – “battle eternal" // the golden heart
UNLEASH THE ARCHERS – “green and glass”  //  phantoma
CHELSEA WOLFE – “house of self-undoing”  //  she reaches out to she reaches out to she
EVERNOIR – “three sharp knocks" // stages of grief

MVRROW – “hope" // fever dream
KITTIE – “eyes wide open”  //  eyes wide open – single
BY THE THOUSANDS – “the flood”  //  the descent
COMEBACK KID – “disruption”  //  trouble ep
JASTA – “walk that path alone" // jasta
ALPHA WOLF - "whenever you're ready" // half living things
SEEYOUSPACECOWBOY – “silhouettes in motion”  //  coup de grace
KNOCKED LOOSE – “blinding faith”  //  you won’t go before you’re supposed to


Tuesday, March 12, 2024

MINISTRY & GARY NUMAN impress at The Fillmore!

CONCERT REVIEW :: MINISTRY & GARY NUMAN
THE FILLMORE, Minneapolis
March 9, 2024
Photos by Brett
Review by Nick



MINISTRY bought the second leg of their tour with GARY NUMAN and FRONT LINE ASSEMBLY to The Fillmore in Minneapolis in celebration of the release of MINISTRY’s new album “hopiumforthemasses”. While I was quite shocked we got missed on the first leg, MINISTRY made up for it and then some!


GARY NUMAN was in the direct support slot and I will admit, I don’t know much of Gary’s music besides “Cars” and “Are ‘Friends’ Electric?”. Gary’s band came out and completely surprised me. They opened with “Everything Comes Down to This” which is extremely heavy live. Gary has a ton of energy and his backing band did a great job at keeping the energy level at 11 for the entire hour set. “Halo” and “The Chosen” were other standouts from the set. While it was cool to hear “Cars” live, it was far from the highlight of the set. I’ve been going back and checking back out the songs from Gary’s set streaming and most of them are heavy on record as well, but there’s something about the energy radiating from the stage on Saturday night that took it to a whole ‘nother level. If you dig, Nine Inch Nails … definitely go see Gary Numan live and check out his catalog.


During the soundcheck, as soon as Roy Mayorga’s drum tech hit the snare the first time, the volume was considerably louder. MINISTRY is the loudest show I’ve been to in years. You think you’ve heard loud and then there’s MINISTRY loud. The loudness from the PA did not distort the sound as it was very crisp the entire show. Al has a absolutely stellar backing band behind him that makes the music shine and has elevated Ministry’s live show.


MINISTRY opened the show with 5 songs from the brand new album and definitely the standouts from the new album. “B.D.E.” was a perfect opener and the band was pulling no punches. Al engaged with the audience the entire show, standing at the front of the stage along side his two guitarists and bassist for the entire show and only used his podium for one song. They created an insanely strong front line for the sonic assault happening on not only our ears but also our eyes. This is why you go to a live show, you felt every note.


The new songs sound fantastic in the live set, “Just Stop Oil” and “GD White Trash” sound just like they could have came off Psalm 69. The crowd ate it up and was completely in to the new songs. Al made a comment after playing “Alert Level” and “Broken System” from their previous record Moral Hygiene, that after being patient with the new material he was now going to give out some doggy treats launching straight in to “N.W.O.” and the crowd came unglued.


Roy Mayorga keeps the band in line with insanely tight pounding of his drum kit while Cesar Soto and Monte Pittman create a wall of guitar sound for Paul D’Amour to lay down the bass groove amongst these industrial classics. Fiery performances of “Just One Fix”, “Thieves” and “Jesus Built My Hot Rod” came raging as they closed out the main set.

“Burning Inside” and “So What” from The Mind is a Terrible Things to Taste kicked off the encore with a bang before closing the show with a cover of “Ricky’s Hand”. This was a perfect showing of who’s having more fun, the packed crowd or the band? Young bands take note, MINISTRY and GARY NUMAN both got up on stage and created a masterclass showing everyone how a live show is done. I left the show invigorated and appreciated every minute of both bands sets. Bands on tour in 2024, the bar has been raised .. it’s your move.


MINISTRY will be back this time at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul with the Freaks on Parade tour co-headlined by ROB ZOMBIE and ALICE COOPER with FILTER opening on Aug 25. Do not miss it as Al and co will give Alice and Zombie a run for their money to up their live game for a show that you won’t forget.

