Album Review - RED LAMB

Red Lamb – Red Lamb

TuneCore, February 2012

7/10

Red Lamb is the brainchild of former Anthrax guitarist Dan Spitz, and this debut album is an interesting affair that differs markedly from his previous works. All of the music was composed by Dan, and Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine was enlisted as co-producer and co-author of the lyrics. The riffs here are certainly thrash-inspired, but the songs consist largely of tight, crunchy guitars melded with the rhythm section into forcefully packaged tunes. Vocalist Don Chaffin frequently spits out the lyrics with Mustaine’s characteristic sneer (making me wonder if Dave sang on demos while working on the lyrics), while at other times he screams like Soundgarden’s Chris Cornell (check out “Runaway Train”). The thing that strikes me most about the album is that you are never quite knowing what to expect. Red Lamb is schizophrenic in many ways, such as the way “Standby Passenger” plods along until the chorus erupts in fury while Don implores, “I wanna be in control!” The songs are thrashy without sounding like a thrash album, and also melodic, chaotic, and interesting at the same time. “Get Up” and “Puzzle Box” are the clear highlights of the album, while the only weak point is the depressing song about the state of nation, “Warpaint”. Dave Mustaine’s stamp is all over this, and the collaboration of Dan and Dave is one that hopefully will continue. With Dan having played on some of the greatest thrash albums ever, it’s nice to hear him trying something different since he has nothing to prove. With so many uninspired second-rate thrash albums flooding the market, it’s refreshing to hear one of the innovators moving beyond that. While Red Lamb is not stunning, it’s certainly a worthy album that will be of interest to Anthrax and Megadeth fans alike.

Red Lamb performs on Sunday, March 24 at Station 4 in St. Paul with support from Candy Machine Guns, Prophets Of Aether, Monster Of Creation, and Pandemic.

Concert Review - JIMI JAMISON

Jimi Jamison with Fergie Frederiksen and Headliner

Friday, March 1, 2013

Minnesota Music Cafe, St. Paul, MN

This was not a typical performance from Jimi Jamison, vocalist extraordinaire for AOR superstars Survivor, due it being a one-off special fundraising event for the Herb Brooks Foundation. Herb Brooks was a legendary hockey player and coach from St. Paul, immortalized as coach of the 1980 US Olympic hockey team. Jimi was flown into St. Paul just for this event, and his band for the night was the local Headliner, who has played as Jimi’s band at previous area shows. In this context, mistakes were to be expected and cues would likely be missed. I expected a short set of Survivor’s biggest hits, but Jimi and Headliner put on a long, two-hour show that delivered on its purpose – to have fun for a good cause. In addition to a healthy dose of Survivor songs, a number of covers were played and the band was joined by former Toto vocalist (and St. Paul resident) Fergie Frederiksen (who sang on 1984’s Isolation album).

Click on any of the pictures to see more photos of Jimi Jamison, Fergie Frederiksen, and Headliner (48)

Jimi got the crowd worked up immediately with show opener “High On You”, followed by more Survivor classics: “It’s The Singer, Not The Song”, “I Can’t Hold Back”, and “Is This Love”. Fergie was then introduced to the crowd, and he took over and sang great renditions of the Toto classics “Hold The Line”, “Africa” (as a duet with one of the guitarists), and “I’ll Be Over You”. Jimi returned to the stage and after singing mega-smash “Burning Heart” from the Rocky IV movie soundtrack, he focused on some solo material, including “I’m Always Here” (the Baywatch theme song), “Crossroads Moment”, and his cover of Gary Wright’s “Love Is Alive”.

Fergie Frederiksen

Jimi and Fergie

The second half of the show focused more on some fun cover tunes, starting with a batch of Bad Company. Fergie sang lead on “Good Lovin’ Gone Bad”, while Jimi took over for “Feel Like Makin’ Love” and “Gone, Gone, Gone”. While the keyboards were a weak point, Fergie then sang a great rendition of “Separate Ways” by Journey. Some more Survivor was in order, and Jimi sounded his best on “The Search Is Over” and “Rebel Son”. A revved up version of “Gimme All Your Lovin’” (Jimi sang background vocals on many ZZ Top albums, including Eliminator) that evolved into an extended, impromptu jam on “Some Kind Of Wonderful” and “Roadhouse Blues”. Fergie returned one more time to sing “Rosanna”, and Jimi closed the night with Survivor’s biggest hit, “Eye Of The Tiger”, from the Rocky III soundtrack. The exhausted crowd roared with approval at what everyone knew what a special performance.

