Dokken Back for the Attack at JD Legends

From The Pit – Music and Show Reviews

By Mike Ritchie

From the knees down it looked like the packed house crowd in Franklin could have been sifting through the sands of the West Coast beaches under the warm LA summer sun as JD Legends presented the 80’s metal throw down sponsored by Harley Davidson. Saturday July 11 brought the legendary sunset strip action of Dokken with East Coast players Firehouse and Trixter.

Though commonly linked and lumped into the glam/hair metal category showed that whatever label is bestowed they’re still going strong, outlasting countless others and contemporaries that all tried to ‘make it’ back in the day. Though technically, the first two acts came to prominence in the early 90’s. They played their respective classics, favorites and new material that will remain timeless, proving that the music of the 80/90’s rock scene remains popular, vital and never truly went away.

New Jersey’s Trixter had their first run from the early 80’s to mid-nineties with MTV airtime on Headbangers Ball. After glam temporarily went out and grunge even more temporarily came in, (one of the few ‘hair’ bands that made flannel look fun) they broke up, reuniting in 2008. They opened for Dokken and Firehouse in the early days and for Scorpions and Poison on their first arena run. A second record Hear! followed but failed to catch on in the US with grunge in full swing. After the breakup/reunion New Audio Machine came in 2012 then Human Era this year and they’ve continued to tour since. If nothing else proving their staying power.

They broke out a cut from the machine, showing their still bad boys with a “Heart of Steel.” They were on MTV when it was still cool, making them “One in a Million.” The next tune was a little fast paced and loud for grandma’s chair so they invited certain crowd members on the “Rockin Horse.” Going back to the beginning they stood center stage in the “Line of Fire.”

Motley Crue has their anthem for the working girl but Trixter have theirs for the women that slay and play with ink. “Tattoos and Misery” is the greatest pain and pleasure combo on the market. They went back to ’92 on the “Road of 1000 Dreams” and ended with the Headbangers Ball garage/backroads introduction “Give it to me Good.” More of Trixter at http://www.trixterrocks.com

The original flame that started mid-80’s in Charlotte, exploded in the late 80’s-early 90’s and basically hasn’t stopped since, even outliving MTV’s glory days. The band that was ‘aqua net sprayed’ into the outskirts of the glam/hair scene and won Favorite Heavy Metal/ Hard Rock Artist in 1992 over grunge titans Nirvana and Alice in Chains have continued making new music with extended popularity overseas. They’ve cranked out eight records since 1990 and played a gambit of material acknowledging the early years with healthy doses while proving they’re not ‘nostalgia.’ The Firehouse was ready to sound off.

They set the place ablaze with some hose twisting “Shake & Tumble,” playing the loudest Dear John letter ever, that’s “All She Wrote.” “You’re too Bad” to Hold Your Fire. The tribal drums and arena cry that introduced the world to “Rock on the Radio” Firehouse style hit the speakers. Since 80’s rules applied that night with every hard rock thumper they needed a tender ballad follow up. Cue the keys and the bad boy soft side “When I look into your Eyes.”

“Mama didn’t raise no Fool,” taking the first page from chapter 3 she told you “Love is a Dangerous Thing.” Keyboard synth and acoustics ushered in “Hold Your Fire.” The lovely brunette with the smoking house match suggested “Don’t Walk Away.” With half a decade from formation to success, they’re a self-proclaimed “Overnight Sensation.”

The satin sheets breathed from the synth, as sterling acoustics accompanied the waving hands, smiling faces and dancing bodies. As one of the last power ballads to be used on mix tapes proclaimed, I’ve finally found the “Love of a Lifetime.” They “Reach for the Sky” one more time saving the last shot for their video introduction “Don’t Treat Me Bad.” More at http://www.firehousemusic.com

Unfortunately a rushed schedule/technical difficulty reared its head multiple times during Dokken’s set, affecting the sound, band delivery and his voice on certain songs. They coped, performing through the various issues, apologizing several times as the show must go on. Though they stopped mid-tune on the “Tooth and Nail” encore from equipment problems they played many of their catalogue hits and staples.

From the sunset strip came “The Kiss of Death” as Dokken dressed in black and sunglasses brought back the classic 80’s, 90’s and beyond. They played and plunged “Into the Fire” as guitarist Jon Levine tore/shredded through the long haired history books with the spirit and energy of Randy Rhoads. They spit more Tooth and Nail on “You just got Lucky.” Dokken grinned, “See if you remember this one.” The glove tapped our ear taking a nightmarish trip back to Springwood as Millard Drive became Elm Street and the “Dream Warriors” came back.

They broke out the chains then got a little bit Dysfunctional on “Too High to Fly.” Paris burned bright in the night sky. With a chill of the cymbals the slow, somber chords played out as the stage went cold emotional blue and lighters, cell phones and camera’s lit up ‘the beach’ for the arena anthem. The crowd sang along happy to be “Alone Again” in the moment.

