Live Review: The Crusty Cross Canada Cruise Tour by Devin Joseph Meaney

The Crusty Cross Canada Cruise Tour

With Widow's Peak, Detherous, Keith Doom and the Wrecking Crew.

The Underground, Sydney Mines, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada

Tuesday, September 10, 2019

Hosted by Rocksteady Productions

Last night I went to a death metal show tagged as The Crusty Cross Canada Cruise! featuring two of Calgary, Alberta's most visceral death metal bands, Widow's Peak & Detherous! The opening act was none other than Keith Doom and the Wrecking Crew, a harsh sounding local punk act. Long story short, for reasons unknown to me, Detherous was unable to make it to the gig. With that being said, The Wrecking Crew and Widow's Peak without question made up for it with their vicious yet very tight sets. The Keith Doom set was the same as I always knew them to be. Heavy, fast, and ear shattering (in a good way). As for Widow's Peak, the sound of their abysmal tech-death permeated The Underground (the bar the show was held at) and I can say for sure that I am now a fan. Blistering vocals ranging from low gutterals to wailing highs set alongside technical guitars and bass with drums that sounded like a death metal machine gun in parts. After the show, I did not see any Keith Doom merch, but from Widow's Peak I managed to snag two stickers, two pins, their ''Graceless'' EP, and a fancy yet grotesque shirt. The CD is currently on it's second play through, and the sound quality is immaculate. I suggest this disc to fans of heavy music anywhere and everywhere, as it is over nineteen minutes of pure ear splitting tech-death! The shirt I will adorn at future events and shows across the Island, making myself a walking billboard in support. At the end of the night, I finished up with a small piece of mary jane and a Delissio pizza. I will rate this show a 9/10, with the extraction of one point due to the loss of the second touring band and a low turnout. Still, this was a great show, and I had an exceptional time. Great stuff, everyone. Devin out! -Devin Joseph Meaney

Live Review: Anthrax, Testament, Byzantine, DownSlave by Deanna Revis

Anthrax, Testament, Byzantine, DownSlave

The International, Knoxville, Tennessee. June 8, 2018

All photos by Deanna Revis 

DownSlave is a southern thrash band from Knoxville. They didn't really get a good chance to play. They were sort of screwed by the venue. They sounded good. They just didn't have any room on stage and were kind of rushed to finish their set. 

Byzantine is a thrash metal/heavy metal band from Charleston, West Virginia. They have shared the stage with the likes of Lamb of God, Anthrax, and Testament as well as others. They bring a mind blowing show. The stage presence of high octane. Chris Ojeda (vocals and rhythm guitar) will make you feel his intensity. Brian Henderson (lead guitar and vocals) is definitely a monster on the axe, and his vocals too. Sean Syndor (bass and backing vocals) is 200 proof no doubt! He is full of energy, intensity, and when he gets started this guy is unstoppable! Last but definitely not least Matt Bowles (drums) just WOW! When he gets in beast mode, Matt Bowles brings it! A real monster on the drums. All together Byzantine is a force to be reckoned with. They bring a live performance like no other. When the lights go back down, you are left wanting more. They should be on every metalhead's must see list. If you have never listened to them I would recommend the album's The Cicada Tree or The Fundamental Component. Byzantine is currently on Metal Blade Records. 

Testament. I grew up on bands like this. Even with the line-up changing over the past thirty-five years. I was blown away. Chuck Billy and his air guitar show how much fun he is having up there. Alex Skolnick and Eric Peterson definitely bring the pain, amazing axe work. Steve Did Giorgio on bass, makes you feel all of his blood, sweat, and tears. Gene Hoglan on drums, a heavy hitter. Testament does not leave you disappointed. 

Anthrax!!! To have the opportunity to see one of the Big Four was an experience like no other. I have been listening to Anthrax since I was a kid. This was a bucket list show. And to be front row was even better. Joey Belladonna still sounds better than some of these guys half his age. Frank Bello on bass, all I can say is Wow! Charlie Benante on drums, hits heavy... hits hard... sounds like thunder. Jon Donais on guitar, has so much energy and pours his heart in it. And last but definitely not least...... Scott Ian! The axe man cometh!!! The only remaining founding member of Anthrax.... I have loved his playing for years. If Anthrax comes to your town, buy a ticket and go! You will not regret it! -Deanna Revis

Live Review: BON JOVI Dick’s Sporting Goods Open, Endicott, New York by Roberta Jean Downing

BON JOVI

Dick’s Sporting Goods Open, Endicott, New York

Released May 9, 2017

Today we celebrate not only the 31st anniversary of Bon Jovi’s Slippery When Wet album but also the ending of his American This House is Not for Sale tour at Dick’s Sporting Goods Open in Endicott, New York. Make no mistake; this is a 3 hour long concert which is almost unheard of in the rock n roll world! This is such a treat for New Yorkers especially in Broome County. More than 40 thousand tickets were sold for this concert and people from more than 30 states attended.

Bad weather in New Jersey delayed Jon Bon Jovi from arriving on time however, at around 10:15 pm he finally took the stage and the fans were more than ecstatic! All it takes is one very attractive, hard rockin’ man that has the confidence, talent and control to come out onto a stage and uplift the mood of the fans!

Bee from Endicott, NY said “I was a little worried because he [Bon Jovi] was late getting here and wasn’t even sure if the show was going to happen but her got here by police escort and the show started and now I’m really happy.”

Every fan in attendance and even those from across the street at a local hotel that are within ear shot are singing loud and proud with each and every song. Social media is blowing up with videos and pictures of the live show.

Dani from North Carolina says “It feels like every song he sings is just for me. I’d marry that man if I could!”

Dick’s Sporting Good at Enjoie Golf Course has been preparing for this concert for more than a month by putting up the stage, putting up VIP tents and making sure the sound system was working properly and perhaps most importantly getting the vendors and the port-a-pots brought in! It was not an easy job to do but somehow they managed to do it.

Mike at Enjoie has said that “this is by far the biggest attraction that we have ever had in the many years of doing these events. I don’t know if we are really ready for it; I don’t know if we really can comprehend the magnitude of the fans that are coming in from all across the US.”

The light show was really awesome, it wasn’t overdone and there were not a lot of strobes which made it very friendly for everyone!

This is one show I am so very happy to have seen and heard! There is nothing like watching a seasoned pro of more than 30 years take the stage, take command and it is such a privilege to witness him in concert for the second time in my life! My body is still vibrating from the drums and the energy!

The only thing that has myself and all the other fans disgruntled is that this show was supposed to be a 3 hour show and instead it was cut to an hour and a half.

If you were not able to attend, I am truly sorry because you all missed one HELL of a show!

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-Roberta Jean Downing