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Legendary guitarist Carlos Santana Rocks Dos Equis Pavilion in Dallas, TX

Legendary guitarist Carlos Santana Rocks Dos Equis Pavilion in Dallas, TX

An Unforgettable Night of Musical Mastery and Soulful Rhythms

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On a warm, rainy night in Dallas, there were concerns weather might affect the success of this show. However, thousands came out for this show that was three years in the making. After several reschedules starting because of the pandemic, legendary guitarist Carlos Santana was finally back in town. Looking across the crowd, I saw fans of all generations gathered together for a night of rock and roll.

Austin-based Arc Angels kicked off the night with a bang

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The night began at dusk with Arc Angels, consisting of Doyle Bramhall II and Charlie Sexton on guitar and vocals, Eric Holden on bass, and Chris Layton on drums. These Texas boys offered a deep, rich blues sound that fits in with the likes of Stevie Ray Vaughn and ZZ Top. They set the mood for an energetic night filled with good music and good times.

Carlos Santana and his band hit the stage yet for an epic set featuring loads of favorites and some special guests.

His band consists Andy Vargas and Ray Greene on vocals, Tommy Anthony on guitar and vocals, Benny Rietveld on bass, David K Mathews on keyboards, Karl Perazzo and Paoli Mejías on percussion, and Cindy Blackman Santana on drums. Their performance was flawless, and they operate as a well oiled machine.

The air filled with the sounds of drums as the show started along with videos of tribesmen in dance. Then, the majestic sounds of the guitar resonated as the man himself, looking fantastic for a man of 75, came out and began to pla. Chewing his gum as he has for as long as I can remember, he played through the songs that have traveled the ages with him and made it look as easy as ever.

From his original songs like The Game of Love, Corazon Espinado, and Smooth to well-loved covers like Evil Ways, Oye Como Va, Ain’t No Sunshine, and Venus, it was evident Mr. Santana and his friends rocked the night away and had fun doing it. The crowd was packed, with many vibing to the sounds of his guitar, enjoying that magical moment in the crowd of a concert.

Australian guitar magnate Orianthi joined the stage to rock with Santana and friends for a few songs

Best known as the lead guitarist on Michael Jackson’s “This Is It,” tour, Orianthi is a bit of a legend herself. She joined Santana for a few songs, and the sounds were so rich and harmonious, it was a wonderful experience to have for sure. She’s a beautiful genius with a guitar, and I encourage any guitar enthusiast to look into her music and catch her live if you get a chance.

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I want to close out the review in his own words: “Celebrate your life and your divinity.”

Set List:

  • Soul Sacrifice
  • Jin-go-lo-ba (Babatunde Olatunji cover)
  • Evil Ways (Willie Bobo cover)
  • Black Magic Woman / Gypsy Queen
  • Oye cómo va (Tito Puente cover)
  • Europa (Earth’s Cry, Heaven’s Smile)
  • Everybody’s Everything
  • Ain’t No Sunshine (Bill Withers cover)
  • Venus (Shocking Blue cover)
  • The Game of Love
  • Hope You’re Feeling Better (with Orianthi)
  • Put Your Lights On (with Orianthi)
  • Corazón espinado (with Orianthi)
  • Maria Maria (with Orianthi)
  • Foo Foo
  • Are You Ready (The Chambers Brothers cover) (with extended drum solo)
  • Roadhouse Blues (The Doors cover)
  • Smooth

Experience Twiztid’s Unforgettable Certified Psychos Tour at Trees Dallas

Experience Twiztid’s Unforgettable Certified Psychos Tour at Trees Dallas

Twiztid, Blaze Ya Dead Homie, Anybody Killa, Trees, Deep Ellum,

Jamie Madrox of Twiztid, Blaze Ya Dead Homie, and BigVin Dustin.

Tuesday night, Trees in Dallas was home to the triumphant return of Twiztid (sans an unfortunately ill Monoxide, who is recovering at home according to this reporters’ discussion with BigVin Dustin at the show) for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic, and the family definitely showed out in full force to welcome Majik Ninja Entertainment back to Dallas, despite issues with staff at the venue.

