Live Review-Buckcherry and Light’s Up Ottawa, Canada !

Californian hard rock band BUCKCHERRY performed their first of two shows in Ottawa on Friday, October 22, 2021. This concert had been rescheduled twice due to the pandemic and split into 2 separate shows to meet current pandemic health restrictions in Ontario. The crowd simmered with excitement as BUCKCHERRY are one of today’s top live performers and a favorite for rock fans worldwide because of their constantly touring.

The stage went dark and the opening riff to So Far blared through the speakers. This was a welcomed dose of rock after a long, suffering year-and-a-half with cancelled shows because of Covid-19. Playing to a fully masked, 50% capacity restricted, socially distanced and seated-if-you-have-a-drink crowd, Josh Todd commented after So Hott and Ridin’ “I hear y’all got hit pretty hard up here”.

It has been 18 months since the last international mainstream act had played in Ontario. “It’s been awhile since y’all have seen a rock ‘n roll show” said lead singer Josh Todd. Josh then asked if anyone liked cocaine, sequencing into his first major hit, Lit up. After the cheering died down, Josh took a minute and welcomed everyone and introduced the band. He referenced the pandemic, “23 years in this business and I ain’t seen this sh*t before”. His words were true and, of course, we’d all had dealt with it.

 

He then played all his hits from his eight-album catalogue from Everything, Sorry, Too drunk to f*ck and the title track HELLBOUND from their most recent album of the same name. The big surprise was their cover of Bryan Adams “Summer of ’69” because, to them, it’s “Canada’s favorite song” before they played their prominent hit “Crazy Bitch”. They quickly closed out the show with Dead as a fast encore to meet 11 pm curfew for health restrictions.

With no props or pyro, BUCKCHERRY just rocked out the entire evening with good riffs, solid rhythms and strong vocals. Opening up the evening was HARD LABOUR, a Rock n Roll trio based out of Ottawa Ontario.

GEMINI SYNDROME – 11/02 – Lakewood, Ohio

GEMINI SYNDROME -‘Initiation’ Tourwith support from Ovtlier, Pushing Veronica & Them Damn Kings!
11/02 – Lakewood, OH – The Winchester Music Tavern – 12112 Madison Ave. Doors 6 p.m. – Show 7 p.m. – All Ages – tix GA $15

A alternative metal band GEMINI SYNDROME are embarking on their first headline tour in support of their long-awaited new studio album 3RD Degree – The Raising. The band will be joined on the first leg of the tour by Ovtlier, and on the second leg by Oh! The Horror. Also joining the tour are Pushing Veronica and Them Damn Kings. All tour dates are listed below. Please contact us for reviews or feature opportunities.
GEMINI SYNDROME are offering special VIP packages for the tour. These packages include a special private acoustic performance, a VIP ‘Synner’ laminate, autographed poster, and meet & greet session with the band. (*VIP Packages must be purchased in addition to a regular concert ticket.) 
Tickets, and VIP Packages for all shows are available at: http://GeminiSyndrome.com
The band’s new studio album 3rd Degree – The Raising was released worldwide on October 15, 2021 via Century Media.
We’re very excited to be back out in the road again this fall. It’s a time of transformation on our planet and our lives in preparation for the rebirth of the approaching solstice. We’re grateful to share this INITIATION with all you Spiritual Soldiers on the frontline helping to bring music back to this fucked up world,” says GEMINI SYNDROME vocalist Aaron Nordstrom.
Drummer Brian Steele Medina continues, “We love nothing more than performing and creating a sacred space for transmutation with our brothers and sisters. Now more than ever, it feels like everything is trying to pull us apart and perpetuate the illusion that we are separate. That we are not ONE. It’s all bullshit. Give us your pandemics, your Pentagon UFO videos, and your barriers… It’s all fucking noise, but we’re louder and we will rise above it all.”


