Rob Zombie / ex-Marilyn Manson guitarist John 5 will be making a guest appearance on the new Adler album.  The session is scheduled to take place tomorrow (Wednesday, March 21st) at a studio in Los Angeles.

Adler is the new band led by former Guns N Roses drummer Steven Adler.  The line-up features frontman Jacob Bunton (Lynam, Mars Electric), and Lonny Paul (Adler’s Appetite).  “I love the music that we’re creating!” states Adler.  I haven’t been this excited about my band since the GNR days.  Jacob is exactly the singer I have been searching for.  He has an amazing range and is a great writer and frontman.  Lonny is an amazing guitarist and songwriter and the vibe is perfect!”

The band is currently in a Los Angeles recording studio working on their debut album with producers Jeff Pilson (Dokken, Foreigner) and Jay Ruston (Anthrax, Steel Panther, Adrenaline Mob).  The album feature a guest appearance from Adler’s former Guns N Roses band mate Slash.  “I’m so excited for everyone to hear this record!” States Adler.

Adler, guitarist Slash, bassist Duff McKagan, singer Axl Rose and guitarist Izzy Stradlin will all be inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame next month in Cleveland, along with later Guns N Roses members, keyboardist Dizzy Reed and drummer Matt Sorum.

1 Giant Leap

“What About Me?”
www.whataboutme.tv
Style (World / Compilation)

This is the newest musical creation from the 1 Giant Leap producers, Duncan Bridgeman and Jaime Catto, and it, like its predecessor, is absolutely marvelous.  Scouring the globe, Bridgeman and Catto have orchestrated an amazing ensemble of eclectic musical rhythms and vocals that in time will be considered a classic.  Few producers in this world exhibit such a strong pedigree, genius, frequent flyer miles, and determination to search the corners of the globe looking for the right sounds.  The songs on this 2 disc (20 songs) release are unique in their primal complexity, elevating the musical imagination, and opening a conscious conduit for the mind, body, and spirit through rhythmically mystical, haunting, and harmonious music.  Forget about the “We Are The World” sing-along BS (old and new), this release is truly a unique collective of artists and sounds.  Lending their support are artists like Michael Fanti, K.D.Lang, Maxi Jazz, Santana, Michael Stipe, Baaba Maal, Zap Mama, and Alanis Morisette, along with musicians from countries like Kenya, South Africa, Gabon, Senegal, China, Mexico, Brazil, Japan, Turkey, France, Egypt, and the USA.  It’s kind like listening to tribal rhythms from a particular global region, then from left field comes this clarinet from Istanbul, followed by a splash of Spanish guitar, and then with vocals laid over by Michael Stipe, who’s backed by a chorus of singers from Egypt and Senegal.  These songs are truly flawless and inspiring.

Rating 4 ½ (HIDDEN GEM – an amazing collection!)

Ray Wylie Hubbard

“A.Enlightenment B.Endarkenment”
www.raywylie.com
Style (Country / Southern / Blues / Americana)

My first introduction to Hubbard’s musical genius started in 2006 with his “Snake Farm” CD, and from then on I’ve been a fan.  I love Hubbard’s expressive, unpretentious story telling style (lyrically and musically).  Each song is raw, intensely rich with character and purpose, stately and philosophical, delivered by a songwriter with experiences to share about living and the nuances a man learns through trial and error about women.  Slowly paced, the songs are thoughtfully punctuated, giving the background sincere reflective meaning.  Hubbard’s music is uniquely comforting, like spending time hearing your father or grandfather spin a yarn.  As a guitar player, Hubbard kicks out a traditional southern blues sound that’s unpolished and rough around the edges with wonderful tones coming from a 1953 Gibson J45, a 1942 Southern Jumbo Reissue, and a National Style O Resonator.  I’ve been waiting for Hubbard’s next CD since 2006 and I am thrilled to finally have it!  I just hope I don’t have to wait another 4 years for the follow up.

