Suzie Soule, Author at bestrocklist.com

Home→Author Suzie Soule - Page 5 << 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 … 40 41 >>

Pop Evil Concert Review with Them Evils, Seldom Told and Don Jamieson

Posted on February 11, 2019 by Suzie Soule

Pop Evil Concert Review with Them Evils, Seldom Told and Don Jamieson
Monarch Music Hall
February 9, 2019
Peoria, Illinois

Them Evils

Seldom Told took the stage early. The band is from Northwest Indiana. It consists of lead vocalist Mira Faris, lead guitarist Austin Faris, drummer Kyle Lewandowski, bassist Derek Kalicky- Bass, rhythm guitarist Chase Hayes. Their songs were of a modern rock band in the same vein as Pop Evil. They had a solid set but did not really grab the audience. Then Seldom Told took on a cover of ‘Welcome to The Jungle’ by Guns n’ Roses. While you have to give them compliments for being gutsy enough to even try to perform that song, it was a bit like listening to sober karoake. Then they performed a song called ‘Nightmare’ and it blew the fans away. It was along the lines of Epica or Nightwish good. Hopefully, the band will continue to explore that sound.

Seldom Told

Next to burn up the stage was Them Evils. The band from Huntington Beach California has been around the area before on a tour with 10 Years. You will instantly like them from first listen. They have that timeless rock star look with long hair, t-shirts, leather jacket, and jeans. The Rock music scene has been clamoring after Greta Van Fleet but they should be following Them Evils everywhere. Their sound is more similar to the blues rock of Led Zeppelin. That being said they also performed a cover of “Rock’n Roll Part 2” and a cover of “Dirty Deeds” by AC/DC that was fantastic also. They also performed their hit, “Got Me Rockin'” that your body starts to move to no matter what you are doing.

While their talent of vocals and screaming riffs are extraordinary, the most important takeaway from their live performance is that they are having fun playing music. If you needed to make a movie about the 70s, this should be the band to play the music. They have honed their live show to be impressive over the years.

Them Evils

For everything about Them Evils go to their website: Them Evils

Comedian, Don Jamieson performed a short set. Don Jamieson was on a show called That Metal Show on VH1 Classic from 2008 to 2015 where he, Eddie Trunk and Jim Florentine talked about metal music. Mainly, it was about bands they liked and grew up with. Unfortunately, his comedy set was unrelatable in a lot of ways. His antiquated idea that being p.c.(politically correct) is bad. I put rock and metal fans into one of the most diverse and welcoming of any fans. His funniest jokes were the self-deprecating ones.

Pop Evil was the main event. The band is from Muskegon, Michigan and have been around for eleven years. In that time, they have had hits with “Trenches”, “100 in a 55”, “Monster You Made”, “Deal With The Devil”, “Torn To Pieces”, and “Waking Lions” They always add in parts of cover songs to their sets. This time it was “Bodies”(Drowning Pool) and “Eye of The Tiger” (Survivor) and an explanation of a full song they were going to cover because it means a lot to them. That cover was “I Alone” by Live. Live is out on tour this year and is going to make an appearance at Inkcarceration Festival in Mansfield, Ohio.

Leigh Kakaty and the band made it a point to thank the fans for decade of rock. When the phrase was uttered a few years ago ‘Rock is Dead’, the fans and the artists are the ones who continue the legacy of rock. So please go out and be rock and metal crusaders and support good rock artists.

A little girl who was about seven brought a sign to the show and the band brought Chelsea onstage.
She got her picture taken with each band member and they signed her sign. She was one lucky girl.

Toward the end of the evening, it felt like vocalist, Leigh Kakaty’s voice was not quite as strong as it normally is. Whether that was from the smoke machines onstage, the polar weather, or a cold or all three we do not know. The smoke machines can go away as far as the photojournalists are concerned. For their final song, “Trenches” they brought Them Evils and Don Jamieson onto the stage to all perform. It was a jam-packed night and the crowd disbursed to spread the message of rock and metal.