Direct support on the tour will be split between Rochester, New York’s Ovtlier, who will be on the first half of the tour (Oct. 28 – Nov. 13), and Sacramento, California’s Oh! The Horror, who will join the run for the second half of the dates (Nov. 14 – 27). Additional support comes from pop-punk rock powerhouse Pushing Veronica (https://linktr.ee/pushingveronica), and New Jersey hard rock wrecking machine Them Damn Kings (www.facebook.com/themdamnkings).
3rd Degree – The Raising is the long awaited, mind bending final chapter of GEMINI SYNDROME’s debut trilogy of albums; the first being 2013’s Lux, and the second being 2016’s Memento Mori (which hit #1 on Billboard Heatseekers Album Chart and spawned five singles). But whereas those first two albums dealt with the painful struggles of life and death, 3rd Degree – The Raising celebrates the extreme rituals of rebirth. Produced by Matt Good (Asking Alexandria, Memphis May Fire, Hollywood Undead) this is undeniably the heaviest, and darkest album of the band’s career; featuring the singles “Die With Me,” “IDK,” “Abandoned,” “Broken Reflection” and “Reintegration.”
“The album is about death and rebirth. Finding your true self and fostering its growth so as to help build the world better than we inherited it,” says Nordstrom. “In the process of this record I made some major life choices. Mainly to stop killing myself slowly with alcohol. Two years without a drink, and a couple near death experiences later, I think I have ample experience to talk about a subject as elusive as death.” 
Drummer Brian Steele Medina adds, “The twist to the 3rd and ‘final’ degree, is that it’s not the end at all. Rather, it’s a rebirth contingent upon our growth and lessons learned from the suffering of our past mistakes. A spiritual growth that can only be attained through baptism by fire. A metaphorical, yet very real resurrection — THE RAISING.”
Nordstrom continues, “Our hope is that through sharing our experiences, lessons learned, and battles overcome, that we can help others to examine their own consciousness. Their role in the world in its almost infinite capacity, and to help remind each other that we are ALL in this together. We are a family, and when we are United in our commonality, we can achieve things worthy of the attention of the GODS. If you want to change the world, quietly go to work on yourself.”
GEMINI SYNDROME spent the better part of 2018-2019 writing 3rd Degree – The Raising, the final installment of their long planned three album trilogy. They retreated to Brian Steele Medina’s Las Vegas home studio, where they meticulously crafted song after song, relentlessly reworking and rearranging the musical arrangements until they were fully satisfied. After an exhaustive writing process, GEMINI SYNDROME relocated to Good Sounds Studio in Tempe, AZ, where producer Matt Good would help realize the collection of songs. Medina recalls, “We absolutely loved working with Matt and he completely understood where we wanted to take this album creatively and what it was going to take to bring the third chapter of this trilogy to light. Our actual collective blood, sweat and tears went into its creation.”
“It was a long, treacherous road to get here,” continues Nordstrom. “First working out an insane amount of songs before arriving in Arizona to record with Matt Good, and then writing a slew more while in the actual recording process, we approached this album with high intentions to evolve musically and internally as people. But then, once we had finally finished everything, and were ready to start releasing new music… everything was put on hold due to the global pandemic.”
Medina adds, “These past few years have definitely been an exercise in patience and acceptance. We had everything mixed and mastered and ready to go in early 2020 before everything shut down. We’re just stoked to FINALLY put this album out and get this post plague show on the road.” 
3rd Degree – The Raising is the first album to feature guitarist “Meegs” Rascón (formerly of Coal Chamber).
To date, five singles have been released from 3rd Degree – The Raising: “Abandoned,” “Reintegration,” “IDK,” “Broken Reflection” and the currently Top 30 Active Rock Radio hit “Die With Me.” Currently four of the five singles feature visually stunning videos created by director Brian Cox (Bring Me The Horizon, The Struts, Starset). 
GEMINI SYNDROME is Aaron Nordstrom (vocals, keyboards), Brian Steele Medina (drums, programming), Alessandro “AP” Paveri (bass), Meegs Rascón (guitar) and Nicholas Paul Arnold (touring guitar).
3rd Degree – The Raising will be available in CD, Limited Edition vinyl, and digital download formats.
3rd Degree – The Raising track listing: Reintegration IDK Die With Me Baptized In Fire Children of the Sun Abandoned Broken Reflection Sum Quod Eris Best of Me Absolution Hold the Line Where We Started From Fiat Lux