The night began with local favorite openers CHXXMPA and Sicnoizednice.

Performing solo songs as well as bringing the big homie Claas on stage to rock some supergroup SickGang jams, they definitely put their all onto the stage and we, the crowd, definitely felt the love they were putting out. They’re known as favorites around the Juggalo scene, and it was easy to see why at this show. Their energy was electric, and they definitely got the crowd super hyped and ready for the rest of the show.

LSP’s Snuff Bear, CLAAS, hit the stage next and gave his own spectacle of awesomeness and left the stage a mess in his wake.

CLAAS chose this day to reveal his latest accessory to his live show: a super realistic bear coat that makes him look like an actual bear on stage! Yes, it was incredibly hot as this reporter confirmed after his set in a discussion, but it really looks so cool and everyone should check it out! He did a lot of his favorites, even getting the crowd involved to sing the hook for UGAs “Simple Man,” which is one of my personal favorites to sing along to Demi Demaree’s hook. The big homie also brought CHXXMPA and SicnoizeDnice on stage to rock a couple of more SickGang songs, including donning his bear coat again to finish out the set with Fuckin’ Dope, giving my husband the inspiration to refer to him as the Cocaine On My Dick Bear, a reference to the recently popular “Cocaine Bear” movie based on a true story. CLAAS definitely left the stage with the crowd even more hyped than they were.

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CON-CRETE hit the stage next to present us with his Washington state brand of “Horrorcrunk.”

Commonly known as the Dark Minister amongst his fans and the scene, he definitely drew a crowd with his dark stype and smooth flows. He dominated the stage with his presence and painted face and left people stunned. Regretfully, I did not get a pic worth sharing of CON-CRETE, for which I apologize. Next time!

Next to the stage were Dirty Bars, local favorites, brothers Dro and Rey.

The Dodos, as they affectionately call themselves and their fans, brought their sick beats and even more sick flows to the ear holes of everyone in attendance, while showering us all with their love. Watching them, you can see the passion they feel for their art, and you feel it coursing through your veins as you watch. As always happens, they engage the crowd in a chat of their tag line, “Dirty Bars, bitch, Dirty, Dirty Bars, bitch,” and the response they got from the crowd at this Twiztid show was more than I’ve ever seen before, and the first time I saw them was opening for Twiztid. Dirty Bars gets a lot of love, and they deserve it all.

Intrinzik & McNastee shared the stage next in a display of skill and passion.

Two artists with a long history of working together, they came together to share the stage and gave us an electrifying performance of many of their favorite songs. Combining upbeat sounds sometimes dark matter lyrics as they have for years, they got the crowd super hype and definitely left us ready for more. I had never seen Intrinzik live, and I can’t wait to do so again, now. Everyone should check out these guys any chance they get. Unfortunately, I did not get any pictures of their set, but plenty can be found online.

Andrew W. Boss and the Motherfucking Boss Crew hit the stage next.

Utah based rap/rock/metal blend band Andrew W. Boss and the Motherfucking Boss Crew, consisting of Andrew W. Boss (lead vocals), Adam Boss (hypeman), Flip Boss (guitar), Sir Bugaboo (bass), and Rob Whittle (drums) brought their signature combination of energy and talent to the stage and the crowd next. When three out of five members end up in the crowd at some point, it’s generally a good set. These guys were hanging out with the fans off stage as well and were all around great guys. It was a treat getting to see them do their thing, and if you get a chance to see them in your area, you definitely should.

Cody Manson melts faces and shows love in his adopted home town

LSP’s own Cody Manson hit the stage next and gave his all to the crowd of his personal brand of rap. The “Psychoactive” artist gave an electrifyhing performance, as always, and apparently this reporter was so entranced by his set, I didn’t get any pictures from his set. After his set, I spoke with Cody and got the following picture with him. In our conversation, he revealed someone along the way had been under the impression that Cody was a Texas native. Cody’s first trip to Texas was in 2019 for the Terror in Texas mini-tour with Scum and Claas, but he has definitely been embraced by the Snuff family in Texas, and we’ll claim him.