They took a few more turns from Under Lock and Key. The symbolic rain fell on the hot clear night during “In my Dreams.” Then the long flat-bed semi pulled out for a nostalgic trip down Sunset Strip and the boulevard of broken dreams on “It’s not Love,” sandwiching in a Free classic for the old-schoolers.

 

 

 

More Dokken at http://www.dokkencentral.com

JD Legends : http://www.facebook.com/jdlegendsconcerts

All images by Mike Ritchie

Read more from the pit articles and reviews by Mike Ritchie on his web site www.coveringthescene.com

 

---

Technorati Tags: Dokken,Back,Attack,Legends,From,Music,Reviews,Mike,Ritchie,knees,Franklin,West,Coast,beaches,Harley,Davidson,sunset,action,East,players,Firehouse,Trixter,Though,hair,category,contemporaries,prominence,classics,favorites,Jersey,airtime,Headbangers,Ball,grunge,bands,Scorpions,Poison,arena,Hear,breakup,reunion,Audio,Machine,Human,boys,Heart,Steel,Million,grandma,Rockin,Horse,Line,Fire,Motley,Crue,anthem,girl,women,Tattoos,Misery,Road,Dreams,Give,Charlotte,glory,band,outskirts,Favorite,Heavy,Metal,Hard,Rock,Artist,titans,Nirvana,Alice,Chains,gambit,nostalgia,Shake,Tumble,Dear,John,letter,Wrote,Hold,Radio,speakers,ballad,Eyes,Mama,Fool,chapter,Love,Dangerous,Keyboard,acoustics,Walk,Away,decade,formation,self,Sensation,sheets,ballads,Lifetime,Reach,Treat,songs,Tooth,Nail,equipment,Kiss,Death,sunglasses,Into,Levine,history,energy,Randy,Rhoads,Lucky,Springwood,Millard,Drive,Street,Dream,Warriors,Dysfunctional,High,Paris,chords,cell,beach,Again,moment,Under,Lock,Strip,boulevard,Free,Read,glam,synth

Powerfest III Pummels Madison Theater

 From The Pit

Music and Show Reviews

by Mike Ritchie

Saturday January 17th Shumatsucon presented the third annual Powerfest showcasing the best of the Cincinnati/Kentucky music scene with a band of merry men making the long voyage from Madison Wisconsin. The seven band bill showcased everything from acoustic scalley-wagged pirates pulled from the ocean floor, armored warlord tyrants dressed to kill, the screaming, yelling frenzy of prog metal, the sound of hayfield’s ‘set ablaze’ like a stagecoach on fire.

The combined forces of a ninja, Spartan Warrior, beaked nosed drummer, Roman gladiator and a druid on stage at the same time. A bizarre carney concoction of Weird Al Yankovic meets punk, keyboards and clarinet and a loud heavy steampunk version of a Led Zeppelin crashing in a land of fiction far far away. The night was a maddeningly fun display of death, Viking and prog metal, and modernized steampunk. Since the first Powerfest the multi-genre event has promoted the most unique, diverse and bizarre talent the area has to offer.

Cincy Powerfest was started by David Sugerman and Anthony Campbell in 2013 to teach themselves the process behind booking and promoting by building ties regionally/nationally with power metal acts. The resulting yearly one-night show was built around strong promotion and friendship, which has become the business model for the event. This year aimed for diversity, bringing a unique and energetic blend of local, regional and out of state bands. With a focus on power metal and an atmosphere of camaraderie, musicianship and mutual shared respect in a larger venue than local shows offer. This year’s show was planned by Anthony Campbell and Kenney Knipe, as well as local Cincinnati booking agent Joe Grizzly and Columbus area fandom convention Shumatsucon, hosted by Matt Geisen.

The vision became reality in 2013 with the inaugural Cincy Powerfest show consisting of Scarangella, Siren, Automaton, Hell Scorched Earth, Schallkrieg and Dethlehem from Pittsburgh. With around 100 in attendance the seed was born at the Thompson House in Newport, KY. In 2014 Powerfest returned with: Dynamite Thunderpunch, Schallkrieg, Hell Scorched Earth, Automaton, Stagecoach Inferno and Winterhymn (2014 US Paganfest touring band) with similar attendance.

This year Cincy Powerfest III’s lineup: Band of Pirates, Siegelord, Scarangella, Stagecoach Inferno, Lords of the Trident (Madison, WI), Ford Theatre Reunion and Automaton brought over 300 to the Madison Theater in Covington KY.

Yes, over three-hundred lovers and visitors of the carnal carnival creation came to listen, dance, mosh, sing, drink and scream. Whether you came dressed as a pirate, powerlord, gothic princess or just in standard all black, everyone got their coins worth.

