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Avenged Sevenfold with Deftones and Ghost Concert Review and Photos

Posted on November 8, 2013 by Suzie Soule

HAIL TO THE KING TOUR AVENGED SEVENFOLD WITH DEFTONES AND GHOST

The Hail To The King Tour was touted as one of the best metal shows this year and it truly was. The stage had the most technologically advanced pyrotechnics ever. A two and a half story castle stage with a monstrous King in a chair was center stage with screens in the castle windows that featured everything from skullbats to skeletons and also photos of The Rev during “Fiction”.

The night began with Ghost from Sweden and they performed well. Their style of music was very theatrical. Their members were all dressed up in full costumes. Their guitarists, keyboardist and drummers are nameless ghouls and are known only by their symbols

The lead singer, Papa Emeritus II, was attempting to get the crowd to interact with them but the crowd had a hard time understanding what exactly he was saying. Their music was good regardless of the crowd fully interacting with them.

Deftones performed next and rocked the house. Their sound is very diverse. The crowd was very receptive to Deftones. Their performance was harder than their radio hit, “Swerve City” would leave people to believe. Deftones set was mainly about the music as they did not have any stage props other than a backdrop.

Avenged Sevenfold took the stage by walking up a stairway from underneath a level where the drum kit sat in between the King’s chair and a line of flames . The drummer, Arin Ilejay, went shirtless and for good reason. The heat from the flames must have kept the temperature twenty degrees higher than the rest of the stage. M. Shadows took the stage looking punk with his long hair shaved into a mohawk. The venue is very intimate and the seats are all good. Both M. Shadows and Synyster Gates were about fifteen feet away from me at given times.

The pyrotechnics were amazing. Flames came from the front of the stage and each of and there were a few explosions and small cannons shooting fire. The performance was impressive. M. Shadows voice was very good. Synyster Gates ripped on guitar. A7X performed “Shepherd of Fire”, “Afterlife”, “Bat Country”, “Nightmare”, “Hail To The King”, and “Fiction” to name a few of the songs during the set.

Did you make it to one of their shows? What was your favorite part of the concert?

Bullet For My Valentine with Black Veil Brides Concert Review and Photos

Posted on October 29, 2013 by Suzie Soule

BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE WITH BLACK VEIL BRIDES CONCERT REVIEW AND PHOTOS

Monster Energy’s Outbreak Tour included Bullet For My Valentine, Black Veil Brides, Stars in Stereo, and Throw The Fight

The show was in Madison, Wisconsin at the historic Orpheum Theater on Thursday October 10, 2013. The line to get into the show just went around the block. The venue was an intimate one. I love the small venues that book these great bands. It was an eventful evening as it was my first time seeing Bullet For My Valentine and Black Veil Brides. I drove two hundred miles to see them.

Monster Outbreak Tour

Throw The Fight started the night and really rocked the house. They are based out of Minneapolis, Minnesota so they definitely have a Midwest sensibility. They performed their catchy tune, “Not So Hollywood” of which I love the video. The band members went straight back to their merch table and gave away signed Monster Tour cards and posed for pictures. Watch their video here:

Throw The Fight

The female fronted band, Stars In Stereo, was next. The vocalist, Bec Hollback, has a memorable voice. They performed great songs off of their self-titled album including “The Broken” and “Every Last Thing”. A member that was conspicuously missing was Justin Siegel, the bassist. The reason for his departure from the band and tour is unknown at this time. Jordan McGraw, the guitarist, actually has ties to fame as his parents are Dr. Phil and Robin McGraw. The band went to the merch table and signed Monster Tour cards for the fans and posed for pictures with fans as well.

Stars In Stereo

Black Veil Brides was the last opener and had a large following of fans that drove for miles to see them. The farthest distance we found was Des Moines, Iowa which was approximately three hundred miles away. Black Veil Brides are a truly inspirational band where the lead singer, Andy Biersack, has a cult following. The song “Knives and Pens” is a song about the misconceptions of people that dress in black, wear makeup, have tattoos or listen to metal music. Andy Biersack has a smooth as silk voice. BVB fans are some of the most fervent about their music.

Black Veil Brides

The final act, Bullet For My Valentine, was everything we expected. Their stage had a few stage props like smoke, some lights and the backdrop from the Temper, Temper album. The experience was mainly about the music. I squeezed my way into the front row! Padge, Michael Paget, was phenomenal on guitar. He was mesmerizing to watch from the front row. Their fans definitely had more testosterone. It was an amazing experience to be able to see them so close and listen to the songs which were perfect live. They saved “Tears Don’t Fall” for the very end which was everything their fans could hope for.

Bullet For My Valentine

After the show, I waited to try and meet the bands and with reward. I got to meet all the guys from Bullet With My Valentine. Jay and Padge were especially nice just hanging out and talking to a few fans that had gathered behind the venue. I am always amazed by the willingness of major rock stars to meet with fans graciously.

