Interview with Aniruddh Bansal of Metal Assault

Photograph by Jennifer N. Martinez

As a child growing up in the state of Uttar Pradesh, Aniruddh Bansal was like most of his peers growing up in Northern India. He dreamt of being a professional sportsman, specifically a cricket or tennis player. And while he was good at both, he was never given the proper training to develop a career playing sports, so like most kids in India, he concentrated on something that was a bit more realistic. His choice was computer science.

It was, in a lot of ways an odd choice for Aniruddh. He grew up in a household that didn't have Internet, and his exposure to computers was genuinely limited. Still though, he realized that the future was in electronics, and a computer science degree would give him the the best chance for success. He decided to pursue his Bachelor's at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.

Suddenly he found himself in an entirely different world. While Uttar Pradesh is the most populated state in India, he actually grew up in a "small town" called Allahabad. It was a relatively quiet and laid back upbringing, a far cry from the rabid streets of Los Angeles. The music scene in India at the time was pretty basic. There was the traditional Indian music of course, and some jazz, and the obligitory American pop music that filters through and occupies the shelves in record stores world-wide. But there is so much music that don't get exposure in India. In terms of new sounds, Aniruddh was like a blind man seeing colors for the first time.

One day his college roommate was playing an Iron Maiden tape, The Dance of Death and immediately it caught Aniruddh's attention. It was like nothing he had ever heard before, and he fell in love with it. He began to listen to more Maiden, and more metal. Soon he found himself writing about new CDs he listened to on his Myspace blog. Little did he know then that this would evolve into something that would change his life.

One day he was contacted by Tim at Full Metal Rock, who had amazingly come across Aniruddh's writing. He liked what he read and invited Aniruddh to join FMR as a staff writer. It provided Aniruddh an opportunity he didn't have before, with direct access to bands, publisicts and concerts. Suddenly the kid from a small town in India was a full blown journalist writing for a respected heavy metal webzine.

Being a computer science major he had his own ideas about how he wanted to design a website, so he slowly incorporated these ideas into a page of his own. The rest is history. Aniruddh, despite his unrelated upbringing has developed one of the most comprehensive heavy metal sites in the world. He has recently relocated back to India where he continues to write for Metal Assault, and help to encourage a new but budding metal scene there.

"The best lesson I've learnt as a youngster was to give a 100% effort towards whatever I do in life." He said to me. Obviously, this attitude has paid off. He is respected by writers and musicians alike, and his reviews, interviews and rock and roll shenanigans are sought out daily by the masses of heavy metal fans.

Andrew... Tell me about Metal Assault Magazine, and how it came to be.

Well, Metal Assault wasn't my first ever outlet, to be honest. The first outlet I used for writing my reviews was actually, believe it or not, my myspace blog. I will forever be grateful to Tim from FullMetalRock.com, because he came across my myspace blog and saw something in my writing that he liked, and asked me to join his staff. He gave me the first opportunity to be a journalist in the hard rock/heavy metal world. During those months, I started gaining recognition and appreciation from various bands, record labels and publicists, and they seemed to really like my style of writing. But being a computer science major, I had my own ideas on how to run a heavy metal website, so it made perfect sense for me to start my own. In February 2010, I launched the Metal Assault website, and because I already had good relations with people in the industry, it took off straight away. I was getting approved for high-profile shows right from the get go. In fact, the first show Metal Assault covered was the Arch Enemy/Exodus show at the House of Blues in Hollywood, just a couple of days after the website was launched. So that's how Metal Assault came about.

Really... Your Myspace blog?

I used to write reviews on my myspace blog in those days, and just posted the links around on various forums where I thought people might be interested in reading. Tim read my work through one of these forums.

So, it was a pretty smooth transition... What are some of the obstacles you DID face?

Yes it was a really smooth transition from the myspace blog to FMR to Metal Assault. The only obstacle I would say I faced was the name itself. Along with my initial staff members, I went over quite a few names before Metal Assault came to mind, and it stuck immediately as the one we wanted. Other than that, I don't think I faced any obstacles.

Aniruddh and Rob Halford
Photo by Jennifer N. Martinez

What was the crowning moment when you thought to yourself, "Man I am doing something right!"... Was it a show you got credentials for, or was it one particular interview that you landed?

I have enjoyed every show I have covered, right from the early stages of the website's history, but if I had to pick one crowning moment from those days, it would have to be the interview with Bobby Blitz from Overkill, and I remember the exact date, April 20th 2010 at the House of Blues in Hollywood. That was my biggest interview at that time, and my first on-camera interview as well. When I was approved for that one, I honestly did think to myself, "This is really amazing. I must be doing something right to be able to get this interview."

Is there one interview that you've done that left a bad taste in your mouth, or at least didn't quite meet your expectations?

I've had great experiences with just about all interviews I've done, but the one bad experience that truly sticks out in my mind is the interview with Korn bassist Fieldy. He was a total prick to me, and a racist one at that. That was easily my worst ever interview, and it turned me off so much that I vowed never to promote that band again.


What did Fieldy say to you?

Well, basically I asked him a very simple, and positive question about what effect Korn's 10-month hiatus in 2007 had on him in terms of the songwriting. And he said, "What the fuck are you talking about? We've been going non-stop. It must be called a hiatus in the part of the world you're from!

Not only that, there was another point in the interview when he was talking about his merchandise company, and suggested that I should try out the girl shirts they have in store.

He was just downright nasty to me. Never encountered anyone worse than him.

Ok. Gonna switch things up a bit here. Tell me about growing up in India and your exposure to music?

Growing up in India, I had absolutely no exposure to metal. Back when I was a kid, and even in high school, I had no internet at home, and music stores didn't carry anything other than Indian music and American pop music. There were no metal shows either. It was only in college, when I was doing my bachelors' degree, that I got introduced to metal, through my roommate at the time. He had an Iron Maiden Dance Of Death tape with him, and he was the first one through whom I first listened to Iron Maiden, still my favorite metal band. of course I was constantly exposed to Bollywood music when I was growing up, but lost interest in it once I discovered metal.

What genres do you listen to other than metal?

Other than hard rock and heavy metal, I do enjoy listening to jazz a lot. I can't think of any other genres I am fond of. I despise pop, dance and rap, and any kind of music that's associated with those styles.

Aniruddh with Lemmy

Tell me about some positive interviews you have done.

Positive interviews ... there have been lots of those. My favorite interview so far is most definitely the Lemmy interview. He was incredibly funny, made me feel totally comfortable in his presence, and we struck up quite a connection right from the outset. I've interviewed Devin Townsend twice, and both of those have been really enjoyable for me. What stood out about the Devin interviews was the fact that he made it pretty clear that he enjoys talking to me. As an interviewer, that is the most reassuring and confidence-boosting thing you'd hope to hear from the musician you are interviewing.

Who were you maybe a bit leery about who absolutely gave a great interview?

I would cite the interview with Rex Brown and Vinny Appice at the Key Club in early 2011, a few minutes before they hit the stage for the first ever Kill Devil Hill gig. I didn't really know what to expect from those guys, but they gave me a very cool interview. Another one that comes to mind in this sort of category is the one I did with Mille Petrozza from Kreator in early 2010.