Pop Evil

Pop Evil’s Website: https://popevil.com/

Jonathan Davis with The Birthday Massacre and Julien-K

Posted on October 28, 2018 by Suzie Soule

Jonathan Davis with The Birthday Massacre and Julien-K
Monarch Music Hall
Peoria, Illinois

The Black Labyrinth tour

Jonathan Davis is better known as the singer of Korn. He brought the Black Labyrinth tour to Peoria, Illinois. The Black Labyrinth is his debut solo album released on May 25th 2018 through Sumerian Records. The first track from the album “What It Is” was also featured in the movie American Satan. Jonathan Davis has it has taken ten years to write this album and he would work on it during his down time from Korn. We’re seeing him just a few weeks after the death of his estranged wife, Deven Davis.

Joining him on stage are electronic rock band Julien-K. Julien-K is a band consisting of ex-Orgy members, Amir Derakh, Ryan Shuck and Anthony “Fu” Valcic. They were also the band, Dead by Sunrise which consisted of these guys plus vocalist, the late Chester Bennington. So this band has gone through heartache of losing someone close to them as well. The band’s name is taken from Richard Gere’s character in the movie, American Gigolo. Julien-K’s latest album is California Noir and their single “Photo Voltaire” has the sing along properties that sneaks up on you and you are singing along before you know it. The band is a good fit for the style of the music for the Black Labyrinth tour. They took the liberty of performing “Blue Monday”, the New Order cover that catapulted Orgy to the charts in the nineties. The crowd loved to hear that old classic.

The Black Labyrinth tour

The Birthday Massacre is a rock band from Toronto, Ontario and they are a cross between goth and horror rock. Their set was dark and moody. The crowd tried to get into them but there was a disconnect between the music since it was largely unknown by the crowd. They had a decent set but the songs were redundant in the composition and presentation.

The Black Labyrinth tour

Jonathan Davis came on stage with dark, red lighting during most of his set. The drum kit was a presence before the band came on stage. When Ray Luzier of Korn came out to play the drums, fans were happy to see him. While I am a fan of Korn, I can honestly say that I am not a fan of the solo material by Jonathan Davis. His vocals are so distinctive that his voice pulls me in. However, listening to the songs put me in a funk that felt like I should just stay in bed all day and cocoon. Maybe others have a different reaction to the music as his fans were there in droves to support whatever he creates.

You can make your own judgment by seeing the Black Labyrinth tour:

The Black Labyrinth tour

Ray Luzier

The Black Labyrinth tour

Shinedown, Godsmack, Asking Alexandria, Like A Storm, and Red Sun Rising Setlist

Posted on September 22, 2018 by Suzie Soule

Shinedown, Godsmack, Asking Alexandria, Like A Storm, and Red Sun Rising Setlist

Shinedown and Godsmack have teamed up for a fall tour beginning September 21. The two sound similar and both have great albums out they are touring in support of now. Shinedown released Attention Attention on May 4, 2018. Godsmack released When Legends Rise April 27, 2018.

To get ready for the show, we have compiled a setlist of the songs they are slated to perform. Just put it on and get ready to sing along to the show.

The complete dates are:

Sept. 21 Greenville SC Bon Secours Wellness Arena
Sept. 22 Greenboro NC Greensboro Coliseum
Sept. 24 Huntsville AL Von Braun Center
Sept. 26 Tupelo MS BancorpSouth Arena
Sept. 28 Toledo OH Huntington Center
Sept. 29 Louisville KY Louder Than Life
Sept. 30 Peoria IL Peoria Civic Center
Oct. 2 Brookings SD Swiftel Center
Oct. 4 Deadwood SD Deadwood Mountain Grand
Oct. 5 Billings MT Rimrock Auto Arena
Oct. 7 Spokane WA Spokane Arena
Oct. 9 Boise ID Taco Bell Arena
Oct. 10 Everett WA Angels of The Winds
Oct. 11 Portland OR Veteran Memorial Coliseum
Oct. 13 Sacramento CA Aftershock Fest

Supporting bands are Asking Alexandria, Red Sun Rising, and Like A Storm at different dates.