Stars In Stereo

Throw The Fight

Matt Tuck

Michael “Moose” Thomas

Michael “Padge” Paget

Jason “Jay” James

// ]]>

A Day To Remember Concert Review and Photos

Posted on October 10, 2013 by Suzie Soule

A DAY TO REMEMBER CONCERT REVIEW AND PHOTOS

The House Party Tour included A Day To Remember, Pierce The Veil, All Time Low, and The Wonder Years.

This concert occurred in Bloomington, Illinois on October 3, 2013 at U.S. Cellular Coliseum. The floor was packed with fans and afterwards many said it was the best show they had ever been to. It was a phenomenally entertaining show. There was everything that a fan would want in rock show. The show occurred right before the release of A Day To Remember’s self-released album Common Courtesy. The night began with The Wonder Years. They are a punk band from Pennsylvania. They got the show started off right.

All Time Low performed next and their stage backdrop and their shirt with the”f☠ck” image was the hottest seller of the night. Various items were thrown onstage including hats and many colorful bras made it onto Jack Barakat’s microphone stand. The best part of their set was that Alex Gaskarth chose one of the audience members to come up and sing the song “Time Bomb”. If you were the lucky one, you had to sing along with the band. The winner was Kyle that night. You can watch his performance here:

All Time Low’s Zack Merrick

All Time Low’s Rian Dawson

Vic Fuentes, singer for Pierce The Veil, came onstage to sing the newest single “A Love Like War”. The collaboration between Alex and Vic was extraordinary. The track is infectious.

Pierce The Veil

Pierce The Veil took the stage next. Pierce The Veil is a post-hardcore band from San Diego, California. Lighted letters of P, T, V were on the stage with various background images. Their performance was fantastic. Their live performance showcases the talent of each member and Vic Fuentes vocals are amazing. Their latest album, Collide With The Sky, may be their best yet.

Pierce The Veil’s Tony Perry

Pierce The Veil’s Vic Fuentes

A Day To Remember

A Day To Remember was the main event. A movie on a white backdrop that covered the entire stage set up that people were coming over for a house party. The backdrop fell and revealed a two-story house. The garage door goes open and the band comes out of it with the drum kit on sliders.

A Day To Remember’s Jeremy McKinnon

Jeremy McKinnon was in a human hamster ball and rode over the hands of the crowd in it. Needless to say, the crowd loved it. ADTR also tossed toilet paper rolls into the crowd. During the holiday time, Christmas lights were lit on the house as well as Santa and elves shooting t-shirts into the crowd. There were a the front of a couple of old trucks on the stage as well.

A Day To Remember

The night ended with actual fans getting onstage to participate in the house party. Then faux cops come onstage clear the way. Then a pretend heliocopter shoots the house up and it gets “bombed” out. The House Party Tour is an amazing show that I hope you have the opportunity to see.

A Day To Remember

The 10 Best Hard Rock/Metal Songs About Addiction and Recovery

Posted on September 25, 2013 by Suzie Soule

The 10 Best Hard Rock/Metal Songs About Addiction and Recovery

Music helps us through the hardest of times including those times when we fall and try to pick ourselves back up. Many musicians grapple with drugs, alcohol, and other addiction and recovery. Some are successful and others have a continual struggle. Some artists lose their way and die too early. There are so many brilliant musicians who have had their lives abbreviated. Some rockers actually recover and sometimes replace their bad addictions for healthier ones such as exercise. Sharing their struggles and successes help others.

I changed the order of these songs several times as they are meaningful in different ways. Listen to them in any order or shuffle as your mood dictates. Here is a list of the ten best hard rock/metal songs about addiction and recovery:

10. “It’s Been A While” by Staind

This song is for anyone who struggles with drugs and relationships. The words to the song touch upon the reality for many addiction is about self-loathing and trauma. The main figure of the song realizes that it has been a while since he felt anything. Staind was formed in 1994 in Springfield, Massachusetts. The vocalist, Aaron Lewis, has set out on a country music career since 2011.

9. “Deal With The Devil” by Pop Evil

“Deal With The Devil” is off of the album Onyx from Pop Evil. The song lyrics ask,

When you’re high who you flying for? When you ride who you riding for? When you toast who you drinking for? When you play, got a deal with the devil.

Pop Evil is a rock band from Grand Rapids, Michigan and is known for their single “Trenches”. The opening scene is of a woman breathing hard and you know she is craving drugs as she proceeds to shoot up with heroin. Be forewarned that the video will be a trigger for users. I chose not to post it here for those of you who are struggling to stay clean right now.

8. “My Own Prison” by Creed

Creed is an American rock band from Florida. The vocalist, Scott Stapp, talks openly about his alcohol and drug addiction. He is living soberly now. He battled depression and addiction and it culminated into a forty foot fall off of a balcony. He has a solo career now and also wrote a book Sinner’s Creed.

7. “Save Me” by Shinedown

Brent Smith, the singer of Shinedown, has had a tremendous physical transformation after going through recovery. He traded drugs and alcohol for working out and eating right. He looks like, and is, a different person. His honesty about his addiction, recovery, and life makes Shinedown one of the most successful bands in the world.