One thing I have noticed living here in the Midwest... Every once in awhile, I will read one of your interviews with somebody on the West Coast, and then will see them on a bill playing here in Des Moines the next week, or shortly thereafter. You mentioned Kill Devil Hill, I noticed that with them, as well as Gypsyhawk and Lazarus AD. Who are a few of the bands you have seen play that are a bit above the others in terms of talent, that haven't yet gotten the recognition they deserve?

Oh, there are lots of bands like that. You mentioned Lazarus A.D. and Gypsyhawk already. Holy Grail is at the top of my list when it comes to underrated bands, bands that deserve a bigger fan following. Danava is another one. So is Graveyard. Skeletonwitch also comes to mind. I can go on and on. Another great band I discovered recently is Los Angeles based rock 'n roll band The Shrine.

Even among the not-so-young bands, there are quite a few that should be way bigger than they currently are. Motorhead never got nearly enough recognition in the States. Death Angel is a criminally underrated band as well. The list is endless.

In your opinion, what is it about a band that seperates the great from the average?

In terms of the music, a band has to have something unique in their style. That's what attracts me the most. And that music should translate in the live setting. It's an absolute turn-off for me if a band sounds great on the studio albums but cannot pull it off live.

So is that something you keep in mind when reviewing an album?

Yes, absolutely. Plus, if I'm reviewing an album which happens to be the band's fourth or fifth album (or beyond), I look to see whether they've developed and progressed musically, and aren't simply repeating themselves based on a previously successful formula. The new Lamb Of God album is an example. While it's good music, I don't think the band has done anything new with their music.

Let's say you get to "know" a band and you really like them. Then they release an album that's not so hot. Are you able to be honest and say that their album sucks if that is the case, or do you find a way to sugar coat it? Do you have any examples of this?

Yes I'm totally able to be honest and say that the album isn't as good as I expected it to be. In fact, I'm that much harder on bands whom I'm a huge fan of, because I expect more from them. The latest Iron Maiden and Children Of Bodom albums also received very negative reviews from me, and I love both bands.

Speaking of Iron Maiden, you just attended NAMM in Anaheim last month where you met Nicko McBrain, amongst others. What's it like meeting somebody you are such a huge fan of?

Meeting and getting to talk to Nicko meant the whole world to me. That was the first time I was getting to meet a member of Iron Maiden. If not for them, Metal Assault wouldn't have existed. So they're a very important band for me, to say the least.

Aniruddh and Nicko McBrain

I read that you met Alan Parsons at NAMM. What was it like meeting him?

Meeting Alan Parsons was surreal. I could not believe it. Even more surreal was the fact that he was so incredibly nice to me, and was completely down to earth.

Any other meetings that stick out in your mind?

As for meeting musicians, Lemmy yet again sticks out in my mind. But the first band I ever got to meet, believe it or not, was Metallica. So that will always remain a special memory to me. I was very, very nervous going into that meet n' greet, and the manner in which I was able to handle my conversations with the likes of James Hetfield gave me the confidence to approach musicians at shows from that point on, and I think it the confidence built from that Metallica encounter played a major role in my becoming an interviewer eventually.

So you are back in India. What now? Are you going to continue to write for Metal Assault?

Yes absolutely. The hard work done over the past 2 years cannot suddenly be undone. So yes, Metal Assault will continue. From my end, I will continue with the album reviews, and interviews via email, phone and Skype. In LA, I'll have my writers and photographers cover shows for me.

And of course, now I'm really excited to start discovering the Indian metal scene. It's a lot better than you'd imagine, and I want to show that to Metal Assault readers.

And you are there on the ground floor to see it, in it's infancy. Awesome. The Indian metal scene is lucky to have you Andrew. Thank you so much for your time.

It's been a pleasure, man. Thanks for having me on your blog!

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Links:

Metal Assault

Full Metal Rock

ROCKET FROM THE TOMBS- THE DAY THE EARTH MET... (SMOG VEIL RECORDS)

Ok everybody, gather 'round cause it's time to talk about a classic. Unknown and unheard of by many true, but this thing is a pure classic just the same. Yeah, I know some of you wanna hear about the new, the recent, and the up 'n' coming. Well there's plenty of time fer that, but it ain't just about spewing wordage on the stuff that's new, it's about putting stuff front and center that has not been shouted about from the rooftops.(Or at least not shouted about enough). What we're about here is putting out the gospel of rock 'n' roll, be it new, old, or extra-dimensional.

What we're are talking about right now is truly an object of power. A focal point of such extreme cosmic energy it could only be wielded by those in touch with the primordial fire. This is the sound of the Ubermensch. Don't believe me. Well it's out there to be had and heard, or rather felt and experienced. All you have to do adventurer, is pull the sword from the stone. The stuff on this record comes from 1975, a collection of rehearsals and live stuff from a band who were destined to be heavy hitters if maybe they only could have made a record. Listen, this band is as vital as any you care to mention. as vital as The Stooges? Yep. The Velvet Underground? Uh-huh. The New York Dolls? Absolutely. Dictators, Black Sabbath, Blue Cheer, Led Zep,whoever you wanna name, these guys could stand toe to toe with 'em.

This is the real deal folks. Heavy metal filtered through punk and powered with all the thunder and blast of the Norse pantheon of gods. Heavy metal in the sense of what that term used to mean: Loud, hard and heavy music that was fun to play and to listen to. Back when it meant blazing and raging sound, before the term was pilfered, over processed, co-opted, sanitized, and neutered to the point where a simpering man-puss like Bret Michaels could be considered a rock n roller; and a bunch of whiny pussies are the new purveyors of heavy music; all so it can be sold to the lowest common denominator, because that's how all those soulless zombies with their marketing degrees that have taken it all over roll. Every song on here is a winner. From the first second that you start playing this thing it grabs you. You hear the riffs and you feel it. Like all really great rock 'n' roll, this thing awakens the paleolithic man inside. I think Julian Cope, when talking about their song "What Love Is", said something about Viking warfare. Yeah, but I would say pretty much their entire approach to making music was Viking warfare.

The dual guitar attack of Peter Laughner and Gene O' Conner is as thick and pounding as a brick building falling on your back and as searing as a face full of hot grease. Dave Thomas' (aka Crocus Behemoth) vocals are as intense and urgent as a city block burning to the ground. Craig Bell on bass and vocals and Johnny Blitz round out this line up of the band. Rocket From The Tombs had several incarnations (even a comedy version I've heard) until they finally splintered off into both Pere Ubu and The Dead Boys. Some of the songs made famous(?) by those bands can be heard here in early incarnations, stuff like "Sonic Reducer" "30 Seconds Over Tokyo" "Final Solution" and others. There's also covers of The Stooges and Velvets among this collection of songs. This is definitely a weapon that you need in your arsenal the next time you need to rage against the powers. Seriously, if you can't pick up what these guys are laying down, then you deserve commercial rock radio.

Exhumed-The Roxy,Hollywood CA, 2/11/12

After California Discord Fest got raided, Exhumed hasn't played an all ages venue since September,so I still hadn't seen them. I had already paid $30 to see 'em,but I didn't due to the police. Just my luck Scion hooked me up with a free show. Like the last 2 scion shows (which I missed) they are now doing it by record labels. This one had to be Relapse Records. Only one band I loved who where in it played,but I wont complain for a free show.

