fbpx  
Feast the Meaty Riffs: Cannibal Corpse at San Antonio’s Aztec Theatre

Feast the Meaty Riffs: Cannibal Corpse at San Antonio’s Aztec Theatre

Gorguts Brings Back The Nostalgia at The Aztec Theater

While some missed the opening band, Gorguts took the stage and delivered a performance that was truly a blast from the past. Fronted by the silver-haired, big-bearded scene elder Luc Lemay, Gorguts decided to stick to their early material for this memorable night. Five out of seven songs were from the band’s 1991 debut, “Considered Dead.” Despite their later material making massive waves in the scene, it was notably absent from their setlist.

Mayhem: The Infamous Co-Headliner

Mayhem, the co-headlining band, emerged from that same era as perhaps the most infamous group in extreme metal. Their macabre early years inspired everything from a movie to books, documentaries, and even prison sentences. Original frontman Dead is credited with inventing corpse paint, the ghoulish black and white makeup donned by many subsequent black metal performers.

Some audience members sported this distinctive look during the show, although the event’s proximity to Halloween meant that it was offset by other, less ominous costumes, like one enthusiastic attendee’s giant banana outfit.

Mayhem’s current lineup includes only the original bassist, Necrobutcher, from its early years. His appearance on stage during the band’s walkout provided an unusual and triumphant moment for long-suffering and under-appreciated bassists everywhere.

The Norwegian group was the only one of the night that included any sort of theatrics, but it brought along enough for everyone. The set included costume and background changes, most notably the band donning monks’ robes at one point. Theatricality has been part of Mayhem’s shtick for a long time, and it’s clearly left an influence on modern acts, such as Ghost.

Cannibal Corpse: The Grand Finale

Finally, it was Cannibal Corpse’s time to shine. The death metal Titans gave a no-frills performance focused exclusively on death growls, intense riffery, and headbanging. There was a lot of headbanging.

Despite the jaw-dropping riff skills of the band’s two guitar players, the focus for many fans remains on vocalist George “Corpsegrinder” Fisher, known for his insanely thick neck and bottomless bellow. Fisher’s presence has even inspired the character Nathan Explosion in the metal parody cartoon, “Metalocalypse.

During the set, the frontman jokingly challenged the enthusiastic crowd to a headbanging contest, announcing afterward, “Fifty-three fucking years old, and I won.” He may have been kidding on the surface, but the thing is, it’s true: no one bangs their head like Corpsegrinder.

But you can’t overlook Cannibal Corpse’s bassist, Alex Webster, and drummer Paul Mazurkiewicz. They form the foundation of the band and are one of the top metal rhythm sections this side of Iron Maiden.

Cannibal Corpse destroyed the crowd over the course of a 70-minute set that included bangers such as “Evisceration Plague,” “Chaos Horrific,” and “Pit of Zombies.” The group surprisingly began with a mid-tempo number, “Scourge of Iron,” concentrating on pure heaviness over speed.

Despite being known for playing fast, Cannibal Corpse relies on tempo changeups to maximize impact, sometimes incorporating several within the same song. This is the band’s real secret: there’s no fat. It slices riffs and arrangements bare so listeners are never able to catch their breath — and then Cannibal Corpse is off to their next thing.

By the time the band left the stage, it was 11 p.m., less than five hours since the first synth notes of Blood Incantation’s intro track. Given the efficiency of the crew and the minimal downtime between bands, that was packing a lot of brutality into not much time.

As the crowd filed out into the night, bruised but happy, no one could be heard complaining.

Ville Valo: A Mesmerizing Night at ACL Live

Ville Valo: A Mesmerizing Night at ACL Live

On the evening of October 3, 2023, music aficionados and fans of the iconic Ville Valo gathered at the enchanting ACL Live at The Moody Theater in Austin, Texas. This concert was destined to be an unforgettable experience, with Ville Valo, the Finnish singer-songwriter, taking center stage. The night was complemented by the local talents of Slow Pulse, creating a promise of musical magic that left no room for disappointment.

