Viewing entries tagged
#TheRockBox

Myles Kennedy and friends let go into a rockin' world of discovery and tales galore

Comment

Myles Kennedy and friends let go into a rockin' world of discovery and tales galore


Many of the few hundred venturing to the Rock Box last Friday night likely came for the sheer enjoyment of witnessing one of rock and metal’s renowned and multi-talented front men put on an entertaining performance with his solo band.

While that certainly happened, they also ended up stepping into a world of discovery when it came to not only the Alter Bridge vocalist/guitarist but also his support acts Tim Montana and openers Sons Of Silver.

Kennedy, who of course is the voice behind Slash Featuring Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators, is touring in support of third solo effort The Art of Letting Go. He unleashed a few of those tunes, including opening with the title track before segueing into arguably the album’s most rocking song “Nothing More to Gain.”

Unlike when he’s fronting the band highlighted by the Guns N’ Roses guitarist strictly as a vocalist, Kennedy plays guitar throughout his solo shows — one of the many topics we discussed back in 2017 (listen here). His eponymous band includes bassist Tim Tournier and drummer Zia Uddin, the latter a friend of Kennedy’s for 40-plus years as kids growing up in Spokane, Washington, who also served as his backstop in The Mayfield Four.

Uddin performed songs from all three of Kennedy’s solo albums, including 2021’s The Ides of March and 2018’s Year of the Tiger, behind a unique plexiglass setup, which transformed into a humorous explanation by Kennedy during new track “In Stride” (ATM Facebook Live footage here).

If anyone came expecting Kennedy to bust out an Alter Bridge classic or a Slash tune, they would’ve left disappointed. Fact is, Kennedy has more than enough capable material to carry him through a gig via his three solo records, and he even left yours truly wondering why he hadn’t performed new-album single “Say What You Will” . . . until the trio re-emerged for its lone encore (footage in above link. No professional video of Kennedy’s set was permitted).

Burly singer/guitarist Tim Montana provided direct support . . . and brought with him a crew laced with a multitude of interesting and impressive credentials who knew how to more than dabble in fun while rocking — and rapping — the house.

So proud of his home state that he incorporated it into his stage name, Montana and his band unveiled a slew of tunes from 2024 effort Savage such as “Devil You Know,” “Get You Some” and the title tracks. Montana introed “Die Today” by recounting a hero who had saved lives by taking out a hotel terrorist, although the track should’ve been called “I Forgot to Die Today.”

Backed by bassist Jackson Moody, guitarist Tom Samulak and drummer Kyle Law, the band’s namesake has had quite an upbringing when it comes to his career.

He’s played on “The Late Show With David Letterman” and not only collaborated with Kid Rock and ZZ Top legend Billy Gibbons, he and the 75-year-old Texan have teamed up to produce several flavors of Whisker Bomb hot sauce.

Sure, rockers and metallers nowadays venture into side businesses such as hot sauce and beer. But how many of those who are more well-known than Montana actually scored a business venture with a guy like Gibbons?

Upon one of his first meetings with the ZZ Top mainstay, Montana regaled a tale of how Gibbons wanted him to “do that hip-hop shit,” so Montana busted out Tupac Shakur’s “California Love” in front of Slash. Montana spotted Slash mouthing, “What the fuck” while smiling — so of course, Montana had to do it at the Rock Box, which you can view below via ATM’s footage.

Montana also relayed a story about how he once played before one of his heroes, Alice In Chains guitarist/vocalist Jerry Cantrell (who will be at the Aztec Theatre next week; tickets here). Montana said Cantrell watched his performance stoically with his arms folded the entire time, and when Montana nervously asked his idol what he thought, Cantrell stated: “I think you guys are some bad motherfuckers.”

Montana, whose video for “Mostly Stoned” was directed by Charlie Sheen, even turned the oft-mundane act of a band plugging its merch into a time when you wouldn’t have wanted to miss it while utilizing the restroom:

“Buy a shirt, and that will get us 50 miles down the road if you like us. And if you don’t like us, buy two ‘cause that will get us 100 miles further away from you.”

Before the humor and storytelling unfolded, there was Sons Of Silver. The quintet from Los Angeles released their debut full-length album Runaway Emotions on Jan. 10 following a pair of EPs.

Highlighted by opening track “Tell Me This,” which the band played third on this night, the album is a terrific mix of up tempo hard rock with dashes of metal and steady musicianship that leaves you wanting to hear much more than the 25-minute set the Los Angeles outfit was relegated to.

Still, vocalist/guitarist Pete Argyropoulos (aka PeteRG), guitarist Kevin Haaland, bassist Adam Kury, keyboardist Brina Kabler and drummer Marc Slutsky delivered the goods on their first San Antonio visit as a band. As expected with a less than 30-minute set, there wasn’t much time for introductions or storytelling, so Sons Of Silver stuck to what they do best on the record. They brought that out at the Rock Box, including “Who’s Gonna Stop Us” and “Hold Tight,” both of which can be viewed below.

Haaland spent a few years playing guitar in Skillet, while Kury has had his stamp on San Antonio performances in recent years. He’s the bassist in Candlebox and longtime Alamo City favorites Legs Diamond, the latter having played twice here since 2022.

Kennedy’s solo band, along with Tim Montana and Sons Of Silver, may not have resonated strongly preshow on many radars locally. But for those who checked out all three artists and relished the chance to perhaps discover some new musical acts to add to their collections, who knows? Maybe one day down the road, you’ll be able to tell those acts you were there from their early days — if not from the very beginning.