    First band was Royal Thunder. Female fronted Doom Metal. I never really gave Doom Metal a chance so I wasn't sure what to expect. They started of really slow,and loud. The bass made me legs shiver and my ears hurt. After a while they played more of a Rock N Roll sound which was kind of cool. Ok way to start a show. Doom/Sludge head will like. A-ok.

The next band I was new to was Tombs. I thought they were a Sludge band  but they mixed it with Post-Metal/Black Metal. I was really impressed by this band. Vocals were sick,drums where pounding heard,guitar riffs where badass. I really need to get some of their discography. Deafheaven/Trap Them where bands that came to mind. I need to see 'em again.

Technical Death/Thrash metal band Revocation was next. Ive heard good stuff about em. Thrashers got all crazy as soon as they started. People pushed and the pit broke out. They reminded me of Havok with better musician's(meh) . They also had nerdy lyrics. Pretty cool band. Both guitar players and bass sung. Great vocals. If your into stuff from Warbringer or Obscura you'll love em.Probably the 2nd best band that played that night.

Black Tusk was the final opener. Sludge metal with the beards and the tattoos. First song was pretty cool cause he kept shouting "Six Six Six". Rest of the set was bleh. As always I apologize to the Sludge fans.

Finally after 3 fails,I finally got to see GoreGrind/Death Metal. Exhumed. Everyone started screaming. They came out with their brutal vocals. Kids started to jump on stage. They started off with some new songs like As Hammer To Anvil and such. After the bouncers started to throw kids off stage they did some old songs like "Limb From Limb" and "Casket Crusher"and their most known song "Matter Of Splatter". They were great the crowd by talking to them and giving us high fives. Some Zombie guy came off  stage to throw fake blood from decapitated head. After being pushed all over and screaming my lungs off,show was over. Hopefully ill see em soon. They were amazing. I recommend them to fans of Carcass,Cannibal Corpse,and even Slayer. The album "Gore Metal" is a true great Metal album. 

Aquamarine Dream Machine Battles for Wakarusa

Editor's note: Last night I met with two local musicians, Aaron Lea of Cirrus Minor, and Richard Way of Aquamarine Dream Machine to talk about two battle of the bands competitions that are coming up in the next couple of weeks. They are both scheduled at Vaudeville Mews in downtown Des Moines, one this week (Thursday) and one next (Saturday February 18th). Each one will send the winner to a popular summer music festival, a true lifetime event in terms of playing on a major stage. Aquamarine Dream Machine is hoping to win a spot at the Wakarusa festival in Arkansas, and Cirrus Minor a spot at Illinois's Summer Camp. Next week I will cover Cirrus Minor's bid, and this week Aquamarine's.

The Vaudeville Mews in downtown Des Moines will be hosting the first contest on Thursday night. The winner will get the chance of a lifetime, an invitation to perform at the 2012 version of the Wakarusa Music Festival that takes place in Bigfoot country, just up the road from Ozark, Arkansas on the majestic Mulberry Mountain. It would be great exposure for a local band to play at this event which annually draws around 15,000 music fans from all over the world. This year's lineup will feature the likes of Primus, Bob Weir, Matisyahu, The Avett Bros., Prairie Lights, and Split Lip Rayfield, amongst many others. It is a four day party beginning on Thursday, May 31st, that lasts throughout the weekend. Camping is available.

Last night I met with Richard Way, the drummer for Aquamarine Dream Machine which is one of the bands that will be vying for this spot. I have seen Aquamarine play several times and I've gotten to know them as friends. Whether it's Daniel Wipf's guitar wizardry, Justin Kurtz's effortless bass playing, Joe Antelman's funky keyboard grooves, or Rich Way's Bonzo-style drumming, each time I have seen Aquamarine I have been blown away by the subtle intensity that this band creates. And, with the addition of Erik Brown and his magic trumpet, it's enough to tip the scales of aural delirium.

Call it progressive rock, or psychedelia, or whatever you want, but this is yet another band that hails from the Des Moines scene who's music defies categorization.

When I asked Rich how he would describe the band's sound, the term he used was "Light Haze Rage."

"Huh?" I said in response to his seemingly premeditated answer.

"Light-Rage, with Haze in the middle." he explained to me as he swallowed a mouthful of whiskey and coke. "It's not Rage, because it's Light, which means it's weak, not to mention there's Haze in there. Haha! It doesn't have a true impact. Maybe it's a group thing that doesn't require much attention at shows and allows an "in a moment thing" hangout I'm usually against... Like total background noise, but I'm not into it! I like thinking and, expanding my mind...  Remember though, this isn't to imply I'm into direct, mechanical focus, because that halts creativity in my opinion."

Rich then took another drink of his cocktail, while eyeing me surreptitiously. Correctly he sensed that I was still absorbing this concept.

He continued. "It's uppers, downers, screamers, walk-abouts, meditations, inspiration, visions,...you know the ground I'm covering here...You can't physically deal with ALL of them everyday. However, bands create molecular drugs that you get into your ears all night, also allowing you to function at the end. I'm not pro-drugs, or anti-drugs... Be responsible. Do your research, hippie... But if you understand drugs, use them, know people who use them, or like the idea of them, then turn to music. Hell, think of all the crap jazz bands went through because of the ear drugs it gave the stiffs WELL before death metal! "Burn the witch with new wisdom!" they shouted, in more of an uneducated manner."

It made perfect sense to me at that point. And, based off the times I have watched them play, I knew exactly what he was talking about. Listening to Aquamarine Dream Machine is the equivalent of a mental tongue twister. While the guys in the band might actually be sober themselves (they are not about excess while on stage), they are putting out a sound that cracks a proverbial hand grenade inside your brain... It's absolutely mind altering. If it is something that could be captured and capsuled inside a pill, it would immediately be commissioned by the state and made an illegal substance.

Light Haze Rage... Didn't know there was a name for it. Now I do. Rich sure has a way of clarifying things.

"We have a nice edge that a lot of jam bands don't," He continued. "Aquamarine Dream Machine, for me, defines that. We have dream inside of waves, we have the toughness and edge like a marine, and we're a machine because we refuse to let the trash out there bury us when we have great music to share, regional or not."

Like hypnotists, they put you in a trance
(Photo by Sarah Cartwright)

I get his point.. Aquamarine Dream Machine is a band that will literally sneak up on you. Dan and Justin are so smooth with their style that it seems that they play their instruments without the burden of effort. Like a hypnotist, you  are put into a trance. Then, when you are comfortably floating through the cosmic seas of mental beatitude, they suddenly jack it up a notch, and suddenly you are fixated on the individual sounds of each performer. It's jaw dropping, especially when Dan goes off on one of his extended guitar solos. While Justin and Dan take turns punching you in the nose, Joe and Erik seep into your ears like an electronic waterfall which ebbs and flows against your conscience. Richard's drumming is the pounding wave that causes this give and take, relentlessly drawing itself into you as it takes you out to sea.

The name is perfect. Together on stage they truly are a cosmic dream machine.

The battle of the band works like this. When you come in the door, you are given a raffle-style ticket, which you hold onto until you deem it reverent to place in an envelope, each one marked with a different band's name. At the end of the night the envelope which holds the most tickets is the winner. The idea from a band's standpoint is to be the name on that envelope. The Bigfoot Diaries is endorsing Aquamarine Dream Machine.