A Musical Journey Through Time

Ville Hermanni Valo, a name synonymous with the gothic love metal band HIM, embarked on a musical odyssey that spans over two decades, commencing in 1991. In 2020, Valo took a daring step into the realm of solo artistry, adopting the pseudonym “VV.” It was during the isolation imposed by the pandemic that Valo showcased his exceptional talent by crafting his solo album, Neon Noir, an endeavor that involved both the songwriting and production processes. This night was more than just a concert; it was an exploration of Valo’s musical evolution.

A Personal Perspective

As an ardent admirer of Valo’s solo work, I anticipated a night of musical brilliance even without the promise of HIM classics. However, Valo exceeded all expectations. He delighted the audience with a captivating blend of his solo creations and an assortment of HIM’s iconic tracks. As a witness to this breathtaking performance, I couldn’t help but shed a few tears of joy, swept away by the emotional depth of the music.

Ville Valo’s Artistic Transition

Valo’s transition from HIM to VV is a testament to his evolution as a musician. Renowned for his baritone voice and emotionally charged lyrics, Valo’s journey has touched the hearts of fans around the world. This concert showcased the breadth of his artistry.

The Musical Odyssey: Setlist Highlights

The setlist for the evening was a journey through Valo’s musical legacy, captivating the audience with a mix of old and new. The following are some highlights from the mesmerizing performance:

  1. Zener Solitaire
  2. Echolocate Your Love
  3. The Funeral of Hearts (HIM)
  4. The Foreverlost
  5. Join Me In Death (HIM)
  6. Neon Noir
  7. The Kiss of Dawn (HIM)
  8. Loveletting
  9. Buried Alive by Love (HIM)
  10. Heartful of Ghosts
  11. Wings of a Butterfly (HIM)
  12. Run Away From the Sun
  13. Right Here In My Arms (HIM)
  14. In Trenodia
  15. Soul On Fire (HIM)
  16. Salute the Sanguine
  17. Poison Girl (HIM)
  18. Vertigo Eyes
  19. When Love And Death Embrace (HIM) – Encore

The surprise encore performance of “When Love And Death Embrace” left the audience emotionally stirred, and I was among those who couldn’t hold back their tears.

The Experience Beyond Music

The magic of the night extended beyond the music itself. The atmospheric aura, the energy of the crowd, and the overall ambiance of the Moody Theater in Austin created an environment where the music came to life. It was a testament to Valo’s ability to not only craft songs but to create a captivating experience for his fans.

Where to Learn More

For those looking to delve deeper into the world of VV and HIM, the official website is a treasure trove of information and updates: VV / HIM Official Website

Audrey Nuna: A Rising Star Embarks on Weed Killer Tour with Ashnikko

Audrey Nuna: A Rising Star Embarks on Weed Killer Tour with Ashnikko

Audrey Nuna, a rising star and critically acclaimed rapper, is set to grace stages across North America as she joins trailblazer Ashnikko for the highly anticipated Weed Killer tour, starting in Austin, Texas on September 10.
This marks Audrey Nuna’s first official tour and is highly anticipated by her growing, dedicated fanbase, solidifying her position as an artist to watch in the music industry.
This exciting opportunity comes hot on the heels of the release of her new single. ‘Locket’
and promises to be a captivating chapter in Nuna’s career which is undeniably poised for stardom.

Nuna’s music possesses an edgy modernity, infusing her aesthetic with dark, futuristic, boundary-pushing elements that resonate with fans and critics alike.
Carving out her own niche in the music industry, her addictive and memorable dance anthems masterfully combine infectious beats, catchy melodies, and her effortlessly hard-hitting flow.

Audrey Nuna: A Rising Star Embarks On Weed Killer Tour With Ashnikko. Tracy Ryan Fuller Photography
Audrey Nuna: A Rising Star Embarks On Weed Killer Tour With Ashnikko 45

Locket’ Nuna’s recent single, showcases unique musicality and cements her status as a rising talent. Having been Dubbed as “mesmerizingly addictive” by V Magazine, Nuna is capturing the attention of music enthusiasts and critics alike.

Accompanied by a thought-provoking video directed by the late Valentin Petit,
who tragically passed away in an aircraft accident earlier this year. It has been hailed as an artistic and concept-driven visual; “Locket” stands as a poignant memento to the artistic vision of both Nuna and Petit.

Watch the visually stunning music video to witness a captivating blend of art and music.

