“…Are you sad?…. cause I’m up here thinking I suck, and I’m trying to make sure people get their monies worth.” Singer David Draiman asked a stern crowd member, and that is exactly what everybody got when I saw Device headline at The Rapids Theater with guests Nonpoint and Gemini Syndrome. A great show that offered up a booming performance leaving the crowd blown away.

The mood was one of anticipation when the show started opening with newcomer Gemini Syndrome. They offered up a great performance with a lot of fantastic ethereal riffs bending between harsh coarse growling and melodic crescendos. They have what I view to be the right feel for something that may be on the uptrend of metal-core music finishing powerfully with “Pleasure and Pain” which left the crowd riled up. In a few more years, if these guys keep going the way they are, expect to see a lot more of them.

Next up was concert tour veterans Nonpoint. Vocalist Elias Soriano takes the stage and runs with it telling the crowd, “For those of you who don’t know us… we are Korn” getting a quick laugh and surprisingly connecting with the crowd instantly. From this point forward, Nonpoint does what they do best and get the crowd jumping, turning the crowd from individual spectators into a venerable mosh mob jumping together like they were a living entity. Their performance seemed to peak perfectly with “Bullet With Your Name”, setting the stage for the much anticipated Device.

The stage goes dark, and the crowd is getting bigger, pushing towards the crowded stage area of the Rapids Theater. Music begins to play as Device takes to the stage as Draiman calmly and coolly arrives on stage like a war general addressing his troops. To be honest I came in uncertain how the show would really go, and it was at that moment I was unprepared for how it would play out. Previously, I had reviewed Devices album citing its many successes. It is difficult to say how an album, with so many guest appearances from the rock world would work moving to a live setting. The production was phenomenal on the album, but difficult to say how it would be stripped down to a bare bones theater without the bells and whistles.

Draiman began singing, and from the start it opened with more of the ballad side of what the debut album had to offer. In all seriousness, even at that it seemed as if it was overpowering at first. Almost as if the theater was too small to contain that much power coming out of the dual walls of speakers, but oddly it was just the power of Draimans voice and the onslaught of cymbal crashes coupled with venomous and eerie guitar riffs. For the first half of the show the crowd was offered power and range of sound as if to have us bask in the skill of its diversity leaving the audience initially breathless then subsequently hyped from the emotion. Draiman spoke to the crowd thanking them for making all of what they do possible as well as announcing his soon coming newborn. It was quite a different approach for Draiman having seen him in Disturbed and usually not as personal with the crowd. It made him seem more human for a moment and less the superstar in the right way before continuing his set into the two week going number one hit “Vilify”.

Then, Device took their leave as the stage went dim and the crowd wisely stayed. Whether it was out of expectation for more and simply not wanting to accept that it had ended. As they came back on for an encore it oddly seemed somehow better. Maybe it was the constant building of anticipation that did it, but the second time around they took more the aggressors sophistication getting the crowd moshing and slam dancing finishing powerfully and playing a duet with both Elias Soriano (earlier on) and Aaron Nordstrom from Gemini Syndrome respectively.

Ultimately, Device seemed more engaged then I had even seen Disturbed play with a much bigger production. All three bands worked well together, and even with some veteran stars in the line up, the general feel was a well oiled machine that built to the height of an old school rock concert where it was less the random assortment of bands that happened to tour, It was three integrated pieces working well building to the climax of the show. There was much respect shown, both between the crowd and the bands professing its seemingly perfect fit. If you get a chance to see these guys on tour do yourself a favor and don’t pass up on it.

Set List
Penance
You Think You Know
Opinion
Close My Eyes Forever
Hunted
War of Lies
Out of Line (W/ Elias Soriano of Nonpoint)
Haze
Through It All
Vilify
Encore
A Part of Me (w/ Aaron Nordstrom from Gemini Syndrome)
Recover
Wish

Related: Check out Device CD Review Click Here

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Bassist Chuck Wright summed it up best when describing Heaven And Earth’s latest offering, “If you love rock like it used to be, you’ll love this album!” After listening to this album so many times I can say that he is absolutely right. It’s not everyday a group comprised of talented musicians that were successful in other avenues of music can be put together and produce this kind of result. The music takes one back in time as it flashes the influences of Deep Purple, Rainbow and Paul Rodgers for example.

Vocalist Joe Retta, a relative unknown, had done a stint with Sweet which is where guitarist Stuart Smith and drummer Richie Onori were playing. Wright had already played with Smith on the prior Heaven & Earth albums as did keyboardist Arlan Schierbaum. With renown producer Dave Jenkins at the helm, everything came together relatively quite easily.