"Playing Wakarusa would be a giant step for me." Richard explained. "I'm the Tour-craving-freak in the band. Playing another huge show, not to mention sharing the stage with Primus and other major acts, would be excellent. As long as the sound guy gets some guidance and does his job during this opportunity, I have full confidence the audience will translate a strong, insightful vibe that they can grow with just as other major acts have. ADM let's my underground roots get 'chanty' on the drums to bring the fire to the tribe. Playing at night, with this band, with people prepared for an outdoor experience, is the perfect environment.

"So if you win, are you going to schedule other gigs in the area?" I ask.

"That's a great question the band needs to stay on top of." said Richard after a pause. "The legendary Uncle Michael Parker recently moved and lives about 10 miles from the festival grounds. He contacted us before we even mentioned Wakarusa. A couple venues already want us down there asap. It'd be great to play to the locals that really want us there, and are probably going to see us if we play the huge stage as well. I like the idea of it being back to back. More personal, outdoors with a lot of land, and more natural."

Rich Way and his Bonzo style of drumming
(Photo by Sarah Cartwright)

Rich has offered a cool little package exclusively for Bigfoot readers. If you have managed to make it this far into the article, your indulgence shall be rewarded. The first person to leave a comment with the words, "Light," "Haze," and "Rage" as words in a complete sentence will get a free ADM T-shirt, and a free pass to the show Thursday, assuming that you are in the proximity to get there.

Otherwise please come out to Vaudeville on Thursday night and support Aquamarine Dream Machine. They are scheduled to play last behind four other bands.Whether they win or lose, it would be nice to see them get your representation. Your ears and your brain will definitely thank you for it Friday morning.

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If you enjoyed this story you might enjoy these links:

Wakarusa Official Site

Aquamarine Dream Machine's Reverb Nation page

Cirrus Minor's Reverb Nation page

Buffalo Joe Reunion Set For Saturday Night

If you are familiar with Buffalo Joe, then this poster speaks for itself. If you happen to be in Newton on Saturday night, please stop in and show support. The First Avenue Speakeasy is located on the town square directly south of the courthouse. All proceeds will go to purchasing a new guitar for Jay.

DMI. Releases First "Official" Video

One of the most unique things about the Des Moines music scene is the fact that, as it happens, it is being chronicled into an endless file of captured audio, live video footage, and amazing photography. This is due to a project started and shared by Greg Waldrop and Jeff Anderson, an entity known as Dangerous Music Inc.

By the virtue of a shared love of live music, these two routinely spend countless hours every single week collecting and processing media from local shows. Then they pour over it, making edits and adjustments until it meets a strict standard of quality. This takes alot of time because usually the video footage comes from a different source than that of of the audio. And many times there are two or more cameras to sync together with the audio, making it even more tedious and time consuming.

Only after this process is complete is it turned over to the bands that are being featured, to use for their own promotional purposes. It's a pretty good deal for the bands... Most of the hours that Greg and Jeff pour into this project are volunteer. Usually they don't charge a dime.

DMI. has become a vital cog to the music scene in Des Moines, and the work they do and the hours they put in are a true testament to their dedication. Local music wouldn't be the same without their hard work... Nor would it be as widely accessible. There is nobody else taking on the workload that Greg and Jeff are in regards to capturing local music. And to be featured on their Youtube page (where most live footage ends up eventually) is a rite of passage for local bands who are working hard to become better musicians and promoters of themselves. It's a win-win. The bands work hard, and the reward is that DMI chooses to spend time with them to help them better their portfolio. The audio captured, the video footage and the photographs are routinely used as tools on the bands' Reverb Nation pages, or in other promotional media. It's a very friendly situation, and one that is unique not just to Des Moines but to local music scenes everywhere.

DMI.'s latest project has been to film an "official" video for the metal band Caustic Vision. It features the song "Fake," which is a favorite amongst the Caustic Vision die-hards who flock to see them. It's a good example of how the audio is synced with video footage, which in this case is a combination of live performance and artificial posturing. What you can't tell by watching the video is that it was a cold windy day when the outdoor footage was shot.

Check it out:

"It was a chilly 30 degrees during the filming and I think the only ones complaining were us," said singer Mickie Witcraft. "But seriously, the whole thing was a great experience and we will always do business with DMI. Greg is the man and always does us right."

There is so much talent in the Des Moines music scene and we are very fortunate to have Dangerous Music Inc. doing what they are doing. In a lot of ways the scene is still in a stage of infancy, especially in terms of attendance, but with the dedication and the perseverance that Greg and Jeff bring, interest and awareness will only grow. And of course the scene is better because of it.

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If you enjoyed this article you might also be interested in:

Five Questions with Greg Waldrop, originally published on 9/14/10

The Iowa Metal Scene: Meet Caustic Vision, originally published on 3/2/11

Grant's Tomb: Rant Against The Machine

I’ve been gone awhile, probably didn’t care did you? Oh well.

I’ve been trying to think of some kind of reason for my absence, like maybe I got abducted by aliens or I didn’t pay my cable bill and they shut off my internet connection for downloading to much music illegally (yes, I do that). Truth be told, its much less exciting than that, you see I’ve been having this real case of writers block. Ya know, that thing where you can’t think of a single thing to write that hasn’t already been said, a thought that hasn’t already been thought, self-doubt, overload at the day job, etc, etc. Even my girlfriend was starting to ask me when I was going to get this done, but no joke; you should see my hard drive. Half finished manuscripts, rough drafts just barely put together, and with each one nearly completed this monkey would jump on my back and whisper to me “You’re just ranting again.” Fuck. Is that all I am capable of? Ranting against the corporate rock machine, pointing out all of its flaws, even though I haven’t sold a single record myself? Even though I’ve barely toured out of state? Even though I haven’t the slightest idea of what some of these musicians, I so openly criticize, intentions are? But ya know what, I don’t care.

Oh snap, bet you thought I was about to humble myself. Ha, got you. Let me back up for a second though, everything I said up there is 100% true, but I’ve been doing some reflecting as of late (and listening to a lot of Slayer) and I’ve come to the conclusion that while my arguments and opinions may seem trite, it’s okay because in all honesty you know I’m right about them.

Take for example our local rock radio LAZER 103.3. They play the same boring music over and over again every 30 minutes. Recently my girlfriend and I made a trek out to Iowa City to see two of the greatest local acts we’ve had in the scene in the last decade. I’m talking about The Maw and The Mad Monks. Bear with me here, I’m not doing a right up on them just yet, believe me when I say both of these bands deserve a full book written about their greatness, my point is simply this: why doesn’t our LOCAL rock radio station support these and other LOCAL bands more? Not unless Theory of a Deadsuck or Nicklesuck are coming to town and a LOCAL is on the bill will LAZER even mention a LOCAL band. That is not the case with Iowa City/Cedar Rapids’ Rock 108. The rock station out there is amazing simply because not only do they play new artists, they play old, obscure, and deeper cuts that aren’t necessarily singles…and they promote local bands. Half the time, when a national act is coming through town they’ll at least mention the LOCAL act twice if not more.

But I digress...