Her unique blend of styles and commitment to creativity have propelled her into the spotlight, making her one of the first female Korean-American R&B acts to break into US mainstream culture, having garnered attention from reputable outlets such as The New York Times, NPR, Vogue, and Billboard, to name a few. At the age of 24, Nuna is undeniably on the cusp of stardom and is poised to make a lasting impact on the music industry.
The Weedkiller Tour is just the beginning of Nuna’s musical journey. She is currently working on a new body of work, and ‘Locket’ serves as a tantalizing taste of what’s to come.

Audrey Nuna: A Rising Star Embarks On Weed Killer Tour With Ashnikko. Tracy Ryan Fuller Photography
Audrey Nuna: A Rising Star Embarks On Weed Killer Tour With Ashnikko 46

We have our Meet Cute on the first stop of the Weedkiller Tour in Austin Texas, and the sold out show has been an absolute revelation.
Backed by androgynous dj with vibe elevating mash ups created with immaculate skill, setting the perfect foundation for showcasing Nuna’s undeniable talent and magnetic stage presence. Nuna brings an infectious energy that instantly grabed the attention of the audience, and her high-octane show left no room for boredom as she effortlessly engaged the crowd, exuding confidence and passion. Nunas infectious anthems made dancing unavoidable from wall to wall, even the hardened security guards at Stubbs couldnt resist moving with the beats.

Audrey Nunas Undeniable dedication to her fashion aesthetic was demonstrated when she walked on the outdoor stage in her signature vinyl couture, in the 110 degree Texas heat wave, and was still an absolute dance technician.

Audrey Nuna was a perfect compliment to Ashnikko distinctive style, proving Nuna’s captivating stage presence, and genuine love for her craft have already solidified her position as a force to be reckoned with.

This is just the beginning for Audrey Nuna, as she tantalizes her growing fanbase with the promise of a new body of work. This forthcoming project signifies a new and captivating chapter in Nuna’s career, as she further explores her artistic boundaries.

Audrey Nuna: A Rising Star Embarks On Weed Killer Tour With Ashnikko. Tracy Ryan Fuller Photography
Audrey Nuna: A Rising Star Embarks On Weed Killer Tour With Ashnikko 47

Audrey Nuna is undoubtedly a rising star worth keeping an eye on, and will continue captivating audiences with her electrifying performances and boundary-pushing music on the remainder of the Weed Killer Tour.
Fans and music enthusiasts await her upcoming performances with eager anticipation, ready to witness her undeniable talent on stage alongside Ashnikko, and they can expect an unforgettable and electric live experience.

Her star is only rising higher and brighter and her dedicated fanbase is eagerly awaiting what she has in store next, knowing without a doubt that Audrey Nuna is an artist on the brink of phenomenal success.

Unnamed Noise From The Pit
Audrey Nuna: A Rising Star Embarks On Weed Killer Tour With Ashnikko 48

Get your tickets, here: https://bio.to/AudreyNunaTour

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Audrey Nuna:
https://audrey.lnk.to/YouTube
http://audreynuna.com/
https://www.instagram.com/audreynuna/
https://www.facebook.com/audreynuna/
https://twitter.com/audreynuna
https://www.tiktok.com/@audreynuna

Lulu Deadly:
http://www.linktr.ee/luludeadlynftp

Pantera’s Triumphant Return: A Night of Metal Majesty

Pantera’s Triumphant Return: A Night of Metal Majesty

The Atmosphere

As the sun began to set over the Germania Insurance Amphitheater in Austin, TX, the air was thick with anticipation. The crowd, a mix of seasoned metalheads and younger fans, buzzed with excitement. The venue, known for its impeccable acoustics and vibrant atmosphere, was the perfect setting for a night that promised to be unforgettable.

Fleshhoarder: The Opening Act

The evening kicked off with Fleshhoarder, setting the tone with their raw energy and powerful riffs. Their performance, though brief, was a testament to the enduring spirit of metal. The crowd responded with fervor, headbanging and moshing to the rhythm.

Lamb of God: The Supporting Titans

As the stage was set for Lamb of God, the crowd’s energy was in full mosh mode. With each member taking their position, they launched into their set with a ferocity that was both electrifying and mesmerizing. Randy Blythe, with his newly shaved head, commanded the stage with his powerful vocals, while Mark Morton and Willie Adler showcased their guitar prowess. The lights and visuals complemented the band’s performance, creating an immersive experience for the audience.

