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Mike Ritchie

About Mike Ritchie

Mike Ritchie is a Kettering resident, factory employee and is pursuing a full time career in journalism. He loves learning about the editing aspect but his dream gig is to write about and review music full time. He holds a B.S. in Communication from Rio Grande University writing for the campus paper and has had numerous poems published in various anthologies in his youth and teen years. He free-lanced for the Christian Citizen Newspaper out of college from 1999-mid 2000's covering Skillet, Audio Adrenaline, Pillar, Relient-K among several others and wrote numerous CD reviews . After taking an extended break he started writing for their website www.citizenusa.net reviewing the newest CD and live show from Becoming The Archetype and CD's from For Today and P.O.D. also covering The Scream The Prayer Tour featuring Demon Hunter and wrote a feature on local youth hangout The Attic. Writing about entertainment and music is his passion and though he likes many genres, rock and metal are his preferences. Since writing for Mostmetro.com he's covered Static X, Davey Suicide, Motley Crue, Kiss, Kamelot, Nightwish, Dead Dick Hammer, Geoff Tate, Mushroomhead among numerous local/regional bands, venues and events. His work also appears on buckeyemusicmagazine.com

REVIEW: Operation: Giving Back Christmas Gets Pink Velvet Krushed

December 20, 2014 By Mike Ritchie

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PInk Velvet Krush (photo by Mike Ritchie)

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.

Rocky Candy (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Rocky Candy (photo by Mike Ritchie)

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”.

Clockwork Soul (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Clockwork Soul (photo by Mike Ritchie)

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 cause 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, 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”.

 

 

Filed Under: Dayton Music Tagged With: benefit, Clockwork Soul, Dayton Music

REVIEW: Bobaflex Rocks Oddbody’s

December 15, 2014 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.

 Desalitt (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Desalitt (photo by Mike Ritchie)

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.

Bobaflex (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Bobaflex (photo by Mike Ritchie)

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.”

www.theofficialbobaflex.com

www.oddbodys.com

 

Filed Under: Dayton Music Tagged With: Dayton Music, Oddbody's, Reviews

Oddbody’s Host UD Metal Conference after Show with Alex Skolnick

November 25, 2014 By Mike Ritchie

Forces of Nature (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Forces of Nature (photo by Mike Ritchie)

There was an addictive, contagious energy in Oddbody’s on Saturday November 8th. Maybe it was due to the night being the top off, after party to three days of multi diverse and cultural information given by respected academic scholars at the University of Dayton on the global impact and culture of metal music and its growing community of supporters. Maybe it was because each of the three bands that performed on stage were handpicked from a group of over a dozen hopefuls from around the state to play for a crowd of appreciative metalheads and also….because one of the distinguished conference guests of the day was in attendance to watch them throw down.

The three full days of lectures and presentations were a true international experience for the 85+ in attendance. With 32 of the 36 presenters being from esteemed collegiate institutions bringing their knowledge and expertise to the eyes and ears of over 50 undergraduate/graduate students and a few select pillars of the local community. Seven countries were represented including the US, England, Canada, Germany, Norway, Sweden and Puerto Rico with Ohio, North Carolina, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, Utah, Missouri, Texas, California, Florida and Illinois also represented.  Over the course of the conference over 40 attendees averaged each presentation so all information brought and taught was welcomed, wanted and assimilated by ‘suit and tie guys’ and ‘long haired metal heads’ possibly at the same table. Mr. Skolnick averaged the biggest audience with over 50. The film March of the Gods on opening night drew 32 attendees and the art exhibit “Mask: Face Paint, Head Coverings, and Masks in Popular Culture” drew approximately 35 for the formal showing plus more during the week.

Conference topics included: “Queer Metal Matters: Metal, Sexuality, and the Future”, Metal and Religion, Community and Metal, Extreme Metal and the Aesthetics of Community, Metal Under Totalitarianism, Metal and Culture, Cultural Legitimation of Metal, Metal and Education, Metal to the Extreme, Women and Metal, Metal as Performance, “Louder Education–Alex Skolnick,” Defining Metal, and “Heavy Metal: A Business, A Lifestyle, Past, Present, Future”

Lick the Blade (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Lick the Blade (photo by Mike Ritchie)

It’s not every day an Ohio band gets to play a show with a man who’s traveled and performed on the world’s stages with the roaring bellow of Chuck Billy and Bay Area thrash legends Testament. A man many on stage with a guitar idolized and many within the crowd grew up head banging and moshing to his music. On the evening of Saturday November 8th, Alex Skolnick was at Oddbody’s.

The event helped raise money for Project Read of Dayton and the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund. Each band played with sincere strength, passion, energy and vigor representing their scene and the Ohio scene as a whole. As the night progressed the musicians performed as if standing in front of a packed, screaming arena.

Cleveland’s Lick the Blade brought the second coming of Iron Maiden from the north with the soaring, searing Ted Anderson hitting Manowar pitch notes with a power metal groove. Dayton reps Engine of Chaos brought the middle ground dividing the night with a slower, smoother bluesy groove mixed in its Dio meets Cornel Seattle sound and finished with the always intense mammoth thrash attack of Forces of Nature.

An arena sized passion was present and played from the beginning with a collective unity showing visitors from other cities, states and countries what Dayton can deliver.

