*NOTE - I apologize if the pictures didn't turn out right. I didn't want to spend the entire show taking a bunch of pictures. Just wanted to kick back and enjoy the bands that night.
Last night I attended the Post-NAMM show at Malones in Santa Ana. Headlined by Ruthless and Kantation. Of course this was also suppose to be Kantation's CD release party, but because of the delay of the new album, "Nephilim", the boys from Kantation decided to put out a Limited Edition Sampler, which included the Saxon cover, "Power and the Glory".
I left around 6:15, hoping that I'll make it there on time. But had to drive back home to get directions to Malones. Of course when I got into the 60 FWY, it was pretty pack. And then of course I got off the wrong off-ramp in the 55, so I missed out on the opening band,
Sentenced To Burn. From what Martin DeBourge said, these guys were old school Thrash. Really bummed out I didn't catch them.
When I got to Malones, Sinicle were already playing. Pretty cool metal band that can genre shift. That right there impressed me. I really admire a band that can turn things left field. I was able to pick up there CD, "Still In Mind". Should listen to it later on and maybe do a review.
These guys got things really rolling for me. From Covina, CA, Black Vulture Conspiracy play the straight out, aggressive metal that I enjoyed in the 90's. I remember hearing there songs on Reverbnation, but I didn't think much of it. Mainly because I was interested in looking for experimental bands at that time. Then they appeared on Martin DeBourge's "Throwback Metal Show" on
www.koshermetal.com. Really enjoyed their interview, but wasn't sure if I was sold. That was until last night when I saw them live. And holy shit, these blokes sounded WAY awesome live. Actually listening back to the songs on their Reverbnation does sound really awesome. But they really have won me over and really looking forward to the next gig.
Another band that brings me back to the 90's. When listening to Crost, you do get a vibe that these guys were into Pantera. But I also hear influences from old school Metal bands. This was a cool set. And it was cool seeing another band that was on the "Throwback Metal Show".
Just like with Black Vulture Conspiracy, Ninth Circle have also won me over with there set. Of course their sound is more straight forward metal, but they actually sing than growl. I guess that's why I ended up enjoyed them. I was able to pick up both of there CDs at the show. The merch girl who sold them to me said I can get them autographed by the guy in the band. But I was a bit tired from recording my podcast earlier that day. That and I do tend to get very shy. But I really do like these chaps. Hope to catch another show.
It's always great to see Martin again. For the second time, I got to see Kantation kick arse again. And like always, these blokes from the high desert slaughtered. It was a very Metal set. Later in the show, Kantation will be joined by special guest. First up was Becky from the band Voidcrush. Hearing her voice live was quite the experience. Then they were joined by Deke from Mindcage to end the show with the Saxon's "Power & The Glory". Of course the Saxon cover fuck'n slayed. And the only way you would get the song is from the sampler that was available at the show.
And to end the show was Santa Ana's (or Glendora, according to their FB page) very own, Ruthless. It's sad to say that I never heard these guys before. Of course they were brought to my attention by Martin DeBourge, when he had them on last year's Throwback Metal Fest. But if you grew up in the local LA/OC Metal scene in the 80's, then you would be very familiar. For sure they put on a great Metal set. Seeing Ruthless live reminded me why enjoyed traditional Metal. The crowd was really into them. And it was awesome to see their fan base coming out and support. I really enjoyed banging my head to their songs.
I really would like to check out another show at Malones. The set up was really cool. They had two stages in that venues. Which makes it very convenient for bands to set up and not have to wait for the other bands to finish their set. I rate this show "5 Hitlers Punched In The Face". Too bad Hitler wasn't in that show, so I can punch him. Because this show was fuck'n METAL!
Kudos to Eddie of The House of Metal for putting on a great Metal show.