The album opens up with “Victorious”, a track that seems to have a more modern feel and sets itself apart from the other tracks in that respect. The first single “No Money, No Love” is next as it leads into the beautiful ballad “I Don’t Know What Love Is”, a song that gives Retta a chance to showcase his versatile voice.

From the hard driving songs “Man Or Machine” and “Back In Anger” to the Deep Purple-ish sounding “Waiting For The End Of The World”, the band has produced a gem of an album. Other notable tracks include the carefree sound of “A Day Like Today” and album closer “Live As One”.

Smith has called it the best thing he has ever done. When he started Heaven & Earth it was basically his friends coming in and guesting on songs. Now he calls it a true band and he intends to take the band out on the road. Optimistically speaking, one hopes this band can catch a break so that the album can get the recognition it deserves. Dig is clearly a strong candidate for album of the year.

Track Listing
01. Victorious
02. No Money, No Love
03. I Don’t Know What Love Is
04. Man & Machine
05. House Of Blues
06. Back In Anger
07. Waiting For The End Of The World
08. Sexual Insanity
09. Rock & Roll Does
10. A Day Like Today
11. Good Times
12. Live As One

The sounds of Motown filled the Seneca Niagara Events Center on Saturday evening as two bands who helped define the Motown Sound, The Temptations and Four Tops took the crowd back in time. Both bands played for nearly an hour each and dazzled the crowd with hit after hit of some true Motown classics.

Up first were the Four Tops who are notable for not having a single lineup change from their start in 1953 and lasted until 1997. These days the quartet consists of lone founding member Abdul “Duke” Fakir, Lawrence Payton Jr., Ronnie McNeir and Harold “Spike” Bonhart.

The band got things started with their first ever hit “Baby I Need Your Loving” followed by another hit “Bernadette”. Things really began to cook once “It’s The Same Old Song” was performed. Before the night was through the band tore through several classics including “Reach Out I’ll Be There” and set closer “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)” both which made it all the way to the top of the chart. The band also did a fitting tribute to the original members who are no longer alive.

After a short intermission The Temptations took the stage with their 1968 hit “I’m Gonna Make You Love Me”. The band delved into the meat of their catalog mid-set with the standards “Just My Imagination”, “Papa Was A Rolling Stone” and “I Can’t Get Next To You”? What Temptations show is complete without their anthem “My Girl”?

The Temptations still feature Otis Williams, their last remaining original member as well as Ron Tyson, Terry Weeks, Joe Herndon and Bruce Williamson. The Temptations have numerous awards and distinctions. Just this year they received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and usually up on many Greatest Artist Lists.

The current versions of both The Temptations and Four Tops give their fans laudable performances. Although they each contain one original member both bands are able to maintain their legacies by keeping the fans coming back because the fans still enjoy the shows and the music.

Temptations
I’m Gonna Make You Love Me
The Way You Do the Things You Do
Ain’t Too Proud to Beg
Ball of Confusion
I Wish It Would Rain
Just My Imagination
Papa Was A Rolling Stone
I Can’t Get Next to You
I Truly, Truly Believe
Get Ready
Stay
Band introductions and solos
Treat Her Like a Lady
My Girl

Four Tops
Intro
Baby I Need Your Loving
Bernadette
It’s the Same Old Song
Shake Me, Wake Me
In The Still Of The Night
What’s Going On
Dance With My Father
When She Was My Girl
Ain’t No Woman (Like the One I’ve Got)
Reach Out I’ll Be There
I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)

Special thanks to Tony Astran from Seneca Casinos for allowing us to review the show

Volbeat played the friendly confines of the Rapids Theatre in The Falls Tuesday evening to a sold out crowd. The band had the crowd singing along from the start as the band was in town touring in support of their latest offering Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies. The band led by vocalist Michael Poulsen who also played guitar included drummer Jon Larsen, bassist Anders Kjolholm and the newest member lead guitarist Rob Caggiano.

The band may be just hitting their commercial peak as demonstrated by the full house at the Rapids Theatre Tuesday evening, as well as their album debuting at #9 on the Billboard charts. The band is huge in their native Denmark and judging from the audience reaction Tuesday evening, the band’s popularity in the U.S. is about to skyrocket.

One thing a little out of the ordinary was the number of female patrons than pumped their fist and sang all the words. The crowd was more in line regarding the male to female ratio for a heavy metal show which is typically more male dominated.

The band played songs from all five of their albums but focused mostly on their last two. Songs that stood out were “Fallen”, “Heaven Nor Hell” and new song “Lola Montez” which the fans really seemed to take to. The band also took a moment to honor fallen Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman who passed away last week.

One thing the band has going for it is their ability to change up styles of music as demonstrated by their set list. This kept the show fresh and moreover kept the audience guessing what was coming up next. The band will also be headlining the Rock Allegiance tour which returns this summer. I would recommend you not to miss it.

