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Saturday, September 28, 2013

Tonight - NINE INCHES NAILS in St. Paul, EARTHEN GRAVE, THE VIBRATORS in Minneapolis

The big concert in town tonight is the opening show of Nine Inch Nails' tour to promote their new album Hesitation Marks with special guest Explosions In The Sky at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. It starts at 8:00, and tickets are still available for $35.50–99.50.


Over in Minneapolis you can catch Chicago doom/thrash band Earthen Grave, which features former Trouble and Novembers Doom bassist Ron Holzner, at Club Underground. Also appearing on the bill is Indianapolis' Devil To Pay and two great local openers: Witchden and Cold Colours. This is a 21+ show that only $5 at the door, and it starts at 8:00.


Watch Earthen Grave perform "Beneath A Shovel Load" live in 2013.

If classic 70s punk is your thing, you'll want to be at Cause Spirits & Soundbar in Minneapolis tonight for English punk band The Vibrators with Ripsnorter, L'Assassins, Virgin Whore, and Rebel City Rollers. This is a 21+ that starts at 9:00, and it's $10 at the door.


Watch live footage of The Vibrators playing "Troops Of Tomorrow" in Dallas in 2012.

Friday, September 27, 2013

Concert Announcements - September 27, 2013

After wrapping up a North American tour supporting Saxon on October 10, Fozzy makes their way to Pov's 65 in Spring Lake Park for a headlining show with Echo Effect, Fifth Hour, and Vulkan. Fozzy of course features WWE superstar Chris Jericho on vocals, guitarist Rich Ward (Stuck Mojo) and drummer Frank Fontsere (Stuck Mojo). Advance tickets are on sale now through Vital Culture.

Blue Felix tops a big local bill dubbed Halloween Hell Fest III at Neisen's in Savage on Saturday, October 26 with Nuisance, Dead Horse Trauma, Drek, Immoralis, Rock 'N Roll Whores, and Number Se7en. This show is FREE, there's a costume contest ($200 top prize), and the first 100 guests through the door will entered into a raffle for a Jackson guitar from Capitol Guitars in St. Paul.

Japan's doom merchants Church Of Misery play the Turf Club in St. Paul on Halloween, Thursday, October 31 with Wizard Rifle and Vulgaari. Tickets are available now through Ticketfly.



Dark rock band The Foreign Resort from Denmark play Ground Zero in Minneapolis with The Bellwether Syndicate and Uzza on Saturday, November 9. Get your tickets through Brown Paper Tickets.



More dark, eclectic rock comes to Ground Zero in Minneapolis with Ego Likeness, Inertia, Servitor, and Ficshe on Sunday, November 17. Brown Paper Tickets has the advance tickets.



Lastly, a reminder that tickets for Megadeth, Fear Factory, and Nonpoint go on sale through Ticketmaster today, Friday, September 27 at 10:00 am for their show on Saturday, November 23 at Myth in St. Paul.

Thursday, September 26, 2013

CHURCH OF MISERY to Embark on North American Tour, Invade St. Paul on Halloween

Japanese doom band Church Of Misery have lined up an extensive North American headlining tour starting in mid-October to promote the release of their firth album, Thy Kingdom Scum (Rise Above/Metal Blade). The band circles the U.S. and Canada beginning October 18 in Oakland, and makes a stop in St. Paul at the Turf Club on Halloween, Thursday, October 31 with Portland's two-piece noise crew Wizard Rifle and locals Vulgaari. Support on the tour comes from Saviours (October 18-23), Wizard Rifle (October 18-31), Bloody Hammers (November 1-19), and Against The Grain (November 1-23). The complete itinerary is below.