Cleveland’s Lick the Blade brought the modern day classic sound of Iron Maiden mixed with power metal sounds and the endlessly high octaves of vocalist Ted Anderson who ranged from Dickinson, to Halford to Tate peaks. Formed in 2004, they decimated locally, going through a few member changes before acquiring Anderson and songwriter/guitarist Brian French. Signing with Cleveland based metal label Auburn Records in 2006 they released their debut Graveyard of Empires in 2009. From growing popularity overseas they were invited to perform at the sold-out Headbanger’s Open Air Festival in Brande-Hörnerkirchen, Germany. “Royal Blood,” from Graveyard, earned spots on compilation CDs from both Germany’s Heavy and Poland’s Hard Rocker magazines and Lick The Blade was voted “Best Metal Band of 2009″ in Cleveland Scene magazine’s 2010 issue of its annual “Cleveland Music Awards” feature. They’ve opened for Loudness, Exodus, Vader, and 3 Inches of Blood and more currently with a certain amount of musical irony, former Iron Maiden vocalists Paul Di’Anno and Blaze Bayley.  Their second album The Sun and Time is out now.

The “Mark of Nero” opened with galloping guitars as Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens aka Anderson owned on old school early Dickinson era maiden. There was history in them riffs on “Guns, Germs and Steel” as they went back to the Di’Anno club days when Eddie was just a face on a sign. They headed back to the inspiration of Ra and the Powerslave era on “Blood-Soaked Majesty.” The chalice runneth over with glorious crimson on the celebration table. “Voyage of the Damned” could be their “Rime of the Ancient Mariner” as the ship traveled through the sea of madness through murky fog, where spirits of dead pirates waited to steer their vessel a foul. A majestic opening with Anderson singing a soft wail of woe of land not seen till forever’s end. “Twilight of the Idols”, it’s metaphysical with twilight in the sky of the ancient and eternal idols.  The hooded Charon the Ferryman made an appearance, pointing his oar to all souls looking for transportation after adding to his pouch of coins. “Charon’s Obol” gave protection to the soul with safe passage to the next world. Album title track “The Sun and Time” was next followed by “Thanatos” bringing the death of us all riding the battle plight of “The Trooper.”

Engine of Chaos with Alex Skolnick (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Engine of Chaos with Alex Skolnick (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Engine of Chaos came out ready to deliver the midsection of the night’s metal from Ohio selection with a set heavy with jam, groove and blues. Sirens went off as guitar reverb filled the speakers and bass thundered in. The first crunch of the almighty riff hit with the thunderous melodic yell of Scott Toops. Title track from Uncover the Bones brought forth some dirty buried secrets straight from the depths of Nola, LA. They went Down with conformity playing the warriors call, marching with stained feet from “Blood on the Shore.” The guitars got slow, moody and melodic with their own super-“Unknown.” The silence of the swamp was mucked up and smashed by the “Tug River” as watery guitar notes slithered down the river like hissing snakes venom. The bouncy thrash infused blues of “The One” was fused and followed by the dark tale of the “Deceiver.” Some bitches were born to deceive. They got a lil’ Sabbathy on the “Change” then the premiere of the new/unreleased “Dream the Past.” Dude Mounts guitar chugged and marched with searing notes, telling them God-Damned “Lies.”  “7 Demons” finished up the set with special guest vocalist Joseph Palmer.

Then a special encore happened with the world renowned guest guitarist.  “This song needs no introduction. If you’re a metalhead you’ll know this.” Toops proudly proclaimed. “Are you guy’s metalheads out there? Are you mother——‘s metalheads out there?” The opening notes of one of the greatest metal anthems began.  “I wanna hear ya Dayton Ohio, get the f- up off your chairs (in the back) and get up here!” Tonight Dayton gathered in their masses, to see Alex Skolnick on stage, shredding Sabbath, kicking our asses.

Forces of Nature came forth and played with the power and passion of the gods and goddess’s. Marc Godsey took the mic speaking with genuine, heartfelt emotion about how incredible the last few days had been, the knowledge gained at the conference and the feeling of true love, unity and dedication displayed by the local scene. Not to mention meeting one of your guitar idols and being on stage with him. He stamped the statement with “and I CAN’T WAIT to play this set.”

The opening iron welding riff and yelling notes of “Magnus Lee” shot out of Jimmy Rose and Marc Godsey’s guitars laying inflamed ground work for Tate Moore’s screeching serpent’s tongued dark demonic delivery.  It was a sharp, hard punch to the face with a warm hello, saying we’re here, now f—–g pay attention! It started raining blood in the “Forest of Corpses” from a lacerated sky. Drums hit guitars grinded and riffed upward in a tale of tortured self-hate. Mary’s one messed up bitch, in a moshed up f’n mess.

“Throwing Fists” in a cage or a concert, you’ll get hit back either way… and the cage is safer. Drums tapped ushering in the ram-rodder guitars smashing TV’s with wrecking balls, sledgehammers and other hardcore fist shaking plunder. It’s the only way to get that crap off “A.S.O.T.” “Nevermore” slows it down ‘a bit’, enough for a short pit-break before your personal “Apocalypse” comes on reentry. Get ready you stupid, stupid, stupid son of a bitch! Rose shined on the six minute instrumental opus “Dark Carnival” bringing the addictive emotional darkness and thrash poetry from his fingers. Something wicked as shit, this way came. The heavy pair of double D’s was shown in public again with “Deception” and “Devices.”

After the show Rose got his guitar neck signed by Skolnick and enjoyed a few surreal, inspirational moments with the guitar legend as did other members of Forces and other audience members throughout the evening.

 

 

 

Filed Under: Dayton Music Tagged With: Dayton Music, Oddbody's, University of Dayton

It’s a Full Scale High 5 Riot in Dayton!

November 15, 2014 By Mike Ritchie

h5r_022High 5 Riot hit the scene earlier this year already loaded with experience, talent and a collective drive to succeed and name based on their previous local ventures. Singer/rhythm guitarist Ashley Stacy cut her teeth in Gathering Mercury. With her young spirit and energy, she’ll settle for nothing less than global domination for H5R. The birth came in February at Dayton Does Dayton when GM and bassist Andy Uzzel’s band The Broken Lights were playing. A mutual desire and determination for musical progression brought them together. A massive reaction to their acoustic set at the Songwriters United Show at The Old Yellow Cab Building sealed their partnership. They also earned the Mick Montgomery seal of approval saying ‘this needed to happen’.