6. “Truth Hurts” by Bullet for My Valentine

One more drink, one more pill, Just one more line to make me feel, Like I have something left to give, Cause without it I’m just giving in.

Bullet For My Valentine almost broke up because of the issues with alcohol and drug abuse. Many fans including myself are thankful the band corrected themselves and got on a path of control. Working through their problems, they released their album, Temper Temper of which this track is number two.

5. “Fine Again” by Seether

Seether is a South African alternative metal band. The band is probably best known for the single, “Broken” featuring Amy Lee, then girlfriend of Shaun Morgan. Seether’s frontman, Shaun Morgan, has had addiction to a combination of substances.

4. “Animal I Have Become” by Three Days Grace

Three Days Grace (3DG) has reorganized with vocalist, Adam Gontier, pursuing a solo career and 3DG enlisting My Darkest Days singer, Matt Walst, also brother of 3DG bassist, Brad Walst. Adam Gontier has been very open and supportive to all the people who are struggling with addiction. The entire One-X album is a dedication to those struggling with addiction and recovery.

3. “Life is Beautiful” by Sixx A.M.

Sixx A.M. is the hard rock band consisting of Nikki Sixx (also bassist for Mötley Crüe, photographer, and radio host), DJ Ashba (also guitarist for Guns N Roses), and James Michael. This track is hopeful and helps the addict to realize that life is beautiful and someone will miss them when they are gone. Every person, regardless of the bad things they have done, will be missed by someone if they die.

2. “Hate Me” by Blue October

This song is so raw and real and honest. Blue October’s, Justin Furstenfeld, is an amazing lyricist. The lyrics to this song really touch on feelings we all have of inadequacy and disappointing those who love us the most. Watch the video here:

1. “The Death of Me” by Asking Alexandria

I wanted some of the songs to have a more positive feel. Many can be depressing and introspective. “The Death of Me” talks about the resolve of Danny Worsnop, vocalist of Asking Alexandria, and that he is back and better than ever!

That is my list of the best hard rock/metal songs about recovery. Here are other songs that received honorable mention.

“Mr Self Destruct” by Nine Inch Nails, “No Excuses” by Alice in Chains, “The Great Divide” by Scott Stapp, “Beyond The Realm’s of Death” by Judas Priest, and “Suicide Messiah” by Black Label Society

Are there other songs that have helped you on your road to recovery? Share them with others here.

http://www.wikipedia.org/, http://www.azlyrics.com accessed 9-18-2013. http://www.wikipedia.org/, http://www.cbn.com/tv/2084430308001, http://themusic.com.au accessed 9-24-2013 http://www.wikipedia.org/, http://www.ultimate-guitar.com, http://noisecreep.com accessed 9/25/2013.

Nonpoint and Otherwise Concert Review and Photos

Posted on September 14, 2013 by Suzie Soule

Nonpoint and Otherwise Concert Review and Photos

: Otherwise

The show was on a late summer evening in 2013. The weather was balmy and pleasant. I saw Nonpoint and Otherwise at the historic Castle Theatre in Bloomington, Illinois. This venue is very small and has a nice stage with an intimate feel. Local bands Clippoint and Polarity opened. The final opener was Primer 55, a solid metal band from Atlanta, Georgia.

Otherwise is a hard rock band from Las Vegas, Nevada. Their song, “I Don’t Apologize (1000 Pictures)” is a great song about getting cheated on. They lyrics:

I’d rather be blind than to see your eyes, I’d rather be deaf than to hear your lies

I’d rather be broke than to sell my soul, I gave you my all but you’ll never know

No I’m not going to hurt anymore, I’ve already walked through that door

The catchy hook and the timeless subject of infidelity makes it a sure hit. Watch the video here:

The band had family that had traveled from Chicago in the audience and dedicated fans who knew every single word to every song. Ryan Patrick, the guitarist came up to one of those fans and acknowledged her immediately. Then he came right up to me and gave me a hug. That is what I love about the small venue. You can really connect with the artist so closely. Vassilios “V” Metropoulis, the bassist, of Otherwise did a lot of work for the band including sound check, carrying equipment, selling merchandise and posing for pictures.

: Adrian Patrick

: Ryan Patrick

: Andrew Pugh

: Badass Adrian Patrick

Nonpoint is a metal band from Fort Lauderdale, Florida with Puerto Rican roots. They have played huge venues like Download Festival but small venues like The Castle Theatre as well. The vocalist, Elias Soriano, had locs down to his waist and was wearing an old Snoop Dog shirt. Robb Rivera, the drummer, has his stuffed “Animal” from the Muppets keeping his kit company.