All That Remains featuring also was on the bill. The band played a solid set and were the heaviest band of the evening. They will also be on the Rock Allegiance tour with Volbeat later this summer.

Eye Empire is a band made up of vocalist Donald Carpenter, bassist Corey Lowery, guitarist B.C. Kochmit and drummer Ryan Bennett. The band members came together from other bands which already attained some success. They opened the show with “Ignite (Moment Of Impact) and from there played a solid set which saw the venue already extremely packed. Expect big things as they are one of those bands you will be hearing from in the future.

Set List
Hallelujah Goat
A New Day
Guitar Gangsters & Cadillac Blood
Pearl Hart
Heaven nor Hell
Sad Man’s Tongue [Ring of Fire Intro]
Lola Montez
The Human Instrument
16 Dollars
A Warrior’s Call
Mary Ann’s Place
Dead But Rising
Breaking the Law
Raining Blood
The Hangman’s Body Count
Still Counting
Encore
Doc Holliday
Fallen
The Mirror and The Ripper
Pool of Booze, Booze, Booza

All That Remains
Some of the People, All of the Time
Stand Up
The Last Time
Forever in Your Hands
Six
Down Through the Ages
Asking Too Much
Hold On
This Calling
Two Weeks

Eye Empire
Ignite (Moment of Impact)
Idiot
Great Deceiver
One Day
More Than Fate
War Isn’t Over Yet
I Pray

I took some time to listen to the new Device album that came out recently by Disturbed front man David Draiman’s new side group while his main attraction is currently on hiatus. While this might help ease the general dismay of the Disturbed fan base, I would be remiss to say that this is anything short of its own animal with its own set of teeth.

I had heard Device’s release of their single “Villify” on the radio the other day, and my curiosity prompted me to check out the new album in its entirety. I was expecting to hear what most would have thought about a David Draiman side project-Disturbed with a different cast. Well, why wouldn’t you? Draiman’s voice has become one of the iconic rock vocals of the last decade, so its relatively impossible not to think of Disturbed when you hear his earthy growls and aggressive approach.

Nothing could be farther from the truth concerning Device’s first album. Draiman actually offers up a virtuoso outpouring of vocal ranges that Disturbed may have alluded to, but never explored fully. He actually harmonizes extremely well causing an eerie and haunting effect in some places with some aggressive upper register power rock. I have heard all of Disturbed’s albums, and though the influences are certainly there, this exhibition of Industrial rock hearkens to the likes of Marilyn Manson or Nine Inch Nails in nature.

That is not to say the musicianship is strictly Draimans efforts as the constant tempo changes, gripping fretwork, pounding drum kit, and stellar guest performances seem to be a fantastic blend of harmonic aggression that often turns forlorn and even solemn. Many stellar performances and guest musicians offer up their take on seemingly an interesting idea. As if Device came to be an entity and asked some of the greats to throw themselves in and become a part of it for a moment offering their own viewpoint. It is better that they work well to complement the band without feeling stepped on as you might sometimes expect with a collaboration. With such well known musicians as Lzzy Hale, M. Shadows, Serj Tankian, Tom Morello, Geezer Butler, and Glenn Hughes lending a piece of themselves to each track, you get a lot of progression throughout the album, exploring many powerful avenues.

I rarely ever like cover songs and I mean seldom, if ever. It always makes the listener hold it in contention in comparison to the original. If you were looking for the extremist example on this album to seem counter to what Disturbed is known for, check out the Ozzy Osborn/Lita Ford cover of “Close My Eyes Forever”. Featuring Lzzy Hale, it demonstrates the almost absurd dynamic differences between such tracks as “Villify”. Its easily one of the best cover songs I have ever been pleasantly surprised by.

This whole album, from start to finish is a sound that never seems to stay the same. Track after track you get what can be perceived as Device’s sound, but it would be an insult to say it is formulaic. That is what I personally love about the work as a whole. It is distinct, but it refuses to get stale which might make some Disturbed fans a little edgy considering that it really is that good. It can play on the same level as a Disturbed album and some may even enjoy it more given its incredible range. In either case, let us hope that this is not a singular effort. Though many are anticipating Disturbed coming together in the future ending their much touted hiatus, Device can certainly keep up and give you your rock fix in the meantime.

For more info on Device
Website www.deviceband.com
Facebook Click Here

Lou Gramm has been at it for over five decades. During that time he has seen it all and then some. He has had his share of highs such as being in an ultra successful band as Foreigner as well a successful solo career. To accompany those highs, one must also experience lows and Lou has had his share but it helps keep him even keeled.

The book is an excellent read how the Rochester, NY native started out as he takes you back through the decades. He talks about where the tension between him and Foreigner guitarist Mick Jones first came into fruition. He also talks about the very beginnings of how Foreigner came about as well as his solo career and his first major band Black Sheep amnd everything between.