Preshow started at an early evening hour with Cincinnati’s Band of Pirates a merry crew of grog rockers, who actually encourage piratey piracy, as long as you’re not stealing anything. The gang included Larry Sparrow (a man most a-Depp’d to the stage) Rob Dorsey (a much more lively looking Barboosa), Dave Francy, Loren Muzzy (Loren the Black) unchained and pulled from the bloody deep or whatever crypt he chooses to rise from, and the lady of the sea herself Julie Langenderfer.

For all fans of pillaging, plundering and burning things they played a set of covers and tunes of the swashbuckler’s age. Musical tales filled with dance, decadence and the only thing better than a lot of gold coins, Johnny Cash, and singing songs about gold, silver, bronze, copper, pyrite, tin and other alloy metals. Even a pirate knows that everything that glistens isn’t gold. The songs of the sirens began as fifteen men stood over a dead man’s chest with gold shining in their eyes. It’s enough to make a pirate thirsty for strong drink. Yo Ho Ho more rum please. And now a song of the sea, way hey “Blow the Man Down.” So far it was a perfect storm for looters and merry men, and women.

They played “Hurt”, probably as it’s never been played before or as happy. Though Cash, may’ve had a better chance of not walking the plank back in the day than Reznor. They played a song by that band that got famous in that sleepy rainy town by the sea, Seattle. Intro’d as the riff stolen from Mudhoney. “My Girl,” did you sleep on another ship last night? Now for another oldie the Matey’s stole… and made better. What do you do with a drunken pirate early in the morning? Putt’em in a barrel with a hosepipe or stick’em in the captain’s daughter’s bed?

“Shiver Me Timbers Shiver My Bones,” was perhaps the best middle ground between Muppets and metal fans, Yo Ho He Ho. They take a break from tradition and play “All I know Is, I don’t Know Anything” by Operation Ivy. They break out the headbands and arena lighters for the tune that even Red Beard would’ve approved, cause they’re pirates, on the tall ship they ride. They’re wanted, wanted “Dead or Alive.” With a loud Yo Ho it’s “A Pirates Life for Me.” They finished, rolling one with Syd Barrett.

The show officially started at 7 as Cincinnati’s battle coated dark soldiers Siegelord played loud, heavy, death, epic blackened metal. After years of silence and slumber, darkness loomed as growler/guitarist Ulfr (self-described as everyone’s favorite asshole), the beast on the skins Sieven and the sexy butcher himself bassist Warg brought forth the story of a new dark conqueror.

The blasphemous soulless brothers, heavily inspired by anything dark fantasy gave praise capturing this morbid tale in song with dark lyrics and hails to their upcoming release Ascent of the Fallen.

Each track on their upcoming album will serve as a chapter in their own original story. The album tells the tale of Ulfr, Sieven and Warg as they find themselves exiled from their homeworld for worshiping the savage war-god, Ang Ul-Mak. The three berserker-priests and Ang Ul-Mak himself have been cast out for the madness and violent rituals they inspire. Coming into the new world, they learn that the exile has greatly weakened Ang Ul-Mak, and without a proper sacrifice, will die. Soon their mission becomes clear and must explore the new realm and spread mayhem and carnage as they seek a fitting sacrifice to nourish the soul of their dying lord.

Their battle cry shall be heard and heeded and after the last drop of blood, all shall know the story of The Fallen. It was Mad Max metal down the roads of apocalypse.

Ulfr resembled a warlord from the dark enemy of Beastmaster as he proclaimed dark, ominous anthems of destructive and diabolic deeds. “Fractured Pantheon” started with its deceptive acoustic beginning launching into dark, dirty black metal misanthropy and the tale of the exiled warriors. It was back of the dark forest black metal accompanied by a background classical feel. Bring the torches, bullet belts, leather jackets and warpaint for the forest band shot at midnight. “Gate Keeper” was the overseer of the door between lands and realms as the horns of conquest sounded. “Unkillable” was dedicated to Ulfr’s hero Oderus Urungus. “Destination of a Dying God” continued the unholy quest with lots of Venom finished by “Slaughter the Beautiful” and “Totem.”

Formed in 2006 Powerfest alumni Scarengella hails from Florence and proudly revealed their new incarnation at Powerfest. Playing a loud unique crossbreed of prog and thrash, Dream Theater meets Meshuggah they started with the triumphant and true Power Rangers. The revealing “At Close Range” had some Pantera in the chug and Anselmo in Andrew Ris’s vocals and some Korn in Colin Kennedy’s bass. It wouldn’t have been Powerfest without a song about “Dragons, Wizards, Thunder and Shit” and they delivered. “Through The Dream Gate” was followed by Scarnengella’s version of Trivium’s “Down From The Sky.” “When Fingers Clasp” started with a slow thrash rattle building to a Prong-like structure. A tune Tommy Victor could snap his fingers to.