October 18 - Oakland, CA, Opera House, w/Saviours, Wizard Rifle
October 19 - San Francisco, CA, Thee Parkside, w/Saviours, Wizard Rifle
October 20 - Portland, OR, Rotture, w/Saviours, Wizard Rifle
October 21 - Seattle, WA, The Crocodile, w/Saviours, Wizard Rifle
October 22 - Bellingham, WA, The Shakedown, w/Saviours, Wizard Rifle
October 23 - Vancouver, BC, Rickshaw Theater, w/Saviours, Wizard Rifle
October 24 - Edmonton, AB, The Pawn Shop, w/Wizard Rifle
October 25 - Calgary, AB, Palomino, w/Wizard Rifle
October 27 - Saskatoon, SK, Amigos, w/Wizard Rifle
October 29 - Winnipeg, MB, The Zoo, w/Wizard Rifle
October 30 - Fargo, ND, The Aquarium, w/Wizard Rifle
October 31 - St. Paul, MN, Turf Club, w/Wizard Rifle
November 1 - Chicago, IL, Ultra Lounge, w/Bloody Hammers, Against The Grain
November 2 - Rock Island, IL, Rock Island Brewing Company, w/Bloody Hammers, Against The Grain
November 3 - Grand Rapids, MI, Pyramid Scheme, w/Bloody Hammers, Against The Grain
November 4 - Indianapolis, IN, Beale Street Live, w/Bloody Hammers, Against The Grain
November 6 - Pittsburgh, PA, 31st Street Pub, w/Bloody Hammers, Against The Grain
November 7 - Syracuse, NY, Lost Horizon, w/Bloody Hammers, Against The Grain
November 8 - Toronto, ON, Hard Luck, w/Bloody Hammers, Against The Grain
November 9 - Ottawa, ON, Mavericks, w/Bloody Hammers, Against The Grain
November 10 - Montreal, QC, Il Motore, w/Bloody Hammers, Against The Grain
November 11 - Providence, RI, AS220, w/Bloody Hammers, Against The Grain
November 12 - New York, NY, Saint Vitus, w/Bloody Hammers, Against The Grain
November 13 - Richmond, VA, Kingdom, w/Bloody Hammers, Against The Grain
November 14 - Baltimore, MD, Ottobar, w/Bloody Hammers, Against The Grain
November 16 - Atlanta, GA, The Earl, w/Bloody Hammers, Against The Grain
November 17 - New Orleans, LA, One Eyed Jacks, w/Bloody Hammers, Against The Grain
November 18 - Austin, TX, Mohawk, w/Bloody Hammers, Against The Grain
November 19 - Dallas, TX, Club Dada, w/Bloody Hammers, Against The Grain
November 21 - Albuquerque, NM, Sister Bar, w/Against The Grain
November 22 - Tempe, AZ, Yucca Tap Room, w/Against The Grain
November 23 - Los Angeles, CA, The Satellite, w/Against The Grain

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

ANATHEMA, ALCEST, and MAMIFFER Pictures

A full concert review is forthcoming, but in the meantime here are the pictures from the epic concert by Anathema, Alcest, and Mamiffer this past Sunday at Mill City Nights in Minneapolis. Dim lighting wasn't working in my favor with the no flash rule from the club, but these pictures capture the mood of the entire evening.






Tonight - CHIMAIRA in Minneapolis

Long-running metalcore/thrash band Chimaira are out on the road promoting their latest release on eOne, Crown Of Phantoms, and the tour stops tonight in Minneapolis at the Skyway Theater Studio B. Opening the show are Immoralis, The Pride, Essex, and Prophets Of Aether. This is a 15+ show that starts super early (5:00), and it's $15 at the door.


MEGADETH Announces Headlining Tour with FEAR FACTORY and NONPOINT - Kicks Off in St. Paul November 23

Thrash titans Megadeth have lined up a new round of U.S. tour dates to promote Super Collider, which kicks off right here in St. Paul at Myth on Saturday, November 23. Direct support will come from Fear Factory with openers Nonpoint. The full list of dates is below, and tickets for the St. Paul show (all ages) go on sale this Friday, September 27 at 10:00 am through Ticketmaster.


November 23 - St. Paul, MN, Myth
November 24 - Madison, WI, Orpheum Theatre
November 26 - Grand Rapids, MI, Orbit Room
November 27 - Detroit, MI, The Fillmore
November 29 - Montclair, NJ, The Wellmont Theater
November 30 - Bethlehem, PA, Sands Bethlehem Event Center
December 1 - Boston, MA, House of Blues
December 3 - Huntington, NY, The Paramount
December 4 - Silver Spring, MD, The Fillmore
December 5 - Charlotte, NC, The Fillmore
December 7 - North Myrtle Beach, SC, House of Blues
December 8 - St. Petersburg, FL, Jannus Live
December 9 - Lake Buena Vista, FL, House of Blues
December 12 - Houston, TX, Bayou Music Center
December 14 - El Paso, TX, Socorro Entertainment Center

ERIC BURDON & THE ANIMALS To Return to Medina on February 28

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Here's another big unconfirmed show from a reliable source, Pollstar, once again. Legendary, ground-breaking blues rock star Eric Burdon (as Eric Burdon & The Animals) is scheduled for a return performance at the Medina Entertainment Center in Medina on Friday, February 28, 2014. Eric's February 1 concert there was a rip-roaring affair that was nearly sold out (my review is here). Again, neither the Eric Burdon or Medina Entertainment Center sites confirm this, but this appears to be on. This is the only concert date for Eric Burdon in 2014 right now, so it's not clear if there are tour plans in the works or if this is a special one-off show.

HALESTORM in St. Paul December 13

Apparently rock radio darlings Halestorm are scheduled to play Myth in St. Paul on Friday, December 13. Pollstar is the source for this, although note that neither the Myth or Halestorm websites can confirm this. I've added this to the concert calendar, but be advised that this may change. Support should come from Stars In Stereo and Redlight King.