Comment

Local thrash guitarist soars with Soulfly in hometown birthday show

Comment

Local thrash guitarist soars with Soulfly in hometown birthday show

There’s little doubt that Max Cavalera is regarded within the heavy metal community as being at the forefront of Brazilian metal. And just in case anyone would think his co-founding of Sepultura with his brother Igor wouldn’t justify that on its own, Cavalera has graced the industry with other outfits such as Soulfly, Cavalera Conspiracy, Killer Be Killed and Nailbomb.

Yet somehow, Cavalera may have been upstaged as far as “the story” goes when Soulfly returned Feb. 3 to the Rock Box. And he certainly didn’t seem to mind.

With Cavalera recently recruiting San Antonio / San Marcos native Mike DeLeon as Soulfly’s touring guitarist for the next nine weeks, the show marked the latter’s homecoming — on his birthday no less.

A member of Pantera vocalist Philip H. Anselmo’s solo band Philip H. Anselmo & The Illegals as well as guitarist in San Antonio death-metal band Flesh Hoarder, DeLeon had the time of his life in one of his first gigs with Soulfly. And that was long before Cavalera introduced the band prior to encores “Eye For An Eye” and “Jumpdafuckup.”

Cavalera had the packed Rock Box serenade DeLeon with “Happy Birthday” and chants of “Metal Mike, Metal Mike!” as the man of the hour headbanged his mane. Then, after pointing to DeLeon and saying, “This guy is the fucking best,” Cavalera inexplicably twice called him Mike DeLeTron, although he may have been trying to make a play on words for the Soulfly tribe by calling him DeLeTribe.

Another possibility is that Cavalera confused DeLeon with the man to Cavalera’s immediate right — bassist Mike Leon.

That was a joke, folks.

But seriously, the former Havok bass player and Texas guitarist differ in first and last names by only two letters.

Soulfly thrashed and “destroyed this fucking place,” as is Cavalera’s wont. Also accompanied by his son Zyon on drums (click here to watch ATM’s interview with Max and his two sons from Soulfly’s 2016 tour kickoff at the now-defunct Korova), the band emphasized Soulfly’s first four albums dating back to the 1998 self-titled debut with several Totem tracks mixed in.

That included “Filth Upon Filth,” which blended with older tunes “Prophecy,” “Fire,” “Porrada” and “Bleed,” all of which can be viewed below.

It wouldn’t be a Cavalera show regardless of the band name on stage without some Sepultura, so the fired-up frontman pulled out “Refuse/Resist” before offering up the lone Nailbomb tune of the night, both of which can be viewed below.

The nine weeks are sure to fly by for DeLeon, a man who last fall was actually filling in for Zakk Wylde at the initial rehearsals for the reunited Pantera and informed this writer of that fact at a Steve Vai concert Oct. 9, roughly three months before it became national news.

And while Cavalera has made it clear that it’s been his intent to have revolving members on tour in Soulfly, DeLeon may in fact wake up several weeks from now and wonder if the whole journey has been a dream.

If that’s the case, he’ll have some photos and videos to look back on and perhaps one day tell his kids he didn’t just share the stage with the Ayatollah of Rock N’ Rolla for nine weeks. He’ll be able to say he shredded it and killed it.

And flew the flag for South Texas in the process.

Comment

Cavalera brothers revisit their roots times two

Comment

Cavalera brothers revisit their roots times two

Max and Igor Cavalera have been coming to San Antonio and South Texas basically since the beginning of their seminal band Sepultura. In other words, longer than they once went without speaking to one another. And that was for a full decade.

The brothers who make up the first family of Brazilian heavy metal carved separate paths during those tumultuous years. Singer and rhythm guitarist Max, of course, went on to other bands and projects such as Cavalera Conspiracy, Soulfly, Nailbomb and Killer Be Killed. Igor remained in Sepultura through 2006 before departing. And as Max revealed here exclusively to Alamo True Metal six years ago during Soulfly’s United States tour kickoff at The Korova, the tragedy that struck the Abbott brothers of Pantera influenced him to bury the hatchet with his own sibling.

Nowadays, Max and Igor are using their pent-up energy more constructively — by making music together once again. But in 2022, they’ve gone back to their roots, as was the case last Thursday as Cavalera Conspiracy performed Sepultura’s 1989 and 1991 albums Beneath the Remains and Arise, respectively, to an enthusiastic and appreciative crowd of 700 reported as sold out at the Rock Box.

From the moment Max Cavalera bellowed, “We’re going old school on your ass,” the heads began banging and the bodies started surfing across the barrier following warmup acts Cephalic Carnage from Denver, Healing Magic of Phoenix and local thrashers Metalriser (see 53-photo slideshow and ATM video footage of each artist below).

Venue security was quickly put to work with every word of encouragement uttered by Max Cavalera, particularly when he ordered the crowd to “Destroy this fucking place!” Metalheads didn’t need to be told twice as the pits swirled virtually throughout the entirety of both albums. Watch bonus ATM Facebook Live footage of “Sarcastic Existence” and “Slaves of Pain” from the former record and “Arise” and “Dead Embryonic Cells” from the latter.

With former Havok bassist Mike Leon (who’s also in Soulfly) and lead guitarist Daniel Gonzalez providing the riffage, Cavalera Conspiracy / classic Sepultura, if you will, took names, took notice and conquered the Rock Box as expected. Following “Orgasmatron,” they even broke into a snippet of Slayer’s “Raining Blood” (ATM footage below). At one point, Max Cavalera couldn’t resist offering a bit of “Territory” from one of Sepultura’s albums not scheduled to be played — Chaos A.D. — though that seemed to make the complete exclusion of Sepultura’s most popular song “Roots Bloody Roots” that much more conspicuous by its absence.

The opening acts provided their own brand of metal. Whether it was everyone’s cup of tea would’ve been in the eyes and ears of the beholders.