With his permission, I plan on reposting an old manifesto that a friend of mine wrote calling all LOCAL bands to unite, go to each others shows, whether its your preferred genre of music or not, whether the bands are more successful than your's, whether you agree on politics or social issues. I didn’t get involved in the Des Moines music scene until late in 2008 and it was purely by chance, a band that was rehearsing in the same warehouse as mine had a bass player quit and having met the guitar player multiple times, as well as being a fan of their music, asked if they needed someone to audition. Long story short, I got the audition, played several shows with them, but in the end was asked to leave. With that aside, that band really helped me in networking with many of the people I now call friends, but what I was really trying to get at there was that even in 2008, local bands did not support each other. There was so much in-fighting not only amongst peers, but also between band members. This is bad, sure, there is a little bit of competition when it comes to playing shows with other local acts (you always want to be the band that stole the show), but there should really be a bigger sense of comradery with each other. So here we are 2012, and there is still petty bickering, but I will say this, that band does suck and their whole shtick is a gimmicky at best, the hilarious part is all of their shit talking and bad mouthing and they still can’t seem to figure out why they can’t get fans/ticket sales. Whatever, nu-metal is dead anyway and unless you’re throwing in a shitty breakdown with down tuned 8-string guitars you ain’t gonna sell nothing.

Do you see what I’m getting at? Do you at all? Okay, I’m done, thanks for letting me vent and get a bit of that spark back. Next week I’ll follow up on those other interviews I promised I would do. Just to give you a heads up, they will be a little more gonzo in style, very unethical and completely drunk.

Thank you, and by the way, since I’m here plugging the local scene to a certain degree, the Third Annual Snowball is this month (Friday January 27, 2012) at Peoples Court featuring Bigfoot’s own Jen Allen and Hath No Fury as well as Mindrite, Index Case, Dead Horse Trauma and Calous.

-By Grant Peter

The Mad Monks Celebrate Five Years Together

Last weekend (January 14th) the Mad Monks celebrated their five year anniversary of playing together as a band at Gabe's in Iowa City. Because of a prior engagement I was unable to attend, but this milestone has weighed heavily on my mind, and this feat deserves mention in the pages of the Bigfoot Diaries. The three times I have seen them play I was sent into sensory overload.

The Monks onstage almost seem to be a contradiction of sorts. At first glance they are three musicians who don‘t seem to fit together. Matt Larson has his untrimmed beard and his menacing scowl, and a bass guitar that seems to extend from his body as an additional appendage. It's his weapon of choice; a spine-tapping cosmic ray that engulfs the listener’s central nervous system, and time warps the mind back to the psychedelic blues explosion of the 1960s. It is an interesting juxtaposition along with his voice. While his bass tones are all encompassing, Larson’s vocals come at you through a different path on the cosmic wave hitting the deeper cores of the brain. The vocals are sharp, like a fanned blow dart, only instead of poison, these tips might as well be dipped in LSD. His bass play in conjunction with his vocals is hypnotizing. It’s an audio lobotomy, the equivalent of an aural brain stem.

Matt Larson

Then there is James Edel who’s appearance is more that of an aerospace engineer professor’s than that of a stage musician. But don’t judge this book by it‘s cover. He doesn’t look like one of the great guitar players in the galaxy, but that’s what he is. To underestimate his musical ability based off of his appearance is obviously a deliberate mind trick on the part of this spine melting axe-slinger. Simply put, Edel is a freaking alien. It’s that simple. His style, and the notes he conjures don’t come from this atmosphere… They can’t. He so effortlessly lifts notes from the neck of his guitar that at first it makes one might think that what he is doing is easy… that anyone could do what he does. But then he’ll go off on an extended solo and it'll hit you like a sledgehammer. WHAM! It’s a sight and sound to behold, the impossible notes he reaches for and finds on the fret of his Fender Strat. It’s uncanny, it’s unnatural, and it’s unearthly.

James Edel

And finally it's drummer Eric Dirks whom, upon appearance alone, seems to be the normal one in the group. Nothing extraterrestrial about him… Until he settles in behind his kit. He has been described as "almost playing jazz" from another writer on the Bigfoot Diaries staff (which, incidentally was a huge compliment on the part of Shep) but I personally don’t hear that so much, as far as style in the way Dirks plays. . What I do hear are compounded beats in time signatures that defy themselves, in the ever changing rhythms and directions that defines the music of the Mad Monks. This band doesn’t sit still, and it rarely hangs around in one particular signature of metered time for very long. It’s uncanny how well these guys know each other musically, and it’s especially apparent when the focus lies exclusively on Dirks. With him leading the charge, these guys have invented a sound that takes you beyond rock and roll as you know it, to a place where mind expansion shadows the ear, to a place of gratifying pleasure. All is right in this world of the Zen.

Eric Dirks

You won’t believe what you see, what you hear and what you feel. There are no contradictions and it's very obvious that these guys fit together. Watching any one of the Monks by themselves would be worth the price of admission.

Congratulations, fellas on five years. We're looking forward to many more.

See the Mad Monks live the next chance you get, and experience audio hypnosis for yourself.

Interview: 2012 Lazer Rock Girl Britt

 My goal, in writing for this blog, in making music, and in meeting new people is always to bring our community closer together. Really, our music community SHOULD be one big family. We can all use the support, the encouragement of each other, and I think the fans really like it when they come to a show and feel like they belong and like we're all working together.

In the spirit of that, I'm interviewing Lazer 103.3's Rock Girl Brittnie today. I actually competed against her in this contest, and she was great to work with the whole time. She surprised me, because like most people, what I saw first was a pretty face. I was sure I wasn't going to like her or have anything in common with her. I was very glad that she proved me wrong, or rather that I opened up, chose to get to know her, and proved myself wrong.

2012 Lazer 103.3 Rock Girl Brittnie

Now, if I thought she was just a pretty face, I'm sure most people watching the competition and keeping up with things online probably thought ALL of us were just pretty faces. I hope that through reading this interview you'll get to see a bit deeper into the heart of things, into what is really real, and will feel that much closer to our music community.

You belong here. So do I. So does Rock Girl Brittnie.

What made you want to enter the Rock Girl Contest?

I've had a passion for music for most my life. When I heard the ads on Lazer 103.3 for the Rock Girl Search I thought immediately it was something I could do. I really enjoy meeting new people, hearing their stories and talking music. I thought I could maybe bring something new and personal to the position.

So was the contest process easy for you?

Yes and no. Yes, going out, talking to people, being myself was completely easy. I vowed to be nothing but myself and if I was going to win I would win by keeping my morals and values. Then, absolutely NO for many reasons. I have only competed against girls in sports, this competition wasn't like that. And I definitely have bi-polar confidence. The drive to the tryouts I was all pumped up and was like "Ya I'm gonna nail this!". I got there and didn't even want to go into the mall. I was like "WTF did I get myself into, I can't do this." Well, my boyfriend made me. We drove all that way-I was gonna tryout. So I did and it was nerve racking! Getting on stage talking I could do just fine-I've never had a problem talking in front of people. But to purposely put myself in a position to be judged by so many? I thought I had lost my mind.

Then came the day to start promoting our pics for votes to make it into the Top 10 and I was ready to pull out from the competition. I was judging myself so harshly! I thought I didn't have a chance in hell to win and I worried about something I'm very strict on: Facebook adds on my personal profile. I only have people I actually know on my Facebook and I was not willing to budge on that to win a competition. With the sudden lack in confidence and being scared off on FB I was over it and done with the competition. Then many of my friends came forward through messages and texts encouraging me to stay in. One called me out stating that I'm playing life safe-to take a chance, that I'm already what they want in a Rock Girl, so show them that. Then a wonderful woman that didn't even know me yet got in touch with me and kept me in the competition. She talked me through my fears and insecurities. I felt that if someone that is supposed to be competing against me could be so supportive and encouraging, I had to give this a shot. (She didn't want named.)