From Louisville, the sluggers, players and proud causers of power spikes Stagecoach Inferno. Reminiscent of a bluesy Biohazard and the answer to what Ted Nugent, Charlie Daniels and CCR could’ve been like in a mosh pit causing metal band. making their second fest appearance the Wild West troubadour’s launched into the Iron Maiden inspired “The Dead and The Damned,” and was truly ‘death on the road’ Eddie style. For anyone that did them wrong, beware they brought the “Hammer & Tongs.” It’s the law of the west, “Atonement” by hook, crook, punishment or payback.

Time to raise your lighters and glasses. This is the west sir, when the legend becomes fact, print the legend. That’s “How The West Was One.” They ended on a tale about losing everything you loved in a circle pit and a “Black Blizzard.”

Making the long, weary multi-hour/state soldiers trek from Madison WI. Lords of the Trident came to entertain, and conquer. With a variety of props, costumes and athleticism singer Fang VonWrathenstein took to the crowd twice, winning the minion’s over two weapons at a time. What happens when Manowar and Iron Maiden meet Dragonforce with a touch or two of Greek theater… and tragedy. The other motley brethren include Killius Maximus on Centurian lead guitar, the guitar playing ninja Asian Metal, the hooded foreboding father of death and bass Pontifex Mortis and the beaked Dr. Vitus on drums. Their epic creation and journey can be read here www.lordsofthetrident.com.

They started with “Knights of Dragons Deep” because knights and dragons spend a lot of time together. They snuck under the guise of night into the enemy camp to cripple their defenses. Also running amok, swords in hand into the crowd, attacking randomly or with reason; converting those in need was VonWrathenstein. Back on stage he lost all control of his soprano on “Complete Control,” rivalling the peaks of Halford and King Diamond. The song ended with a very pitch-fork-like confetti trident cannon shooting a celebration shower onto the blackened masses. From Chains of Fire “Face of the Enemy” is a modern day manhunt Faceoff done Fight style.

“Haze of the Battlefield” was cast upon the crowd in dizzying array along with the manliest of witnesses, with a little dirty deeds. They also had a sign, to prove its utter and complete manliness to any non-believers. Next was the heralded and somewhat obligatory cover tune. After a group discussion included “Hair of the Dog”, “Rock You Like A Hurricane” and “Walk This Way” they decided on something completely different going back to the mid-eighties and their love of Jerry Curls and shiny red jackets.

The King of Pop was honored, gang war style, including a mid-song, one arm bare fist fight, because no one wants to be defeated, especially on stage in front of a full house of metalheads.

They have a new CD coming out, fittingly on Friday the 13th (ma-ma’s idea). It makes a lovely gift for your bloody valentine. Time for a highway to the danger zone and they’re sending you straight to Top Gun like an Iron Eagle. “Skyforce” harkened the airborne warriors and gave Fang another chance for a cutting edge meet and greet, this time with meat cleavers. Everyone survived (officially).

From Lexington, came something wicked. A carnival driven side-show with punk appeal and a bizarre bit of performance art played with keyboard, clarinet, drums, accordion and guitar. Ford Theater Reunion came to play some games, led by the dangerously sexy, limber and possibly multi-personality of Alex Ford. Think Pink possessed by the spirit of Wendy O Williams as a self-styled contortionist.

‘This song is about monsters,’ she slowly whispered into the mic. As the deceiving Kalliope started, “Connoisseur” brought the speed metal out of the accordion and drums. Next was a skin eater, he’s gonna get ya, he’s gonna get cha, he’s the boggie man… wait, he’s just an “Alligator” and a misunderstood swamp walker. But he is a mean mother, don’t mess with him, if you knock him in the air, you won’t get luggage.

Ford Theater Reunion is Weird Al Yankovic meets the Missing Persons (who did play together once in April 1982) and Roxette jammed together real pretty in a plasmatic package. They threw down on “The Ballad of Buffalo Jones.” It was enough for a big top blow out.

Automaton’s  story started with singer David J. Sugerman’s aka Duncan Batchworth III discovery of Steampunk. (A combination of cyberpunk and period corporate high-tech resistance groups with a mixture of hardcore fans inspired by Jules Verne’s writings largely based around creating their own costume period outfits imagined in 1800’s science fiction).

After falling in love with it and deciding that while area band shows were lively and creative, they lacked the heaviness he looked for. In 2012, he met drummer Anthony Campbell aka Mechanic James O’Brian at a thrift store and bounced around ideas. After a few local shows they played the second Steampunk Symposium, as well as Up in the Aether in Detroit, Cincy Comic Expo and opened for touring metal bands such as 3 Inches of Blood and the Warriors of Metal festival in Columbus.