They searched and completed the ensemble with guitarist Austin Labig, former drummer of Free Fall Theory, drummer Sean McGrath and keyboardist, formally of In The Cut Aaron Noble. Each shares an incredible drive and desire to strive for the highest level possible. High 5’s debut EP Crowd Control is a pleasant taste of what’s sure to come with elements of pop, rock, punk and acoustic’s. Stacy unleashes her range from a soft soothing serenade to a Linda Perry type wail, over the five tracks particularly ‘going off on’ “Locket”.

“The Pursuit” lyrically dark, is a poppy, rock, addictive tune with psychedelic keyboards winking in the background. Oo, Oo, Oo, a manipulators voice, a cold calculating stalkers heart, it’s me or no one babe. Stacy gets a little sexy with some down and desirable words for them dirty blondes on “Turn Out the Lights”. “Detox” says appearances are deceiving, the truth underneath is revealing. Get the drugs out. “Locket”’s a loud proud proclamation of self-identity, lifestyle and triumph to make your heart happy. The disk ends at “Dusk”, a western styled acoustic vibe, wailing out a life’s tale of ending too soon.

Keep updated on future riotous news at www.high5riot.com.

Filed Under: Dayton Music Tagged With: Dayton Music, High 5 Riot

REVIEW: Ninth Annual JDRF Benefit Weekend for Sonny at Club Panama

November 12, 2014 By Mike Ritchie

October 4th and 5th Club Panama hosted the annual For Love of Sonny tribute fundraiser to help raise funds and awareness for Juvenile Diabetes treatment and research. This year’s local supporters included Simply Delicious, Schaeffers Amusements Co, Janeen and Joel Naugle for bringing the sweet stuff, Rudy’s Smoke House BBQ, Keg & Cork and Letters to the Blind for CD donation. Other area sponsors included Fazolis, Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Roosters, O’Charleys. Frickers, Chucky Cheese, Cracker Barrel and Golden Corral with all proceeds going to the JDRF.  Not only was this the ninth year for love of Sonny but it was also the 25th year anniversary of Panama bringing metal through the door. In ’89 Susie Maynard put her foot down and welcomed the headbangers.

Mike Defendant (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Mike Defendant (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Columbus transplant Mike Defendant brought the acoustic acolytes back to Springfield opening the ninth annual weekend fresh off a tour with Dead Kennedy’s and TBH. Like last year he brought the hardcore punk and acoustic fury out of his six strings. Plus drinking since 10am helped the creative improvisation flow better. He warned or depending on your POV guaranteed this would be the best or worst thing you’ll ever hear, at least for that night anyway.

Acoustic tunes with speed metal plucking include religion, imaginary friends (his are better than yours and better connected) and a tune about the joys of radio friendly smash hits that never get played. If there’s anything the road’s taught him it’s that there was absolutely no nutritional value in early morning alcohol. He continued with the off the cuff, chaotic, falling off the limb with slight irreverence stepping forward backwards, pacing between the left and right hand paths performance only he could do. Bringing the electricity out of the acoustic he sung a pretty song about having phone sex with your mother. The question was, who hangs up first? His music obviously inspired by SOD and Napalm Death run the length of a few of their old school tunes.

Fletcher Munson was next playing a set of originals with a few varied covers. Not many bands played GWAR and Neil Young in the same show. With a blend of blues, rock and metal inspired with a jam groove they opened with a tribute to the late Oderus Urungus, as we traveled on the Road Behind. They get original on the Vicious Cycle and Crystal. It was a time warp protest trip back to 1970 and Kent Ohio, courtesy of the Crazy Horse. There’s some sort of Mental Delay, in the music they love to play, could be due to the love of ‘the drop’, Raging Alcoholic’s fuel their stomp. It was no secret they came off sounding a bit Wooden but it’s all for the love of those Butthole Surfers.  There’s a certain Hypnotic element to Fletch, maybe it’s the punk rock blue grass attitude of Growing Marijuana.

Troy’s From Silence to Violence started Halloween early with Phil Rindler opening the show in animated ninja attire. The first of the weekend ‘heavies’ busted open an early can of screamin’ hardcore, metalcore with a few sung verses of reality based tunes about partying and the positive/negative aspects of life. Don’t go trick or treating with them, you don’t know What’s in the Bag. Started in late 2012, they’ve opened for Dead by Wednesday and Bobaflex and a video for What’s in the Bag is upcoming.

Abrade the Regal (courtesy of Joel Naugle)

Abrade the Regal (courtesy of Joel Naugle)

Abrade the Regal always brings the infectious groove and the ‘table top’ musicianship. Finding that happy balance between rock and metal without being in mosh territory but heavy enough for a ‘good head bang dance’. Like any band that’s ever played a loud riff they Scream at the World and everything that pisses them off.

The Reefer Hut finished the evening metaphorically putting blood on the wall with a full frontal thrash party and a small but dedicated pit. Mosh pit stompers included the tattooed, metal and proud Inner Pride. Don’t judge a man with a guitar, a black t-shirt and a mic unless you’ve read his lyrics or carried his gear. It’s a Pantera pummeling and there’s No Turning Back from the eardrum Abuse as the guitar chords of Sleep Dred did more damage than Freddy’s glove. They concluded night one with an inspirational neck wrecker about Moving Forward from bad situations and negative sh-. A politely yelled, screamed encore was requested.

The second evening gave us Blackout Method, National Headcase, Chronic Aggression, Legbone and Letters to the Blind, and as the evening progressed everyone in the Springfield metal scene came. It was a claustrophobic but friendly crowd, with beer and shots flowing with a long sometime short list of raffle ticket winners growing with several earning ‘repeat offender’ status. Saturday could also be the first time someone won a Chuck E Cheese prize in a bar. Winner was subject to height check.