Elias Soriano’s voice is hypnotic and the rhythm makes you want to bang your head all night. Nonpoint played all their hits including “Bullet With a Name On It”, “Left for You”, “I Said It”, and their cover “In The Air Tonight”. One of their biggest fans was V Metropoulis from Otherwise. He got in the middle of the pit and got it moving. Security started moving up to control him and then they realized he was from Otherwise. He was fine and I am glad to say there were no injuries in that pit.

Elias Soriano’s wife and sweet daughter with protective ear gear was in the crowd. She was watching her daddy work. That is so nice that he is able to bring his family to be together on the road.

: Nonpoint

: Adam Woloszyn

: Elias Soriano

: Dave Lizzio

: Elias Soriano

I am always amazed at the graciousness of these rock stars and their true relationship with their fan base. They understand that we are all fans and love to rock!

: Ryan Patrick, Suzie Soule, & Corky Gainford

: V Metropoulis, Andrew Pugh, Suzie Soule, & Adrian Patrick

: Rasheed Thomas, Suzie Soule, & Adam Woloszyn

Additional photos are viewable on Instagram here

Resources: http://www.azlyrics.com, www.Wikipedia.org accessed 9/11/2013

The 10 Best Christian Heavy Metal Bands

Posted on September 1, 2013 by Guest Author

The 10 Best Christian Heavy Metal Bands

Christian metal has changed drastically since the 1980’s. We saw a change from 80’s hair metal and thrash metal morph into the many genres we have today including: death core, power metal, and progressive death metal. Every type of metal has one thing in common: they all proclaim faith in Jesus Christ! Whether you love 80’s hair metal or today’s death core it’s important to remember that it is not the sound that is of ultimate importance, it is the message being proclaimed that matters the most. Here are my 10 favorite Christian metal bands with my favorite lyrics! Quick note…after each lyric is a set of parenthesis. The first part is the song and the second part is the album that each band released. Enjoy!

10. Stryper

Stryper is by far the most popular hair metal band from the 80’s. They dominated the Christian metal scene from their first full length album, Soldiers Under Command. Their sound and yellow and black attire made them an instant success. Their version of “Battle Hymn Of The Republic” was an awesome idea for that album.

Favorite Lyric – “Through Him, without sin there is victory! And we’re fighting all the sin. And the good book — it says we’ll win!” (Soldiers Under Command, Soldiers Under Command)

9. Demon Hunter

Demon Hunter has one of the most loyal fan bases out there. Christians and non-Christians relate so well to their music. Ryan Clark’s lyrics are always intentional and poetic. Combining his amazing thoughts into the music brings you into an unforgettable experience. They have released 6 studio albums to date and they have no signs of stopping soon!

Favorite Lyric – “One final heart-break, and blinding lights will guide our way. Free us our blind state. They will call us by our name. UNDYING!” (Undying, The Triptych)

8. Mortification

Mortification is a thrash/death metal band from Australia. Steve Rowe is the founder and lead singer/bassist for the band. He was diagnosed with leukemia in 1996 and survived after an 18 month battle with it. The album released after Steve was cured is called Triumph Of Mercy, which deals with his battle with cancer. Mortification was one of the top Christian metal bands of the early 90’s. Scrolls Of The Megilloth is their most popular album, although my favorite is their first one titled, Break The Curse.

Favorite Lyric – “Demon Forces, they must bow! Saints of God arise and kill deprivation! Evil bondage
will not claim the church of Christ!” (Brutal Warfare, Break The Curse)

7. August Burns Red

ABR is a metal core band with a huge following. They formed in Pennsylvania and have released 6 studio albums. Despite the many line-up changes they have faced, ABR continues to push through the trials deliver heavy Christian music! My favorite album of theirs is Constellations.

Favorite Lyric – “You ask me to be blameless. You ask me to be blameless, but who are you to decide what’s right? Don’t say another word. Don’t say another word, you’ve crossed the line!” (Whitewashed, Constellations)

Whitewashed came in at number 49 on a “101 Best Christian Songs Of All-Time” article! Feel free to check it out here: http://www.faithandentertainment.com/50-best-christian-songs-of-all-time/

6. Impending Doom

Impending Doom is a death core band that formed in California. Between the heavy break downs and brutal screams from Brook Reeves you get you may get a sore neck after listening to a few songs! This band is brutal and their love for Jesus is very evident in their songs and when you see them in concert. They have released 4 studio albums, with the latest and greatest being, Baptized In Filth.

Favorite Lyric – “Are we, trapped in division and unbelief, forever separated by our hatred? Follow, Him to the kingdom of heaven where pain and suffering cease to exist.” (Death, Ascension, Resurrection – Baptized In Filth)

5. Tourniquet

Tourniquet is a thrash metal band that formed in 1989 in Los Angeles, CA. The founding members, Ted Kirkpatrick, Guy Ritter and Gary Lenaire, released the first album, Stop The Bleeding, and took the world by storm. There have been many changes in the line-up, including the original vocalist, Guy Ritter leaving in 1993. I honestly feel that the band wasn’t the same after he left. Their first 3 albums were their best.