Ryan Carney aka Captain Luther Meade and Kenney Knipe aka Professor Markus Wolverhampton comprise the other members. The idea involved a compelling stage show with acting, inspired by their favorite music (mostly Iron Maiden) and presented in a playful and adventurous story.

The lyrical/storyline setting of Automaton is a fictional alternate world where there are two nations bitterly divided. Ionia is the freshly industrialized strong nation of aristocrats surrounded by the large and tribal colony of Rekelar. Ionia cannot control Rekelar and out of disdain print The Azimuth, a propaganda spouting newspaper used to cover up the toxic waste dumps on the countryside. Duncan Batchworth III is the heir to The Azimuth’s media empire and doesn’t agree with his father’s practices, so he hires the press to run a new issue and deliver in mass to Rekelar exposing the corruption. With information compiled by Ionian professor Dr. Markus Wolverhampton, who joins the adventure, they join the Airship Initiative, and her crew Rekelarian smugglers Captain Luther Meade, Isaac Grimwood (a stowaway and brew master’s apprentice) and the charismatic mechanic James O’Brian.

They deliver the newspaper across the Ionian border, but are ambushed and shot down. The surviving crew hides to regroup and finish the delivery. They return to Ionia on a covert mission to rescue a group of Rekelarian resistance fighters from a prison and hijack a new airship. The rebels learn that Rekelar is responding to the news with a full-scale war and a newly finished war-forged machine called the Automaton, and they’ve already begun marching toward the Ionian border city. To be continued…..

They started showing off the new technology with the “Age of the Smokestacks.” Extra, extra read all about it, propaganda, controversy, the truth is finally told, government cover ups, toxic facts revealed “Hot Off the Press!” It’s also what Megadeth might sound like playing Iron Maiden.

It was time to “Stand and Be Counted,” for what you’re about to read. They’re the dealers of fact and fiction. They’ll make (up) the headlines, until “Dunc” decided to come clean. Now for a “Maverick” tune brought to you by the stroke of a quill and a big ass blimp. Have no fear, the “Journeymen” will “Construct” or borrow a new machine to give “Rise of the Ruined Nation.”

Near the end, Batchworth invited all the bands to come back up to throw down and celebrate a triumphant evening in front of the screaming crowd. There are already whispers and a spirited push for next year’s show.

www.shumatsucon.com

 

All images by Mike Ritchie www.facebook.com/mike.ritchie.338

Read more from the pit articles and reviews by Mike Ritchie on his web site www.coveringthescene.com

 

---

Technorati Tags: Powerfest,Pummels,Madison,Theater,Cincy,David,Sugerman,Anthony,Campbell,promotion,friendship,event,bands,atmosphere,camaraderie,venue,Kenney,Knipe,Cincinnati,agent,Columbus,area,convention,Shumatsucon,Matt,Geisen,vision,Scarangella,Siren,Automaton,Hell,Earth,Schallkrieg,Dethlehem,Pittsburgh,attendance,Thompson,House,Newport,Dynamite,Thunderpunch,Stagecoach,Inferno,Winterhymn,Paganfest,band,lineup,Pirates,Siegelord,Lords,Trident,Ford,Theatre,Reunion,Covington,lovers,visitors,carnival,creation,Whether,worth

Operation: Giving Back Christmas Gets Pink Velvet Krushed

From The Pit – Music and Show Reviews

By Mike Ritchie

Publishers Note: Due to Holiday Deadlines this article was published late: Original Date for Publishing was 12/20/2015

On Saturday December 13th The Old Crow Bar in Middletown hosted a special benefit for two families of the Heavy Metal Church of Christ in need over the holiday season. All bands, contributors and supporters volunteered their time and talents (many driving a distance) to help out making sure the families had necessities and the combined seven children, infant to mid-teen, had goodies and toys from Santa under the tree. The Skull Dollz also made an appearance for photo ops and other assorted good natured skullduggery. A donation bin was also previously set up to collect items all of which along with show proceeds will be given to the family on the 23rd.

The owners and staff of the Old Crow were generous with the event, assisting organizer Teri Spence with the offered buffet and setup. Spence also expressed sincere gratitude to Steven Van Skoyck and Tiffany Zulock Van Skoyck, Jessica Tinch, Allen Phyllis, Ann Mason, Ericka McGowan and Michael Anspach along with Rachel Smith, Chrystal Kay, Angie Johnson Castle and Samantha Noble Baumgartner from the Dollz for their hard work and assistance. Tim Guilfoyle from Queen City Drums and Wildman Walker were also in attendance to help support.