Photo by MG Photography

Was it easy after that?

It really didn't get any easier, even after winning. I spent nights crying over some of the things I was reading about me. But I had constant support from friends and the ladies going through the process with me. I'm so thankful everyday for meeting these girls and have grown very close to Jen Allen and RG contestant Meghan. The week after winning may have been the hardest. I won but I wasn't doing any Rock Girl stuff yet but a lot of people had opinions about why I shouldn't have won. I understood people wanting to support the other girls who were their friends, but they did so by tearing me apart. Jen and Meghan did not let that happen. They stood up for me, thanked their friends for the support but explained that it did not have to happen by tearing me down. They are two of the most classy, fun-loving, free spirited, REAL, girls I have ever met.

Did you think you would win? Has it affected how others see you or how you see yourself?

Not a chance. My thought through the competition was: "Be yourself." If they were going to like me it was going to be the real me. I'm a dork. When I'm nervous I talk to much, when I get excited I get giddy. I'm a complete nerd and enjoy it to the core. I wasn't going to be ashamed of any part of me and if I was going to do it I was going to show everyone who I really am. So at campaign stops I went out there talked to as many people as possible and gave it my all. Not once did the thought "I'm gonna win this!" cross my mind. Every now and then "I may have a chance at this" snuck in but my bipolar confidence quickly crushed it. I've been bullied at times in my life, people have attempted to tear me down for my likes and things I enjoy. This has kind of been the first time that I've been truly excepted for who I am. I don't think much has changed on how others see me or how I see myself. I'm still a huge dork that trips regularly while walking and runs into walls. I'm still me and was going to be the same whether I won or not.

How do you feel about winning?

Gracious, excited, and ready to do as much as possible with the position!

For those who don't know, can you tell us a bit about what the Rock Girl does? What's your job with Lazer entail?

I'm Lazer's Spokesmodel/Promotions Model. You can find me at just about every Lazer event promoting the station, giving away free concert tickets and talking with the listeners. I also get to be on air with the totally awesome Andy Hall every Friday 5-6pm. Then also the photo shoots to promote many different types of events. Maggie with  MG photography is phenomenal and I'm really hoping to bring a creative edge to my pictures this year.

Photo my MG Photography

You won a guitar in the Lazer Rock Girl contest. Do you play?

I am in the process of learning. Right I'm working on getting my small double jointed hands use to reaching, stretching and use to the strings. I have a pinky that seems to want to do anything but what I want it to do. Really soon I am going to start teaching myself music from Ocarina of Time and will probably post videos of that process.

Ocarina of Time--that's Zelda. What else do you geek out on?

Zelda was and will always be my original love. Mario Bros and Donkey Kong are some of my faves in the Nintendo series. I'm a huge WoW (World of Warcaft) nerd, my Undead Warlock is my pride and joy. I'm a big Call of Duty girl but Battlefield 3 has taken up a lot of my attention lately. The Fable series is beautiful to me, I can get lost into those games for days at a time. Big Elder Scrolls fan also. On top of video games I love me some super heros, Batman topping that list and some totally awesome 80's movies like Labyrinth and Willow! I actually have Zelda and Willow inspired tattoos.

What was the first thing to really spark your interest in music?

I can't remember a time when I didn't have interest in music. When I was a kid I listened to all types of different music. My early high school years really formed my music tastes now. Rock, melodic, metal, alternative, singer/writers had my full attention. Music became the emotion I felt while listening to it. I wondered what the writer might have felt while writing it. It is therapy for me, it has helped me through some of my darkest times and enriched great times.

What was the first show you attended? Was it a local band or a national?

The first show I attended was Cheap Trick when I was 8 years old. It was a mix of emotions, sadly it was very loud (I never complain of that now) but I was in awe at the performance. Up in til that point I only ever heard music on the radio, it was my first time seeing someone play music live. I was hooked on all sorts of live music. I went on a school trip shortly after to see an Orchestra perform. I fell in love with the Cello when they played The Pink Panther Theme Song. Live music of any sorts is beauty to me.

Tell me about some of your favorite bands and why their music does it for you.

Breaking Benjamin tops my fave list. I can listen to every album from beginning to end. Most of their songs have been attached to an event, person or feeling in my life. Music is like a photo album for me but of emotions and feelings. Papa Roach won me over after seeing them live. The guys in that band perform with so much heart, every night giving it their all, like they are still trying to get signed. I've loved Evans Blue and the boys in it since the beginning. I love what they have grown into as a band, I'm proud of them as a friend and really look forward to their new material coming out.

Do you have any favorite local bands that you like to see?

A couple so far have caught my interest. Hath No Fury - I caught one show and was blown away: great music and great performers. It's Complicated is a fun band that really can do it all. They are a newer band but I would have sworn they have been playing together for years. I've made it to a couple of Lazer's Best Damn Band Contest shows which have featured a lot of great local talent like Superchief, David Scanlon of Switchblade Saturdays, the Handlebars, and Richard Arndt.  I'll also be going to The Snowball with Mindrite, Index Case, Dead Horse Trauma, Calous Nation, and Hath No Fury on January 27th. The local music scene in Des Moines is very alive and talented!

Do you have any ideas to improve our local music scene?

Just the haters hating, saying the DM local music scene is dead. You guys are obviously not paying attention to the flyers, the radio ads or the Facebook promotions. Pay attention, get out there, you want to see a killer performance, fill the bar/venue. Bands can give a killer performance but man can they feed off of a full crowd and give an even better one!

Photo by MG Photography

What has been the most embarrassing moment so far as Rock Girl?

Oh boy, where to start. Ask me this again at the end of the year and the list will be 10 times longer. I'm not graceful, I'm a klutz, I'm accident prone so it actually takes a lot to embarrass me. Anymore I just shake my head and laugh at myself. I've had a couple good ones so far. My phone is possessed, and before buying my Santa outfit for my photo shoot I snapped a picture only meant for my photographer Maggie. There was a lot of cleavage, total tummy baring, pretty much half naked. So sent it to Maggie bought the costume and didn't think anything more of it. That night I had my phone in my apron at work, I received a text from my boyfriend's, father's, fiance saying "So that's your outfit for the next shoot? You look cute!" Oh my goodness, my phone somehow sent my Santa outfit pic to her. I was mortified and ten shades of red. To say the least there was a lot of Santa jokes this Christmas. My phone also posted "Ass" as a status update on my Rock Girl page when I was trying to ADD someone through Facebook Text. I was going to delete it but people were liking it so I thought "Eh, whatever, I will go with it, make fun of myself".

What would you consider to be your biggest triumph thus far?

I have a few things in the works that I hope to get done as Rock Girl. I would consider those triumph if succeed at doing so. But lil triumphs I've had have been getting on stage in a swimsuit! It was just a lil nerve racking. And making my dress for the Winter Ice Queen Photo Shoot.