For regular or VIP tickets please visit the bands respective websites:

Sources: www.setlist.fm

Blacktop Mojo Concert Review

Posted on August 14, 2018 by Suzie Soule

Blacktop Mojo with Drugs Delaney and Autumn Rove Concert Review
Monarch Music Hall
Peoria, Illinois

Blacktop Mojo

Blacktop Mojo is a band that you have heard of but may not have seen live yet. Their name would indicate they dominate the four-square court but hey, they actually dominate the rock stage. They burst onto the scene with one of the best covers of “Dream On” by Aerosmith that has ever been done. They are touring in support of their latest album, Burn The Ships produced by the legendary Jimmy Johnson. Mr. Jimmy Johnson has produced everyone including The Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, James Brown, and Lynyrd Skynyrd. While their album is an almagation of rock from Lynyrd Skynyrd to Sevendust, it does not do the live show justice.

Local band, Autumn Rove, hard rockers from Peoria, Illinois started the night. For fans of Sick Puppies or Skillet had a short but strong set. They told the crowd they were working on new music and hoped to have it out soon.

Autumn Rove

Another local alternative rock band, Drugs Delaney, performed next. They are a local band who was touring in support of their album, Circus. Drugs Delaney is a local favorite.

Drugs Delaney

Blacktop Mojo had an intimate crowd join them on a Thursday in Peoria, Illinois. The crowd was as anxious to see the band live as I was. They exceeded our expectations and left the crowd with that endorphin rush that a great, live show gives to its fans. Vocalist, Matt James, leads the band into the next level with his smooth and powerful voice. The evening began with my favorite song, “Burn The Ships” about a Viking fight and going to Valhalla. Some technical difficulties arose but the band just performed acoustically to get through any bumps in the show. Performing a beautiful, acoustic cover of “She Talks to Angels” by The Black Crowes.

Their full setlist:
Burn The Ships
End of Days
Trouble on The Rise
Open Road
Sweat
She Talks to Angels (The Black Crowes cover)
Where The Wind Blows
All Mine Now
It Won’t Last
Pyromaniac
Dream On (Aerosmith cover)

Blacktop Mojo

Get out and see a live show by Blacktop Mojo. You can stay up to date on their tour dates on their website: Blacktop Mojo

Black Label Society with Corrosion of Conformity and Telekinetic Yeti Concert Review

Posted on July 21, 2018 by Suzie Soule

Black Label Society with Corrosion of Conformity and Telekinetic Yeti Concert Review
Monarch Music Hall
Peoria, Illinois

Black Label Society

Black Label Society came back to the area and brought the long running metal band Corrosion of Conformity and newcomers Telekinetic Yeti. This week there was a great rock show every other night at Monarch Music Hall. Black Label Society fans were out with their cuts and patches. I saw some of the oldest band t-shirts tonight with Iron Maiden, Pantera, and everything in between.

Iowa band Telekinetic Yeti started the night with a muted first song. The two piece band was surprisingly talented. About the third song, they really woke up and started wailing. A self described Stoner Rock band released their album Abominable in March 2017. The album is a great debut and received rave reviews.

For more about Telekinetic Yeti, visit their website: Telekinetic Yeti

Telekinetic Yeti

Conformity of Corrosion has been around since 1982. They have had different lineups over the years but have recombined with the original band members. Their staying power is a testament of their talent. Their lastest album came out January 12, 2018 No Cross No Crown. I will admit that I had not seen C.O.C. before and I was missing out. Guitarist Woody Weatherman was having a great time just playing a show. Vocalist, Pepper Keenan, who was founding member and guitarist of the supergroup, Down, sounded great singing. Pepper mentioned that they like touring with Black Label Society because of the fans. They played a great set that included all fan favorites, “Vote With A Bullet” “Albatross” and “Clean My Wounds”

Keep up with Corrosion at their website: C.O.C.

Corrosion of Conformity

Black Label Society was formed by Zakk Wylde in 1998. Zakk Wylde was born Jeffrey Phillip Wielandt and is best known as the guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne. Zakk is one of the best guitarists of our time and it is always great to see him live. He has taken his Viking roots to heart wearing a Viking kilt to shows and labeling a lot of their products with Norse mythology. The band is a mix between Black Sabbath and Ozzy. Black Label Society has a cult like following. With the meet and greet fans of the band labeled as Family O’Doom in their respective town chapters. They are a fan club and not an actual motorcycle club even though several of them do ride.

