Chimaira Show Review

Chimaira Show Review

Diamond Billiards and Pub

May 10, 2013

Full Lineup- Chimaira, Granshaw, Dahmer’s Closet, Devastation Device, and Project Heavy Death

First of all, you have to hand it to Terry Harper.  I have been attending concerts in the Louisville area for about 18 years, and Terry does one hell of a job at bringing in some great bands. Everyone should take the time to shake his hand because he does a great job.  This last Friday was no different. The crowd was raped by a ferocious onslaught of local bands. 

First up was Project Heavy Death.  These guys reminded me of an early Strapping Young Lad.  They had the power and the emotion, and they came ready to deliver.  I think they still need a little work, but they’re heading in the right direction and I expect good things from them.  Next up was Devastation Device. These guys sounded great, but I must say I did not get to see much of them due to the fact that I was a part of the meet and greet for the headliners.  Next up was Dalmer’s Closet.  I actually missed most of their set, again due to the meet and greet.  I did get to witness the last bit of their set and I was impressed.  The sound coming from the stage just reeked of evil.  The demons in the room were definitely starting to take notice.  I would like to point out that Chimaira’s guitar player actually wanted to take a shower early so he could be out to watch these guys perform.  Next up was Granshaw.  This band reminded me of Lamb of God mixed with a dash of Pantera and a teaspoon of Throwdown.  They came to punish.  Their sound was very raw and in your face, almost demanding a crowd fight.  These guys are no joke; they’re one of the heavier acts I have seen around here for a bit.

That brings us to the closing band of the night - Cleveland Ohio juggernauts, Chimaira.  They crush it every time.  As soon as the lights went out you could feel the electricity in the air.  From the opening chord it felt like you were being dragged through a matrix into a cyber world of ruin that belonged to Chimaira.  They performed pieces from the entire catalog including Severed, Dehumanizing Process, Pure Hatred, Power Trip, and Resurrection.  It looks like Mark Hunter was able to bring some life back into the band’s ranks.  After several recent lineup changes, it appears that they are back and ready to reclaim their place in the metal world.  Chimaira drops a new album in July 30th called Crown of Phantoms, and they performed two new tracks; one called “I Despise” and the other “All That’s Left is Blood.”  Both new tracks are punishing and typical Chimaira style.

A big thanks needs to be given to Diamond Billiards and Pub for their great venue.  They provide a great place for a show that covers all your bases.  Terry also thanks once again for bringing metal fans a great show.  One thing that needs to be ironed out, though, is a little more organization with the meet-and-greet. I stood in line for well over an hour because my ticket said 6 pm and then it didn’t actually happen until 9 pm.  I’m sure it’s not all Terry’s fault, but what’s a review without some honest feedback?

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNZ9d02eNGw

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPialfhcmjE

Moshing Militia Statement

Moshing Militia Statement

I would like to take the time to explain Moshing Militia Productions.  It all started around 1995.  This was the year I attended my first real metal concert.  Back then Louisville, Kentucky had an explosive metal scene and big bands would come through all of the time.  My first real metal experience was at the hands of a band some of you may remember -  White Zombie (ring any bells?).  That’s right, my metal cherry was popped by White Zombie, The Ramones, and The Supersuckers.   After this moment I knew I wanted to do something with artists like these.  I wanted to create visuals like the ones I witnessed that night in Louisville.  Over the years I have been to hundreds of shows across the United States.  I had a very diverse group of about 10 people at any given night who traveled to these shows.  We called ourselves Moshing Militia.  We have been as far as New York and California, crossing the US for concerts of all types.  I have supported the metal scene for almost 17 years now.  I have seen every one from Engrind, a old local band from Louisville, all the way to Behemoth, a major death metal band from Poland.  I have seen it all.  I witnessed the hardcore XStraightEdgeX movement which gave rise to bands like Earth Crisis and Hatebreed.  I was there the day Dave Williams of Drowning Pool passed away.  I have met Mitch Lucker of Suicide Silence who recently passed away.  I have met Ozzy himself.  These are a few of my credentials.  Music is my passion and now I want to take it a step further and create a company to promote these artists.  My plan is to start working with bands and help them get heard.  I want to promote concerts and eventually own and operate a major concert venue.  I want to be able to have national acts come through, as well as let the local bands of the area have a place to call home.  I want to help recreate the music scene Louisville once had.  I fund all of this from my own pocket so I relate to the artists on that account.  Every video you see, every interview I do, it all costs money in some way.  My goal in writing this is to gain some support from the community.  For those of you who wanted to know about MMP, this is for you all.