Cephalic Carnage is a veteran group that has been around nearly as long (1992) as Sepultura. Fronted by lone remaining original member Lenzig Leal, who’s a grindcore version mostly in look and somewhat in sound of AC/DC’s Brian Johnson, the quintet displayed its humor among the distortion and carnage of its style by dedicating a song to masturbaters in the audience and having the crowd chant “Weed” and “Beer.” Metalcore and grindcore don’t do much for this writer, but Cephalic Carnage did win points by paying homage on “Sleeprace” (ATM footage below) to San Antonio’s own S.A. Slayer (for those reading this outside the Alamo City and Texas, Google ‘em). You can also watch them on “Piecemaker” and below after donning a few silly masks on finale “Black Metal Sabbath.”

Healing Magic, a singer/guitarist and drummer duo from Arizona, headbanged its way through a noisy yet appreciative and energetic set that included “Solar Valley” and “Leaving Ashes” (ATM footage below)

But it was veteran (yet still young) local thrashers Metalriser that stole the show among the three openers. Continuing to be led by founder, singer and rhythm guitarist Joel Estrada, Metalriser is always a treat to see in action not only because they’re one of the heaviest bands on the local scene, but because they bring the angst and energy every time out. Case in point is provided on "Hell’s Gates” and below on finale “D.I.Y.” Bassist Nick Gamboa has provided a shot in the arm to Estrada’s somewhat frequent lineup changes for the past three-plus years, while guitarist Mario Prz Jr. and new drummer Brandon Mascheo helped amp up the level of thrash more intensely than most openers do, but one that was worthy of setting the stage for the Cavaleras.

All in all, seeing the Cavaleras in action together never gets old and only reinforces their influence on many of metal’s bands from across the globe. To say that the crowd went home happy, sweaty and some maybe even a bit battered and bruised would be to underscore just how good of a time was had by all. Max Cavalera would likely be the first to tell you that’s what heavy metal is all about.

Well done, first family of Brazilian heavy metal.

Comment

Rock Box becomes Appreciation Society for Fozzy, John 5 and upstart bands

Comment

Rock Box becomes Appreciation Society for Fozzy, John 5 and upstart bands

The Jericho Appreciation Society was out in force last Saturday night at the Rock Box. And much like those who keep up with the current All Elite Wrestling weekly storyline and faction involving eccentric Fozzy frontman Chris Jericho, local patrons sang along to the group’s smash title track to 2017’s Judas (ATM footage below).

Unlike those who may strictly know of Jericho from his adventures inside the squared circle, however, San Antonians didn’t just appreciate one Fozzy song. Heck, they didn’t just show their approval of the headliners given that John 5 and The Creatures was also on the bill.

Support acts GFM, Krashkarma and The Nocturnal Affair weren’t exactly slouches either. In fact, other than Fozzy’s contagious energy and John 5’s wizardry on guitar, it was the Hollywood-based duo of Krashkarma — by way of New Jersey and Germany — that stole the show; something no band billed second out of five has any business of doing.

But more on that later.

Backed by longtime guitarists Rich Ward (ATM interview here) and Billy Grey, Jericho was also joined by bassist P.J. Farley of Trixter fame and new drummer Grant Brooks. The show took place six days prior to the newly released Boombox, but that didn’t stop Fozzy from playing four of the album’s singles including opening the show with “Sane.” Jericho & Crew also offered up “I Still Burn,” “Purifier” (ATM footage below), “Nowhere to Run” and a fifth album track in their cover of Frankie Goes To Hollywood’s “Relax.”

Fozzy has supported Saxon and Sevendust previously in the Alamo City, with one of those shows featuring a post-performance interview with Jericho in which he spoke about how the idea of forming Fozzy originated in San Antonio (watch here). The band has now been coming here for nine years and finds itself in headline mode, with Jericho intertwining tour dates with his ongoing AEW involvement throughout the country.

One thing the singer, wrestler, podcaster, author and Rock N’ Wrestling cruise voyage architect has always been gifted at is working up a crowd, and Saturday was no exception. At one point, Jericho told the Rock Box’s incessant chanters of “Fozzy, Fozzy” that they were the “craziest of the tour thus far.” Unlike every singer who says that to his or her audience, however, Jericho quickly invited fans to look up YouTube footage of Fozzy’s previous performance to prove he doesn’t say that at every gig before adding, “No, I’m serious, you guys are the craziest so far!”

Fozzy’s 75-minute showing also included older tracks “Do You Wanna Start A War,” “Lights Go Out” and “Sin and Bones” (ATM Facebook Live clip here) and an extended guitar jam during “Enemy” (ATM footage below). Whereas previous visits included their cover of Abba’s “S.O.S.,” this show ended with Fozzy’s version of AC/DC’s “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap.” With Ward and Grey commanding the stage from one side to the other and Jericho doing his usual thing, the Rock Box didn’t take long to “become, become, becoming” the place to rock.

Fans could also be grateful for the fact John 5 was back on stage because that nearly didn’t happen. Having postponed three shows the previous week due to a Covid-19 presence within the group, only to resume two days earlier with a headlining show in Austin, bassist Ian Ross fell ill, dropping The Creatures to just John 5 and drummer Alex Mercado. An announcement was made serving as a prelude to loud and encouraging applause since “the show must go on.”

A crew member took to the dark stage in a humongous John 5 head (see 111-photo slideshow below). Then the established solo guitarist and Rob Zombie axeman followed suit as a young girl at the front of the barrier repeatedly screamed, “Oh my God! It’s John 5!”

Concentrating on instrumentals from latest album Sinner and the records that recently preceded it, John 5 didn’t speak until he had performed seven tunes (ATM Facebook LIve footage of three tracks here), a bit of a solo and wowed the crowd with a portion of “The Star Spangled Banner” courtesy of his tongue.