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Tonight - ANATHEMA in Minneapolis, SWITCHFOOT in St. Paul


Tonight has one of the most highly anticipated progressive/experimental metal tours at Mill City Nights in Minneapolis with England's Anathema on their first full U.S. tour in their 23-year history. Their latest release is the full-length concert film Universal (available in a variety of video and audio formats); you can view the official trailer and interview with guitarist/vocalist Vinny Cavanagh below. Completing this amazing bill are France's Alcest and Mamiffer, featuring Aaron Turner from Isis (and many other projects) and founder of the revered Hydra Head Records. Tickets are still available at the door for $20; it's an 18+ show and it starts at 8:00.



Also playing tonight is Christian rock band Switchfoot at Maranatha Hall on the Northwestern College campus in St. Paul. Aside from the concert, this event will feature an advance showing of the band's documentary film Fading West that is scheduled for release this December, to be followed by the Fading West album in January 2014. You can view a trailer for the film below. This is an all ages show that starts at 7:00, and tickets are $22.50 to $35 at the door.

Saturday, September 21, 2013

Tonight - TRIVIUM and DEVILDRIVER in Minneapolis, Great Local Shows

The big show happening tonight is a co-headliner with Trivium and Devildriver at First Avenue in Minneapolis with support from local Sumerian Records recording artist After The Burial and England's Sylosis. This one starts early, 5:25, and it's all ages and will cost $24 at the door.



There's also some great locals shows in the area tonight. First, you can catch Witchden, Outside The Murder, Blue Ox, and Trail Boss at the Triple Rock Social Club in Minneapolis. Show time is around 9:00, and it's an 18+ show that's only $6 at the door.



At the Cause Spirits & Soundbar in Minneapolis tonight you can catch Blackthorne, Low Forms, and Disasteratti for just $5. This is a 21+ show that starts at 9:00.

Lastly, it's a night of death metal in Mankato at the What's Up Lounge with Invidiosus, California's Splattered, Prophets Of Aether, and Fetus Heist. It's an 18+ show at start at 10:00, and it's $8 at the door.



As previously announced, the Bret Michaels show scheduled for tonight at Myth in St. Paul has been moved to Friday, December 20.

BRET MICHAELS Myth Concert Moved to December 20

Myth issued a statement on their website last night that the Bret Michaels concert scheduled in St. Paul tonight, Saturday, September 21 has been postponed until Friday, December 20. All tickets will be honored for the new date, and refunds are also available at the point of purchase. Accompanying the news is a statement from Poison frontman Mr. Michaels:

"To all of our great Minnesota fans, Mike and all at Myth - we thank you for cooperating with us and understanding. Due to a filming conflict, we find it necessary to reschedule tomorrow's show at the Myth to Friday the 20th of December. This will be the rock and roll Christmas party of the season."

Friday, September 20, 2013

Concert Announcements - September 20, 2013

The concert calendar (on your right) has undergone some massive updates, and here's the highlights of some of those recently announced. In the interest of getting this posted as quickly as possible, I've forgone the usual posting of relevant concert flyers and pictures here.

English progressive metal band Tesseract hits the Skyway Theater Studio B on Wednesday, October 16 with support from Scale The Summit and Anciients. This is a 15+ show, and you can get tickets through Ticketfly.

Sweden's black metal horde Watain plays Minneapolis at the Triple Rock Social Club on Wednesday, October 16 with In Solitude and Tribulation. It's an 18+ show, and tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster.

English doom band Orange Goblin brings with them thrashers Holy Grail, Lazer/Wulf, and Vulgaari to the Triple Rock Social Club on Monday, October 21; tickets for this 18+ show are available now through Ticketmaster.

Attila returns to town to play the Skyway Theater Studio B in Minneapolis on Friday, October 25 with Upon A Burning Body, The Plot In You, Fit For A King, and Countermeasure. Get tickets for this 15+ show through Ticketfly.

Metalcore band The Chariot announced last month their intention to disband following a U.S. tour that brings them to the 7th Street Entry in Minneapolis on Sunday, October 27 with Glass Cloud, Birds In Row, To The Wind, and Rebuker. It's an early all ages show, and you can get tickets through etix.

Another metalcore band doing a farewell tour is Bleeding Through, who play the Skyway Theater Studio B in Minneapolis with Winds Of Plague, Oceano, Gideon, and Sworn In on Sunday, November 3. Tickets are available through Ticketfly, and it's a 15+ show.

Sepultura tops an impressive bill with Unearth, Kataklysm, Scar The Martyr, Anciients, and Dark Sermon on Thursday, November 7 at the Skyway Theater in Minneapolis. Get your tickets now through Ticketfly for this 15+ show.

The one and only Slayer plays Myth in St. Paul on Friday, November 8 with Gojira and 4Arm. This is an all ages show; tickets are on sale now through etix.

