Tonight - WHITE EMPRESS in Minneapolis!!

Yes, I know it's been a while. Personal and professional obligations have kept me from doing any writing here, but this blog isn't about me so I'll get to the important stuff (metal).

Get down to The Cabooze in Minneapolis tonight, Thursday, October 30, to witness the first-ever live performance of White Empress, the new band put together by former Cradle Of Filth guitarist Paul Allender which features an exceptional band including former Luna Mortis vocalist Mary Zimmer. Also on the bill are Cwn Annwn, Plague Of Stars (featuring powerhouse vocalist Melissa Ferlaak, ex-Visions Of Atlantis, Echoterra, Aesma Daeva), From Light Rose The Angels, and Splitdriven. White Empress recently released their excellent debut album, Rise Of The Empress, through Peaceville.

The Appleton and Milwaukee dates listed on the poster above were cancelled due to drummer Zac Morris not being available due to a last-minute emergency. The free shows in Madison on Friday and Saturday nights are going ahead as planned. Drummer Jon Siren flew in from Los Angeles on short notice to make these shows possible! Jon's drum credits include work with a wide variety of acts, including Early Man, Hate Dept., and Information Society.

I've have a lengthy, long-overdue interview with Paul that is nearly ready to publish - look for it soon! If you can't make it to any of these White Empress shows, I'll have a review of tonight's Minneapolis show posted in due course.

In Concert This Week - February 15, 2013

Finally - updates to the concert calendar are complete. Check it out on the right side of the screen because there are a lot of great shows coming to the area, too many to highlight individually. Here's what is coming up this week.

Tonight, Friday, February 15, the Medina Entertainment Center in Medina is hosting a Southern rock treat in 38 Special with special guests Austin Healey.

The big show for the week, and likely one for the year, will happen at Neisen's in Savage this Saturday, February 16. Legendary guitarist Uli Jon Roth will be taking the stage there, and Them Pesky Kids open the show. Uli rarely plays in the US, so this is a rare chance to see the founding Scorpions guitarist. That same night, you can also catch some local metal at The Nether Bar at Mill City Nights in Minneapolis and see Cwn Annwn, Climactic, and Cold Colours.

The only other metal show happening during the coming week is Nashville Pussy and Birdcloud at the 7th Street Entry in Minneapolis on Wednesday, February 20.

Not too much happening this week, but prepare yourself for an onslaught of killer shows in the next couple of months.