Blackout Method (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Blackout Method (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Blackout Method covered the early evening with a set ranging from early Sabbath/Manson to modern day heavy metal Elvis. No better way to start then with some Dumb Luck, Red Line Chemistry style. If only Alice in Chains and Scott Weiland had joined forces. We all went Down (under) with the Sick Puppies, Face to the Floor courtesy of Chevelle. We heard the face painted Warriors Call and got ready to rumble with Volbeat. Rage poured with the Bulls on Parade. We got Sap and we liked it courtesy of Got Me Wrong. They went as old-school as metal goes to the original ‘nativity’ then went a few years forward paying respect to the holy ‘horned one’, on and on, it’s Heaven and Hell. Sadly a crash course in brain surgery had to be postponed but they ended on a trippy note and the death of the 60’s, it’s coming down fast, it’s Helter Skelter.

If you took snake bit blood from Down, COC and Crowbar, spliced it together just right then had something go horribly wrong at the last minute, you’d get the loud, striking serpents tongue in the ear of National Headcase. Playing with two turbine steel ripping guitars, they’re kinda like a metalheads Rush, with a few prog face smacks.

They sliced the crowd open with the razor sharp swamp water riffs of Welcome to the Fallout. The well Worked Over walls of Panama shook with the good heavy vibrations of Brother’s Keeper. The fast galloping drums and guitars on This Sacrifice Endures played the tale of any and all sacrifices made in life.

They played the prophecy of the Oracle, with its early-priest-like opening. Digging riffs down deep into the lower depths of long buried darkness. Don’t dig up what’s not meant to be found. It was a seven and a half minute plus monster chugger fueled by that special made swamp gas. Vultures ended with a tool kit of instrumentalization, thrash vocals with a Chrome Division shine and COC non-conformity.

Springfield’s had a chronic case of loud aggression since December 1999 driven by the raspy vocals of Joe Stafford and the Accept meets Overkill sounds of Chronic Aggression. The thrash of the New Jersey stomp was brought forth and hither with the Neighborhood Dispatch. They brought the crowd to the front including house security for the crowd pleaser sing along Balls to the Wall, Udo would be proud.

Legbone (courtesy of Joel Naugle)

Legbone (courtesy of Joel Naugle)

The Legbone’s been hit, popped, cracked and knocked out of socket a few times since the early 90’s but the Dayton based punk veterans keep on playing bringing the crowds up front surrounding the stage in an old-school punk gathering. Watching the group of fans boxing in the stage, getting uber close you couldn’t help but remember the days predating mosh pits when punks and kids just came to a show and bounced up and down with spikes (on the wrist, hand, hair or elsewhere) in the air. They’ve played with hardcore legends DRI, Gang Green and the Casualties. They played tunes about beer, partying and of course, more beer that’ve kept them going. They’re newest CD It Leads to Poverty is available now.

The Ninth Annual weekend closed with Letters to the Blind, the only band to bring electric drums. Playing their fourth show ever they began with Once, painting a progressively heavy picture with power and death metal elements. Though they have a short scene history their members date back to the Biogenesis days.  Throughout the set guitarist Blaine Gordon showed of Satriani like skills, As Color Fades casted a Dream Theater like quality over the club. They talked about the drones in line following the status quo indulging the late night stayers in a few more new tunes. Their five song EP is available at shows and online.

Club Panama thanks everyone involved in this year’s benefit, all the bands who played and everyone who came and rocked out for Sonny.

 

 

 

Filed Under: Dayton Music Tagged With: Dayton Music

Byzantine Bring the Release and Resolve Tour to Dayton

November 7, 2014 By Mike Ritchie

Forces of Nature (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Forces of Nature (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Oddbody’s brought the metal October 25th, from New York, Rhode Island, West Virginia and of course Dayton with four bands of different types and styles but all screaming for metal.

One of the rock-solid pillars of the Dayton metal scene Forces of Nature owned the stage as only they can playing set staples “Mary Hates Herself”, usual opener “Magnus Lee” and the newer enchanted “Forest of Corpses”. They gave what every male and some female metal-heads love with a set of double D’s playing “Deception and Devices”.

New York’s IKillYa touring on their second release Vae Victis, naming their outfit after the boiling point where you just can’t take the stress, bullshit, stupidity and hopelessness of a situation anymore and go do something constructive about it. So it was fitting they started out loud, roaring and angry with a “Godsize” problem. The warrior spirit came out with a vengeance tearing up the stage with a DevilDriver rasp and Danzig’s yelling throat. “And Hell Followed With Him”…engraved upon these knuckles the frantic need to escape a car wreck before the flames attack, OH! The tempo changes of “Driven” were enough to trip up any mosh pit to fall into each other. “E.H.R”, screaming is just vocal therapy that must be exhaled to sooth the tortured voice of Jason Lekberg. “Jeckyl Better Hyde” was the good and the bad of dueling personalities always at war. Can’t let the darkness win. They finished with “Vae Victis” and woe ye to the vanquished and the conquered.

They Will Be Done (photo by Mike Ritchie)

They Will Be Done (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Thy Will Be Done, began with the severe head beating, ear bleeding “Solemn Oath”. With the brutal tastes and stage tactics of Machine Head and Hatebreed they blasted and banged through eight throttle churning road burners. J. Costa had an eerie presence which probably had nothing to do with his odd resemblance and stage charisma to a late 60’s hippie guru. “Unto the Sanctified” spilled the blood of Rob Flynn’s fret fingers down the Nile with enough growling to appease the gods and enough gear rattling guitar work to keep the machine roaring. Taking a piece of the temple “The Apathy Divine”’s was a chug, head stomper leaving debris on the dance floor. YouTube video “Earth’s Final Embrace” was three minutes of pre-apocalypse warning. Crush the distracters, naysayers and spirit draining vampires with the strength and passion of “A Lion and A Lamb”.

