Long Island Celebrates 40 Years of STRYPER at The Patchogue Theatre

On this absolutely perfect fall day in Patchogue, Long Island, the legendary band Stryper rolled into town to delight their devoted fans. The spectacle of their gigantic semi-truck and tour bus taking over the back parking lot demanded everyone's attention at the venue. Embracing their impressive 40 years together, the band made a bold decision to forgo an opening act, opting instead to treat us to two full sets of music that would surely resonate with fans of all ages. As the powerful and iconic "Battle Hymn of the Republic" rolled through the speakers, anticipation surged within the crowd, knowing that the band was sure to follow shortly after. Robert Sweet took his commanding position in the drum riser, and when Oz Fox walked onto the stage, the venue erupted into thunderous applause. This show of support was particularly meaningful given Oz's recent medical challenges, and it was truly a blessing to witness him performing live. Soon after, Michael Sweet and Perry Richardson joined the stage, officially launching the Metal Sermon with their unforgettable hit "Loud 'n' Clear." Clad in their signature yellow and black stripes, which fans have come to associate with their distinctive image, the first set delivered everything an avid Stryper fan could have ever wanted from their early days all the way through their heyday. Between songs, Michael Sweet engaged the audience with captivating stories about the band's beginnings and shared intriguing tidbits regarding each song they performed. He even lightheartedly explained that there would be a 30-minute intermission where the band would step backstage to recharge, praying the audience would not to leave, as the second set would include an array of recent material. The 30-minute intermission came and went, yet not a single soul vacated the building; the faithful fans knew that the newer tracks rock just as hard as the classics. When they kicked off the second set with "Reborn," they touched on every album, including their most recent release, When We Were Kings. The night culminated in a rousing rendition of their classic Sing Along Song, leaving us with memories that would keep us celebrating for the next 40 years.

To stay up to date with everything Styper - https://stryper.com/music

Kamelot Brings The Awaken the World tour to The Paramount,NY . With Guest Seven Spires and AD Infinitum

On the evening of April 26th, 2024, a bustling Friday night saw crowds fill restaurants, bars, and The Paramount where fans eagerly gathered to witness Kamelot's epic performance. The elaborate stage lighting set the perfect mood for the band's melodic power metal set featuring tracks primarily from their latest album, The Awakening, along with a delightful nod to classics from previous albums. The stunning vocals of Melissa Bonny added an extra layer of magic to selected songs, making it a night that will be cherished by all in attendance. Concluding the US tour in late May before going to Europe. Don't miss this tour if you can.

Fore more info:

https://kamelot.com

Hailing from Boston, the Symphonic metal band Seven Spires proved to be the ideal choice for setting the stage for Kamelot. Adrienne Cowan's powerful vocals and their masterfully crafted songs created an excellent buildup to the main act. Despite having only three albums in their repertoire, Seven Spires delivered a fantastic performance, including tracks from their latest album, "Gods of Debauchery." and two new songs from there yet to be released album A Fortress Called Home. Their appearance at The Mile High Power Festival served as the sole USA date before embarking on a tour in Japan. For the most recent updates, be sure to visit their official website.

https://sevenspiresband.com/home

Ad Infinitum kicked off the evening with their signature powerful European symphonic metal, captivating the eager fans who arrived early to witness their performance. Showcasing a blend of tracks from their latest album, "Chapter III: Downfall," among others from their Three Chapters collection, the band delivered an unforgettable set. As their limited USA tour approaches its conclusion in May before they embark on their European tour, Ad Infinitum proves to be a must-see act for any music enthusiast seeking a truly remarkable live experience.

For more info:

https://adinfinitumofficial.com

Wind Rose and Xandria Party it up In New York City.

On April 14th, 2024 at Irving Plaza in NYC, the crowd eagerly gathered in large numbers even before the opening band, Xandria, hit the stage. The venue was filled to the brim with enthusiastic fans brandishing blow-up pick axes and engaging in lively chants that reverberated between the balcony and the floor. An interesting moment occurred when the sound crew stepped on stage for a quick line check, prompting the crowd to exuberantly chant, "SOUND GUY, SOUND GUY, CHECK CHECK CHECK!" The atmosphere was charged with anticipation for what promised to be a memorable concert experience.

Wind Rose brought their epic Dwarven metal sound to get the party started in NYC, and they absolutely nailed it. Lead singer Francesco Cavalieri just couldn't stop smiling throughout the whole performance, feeding off the high energy of the crowd who were chanting and body-surfing from start to finish. Their setlist showcased tracks from their latest album "Warfront" released by Napalm Records, along with some fan-favorite covers from Yogscast. With a full year of touring planned across New Zealand, Australia, and Europe in 2024, missing out on experiencing the ultimate Dwarven party with Wind Rose is simply not an option for any metal enthusiast.

For More info:

https://www.windroseofficial.com

Xandria made a grand entrance onto the stage, captivating the audience with their unique brand of symphonic metal. Their performance featured an array of tracks from their latest album, "The Wonders Still Awaiting," including the crowd-favorite new single, "Universal." Despite the absence of their bassist, Xandria's powerful sound and on-stage charisma mesmerized the spectators. With their tour in the States set to continue until May 4th, the band is gearing up for an exhilarating European journey filled with more shows and festival appearances. Don't miss the chance to experience Xandria's musical prowess live!

For More Info:

https://www.xandria.de

Aether Realm Brings down NYC in support of TYR

On March 29th, 2024, it had been quite a while since North Carolina's Aether Realm graced a New York City stage with their unique Folk Metal sound. Supporting TYR and joined by Trollfest and Dead Crew of Oddwood, the eager audience filled the venue to capacity, enthusiastically anticipating the return of their southern brethren. Aether Realm delivered a powerful set, drawing heavily from their acclaimed albums "Redneck Vikings From Hell" and "Tarot," igniting a never-ending swirl of energy in the lively mosh pit.