Friday, November 8 also has progressive metal band Periphery playing the Skyway Theater in Minneapolis with Born Of Osiris, Dead Letter Circus, Twelve Foot Ninja, and Thira. This is another 15+ show with tickets available through Ticketfly.

Monster Magnet hasn't been heard from much recently, but they play Mill City Nights in Minneapolis on Sunday, November 17 with Royal Thunder and Zodiac. This is an 18+ show, and tickets are on sale now through AXS.

August Burns Red comes to Mill City Nights in Minneapolis on Thursday, November 21, along with Blessthefall, Defeater, and Beartooth. Tickets for this 15+ show are on sale now through AXS.

The mighty High On Fire returns to First Avenue in Minneapolis on Saturday, November 30 with support from Kvelertak and Windhand. This is an 18+ show, and tickets are on sale now through etix.

Relapse recording artist Red Fang plays the Triple Rock Social Club in Minneapolis with support from The Shrine and Radkey on Tuesday, December 17. It's an 18+ show, and tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster.

Viking rulers Amon Amarth step up to the larger room at Mill City Nights in Minneapolis with impressive support from Enslaved and Skeletonwitch on Saturday, February 8. Tickets go on sale today, Friday, September 20 at 10:00 am through AXS.

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

VISTA CHINO, RANCID Tonight in Minneapolis

Vista Chino (formerly Kyuss Lives!), the new version of cult stoner rock legends Kyuss led by vocalist John Garcia, is in town tonight, Wednesday, September 18 for a show at the Fine Line Music Cafe in Minneapolis with support from Black Pussy and Zebulon Pike. I've seen Kyuss three times, once each on the Blues For The Red Sun, Welcome To Sky Valley, and ...And The Circus Leaves Town tours, as well as John's post-Kyuss bands Slo Burn and Unida and Kyuss guitarist Josh Homme's Queens Of The Stone Age - all great shows, with the Kyuss ones being especially memorable. I heard great things about last year's Kyuss Lives! show, so get out for this one if you can. It's an 18+ show that starts at 8:30, and general admission tickets are $25, while the reserved seats are $30.

The Skyway Theater in Minneapolis seems to be filling the void left by the extended closure of Station 4 in St. Paul with a bunch of metal and punk shows, including one by Rancid tonight, September 18. Support for this one comes from Tim Timebomb And Friends, The Interrupters, and Victory (I'm assuming this isn't the German 80s metal band). It's an early all ages show that starts at 5:30, and tickets are $25 and $40 at the door.

KILLER DWARFS and MODERN SUPERSTAR Pictures

I also was at the Killer Dwarfs concert this past Saturday at Pov's 65 in Spring Lake Park where they were supported by Modern Superstar and Judas Priest tribute band Electric Eye. This was one of the most fun shows I've been to in a while! Expect a full review of the show to be posted soon! I also did a short interview with Killer Dwarfs vocalist Russ Dwarf, so keep your eyes peeled for that also. In the meantime, here's the photos of Killer Dwarfs and Modern Superstar.


BLUE ÖYSTER CULT Pictures

In my effort to get caught up on some concert-related posts, here's some pictures from Blue Öyster Cult's show on Sunday, August 25 at the Minnesota State Fair in St. Paul. It was a fantastic set that included plenty of material from their earlier (black and white) albums. A full review of the show is forthcoming, as well as a killer audio recording of the concert.


Saturday, September 14, 2013

KILLER DWARFS Reform For North American Tour, Play Spring Lake Park Tonight, September 14


Sorry about the lack of recent updates, but keep your eyes peeled here for some new posts!


Beloved yet underrated Canadian metal band Killer Dwarfs have reunited for a short tour of the U.S. and Canada that began two weeks ago to promote the release of Start @ One, an unreleased album recorded in 1993 (with two new tracks!) that has only now seen the light of day (it should available digitally soon). The band isn’t venturing too deep into the U.S., so The Cities are fortunate to have the chance to see Killer Dwarfs tonight, Saturday, September 14 at Pov’s 65 in Spring Lake Park. The September dates will have Florida’s Modern Superstar as direct support, but check your local listings for all the details. The band promises additional dates will be forthcoming, including a bevy of Canadian shows. Below is the full list of current Killer Dwarfs dates in September and October. Check out the teaser video for Start @ One as well the video for “Stall Tall” from their 1987 album of the same name.



September 14 – Spring Lake Park, MN, Pov’s 65, w/Modern Superstar, Electric Eye
September 19 – Cranston, RI, Oak Bar & Grill
September 21 – Clarion, PA, Wasteland Live
September 22 – Streetsboro, OH, Stringz Wingz
October 4 – Toronto, ON, Rockpile East
October 5 – Ottawa, ON, Obsession Lounge
October 18 – North Platte, NE, Skull Fest
October 20 – Denver, CO, Wolf Fest