2023

Sacramento’s Will Haven to make Harlow’s nightclub a sonic wasteland July 7

Eddie June 27, 2023 No Comments

Photograph by Eric Ravera

It’s hard to believe it has been 28 years since the members of Will Haven handed me their first recording, a six-song demo filled with hallowed screams coming from singer Grady Avenell, as well as some of the fiercest, down-tuned metal to come out of the Sacramento Valley. It would only take another year for the band to nab a proper indie record deal in 1996 with Landspeed Records then release its debut self-titled EP.

‘VII’ is the title of Will Haven’s seventh full-length record and its second in minusHEAD Records. It will be released the same day as the band’s local release party. Fans who hear it will quickly know that Will Haven hasn’t got soft over the years: Songs like “5 Of Fire” and the standout track “Wings of Mariposa” prove that.  

“We began working on songs right before COVID hit, so we spent those years just messing around with ideas, riffs, and arrangements,” said guitarist and founder Jeff Irwin. “The creation of this record was a bit of a process, but it gave us an escape from everything else going on in the world. To this day, I am still trying to wrap my head around this record. It’s heavy, chaotic, mellow, beautiful, and dark. It’s more of an art piece than your normal standard songs, and that’s exactly what we wanted. I love hearing it in its entirety and am looking forward to performing all of the songs. It’s even more of a journey when you hear it live.”

Already a headliner overseas and darling of various online and print zines, Will Haven seems properly poised for a lengthy co-headlining U.S. tour; but, instead, it only has a handful of shows planned, which include a coveted spot at Alabama’s Furnace Fest. The extravaganza will include hardcore luminaries such as Zao, Training for Utopia, Terror and Extol. And while Will Haven has never played live as much as its fan-base might want, the rare upcoming all-ages show at Harlow’s in Sacramento will scratch that itch.

Abstract Entertainment presents this concert and tickets can be purchased in advance at Harlow’s website for $15. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. Chrome Ghost and Kill the Precedent are the openers. Harlow’s is located at 2708 J Street in downtown Sacramento.

(SN&R)

The king of never-politically-correct comedians returns to Sacramento for a two-night engagement at Thunder Valley June 29 & June 30

Eddie June 23, 2023 No Comments

While some believe that real comedy started and ended with the late George Carlin, Bill Burr has been carving out his own path as “the undisputed heavyweight champ of rage-fueled humor.” With a resume that includes myriad television and film appearances, he’s also released a staggering seven Netflix specials that have equaled some of the platform’s biggest comedy events. Burr’s latest, ‘Live at Red Rocks,’ finds him at the top of his game, relying on zero stage props, special lighting or visuals – just his hard-edged instincts.

Next Thursday and Friday, Burr will bring his applause-inducing approach to the area at Lincoln’s Thunder Valley Casino.

While some of Burr’s regular act finds its way on stage each night, his ability to perform bits that are completely unrehearsed is a major strong suit. The family man with two kids has been married since 2013 and shows no signs of slowing down, which is especially evidenced by his wildly popular ‘Monday Morning Podcast.’

Sacramento music fans may also know that Burr loves heavy metal – AC/DC, Pantera, Gojira, Meshuggah, Slayer and Metallica – and also plays the drums. The material for the cigar-lover’s upcoming run of shows (mostly in arenas) is anybody’s guess, but Lincoln’s 4,500-capacity The Venue is easily the smallest on his current show schedule.

Southern California comedian Dean Delray will opens both nights for Burr’s Sacramento dates. Delray has been lauded for his ‘Let There Be Talk’ podcast, which has now eclipsed 700 episodes.

Tickets for Burr’s show start at $94.95 and top out at $154.95. They can be purchased at www.thundervalleycasino.com. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts promptly at 8. This is a 21-and-over event, so attendees aged 13 to 20 must be accompanied by adult. The Venue is located inside Thunder Valley Casino at 1200 Athens Avenue in Lincoln.

(SN&R)

Belgium’s The Kids close-out Sacramento’s three-day Trash Jubilee on June 24

Eddie June 20, 2023 No Comments

Presented by Abstract Entertainment and Slovenly Recordings, the first Sacramento Trash Jubilee could prove hard to top in the future. Over three consecutive days, the city will be treated to a trio of events that include some of the genre’s greatest imports and exports. 

The first night at Bottle & Barlow on June 22 will be curated by Pete Slovenly during the venue’s regular ‘Trash Rock Thursdays’ and will feature a host of additional DJs to be announced. There is no cover charge for this 21-and-over engagement.