SEE MORE OF BRETT's PICTURES FROM MINISTRY and GARY NUMAN HERE!




Friday, March 8, 2024

MIDWEST BEATDOWN PLAYLIST :: 03/08/24

MIDWEST BEATDOWN PLAYLIST :: 03/08/24

HOUR 1

THE WARNING - "hell you call a dream" // keep me fed
PLUSH - "hope it hurts" // find the beautiful
BRING THE SUN - "death pigeon" // ghost
DIAMANTE - "I love myself for hating you" // American dream
NITA STRAUSS feat LZZY HALE - "through the noise" // the call of the void
HOT WATER MUSIC - "menace" // vows
ARROWS AT DAWN - "let live" // pieces
THROW THE FIGHT – “straight up” // straight up - single

SKILLET – “the resistance" // unleashed
COLD KINGDOM - "desire" // into the black sky
BABES IN TOYLAND - "he's my thing" // painkillers
OLD TOWNE GHOSTS - "knight boat" // the old ones are and forever shall be
THE THIRSTY GIANTS - "dramamine" // thirst and misery
MOLS – “not impressed” // under ground
WIDOW7 – “miserable” // miserable - single
ROYAL TUSK – “here on out” // altruistic
THE PRETTY RECKLESS - "death by rock and roll" // death by rock and roll

HOUR 2
SLDG – “calcify" // predicaments ep
DRUID – “overrated" // overrated - single
CORSAIR - "battle eternal" // the golden heart
XAETO – “undone” // undone - single
SEEYOUSPACECOWBOY - "silhouettes in motion" // coup de grace
GABRIEL AND THE APOCALYPSE - "get dragged" // get dragged - single
INFECTED RAIN - "the answer is you" // time

JUDAS PRIEST – “the serpent and the king” // invincible shield
KILL THE LIGHTS – “hear you scream" // death melodies
MINISTRY – “just stop oil" // hopiumforthemasses
DYING WISH - "path to your grave" // symptoms of survival
SCOWL - "sold out" // psychic dance routine
ROMAN CANDLE - "gaslighting isn't real" // discount fireworks
CAPRA - "silana" // errors
JINJER - "ape" // micro


Sunday, March 3, 2024

MIDWEST BEATDOWN PLAYLIST  ::  03/01/24

MIDWEST BEATDOWN PLAYLIST  ::  03/01/24

HOUR 1

JOHNNYROOK – “if you're dying, i'm dying" // if you're dying, i'm dying - single
WIDOW7 – “miserable”  //  miserable - single
BACKHAND BLUE - "paranoid" // paranoid - single
BEARTOOTH – “what are you waiting for" // the surface
FLOGGING MOLLY – “these times have got me drinking/tripping up the stairs" // anthem
ODDS OF AN AFTERTHOUGHT – “show me a sign" // through eyes of change
MOLS – “not impressed" // under ground
CRASH CUDDLE - "owning the bull" // klaxon

THE FAILSAFE - "ghost of you" // ghost of you - single
WEEKEND PICNIC - "before your time" // weekend picnic
NITA STRAUSS feat DOROTHY – “victorious" // the call of the void
DIAMANTE – “ghost myself" // American dream
VIA - "closets" // sanitize this
CASANATRA - "charlotte" // split the atom again
STITCHED UP HEART - "to the wolves" // to the wolves
AMARANTHE - "interference" // the catalyst

HOUR 2
SLDG - "1000 yard stare" // predicament ep
UNLEASH THE ARCHERS – “green and glass”  //  phantoma
ZAKK SABBATH – “fairies wear boots" // doomed forever/forever doomed
JUDAS PRIEST – “the serpent and the king”  //  invincible shield
MINISTRY – “just stop oil" // hopiumforthemasses
SCOWL - "sold out" // psychic dance routine
CAPRA - "tied up" // errors

KNOCKED LOOSE - "blinding faith" // you won't go before you're supposed to
LOATHE - "aggressive evolution" // i let it in and it took everything
DISEMBODIED - "anvil chandelier" // diablerie
KUBLAI KHAN TX - "self destruct" // absolute
GEL - "attainable" // only constant
CODE ORANGE - "the game" // the above
MARTYR AD - "bring out your dead" // on earth as it is in hell
DYING WISH - "prey for me" // symptoms of survival
HARVEST - "epicure" // transitions