“Good evening, motherfuckers,” was John 5’s greeting before he added, “Well, it won’t take long to introduce the band. Our only Creature, give it up for Alex on the drums. . . . I don’t know if it’s stupidity or ballsy to come up here with only guitar and drums, but I wouldn’t cancel on you guys. I love you too much!”

Though John 5 followed his printed setlist (see slideshow), he had to omit “The Black Grass Plague” saying that he was being cut short. In truth, he was allotted a 50-minute set in support of Fozzy and performed 52 minutes, making time for his patented medley of cover-song riffs (ATM footage below). Listen here to our prior interview in which John 5 addressed the inspiration for his instrumental titles, the album he made with David Lee Roth that still hasn’t been released and other topics.

The three bands setting the stage for the famous acts didn’t disappoint.

GFM (Gold, Frankincense & Myrrh) dub themselves “Beautycore.” The trio of ladies from Jacksonville, Florida, took to the stage with one of the members’ mother tossing out mini-gifts to the crowd. The band wore cheerleader outfits, provided a mix of melodic vocals with death-metal growls and proclaimed its love for Jesus. Watch ATM Facebook Live footage of “Taking Over” plus video below of their final two tracks as GFM prepares to release two-song EP Framing My Perception on May 27.

But it was the duo of Krashkarma that made the most impressive impression.

Comprised of Germany’s Ralf Dietel on lead vocals and guitar and New Jersey resident and band founder Niki Skistimas on drums and vocals, Krashkarma signaled right away that their performance would not be typical.

Skistimas and Dietel made their entrance from behind the crowd, with the former playing a marching-band style of snare and Dietel utilizing a bullhorn. Upon taking the stage, Skistimas’ kit was set up with a side view a la Robert Sweet of Stryper, but at the forefront of the stage. Dietel, sometimes utilizing a bow on his guitar as did John 5, informed the audience upon introducing “9Lives: 1, 2 Die” that his guitar was capable of playing bass as well, emphasizing that there were “no tricks” (ATM footage below).

Skistimas, who also played in The Blue Bonnets which included Kathy Valentine of The Go-Go’s, shared with ATM after her set that Krashkarma was originally a quartet and that she met Dietel several years ago at NAMM, the annual National Association of Music Merchants gathering in Anaheim, California. Skistimas and Dietel definitely kept the crowd’s attention throughout their set. As if their unique entrance and setup wasn’t enough, they played dueling harmonicas with each member taking turns standing atop the drums to give the fans a better look and to encourage participation. Skistimas even brought out a mallet as a prop on “Girl With A Hammer” prior to “Tears of Gasoline” (ATM Facebook Live footage here).

The Nocturnal Affair from Las Vegas kicked off the night with its five members stretched along the width of the stage in single file. Singer/keyboardist Brendan Shane was far stage right with the drums stage left. The group released debut full-length (Meta)morphosis on March 28, which was produced by Austin resident and Disturbed bassist John Moyer. Watch ATM footage of new single “Down” and below of “Ghosts on the Horizon.”

The mixture and variety of unfamiliar bands that rocked and proved to be unique in their own way, combined with the veteran musicianship of John 5 and Fozzy, made for a stellar and entertaining night of Rock N’ Roll. And it would be remiss not to say that a large reason for this was the tireless work of venue owners Micaela and Steve Rodriguez, their security and bar staff and Twin Productions Promotions.

Not only was that good news for the ultimate sports entertainer who sings heavy metal songs on a mic. But also for those on hand reaping some favorite bands while discovering a few new ones.

Comment

Generations of classic power metal reign thanks to Riot and friends

Comment

Generations of classic power metal reign thanks to Riot and friends

The greats of power metal from yesteryear joined forces Friday night at the Rock Box with South Texas legions of the early 2000s and the future of Alamo City metal to form a conglomeration of rock that many concert billings would be tough to match.

Led by Riot once again playing the hometown of bassist Don Van Stavern, but this time doing so 45 years after 1977 debut Rock City, the program also featured Austin’s Ignitor plus classic locals Byfist and the youth of Jessikill.

Playing their first show since late 2019 in Europe, Riot stormed out of the gates with an 18-song, 95-minute set covering a bulk of its career with some newly played tunes. With Hall informing Alamo True Metal that he landed in town from Michigan the day before, Riot held a two-hour rehearsal Thursday, according to a source. Then with Jessikill vocalist Jessica Alejo and guitarist Jyro Alejo donning Riot’s seal-head mascot masks preceding the group’s entrance, Riot treated dedicated South Texas fans — and even visitors from Virginia and Pennsylvania — to another reliably riveting set (setlists in 82-photo slideshow below).

Opening with “Victory” from 2018 and latest album Armor of Light, Riot unleashed a slew of tracks from 1988 powerhouse Thundersteel including second song “Flight of the Warrior.” Thundersteel is arguably Riot’s signature album, though you can’t go wrong with 1981’s Fire Down Under claiming such a moniker either, and you can watch ATM’s Facebook Live footage of more Thundersteel classics “Sign of the Crimson Storm” and “Johnny’s Back” sandwiched by “49er” here.

No one remains in Riot from the debut-album days, as Van Stavern is the longest reigning member, having joined for the 1988 Thundersteel era. He was followed the next year by current lead guitarist Mike Flyntz. Hall etched his place in Riot vocalist lore in 2013 joining drummer Frank Gilchriest, but Friday’s show — coming a day before Riot’s participation in the Hell’s Heroes Fest in Houston — included a new second guitarist, at least for these Texas shows.

