May 2006

The metal-est metal in metaldom

Eddie May 25, 2006 No Comments

If you’re a fan of late-’80s Bay Area thrash metal and Canadian legends Sacrifice, I implore you to run (not walk) to your local record store and pick up Sadus’ new album Out For Blood, recently released on the relatively obscure Mascot Records label after the band’s ridiculously long hiatus. Sadus (vocalist/guitarist Darren Travis, bassist Steve DiGiorgio, and drummer Jon Allen) have delivered perhaps the greatest metal album in the last 10 years. It’s laden with enough vitriol, violence and insane riffs to send any local metal band back to the drawing board. Attendance at Friday’s show at the Boardwalk, 9426 Greenback Lane, is mandatory. Sadus plays with Obituary, Dead to Fall, With Passion and Cyanide Era at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance or $22 at the door. All ages are welcome. Check out www.myspace.com/sadus for mp3s.

(SN&R)

Cash, in spirit

Eddie May 18, 2006 No Comments

The Johnny Cash frenzy has never ceased. Even before his unfortunate passing, J.C. was perhaps the most name-dropped country star to date. Punkers and rockers, young and old, all rallied behind the Man in Black, and for good reason. Unlike his compatriots, Cash could weave a tale that made one feel involved in the moment rather than merely a listener. Of course, having Reese Witherspoon and Joaquin Phoenix star in a big-screen biography didn’t hurt album sales either. Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash, the brainchild of Mark Stuart and his band of traveling gypsies, still revere the great one and churn out original songs that capture the essence of his legacy. The Sons are touring in support of a recently released live DVD that features 21 songs, three of which have never been released. If you’re a fan of real, unabashed country, check out the band’s upcoming show this Wednesday at 8 p.m. at the Palms Playhouse, 13 Main Street in Winters. Who cares if it’s a school night?
(SN&R)

Buy this for a dollar

Eddie May 11, 2006 No Comments

In an effort to make off nights a little more appealing, the Blue Lamp is hosting irregular $1 Monday nights. The cover just barely pays for the touring band and house expenses (sound and security) at full capacity, and local bands play gratis. This week’s show features a stellar lineup that includes Sonic Love Affair; the Biters (featuring Jackpot’s Rusty Miller); the Dweebz; and Detroit’s Demolition Doll Rods, who are touring in support of their new Swami Records release, There Is a Difference. If you enjoy the White Stripes’ Sympathy for the Record Industry-era material, the Stooges or Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, odds are you already own one of the Demolition Doll Rods’ releases. If not, their latest should whet your appetite for filthy, down and dirty rock ’n’ roll. Steal four quarters from your piggy bank for admission this Monday at 7:30 p.m. and don’t forget your beer money. The Blue Lamp can be found at 1400 Alhambra Boulevard and at www.bluelamp.com.

(SN&R)

Fire in the Library

Eddie May 4, 2006 No Comments

High On Fire amassed a loyal legion of “Fireheads” the old fashioned way: touring. If you caught the band’s show at the original Capitol Garage, you might have witnessed guitarist Matt Pike and company tearing through an old Celtic Frost number, “The Usurper,” with great effect. Its show on Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the Library will be supported by Louisiana’s blaspheming bad boys Goatwhore, along with Watch Them Die and local phenomenon Times Of Desperation. Admission is $15 for all ages at the Library, located at 7042 Folsom Boulevard. Fans of vintage guitar tones, guttural calls from the grave, and punishing, devastating heavy metal should make their way over to the old Cattle Club stomping grounds. Visit www.abstractpresents.com for more information.
(SN&R)