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STYX To Salute PITTSBURGH STEELERS Linebacker KEVIN GREENE

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As any STYX fan in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania knows, their signature track “Renegade” has been an adopted theme song of the Pittsburgh Steelers football team for over a decade. They’ve sung the national anthem at many Steelers games in recent years and they’ll be proudly singing it once again at the Steelers vs. Kansas City Chiefs game on Sunday, October 2, which will be nationally televised on NBC‘s “Sunday Night Football” at 5:30pm PT/8:30 p.m. ET.

That same weekend, on Saturday, October 1, the band will dedicate their headlining show at Benedum Theatre in Pittsburgh to former Steelers linebacker Kevin Greene, who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall Of Fame on August 6, 2016. In his career, he played 228 games in 15 seasons, garnering 160.0 sacks, and being named to appear on the 1990’s All-Decade Team.

Kevin Greene will be awarded his Hall Of Fame ring at Sunday’s game as part of a ceremony taking place at halftime.

As founder/guitarist/vocalist James “JY” Young explains: “STYX met Kevin Greene for the first time when we performed at the Super Bowl in 2001. We were impressed with Kevin‘s football career as well as the fact that he is a huge STYX fan from Southern Illinois. We’re profoundly honored to be a part of the Pittsburgh tradition of celebrating their Hall Of Fame inductees, especially this time as Kevin is being inducted. He’s a great guy, friend and football player. STYX is proud to be a part of the traditions as ‘Renegade’ has become a part of the 21st century Steelers sulture.”

“I grew up in Southern Illinois a STYX fan,” continues Kevin Greene.” It was great to finally meet the guys in 2001. We have been friends ever since, and I’m excited that my beloved Steelers have adopted the STYX song ‘Renegade’ as the unofficial Steeler fight song in the new millennium. Looking forward to a great concert Saturday in Pittsburgh. I’ll be there!!!”

The love for “Renegade” at all Steelers games started at a playoff game against the Cleveland Browns on January 5, 2002. The Steelers were down 24-7 well into the third quarter. During a commercial break, a crew member at Heinz Field (home of the Steelers) decided to play “Renegade” in an effort to get the fans riled up and boost the momentum of the team. It was a moment that helped the team come back to win the game 36-33 and subsequently change Steelers history. Now, during the third quarter of Steelers home games, a video compilation of defensive plays are shown with “Renegade” playing in the background.

In further STYX news, the band — Tommy Shaw (vocals, guitars), James “JY” Young (vocals, guitars), Lawrence Gowan (vocals, keyboards), Todd Sucherman (drums) and Ricky Phillips (bass), along with the occasional surprise appearance by original bassist Chuck Panozzo — is already planning their schedule for 2017 which will include a five-night limited engagement with very special guest star Don Felder — formerly of the EAGLES — at The Venetian Theatre inside The Venetian Las Vegas. The show, “Styx & Don Felder: Renegades In The Fast Lane”, will be held on January 6, 7, 11, 13 and 14, 2017.

For “Styx & Don Felder: Renegades In The Fast Lane”, STYX has created an exclusive set list and brand new stage production, while Don Felder is also working on some exciting plans of his own for the Vegas extravaganza. The multi-show run will pay tribute to both STYX‘s and Don Felder‘s combined 45-plus years as one of the most successful rock and roll bands in history and one of rock’s most illustrious guitar legends.

Meanwhile, September 2 marked the long-awaited release date of “Styx: Live At The Orleans Arena Las Vegas” on DVD, Blu-ray and digital formats via Eagle Rock Entertainment. It captures the band performing in July 2014 such fan favorites as “Too Much Time On My Hands”, “Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)”, “Renegade” and more. It also includes a special surprise visit from Don Felder for a rousing performance of “Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)”.
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Source: Blabbermouth NEW
STYX To Salute PITTSBURGH STEELERS Linebacker KEVIN GREENE
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CD Reviews

Ministry – HOPIUMFORTHEMASSES

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As we near the collapse of mankind and the imminent doom of our political system, a perfect stage has been set for the outspoken rebels to flood the airwaves with dissident upheaval bathed in musical bliss. With the end looming, no greater landscape could welcome the reemergence of the enigmatic Al Jourgensen and company with their latest release, HOPIUMFORTHEMASSES, via Nuclear Blast Records. Scheduled for a March 1st 2024 release, Uncle Al, along with guitarist Cesar Soto, Paul D’Amour, formerly of TOOL, on bass, John Bechdel on keys, Roy Mayorga (ex-STONE SOUR) on drums, and newly added guitarist Monte Pittman, form the current incarnation of the long-lived Ministry.

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This album is an open-book commentary on our American society at large, bathed in slow-burn angst and distortion injected with punk rock/thrash riffs and samples galore.