Lance Barnewold exhibited his skills with Riot for the first time in the Alamo City, bringing a unique background. Barnewold is not only the drummer in the solo band of Manowar co-founder and former guitarist Ross “The Boss” Friedman but his nephew as well. Friedman played a guest solo on “Warning Fire” on Jack Starr’s Burning Starr’s 2011 powerhouse of an album Land of the Dead, a band fronted at the time by Hall.

For those unfamiliar with Hall’s background as a heavy metal singer in his current and former bands, as well the group Reverence once upon a time, they may likely recognize him from television. Hall was a contestant in early 2020 on “The Voice,” wowing mainstream fans and viewers with his rendition of Foreigner’s “Juke Box Hero,” which we discussed a year ago to the day of Friday’s show via Zoom (watch here). Hall also released solo effort Sonic Healing at the time of the interview in the vein of classic rock tunes after teaming with Metal Church guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof on the album.

On a night Alice In Chains guitarist/vocalist Jerry Cantrell was playing the Aztec Theatre, Riot continued with the good vibes inside the Rock Box on other classics such as “Outlaw” and “On Your Knees.” Watch more ATM Facebook Live footage of “Altar of the King,” “Angel’s Thunder, Devil’s Reign” and “Road Racin’ “ and ATM videos below of six additional tracks.

Van Stavern and Flyntz took swigs of their patented tequila bottle while dedicating multiple moments to the late guitarist Mark Reale, who’s buried here in San Antonio, plus vocalists Guy Speranza and Rhett Forrester, rhythm guitarist Louie L.A. Kouvaris and famed local DJ Joe “The Godfather” Anthony. The band added a nice touch by inserting the Forrester-sung title track to Restless Breed (watch below), though Van Stavern inexplicably left Armor of Light track “San Antonio” off the set in the one city that deserved to hear his written homage to his hometown. But there was another hometown reference when it was revealed Gilchriest was playing the drum kit of former Riot backstopper and San Antonio’s own Bobby Jarzombek, incidentally with his guitarist brother Ron Jarzombek in attendance.

Ignitor provided direct support to Riot, and that meant the powerful demonic vocals of South Texas Music Walk of Fame star, Corpus Christi native and longtime Austin resident Jason McMaster. Ignitor guitarist Stuart Laurence remains the lone original member of the band that formed in 2003 and once had two women in the group, on vocals and guitar.

Backed by rhythm guitarist Robert Williams, bassist Billy Dansfiell and drummer Pat Doyle, you can watch them perform “Heavy Metal Holocaust” plus footage below of “Secrets of the Ram” and the title track to 2017’s Haunted By Rock N’ Roll.

McMaster has placed his stamp on a variety of original bands including Watchtower, Evil United, Broken Teeth and the group that introduced him to an MTV generation, Dangerous Toys. McMaster has even had Van Stavern as a guest on the podcast he conducts with a former colleague of yours truly, “Metal” Dave Glessner. So when’s the musical collaboration, boys?

Byfist continued its run of local shows since dropping In the End in September 2020. With original rhythm guitarist Nacho Vara once again accompanied by bassist Stony Grantham and drummer Scott Palmer, like Riot the group unveiled a new guitarist stage left.

Manny Santos made his live debut with Byfist on this night having replaced Ernie B. Fans may recognize Santos from Zero The Hero, but he’s also played the axe for 40 years, according to the band’s socials, which included being a 3-peat winner of San Antonio Guitar Wars. Watch Santos and his bandmates in action below on “Mary Celeste” and on finale “In the End.” You don’t even have to be a “worthless scum” to enjoy it.

Jessikill kicked off the night as a prelude to what figures to be the most important and rewarding stretch of its young career. The band embarks on a national tour supporting Yngwie Malmsteen starting this Sunday in Hartford, Connecticut, (ATM details here) But the first order of business was opening for Riot.

Taking the stage to latest video single “Lightning,” the Alejos joined bassist Arturo Knight and drummer Marcel Biel in giving a taste of what national fans about to watch them live for the first time can expect over the next six weeks. Witnessing Alejo on guitar never gets old, but it’s also a pleasant sight seeing the band grow and mature with every new song and performance. Watch them on “Save Me” and below on “Midnight Rush.”

If the presence, and performance, of Riot, Ignitor, Byfist and Jessikill indicated anything, it’s that South Texas heavy metal is in good hands and not going anywhere anytime soon. How lucky do you get to be living here when it comes to the heavy metal scene, San Antonians?

True, there could always have been a larger turnout. But for those who understood the special significance of it all, the Rock Box was the place to be Friday night.

And we could all share a toast of tequila to that.

Comment

Cherry Bombs, Them Evils light up Rock Box with fiery tales of metal

2 Comments

Cherry Bombs, Them Evils light up Rock Box with fiery tales of metal

It’s not often the featured act at the Rock Box can capture the audience’s attention without playing any instruments or singing a single song. But who needs that stuff when you’ve got aerial dance acts, fire and sex appeal playing out to a backdrop of heavy metal tunes?

So goes the uniqueness of the Cherry Bombs dance troupe.

Founded and directed by Alicia Taylor, a former Atlanta Falcons cheerleader and the wife of Slipknot and Stone Sour vocalist Corey Taylor, the Cherry Bombs made their third visit to the Rock Box / Vibes Event Center on Tuesday, March 1. Unlike the previous two stops in 2017 and 2021 when they opened for Stone Sour and Corey Taylor’s solo band, respectively (coverage here), the women — and yes, one male performer — of Cherry Bombs enjoyed their first headlining trip to San Antonio as part of their Macabaret tour.

Orange County, California, natives Them Evils were in the opening slot this time and did all they could to wake up the Tuesday night crowd that struggled to reach triple digits in number. Vocalist / guitarist Jordan Griffin on three occasions challenged those lounging in the back of the venue to come up to the front, going so far as to say he would buy shots for everyone who made the leap, adding that he was serious. For the record, he didn’t, and only a few fans took up his invitation.