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Boondox hit the stage next, leaving many fans super happy with his set choices.

Boondox was up next in his last minute addition to the tour, presumably to make up for the lack of Monoxide. Many fans who were already going got more excited as Boondox is definitely a fan favorite amongst DFW Juggalos. Notable songs he performed are Scarecrow, Red Mist, Pray with Snakes and many others including my personal favorite, Monster. Boondox constantly offers a high energy set, and he did not disappoint on this night. It appears I did not get any pictures from his set as well.

Certified Psychos set closed out the night, featuring Jamie Madrox of Twiztid, BigVin Dustin in a mask, Blaze Ya Dead Homie, and ABK.

While it is definitely disappointing to have Twiztid without Monoxide (and we hope he continues to get better daily!), these four men definitely went all out to ensure we all had a great time. Performing old school hits like First Day Out, 2nd Hand Smoke, and We Don’t Die, the crowd went wild and had a great time. Blaze Ya Dead Homie performed some of his hit, including Real G Shit and Saturday Afternoon during the set. ABK also had some of his hits sprinkled throughout the first hour of their set, including Warrior and Come Out to Play. Juggalos from all over the Metroplex came out, some for the first time since before the pandemic, and crowd participation ran rampant.

There was moshing going on, the norm as we all know, and this is where problems occurred with the venue.

From the back of the crowd, I watched the moshers having their brand of a good time, even saw a little one in the pit being taken very good care of. However, I also watched as Trees security ejected several patrons for what seemed like typical moshing. I, personally, did not see any fights break out. I also spoke with many of those who were ejected who felt they were wrongly thrown out and that Trees security was being far too harsh. It was also discussed that this is what happens at Trees every time the Juggalos come out. Fair warning for anyone considering attending a Juggalo show at Trees in Deep Ellum in the future.

Certified Psychos went on to perform Rydas and Lotus hits alongside Boondox

As we knew was occurring, the two hour Certified Psychos set proceeded to move onto a set of Rydas songs including Duk Da Fuk Down!, Bandanas, and Dark Lotus songs like Pass the Ax, Juggalo Family, and Give Me Dat Blood, giving Juggalos of old a walk down memory lane and new Juggalos, like me, a chance to see something legendary. Going into this show, I had mixed feelings based on social media reaction to the Rydas and Lotus acts of MNE, as no one can deny seeing the backlash online. However, by and large in Dallas, Rydas and Lotus were alive and well in this show, and all were grateful to experience it. The set ended in raucous applause and the usual chants of Family. Juggalo love and that familiar feeling of Family was abound in Dallas on this night.

N.I.A.T. ‘Head First Into The Berkley Pit’ Album Review!

N.I.A.T. ‘Head First Into The Berkley Pit’ Album Review!

Treasure State Grind/Mathcore Hybrid Band N.I.A.T. Successfully Captures the Minds of heavy music fanatics!

Current N.I.A.T. Lineup
JR Anderson – Drums
Danny Choriki – Guitar
Zach Ostwalt – Bass
Will Summers – Vocals/Lyrics

Grindcore is a controversial type of tumult music that has been around since the 1980’s. It combines a malestrom of barbarity musical elements from the darkest corners of heavy metal and hardcore punk, resulting in a unique sound that is both aggressive and mentally healing. The genre was first popularized by bands such as England’s Napalm Death, and Carcass, and Flint, Michigan’s Repulsion, all who greatly shaped and defined what the influential early days of the grindcore genre would stylistically become.

At its core, grindcore is all about speed and intensity. The fast-paced blast beats and guitar riffs are often accompanied by screamed or growled vocals, making for a frenzied listening experience. Lyrics tend to focus on themes such as social injustice or political turmoil, adding to the overall sense of anger and aggression. Despite its relatively niche appeal, grindcore has had an undeniable impact on the wide range of genres within heavy metal. Its influence can be heard in everything from black metal to death metal, as well as other subgenres such as metalcore, powerviolence and crust punk.