A particularly touching moment came when Randy Blythe paused the set to sing “Happy Birthday” to the late Dimebag Darrell. The gesture was a poignant reminder of the deep connection and mutual respect between the bands.

Throughout their set, Blythe paid homage to their predecessors and influences, notably Pantera.

Pantera: The Legends Return

The main event of the evening was, without a doubt, Pantera. As the lights dimmed and a video montage played, the emotion in the amphitheater was overwhelming. The tribute to the late Abbott brothers, Dimebag and Vinnie, was a poignant reminder of the band’s legacy and the void they left behind.

With Phil Anselmo leading the charge, the band delivered a performance that was both nostalgic and fresh. Early in their set, Phil took a moment to also sing “Happy Birthday” to Dimebag, his voice filled with emotion. This touching tribute was accompanied by a video, which readers can view in this article, capturing the raw emotion of the moment.

Zakk Wylde, stepping into Dimebag’s shoes, played with a passion and skill that did justice to the legend’s memory. Charlie Benante on drums and Rex on bass provided the rhythmic backbone, driving each song forward with precision.

The setlist was a journey through Pantera’s storied career, with classics like “A New Level” and “Mouth for War” sending the crowd into a frenzy. The touching tribute to the Abbott brothers during “Cemetery Gates” and the acoustic rendition of Black Sabbath’s “Planet Caravan” showcased the band’s versatility and depth.

The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly “Walk”, with Fleshhoarder joining the band on stage. The combined energy of both bands and the crowd singing in unison was a sight to behold.

A Night to Remember

As the final notes of “Revolution Is My Name” rang out, the crowd erupted in applause. The evening was a testament to Pantera’s enduring legacy and the power of music to bring people together. It was a night of raw emotion, powerful performances, and a celebration of metal in all its glory.

PANTERA Setlist

  1. A New Level
  2. Mouth for War
  3. Strength Beyond Strength
  4. Happy Birthday to You (Mildred J. Hill & Patty Hill cover)
  5. Becoming
  6. I’m Broken
  7. Suicide Note Pt. II
  8. 5 Minutes Alone
  9. This Love
  10. Fucking Hostile
  11. Cemetery Gates
  12. Planet Caravan (Black Sabbath cover)
  13. Walk (with Flesh Hoarder)
  14. Domination / Hollow
  15. Cowboys From Hell
    Encore:
  16. Yesterday Don’t Mean Shit
Pixies Deliver Powerful Set To A Sold Out Moody Amphitheater

Pixies Deliver Powerful Set To A Sold Out Moody Amphitheater

The Pixies’ second Leg of their North American Tour ended at the Moody Amphitheater in Austin TX on 06/25/23. So many summer tours run through Austin during the hot summer months often testing the loyalty of fans. Today was no exception to this, the heat index soared past 103 degrees as the doors opened. Fans trickled in braving the Texas sun while being reminded by event staff to stay hydrated.

Bully Warms Up The Stage

First on the bill was Bully, an alternative/grunge band out of Nashville, Tennessee. The solo project of singer Alicia Bognano, Bully attacked the stage with aggressive fuzzed out guitars and a sweet raspy growl that took me back to early years of the grunge movement. It was really easy to enjoy their set. Making the most of the opening time slot, the band made a statement with their performance and helped win over some new fans. The closing song “All This Noise” saw Bognano abandoning her guitar in order to fully embrace the guttural roar that comes customary when releasing the demons of contempt.

Franz Ferdinand Keeps The Flames Burning

Franz Ferdinand took the stage next. I’ll note here that at this point in the day the sun was starting to cast long shadows over the venue which would have been great except for the mirrored high rise that sits directly opposite the stage blinding the artists and scorching the back of guests. But I digress. I had never seen them live and did not expect all the movement by frontman Alex Kapranos. Jumping, dancing, squatting, windmilling the guitar, there is no doubt that he is a showman who knows how to entertain. Admittedly I don’t know much of their catalog but that didn’t keep me from being glued to the stage. Figuratively, of course. This well polished band played a healthy hour long set that only paused for brief interactions with the crowd. At one point Kapranos removed his sunglasses stating that he needed a better look at how beautiful the people of Austin were. I blushed, or maybe that was just overheating. As the familiar opening guitar of “Take Me Out” started the whole amphitheater moved in unison and joined in a sing along with the band. As they closed their time slot with “This Fire” it was fitting that they sang “this fire is out of control” as the air continued to sizzle.