Those who preferred the up-close view were treated to a kick-ass rock performance by the quartet. Watch ATM’s Facebook Live footage of latest single “Burner” plus the group’s final two songs, “Got Me Rockin’ “ and “Where Ya Gonna Crash Tonight” via the video box below.

But the night belonged to Cherry Bombs.

Taking the stage to a brief introductory video in which an attractive blonde narrator invited the crowd to drink throughout the show anytime they heard her say “whoa-oh”, or some variation thereof, the ladies and gent began their act that was intended to tell the story of hitchhikers and the adventures and trouble they run into along their journey.

Where exactly they were going was anyone’s guess. But since their fictitious trek involved several costume changes, masked performers dancing around a harness and a cube suspended in the air (ATM footage here and below), sparklers in suggestive places and — something the Rock Box doesn’t get with metal bands: fire twirling — no one was left upset that some of the story’s details remained unclear. Consider it Cherry Bombs’ choice to leave it up to each individual’s imagination. Besides, since attractiveness is a huge part of the Bombs’ act, one could be excused if he/she was a tad distracted by the sexual overtones and . . . did we mention there was fire onstage inside a bar?

The metal soundtrack to the Bombs’ performance provided several headbanging opportunities with the likes of Rob Zombie’s “More Human Than Human,” Metallica’s “Wherever I May Roam” and Rammstein’s “Du Hast,” which is when the fire came out. And lest anyone think Taylor’s husband’s music wouldn’t be featured, well, you’d be crazy. But it only made two brief appearances in a portion of Corey Taylor’s solo track “Hwy 666” and Slipknot’s “Spiders.”

During the 2017 visit, Alicia Taylor played a bit of guitar during Cherry Bombs’ set, which she spoke about last month exclusively with yours truly in the video chat below previewing this show. This time, she went the complete opposite route, adding a ravishing-in-red solo flamenco dance skit to the sparklers, group fire kumbaya and overall variety (see 43-photo slideshow below).

Cherry Bombs may have been fighting an uphill battle for attention on this night given that it was a Tuesday and they aren’t your standard rock or metal act that normally sells tickets to an Alamo City concert venue. But for those who showed up for the curiosity factor, or because they remembered the troupe’s two prior visits or simply by accident because they were looking for something to do on the first of the month, well, they were rewarded with a performance you don’t see every day.

And if that’s all Cherry Bombs wanted to achieve while making their living with an ambitious tour across the Lone Star State, entertaining an audience and themselves along the way, then mission accomplished. And hey: maybe that’s what the hitchhikers were supposed to do all along. Yeah, let’s go with that.

2 Comments

Into the Pit: Cherry Bombs founder Alicia Taylor

Comment

Into the Pit: Cherry Bombs founder Alicia Taylor

As founder of a heavy metal dance troupe that incorporates fire, aerials and storytelling into its eyebrow raising, action-packed, entertaining act, Cherry Bombs director Alicia Taylor has realized her vision of bringing theatrical dance to a new, explosive level.

Along the way, Taylor expanded on her days as an NFL cheerleader for the Atlanta Falcons and landed opening tour slots with Buckcherry, Black Stone Cherry and Stone Sour. She then took her love life to another level as well by marrying Stone Sour and Slipknot vocalist Corey Taylor. Cherry Bombs tours hit San Antonio’s Vibes Event Center indoors in 2017 with Stone Sour and last May outside the Vibes supporting Corey Taylor’s solo band (coverage here).

Alicia Taylor now gets the chance to hit the road on her own as Cherry Bombs will headline the Rock Box, the room adjacent to the Vibes Event Center, on Tuesday, March 1, as part of their Macabaret tour with Them Evils (tickets here). But that’s not all. Cherry Bombs will host a two-hour workshop from 7-9 p.m. on Thursday, March 3, during which would-be dancers can learn choreographic moves and ask questions of Taylor and her crew at Countdown Studio (9023 Huebner Rd., Ste 103). Tickets to the workshop cost $40, but if you bring your ticket stub from the show, you’ll get $10 off (buy here; see details here).

Alicia Taylor graciously went “Into the Pit” with ATM on Monday to discuss the troupe, the tour, the “Girl Gang” documentary (watch Episode 1 below), her recently penned tribute in Revolver Magazine to one of her favorite bands (click here), her famous rock-star husband and more.

Click the video box below to watch our entire conversation.

Cherry Bombs Macabarét Tour with Them Evils

February 25- Albuquerque, NM - The Launchpad - 618 Central Ave SW

21+ Doors 8 p.m. - Tickets $15 advance/$20 door

February 27 - Dallas, TX - Trees - 2709 Elm Street

All Ages - Doors 7 p.m. - Tickets $15 advance/$20 door

March 1 - San Antonio, TX - Rock Box - 1223 E Houston Street

All Ages - Doors 7 p.m. - Tickets $16 advance/$20 door

March 2 - Houston, TX - White Oak Music Hall - 2915 N Main Street

All Ages - Doors 8 p.m. - Tickets $20

Comment

'Hurricane' Nita shreds through obstacles & 'Dead Inside' crowd at Rock Box

Comment

'Hurricane' Nita shreds through obstacles & 'Dead Inside' crowd at Rock Box

Unless your name is Steve Vai or Joe Satriani, the stars need to align just right if you’re going to play to a packed house as an all-instrumental guitarist. Even if that house is a bar.

John 5 has gone through sparse crowds on solo instrumentalist tours when he’s not performing with Rob Zombie, including at the Rock Box. UFO guitarist Vinnie Moore has done the same as a headliner at the Rock Box. Nita Strauss blew through the same downtown San Antonio concert bar Saturday night as a solo artist for the second time in three years after rocking the H-E-B Center in Cedar Park on Oct. 19 as part of Alice Cooper’s band.