Within the opening seconds of track one, a female voice proclaims, “What was once forbidden becomes fringe, and what was once fringe becomes mainstream.” Soon Al’s vocals take over with a distorted and effect heavy declaration of “horny little boys filled with hormones and hate, waging war on women ‘’cause they can’t get a date,” thus laying the groundwork for the entire album. As “B.D.E.” (Big Dick Energy) continues, a heavy yet simplistic guitar riff drives the song forward while increasing the energy level and tempo. Al’s vocals continue with his immediate, recognizable attitude and tone, stating, “No one can justify the toxic behavior.”

“Goddamn White Trash” is perhaps the most accessible and rythematic song on the release. It has hints of the Psalm 69 days of the band. Chants of “USA, USA” ring out along side screeching guitar noise reminiscent of Mike Scaccia’s playing style.

Track three is titled “Just Stop Oil,” and it dives into yet another realm of political advocacy. Jourgensen delivers, “Dehumanization at a cellular level. Policy set by the corporate devils, There must be resistance, we cannot be silenced, There is the existence of possible violence” in a growled whisper.

On the track “Aryan Embarrassment,”  we are treated to a none-more-fitting guest appearance from what I believe is activist and Dead Kennedys front man Jello Biafra, who delivers a rap-style series of vocal lines backed by a driving rhythm. Jello wails, “How on Earth did all this happen? Plagues of militantly stupid” Followed by “Scamming on the punk scene.  Oi, oi, oi. Ain’t proud of you boys at all.”

Another standout track is “New Religion” which starts with a classic industrial riff and buries itself in the repetitive, slow-burn heaviness that has become the Ministry standard as of late. Followed by “It’s Not Pretty,” which opens as a haunting acoustic piece that I imagine being set in a post apocalyptic landscape with the reverberating lyrics “It’s not pretty. This is the end of the world to me. This is the end of society.”

“Cult of Suffering” strays from the format of the balance of the album and could be firmly placed on an Alabama 3 album, and it may feel at home on a Surgical Meth Machine release.

Rounding out the album is a little ditty called “Ricky’s Hand.” This is a synth pop throwback to the early days of Ministry and leaves us longtime fans eager to hear the longtime teased rerecording of some of the very early Ministry material. This track has a Devo, Information Society, and even Depeche Mode feel to it and is a perfect bookend to a solid release from an iconic band.

Ministry will be on tour throughout the summer with Rob Zombie, Alice Cooper and Helmet.

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Concert Reviews

Bloodywood: Concert Review Pittsburgh, PA

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In a realm of modern music overflowing with musical genres, there are few bands that possess a unique sonic force that defies categorization while leaving listeners spellbound and yearning for more. One such band is Bloodywood. They are a musical force that blends cultural heritage with a relentless fusion of metal, hip-hop, and traditional Indian rhythms.

As a band, they are carving a distinctive path and leaving an indelible mark on the modern musical landscape. Their raw energy, cultural fusion, and a fearless spirit of rebellion is a testament to the transformative power of music, transcending boundaries and uniting people from all corners of the globe. With their infectious energy and thought-provoking lyrics, the band has built an ardent following, igniting a revolution that stretches far beyond the realm of music or the shores of any country.

Born in the vibrant streets of New Delhi, India, in 2016, Bloodywood showcases their unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries, both musically and socially, as they fearlessly tackle pressing issues and ignite conversations.

The sonic odyssey of Bloodywood graced the stage of the Roxian Theater in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, which is nestled in the shadow of Pittsburgh only a short distance down the Ohio River from the infamous Steel City.

The show opened with a blast of energy from the British duo WARGASM, whose stage presence was undeniable. Sam Matlock, Milkie Way, and company tore through an unadulterated set of nu-metal tracks tinged with punk and electronica that included “Super Fiend”, “D.R.I.L.D.O”, and “Rage All Over”. They followed up with the video sensation “Fukstar” and wound down the set with some crowd surfing and a cover of N*E*R*D’s “Lapdance” and closed out the set with the track “Spit”.

After a brief break in the mayhem, Vended made the stage rumble to life. Their agro-metal induced a great deal of similarity to early Slipknot, and that is not surprising given that frontman Griffen Taylor is the son of Slipknot’s Corey Taylor and Simon Crahan is the son of percussionist Shawn ‘Clown’ Crahan. The band sounded tight and featured competent song composition; however, the vocalist needed to learn how to work the stage. It was as if his shoes were nailed to the floor at center stage.

As stage lighting flickered to life, the crowd prepared to be immersed in a symphony of cultural fusion, electrifying riffs, and unapologetic lyrics. We all knew that we were about to experience something quite special. As the sonic saga began, drummer Vishesh Singh sat behind his kit, awash in blue and purple lights, as the anticipation grew more intense. The intro track for “Gaddaar” echoed throughout the theater before the bombastic bass, gnarly guitar riffs, and the thump of the drums shook the walls as the entire band burst onto the stage to metaphorically say, “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to an electrifying evening filled with raw energy enshrined in a mesmerizing tapestry of sound that defies conventions.”

The crowd began losing themselves in the pounding intensity, their bodies moving in sync with each thunderous beat as Sarthak Pahwa wailed away on his dhol. The band seamlessly migrates from the thunderous “”Gaddaar” to “BSDK.exe” from their most recent release Rakshak that couples a more hip-hop vibe on the verses with a crushing guitar rhythm from Karan Katiyar throughout the rest of the track.