Favorite Lyric – “Men fail me…But the Son of God saves!” (Broken Chromosomes, Psycho Surgery)

4. Theocracy

Theocracy, a power metal band, was founded by one man, Matt Smith. He wrote, sang and played all of the parts on the first album! Since then, Theocracy has developed into a 5 man band. They have released 3 albums to date and they are all amazing! They are kind of like a Christian version of Dream Theatre. They write long songs with tons of melodic riffs with harmonies and operatic vocals. Their longest song is the title track from Mirror Of Souls, spanning a length of over 22 minutes!

Favorite Lyric – “I am the hope of the lonely and lost in the blood running down to the foot of the cross
I am the breaking of chains and the tolling of freedom’s bell.” (I Am, As The World Bleeds)

3. War Of Ages

War Of Ages is a metalcore band that hails from Erie, Pennsylvania. This 4 man band has won the hearts of kids and adults alike with their powerful lyrics, heavy guitar riffs and melodically fast solos. They talk about real issues in their music and their vocalist Leroy Brown stated that they are out to “Make a difference in a world that’s covered in darkness.” (Wikipedia.org)

Favorite Lyric – “Innocence can’t hold a candle to light the path we chose. Through the blood of a savior
our death shall set us free.” (Collapse, Eternal)

2. As I Lay Dying

It is a shame to hear about the recent events involving the arrest of Tim Lambesis, the lead singer for AILD. That aside, AILD is a metalcore powerhouse in the Christian metal scene. I would venture to say they have the biggest following of fans in Christian metal today. Tim’s lyrics touch on real issues including: abortion, backstabbing friends, and persevering through tough times. They have been together since 2000 and have released 6 studio albums to date. Their music is aggressive and very heavy and they have really upped the ante on blazing guitar solos in their last few albums!

Favorite Lyric – “As we face distress, we must not lose hope. Stand fast and press on. Triumph awaits us! Sometimes we have to watch our whole lives fall apart before we can rebuild them again, a greater foundation!” (A Greater Foundation, Awakened)

1. Living Sacrifice

Living Sacrifice is my favorite Christian metal band of all time. They’ve been pummeling us with heavy guitar breakdowns and vicious growls since 1997 when Bruce Fitzhugh took over as lead vocalist. The band formed in 1989 under vocals from Darren Johnson. Back then they were a thrash/death metal band that could be compared to the secular band, Slayer. Since the time that Bruce has been the front man, Living Sacrifice has grown leaps and bounds as a band. The first album released with Bruce, Reborn, blew me away. It was a blend of thrash and metalcore at the same time. Then came their next album, The Hammering Process, which in my opinion is their best album to date. It is the first album to feature Rocky, their lead guitarist. He can shred with the best of ‘em! His solos on that album really were the finishing touch to tighten up the loose gaps. And anyone who loves drums must give Lance Garvin some serious props! His offbeat rhythms mixed with technical fills and lightning fast double bass have made him one of the best Christian metal drummers of all time! I can’t get enough of this band!

Favorite Lyric – “Concerned with perception, can’t come off looking weak, least of all with you. If I need this image to be me then where is my God able to shine through?” (Burn The End, The Hammering Process)

Conclusion

I hope you have enjoyed this list of my 10 favorite heavy metal bands of all time! All 10 have impacted the world in great ways. God bless you!

Author Derek Hill

I am a Christian blogger with passions in music, games and news. I enjoy all kinds of music, with my favorite being Christian metal(all kinds). Some of my favorite bands are The Devil Wears Prada, As I Lay Dying, Living Sacrifice(1997-present), and Becoming the Archetype. I enjoy many kinds of games including 1st/3rd person shooters, platformers, RPG’s and many more. I am a big fan of the multiplayer online games including the Call of Duty franchise of games. I have been saved since I was 9 years old. I am also a father of 2 beautiful children and I love it!

Carnival of Madness Photos and Videos

Posted on August 26, 2013 by Suzie Soule

Carnival of Madness 2013 including Shinedown, Papa Roach, Skillet, In This Moment, and We As Human

Carnival of Madness

The photos and video are from the show on Sunday, August 18, 2013 in Bloomington, Illinois at the U.S. Cellular Coliseum. I was lucky and won a spot to meet the bands from my local radio station, 96.7 I-Rock. Every band member was very gracious and nice. The Carnival of Madness performers who tour with the bands and perform carnival acts and fire twirling even expressed the humility of the artists involved with the tour. The show was very good and all the bands rocked the house.

We As Human began the night and rocked the house. We As Human is a Christian hard rock band. The fans loved them. For every show, the drummer takes a picture of the band with the fans in the background and they post it to their Facebook page.

We As Human

The next band to perform was In This Moment. The singer, Maria Brink, receives a lot of attention wherever she goes as she is a beautiful woman. Maria Brink is a featured vocalist on the Five Finger Death Punch song Anywhere But Here. ITM’s single Blood has been on the top of the Billboard Rock charts peaking at number nine.