Strauss receives her share of larger audiences playing with the original master of shock rock. So more intimate crowds whether the result of a pandemic, low ticket sales, a lack of promotion or all of the above that might normally affect some artists fail to fluster someone who goes by the nickname of “Hurricane.” Coupled with the fact Strauss is one of the most humble artists you’ll ever meet, it’s easy to see how and why she and her band thrived not only in front of an audience that struggled to meet triple digits but also showed a sense of humor during various technical difficulties. That included three attempts to take the stage for a unique and unpredictable opening track — the Power Rangers’ theme song — before the third time was the charm.

Yes, a hurricane was in full effect. And it came with a monster five-piece of a band (see 65-photo slideshow below).

Supported by Black Satellite, teenage vocalist/bassist Abby K and locals Wulfholt (apologies to the latter that ATM could not make it in time for their set), Strauss is touring behind her November 2018 instrumental full-length debut Controlled Chaos as she did June 2019 at the Rock Box, a show that also included Wulfholt (coverage here). This time, Strauss brought her first No. 1 song “Dead Inside” that co-stars Disturbed singer David Draiman. Saturday’s performance of the killer track featured Draiman’s vocals piped in and can be viewed below as part of ATM’s footage.

Strauss’ resume speaks for itself. In addition to playing with Cooper and her own band, she was the in-house guitarist for the Los Angeles Kiss of the Arena Football League, the team owned by KISS’ Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons in 2014. That occurred around the time she earned the gig with Cooper, both of which Strauss spoke about with ATM here.

Strauss also played the entrance theme for World Wrestling Entertainment superstar Shinsuke Nakamura at Wrestlemania 34 in New Orleans, and her Controlled Chaos song “Mariana Trench” was chosen as the official theme to NXT’s War Games pay-per-view event.

Along with her boyfriend and drummer Josh Villalta, Strauss and her band also delivered the goods on “The Stillness At the End,” “The Quest” and “Our Most Desperate Hour” (ATM footage below). She unveiled “Summer Storm” as an instrumental that was “a song that you definitely didn’t know” and segued into “a song that you definitely do know” — Cooper’s “Feed My Frankenstein.” Strauss enlisted the help of Black Satellite singer Larissa Vale for the latter, but Vale’s deep and raspy vocals didn’t exactly elicit memories of the 1991 studio version with Cooper (ATM Facebook Live footage here).

Strauss also shredded and headbanged her way through the first song she ever released as a solo artist, “Pandemonium 2.0” (anyone else hear the riff to Journey’s “Who’s Crying Now” toward the end?). Strauss and her band then gave the non-masses something to eat up — her traditional Texas performance of Pantera’s “Domination” (footage of both songs below), this rendition coming a mere 24 hours after Philip H. Anselmo & The Illegals did the honors inside the room next door, the Vibes Event Center (coverage here).

Black Satellite, meanwhile, was an anomaly on the bill. The New York City goth band is actually known as a duo featuring Vale’s vocals and guitarist Kyle Hawken but enlisted a bassist and drummer to round out the live show. They didn’t generate a whole lot of enthusiasm following Abby K. and Wulfholt, but not through a lack of effort. Watch them in action on “Void.”

Abby K. and her trio, however, were a different story. Strauss said Abby K has opened at least one show on each of her prior solo tours and that this time she’s performing on the entire trek, “and I couldn’t be more proud.” The teenage vocalist/bassist showed she was more than comfortable making her San Antonio debut, warming things up in a rocking way on “Dirty Love” and “Rock the Rock” and closer “Dodging A Bullet (I Swear)” which can be viewed below.

Despite the technical obstacles that threatened to overshadow Strauss’ set but failed to do so, the headliner was just as impressive regarding her attitude toward the inconveniences as were her skills on the axe. Strauss repeatedly smiled and told those who bothered to show up that “any day on stage with these guys is better” than the previous 18 months or so we’ve all gone through. She even took time out to thank the Rock Box for having her — not many artists have been known to do that.

Yes, this was one instance in which a hurricane wasn’t so bad. In fact, it was downright rockin’ and bitchin’ by the first female signature artist to be endorsed by Ibanez guitars. Maybe next time she’s in San Antonio, there will be more on hand who will welcome being blown away by this talented and accomplished guitarist who’s more than just a pretty face on stage.

Comment

Double dose of The Dead Daisies and its Hall of Fame frontman like no other shows

Comment

Double dose of The Dead Daisies and its Hall of Fame frontman like no other shows

When The Dead Daisies decided to name their current North American trek the “Like No Other” tour, it could’ve easily been taken as a nod to one of the songs on Holy Ground, which was recorded in 2019 in France and dropped this past January — global pandemic notwithstanding.

But it’s more apropos to believe the label is an apt description for its newest frontman, he of the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame via Deep Purple, the “Voice of Rock” known as Glenn Hughes.

Although the Daisies, created by Australian guitarist David Lowy and having released their debut self-titled album in 2013, were reportedly meant to have various supergroup musicians as part of their roster over the years, it’s the inclusion of Hughes in 2019 that has taken the group to another level. With no disrespect to former vocalist John Corabi or other Daisies bassists such as Marco Mendoza — or even to whomever may comprise the band in the future — the addition of Hughes on powerful lead vocals and bass may shoot The Dead Daisies into the next stratosphere.

The band could be headed that way regardless thanks to the private jet and 5-star hotel way of life it enjoys due to Lowy’s lofty investments and real estate ventures. Their latest stop found Texas with the Rock Box welcoming the Daisies, comedian and former “That Metal Show” co-host Don Jamieson and Phoenix trio The Black Moods last Thursday. That trifecta was then joined by locals Black Heart Saints at Come And Take It Live in Austin this past Sunday (see 122-photo slideshow below).