You can catch Corrosion of Conformity and Black Label Society at a few more dates this summer.

Black Label Society tour dates

Spring Fling 18 featuring Stone Sour, Sevendust, I Prevail and Burden of The Sky

Posted on May 20, 2018 by Suzie Soule

Spring Fling 18 featuring Stone Sour, Sevendust, I Prevail and Burden of The Sky
Peoria Riverfront
Peoria, Illinois

Spring Fling 18

Peoria is becoming one of the premiere Rock performance locations in the country. Spring Fling proves this with huge bands Stone Sour and Stone Temple Pilots supporting two days of music. Spring Fling coincides with Rock On The Range in Columbus, Ohio. Bands are traveling across the country and make their way through Peoria, Illinois. The local rock radio station, 105.7 the X, brings the shows with their huge listener base. Rock fans are thankful for the continued support of Rock music by the sponsors and everyone that work hard to keep Rock alive. The most recent shows I attended in Peoria have all sold out! Thanks also goes to the fans who spend their money to support live music.
We were not able to attend Thursday night but I heard that Stone Temple Pilots did not disappoint with new singer, Jeff Gutt. The weather held out for Peoria and both nights had great Spring weather. You always have to worry about Spring storms at an outdoor venue. Most people arrived early to get a great spot and set up their chairs in the general admission area for the best viewing. The VIP area was the perfect size and not oversold. No one likes to pay extra and get stuffed in like sardines and have a shoddy view. It did have separate drink tents and porta potties.

Fairly local band, Burden of The Sky, opened the night with a short set featuring songs from their debut release cinis ad cinis . The band is a hard rock band for fans of Breaking Benjamin or Adelitas Way. They impressed the early crowd with their songs about positive change.

Same Old Page lyrics
“I can hear your cries a million miles away
Just that same broke feeling on a different day
And if you choose to rise, then we’ll find a way
To get up, and get out, and break off that same old page”

Learn more about Burden of The Sky Burden of The Sky

Burden of The Sky

I Prevail is a post hardcore band that gets bigger every year. Their breakout song was their cover of “Blank Space” by Taylor Swift. The band continues to grow and reach more fans. Last year, they were one of the largest draws on Vans Warped Tour. Noticeably missing from the lineup was Brian Burkheiser who is still recovering from vocal surgery. The circle pits and crowd surfing started for the night.

Click to view I Prevail Photo Gallery

Rock radio station 105.7 the X DJ, Anna Kinkade, raises money for St. Jude and during Spring Fling, she convinced fellow DJ, Ryan Black to wear a dress. They posed for pictures for donations.

Sevendust took the stage at dusk. Sevendust loves central Illinois and when they come around, it is like old friends visiting. Central Illinoisans love Sevendust in return. No matter if they come to festival, opener for a band or on their own tour, fans turn out for them. Vocalist, LJ was commenting on seeing familiar faces in the crowd. They just released their twelfth studio album, All I See is War, on May 11, 2018. Fans were excited to hear their newest releases live as well as their extensive hits.

Click to view Sevendust Photo Gallery

For the most up to date information about Sevendust, view their website: Sevendust

The main event was Stone Sour. The band had been on a break from touring for about three years. They are currently touring in support of their sixth studio album, Hydrograd. Stone Sour’s lyrics are poetic and honest. Corey Taylor does not sugarcoat anything and that is why we react positively to the music. Honesty is a timeless virtue. About halfway through their set, a fan was injured and Corey stopped the show to make sure she was getting proper medical care. He asked the crowd to step back to allow security to get the girl out. They took her out on a board.

He announced later that she had passed out and she did not suffer any debilitating injury. We were all relieved that she was okay. During the show, there were very large sparklers being set off randomly, a confetti cannon and those crazy, dancing windsock guys at the encore song.

