Anthrax in Richmond, VA on 1/28/18

The Killthrax Tour made its stop in Richmond, Va., where fans eagerly waited in the cold rain, lining up around the block to get the best spot in the venue to see Killswitch Engage and one of Metal’s big four legends, Anthrax, who were supported by Denver’s thrash metal band Havok. Havok took the stage first with an intense performance that set the bar for a night filled with intense guitar licks and head banging. Killswitch Engage came to the stage with a wall of flashing light and played a relentless 17-song setlist. They performed new material as well as the classics which had the fans almost overpowering the vocals when they ripped into “My Curse.” Constantly moving around the stage and with the crowd singing along to every word, they delivered an incredible live performance that left the venue buzzing with excited fans that were anxious for Anthrax to take the stage. Anthrax wrapped the night and showed why they are considered legends in the metal genre. While the band is older, the experience and energy they put into their performance was phenomenal. The Killthrax Tour will continue until the beginning of March so be sure to catch them on the remaining stops. Anthrax has also announced that they will be joining Slayer’s farewell tour, which starts May 10 and will undoubtedly be a special tour that fans will want to see.

PHOTO GALLERY: Collie Buddz at 9:30 Club on 1/15/18

Avatar in Baltimore, MD on 1/13/18

Avatar, one of Sweden’s finest exports, made its stop in Maryland at the Baltimore Soundstage on its first tour as a headliner this past weekend. Some of the band’s most hardcore fans lined up for hours in the freezing weather before doors opened to get the best spot in the intimate venue. The venue was transformed into a carnival, complete with a decked-out merch booth decorated as a carnival tent and fans had the opportunity to enjoy a spin-to-win wheel.

Carnival themed string lights lead up to the stage which was prepped and ready for the night’s first opener: Hellzapoppin. The sideshow act kicked the night off in a way you will not see at any other concert. The set consisted of walking on glass, sword swallowing, incredible magic tricks and other mind-blowing spectacles. The Brains took the stage next and delivered bass slapping driven rock songs, leaving the crowd primed and ready for Avatar to take the stage.

Avatar kicked off its set with Jonas Jarlsby, guitarist and King of Avatar Country, which is the band’s fictitious country of origin, waving from his throne as the crowd cheered with excitement. He continued to play his guitar from his throne for two songs until joining the rest of the band in hair-whipping metal. The band’s set consisted of fan favorites and some of the tracks off their new album Avatar Country, which is now available. Overall, Avatar has put together an incredibly unique live experience with incorporating a nonmusical opener, which adds depth to the fantasy kingdom. If you have a chance to catch this tour, do so. You won’t want to miss the opportunity to see the phenomenally immersive experience which will leave fans amazed. 

Suicide Silence at Baltimore, MD in Dec 2017

Suicide Silence’s album The Cleansing turned 10 this year and the deathcore band has been touring and playing the album in its entirety since early November. They made their stop in Baltimore, MD to a crowd that eagerly awaited the metal packed evening. One passionate fan braved the cold to get into the venue since 10 a.m. The lineup was mixed with local bands and other national touring acts that kicked off the night on a high note and set the stage for a night of moshing and music.

Baltimore’s own Silence the Requiem started the night with a stage presence and energy that would impress any fan of the genre and got the mosh pit started for Baltimore’s next band Dead Atlantic. Both bands showed the immense amount of talent coming out of Baltimore and just how powerful the metal scene is in the popular Maryland city. Florida’s alt-metal band Prison came on next and delivered a performance that only amplified the energy as the independent band used the entire stage and encouraged the crowd into opening up the room and getting into the show even more as fans started to slam into the barrier and surfing over the barricade while one fan ended up on stage with the band. Upon A Burning Body came on just before Suicide Silence and they did not disappoint. The crowd didn’t let up as fans in the circle pit thrashed around the center of the venue which led to the much-anticipated set of Suicide Silence. The band played its hit-filled 2007 album and although some fans expressed concern as to how they would sound with current vocalist Hernan "Eddie" Hermida singing founding vocalist Mitch Lucker’s parts, they had nothing to worry about as the band was clearly comfortable and confident as they delivered an awesome performance.

Seether at Fillmore Silver Spring Dec 2017

Seether’s Poison the Parish Tour came to Silver Spring, Maryland with a lineup that was second to none. The show started with Nashville’s The Dead Deads. They bring a stage presence that is incredibly fun and refreshing and give a sense of nostalgia for any 90’s kid with both their sound and visuals. The stage was adorned by green plastic aliens while front woman Meta Dead played her trapper keeper Les Paul but while that dose of 90’s nostalgia is enough to make anyone from the era grin, it definitely wasn’t a cheap gimmick. This band absolutely killed their set and without a doubt brought more fans to their “dead corps," which is their diehard fan group that backs the group with an unmatched passion for the talented group. It is obvious why they have been picking up traction and getting kudos from the likes of huge names like Corey Taylor. 

Following up The Dead Deads was Shaman’s Harvest, which comes from Missouri. They have a heavy southern rock vibe that added perfectly to the well-rounded line up. The hard rock and blues guitar riffs set the tone as lead vocalist Nathan Hunt belted his songs into his goat skull mic stand and set the stage for Seether to come out next. 

Seether came onto a dark stage, which remained dark most of the night except for when bright strobes flashed occasionally throughout the set. While fans had a difficult time seeing the band on stage, the band played the impressive catalog of hits that everyone came to hear. Seether also played three songs from their new album Poison The Parish which is available now.