In This Moment

In This Moment

Video of In This Moment performing Blood

Skillet performed next and really brought the energy to the night. John Cooper exclaimed that his A.D.D. made him keep doing a machine gun maneuver. The sweat was pouring off his body and their set was incredible. Skillet brings a very positive, Christian message as well.

Skillet

Video of Skillet performing Monster. The camera was shaking because of the speaker vibrations. I was almost directly underneath the speaker so the sound quality was compromised.

Papa Roach took the stage next and brought the tracks that we all know and love. Jacoby Shaddix said that they have been making music for twenty years! That is a testament to their staying power as rock legends.

Papa Roach

Video of Papa Roach performing Forever. Again the sound was compromised because of my location directly beneath the speakers.

The final performer was Shinedown. Shinedown‘s Brent Smith has had an incredible transformation physically and he performs better than ever. Shinedown‘s lyrics speak to their fan’s souls giving them some of the most enthusiastic fans

Shinedown

Additional photos are viewable on Instagram here

Asking Alexandria Concert Photos and Videos

Posted on August 11, 2013 by Suzie Soule

Asking Alexandria, Motionless in White, Upon a Burning Body, and Crown The Empire Concert Photos and Videos

The photos from this show on Thursday, August 8, 2013 in Bloomington, Illinois at the historic Castle Theatre. I highly recommend seeing any of these bands, Crown The Empire, Upon a Burning Body, Motionless in White and Asking Alexandria know how to put on a phenomenal show. Every act had extremely high energy. Each band member was incredibly nice. The size of the venue also made this particular concert an ultimate fan experience as it was the smallest venue of the tour. Fans had opportunity to touch, smell and interact with the bands and band members. All of the photos of this show are taken from a fan perspective. If you were at the show, scroll down and you may find yourself.

The night started with Crown The Empire and they were incredible. The band members were extremely nice. The band crowded around this minuscule merch table and talked with fans and posed for pictures for hours. Crown The Empire is going to be the biggest band to come out of this tour.

Crown The Empire

Crown The Empire

Video of Crown The Empire performing Memories of A Broken Heart

Video of Crown The Empire performing The Fallout

The next band was Upon a Burning Body. Their energy and fan interaction was incredible. Their image is deceiving because they are dressed in suits but then rock out the entire time. Danny Leal, the singer, started out in three-piece suit. As their set continued, he kept losing pieces of his suit until he was shirtless.

Upon A Burning Body

Video of Upon a Burning Body performing Texas Blood Money

Motionless in White came to the stage next and they made the entire pit go crazy. They are a great band live and had a great performance. Motionless in White has the most interesting music videos. They are dark, contemplative, and intelligent.

Motionless In White

Motionless In White

Motionless In White

Video of Motionless in White performing Sick From The Melt

Finally, the main event was Asking Alexandria and they delivered a fantastic performance. James Cassells is a phenomenal drummer. Danny interacted with the crowd by talking to them and taking time to even hug an excited fan. They put on a stellar show.

Asking Alexandria

Asking Alexandria

Asking Alexandria

Asking Alexandria

Asking Alexandria

Asking Alexandria

Video of Asking Alexandria performing The Death of Me

I also had the opportunity to meet some of the other fans. Scroll down and see if you see yourself in these photos. Come find us at upcoming concerts we attend and we would love to take a photo with you.

Crown The Empire pre-show with Bennett Vogelman

Crown The Empire Dave Escamilla and Suzie

Crown The Empire Bennett Vogelman and a fan

Crown The Empire Bennett Vogelman and a fan2

Crown The Empire Hayden Tree and Suzie

Crown The Empire Andrew Velasquez and fans

Upon A Burning Body Danny Leal and Suzie

Asking Alexandria fan

Best Hard Rock/Metal Workout Playlist for Weight Training

Posted on July 30, 2013 by Suzie Soule

Best Hard Rock/Metal Workout Playlist for Weight Training

The right tempo when you are working out is imperative to have the most effective workout. According to numerous studies, the higher the tempo of the workout, the psychological effects make exertion seem smaller than when not listening to music. This workout has been thoroughly researched. Each song was chosen for the beats per minute and every one has a range of 85 to 150 bpm. This workout is the perfect tempo for weight training or running at a leisurely pace. The total time for this playlist is approximately 90 minutes.

1. “Invincible” Adelitas Way

“Invincible” is the official theme song for WWE Superstars. This track is a great way to start your workout by warming up and getting in the mindset to reach your goals. Adelitas Way is a hard rock band from Las Vegas.

2. “Always” Saliva

This track is one of Saliva’s most successful songs. Saliva is a band from Memphis, Tennessee. The lead singer, Josey Scott, has left the band at the end of 2011 to pursue a solo Christian music career. The band has a new singer, Bobby Aramu.

3. “Getting Away With Murder” Papa Roach

The tempo of this song picks up a little. If you are listening to these songs in order, it is after you have warmed up and are really getting into your workout. Papa Roach is an alternative metal band from California.