Mean Bob Ray

Lamb of God/Hatebreed Review

Lamb of God / Hatebreed

Expo 5

Louisville Ky. 11/12/2012

All Hell was about to break loose; the lights went out as if an eclipse occurred inside the hangar known as Expo 5.  America Fuck Yeah rushes through your ears as the Intro for Hatebreed starts.  From the opening chords of the first song Hatebreed began to murder the audience with various songs throughout their history such as Smash Your Enemies, Destroy Everything, I Will be Heard, and Proven.  The crowd was intense as they responded to Jamey Jasta’s orders.  Commanding the crowd to circle pit and head bang the audience delivered.   I got a few minutes to speak with the band before the set and actually got to hear the new album.  I’m here to tell you as an avid heavy metal/hardcore fan that this is going to be the best album since Perserverance.

Last but not least the infamous Lamb of God.  As the eclipse returned, two huge monitors were visible and a montage of scenes of destruction became visible.  Buildings crashing down and bridges crumbling seemed to be the theme for the night.  As soon as they appeared on stage the crowd began to destroy themselves to the sonic onslaught that is LOG.  If you wanted to walk through Hell this was the show for it.  LOG performed such hits as Omerta, Now You’ve Got Something to Die For, and Bloodjunkie.  I was impressed by this concert, it delivered everything you would want in a heavy show.  The bands delivered, the audience slammed and Expo 5 provided a great venue.  This show gets a rating of 9 out of 10.  Thanks to everyone for making it a great night.  The audience handled themselves well an overall fantastic night.

Moshing Militia Productions

Mean Bob Ray

Facebook   http://www.facebook.com/pages/Moshing-Militia-Productions-LLC/194084953954674?ref=hl

(hed) PE, Jeffrey Nothing show recap Aug 31, 2012

Moshing Militia Productions

(hed) PE, Jeffrey Nothing show

Aug 31, 2012

Louisville Ky. Diamonds Pub

Just the sheer thought of this lineup sends chills down my spine. The Boom Box Poets, Rezidue, Elephant Room, Jeffrey Nothing, and (hed) PE. Do you think this sounds like a sick line up? You bet your ass it was. In fact, you should go punish yourself right now if you missed it. This lineup mixed with a couple of beers and some good old-fashioned slam dancing made for a rather interesting night.

First up were The Boom Box Poets. These three gentlemen stepped out on stage and proceeded to spit some of the most original lyrics I have heard from the 502 Scene in quite a while. They had the crowd's attention and people were responding well to them. These guys had a mellow sound, almost reminding me of the band Rehab a little bit. If you get a chance check them out, you won't be disappointed.

Now, the next two bands I have to say didn't get much attention from me tonight. The reason being I was trying to get a (hed) PE interview for you guys. I did however manage to catch Jeffrey Nothing's set and it was epic as ever. J. No has such a commanding stage persona that he just controls the room with his haunting voice floating through the room. He opened the show with one of my favorites Eyes of the Righteous and it sounded great. The Nothing part of this show also featured a new element to the band as they had added paint and costumes to the show to create a unique and spooky looking performance.

Last but not least brings us to the headliners: (hed) PE. As I mentioned I was outside trying to get an interview with them earlier. I thought I had it locked in, I had spoken to them via Facebook and even a tour manager on the day of the show. Everyone was on board but at the last minute it was canceled. Moving on, they put on a hell of a show. They were able to rile the pit up into a punk frenzy and everyone had a great time. Now would be a good time to point out to you guys and girls in the pit on how good you made moshing look. You guys were there for each other when you fell and it went exactly as it should. That was a classic example of why moshing is positive.

That is about it for now, but I would like to comment on the venue Diamonds on Barrett Ave. You guys run a great establishment, the prices are fair and the environment is warm. The security did an amazing job of dealing with assholes in the pit but still allowing the crowd to do its thing. I would strongly recommend you all visit this place especially if you enjoy a good game of pool. Look for us to post from Scarefest in Lexington, KY in September and from The World Famous Mushroomhead Halloween show in October, until then take care.