The second night at The Torch Club on June 23 features Th’ Losin’ Streaks, The Nashville Ramblers, Lo-Lite and the Not Yetis. This event is also 21-and-over and tickets are $15.

For those braving the entire run of shows, the greatest reward arguably comes last. The Kids, a group from Belgium, will headline the jubilee as they celebrate their 47th anniversary at Harlow’s.

Expect to hear fan favorites such as “Do You Love Nazis?,’” “There Will Be No Next Time,” and “Fascist Cops.” Additionally, the audience may catch songs from the band’s 70’s and 80’s output, including ‘The Kids,’ ‘Naughty Kids,’ ‘Living In The 20th Century,’ ‘Black Out’ and ‘Gotcha.’ Today’s line-up features its sole original member, singer-guitarist Ludo Mariman, along with bassist Ief Vanlommel, guitarist Luc van de Poel and drummer Tim Jult.

Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.harlows.com for $25 advance and $30 at the door. Doors open at 6 p.m., while the show starts at 7 p.m. Sacramento’s The Troublemakers, along with The Snares and The Control Freaks, will go on first. A full line-up of Trash Rock DJ’s spinning throughout the night will be announced soon. Harlow’s is located at 2708 J Street in downtown Sacramento.

(SN&R)

Vorlust returns to Sacramento on a ridiculously stacked bill Tuesday, June 20

Eddie June 19, 2023 No Comments

Soon to be a headliner across the states, the mighty Vorlust crew is playing a rare weeknight show at Café Colonial tomorrow night.

The East Bay act is made up of Marcelle Marais, a.k.a. Cunnus on bass and lead vocals, Sonny Reinhardt on guitar and backing vocals, Dustin Ponko on guitar and Cody Stein on drums. Expect the band to draw heavily from its 2022 offering on Transylvanian Tapes, ‘Lick the Flesh,’ as well as a few surprises only those in attendance will know firsthand.

Fans of Reinhardt’s main band, Necrot – along with early Bulldozer, Venom and Possessed –will dig into standout tracks like “Venomous Scent” and “Tormenta.” This is crusty, blackened metal meant to be chased with shot of whiskey and some stinky weed – and possibly a hallucinogen or two.

For those who’ve never seen Cunnus perform live, prepare for a frontal vocal assault on the eyes and ears amidst a wall of down-tuned guitars.

Rounding out this bill is local headliner Solanum, as well as S.U.R.G.E., and Postnasal Drainage. Tickets can be purchased at the door only for $12. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts promptly at 7:30. This is an all-ages show. The venue has Taco Tuesday for those who get there early, made by a damn fine kitchen. Cafe Colonial is located at 3520 Stockton Blvd.

(SN&R)

Earth, Wind & Fire looks to bring the fire to Sacramento on June 16

Eddie June 12, 2023 No Comments

Photograph by Jabari Jacob

BY: SN&R STAFF JUNE 12, 2023

By Eddie Jorgensen

Philip Bailey and company have nothing to prove at this stage in their career: Since forming in 1969, Earth, Wind & Fire has sold a staggering 100 million-plus records and performed to capacity crowds all over the globe. That is causing plenty of anticipation for the band’s upcoming show at Hard Rock Live in Wheatland.  

With eight double platinum records to its credit and nine Grammy awards, the members of the group have not been resting on their collective laurels. This year, they’re gearing up for an ambitious run of shows supporting Commodores’ frontman, Lionel Richie, set to play in arenas all over the U.S. And while Earth, Wind and Fire’s core member-count is down to three – Philip Bailey Sr. (lead vocals), Verdine White (bass guitar) and Ralph Johnson (percussion and backing vocals) – its supporting assemble has been touring with the group for a decade or more.

In terms of the upcoming Sacramento-area show, expect fan favorites “Reasons,” “Shining Star,” “September,” “After the Love Has Gone,” “Let’s Groove” and other greats to be part a setlist that clocks in just under 25 songs. For fans, it won’t just be a dance party of epic proportions but also a chance to remember the band’s past members who left too early. The all-ages show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are scarce but, as always, there’s an abundance of resale tickets atwww.ticketmaster.com. The Hard Rock Live is located in Wheatland at 3317 Forty Mile Road. 

(SN&R)

Earth, Wind & Fire looks to bring the fire to Sacramento on June 16

Eddie June 12, 2023 No Comments

Photograph by Jabari Jacob

Philip Bailey and company have nothing to prove at this stage in their career: Since forming in 1969, Earth, Wind & Fire has sold a staggering 100 million-plus records and performed to capacity crowds all over the globe. That is causing plenty of anticipation for the band’s upcoming show at Hard Rock Live in Wheatland.  