Do you have any big plans for your year as the Lazer Rock Girl?
Oh yes I do, I tend to dream big. I will keep them my lil secrets for now!

Do you have any crazy fan stories?

The Winter Photo Shoot was pretty amusing. We shot out at Sleepy Hollow and there was a lot of young teenage boys out there that day. The background noise was a lot of interesting questions and comments from hormone-raged boys. It was pretty funny.

You get a year of being the Lazer Rock Girl and working with the crew at Lazer 103.3.  What are you looking forward to the most, or enjoying the most right now?

I look forward to any and all of my time with Maggie (Gulling, of MG Photography). We are on a very similar creative level and have so many fun and different ideas for photo shoots this year. Of course Lazerfest, it's THE event in a Rock Girls career. All Lazer listens and music fans in one place at one time. I hope to see so many people while there. I look forward to every Friday, being on air with Andy Hall. The man is so funny and has so much knowledge. I learn something every week with him.

Last question!  Most people think that the Lazer Rock Girl is just a pretty face. Can you tell us what makes you different?

Well, I DO know music and would love to talk music with anyone! I've been to over 80 concerts/shows in the last 12 years. I entered this competition because of my love for music. Besides music, I'm active in many different topics on my Facebook page. I have a weekly gaming subject called "What's in your box?". It's not just limited to 360s which is what I own but to any gaming system. Each week, usually Monday, I have a new gaming subject to nerd over. I'm very into watching and playing sports. I'm a girly girl also, love fashion, cooking, sewing, hair products and makeup. And I always about learning new things. So just about every person I meet I could easily strike up a conversation with just about anything.

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Thank you for reading!

I hope you'll join me and Rock Girl Brittnie at the 3rd Annual Snowball at People's on Court on January 27th. We've got some well-known local bands playing such as Mindrite, Index Case, Dead Horse Trauma, and Calous Nation, and Hath No Fury.

I hope we'll all see you at this show, or that you'll be at another show in Des Moines. There is a LOT of great music going on, every week, and it's up to you to get out there, support it, and join the family. This is the family you get to choose, so CHOOSE it! Support local music, support local businesses, and rock on.

Question for you readers:  What do YOU think we can do to make our local music community better and stronger in Iowa?  Give YOUR ideas.

Radio Moscow in Ames: What Really Happened

By now maybe you have seen this video shot at DG's Taphouse in Ames, Iowa of Radio Moscow's final moments as of January 7th, 2012.



It shows lead singer Parker Griggs hurling his guitar into the drumset of drummer Cory Berry. Berry retaliates and launches the Strat back at Griggs, who doesn't have time to react, and takes a hard shot to the forehead. It was a violent end to Radio Moscow as we knew them. What ensued was Griggs being rushed to the ER and taking 14 stitches... And a whole lot of propaganda bullshit on the part of the person(s) who made this video.

The video runs like a documentary. To take it on the surface, you would believe that drummer Cory Berry and bassist Zach Anderson were a couple of backstabbers, who went against their word and sabotaged Parker Griggs reneging on an agreement to complete a tour. It reads like this:

On January 7th, 2012, Radio Moscow played at DG's Taphouse in Ames, IA. This was only the second stop in a handful of shows in the Midwest, precursors to the U.S. tour with Graveyard.

After months of mounting tension within the band, Radio Moscow had come to an agreement that the current line-up would complete one last tour and then pursue separate endeavors. However, moments before taking the stage, the rhythm section informed Parker Griggs, guitarist and vocalist, they would not be continuing with the remainder of the tour.

The truth of the matter is, Cory and Zach quit the band several months earlier. They had grown tired of Parker's drunken outbursts onstage, and his inability to properly communicate offstage. There was some jealousy on Parker's part directed at Cory and Zach for working with Mondo Drag on their new studio album. Even though Cory and Zach had officially left the Radio Moscow months before, Parker would carry on as if nothing had happened and the band was still intact.

"We actually quit four months ago," said Cory, "We were living in California, and only came back to Iowa to form our new band, Blues Pills. We were just hanging out and working on music when we got a text message from Parker asking us if we would play with Radio Moscow while touring with Graveyard. Graveyard is one of our favorite bands, so we were like, of course! We told Parker right then and there that this would be the last time we all played together.  It would have benefited both of us (Parker for having a band to tour with, and Cory and Zach for touring with Graveyard) despite our friends and family telling us not to do it."

Radio Moscow scheduled a few shows as a precursor to going on tour. The night before the infamous show in Ames, Radio Moscow was playing in Iowa City. The crowd was chanting Zach and Cory's names, and giving them a lot of love and support. Parker reacting in a jealous fit, threw a can of beer, which hit an unsuspecting young lady in the face.

The next day Parker acted as if nothing had happened. Cory and Zach told Parker that they were NOT going to do the Graveyard tour with Radio Moscow, that they would finish the precursor dates already scheduled in Iowa and that would be the end of it. According to Cory, that next day there was tension, but nothing too crazy. Parker avoided conversation with Cory and Zach at all costs during the day, finally only speaking to them once they hit the stage that final night in Ames.

"Are you guys going to do the Graveyard tour with me?" Parker asked.

"Fuck no." Was the reply.

The show went on, and Parker began to ridicule and taunt his band mates while on stage saying stuff like, "Thanks to Cory and Zach for putting up with me for all these years... But NO thanks!"

The tension built throughout the night, and finally it came to a climax when and in an introduction to final song of the night, "No Good Woman," Parker said, "This song is about Zach..."

Parker then went on to say, “This is the last song with this lineup, ever. So, fucking rock out!”

Then pandemonium erupted. Griggs hurled his guitar into Cory's drum kit, it landing on Cory's hands and smashing against his neck. Cory reacted in immediate self defense, and rifled it back at Parker who, in his drunken state, didn't react in time and took a sharp blow to his forehead. Friends and family rushed the stage to diffuse any further skirmish, but Cory and Zach had already exited stage right. Parker was given a towel and rushed to the emergency room.

The show was over.

The next night Radio Moscow was schedued to play in Cedar Rapids at Mahoney's Irish Pub. Even though the video claims that Griggs brought in two new musicians, and "the tour picked up right where Radio Moscow had left off," Mahoney's was left high and dry, Parker calling only a half hour before showtime to cancel the gig.

The owner of Mahoney's said this in the thread of comments under the video on Youtube: In reading that Radio Moscow "picked up right where it left off", simply is NOT TRUE. I own the venue they were to play the next night (Sunday). Not only did the band not show, they did not even bother to call until 30 minutes before the show was to start....  I have still not received any appologies. Mahoney's Irish Pub CR

Despite what the maker(s) of the video would like you to believe, Parker Griggs is not a victim of sabotage by his bandmates. He is a victim of his own accord, a perfect example of what happens when an inflated ego meets the end of somebody's rope. Sometimes reality hits you right in the face.

Karma is a bitch, isn't it, Parker Griggs? 

2 Grindcore Backyard shows, 12/3/11 & 1/1/12

 First show was in Lincoln Heights. Goner/Hoy Pinoy were supposed to headline but they didn't show/play. Oh well.

    First band was Set Aside For Genocide(or SAFG). Short but good set. Special Guest vocals from Valerie of Happy Pill Trauma. They have tapes for sale,hit em up!