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But now a bold new era of pulverizing grind chilling sounds has arrived straight from the blue skies of Billings, Montana! And that’s awesomely through the vehement music from the upcoming luminous rimrock band N.I.A.T.( abbreviated for Night In At Tiananmens). And their awaited forthcoming cutthroat record ‘Head First Into The Berkley Pit’! With the independent release of ‘Head First Into The Berkley Pit’, the four-piece grindsters have managed to properly showcased an astounding fresh take of how performing imploding raw-teeth-pulling material through super charged skillful mayhem can bring forth a satisfying new jolt of chaotic professionalism musicianship inside both the grindcore and mathcore genres. Thus, effectively breathing new life among the experimental independent heavy scene via fiery, neck-snapping riffage meshed with pummeling drum tactics explored across blistering speeds deeply rooted in notable bands such as Agoraphobic Nosebleed, Fuck The Facts, and Pig Destroyer.

Since forming in 2017, N.I.A.T. has quickly become known around the Northwest regions for their relentless live performances and their unique live spine ripping instrumental presentations. But with ‘Head First Into The Berkley Pit!’, the Treasure State band has effectively expanded upon their infectious brutality to a whole new level, by combining mathy riffs, ferocious blast beat drums, and driving bass velocity, to create an album that doesn’t just push boundaries, but completely rewrites the status quo of what can be sonicially achieved in regards to experimental heaviness in music.

‘Head First Into The Berkley Pit!’, features ten tracks of pure relentless energy that will indubitably keep heavy metal fans of all types headbanging from start to finish. From its straight forward gind attack opening banger “How Long Does Shit Burn” to its deathly rollercoster of a music ride through the twisting and turning closing number “Scuba”, ‘Head First Into The Berkley Pit’! has captured the required metallic strength to potentially become to be one of the most talked about records of the year.

‘Head First Into The Berkley Pit will be officially independently released Friday, May 5th, 2023. You can support N.I.A.T.’s ‘Head First Into The Berkley Pit via Bandcamp through this authentic link here: https://tinyurl.com/yu9p6j5s

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A Night of Industrial Legends: Ministry, Gary Numan, & Front Line Assembly at Emo’s Austin

A Night of Industrial Legends: Ministry, Gary Numan, & Front Line Assembly at Emo’s Austin

A Mid-Show Arrival: Missing Front Line Assembly and Catching Gary Numan


Arriving at the concert after being held up at my day job, I sadly missed Front Line Assembly’s performance. However, I made it just in time to catch Gary Numan mid-set. Despite not engaging in much banter with the crowd, Numan captivated the audience with his commanding stage presence and an updated sound that married his New Wave roots with modern industrial textures.

Gary Numan: Intruder to Classic Hits


Numan opened with “Intruder,” a brooding track from his 2021 album of the same name. His setlist strongly focused on his 21st-century work, including the epic “My Name is Ruin” and the stomping “Love Hurt Bleed.” The crowd roared in excitement when he performed modernized renditions of his 80s hits, “Metal” and “Cars.” Guitarist Steve Harris offered an eccentric touch with his peculiar antics and intense stare. Numan ended his set on a high note with “A Prayer For The Unborn,” leaving the stage with a smile.

Ministry’s Triumphant Return: Moral Hygiene and New Material


Ministry took the stage to an eager crowd, opening with tracks from their critically acclaimed 2021 album, Moral Hygiene. Songs like “Alert Level,” “Good Trouble,” and “Disinformation” resonated with the audience, reflecting the band’s most vital work in over a decade. They continued with politically charged songs from their upcoming album, Hopium For The Masses, including “Broken System” and “Goddamn White Trash.

A Nod to the Classics and a Fiery Encore


Frontman Al Jourgensen rewarded the fans’ enthusiasm for the new material with classic Ministry hits, such as “N.W.O.” and “Just One Fix.” The band then powered through tracks from The Land of Rape and Honey, including “The Missing,” “Deity,” and “Stigmata.” Again, the group’s incredible chemistry and musicianship were evident, with guitarists Monte Pittman and Caesar Soto, bassist Paul D’Amour, keyboardist John Bechdel, and drummer Roy Mayorga all delivering exceptional performances.