Adorned in their fusion of metal attire and traditional Indian clothing, twin vocalists Jayant Bhadula (vocals and growls) and Raoul Kerr (rap vocals) commanded a powerful presence as they ran through “Aaj” with its hypnotic flute licks and downright brutal lead vocals. The five minute long song pushed the audience into heightened frenzy before slapping them across the chin with “Dana Dan”. Which had Raoul Kerr rapping/screaming “I put a fist through the face of a rapist and yeah, I taped this. For the viewing pleasure of the nameless faces he disgraces.”

Up next was the more mellow and chill track “Jee Veerey” that featured more of Karan Katiyar’s enigmatic flute playing along with a more melodic yet still intense vocal delivery from Jayant Bhadula as he sang in his native tongue.

The track “Zanjeero Se” was followed by “Machi Bhasad (Expect a Riot)” which truly showcased the rhythmic prowess of drummer Vishesh Singh and dhol master Sarthak Pahwa. It was so enthralling to watch Sarthak perform on such a simplistic instrument and to make it so vibrant and energetic. His playing transports Bloodywood’s music to a completely different level.

As the set reached its crescendo, it was obvious that the sweat-drenched band had poured their hearts and souls into every note. Wrapping up their set was the sing-along inducing “Ari Ari” that left the crowd breathless and drenched in the passion that radiated from the stage.

But… There is more. As an encore, the band jumps back in to the opening track “Gaddaar” thus cranking up the mosh-pit’s intensity to eleven, causing every person down front to expel every ounce of remaining energy from their bodies.

It was incredibly refreshing to see a band that, in some magical way is able to unite people regardless of age, background, or nationality. To see people connected by their love of the music and a band. The shared experience created an atmosphere of camaraderie and acceptance, where strangers become friends, and barriers dissolve in the face of the music.

Unfortunately, this was the last stop on Bloodywood’s North American tour, save some festival dates. Hopefully, they will be returning to the states soon. If you have the opportunity to see them live, do not sleep on it. I promise you will not be disappointed.

In the meantime you can get more info at: www.bloodywood.net/

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CD Reviews

Cattle Decapitation Terrasite Album Review

JJ Ulizio

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Terrasite by Cattle Decapitation

Today, 05/12/2023, saw the release of the 8th studio album from San Diego’s own Cattle Decapitation. The follow up to 2019s Death Atlas, Terrasite shows how a band can grow and evolve while staying true to their roots. Starting as a grind band in the late 90s and with relentless touring and continual releases this album shows them further building upon elements of their previous albums.

The album has great production. The copy I used primarily for my review is the vinyl version which is 45 RPM and it sounds great. In particular, I think the drum production is particularly well executed. A lot of times with death metal the kick drum is either too “bassy” so it’s difficult to hear or it’s the other way and you can hear all the hits without the bass tone. This album is a great balance of the two. You can hear clearly how fast drummer, Dave McGraw, is going without losing the “thump”. The blast beats alone will rattle the brain. The guitars are grimy and dirty with some blistering leads. The bass rattles while still having a solid low end. You can really hear it in songs like “Solastalgia” which has a small bass lead in it which I didn’t see coming and was pulled off great.

The vocals, I feel compelled to say that Travis Ryan has to be one of the most underrated and versatile vocalists in metal. Highs that make the ears bleed, lows that are gurgling, wet and gross sounding. Harsh singing reminiscent of 80s thrash bands, and clean singing that are almost, but not quite, reminiscent of the late Peter Steele from Type O Negative.

Lyrically they stay on brand ranging from the end of humanity, apocalyptic themes, and mistreating humans the same way humans mistreat animals. Very dark and grotesque subject matter. When asked about the lyrics to this album Ryan states “I wanted to do the 180° opposite of Death Atlas – I wanted this to take place in the daylight. I’ve always found daytime horror to be really unsettling so I wanted to make sure what was going on on the cover took place in the light of day, which also finds its place within the lyrics.”

Tracks like “A Photic Doom” showcase traditional style death metal guitar riffing, with elements of tech death and slam. “Dead End Residents” leans into some of the darker ends of thrash metal and is reminiscent of bands like Slayer. “Scourge of the Offspring” shows an impressive command of melody without sacrificing the grime that covers the album while almost coming off as anthemic.

The album closes with the ten minute epic “Just Another Body” which begins with a piano melody that would be at home in a late 70s era horror movie while building into something that’s not quite death, not quite thrash, and not quite grind. Ryan uses the full range of his voice while there are symphonics layered in the background to keep the melody from being lost while still playing with grind based riffs and blast beats.

Overall if you’re looking for a strong contender for death metal album of the year I will highly recommend this. As of this writing I haven’t been able to stop listening to it for three days now. The album currently available on all the usual streaming platforms and physical copies can be purchased here. (www.indiemerch.com/cattledecap)

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