Click to view Stone Sour Photo Gallery

Stone Sour Photo Gallery Spring Fling 18

Posted on May 20, 2018 by Suzie Soule

Stone Sour Photo Gallery Spring Fling 18
Peoria Riverfront
Peoria, Illinois

Corey Taylor

Josh Rand

Roy Mayorga

Corey Taylor

Roy Mayorga

Christian Martucci

Johny Chow

Corey Taylor

Johny Chow

Corey Taylor

Josh Rand

Corey Taylor

Johny Chow

Corey Taylor

Christian Martucci

Corey Taylor

Sevendust Photo Gallery Spring Fling 18

Posted on May 20, 2018 by Suzie Soule

Sevendust Photo Gallery Spring Fling 18
Peoria Riverfront
Peoria, Illinois

Lajon Witherspoon of Sevendust

Clint Lowery of Sevendust

Morgan Rose of Sevendust

Lajon Witherspoon of Sevendust

John Connolly of Sevendust

Morgan Rose of Sevendust

John Connolly of Sevendust

Lajon Witherspoon of Sevendust

Clint Lowery of Sevendust

Lajon Witherspoon of Sevendust

Clint Lowery of Sevendust

I Prevail Photo Gallery Spring Fling 18

Posted on May 20, 2018 by Suzie Soule

I Prevail Photo Gallery Spring Fling 18
Peoria Riverfront
Peoria, Illinois

I Prevail

Eric Vanlerberghe of I Prevail

Dylan Bowman of I Prevail

Gabe Helguera of I Prevail

I Prevail

Steve Menoian of I Prevail

Eli Clark of I Prevail

Dylan Bowman of I Prevail

I Prevail

Eric Vanlerberghe of I Prevail

Steve Menoian of I Prevail

I Prevail

Young Renegades Tour All Time Low with gnash and DREAMERS

Posted on April 10, 2018 by Suzie Soule

Young Renegades Tour All Time Low with gnash and DREAMERS
Monarch Music Hall
Peoria, Illinois

Jack Barakat of All Time Low

The re-branded venue, Monarch Music Hall, that was formerly known as Limelight entered the scene with a SOLD OUT show of the Young Renegades Tour with All Time Low, gnash, and DREAMERS. Music fans were ecstatic that the venue could remain open and bring intimate shows to the area. Ambitious fans started lining up at nine in the morning to be the first ones at the rail.

Alternative rockers, DREAMERS from New York, opened the Young Renegades tour. The three piece consists of vocalist, guitarist Nick Wold, bassist Marc Nelson, and drummer, Jacob Lee Wick. DREAMERS is that band that you know all their songs because they are so infectious. Their album This Album Does Not Exist (Fairfax Recordings) was released August 26, 2016. The single “Wolves (You Got Me)” has been out for a few years now and gets regular airplay on Alt Nation and alternative radio around the country. Their songs “Painkiller” and “Sweet Disaster” get in your ear and don’t let go. Tonight they played those hits along with a new song “Last Love Song” and a tribute cover of “Zombie” by The Cranberries. Their set was short, sweet, and reminded the fans of exactly who they are.

DREAMERS

For more about DREAMERS, visit their website: DREAMERS

gnash is a singer, songwriter, rapper, dj and producer. His single, “I hate U, I love U” featuring Olivia O’Brien peaked at number 10 on Billboard Hot 100. gnash has a stage presence that draws you in and makes you want to sing along. His song “the broken hearts club” is the latest single off his upcoming album. His website asks if you want to sign up as the latest member of the broken hearts club.

gnash

All Time Low is a Pop Punk band from Towson, Maryland. The band consists of vocalist, Alex Gaskarth, guitarist, Jack Barakat, bassist, Zack Merrick, and drummer Rian Dawson. The band has had success touring the world relentlessly. They have won awards and Alex and Jack hosted the Alternative Press Music Awards in 2015 and 2016. Their latest release, Last Young Renegade (FUELED BY RAMEN) was released on June 2, 2017. A plain stage set up just consisted of the drum kit and microphone stands stood on the stage. The band received a respectable number of bras from the crowd. It is expected that they will collect the bras and hang them their microphone stands. Many undergarments contain messages and phone numbers written on them in hopes that the band will reach out. There was one that may have been EE size that Jack commented he would be happy to die from. There was some banter about Quizno’s that was just disturbing. Most of the fans were there to sing along to all their favorite songs whether it was their classic “Weightless” or the new ballad “Dirty Laundry”, everyone knew the words and sang along.