After a brief departure from the stage, Ministry returned with an encore performance of “So What” and a cover of Fad Gadget’s “Ricky’s Hand.” Jourgensen passionately shared his thoughts on Texas gun laws and urged the crowd to create change before ending the show on a high note.

A Night to Remember: Industrial Music Legends Leave a Lasting Impression


Though I missed Front Line Assembly‘s performance at Emo’s, the fantastic sets by Gary Numan and Ministry satisfied me and the rest of the audience. As we anticipate Ministry’s new album and potential future tours, the powerful performances by these industrial legends will undoubtedly live on in our memories.

Gary Numan Set List:

Intruder
Halo
Pure
Everything Comes Down to This
Metal
Here in the Black
Cars
Haunted
Love Hurt Bleed
The Chosen
My Name Is Ruin
A Prayer for the Unborn

Ministry Set List:


Alert Level
Good Trouble
Disinformation
Believe Me
Broken System
Goddamn White Trash
N.W.O.
Just One Fix
The Missing
Deity
Stigmata
Thieves
1st Encore: So What
2nd Encore: Ricky’s Hand (Fad Gadget Cover)

Acid King ‘Beyond Vision’ Album Review

Acid King ‘Beyond Vision’ Album Review

Written by Chad Thomas Carsten

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The glory days of 1960’s/1970’s acid garage rock and doom metal are alive and well thanks to the psychedelic riffage haze brought forth by the mighty frontwoman Lori S. and her stoner metal vibes through the awe-inspiring tunes of the influential Acid King! As the newly released Acid King LP ‘Beyond Vision’ is a truly unique metallic experience. From the moment the album starts, it is clear that this effort aims to take listeners on an intense journey through powerful sonic landscapes and emotions. The combination of raw and unpredictable drumming soundscapes, paired with deeply unsettling guitar vibes, creates an atmosphere that is disconcerting yet strangely captivating. Every song has its own character and energy, but ultimately serves to build towards a greater purpose; to make the listener feel uncomfortable and out of touch with reality. It’s an album that forces one to confront the darker aspects of their mind in order to engage with it fully. The overall effect is mesmerizing yet intimidating; it’s music that challenges you while still offering moments of transcendence and beauty.

Three idiosyncratic music risk factors actually help keep Acid King sonically, musically fresh; first, for the first time the band have used synthesisers on a studio release. Thus, creating a unique and futuristic sound for Acid King. Secondly, the vocal performances from Lori. S. somehow seem more powerful than ever before. And that might be due to a newfound confidence in their abilities and their willingness to step outside their previous comfort zone. Finally, there is an added element to this record which has been missing from previous ones – a sense of intimacy and emotion that can’t be denied. These elements make this album one of their best yet! The way Acid King have incorporated synthesizers into their sound has allowed them to create something fresh and exciting that wasn’t possible before.

Above all, The Acid King’s ‘Beyond Vision’ is a positive mind-bending musical experience. From the very beginning of the the instant classic record, the listener is drawn in by its entrancing soundscape, one that flows seamlessly into a twisted atmosphere. It’s like being transported to a different world; one filled with nothing but trippy guitar riffs that surround you in a galactic ocean of music. The ethereal melodies meshing together create dreamy harmonies while thick, heavy drums set the stage for a chaotic journey through this otherworldly domain. Each transition between notes brings surprises as you never know what will happen next in this fascinating sonic ecosystem.

The transitions between sections are impeccable and each part adds to the overall uniqueness of ‘Beyond Vision’. Its 42 minuets and 10 seconds of audio bliss; as every second is magical and captivating in its own way and will stay in the minds and hearts of metal-heads for years to come due to its remarkable dreamlike hard rocking soundscape.

Rating 10/10

Support Acid King here: https://www.bluesfuneral.com/search?q=Acid+King

Death to All Honors the Legacy of Chuck Schuldiner With Explosive Two Hour Tampa, Florida Set!