Lou Gramm has endured quite a bit over his tenure. The benign brain tumor came at a point in his life where he should have been hitting his prime as a singer, songwriter and performer. It has taken Lou a long time to recover from his medical issues as they affected his stamina as well as his voice. This book will take you through the trial and tribulations that saw Lou overcome all the hurdles and obstacles to get him back on stage doing what he does best.

Concert Review

Friday evening, the Bear’s Den inside Seneca Niagara Casino came alive with the sounds of former Journey frontman Steve Augeri. Augeri was at the helm in Journey from 1998-2006 and since then has formed The Steve Augeri Band. The band included powerhouse drummer Michael Morales as well as former Valentine members keyboardist Craig Pullman and bassist Gerard Zappa. Also in the regular band is guitarist Adam Holland another former Valentine member who was unable to make the show. Have no fear as Steve brought in Brooke St. James of Tyketto fame to fill in admirably on guitar. Background singers Erica Lozzo and Sally Blandon helped to enhance the show.

The show started with the lights dimmed as Steve walked onstage alone with an acoustic guitar and went into the old Sam Cooke standard “A Change Is Gonna Come”. “Chain Reaction” was up next as that brought the band out to the stage as the show took off from there. Journey classics “Stone In Love”, “Lights” as well as a mixing in a recent solo tune entitled “Hours In The Day” followed.

The set list featured all the Journey’s greatest hits one would expect. One cool aspect was how the band played “Higher Place” and “Kiss Me Softly” both off the Arrival album which was the first Journey album to feature Augeri.

The set ended with heavyweight songs “Don’t Stop Believin” and “Lovin’ Touchin’ Squeezin’” with the latter including a snippet of Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love” and featured the skill of drummer Morales.

Steve Augeri stated in a recent interview with us (click here for interview) “All in all they’re really looking for a vocalist that sang with Journey and they’re expecting to hear the Journey songs that they love”. I think that most of Augeri’s fans would had loved to had heard some Tall Stories and Tyketto material tossed in for good measure. It would have only been fitting on the latter with Tyketto guitarist St. James in attendance.

Set List
A Change Is Gonna Come
Chain Reaction
Stone In Love
Hours In The Day
Lights
Higher Place
Kiss Me Softly
Open Arms
Send Her My Love
Wheel In The Sky
Faithfully
Don’t Stop Believin’
Lovin Touchin Squeezin
Any Way You Want It
Encore
Be Good To Yourself
Separate Ways

Special thanks to Tony Astran for allowing us to review the show

It has been almost exactly one year since L.A. Guns literally stole the show at the M3 Festival in Maryland. The band led by vocalist Phil Lewis played a raucous show that had everyone talking about how great a set the band had put on. Fast forward to the band making their first Western NY appearance in some six years, at the Icehouse, an old venue updated in both name and decor. Lewis and Company, bassist Scotty Griffin, drummer Steve Riley and latest guitar player Michael Grant (who replaced Stacey Blades) jelled quite well considering they have not played together for too long. Grant as some might recall was in a band called Endeverafter that caught a glimpse of the spotlight by opening for Poison and Cinderella on a major shed tour in 2006.

The high adrenaline set opened with “Sex Action” before segueing into crowd pleaser “Never Enough”. Many fans came to hear “I Wanna Be Your Man” and the band obliged with that request next. The sixty-five minute set moved along at a rapid pace as the band dug into its latest release Hollywood Forever. Culled from the underrated record was “You Better Not Love Me” and “Sweet Mystery” both standout cuts.

 The crowd while not as big as one might have expected, roared into approval and sang along to the band’s biggest song “The Ballad Of Jayne”.  Followed by the rambunctious “Rip And Tear”, a song where the band just lets it all out was a good place to end the show as the band generally does. With many of the sparse crowd calling for an encore, the tour manager announced the band was done performing for the evening but will be out for a meet and greet with their fans.

Having seen this band in many incarnations, I must say this lineup is one of the strongest yet. This band however deserves a better fate. At this stage in their career they should easily be able to fill a small club and then some. Whether the band is mismanaged or needs to find a good PR company, one thing remains certain and that is this band still delivers a powerful, blood and guts show. Many bands would kill to have the energy and drive that I see this band possess each time I see them perform.

Set List
Sex Action
Never Enough
I Wanna Be Your Man
Over The Edge
You Better Not Love Me
Sweet Mystery
Gypsy Soul
Kiss My Love Goodbye
Vampire
Drum Solo/Jammin’
Electric Gypsy
Ballad Of Jayne
Rip And Tear

Special thanks to Ross Catalino from Back II Back Entertainment