Not everything was perfect, but this didn’t distract much from the fun, loose vibe of the evening. If you’ve heard Jimi’s outstanding new solo album, Never Too Late, you know that his voice remains strong, and he still sings with all of his characteristic strength and power. Despite his long public battles with hepatitis C and liver cancer, Fergie still sounds great and did an impressive job on his songs. He was a great addition to the show, and everyone on stage was clearly enjoying playing. Headliner did a suitable job playing with Jimi, and the show benefitted from excellent stage rapport between Jimi and the band. The only disappointment was that the title track from Jimi’s new album was cut from the set list (I was personally hoping to hear “Street Survivor” or “The Air That I Breathe, which should be a major pop radio hit) as was “Isolation” from the lone Toto album on which Fergie sang. Nevertheless, the concert was enjoyable and fun. Hopefully Jimi returns to town while Never Too Late is being promoted to play more of his solo material.

Concert Announcements - March 9, 2013

 Station 4 in St. Paul has lined up a night of local metal on Thursday, March 14 with Prophets Of Aether, Solar Slaughter, Odin, Compassion Dies, Pandemic, and Monster Of Creation all slated to play.

Danny Spitz, former Anthrax guitarist, brings his new band Red Lamb to Station 4 in St. Paul on Sunday, March 24 with support from Candy Machine Guns, Prophets Of Aether, Monster Of Creation, and Pandemic.

Swedish sleaze/glam band Crashdiet invade G.B. Leighton’s Pickle Park in Fridley on Wednesday, April 3 with Crucified Barbara and Snakeskyn Whiskey.

Blabbermouthrecently reported that Dying Fetus vocalist John Gallagher will be filling in for Suffocation’s Frank Mullen on concert dates from April 6–12. This will, of course, include the Monday, April 8 show at Station 4 in St. Paul with Exhumed, Jungle Rot, Rings Of Saturn, and Adimiron.

Otep makes a stop on what is to be her final tour at Pov’s 65 in Spring Lake Park on Friday, April 12 with One-Eyed Doll and Picture Me Broken.

Support bands for the Saturday, May 11 Pain Of Salvation show at Station 4 in St. Paul have been announced, and they are Kingcrow, Imminent Sonic Destruction, and Violet Fade.

Thankfully, not many metal shows happen at Epic in Minneapolis, but on Sunday, May 12 Asking Alexandria brings along a big bill with Motionless In White, Whitechapel, Chimaira, and I Killed The Prom Queen.

Australia’s Sick Puppies return to town on Monday, May 13 at Mill City Nights in Minneapolis.

For those up north, Sevendust and Pop Evil play Clyde Iron Works in Duluth on Wednesday, May 15.

Following a hiatus, the North Star Room in Mounds View has started booking show again. The first one of note is Christian metalcore band Those Who Fear with A Hill To Die Upon, Normandy, Climactic, Correlations, At Mourning’s End, and The Number Seven on Saturday, May 18.

Hard rockers Bobaflex play Station 4 in St. Paul on Thursday, May 23.

Locals Throw The Fight will be appearing at Bamboo Betty’s in Circle Pines on Friday, May 31.

Following their recent show in October as Classic Petra (with original vocalist Greg X. Volz), Petra (with long-time vocalist John Schiltt) return to the Living Word Christian Center in Brooklyn Park as part of their 40th Anniversary Tour on Friday, June 7 with special guest Bread Of Stone.

Bloodline Severed, Wake The Sleeper, Eyes Like Tides, Valor Tracks, and more locals bands to be announced will be the North Star Room in Mounds View on Saturday, June 8.

Bands are beginning to be announced for this year’s Moondance Jam in Walker, Minnesota from Wednesday, July 17 to Saturday, July 20. So far, Mötley Crüe and Cheap Trick will play on July 18 and The Offspring and Theory Of A Deadman perform on July 20. Tickets and camping site are on sale now, and prices go up starting March 16.

Most of the line up for this year’s Rock Fest in Cadott, Wisconsin taking place over four days, Thursday, July 18 to Sunday, July 21, has been announced. July 18 will feature a headliner to be announced, Seether, Halestorm, All That Remains, and Aranda. July 19 has Korn, The Offspring, Theory Of A Deadman, Pop Evil, Nonpoint, 4th Floor, and Bumblefist. Kiss headlines July 20 with Megadeth, Stone Sour, Hellyeah, Warrant, Vaudeville, and 7 Sins. The final night, July 20, has Mötley Crüe, Whitesnake, Skillet, Device, Otherwise, and Dirtee Circus. Tickets and camping sites are on sale now.