With eight double platinum records to its credit and nine Grammy awards, the members of the group have not been resting on their collective laurels. This year, they’re gearing up for an ambitious run of shows supporting Commodores’ frontman, Lionel Richie, set to play in arenas all over the U.S. And while Earth, Wind and Fire’s core member-count is down to three – Philip Bailey Sr. (lead vocals), Verdine White (bass guitar) and Ralph Johnson (percussion and backing vocals) – its supporting assemble has been touring with the group for a decade or more.

In terms of the upcoming Sacramento-area show, expect fan favorites “Reasons,” “Shining Star,” “September,” “After the Love Has Gone,” “Let’s Groove” and other greats to be part a setlist that clocks in just under 25 songs. For fans, it won’t just be a dance party of epic proportions but also a chance to remember the band’s past members who left too early. The all-ages show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are scarce but, as always, there’s an abundance of resale tickets atwww.ticketmaster.com. The Hard Rock Live is located in Wheatland at 3317 Forty Mile Road. 

(SN&R)

The original ‘Angry IKEA Guy’ Scott Seiss brings his comedy to Sacramento’s Punchline June 14

Eddie June 7, 2023 No Comments

Scott Seiss, Courtesy photograph

Although former IKEA call center worker Scott Seiss would probably rather forget his maddening experience working for the Swedish furniture behemoth, his conversations with customers of all backgrounds has given him great, unending material, which Sacramento will get a taste of June 14 at the Punchline.

After four years of service, Seiss – now a 29-year-old venerable TikTok sensation – has already amassed nearly a million followers on social media and garnered 11-plus million likes across all platforms. His 30-second-or-less video reels depict himself as both the antagonist customer, as well as the underdog worker-protagonist, all the while showcasing his dry wit and awkward, pissed-off humor.

What Seiss is going to do for a full-headlining comedy bit in Sacramento remains to be seen, though he’s already held a Pacific Northwest tour in 2022 and opened for comedy heavyweights Bo Burnham, Roy Wood Jr., and Josh Wolf. For viewers who saw ‘Cocaine Bear’ in the theater, Mr. Seiss needs no introduction. Expect the unexpected and, of a course, a 2-drink minimum.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show kicks off at 7:30 p.m. Standard tickets start at upper-tier for $35.25 and preferred seating at $45.25. The Punchline Sacramento is located at 2100 Arden Way in the Howe ‘Bout Arden shopping center.

(SN&R)

SN&R sits down with German power metal titans, Helloween, who end their ‘United Forces’ U.S. tour at the Warfield on Saturday

Eddie June 1, 2023 No Comments

Photograph by Martin Hausler

Ever since the band’s first release ‘Walls of Jericho’ in 1985, Helloween has delivered top-tier heavy metal with a laser-like focus on speed, dynamics and harmony.

Today, the live band still features its core members, which include Michael Weikath (guitar), Markus Grosskopf (bass), Kai Hansen (guitar), and Michael Kiske (singer), along with Kiske’s replacement singer Andy Deris, drummer Daniel “Dani” Löble and guitarist Sascha Gerstner. The end result is a glorious cacophony of two lead singers amidst a solid, power metal background, which can be heard across the band’s 2021 self-titled release on Nuclear Blast Records.

Helloween’s 16^th full-length record, featuring the special “Pumpkins United” line-up for the first time, has been winning over new fans while bringing back its hardcore original fanbase. The band’s Warfield Theatre show in San Francisco this Saturday marks the end of its major-market U.S. run and, if fans are lucky, the event may feature a couple of surprises from their storied catalog.

SN&R caught up with original singer, Michael Kiske, to reminisce, and get the lowdown, on one of this year’s most-talked about tours. Below is the conversation.

Michael Kiske: The size of the production does not affect our set list. Neither does it affect our joy of playing. Wherever we tour, we are ready to give 100% no matter if 1,500 or 15,000 fans show up. Although we are not travelling with our huge production from Europe, the stage is fully packed every night with our complete stage set up: the huge pumpkin, Dani’s drum kit, and everything else.

Sacramento News & Review: With yourself back in the fold, we almost have the full core of Helloween onstage. I can imagine you all miss drummer Ingo Schwichtenberg who passed in 1995. I remember meeting him at The Stone in San Francisco in the late 80’s. Any lost material from his time that could see light of day?

Kiske: I don’t think we´ll release anything with / from Ingo. Besides not knowing if there is anything available, it might turn out pretty difficult since it was a different time, different labels, different deals, etc. He left us almost 30 years ago, but his spirit is always with us. That’s why we did the virtual drum battle (live video) between him and Dani during the ‘Pumpkins United’ Tour. He’s one of the original “Pumpkins” and he will always be in our hearts.