Raffled items included numerous gift cards from PF Chang’s, First Watch Restaurant, Frickers, Godfathers Pizza, Chipotle, Rose Retro Rock Shop, assorted metal CD’s, jewelry custom made by Spence and stem wear from BJ’s Brewhouse. The two most popular items of the night were autographed memorabilia/merch personally donated from Straight Line Stitch and Jerry Only of The Misfits.

Cody Ridenour opened with a one man acoustic jam, sharing the spotlight with his lovely wife Chelsea a few songs in. Almost all originals from the Germantown by way of St. Petersburg Florida solo guitarist. Starting with original “Today We Pray” followed by “How Long”, he played and sang with passion pulling unexpected power out of the ‘unplugged’ strings. Thinking ahead he one-upped the crowd and played some Skynyrd with the “Simple Man”. He finished with the impassioned “Cyanide” (You’ve Wrecked Me) ending with a co-written duet with his wife on “Broken Hearted.”

Casey and the Nobodies were next, as the one man jam trend continued. Known for acoustic blues, rock and classic country Casey took over the stage starting with original “Knock on My Door” followed by Alice’s sweet song of war and the “Rooster”. Another of Casey’s originals said “Gotta Get Out” and Chris Isaak said it was a “Wicked Game” to play, to make the video feel that way. The king of pop comes clean about “Billie Jean” sort of, she’s just a girl, alas we’ll never know if he’s the father. The Black Crows still talk to angels and Neil Young is ageless and timeless rocking his crazy horse in the free world.

All the Children made the 3 ½ hour drive from Morehead KY to help the cause. Playing a set of original alternative rock with a few covers they jammed out “Free Slave”. Alex Clare got a shout out on “Too Close” then made a statement with “We Are One”, the first tune played off their demo. There’s a “Man Overboard” as water engulfs the lungs played with early Nirvana attitude, before the baby went swimming. EP opener “Battle Cry” was next followed by the catchy bounce of “Prepare for War”. Alternative Aussies Silver Chair got some rare love on the lesser known “Pure Massacre” off Frogstomp. They finished with the honkey-tonked electric sound of “Airlock” with a touch of a space odyssey.

Cincinnati’s Shadow of Shepherd is a three brother alternative rock trio. Opening with a one-two “alt” punch they decided to “Send the Pain Below” with Chevelle and Wonder What’s Next opener “Family System”. They switched genre’s slightly with “Somewhere in the Sky” by Kutless. They played original “Fight” then switched feet with Switchfoot on “Meant to Live”. They let their light “Shine” down with some Collective Soul finishing with original “I am Alive”.

All right ladies pay attention and guys, listen up - Rock Candy was here and they took all the good little boys to school. The all- female trio from Cincinnati kicked out some sweet tunes starting right up your alley with one of the classiest lady rebels of early 80’s rock and 2015 RNR Hall of Fame Inductee Miss Joan Jett. Yeah, we’ve all been there cause I “Hate Myself for Loving You”.

They pulled out a youthful Sammy Hagar and some of his “Rock Candy”, not in a three lock box. They went old 80’s LA back to the Hollywood Sunset with a young, hungry Crue that’s “Too Fast for Love.” He toured with them in ’83 but for tonight Ozzy’s riding solo on the “Crazy Train”. They got humble playing the “Fool for a Pretty Face”, we’ve all been hurt by love. They finished with an all-girl original “Calling all Girls”.

Coming from Milford Ohio, Dear Agony “smoked” the stage playing a set of originals and covers. Only being together as a band for a couple months they played with experience from their previous stint as Arcadia Backfire. They were kinda like “Whatever” with Godsmack, shared their “Epiphany” with Staind and staged an electric sit down “to get to know everyone’ like “Nothing Else Matters” according to Hetfield. Two of the five originals played included the smooth rocking “Face the Day” and the more emotionally charged “Survive”.

Dayton’s new and improved for the next generation ClockWork Soul was next with the killer eyes and growl of Mystie Rose. One could and probably would think to see them all on stage that they’re a bit “Out There”. Rose speaks the voice of experience about bad relationships.

Make sure the person shares the same feelings you do or you’re living in a “Masquerade”. They play with the BulletBoys and declare, they’ll come back to you “When Pigs Fly”.

Pink Velvet Krush is a modern day throwback to the decadent 80’s glam and sleaze under the blazing LA sunset. Reminiscent of Faster Pussycat and LA Guns, with former members of Bullet Boys, Pretty Boy Floyd, Britney Fox, Steelheart, Dust N’ Bones and Vaudeville, it’s a mass super-group of hair-sprayed experience still swimming in the Aqua Net. They can talk about the Head Bangers Ball days because they lived it, bringing an 80’s arena show style and delivery to the club stage in the vein of Motley Crue with guitar mannerisms of Tipton and Downing.

