Now… I grew up with 80’s metal … the hair … tights jeans, the make-up and the serious groove. I always liked the real heavy stuff; but with melody … the freedom of having fun with music. I missed that for some time now … it’s been dark and dramatic; heavy yes, but too suicidal and demonic … not that it doesn’t have its place … don’t get me wrong ….

When I went to see “Avenged Sevenfold” my expectations were … I am not sure what they were … but I surely was blown away by what I got.

I was just in time for the second support band, “Bullets and Octance”. Sleazy grooves, lots of lights, the make-up, the attitude … and God could they play. It was like back in the mid 80’s when Rock n Roll was still fun, but better, more “now” … if that make sense to you. Lead singer Gene Louis is the born star, dousing himself with the finest spring water, right down to ripping his soaked t-shirt off to expose a flawless yet well inked body.

Rock ‘n Roll at it’s dirtiest! Guitarist James Daniel is a master at its craft and Brent Clawson on Bass and Ty Smith on Drums provided a solid and heavy rhythm section. I am so glad I saw this band and even happier when I walked away with a free 3 song EP. There album “In the Mouth of the Young" (RCA Records) is scheduled for release on APRIL 11th! Tell your friends … this is an album you must have in your collection!

Now I am not shy or prude … but I have never been one for the “mosh pit”; just don’t want to be beat up for something I didn't do. I swear … there were a few girls in there who couldn't give a shit about who, or better still, what hit them. Anyone to tell me that chicks can’t fight like guys didn't see those babes! It got especially rough when support act No.3 “CKY” hit the stage, known for the world's loudest, angriest and savviest fan base, the CKY Alliance. So maybe "subtlety" isn't a good word to describe CKY. One essential component of CKY's sound originates from Ginsburg's radical production techniques; a unique, gruff and blunt blend of muscular guitar riffs and off the wall beats, layered with different textures and sounds. Check out their new album “The Answer can be found” available in stores now.

I’ve had a pretty good evening so far. Two great bands, a sold out venue and I have a killer seat … six rows down from the mosh pit, just slightly off center stage … I am happy … and the best was still to come! When “our own” Huntington Beach, California rockers Avenged Sevenfold hit the stage, the place went nuts and so did I. This band truly gives a middle finger to the idea of categorization, bridging the sonic guitar assault of Iron Maiden with the frenetic pace of Bad Religion and the musicianship of Dream Theater. Avenged Sevenfold can rock, with intense new tunes and extraordinary musicianship. And while influences range from Maiden, Pantera, and Guns 'N' Roses to Billy Joel, Queen, and Elvis Costello, Avenged Sevenfold is far from just a party band. This was apparent song for song, with a set bursting of virtuoso musicianship, from the intricate tempo changes of "Burn It Down" to the tender acoustic intro into a Spaghetti Western mixed with classical melody that provides the calm before the storm in the savage "Strength Of The World”. Although the band used lots of flown in effects, each song from the new album City Of Evil sounded just like the record. This truly was an Epic night of late night fun. You Rock Avenged Sevenfold!

GMC