For info check out:

https://label.napalmrecords.com/aether-realm

TYR took the stage to a massive ovation, reminiscent of the grand entrance of fearless warriors. Skillfully interacting with the audience right from the start, they delivered a diverse set of songs from their extensive repertoire, including the latest tracks from Battle Ballads which were warmly received. Despite encountering minor technical issues, their performance successfully enthralled the crowd. With a tour across the United States until April, before venturing overseas again, there are ample opportunities to experience this remarkable tour firsthand.

For more info:

https://tyr.fo

Trollfest lit up the stage with more than just their Balkan Music, captivating the audience with their elaborate Pink Flamingo costumes, each member donning outfits that perfectly complemented their album titled Flamingo Overlord. The songs, with their strong emphasis on merry drinking, resonated deeply with the crowd, who enthusiastically joined in the dancing, beer-swilling, and overall festive atmosphere. The band's 20th-anniversary celebration was truly a fantastic display of musical talent and camaraderie.

For more info;

https://www.trollfest.com

Opening the evening was the perfect band to set the tone for the night - all the way from sunny California, the Dread Crew of Oddwood took the stage. Their pirate renaissance style was not only entertaining but truly captivating. Watching and listening to them was an absolute delight. For those intrigued, their latest album 'Rust and Glory' is now out and ready for your enjoyment.

For more info:

https://thedreadcrewofoddwood.com

KK's Priest Rides the storm and Conquers Long Island

March 23rd, 2024 - Despite the enduring rainstorm that swept through New York, dedicated fans braved the weather to attend the sold-out performance at Patchogue Theatre. The crowd eagerly gathered to witness the debut of KK Dowling's new band, KK's Priest. As the band boasts two successful albums, "Sermons of the Sinner" and "The Sinner Rides Again," they showcased a diverse repertoire of original songs that seamlessly complemented their selection of Judas Priest classics.

The audience got everything they wanted and more at the concert. It was a nostalgic journey back to old school metal that had everyone on their feet. As soon as the lights dimmed and the video montage began, the crowd was electrified. KK made a grand entrance by ascending to the drum riser and launching into 'Hellfire Thunderbolt'. Accompanied by the legendary and renowned Mr. Tim "the ripper" Owens, the performance was truly exceptional. The setlist, which included classics like 'Breaking the Law' and 'Victim of Changes', captivated all who attended, ensuring that this concert would be etched in their memories for years to come.

For more info on the band:

https://kkdowningofficial.com

Total Disclosure: I deeply admire LA Guns, yet I harbored some doubts about how their classic 80’s sound would complement the heavy metal lineup of the evening. To my delight, they seamlessly integrated into the atmosphere. From the explosive opening of Cannonball, their synergy with the crowd was undeniable. The infectious energy of the band even prompted the audience to join in singing the iconic chorus of The Ballard of Jane, a moment many may shy away from but secretly relish. Yes, I caught you all in the act, chuckle. The set reached its peak with the timeless anthem Rip and Tear, where guitarist Ace von Johnson ascended the outer speakers to deliver a mind-blowing performance. LA Guns undeniably delivered an unforgettable show, leaving fans hungry for more as they anticipate the upcoming release of their newest album, Black Diamonds, on April 14th.

For more info:

http://www.lagunsmusic.com

Usually, the audience will wait in the lobby to get their beers and ignore the opening band, but not tonight. The seats were packed for Burning Witches, and the hype was true - this band rocks. Led by the amazing vocals of Laura Guldemond and supported by the dual guitar attack of Romana Kalkuhl and Courtney Cox, along with the thunderous rhythm section of Lala Frischknecht and Jeanine Grob, the stage was set for an unforgettable performance. From the opener "Unleash the Beast" to the final notes of "Burning Witches," they mesmerized us with their electrifying sound. Fans can look forward to their new album, "The Dark Tower," set to release in May.

For more info:

https://www.burningwitches.ch/#band

White Chapel , Archspire , Signs of the Swarm and Entheos storm NYC's Gramercy Theatre on 'The Valley’ 2023 U.S. Tour

April 21, 2023 - This was a fantastic night of Metal at NYC Gramercy Theatre. There was not one soft spot in the line-up. Here are photos from The Valley tour.

White Chapel, the kings from Tennessee, touring on their latest Album “Kin”.

For more tour dates and info check them out here: https://whitechapelband.com

Vancouver’s Archspire touring on their latest album “Bleed the Future”. Won’t be long before they are headlining shows.

For more tour dates and info: https://archspire.bandcamp.com/album/bleed-the-future

Signs of the Swarm were excellent, swarming all over the stage bombarding the crowd with their set and energy.

Their newest Amongst the low & empty is out now.

For more info : https://signsoftheswarm.com/bio

Opening the evening were Entheos and the audience got there early to make sure not to miss their set.

Touring on their newest album from Metal Blade records “Time will take us all”

For more info: https://www.metalblade.com/Entheos/#bio

Austin Meade ... Rocked out NYC'S Mercury Lounge

March 31,23 . Mercury Lounge - New York City.

What better way to start the weekend then with an amazing show from Austin Meade. On tour supporting his newest album, “Abstract Art of an Unstable Mind”. Austin and his bandmates killed it! I’m glad I was able to catch him at the Mercury Lounge’s intimate setting, because this band is hitting a great stride and bigger venues. Below are some photos from the night.

The tour rolls on thru to May so definitely catch it.

For more info and Videos check out Austin Meade here:

https://www.austinmeade.com