Pixies Ignite the Night

The Pixies took the stage at 8:45pm and went straight to business opening with “Gouge Away” from their 1989 album Doolittle. With 37 years as a band, they have an arsenal of hits and deep cuts to keep the music flowing as long as they want but unfortunately in most cases there is a curfew that must be followed. Impressively, the band consists of three of four founding members: vocalist Black Francis, Joey Santiago on lead guitar and David Lovering on drums. The addition of bassist Paz Lenchantin in 2016 has allowed the Pixies to continue pushing their legacy onward. Hearing Paz harmonize with Francis during Caribou put a smile on my face. This has always been one of my favorites of their collection. It was fun to watch the crowd ranging from Boomers to Millennials enjoy the performance as one. The Pixies are a generational band that have influenced many different artists currently on the radio and they push all the right buttons to connect people. As the set rolled and lights flashed, the memory of slaying “Wave of Mutilation” with my family on Rock Band came to mind. I could see I was not alone by the way guests were air drumming and moving to the beats. When “Nimrod’s Son” played, the crowd eagerly sang the catchy lyrics “you are the son of a mother f*cker”. In the midst of all the excitement it was easy to get lost in the music and for some maybe too easy to lose control. I witnessed an unfortunate attendee pass out for reasons unknown to me. Although the sun was down and there was a slight breeze every now and then, it was still sweltering standing amongst 5000 people. I can guess that heat was partly to blame but I would probably not be wrong to say that there was perhaps a little too much sauce involved as well. The event staff seemed a little disconnected to what was happening and it took three different people to come over with flashlights before one of them finally called a medic. In real time it always seems like time slows down but in actuality they had the situation under control within two songs which in Pixies time can mean as little as five minutes.

06252023Pixiesmoodyamphitheater 14 Noise From The Pit
Pixies Deliver Powerful Set To A Sold Out Moody Amphitheater 108

Back to the show. I was sitting with my BFF and his daughter and she asked me if I wanted to bet what the last song would be. I’m not a betting man so I said no, but in hindsight I should have gone all in. Her guess was “Here Comes Your Man” and not even three minutes later they started in on the crowd favorite. I could have potentially won millions but instead I’m still just regular. Another sing along ensued and we were sadly coming to the end of the night. The Pixies moved into an alternate surf style version of “Wave of Mutilation” which was neat. Following this was the all too familiar strumming intro to their classic track off the Surfer Rosa album “Where Is My Mind.” It’s hard to hear this song without immediately being taken back to the climatic end scene of the 1999 David Fincher movie Fight Club. A great soundtrack for a great movie. A song that we can all connect with at some point in our lives when we start to question our own sanity. The band sounded crisp as ever. As expected, the entire venue including the sidewalk squirrels helped sing out the final “ooh oohs”. I’ve always enjoyed singing this out in my home at an obnoxious volume but I forced myself to hold back from taking the spotlight. I sure hope that this iconic band felt the appreciation for playing this song once again for the gazillionth time. Closing the night with “Winterlong,” the Pixies showed that they had staying power that not many bands can claim.

A great night with a fantastic lineup in a beautiful city united by music. Seeing Bully live was fun and gave me the best seat in the house as I was able to sit in front of the stage for the full set. My first time with Franz Ferdinand was a delight that I didn’t see coming. The musicality and the chemistry between the band members was energetic and entertaining. This was only my second time attending a Pixies show and they did not disappoint. With a sound that’s so clean and polished I will be sure to catch them on their next jaunt through town. 