Doug Savage keeps the frontman flame alive with everything we fondly remember from the days of decadence with a finger point or raised fist. The Krush started with “Nothin’ to Lose”. Metallica said “Misery Loves Company” on the black album but PVK’s saying it now. They slowed it down a little bringing the symbolic lighters up feeding their lonesome, twisted “Obsession”.

The dirty blues blasted rocker “F.S.O.A” (Fifty Shades of Anything) chugged along, accompanied by the more serious, life on the road retro feel of “You Take My Life”.

Ladies, Savage and the boys wanna make you “Scream”!

That good ole’ damn “Ball and Chain” came out swinging, kicking out the blues and they got two bullets, “One Shot” left to shoot to thrill. They ended the originals with EP title track “Break These Chains”, then asked if anybody was in the mood for some classic ‘hair’ metal.

They decided to break all the rules at the Girlschool with Britney Fox, and then got Smooth Up in ya with the BulletBoys because there were no Congo drums for St. Christopher. They finished with that lovely lady who just can’t go living after midnight as she cries “Somebody Save Me”.

Those still interested in donating to the families may contact Teri Spence at tattedpixie72@gmail.com , Happy Holidays everyone!

www.heavymetalchurch.com

All images by Mike Ritchie

Read more from the pit articles and reviews by Mike Ritchie on his web site www.coveringthescene.com

 

---

Technorati Tags: Operation,Back,Christmas,Gets,Pink,Velvet,December,Middletown,families,Heavy,Metal,Church,Christ,bands,contributors,supporters,talents,necessities,infant,goodies,Santa,tree,Skull,Dollz,appearance,skullduggery,donation,items,owners,event,organizer,Teri,Spence,setup,gratitude,Steven,Skoyck,Tiffany,Zulock,Jessica,Tinch,Allen,Phyllis,Mason,Ericka,McGowan,Michael,Anspach,Rachel,Smith,Chrystal,Angie,Johnson,Castle,Samantha,Noble,Baumgartner,assistance,Guilfoyle,Drums,Wildman,Walker,attendance,gift,cards,Chang,Watch,Restaurant,Frickers,Godfathers,Pizza,Chipotle,Rose,Retro,Rock,Shop,jewelry,custom,Brewhouse,memorabilia,Line,Stitch,Jerry,Misfits,Cody,Ridenour,wife,Chelsea,songs,Almost,originals,Germantown,Petersburg,Florida,Pray,Long,passion,Skynyrd,Simple,Cyanide,duet,Broken,Casey,Nobodies,trend,Known,blues,Knock,Door,Alice,song,Rooster,Another,Gotta,Chris,Isaak,Game,Billie,Jean,girl,Black,Crows,angels,Neil,Young,horse,Children,hour,Morehead,Free,Slave,Alex,Clare,Close,statement,demo,Overboard,Nirvana,attitude,opener,Battle,Prepare,Alternative,Aussies,Silver,Chair,Pure,Massacre,Frogstomp,Airlock,odyssey,Cincinnati,Shepherd,brother,trio,Send,Pain,Chevelle,Wonder,System,genre,Somewhere,feet,Switchfoot,Meant,Live,Shine,Collective,Soul,Alive,ladies,attention,Candy,boys,alley,lady,Hall,Fame,Inductee,Miss,Joan,Jett,Yeah,Hate,Myself,Sammy,Hagar,Hollywood,Sunset,Crue,Fast,Love,Ozzy,Crazy,Train,Fool,Face,Girls,Milford,Ohio,Dear,Agony,band,Arcadia,Backfire,Godsmack,Epiphany,Staind,Else,Matters,Hetfield,Survive,Dayton,generation,ClockWork,killer,Mystie,relationships,Make,person,Masquerade,BulletBoys,Pigs,three

Bobaflex Rocks Oddbody’s

From The Pit – Music and Show Reviews

By Mike Ritchie

They avoided or skipped the chaos of Black Friday in Dayton this year but West Virginia’s hardest working band Bobaflex brought the diesel fumed rock as only they could as the black leathered bad men hit the Dayton stage once again on Saturday December 5th.

Locals Desalitt brought a unique blend of grunge, punk and metal and the long haired/dreadlocked blokes from across the sea October Rage brought their version of hard rock bordering on metal to the heartland.

Created in 2008 in Xenia, Desalitt plays rock with a grungy metal twist. They played a few originals with heavy covers mixed in. The dual vocals of the leather and spiked clad, green haired, mic fisted in your face Shug played a nice opposite to the ‘calm, long sleeved but not flannel, and collected’ guitar playing “more serious” Greg Crawford. A ten song set of originals and covers included a mix and match of punk, rock and grunge as the “Bodies” hit the floor. They had a little bit of rage to get out before the Aussie’s had their turn with “Bulls on Parade.” It was time to Take a Look in the Mirror with Korn “Right Now.” Original “Broken Strings” carried a melancholy atmospheric mood in the guitars with a mix of Scott Stapp and Scott Weiland vocals. “Insane” had a swampy guitar attitude digging deep into the Sabbath blues. “Want Me to Be” had Eddie Vedder invading on vocals with Pearl Jam’s angst riddled creed behind him.