The groove metallers of the underground have achieved cult status after a 2013 comeback after half a decade away, playing support to their upcoming 2015 release To Release is to Resolve early next year. Byzantine opened with The Fundamental Components of “Hatfield”, reviving the family feud, the metal way. The metal mathematicians went to work making us earn our penance the hard way by the “Stick Figure” and “Slipping on Noise”. They broke out the serpents on “Justica” and “Taking Up Serpents” and traded screeching/clean vocals on the sizzling groove thrash and bluesy melody of “Jeremiad”. Oblivion Beckons on “Nadir” then they came current on “Efficacy” and style defying “Signal Path”, finishing with the black tar grin of the “Soul Eraser”. A throwing wall of death of personal conflict and self-made chaos get thee behind me Satan.

Forces of Nature will be with us again on Saturday the 8th at Oddbody’s with Engine of Chaos and Columbus’s Lick the Blade for the University of Dayton Metal and Cultural Impact Conference Aftershow featuring legendary guitarist, Testament’s Alex Skolnick. All door profits are being donated to the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund and Dayton’s Project Read! Come out and support the bands, the charities, and have a banging good time.

Filed Under: Dayton Music

REVIEW: Bocca Live Goes Country for Wounded Warrior Benefit

November 1, 2014 By Mike Ritchie

DSC_0024Saturday October 11th was a chance to give back and show appreciation to all the brave men and women of the armed forces for all their hard work and sacrifices to ensure our safety and freedom.

Event organizer Brian Gilliams put together a two band tribute evening with raffles, prizes and cool autographed baseballs from the legends of the game. Gilliam’s band Throw it Down headlined the show playing three sets of the best of modern day rocking country with a few throwbacks to the legends that paved the way including some southern fried rock and a little old school metal.  The C.G.I Acoustic Trio opened the show with a unique set of songs some of which had never seen an acoustic chord played.

“I was inspired to host this event in memory of my brother, LCpl Kevin Creech of the United States Marine Corps. Kevin fought in Operation Iraqi Freedom, deployed to Fallujah, Iraq in 2005. Returning home from war he struggled with posttraumatic stress disorder and had many of his fellow USMC brothers take their own lives due to PTSD. I’ll be requesting a percentage of the funds raised be spent on vets with PTSD, dedicated in his name,” said Gilliams.

Key event contributors included Office Depot, Arby’s, Chick-Fil-A, Throw It Down band, Bocca Live, Smoothie King of Dayton, 700 WLW Radio, Frisch’s Big-Boy, 20Brix/Padrino, John and Chris Ritchie, Mark and Lisa Tesmer, Kyle and Erin Lemaster and Envi Nails.

All event proceeds were donated to the Wounded Warrior Project. Founded in 2003, WWP helps those that’ve returned from duty with the emotional, physical and mental recovery of returning from combat helping with readjustment back into civilian life and aid in finding them employment. Also aiding those injured with multi-range programs, therapies, counseling and peer support.

C.G.I. Acoustic (photo by Mike Ritchie)

C.G.I. Acoustic (photo by Mike Ritchie)

C.G.I. Acoustic is brought to you by bass, acoustics and the old fashion Cajon drum box. Songs you’ve never imagined unplugged, ‘go there’ from pop to rock to metal. No Slayer or Skynyrd but BOC was teased twice with the reaper. Playing stripped down is their Rock & Roll fantasy and they can rock out as good as any three piece acoustic band. We heard what Neil Young said about them, Keep on Rocking in the Free World. A rare Fleetwood Mac tune by Christine McVie was sung by Mr. Chris Lee. After the Doobies Listen to the Music, CGI told the bitter sweet story of Johnny and the Bad Company that made him famous.

Taking a turn to the early 80’s they gave Prince some of their extra time with bassist James Isbell showing some impressive range. They played a non-electronic/non-synth version of In the Air Tonight, oh Lord. They downsized to a three man acoustical jam for Signs then paid tribute to the purple one as the Purple Rain came down with a little sample from Journey done Faithfully. Come Sail Away with them to the march of the War Pigs. Generals gathered in their masses, just like acoustic guitars at country bashes. CGI Trio thanks you all!

Throw it Down’s  first set opened with all country prepping the crowd for the upcoming till early morning party. According to Eric Paslay the first song ain’t about money, back-roads, come backs or drinking, it’s a Song About a Girl and it’s all Waylon’s fault. Josh Thompson and Jason Cassidy both agree on the crazy lifestyle of a country boy singer. That night in Milford, Dierks Bentley wasn’t the only one that wanted to have some fun with a cold beer and raise some hell up in here. Thomas Rhett’s trying to find the right girl that just does something to bring out the lyrics inside, and It Goes (a lil somethin’) Like This.  Geddy Lee may have been called the working man but Mr. Haggard sang about those hard Workin’ Man’s Blues long before, paving the way. It’s a semi ride party on the hot tin roof cruising down the Florida Georgia Line on diesel and dust, kicking up the BMX smoke because that’s how they role. Kenny Chesney’s a self-proclaimed hillbilly rockstar out of control. From the smoky bars to an arena star, he’s Living in Fast Forward. Brantley Gilbert throws it back to the prohibition days. It’s Bottoms Up and the guns are serving more shots than the bar.

Throw It Down (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Throw It Down (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Lee Brice keeps the Parking Lot Party going before and long after the show. Could it be the country rocking cousin of heavy metal parking lot? Brice inspired a full house ‘holler swaller’ the good ole boys version of a social. Big & Rich share their concern with the conservation of ungulate mammals and encourage all to Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy). Luke Bryan enjoys his rattlesnake shake as much as any six stringed cowboy with the company of a beautiful Country Girl working her magic by his side. Tonight was Jason Aldeans kinda party, whether on stage, in any state or the back of a jacked up tailgate. The Church of Eric was in session, closing out their first set and he preached the all American gospel living that hard working blue collar dream with pride, How ‘Bout You?