Hughes and Lowy are accompanied by former Whitesnake and Dio guitarist Doug Aldrich and latest touring drummer Tommy Clufetos. Some may recognize Clufetos as one of Ozzy Osbourne’s drummers, but he’s also a unique answer to a trivia question: who was the only non-original member of Black Sabbath to take part in its farewell tour?

Yep, Clufetos filled in for Bill Ward, who was reportedly mired in contract squabbles with Osbourne, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler during that 2013 trek. Clufetos got the call, and the rest was history. Clufetos, who formed Tommy’s RockTrip earlier this year and released Beat Up By Rock N’ Roll in May, provided riveting drum solos during both performances this past week.

Playing the same set both nights (see slideshow), the group showcased tracks from all five of its studio albums and one covers record. See ATM’s Facebook Live footage from San Antonio of “Mexico” and “Bustle and Flow”plus “Like No Other'“ and “Holy Ground”. But the highlights, particularly for the stylish Hughes of course, were the Deep Purple offerings. Although there were only two, watch ATM’s Facebook Live footage from the Rock Box of “Mistreated” for further evidence as to why, according to Hughes’ website, Stevie Wonder once referred to Hughes as his “favorite white singer.”

About the only thing that could stop Hughes at the Rock Box, at least temporarily, was the distraction he felt from the sold-out show happening on the other side of the door that separates it from the larger Vibes Event Center within the same confines. Millennials were diving off the stage during the sold-out Knocked Loose gig with Gatecreeper, and Hughes couldn’t resist taking a stab in between songs:

“There’s some shit going on next door,” lamented Hughes, who provided all the bass on Joe Satriani’s 2018 album What Happens Next. “I’m a lovely guy, but that music is fucking dreadful.” Moments later, Hughes recanted a bit: “I’m sorry about next door. I’m sorry I was so vicious . . . you have no idea how much I love you San Antonio.”

The tireless work of Rock Box owners Micaela and Steve Rodriguez to host concerts in their 3-in-1 venue (4-in-1 if you count the outdoor stage that has hosted Corey Taylor, Papa Roach, Skillet and Alter Bridge among many others over the years along with the basement stage and multi-bar area known as Vibes Underground) and to keep the music scene alive, particularly during this era, may have been lost on Hughes in the heat of the moment. But as Jamieson shared with ATM after the performance, Hughes had been talking about the Texas trek, and especially San Antonio, for several days in advance of The Dead Daisies’ arrival.

The night ended with the mandatory Deep Purple classic “Burn", which was preceded by Daisies track “Long Way to Go” (ATM footage of both below). To think that Hughes and David Coverdale were once in a band together undoubtedly brought back memories of that early ‘70s period, for those fortunate to have lived through it, when “Burn” put a definitive time stamp on this evening.

For his part, Jamieson shook things up as the immediate warmup for The Dead Daisies by providing laughs about his favorite Rock N’ Rollers and the fact “That Metal Show” not only got canceled a few years back but that he and his cohorts, Eddie Trunk and Jim Florentine, also managed to take down VH1 Classic with them.

Jamieson said he was comfortable with his manhood to admit he liked Winger, but primarily because that band had a No. 1 hit about an underage girl, which led him to refer to Kip Winger as “the R. Kelly of Rock N’ Roll.” Jamieson also recalled how former Skid Row vocalist Sebastian Bach, who’s headlining the Rock Box tonight, still doesn’t speak to him after Jamieson told him during a comedic roast of Bach that he didn’t have any balls anymore, a joke that resulted in Bach hurtling a cup of hot coffee at Jamieson.

Jamieson said his favorite Black Sabbath album was Vol. 4 because the band “was so stoned that they recorded the whole thing in 13 minutes,” and he admired Tommy Lee’s schlong, saying it’s “longer than a Dream Theater song.” The comic’s version of audience participation was to tell one front-row goer he “may have even gotten a little excited” when Judas Priest vocalist Rob Halford came out of the closet as a gay man. Watch Jamieson in action here from Sunday’s show in Austin.

A date with paying the bills necessitated a late arrival to the Rock Box, thereby missing The Black Moods’ set Thursday. But much like Come And Take It Live had only one show occurring on its premises at a time, there were no such issues Sunday in Austin as the trio rocked the house with tracks from 2020 album Sunshine including “Whatcha Got” and “Throwing Shade.”

Meanwhile, the Black Heart Saints returned to their home stage and warmed things up in Austin with seven songs, including “All Night Long” and ending with a cover of Billy Squier’s “Lonely Is the Night.”

“Like No Other” can also be considered a victory signaling when a concert is able to go off without a hitch during these times. Two shows in a span of four days featuring these acts was certainly a treat to behold, led of course by The Dead Daisies, who demonstrated they’re livelier than ever. And if you weren’t there, or simply aren’t convinced, there’s more Daisies where the previous footage came from. Watch ATM’s Facebook Live clips from Austin of “Lock and Load” and cover song “Fortunate Son,” plus another dose of closers “Long Way to Go” and “Burn.”

While it would’ve been nice to hear one song as an ode to each member’s previous bands, such as Whitesnake, Dio, Black Sabbath or even Hughes’ stints in Trapeze and more recent outfits Black Country Communion or California Breed, there’s no denying the talent on stage and the fun they brought to South Texas. So feel free to hold ‘em up high as a thank you to The Dead Daisies, the promoters that brought them to town and the venues and staff who enabled them to be on stage.

Because you never know when the last time you saw your favorites perform might be the last time you witness them on stage at all.

Comment