Dubbed one of the “hardest working bands in rock” on their seven month USA Outrage Tour racking up over 70,000 miles and 120 shows traveling across the country spreading their October Rage to America, the brother’s and co. have brought their metal tinged Aussie rock to Yankee ears.

Formed by brothers Nick (vocals, guitar) and William (bass) Roberts in late 2008, they’re from the Central Coast of New South Wales, Australia and quickly gained notoriety supporting Bon Jovi on their Circle Tour at sold out shows in Sydney. With their 2011 debut Outrage and this year’s Fallout, Dust and Guns release under their belts they’ve played with Steel Panther, Saliva, Sevendust among others.

The rage began with “Wayside” with Nick and William’s hair and locks flying around the stage like Rob Zombie whiplashing the post at a roadhouse back porch witch burning. “Valkyrie” hits a little harder with some dirt under the wheel riding by with rebel thunder. Beware of the “White Walkers,” you can feel them “Coming in the Air Tonight.”

They add in a little acoustic charm with the rock on “Silver Line” floating close to Skillet territory and ‘dangerously’ close to Nickelback. They turn the rock back up on “Set You Free” finishing with the slow bluesy sing along “Reign of Fire”, adding a bit of Skynyrd to the mid-section jam, prompting a lighter tribute, once thought extinct in the era of the cell phone glow.

With hell in their hearts the men in leather and black started with “Low Life.” It was George Thorogood on steroids as they cruised down the “Chemical Valley” screaming loud and proud before crashing and burning with style with the help of some sweet liquid sin. Charlatan’s deadly venom made its first appearance with the loving neck caress of “Strangle You.”

The camera does strange things to the “Pretty Little Things” next door. Sweet and innocent turned addicted media queen. From all of us to you, with true sincerity, “I’m Glad you’re Dead.” Can’t you hear me laughing as I dance on your grave? Break out the bubbly.

The life of the trailer park says come back to me but the pleasures and excess of touring say never. It’s so hard to resist the seductive sharp kiss of the “Vampire.” She’s a blood boiler, life sucker. Exorcise her demons with the back of your hand, “Bad Man.” Simon and Garfunkel along with Depeche Mode enjoy “The Sound of Silence.” Bringing a bit of the 60’s hippie folk vibe rocked up with some guitar rev.

They’re losing their minds on motor fuel, decibels and live octane doing it on stage their way. Don’t fall in love and get hurt, they just want a meaningful one night romance, enough time for a “Rogue” dance. They brought the hands up with the ultimate West Virginian rebel rouser anthem. Members of Desalitt and October Rage came out to jam the way any road weathered rock star wants to go out. Die with your boots on so they’ll “Bury Me with My Guns On.” Hey! Sending the crowd home happy, they encored with an attitude on “Better than Me.”

See more great Acts at Oddbody’s – www.oddbodys.com

More on Bobaflex - www.theofficialbobaflex.com

Images by Mike Ritchie

Read more from the pit articles and reviews by Mike Ritchie on his web site www.coveringthescene.com

---

Technorati Tags: Bobaflex,Rocks,Oddbody,From,Music,Reviews,Mike,Ritchie,chaos,Black,Dayton,West,Virginia,band,December,Locals,Desalitt,grunge,blokes,October,Rage,version,heartland,Xenia,originals,vocals,leather,Shug,Greg,Crawford,song,Bodies,Aussie,Bulls,Parade,Take,Look,Mirror,Korn,Original,Broken,Strings,mood,Scott,Stapp,Weiland,Insane,attitude,Sabbath,blues,Want,Eddie,Vedder,Pearl,angst,bands,Outrage,Tour,America,brother,Yankee,ears,brothers,Nick,William,Roberts,Central,Coast,South,Wales,Australia,Jovi,Circle,Sydney,debut,Fallout,Dust,Guns,Steel,Panther,Saliva,Sevendust,Wayside,hair,Zombie,roadhouse,porch,witch,Valkyrie,dirt,Beware,White,Walkers,Silver,Line,Skillet,Nickelback,Free,Reign,Fire,Skynyrd,tribute,cell,hell,Life,George,Thorogood,Chemical,Valley,Charlatan,venom,appearance,neck,Strangle,Little,door,Sweet,media,Glad,Dead,Break,trailer,park,Vampire,blood,boiler,Exorcise,demons,Simon,Garfunkel,Depeche,Mode,Sound,Silence,vibe,decibels,Rogue,Virginian,anthem,Members,road,Bury,Better,Acts,Images,Read,guitar