Their second set included a mix of country, southern and hard rock and the appearance/contributions of several local musicians including Erick Daniels (AfterMidnight),
Charlie Grau (After Midnight), Alan Cyr (After Midnight), “Izzy” Isbell (CGI/Hollywood Tragedy), Lance Boyd (The Medicine Men). (The first time Gilliam’s ever played live at a bar, he sat in with blues legend H-Bomb Ferguson. Boyd was H-Bomb’s longtime guitarist, and he handed him that guitar to play that night). Chris Lee (CGI/Hollywood Tragedy), Josh Cupp (Pistol Holler), Steve Witherby, (Second Wind), Don Overberg (Slowhand) and Rick Grabencamp (Marsha Brady) also made appearances.

They started with a second helping from the Florida Georgia line. Cruis(‘n) down the road with the windows down and the open air on the path of life to anywhere. Blake Shelton told it straight about the Boys ‘Round Here, backwoods legit, dirt stained, hard work trained and not taking any lip. We got the word on drinkin’ and smokin’ from Bocephus talking about the Family Tradition. We boogied to some sweet southern rock done Skynyrd style singing about the southland. We did some welcome time at Folsom Prison with the man in black then took a trip to the Red House over yonder hanging with Jimi. We got a double but different dose of ZZ, first hearing Mr. Hill talk about them Down Home Blues, then got bearded with those crazy girls and the Sharp Dressed Man. Georgia Satellites talking about love, talking about sin. Don’t hand them no lines. We were christened with our first dose of ‘metal’ with the prince of darkness flying solo on the Crazy Train. The potion came with the antidote from the Old Crow Medicine Show traveling on their never failing Wagon Wheel. To close out the late evening set they tore into one of the South’s most sacred and time honored/respected anthems, fly high.

For all the cricket loving, moon shine jugging creatures of the night, they went a ‘lil’ past the midnight hour starting the evenings third and final set in honor of all the brave men and women that don’t have the luxury of sleeping, on beds, when they want to. Luke Bryan says it’s his kind of night and he’s not done yet. Second gospel according to Mr. Church says put a Drink in My Hand! Aw Naw, Chris Young’s getting it on at the convenience store till dawn again, the stuff you find behind the cooler curtain. Rains a good thing when it ‘warsh’s’ all your troubles down the drain, says Luke Bryan. Brooks & Dunn love to keep those beautiful cowgirls happy when they Play Something Country. It’s way past the witching hour but it’s the perfect time to Take a Lil Ride again with Jason Aldean, big wheels, dirt fields, mudden all day and night in cowboy boots and high heels. Take the Ride with Mr. Coe; it’s a strange one you know. Steve Earle tells those tales of what happened (and didn’t happen) back on Copperhead Road. Tim McGraw got sucked into the web of love and likes it, no he loves it! Jamey Johnson sees it all In Color from the hard times of the past, remember, respect and make those memories last. The midnight country mass is almost over with Mr. Church making one last appearance Creepin’ on that all night train. The Cadillac Three love the south, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Carolina and tonight’s honorary guest Milford, Ohio. Mr. Brooks finished up the evening with all his Friends in Low Places. Yee-ha!

Mr. Gilliams can also be seen performing in his fulltime band After Midnight.

Filed Under: Dayton Music Tagged With: Dayton Music

HORRORAMA 2014 Re-Haunts Englewood Cinema October 24th!

October 22, 2014 By Mike Ritchie

Horrorama2014_UPDATEMore legal than a fake purge and less appetizing than zombies on AMC, it’s that time of year for the 18th Annual Horrorama Movie Festival. Making more returns then Jason, Freddy and Michael the ‘Horror’ returns to the Englewood Cinemas at 320 W. National Road, Englewood, Ohio by Kmart on Friday Oct. 24th. Doors open and the pre-show festivities at 6:00 PM, and the flicks kick off around 7:00 PM.  Tickets are $10 in advance (at GameSwap Kettering and Englewood Cinema) or $12 day of show.

Turning 18 this year (it’s old enough to drink blood but not other potent liquids), Horrorama has presented horror films and audience participation activities on the last Friday before Halloween each year. Fans are once again welcomed, encouraged and demanded with a sneer to wear costumes, yell at the screen and scream, holler and howl at will. Please no biting, sacrifices, monster attacks, conjuring’s, mauling’s or ‘turns’ in the theater or lobby. This year’s show returns with four great horror films, tons of trailers from distant yesteryear-current day, short films, some by local directors, and contests! Scream for me Horrorama!

This year’s event is hosted by Dayton’s own horror show and radio host A Ghastlee Ghoul.   Terrifying Tales of the Macabre’s Baron Von Porkchop will also present a short film during the event.

The evening’s first frightful flick starts with Peter Cushing returning as Baron Frankenstein in Hammer’s classic Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell. His brain came from a genius. His body came from a killer. His soul came from hell! Your blood will run cold when the monster rises. The second feature is from that hellraisen’ Clive Barker’s little seen sleeper Rawhead Rex. Watch out, he’s pure evil, pure power, pure terror. Someone has awakened him….he lives again to feed again.

The third film is the Italian zombie flick by Bruno Mattei, Hell of the Living Dead and is known as one of the worst zombie films ever made. In other words, you’ll love it! When the creeping dead devour the living flesh, get ready… it’s gonna be one hell of a night. The last film for the evening’s insomniacs and those too scared to sleep is H.P. Lovecraft’s The Bride of Re-Animator, a direct sequel to the cult classic Re-Animator starring Halloween 4’s Kathleen Kinmont and good ole Dr. West. The creator of the original cult classic injects new life into body parts other films cannot reach… it’s a scream! Date. Mate. Re-animate.