Live Review- Pure Noise Records Tour

Cleveland, Ohio- The House of Blues proved once again that nothing can bring them down, even a world wide pandemic , they just rolled with the punches and adjusted to the new norm .Yes ,vaccine cards and negative test were the extra ticket you needed to get into the venue and damn was it worth the extra effort.

The Pure Noise Records Tour rolled into town this week and they brought the fun and lots of it . The show featured State Champs, Four Year Strong, Real Friends, Just Friends, and Bearings. I was not able to catch all the acts due to the early start time but damn I saw some amazing bands and some thrilled fans .

Just Friends

I got a huge kick out of ” Just Friends “, the way they made it look so fun and simple , just some friends hanging out on stage and playing some songs for some other friends .I expect huge things in the future for this band I loved every minute of them .

Four years Strong

“Four Years Strong” brought the doom feel, with the tuned down instruments it was heavy and rocking and I liked them a lot hope to see again on a headlining tour .

Real Friends

” Real Friends” were just a party in a bottle, uncork and enjoy and the audience really got into it. I can image them playing on some sountracts in a movie .

State Champs

The headline act were ” State Champs ” who I saw previously a long time ago when they played with ” We Are The In Crowd ” as a small venue . I was talking to the editor of Alternative Magazine that night years ago and he said , this is one band to watch out for in the future and damn was he spot on . They were amazing , I hope he has the same clairvoyant luck with the powerball because he called it .

If you are going to venture out in public again then this is one show you must see , they are still on tour and to find out if a date is near you please see the official website at http://purenoisetour.com/ until then see you at the show !

Live Review -Cradle of Filth at Cleveland Agora

Cleveland, Ohio- The legendary and amazingly renovated Agora Theatre in Cleveland played host to a night of metal which this city has not seen in a long time . The updated venue looked sharp and spectacular in a days of past high society type way , which was perfect for this band . England’s Cradle of Filth ,the multi genre defining metal band has been around for approximately 20 years with the line up changes that come with such a long history . I knew very little about the band but that was about to change from this night forward .

The stage with set as an evening with Cradle of Filth due to some changes on the tour and the audience did not mind. I talked with fans as far as Rochester ,New York and Arkansas , holy crap that is some drawing power . The lighting was moody and a smoke machine filled the venue and the DJ recently played a Gary Numan song ( yes that 80s Gary Numan who now does electric goth /industrial music ) and the crowd was into it .( even if they had no idea who it was ) when the band hit the stage . Power and fury and melody soon was the driving force for the night and the audience cheered with a fever .

Although I was unfamiliar with most of the material , the quality musicianship and talent could not be denied . This band shined through out the set as a well oiled machine musical machine

The current line up is Dani Filth – lead vocals (1991–present) Martin ‘Marthus’ Škaroupka – drums, keyboards, orchestration (2006–present)Daniel Firth – bass (2012–present)Richard Shaw – guitar (2014–present)Marek ‘Ashok’ Šmerda – guitar (2014–present)Anabelle Iratni – keyboards, female vocals, orchestration, lyre (2021–present)

I highly suggest you attend one of their performances as venues and tours start opening up again .Please see the official website at https://www.cradleoffilth.com/

As we close this taste of

Arnold Classic Crowns New Champions for 2021

Columbus ,Ohio – A alien predator could not stop him, a liquid machine frrom the future could not stop him and carrying a baby to birth could not stop him, so what is a pandemic compared to the mighty oak ? We are talking Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Arnold Classic returned for 2021 to Columbus, Ohio to crown new champions . Although we make light of the pandemic ( and yes it is very serious ) we all needed a semblance of normalcy and some humor and Arnold brought it . Since 1989 the Arnold Classic has been the pinnacle for many an athlete and for fitness enthusiasts in general .