Happy Pill Trauma was up. First time seeing them,they played a really short set but they rules. Me and my friend were amazed how a short 16 year old girl can sing evil brutal vocals like that. Split coming soon! Really good live!

Up next was MxJxC. They sounded really good but the singer was too drunk to keep up. They should be good more sober. Ill have to check em again.

One of my favorite local grinders, BrucexCampbell got added last minute. They got a new singer(one that does the harsh growls) and they sound better than ever. I can honestly say this was the best time I've seen em. New singer,new songs,and new album on the way. Fuckin great. My bud from up north was finally glad to see em.

After them was a Grind band named Dead Issue. Cant find much info on them but they were good.

Up next was a VS. set. So 2 bands set up and each take turns playing super fast. It was Sordo Vs. CancerxPatient.

Sordo,Grindviolence from Ventura(?) CA played the first song. Right away me and all the people there instantly became huge fans. They're songs were super fast,super short,and super fun. I recommend em to everyone. I hope to see em again and get a shirt. They wont the Vs. battle in my book.

CancerxPatient did a really great set as well. They mix their grind with Noise by adding some synth thing. Really fast and noisy. I recommend these guys too. CP and Sordo have a split together on tape. Get it!

Aputasos! ended the night. Better from last time I saw em. 2 new vocals. They had a decent set. Check em out! New songs soon!

Second gig was actually in my girlfriends garage. Her mom went to Vegas for the weekend,and Val from HPT needed a house to throw a show at. So after cleaning the garage im proud to announce that I helped out very little in the first,last minute GINAPALOOZA!                                                                                                       

Goner/Assworship didn't come. And Inner City Youth(same members as CancerxPatient) didn't play. Once again both Happy Pill Trauma and CxP did great sets again and the very few people that came so far.

New Grind band,Claws Up was next. It has both singers of BruceXCampbell plus my old high school friend Angie. This great 3 piece is like Brucexcampbell with female vocals. They don't have a demo but live they were real good.

Up next was local Grinders Warwhore. This show is one of their lasts since the drummers moving or something. Great set. Singer was cool to gimme their new demo. Download old one here. If you didn't see em,you missed out big time.

While I was being the door guy,A big van with a trailer pulled up. 2 bands from Up north who were touring had just finished playing a show and wanted to play ours. We said yes. They were all nice guys.

First touring band was Dcoi!(pronounced Decoy). I heard em in a magazine cd sampler in high school. They blend Street Punk with good ol fashioned 80s Hardcore. They played a really short set,but it was sick. If these guys ever come to your town please check em out. They gave me a copy of their new album,"When History Repeats Itself". Get that album!

Last band of the night and 2nd touring band was Side Effects. Street Punk mixed with Crust Punk. I had never heard of these guys before but they blew me away. They played very loud and heavy. Singer was walking everywhere and screaming. I liked em a lot. Listen to their 7' "Lessons In Fear". Good stuff.

Ginapalooza 2 coming soon!

Streetlight Manifesto, The Fox Theater, Pomona CA 12/22/11

   My last show of 2011 was Reel Big Fish. This is the 2nd Ska show I've reviewed. I'm not into Ska like I was  back when I was 15/16 years old but I went cause I won free tickets for a friend who didn't need em anymore.

First band was Radio Ruby Love(the hell is that!?). If I had made a "Worse Opener List of 2011" they'd be number 1. They sucked so much ass it wasn't even funny. While me and 80% of the crowed were booing them off stage they invited some saxophone player from Streetlight Manifesto to do a song with them. No excuses! These guys are dildos.

Up next was a reggae band named Lionaze. Pretty decent reggae. Got my head bopping and people started to skank and dance. OK I guess.

 Up next was Reel Big Fish. Nah they didn't headline but they should've. They played a good hour or so. Skank pit got huge right away and since that's the only dance I can do I joined in for a bit. They played all their classics from Trendy,Beer,and Sell Out. If your into Ska I recommend them for a live show. Tho im not into Ska as much,they do a great live show.

Headliners were Streetlight Manifesto.People were crazy for em and ive always tought they were just an thought Ska band. Set was good,crowed was great. I recognized some songs from a burned cd I got in middle school. They were ok,Not RBF good. After an hour or so me and Girlfriend decided to leave. Overall an ok free show.

ALICE COOPER - WELCOME 2 MY NIGHTMARE (UNIVERSAL MUSIC ENTERPRISES)

Alice Cooper hasn't really been worth a much of a crap in quite a long, long time; and with this latest album he's really not improving his situation much. Oh yeah, back in the day Alice Cooper was great. Especially when Alice Cooper was the moniker of the band and not just Vince's alter ego. When it was: Vince Fournier - vocals, Glen Buxton and Michael Bruce - guitars, Dennis Dunaway - bass, and Neil Smith - drums, they were a force to be reckoned with. Top of the heap. They were vital, intense, high energy, trashy, and pure teenage rampage. All the ingredients for a top notch, true blue rock and roll band I think you'll agree.

Sadly though, those days are gone, and instead of blazing trails, Mr. Cooper has decided to cop trends. (He uses an auto tuner on the opener fer criminy sakes). So instead of hard edged intensity here, he's giving us a rather sanitized faux trash, decadence shtick that seems to be what a lot of people are gravitating to these days. You know what I mean. You've seen the hipsters wearing their rebel cred on their sleeves, and their chic, outsider fashionability, but when push comes to shove they are just as bland and mainstream as any of the Justin Beiber fans they think they hate so much. Of course the Beiber fans will probably grow out of it someday.

But back to the record at hand here. Over all I find this thing extremely frustrating because there are moments on this thing, brief, shimmering glimpses of the sublime spirit that was "Love It To Death" or "Killer", or take your pick of any early Alice Cooper record Pre- 1976, But the energy just doesn't keep up, and the sound starts to careen into late 80's early 90's sissy metal. All in all there are two good songs on this thing "Last Man On Earth" ( a sort of 1930's New Orleans dirge that wouldn't sound outta place on a Dead Brothers disc) and "Ghouls Gone Wild" (which sounds like the Dictators playing in a party scene on some twisted A.I.P. beach movie). "Disco Bloodbath Boogie Fever" is some kind of novelty song I guess, but this kind of thing sounds better when Svengoolie does 'em on his show. (plus you get to see some old horror flick).

The whole reason that I wanted to hear this thing anyway was because the original band play on it. (Sans Glen Buxton -R.I.P.) Three songs to be exact, with each of the guys helping co write a song each. The bad news is that these songs are really mired by the production and the sonically antiseptic metal guitar sounds from Steve Hunter and Tommy Henrickson. I think I'd like to hear these songs ( "A Runaway Train", " I'll Bite Your Face Off", and "When Hell Comes Home") with just the members that remain of the original band. I think the songs are possibly good ones, just not executed with enough trash rock sensibility that you can tell they scream for.

So overall what you get here is Alice sounding a lot like John Lennon in the vocal department ("Something To Remember Me By" actually sounds like it could of been an outtake from a late 70's Lennon record), a lot of modern pop production, some not quit there rock and roll tunes, and some other stuff that seems to be the kind of things that only Night Ranger fans could consider heavy. If Skid Row and Def Leppard are your idea of really great hard rockin' sounds then you can go ahead and pick this up cause you'll probably love it. However, on the other hand if you don't, then see if you can find "Ghouls Gone Wild" as a single and just forget the rest.