More Christian metalcore comes to the North Star Room in Mounds View when War Of Ages, Our Judgment, Every Knee Shall Bow, Reaping Asmodeia, Climactic, and Revival play on Saturday, July 27.

In Concert This Week - March 9, 2013

I had hoped to post this earlier, but here it goes with the metal and hard rock show happening this week.

Heathenfest with Einherjer is cancelled tonight, Saturday, March 9, but in its place is a great bill of local bands for FREE show at Station 4 in St. Paul - get there tonight for Deretla, Minos, Cold Colours, Wicked Inquisition, Noble Beast, and Drona. Another FREE show with locals bands happens tonight at Neisen's in Savage - go check out Blue Felix, Tepetricy, Pinwheel, A Sound Theory, and Matrekis. Also taking place tonight is Vintage Trouble and Leogun downstairs at The Nether Bar at Mill City Nights in Minneapolis.

After tonight, the only other show of note is Flyleaf, Drowning Pool, and Stars In Stereo at First Avenue in Minneapolis on Tuesday, March 12.

Album Review - THE CONTORTIONIST

The Contortionist - Intrinsic

eOne, July 2012

10/10

Intrinsic is an amazingly complex metal album that crosses many progressive metal boundaries in an attempt to redefine what a progressive band can be. The most obvious comparisons can be drawn to the work of Cynic, particularly Traced In Air, but influences abound from across the metal spectrum. Opening song “Holomovement” typifies the sound of Intrinsic – a dreamy, melodic, Cynic-like passage, complete with effect-laden vocals and odd time signatures, starts it off before erupting into a heavy, dense section with death metal vocals. The clean-sounding sequence returns and builds up with guitars and layered keyboards, followed by an acoustic interlude that incorporates keyboard and percussive elements borrowed from Peter Gabriel until the drums re-introduce the melodic finish. There’s much to ponder and absorb in the first 6 minutes and 29 seconds alone! The entire album continues this obtuse, mind-bending approach throughout the remaining nine songs. It’s not a casual listen, but it’s one full of deep rewards. Latter-day Cynic influences are everywhere, however, a careful listener can parse out more obscure reference points all over the place such as guitar/keyboard lines at the beginning of “Sequential Vision” lifted from Perfect Symmetry-era Fates Warning. At the point your brain becomes saturated from eight songs of mind-boggling inventiveness, the two main opposing musical forces on the album become separated into the short, heavy “Solipsis” and ambient “Parallel Trance” to close the album. Picking favorite songs on an album of this type is always hard, but I’d pin the best ones down to “Holomovement”, “Geocentric Confusion”, and “Cortical”. Intrinsic combines heavy metalcore and death metal with progressive rock and magically weaves the two together with the right amount of technical precision and musical flair. Fans of progressive hardcore bands such as The Dillinger Escape Plan and Between The Buried And Me will naturally be drawn to this album, so the challenge for The Contortionist will be gaining exposure to a wider progressive metal audience that won’t be put off by the death and metalcore elements of Intrinsic. This is only the second album from this Indianapolis-based outfit so let’s hope that their wellspring of innovation and inspiration brings us many more records.

The Contortionist performs a co-headling show with Within The Ruins on Tuesday, April 9 at Station 4 in St. Paul with support from I Declare War, Reflections, and City And The Sea. The same bill hits Clyde Iron Works in Duluth the next night, Wednesday, April 10.

In Concert This Week - March 1, 2013

Didn't find out about this one until recently - Survivor vocalist Jimi Jamison is playing a solo show with The Dean Weisser Band tonight, Friday, March 1 at the Minnesota Music Cafe in St. Paul to promote his November 2012 solo album Never Too Late. Jimi was the frontman for Chicago rock band Survivor during its arguably most successful period in the mid-80s, singing smash US hits such as "Burning Heart" (#2), "The Search Is Over" (#4), "High On You" (#8), "Is This Love" (#9), "I Can't Hold Back" (#13), "First Night" (#53), and "The Moment Of Truth" (#63). Prior to joining Survivor, Jimi sang for the heavier bands Target and Cobra. Survivor's Vital Signs album is revered by AOR/hard rock fans, with Jimi's voice being a major reason. Jimi was even supposed to replace Ian Gillan in Deep Purple instead of Joe Lynn Turner in 1989, but it was not to be. There's a great account of this in Martin Popoff's excellent book A Castle Full Of Rascals: Deep Purple: '83–'09 (2009):

"In fact, Jamison, of Survivor fame, had done more than auditioned. He had recorded with the band in September of 1989 and as far as Purple was concerned, he had the job. But Jamison had just recorded his first solo album, and, as Jon Lord tells the story, the record label had strong Italo-American family connections, and they strongly advised Jamison not to join Deep Purple.