4. “Living in a Dream” Finger Eleven

Finger Eleven is an alternative rock band from Ontario, Canada. This track was the official song for the 2011 WWE Royal Rumble.

5. “Sick of It” Skillet

This is one of many tracks by Skillet. Some bands just have songs at a certain tempo that is perfect for a workout. Skillet is a Christian metal band formed in Memphis, Tennessee with members from Wisconsin.

6. “I Will Not Bow” Breaking Benjamin

Breaking Benjamin is an alternative metal band from Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania and is currently on hiatus. Ben Burnley, the vocalist and one of the founders is currently the only member of the band. The lyrics to the song put you in the right mindset when training.

7. “Not Listening” Papa Roach

The lyrics, ” because you’ve gotta be bigger and be faster, and be stronger” encourage you to lift more. This song was featured in the trailer for the movie, Resident Evil: Apocalypse.

8. “Never Enough” Five Finger Death Punch

Five Finger Death Punch is a heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California. The video for this song is about how appearances of what people are on the outside are not what they are truly on the inside. The lyrics “I’d rather you hate me for everything I am than have you love me for something that I can’t”.

9. “Sound of Madness” Shinedown

Shinedown is a hard rock band from Jacksonville, Florida. The current members are vocalist, Brent Smith, bassist Eric Bass, drummer Barry Kerch, and guitarist Zach Myers.

10. “Trenches” Pop Evil

The video for this song shows a girl hitting a punching bag and has flashbacks of a man physically abusing her and also her using drugs. Pop Evil was formed in Grand Rapids, Michigan. You will agree the lyrics and tempo are great for working out.

11. “Hail to The King” Avenged Sevenfold

This single is the highly anticipated new track from Avenged Sevenfold (A7X) as of this post date. The song is reminiscent of Iron Maiden or similar older metal artists.

12. “Riot” Three Days Grace

Three Days Grace is a Canadian hard rock band. This song is definitely inspiring you to get up and take action.

13. “Blow Me Away” Breaking Benjamin featuring Valora

Originally recorded for Halo 2 video game. This version was released in 2011 and includes Sydnee Duran of Valora.

14. “Monster” Skillet

No doubt about it when you listen to this song, it makes you want to push your body harder. The members of Skillet are vocalist John Kooper, guitarist and keyboardist Korey Kooper, drummer Jen Ledger, and guitarist Seth Morrison.

15. “You’re Going Down” Sick Puppies

Sick Puppies is an Australian rock band. This single was used by WWE as a theme song and in one of their video games.

16. “Ladies and Gentleman” Saliva

Another song used by WWE for Wrestlemania 23. Saliva states they wrote is specifically for their friends at WWE.

17. “Back For More” Five Finger Death Punch (5FDP)

The lyrics to this track encourage you to keep going, “Rise! Refuse to give in, Rise! Ashes to Dust, Rise! Make’em remember your name, Rise! ’cause in yourself you can trust”.

18. “Break” Three Days Grace

Three Days Graceis a Canadian hard rock band. The meaning of this song is about making a change and very appropriate for when you are lifting weights.

19. “Riptide” Sick Puppies

The lyrics to this song discuss going against what someone thinks you should do and being just fine the way that he is. The song was release in 2011.

20. “Just Like You” by Three Days Grace

If you have had a bad day at home or work, you can turn up the volume on this song. The lyrics, “You thought you were standing beside me, You were only in my way.”

21. “Face To The Floor” Chevelle

Chevelle is an alternative metal band from Grays Lake, Illinois. The song is about the people who got ripped off by Bernie Madoff.

22. “Comatose” Skillet

The tempo of this song is 85 beats per minute. Skillet formed in 1996 by John Cooper and Ken Storts.

23. “Pain” Three Days Grace

This song has become Three Days Grace’ biggest hit and when you hear it, you want to be in the gym. “Pain” is on the album One-X released in 2006.

24. “Lift Me Up” Five Finger Death Punch

This song is track 1 from the album The Wrong Side of Heaven and The Righteous Side of Hell. The legendary Rob Halford of Judas Priest is a featured vocalist on this song.

25. “Die Trying” Art of Dying

The lyrics to this song encourage you to continue, “If it takes forever, I will die trying”. Art of Dying is a Canadian rock band formed by Jonny Hetherington and Greg Bradley.

26. “Afterlife” Avenged Sevenfold

One of A7X‘s most popular songs but a good cool down song to listen to while stretching or finishing up your workout. This track was released in 2008 on the band’s self-titled album. It was written by the late drummer and a founding member of the band, The Rev.

Listen to the complete playlist here on Spotify:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324883604578396670814453936.html Optimal Music for the Gym date accessed 7/25/2013.

http://en.wikipedia.org dates accessed 7/25/2013, 7/28/2013, 7/29/2013, 7/31/2013. .http://www.azlyrics.com dates accessed 7/28/2013, 7/29/2013, 7/31/2013.