For the last 17 years, Horrorama has raised thousands of dollars for charity. This year Horrorama will benefit the All Creatures Great and Small Emergency Pet Food Bank.

Horrorama is not just a passive movie watching event, every year Horrorama features a kids and adult costume contest as well as other contests such as a “zombie walking” and “screaming” contest. More information can be found on Facebook at Horrorama 2014 and Horrorama Dayton or call the Englewood Cinema at 937-836-0805.

 

Filed Under: On Screen Dayton, The Featured Articles Tagged With: Englewood Cinema, halloween, horrorama, On Screen Dayton

REVIEW: Oddbody’s Brings the Solstice to Dayton

September 29, 2014 By Mike Ritchie

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Crucifixion (photo by Tom Wilson)

Crucifixion (photo by Tom Wilson)

Saturday September 6th, could be seen as a night when the perpetually moving solstice of change and evolution in the Dayton scene was showcased on the Oddbody’s stage. The young, upcoming new blood opened followed by the established former instrumentalists with a new voice and the scene veterans played direct support to the national headliners.

The origins of Crucifixation spawned when guitarist Max Mobarry and bassist Shane Tucker finally got a chance to jam during the summer of 2012. A few months later the two, along with vocalist Eric Bucio started jamming discovering a mutual love of intense metal music. Eric suggested they form a band and Crucifixation was brought forth onto this earth. After a year-long search, they were contacted by drummer Jorden Garberson, who became the man behind the kit. They’ve assembled an onslaught of brutal thrashing metal honoring the greats and destroying those who stand in the path of their unholy Crucifixaters.

Playing hard and banging harder they tore into their set playing with an old school Sepultura meets early 90’s Florida death metal roar, throwing buckets of adrenaline and fury on stage. Opener Infestation carried the militaristic march of the young soldiers hitting with the first wave of heavy artillery. Redemption brought the slow, evil, seething technical death thrash slowly slithering towards you. Breastflesh cracked the bones, softening up the anatomy for the pluck pounding and Cannibal Corpse lyrics. Max Mobarry was definitely Puckin’ Around waving his long crimson red windmill mop at hurricane speed as they played homage to the game on ice and any other hockey masked guy prone to violence. What could be their future Toxic Waltz, Stand Up and Thrash had a nice bass groove with some Slayerish riffs and an almost boogie feel. Bucio delivered screams, growls and some spoken word vocals. Besides Death, Cannibal Corpse and Six Feet Under it’s fitting that Morbid Angels in there as Mobarry could be the younger doppelganger of Erik Rutan.

Zuel now has the voice of Brandon Hawk, a younger Dan Lilker in appearance, and they started with No One Has Partied Here in Years, aka Johnny. They bring the hardcore belated hangover shoveling it in with bulldozer guitars, a bit of Fear Factory industrial tools, some sweet melodious Death courtesy ofUncle Chuck and some Morbid Angel signature guitar slides providing the musical diary and building blocks of a madman’s metal puzzle.  Unfettered aka Year Long sounded like Opeth falling down an open air spiraling staircase, smashing into an ascending Mastodon during a lightning storm. Whisper in the Ear aka 1984 had a nice descending mental melody and deliriously mad, dark mood.

They finished with Take Kindly/Endless Rapture and The Flaws We Seal as Secrets. Keep updated on these multi-stylistic noise makers often seen at Hanks Pub, Oddbody’s, Blind Bob’s and on top of tall buildings being shot by proton packs.

Forces of Nature (photo by Tom Wilson)

Forces of Nature (photo by Tom Wilson)

One of Dayton’s hardest working/scene supporting bands Forces of Nature played the stage under the Oddbody’s banner for the first time cranking out metal meal riff-muncher Magnus Lee as Tate Moore summoned his inner cookie monster and accompanying serpents tongue. We took a lovely stroll through piles of death and carnage caused by one man’s madness and wrath or your favorite conqueror, tyrant or serial killer of choice. The Godsey’s, Jimmy Rose and Johnnie Wallace gave the Forest of Corpses life; Moore gave mutilation and anguish a voice. They played the stalking chainsaw wielding killer in the woods past midnight pace of Mary Hates Herself. It’s a wonderful life, live it loud and play it with metal. Quote, the Forces of Nature, Nevermore. Throwing Fists in the pit, it’s hit or miss, till you get your ass kicked for being a dick. Wallace continues to shine against two powerhouse guitarists bringing Dimebag’s spirit to the bass. They gave a loud reminder that we’re all dwellers on this Black Earth. A set mostly taken from the new Dark Ages CD ends with A.S.O.T. questioning God and country’s need for martyrdom and some seriously weird, creepy s**t descending down the walls as blood runs up.

From the air, heat, sand and dirt of Florida’s early 90’s death/thrash metal explosion spawning Death, Deicide, Obituary and Cannibal Corpse among many others comes the Solstice. Founded by drummer Alex Marquez (Malevolent Creation), Rob Barrett (Cannibal Corpse) and Dennis Munoz (Iniquitous) and newly recruited Ryan Taylor (Atomik) on rhythm guitar and vocals they brought three records of speed and thrash to the stage. Taylor brought the noise Vio-lence to the forefront starting with an Age of Quarrel song from the Cro-Mags. Starting from 1992’s self-titled debut, they dove straight into the darker side of the mirror on Netherworld. Upon the wastelands arose a true unholy decimator of all that’s conquerable with a Cataclysmic Outburst. The land of the free, pulled by the strings of filthy politicians, must be Cleansed of Impurity. By any means necessary. Aberration asks how much pain can we possibly bear with such a young soul. They send some respect to the Bronx, pounding with 44 Caliber Brain Surgery to the head, Demolition Hammer style.