SN&R: What are your favorite Helloween songs to play?

Kiske: Sure, I have some favorite songs, but in the end, I love to sing them all. I really like “Eagles Fly Free.”  It is refreshing for me because I haven’t been doing that for a long time. “Future World” is another one because I love singing as a duet with Andi. I feel so natural doing it. And during the writing process, we all had voices for the songs to be sung. Like “Angels”- (guitarist) Sascha said right away that he wrote the song with my voice in his head and it was clear from the beginning that I would sing the majority of this song.

SN&R: You and singer Andy Deris seem to be having so much fun passing off vocal lines. I’m so ecstatic this became a full-time thing.

Kiske: We kicked off right from meeting each other the first time. I flew and spent 2 weeks with him in Tenerife. It was almost like we knew each other, we were really connected. And that’s one of the reasons we share the stage equally and enjoy so much what we are doing. Our fans can feel if it’s not fake or pretended – we really have a great time together.

SN&R: Will we see another solo Kiske record or is it Helloween United full-stop?

Kiske: I am very sure this will see the light of day at some point, but right now I don’t have the time to even think about it. I am 100% devoted to Helloween and we have a long tour in front of us.

Doors open at 6pm and the show kicks off with Hammerfall at 7:15pm. Advance tickets can be purchased at www.thewarfieldtheatre.com starting at $49.50 and $135. The Warfield is located at 982 Market Street in San Francisco. All ages are welcome.

(SN&R)

Melanie Martinez sells out Hard Rock Live in Wheatland

Eddie May 31, 2023 No Comments

No one can say it’s been easy for Queens-born Melanie Martinez. Between struggling to find friends while growing up and dealing with her sexuality, to ultimately being eliminated from two major music competitions – MSG Varsity Talent Show and The Voice – all the pieces eventually came together around the singer’s perseverance. Selling-out one of the Capital Region’s most active venues is proof.

After being signed to Atlantic Records, Martinez quickly found a fanbase by releasing her ‘Cry Baby’ debut in 2015. At this stage in Martinez’s career, she’s already had two full-length, Gold records, not to mention a handful of Platinum singles. Her latest 2023 release, ‘Portals,’ is on par to become her biggest if streams and viral TikTok videos are any indicator.

Martinez recently embarked on an ambitious 29-city tour that is taking her from Colorado to Montreal in just two months. With 12 billion streams to her credit, it seems there is no ceiling for her growth. Additionally, Martinez has plans to continue the momentum already sparked by her new album hype and recent overseas festival performances, particularly with some well-timed singles. Martinez will perform June 7 as a genderless, magical being she dubs Cry Baby. The persona is at the center of her previous two releases, ‘K-12’ and ‘Cry Baby.’ The show, which is already sold-out, goes down at the Hard Rock Live in Wheatland. Resale tickets may be available at www.ticketmaster.com. The Hard Rock Live is located in Wheatland at 3317 Forty Mile Road.

(SN&R)

Swedish power metal mongers, Hammerfall, bring the hammer down on Goldfield Trading Post in Roseville June 4

Eddie May 30, 2023 No Comments

Hammerfall. Photograph by Tallee Savage

Never a band to sit idle, the Hammerfall quintet is finishing up its latest U.S. run. For fans who feel like the group’s opening set wasn’t enough, a handful of surprises could be in store for its upcoming Roseville show, including new material from the stellar 2022 release on Nuclear Blast records, ‘Hammer of Dawn.’

Besides celebrating a newer album, Nuclear Blast is also revisiting Hammerfall’s “Crimson Thunder” record from 2002. This 20th anniversary retrospective comes either as a glorious 3-CD box set, or as a 2 LP set in Platinum. It’s a “Crimson Thunder” edition replete with bonus tracks.

Anchored by vocalist Joacim Sans, Hammerfall is rounded-out by bassist Fredrik Larsson and guitarist Oscar Dronjak. Fans agree the trio hasn’t skipped a beat in its multi-decade existence. They currently have a new lyric video for the classic “Riders on the Storm.” Tuning in is a good idea for anyone on the fence about venturing out to the Goldfield Trading Post in Roseville on a lazy Sunday night.

Doors for the show open at 7 p.m. and the action kicks off with local openers, Niviane, at 7:45 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at www.goldfieldtradingpost.com for $25. Goldfield Trading Post is located at 238 Vernon Street in Roseville.

(SN&R)