This years event was a very much scaled down version with hundreds in attendance instead of 100,000 as in years past but as they say in Hollywood the show must go on .The event this year featured the 2021 Arnold Classic, Arnold Classic Physique,Fitness International,Bikini International with champions crowned in each competition .

Nick Walker at The Arnold Classic 2021

The new class of champions for 2021 are Arnold Classic winner Nick Walker, Arnold Classic Physique winner Terrence Ruffin Fitness International winner Missy Truscott Bikini International winner Jennifer Dorie. They represented the best of their sport and we salute them all .

Missy Truscott at the Arnold Classic 2021

The full show and fitness weekend will return in March 2022 to Columbus, Ohio and this city and state cannot wait for all the competitions to return .

Terrence Ruffin at the Arnold Classic 2021

Until then, Dont forget Arnold will be back ! To see the all the latest information on the event please check out the official website at https://www.arnoldsportsfestival.com/

Jennifer Dorie at the Arnold Classic 2021

ZAKK WYLDE & DEATH WISH COFFEE PARTNER UP

SARATOGA SPRINGS, New York – Zakk Wylde, Black Label Society frontman and celebrated Ozzy Osbourne guitarist, joins forces with Death Wish Coffee for Valhalla Java Odinforce Blend. As purveyors of the World’s Strongest Coffee, Death Wish is the perfect partner for Wylde’s bold brew.

Consistently ranked in the Top 100 and ranking as high as number 5 Best Selling Whole Bean Coffees on Amazon, where it boasts a 4.7-star average from over 10,000 reviews, Valhalla Java is as strong and loud as Zakk himself.

Worthy of the gods of old, Valhalla Java Odinforce Blend Coffee beans are forged from the volcanic soils of Indonesia and nutrient-dense ground of Central and South America. Crafted for maximum flavor, it’s strong enough to wake the dead and gloriously chariot them through the gates of Valhalla.

Valhalla Java is available in whole bean and ground in 12oz or 5lb bags as well as K-Cup Pods options and can be ordered individually or via subscription at ValhallaJavaCoffee.com

Death Wish Coffee and Valhalla Java are USDA – Fairtrade Certified Organic. More than 18,000 retail locations in the United States stock Death Wish Coffee, including Hannaford, Kroger, Price Chopper, Healthy Living Market, ShopRite, Safeway, Sprouts, and Walmart.

A charismatic heavy metal marauder recognized worldwide as a living legend, Wylde rose to prominence when Ozzy Osbourne chose him as his loyal axman, based on a cassette he mailed in as a teen. Guitar World put him on their cover more than a dozen times to recognize his work on multiplatinum albums by the icon he calls “the Boss” and the two decades of music made by BLS.

Mike Brown launched Death Wish Coffee from Saratoga Springs, New York, in 2012. Death Wish boasts double the caffeine of the average cup of coffee, without sacrificing an ounce of smooth flavor.

In 2018, Zakk and Death Wish Coffee raised $30,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, from sales of a custom Valhalla Java coffee mug.

Additionally, Black Label Society will release their 11th studio album, Doom Crew Inc., on November 26 via MNRK Heavy (formally eOne Music). The album will be available digitally on CD and vinyl plus a deluxe edition that includes vinyl, CD long-box, cassette and more, pre-orders are available now. The band released their first single in August, “Set You Free” – .

Black Label Society will hit the road this fall on the Doom Trooping Over North America tour starting October 1 in Sacramento at Ace of Spades with openers Obituary and Prong through November 28 ending in Albuquerque at the Sunshine Theater. The band will then finish up the tour from December 27-31 with Prong and Armored Saint – full tour details below and tickets are on sale now.

Dario Lorina , solo artist and lead guitarist of Black Label Society and formally of Lizzy Borden on stage at Inkcarceration Festval