Plasticized, your aging body is rotten as you’re rolled up into a corner and forgotten. The Eternal Waking of one’s inner self to a world of inner consciousness and dreams. They took the first page from the steamrolling/wrecking ball guitars and banging bass book of Pray and played the title track prophesizing the triumph of science over the hypocritical elements of religion. Survival Reaction, seeing red as the instinct to survive kicks in, at all costs.

They play a Peter Steele tribute Carnivore style and possibly one of the reasons Playgirl called. When one is six-foot-seven, size matters. They end with the weak, aging mind Transmogrified by dementia and loss of faculties.

Crucifixation, Forces of Nature, feature images courtesy of Tom Wilson

Editor’s Note-On Saturday September 20th, for the 8th straight year Forces of Nature volunteered their time, working with event coordinator Jeanette Monaghan, performing at the Wright Pat Air Force Base Marathon. They played a non-stop, six-hour (7am-1pm, with pre-dawn setup/5:30 am sound-check) gig positioned near the last leg of the course. They banged and thrashed as over 15,000 runners went by, many raised the horns in respect and gratitude for the extra effort, adrenaline and energy to the finish line of the 26 mile trek. When the set-list started getting low their ‘late morning’ creativity-caffeine kicked in with adlibs and jams coming up with new material.  Tom Wilson along with event supporter Kelli Wilson also made the early morning base trip making sure the heavy metal patriotism was documented. After playing all morning and a brief break Mr. Godsey spent the evening at Oddbody’s working security for the Nonpoint show.       

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Filed Under: Dayton Music Tagged With: Dayton Music, Oddbody's

REVIEW: Hollow, Damaged Soul Play Oddbody’s

September 5, 2014 By Mike Ritchie

Hollow (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Hollow (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Hollow, Dayton’s tribute to dual era Alice in Chains and Damaged Soul a tribute to the music of Black Sabbath and Ozzy played the newly reopened House of Rock now known as Oddbody’s on Saturday August 23rd. The place slowly filled with local fans and musicians showing up supporting the new venue and showing respect for the stage and appreciation that a long time live music staple was back again.

Alice Cooper probably did it first but Alice in Chains took the name bringing their dark, dismal, murky but incredibly catchy and moody metal from the Seattle rainfall to the world. Vocalist Greg Smith brought the spirit of Layne Staley and the continuing saga of William DuVall to the room with a career spanning set of favorites and obscure tunes from Facelift to The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here.

They started, digging up the Dirt on Them Bones and Dam That River then gave those unfamiliar, the first dose of DuVall era from Black Gives Way to Blue, the deep opening guitar note drag of Check My Brain. The Dirt continues to fall Down in a Hole followed by album mid-number Junkhead. The Dinosaurs return on Stone.

We finally got a loud, uncomfortable Facelift that’s somewhere between Love, Hate, Love sticking around for seconds. We could say it was sloppy but It Ain’t Like That. We got factory sludge in the face then went to Jar of Flies to get cracked open like a Nutshell. They played their namesake tune then went out and snuffed the Rooster, in a Sea of Sorrow.

AIC’s biggest hit was next, and he’s still bur-ied in his s**t. They finished with the instantly recognizable seductive bass line.  If I could Would you? There were no angry chairs and heaven wasn’t beside us but still the goods were delivered.

Damaged Soul (Photo by Mike Ritchie)

Damaged Soul (Photo by Mike Ritchie)

Damaged Soul came up to play two sets from the Sabs and the prince of darkness. They started at the beginning… of Ozzy’s solo career with I Don’t Know. Go backwards to the early days of Paranoid, watching those Fairies Wear Boots in the park. Fast forward to the mid- eighties and relive Ozzy’s silver sparkle jacket and life sized stage Buddha with Shot in the Dark. They went back to Sabbath with a winter’s offering from Vol 4. Snowblind: a type of temporary eye damage caused by snow reflecting UV light, or……

The legendary drum beat began as the guitar dragged/wrenched out the pioneering first notes of Iron Man. Electric Funeral fire flared up next then they finished with the song ‘penned’ about Wards beard and widely interpreted as about the nativity.

They return for set 2 with a happy birthday tribute to Tim and Dimebag Darrell Abbott. Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law. With that in mind they invite in Mr. Crowley. As much as he enjoyed rum soaked tobacco, the Birmingham boys loved their Sweet Leaf. We’re all Believer(s) in Ozzy and the power of metal that compels us. The rest of the band took a break while Tim and bassist Norm Lilly of WTUE took us all through some Changes. We got mixed up in a Suicide Solution of lyrical misunderstanding.  We got the old school version of the walking dead on Children of the Grave. We took a few more hits off the leaf and went Flying High Again just in time to climb aboard the Crazy Train ay, ay, ay, ay… It’s enough to occupy anyone’s brain making them Paranoid.

They finish with the dance of the War Pigs and Kent Martin ends a Damaged Soul show with a damaged guitar string. Crazy, yeah, but that’s how it goes.

Photography by Mike Ritchie 

Filed Under: Dayton Music Tagged With: Dayton Music, Oddbody's

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8:30 pm | JD Legends Entertainment Complex

Pancake Box Brunch

9:00 am | Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm

Prime Time’s Wedding Open House

11:00 am | Prime Time Party Rental

The Art of Suspense

2:00 pm | Virtual Event

Free Boot Camp Workout

5:30 am | The Park at Austin Landing Miamisburg OH

25% Off Pizza Monday

11:30 am | Oregon Express

$2 burger night

5:00 pm | Bullwinkle’s Top Hat Bistro

Grand Opening

7:00 am | Nutmeg Cafe

Trivia Tuesday

7:00 pm | The Brick Tap & Tavern

More Events…

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