by beatmasterspeech (LA)
If I wasn't feeling like a plugged-up piece of shit right now, I'd be preparing for the Abysmal Dawn CD release show tonight at the Knitting Factory. Their new album Programmed To Consume is out now and is one fine example of modern death metal.
Supporting them tonight is another personal fave, Dreaming Dead (formerly known as Manslaughter). This amazing blackened thrash band features Elizabeth Schall (Winterthrall, The Iron Maidens) and Mike Caffell (drums, Exhausted Prayer). You definitely do not want to miss the best of LA's local brutality. And look out for our upcoming interview with Abysmal Charles (vocals/guitar, Abysmal Dawn).
Now, if you've got the coin for it, some of the old school heavy hitters are in town, Megadeth and Metallica.
Metallica is coming down from the bay to take part in KROQ's annual "Weenie Roast y Fiesta." Tickets are sold out by now but you can always try eBay or Craigslist. But honestly, check out the line up first... you have to sit through some serious top 40 modern 'rock' until Metallica takes the stage and even then you don't know if it's gonna be a St. Anger set with one oldie or a completely killer set from the Black Album and before... It may be too pricey and risky (lawn tickets start at $55!).
Gigantour makes its LA area stop this year at the Long Beach Arena (featured in the classic Live After Death Iron Maiden DVD). This year's Gigantour features High On Fire, Job For A Cowboy, Children of Bodom, In Flames, and of course tour organizers Megadeth. I'm on the fence with this one. I love High On Fire but in an arena it might not be as awesome... The others I'm just meh about... I mean Megadeth is awesome but it depends on how Dave is feeling that night, you know?
LA show picks 5/15 - 5/21:Thursday 5/15 - Abysmal Dawn, Letum Ascensus, The Cauterized, Dreaming Dead, Isolation Infamy @ The Knitting Factory [tix]
Saturday 5/17 - Metallica (KROQ's Weenie Roast) @ The Verizon Wireless Ampitheater (Irvine,CA) [tix]
Wednesday 5/21 - Gigantour @ Long Beach Arena [tix]
May 15, 2008
Crustcake Picks - LA Shows 5/15 - 5/21
May 5, 2008
New England Metal and Hardcore Fest - Photo Wrap-Up
words and photos by Jesse Angelo
For the last ten years The Palladium in Worcester, Mass-- quite possibly the dankest venue in all of New England-- has hosted The New England Metal and Hardcore Fest, better known simply as Metal Fest. For those of you who haven't been, it's three days of metal and hardcore-- two stages at a time-- packed into the Palladium. It's sometimes long, painful, and/or bloody, but it's always a blast.
Day one featured the Gigantour line-up: High on Fire, Job for a Cowboy, Children of Bodom, In Flames and Megadeth. Before the mayhem began, I enjoyed a tailgate in the parking lot across from the Palladium with my friends Eric and Steve:
We've been coming to this lot and tailgating for almost ten years, but this year some old troll came and kicked us out. Good thing there's a bar right next door! A few Irish car bombs and we were back on track:
The scene outside of the Palladium:
Equipment lined the streets around the venue:
Metal Fest organizer Scott Lee on the phone outside of the Palladium:
The line to enter wrapped around the block:
Yeah, yeah, it was a total sausage fest...
After making my way inside, High on Fire started playing. If you're surprised to see Matt Pike wearing a shirt, keep in mind it was only 5pm.
Job for a Cowboy was up next.
Gigantour really brought some cool lighting gear with them!
I'm not really a fan of Job for a Cowboy, so after watching a few songs I decided to check out the merch.
Scott Lee now has a clothing company. My favorite item has to be that giant mug shot t-shirt!
Myspace had a table where they were giving away bandannas and pins. They didn't look to be in high demand.
Metal Maniacs had a huge area where band signings were taking place.
Children of Bodom came up next:
In Flames were great, but to be honest I was having trouble paying attention to their set. I was so excited for Megadeth!
Hell yeah Megadeth! I saw them once before last year with Heaven and Hell. I never was a huge Megadeth fan, but they are a lot of fun live.
"Skin O' My Teeeeeeeeth!"
Dave Mustaine is the only original member at this point.
And there you have it! Photos from the rest of the festival will be up later this week, and be sure to check out all the interviews from the fest at Boston.TV.