The 10 Best Hard Rock Breakup Songs

Posted on July 11, 2013 by Suzie Soule

The 10 Best Hard Rock Breakup Songs

Breaking up is hard on everyone whether you are a seventeen year old girl or a fifty-five year old man. There are a million songs about splitting up with your significant other. Sometimes you need a song that cuts right to the issues without being too flowery or sappy about why you called it quits. The songs on this list are definitely not sappy and reflect pain when you are cheated on or thankfulness when it is just better to move one.

10. “Disconnected” by Trapt

Trapt

Trapt was formed in 1997 in Los Gatos, California when members of the band were still in high school. The band is best known for their hit, “Headstrong”. The best lyrics to this song: “You don’t really know me, I don’t think you’ve ever even tried We’re on the same routine and still you never have the time Who do you want me to be? And do you want me in your life? I feel so incomplete, you left me too far behind”

9. “Scars” by Papa Roach

Papa Roach

Even though this song has oversaturated the radio, it is still a great song about breaking up. It was released May 23, 2005 from the album Getting Away with Murder. Papa Roach is a band from Vacaville, California. The current members are vocalist, Jacoby Shaddix, lead guitar Jerry Horton, bass guitar Tobin Esperance, and drums Tony Palermo. The band is named after Shaddix’s step-grandfather, Howard William Roatch.

8. “Hemorrage (In My Hands)” by Fuel

Fuel

Fuel is a rock band from Jackson, Tennessee with current members singer/guitarist Brett Scallions, bassist Brad Stewart, lead guitarist/keyboardist Andy Anderson, and drummer Shannon Boone. The band has transformed over the years with numerous members. The song was written by Carl Bell, one of the founding members of Fuel.

7. “Right Here” by Staind

Staind

Staind was formed in Springfield, Massachusetts and is known for its songs, “So Far Away” and “It’s Been a While”. The lyrics to this song portray a one-sided relationship, “I’ve got some imperfections, but how can you collect them all and throw them in my face” While the outright meaning of this song is that he will be right here waiting, I think that this is still a broken relationship that will not endure.

6. “Almost Easy” by Avenged Sevenfold (A7X)

A7X

Avenged Sevenfold (A7X) is an American rock band from Huntington Beach, California. The band consists of vocalist M. Shadows, rhythm guitarist Zacky Vengeance, lead guitarist Synyster Gates, bass guitarist Johnny Christ, and drummer Arin Ilejay. This song talks about the guilt of the person who commits the wrongs in the relationship. “Shame pulses through my heart From the things I`ve done to you….Treated you so wrong, now let me make it right.”

5. “She Hates Me” by Puddle of Mudd

Puddle of Mudd

This song has a sing along melody but the topic is a guy who was in a short relationship that took a bad turn right away. The lyrics make you smile because we have all been in that relationship where it seems great and then deteriorates almost instantaneously. It is like that bad job you have for two weeks just to get that paycheck to get you by for another month.

4. “I Don’t Care” by Apocalyptica featuring Adam Gontier

Apocalyptica

Apocalyptica is a Finnish rock band and this song features the vocals of former Three Days Grace vocalist Adam Gontier. Apocalyptica is consider symphonic metal and use cellos in their music. The cellos certainly give the song a haunting quality but the lyrics speak to those of us have checked out a relationship. This is the style of breakup that I am fine with. At the beginning of the end, if I never see you again, I am fine.

3. “Better Than Me” by Hinder

Hinder

“Better Than Me” is from Hinder’s debut album Extreme Behavior. This song exudes the guilt of someone who did the wrong things in the relationship. The lyrics: “I think you can do much better than me, After all the lies that I made you believe, Guilt kicks in and I start to see, The edge of the bed, Where your nightgown used to be” Hinder has been in existence since 2001 and consists of singer Austin Winkler, guitarist Joe “Blower” Garvey, drummer Cody Hanson, rhythm guitarist Mark King, and bass guitartist, Mike Rodden.

2. “I Hate Everything About You” by Three Days Grace

3DD

Three Days Grace is a Canadian rock band that is in transition with lead singer Adam Gontier resigning from the band due to health issue. He has been replaced with Matt Walst. This track is the classic question about relationships that have gone bad. “Why do I love you? Why do you love me?”

1. “Broken” by Seether featuring Amy Lee

Seether

Amy Lee of Evanescence was the girlfriend, at the time, of Seether vocalist, Shaun Morgan. The song has a melancholy melody and the lyrics talk about how each of them are not good without each other. The song is a song about hope to reconcile and how each of them is broken and do not feel right when the other one is gone.

Some Songs that definitely should be considered but did not make the list this time.

“Call Me When You’re Sober” by Evanescence, “In The End” by Linkin Park, “With You” by Linkin Park, and “Always” by Saliva

What songs did I miss? Let me know what songs you think should be on the list.

Resources: www.lyrics007.com, www.lyricstop.com, wikipedia.org, www.azlyrics.com, youtube.com, http://www.thatsnotmetal.com/, Spotify, itunes

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