OK, get over your reservations about wasting your wallet for a ticket and go see AC/DC. Nothing from your CDs, DVDs or barroom shoutalongs can prepare you for how awesome this band really is live.

The lights at Madison Square Garden dimmed, giving way to a big screen cartoon with a vague story about Angus Young conducting a speeding locomotive. Two animated lovelies seduced Angus, knocked him out and hijacked the train, culminating in a high-speed wreck that flung five filthy-looking old men out onto the Garden stage. The opening chords to "Rock n' Roll Train," a new song that melds some of the oldest themes in rock history, assured you that the bedlam had barely even taken off. (more…)

We've all joked about it before, but what happens when someone actually tries to bring a "one-man band" to fruition? That someone is Via Vengeance's own Shane Ocell, and the answer is earth crushing riffage that gives a 5 piece a run for their money!

What seemingly began out of frustration for working with other members , Ocell harnessed the skill of simultaneously playing drums, and guitar while singing out of pure whim. Now I'll be the first to admit when I heard of a legit "one-man band" I had myself a chuckle that quickly subsided to amazement once I was introduced to the following live clip of Via Vengeance opening for Jesu in late 2007.

With the rising popularity of Via Vengeance's crushing doom debut "Dieography" (recorded by Matt Bayles - Mastodon, Isis), Ocell has announced more upcoming touring in the future. Do yourself a favor and check out the best one man band you'll ever watch in the flesh, don't believe me? Watch this live clip for "Vile Lie" off his debut LP Dieography. All live, no loops, one guy.

Last night, Frank and I attended the NYC stop of Opeth's headlining tour with High on Fire and Nachmystium. Unfortunately, we missed the opening two bands but everybody we spoke with said that we missed a hell of a show from both bands, and I believe it. We did watch Opeth and man, are they fucking great! Some serious rocking out went on last night. Tracks spanning their entire discography were played. As for tunes from the new record, they opened with "Heir Apparent", and mid-way through their set played "The Lotus Eater" which got an incredible reaction from the crowd. We had the chance to sit down and speak with Mikael and Fredrick before the show, and we should have that video clip up pretty soon.

If they are coming to your town (dates here) do yourself a favor and check out the show. You will not regret it. And, if you're still not convinced, check out one of the songs they played last night, "Deliverance"

OPETH - Deliverance [13:36m]

 

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