January 2006

Media

Death descends I-80

Eddie 0 Comment
Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but the New Plague is so delightful.
Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but the New Plague is so delightful.

The New Plague, Auburn’s greatest export since Highway 49, plays a distinguished blend of music that could best be described as old-school death metal. Characterized by outlandish song schemes, demonic hate-filled lyrics and just a dash of sloppiness, this band is the undisputed king of Sacramento’s burgeoning metal scene. Though live shows are rare, and releases far and few between, the band will soon excrete Insatiable: An Extreme Manifestation in Demonic Possession, the follow-up to 2002’s highly lauded Shackled and Enslaved. Fans of Possessed, early Death, early Morbid Angel and Impaled should seek out the New Plague on principle alone. The New Plague plays the Roadhouse, located at 1556 Bell Avenue, with Mucus Membrane and Kuru on Saturday at 8 p.m. Admission is $8. Bring earplugs and load up on diet pills—it’s going to be a long night.
(SN&R)

Media

The grass is bluer in Winters

Eddie 0 Comment
Railroad Earth, on the American version of Stonehenge.
Railroad Earth, on the American version of Stonehenge.

While bluegrass remains a subsection (if any section at all) in most record stores across the United States, the genre has slowly been making a comeback in the last 15 years. Sure, the Oh Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack bolstered sales for many fledgling artists, but some touring groups have made a living through spreading the gospel of live music. Since the better part of 2001, Railroad Earth has been up and down the coast more times than it would care to mention, playing an infectious blend of acoustic rock and bluegrass. With a dedicated troupe of fans the band appropriately dubbed “hobos,” Railroad Earth has a strong enough draw to hold court even in the lonely town of Winters. Friday’s show at the Palms Playhouse begins at 8:30 p.m., and tickets are $15 for all ages. Also on the bill are the Hackensaw Boys who wowed those in attendance at Cake’s Unlimited Sunshine Tour several years ago. The Palms is located at 13 Main Street in Winters. Call (530) 795-1825 for more information.
(SN&R)