Melanie Martinez Brings New ‘Portals’ Tour To Moody Amphitheater

Melanie Martinez Brings New ‘Portals’ Tour To Moody Amphitheater

Melanie Martinez stopped at Moody Amphitheater on a hot Saturday night in Austin TX showcasing her newly released Portals album with supporting act Tanukichan. As the doors opened, thousands of “Earthlings” piled in, filling merch booths with snaking long lines. Undeterred by the Texas heat, the crowd eagerly anticipated Martinez’ appearance. Melanie Martinez has been on my radar for quite some time, I had plans to attend a show pre covid. However, the world stopped and many tours were forced to cancel including her scheduled stop in Austin with Sub Urban. I was ready. They were ready. We were ready.

Tanukichan Sets the Tone

Opening the night was alternative, dreampop artist Tanukichan. Born Hannah van Loon, this San Francisco based artist set the tone with catchy guitar hooks and driving beats from her rhythm section. Tanukichan is currently supporting her new release Gizmo produced by indie artist Chaz Bear of Toro y Moi. Sporting an Incubus concert tee and baggy white pants, van Loon was making it clear that she was not a bubblegum pop princess as she shredded her guitar. There was not a big stage production for the opener, just straight to the point music with the occasional “thank you” to the audience. Speaking of which, one highlight of the set was her version of Dido’s Thank You. What a great song! I had not heard Tanukichan before this night and I walked away satisfied with what she presented and have added her to my “chill” playlist. A good little appetizer for the main event.

Melanie Martinez Transcends Reality

The time had come! Melanie Martinez took the stage at exactly 8:25pm just as promised. The stage was set with drapery that resembled a giant moth looking down, casually framing the backdrop of vines and a large screen that would display various otherworldly scenes as the night went on. Martinez herself was adorned in a facial prosthetic and a pink hued bodysuit with earth toned accents that gave her an alien fairy appearance. Very unique to say the least. I have always loved her ability to stand out with her distinct look on previous tours but this was going above and beyond!

The concert opened with DEATH a song that lays the Crybaby phase of her career to rest. She has come to reinvent her persona and assures her fans that she is back to guide them through her vast imagination. With a focus being on the vocalist’s new image, the accompanying band members were set on the back of the stage leaving plenty of room for Martinez and her dancers to showcase their artistry through song and imagery. Rolling right into VOID, she kept the audience engaged by covering both ends of the stage while encouraging their singing along with her. The choreography onstage was well rehearsed and fun to watch the dancers fluidly work with the music and between each other. As the show went on it was easy to stay captivated by both the visual aspect and of course the relatably dark lyrics that Melanie Martinez is known for. I’m sure everyone has felt the chorus from LIGHT SHOWER – “But you make me want to plan out my last days on earth eating you.” Am I Right?

Before she jumped into MOON CYCLE she asked the audience if anyone was on their period and the place erupted. Now is it possible that everyone was indeed in the middle of their cycle or was it just an attempt for some guys to fit in with their female friends? I think the latter, but who knows? The stage was appropriately bathed in red light as the song played on. NYMPHOLOGY was next and felt like a giant sing along as most of the attendees knew every word. My favorite song of the album, EVIL followed. This song is easy to put into your own perspective. She sings about a love gone bad and moving past the psychological and emotional baggage that’s leftover. “Loving you was lethal, guess that makes me evil.” The show closed with three tracks only available on the deluxe edition of Portals. MILK OF THE SIREN is a powerful feminist anthem that spoke to this crowd of mostly female guests. It was a good ending to an amazing show. As an openly Bi artist, Melanie ended with her dancers holding a large pride flag and showing her appreciation for the community vowing to return next year.

Overall, It was a super fun night with an alien! Pop music is not usually at the top of my lists, but this was very enjoyable. At times it may have sounded a bit too polished but that’s understandable with all the dancing and the outfit of choice. Backing tracks can be useful in these situations as long as the mix is done correctly. Her team has done a good job and Melanie herself still has a great voice. The Portals tour is not one to sleep on. Ticketmaster needs to figure out how to take the scalpers out of the equation so more people have accessibility to these shows. The creativity and imagination of Melanie Martinez is extraterrestrial! Go see her, tell your friends!

Setlist

DEATH

VOID

TUNNEL VISION

FAERIE SOIREE

LIGHT SHOWER

SPIDER WEB 

LEECHES

BATTLE OF THE LARYNX

THE CONTORTIONIST

MOON CYCLE

NYMPHOLOGY

EVIL

WOMB

Encore

POWDER

PLUTO

MILK OF THE SIREN