'We auditioned Jimi who had been the lead singer in Survivor and he wanted the gig so much,' adds Lord, leaving out the mafia reference. 'He sounded fantastic and we had some wonderful rehearsals but then his management told him that he couldn't as he was going to be big on his own. He really would've been great in the band, I can tell you. You want to hear him sing Highway Star - it was absolutely marvelous. We did things like Sail Away with him and a couple of others like Maybe I'm A Leo that he did brilliantly. I think he would've been just brilliant for us. I didn't want Joe in the band. I thought he was totally wrong and that's not with hindsight. I fought against it.'"

Back to this week's shows, tonight also has Impaler, Black Rainbow, Ripsnorter, and Regenerators playing at Neisen's in Savage.

Tomorrow, Saturday, March 2, classic hard/boogie rockers Foghat are paired with Head East at the Medina Entertainment Center in Medina. That same night locals Nuisance are doing a video at their show Killwire and Strate-Jak-It at Station 4 in St. Paul.

The only other show on tap this week is Cleveland metalcore band Affiance with support from Glamour Of The Kill and Adestria at Station 4 in St. Paul on Tuesday, March 5.

Concert Announcements - March 1, 2013

The concert calendar is starting fill out more as shows for the summer season start to filter in. First up with the new announcements are concerts for which tickets go on sale today, Friday, March 1 at 10:00 am:

Suicidal Tendencies, DRI, and Wake The Dead will play an 18+ show at Mill City Nights in Minneapolis on Tuesday, April 16.

Kvelertak returns to the area for an 18+ headlining show with support from Cancer Bats on Saturday, April 27 at the 7th Street Entry in Minneapolis (tickets on sale for this one at 12:00 noon).

Papa Roach comes to the Mayo Civic Center Auditorium in Rochester for an all ages show with Escape The Fate and Otherwise on Tuesday, May 21. Tickets purchased today are only $14.99 - advance go up to $23 thereafter and $25 at the door.

The ever-bizarre Primus will play an all ages show at Myth in St. Paul on Saturday, June 1.

As mentioned in the presale announcement a couple days ago, the legendary Alice Cooper will play an all ages show at the State Theatre in Minneapolis on Sunday, July 14.

There's plenty of other recent metal concert news:

Heathenfest 4 featuring Einherjer, Sig:Ar:Tyr, Vanir, Ashaena, Trelleborg, Hammer Horde, Vesperia, Minos, Battlesoul, and Winterhymn on Saturday, March 9 at Station 4 in St. Paul has been CANCELLED. A FREE 16+ show is being lined up in its place with Minos and other bands to be announced. A February 13 post on the Einherjer Facebook page blames the cancellation on the promoter: "Ok, it seems we need to clear up any misunderstandings regarding the cancellation of our performance at Heathen Crusade. We are not able to perform because we didn't get any money from the promoter. No money for flights, no money for visas. We've tried our best to find a solution, but the deadline for the working visa application left us no choice but to cancel. We're really sorry it came to this....and we are just as pissed off as you are!!!" There's always two sides to any dispute like this (every band I've talked to loves working with SwordLord), but my guess is that it all comes down to weak advance ticket sales.

(hed)pe returns to St. Paul on Sunday, March 31 at Station 4 for an all ages show with Nuisance, Strate-Jak-It, and Angry Room.

Long-running death metal band Suffocation brings Exhumed, Jungle Rot, Rings Of Saturn, and Adimiron to Station 4 in St. Paul on Monday, April 8 for a 16+ show.

Within The Ruins and The Contortionist co-headline an all ages show with support from I Declare War, Reflections, and City In The Sea on Tuesday, April 9 at Station 4 in St. Paul.

Punk band The Casualties will be playing at the Triple Rock Social Club in Minneapolis on Saturday, April 20.

Swedish death metal band Hypocrisy comes backs to Station 4 in St. Paul on Tuesday, May 7 with Krisiun, Aborted, Arsis, and Starkill.

Des Moines-based death metal band Amass The Grave plays Station 4 in St. Paul on Sunday, May 26 with The Curse Of Hail and Climactic for a 21+ show.

Former Iron Maiden singer Paul Di'Anno will hit Neisen's in Savage on Wednesday, June 5.

Bang Tango plays the Hi 5 Bar in Burnsville on Thursday, June 6 with support from Metal Witch and Black Rainbow.

Former Guns 'N' Roses drummer Steven Adler brings his new band simply called Adler to Buster's in Mankato on Sunday, June 30.