Death to All Honors the Legacy of Chuck Schuldiner With Explosive Two Hour Tampa, Florida Set!

Long Live Chuck Schuldiner!

Review by Chad Thomas Carsten Photos by Liam Himel

As I stepped out of my photographer friend’s vehicle and onto the bustling parking lot near downtown Tampa, Florida, I could immediately feel the positive heavy metal energy flowing from the outdoor Orpheum venue, radiating in the distance. As I got closer, I noticed a line that seemed to stretch for miles. Hundreds of metalheads wrapped around the venue, eager to get inside and experience heavy metal grandeur. It was a sight to behold – never before had I seen such dedication and enthusiasm for heavy metal music!

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Simply put. The energy in that line was palpable; everyone getting ready to rock out were beyond ecstatic to be there. When it was finally my turn to go inside, my heart raced with anticipation as I walked through those doors. The sounds of guitars blaring and drums crashing resonated through my entire body – it felt like nothing else mattered at that moment except experiencing this special bond that only metalheads can share with one another. All in the name of honoring the mighty influential legacy of Chuck Schuldiner (RIP) and his legendary band Death!

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San Diego, California thrash titans Nukem opened up the 30th anniversary of “Individual Thought Patterns” concert experience with a blistering onslaught of retro thrash that instantaneously had the audience headbanging at near neck breaking speeds, all through out their adrenaline induced set! With epic guitar solos, fast paced thunderous drumming, and fierce 1980’s style vocals that reminiscent the glory days of Exodus, Nukem proved to the audience of Tampa, Florida that thrash metal will never die due to the band’s nuclear apocalyptic speed infused thrash metal greatness!

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New York death metal icons Suffocation (formed in 1988) straight up melted faces off in Tampa, Florida! How?! Through their bloodthirsty signature technical death metal brutality that fueled the circle pits to swallow the audience whole. Like an enormous metaphorical musical death metal black hole ready to consume galaxies!

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Founding lead Suffocation guitarist Terrance Hobbs’ provided flesh ripping guitar solos that brilliantly meshed with the beautiful, but gut wrenching guitar and bass structures brought forth by Charlie Errigo and Derek Boyer. On top of the cutthroat bone crunching drumming presented by Eric Morotti with Ricky Meyers astounding guttural vocal range;the bands intense live showmanship properly showcased that Suffocation have successfully breathed new life inside their groundbreaking 35 years of death metal eminence! As the audience roared at the top of their lungs the entire time Suffocation flawlessly conquered the outdoor stage with their awe-inspiring formidable technical death metal originality!

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With much anticipation in the audience from hundreds of people clamoring with joyful suspense, the mighty Death To All tribute to the legacy of Chuck Schuldiner’s Death (Altamonte Springs, Florida) finally hit the outdoor stage! As the the concert goers began chanting Chuck Schuldiner’s name as loud and proud as they possibly could! Death to All’s masterliness musicianship displayed at the Orpheum was indubitably mind-blowingly exhilarating!

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Because Death to All’s set was an explosive two hour performance that featured a wide variety of deep album cuts from all seven of Death’s full length masterpieces that included “The Philosopher, “Flattening of Emotions”, “Spiritual Healing”, “Bite the Pain” “Pull the Plug”, “Crystal Mountain”, “Evil Dead”, among other great mind-bending Death tracks!

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Death to All’s astonishing progressive death metal skills had Tampa, Florida completely mesmerized! With Gene Hoglans’s prodigiously breathtaking technical drumming, Steve Di Giorgio astounding fretless bass versatility, combined with the soaring guitar solos from both Max Phelps and Bobby Koelble, Death To All once again successfully captured the live heavy metal spirit of Chuck Schuldiner’s Death from all eras. Due to the bands professional “Florida Death Metal” carnage presentation that had left every single person in the crowd feeling more alive than ever before! Above, all! Never miss a Death To All show if it comes to your city. Because their concerts are a life changing experience that profoundly keeps the Florida death metal history alive!

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