Rating 4 ½ (HIDDEN GEM)

Lonestar

“Party Heard Around the World”
www.myspace.com/lonestar
Style (Pop Country)

If this is the party heard around the world then I’m going to stay home and fold the laundry piling up on my lazy boy. Maybe it’s just me but I would think a band’s 10th record, especially one sporting a statement title like that, should at least inspire a party.  I listen to quite a bit of country music on the road and these songs have as much adhesiveness as a greasy burger from a roadside Choke N’ Puke. The band’s sound is run of the mill commercial pop country with hooks and beats tossed out there dangling for a nibble like every other Rascal Flats wannabe pop country band.  I’m not a fan of the sappy love song, unless it’s a really good song, but at least put some emotion and effort into poorly written soda pop fillers like “Let Me Love You,” “You’re The Reason Why,” and “She Wants What She Wants.”  Musically, the vocalist’s high pitch is killing these songs, and the musicianship from the other three comes out passionless.  What I do hear a lot of though is four musicians who phoned in a recording.

Rating 1 (When did country loose its country?)

Neverwonder

“Let it Out”
www.neverwonder.com
Style (Rock / Pop)

The songs by Neverwonder are listener friendly rock, pop, soul with strong vocals and a clean production.  However, over the length of 16 songs, which is too many by the way, ultimately I’m turned off by the lack of depth in the song writing and the consistent predictability.  The standout of the foursome is vocalist Megan Bobo and for good reason, she can sing.  Bobo has a dominating voice with a rock / soul essence that’s easy on the ears.  However, her bandmates, though possessing serviceable ability, aren’t breaking open the pioneer bank so the music ends up sounding more like a singer with a back-up band instead of a cohesive four piece unit.  Ending the CD for some odd reason is a pointless greeting as a 17th track. The recording of this track is so severely low it’s not worth investing time and effort to figure out what the hell is being said and why.

Rating 2 ½ (just OK)

King Con

“Overdue For a Brew”
www.king-con.com
Style (Rock / Party)

If you’re female and easily offended by locker room talk about oral sex and getting laid in the backseat, this band isn’t for you but Oprah’s on at 4.  If you’re someone who goes to a bar and sips the house chardonnay with your pinkie sticking out hoity-toity, this band isn’t for you but the tasting rooms in Santa Barbara are open from 10-5.  If you’re someone who doesn’t enjoy a bucket of Corona’s on ice with pizza and hot wings, this band definitely isn’t for you but there’s a Coffee Stop down the street.  To put it simply, if your musical interest is a band professing cold beer, good time sex, and guys being guys, then the lighthearted jocularity of King Con is something to keep on your radar.  The CD production value however is thin, sounding more like a 4 track demo which does leave a bit to be desired.  However, I have witnessed this band live, and on stage is where King Con sets their songs on fire with raucous and rowdy stage antics, lots of personality, and a plethora of drink toasting.  Not to mention a quality number of hot chiquitas wigglin’ on the dance floor.

Rating 2 (check the band’s website for live dates)

If you are looking for something to slide into your ride these compilation CD’s  offer efforts from top selling artists featuring 16 major hits from the pop, hip-hop and crossover country charts plus tracks from top chart hits from new hot artists included in NOW 33 CD and digital tracklist are hits from Ke$ha, Lady Gaga, Rihanna featuring Jeezy, Jason Derulo, Snoop Dog, Young Money featuring Lloyd, Jay Sean featuring Sean Paul & Lil Jon, Iyaz, Owl City, Train, Daughtry, Kris Allen, Adam Lambert, Orianthi, Lady Antebellum and Taylor Swift. These amazing artists’ most popular songs are featured on this disc offering a little something for all different kinds of listeners appealing to all kinds of tastes.

To be released at the same time as NOW 33, is NOW That’s What I Call Faith bringing together 16 inspiring hits by top pop and Christian artists. The CD and digital release is the first NOW title to feature artists from the core of Contemporary Christian music community as well as inspirational songs from mainstream hit artists including The Fray, Carrie Underwood, Third Day, tobyMac, Hawk Nelson, Natasha Bedingfield, Francesca Battistelli, Jordan Sparks, Mary Mary featuring Kierra “Kiki” Sheard, Ledisi, Brandon Heath, BarlowGirl, Mat Kearney, NeedtoBreathe, Switchfoot and Daughtry.

These two CD’s make perfect gifts just in time for Mother’s Day and graduation with the biggest names in the business right at your fingertips. How convenient to have your favorite artists in one place at one time. It’s always interesting to see what artists have been selected in this best-selling disc each time one of the NOW series is released.  This time out some of the biggest names in the business are now featured on these two sensational CD’s.

The NOW That’s What I Call Music series debuted in the U.S. in 1998 after the brand had been a multi-platinum international success for 15 years. The series generated sales exceeding 200 million albums worldwide, including more than 74 million copies in the U.S. Every album in the numbered U.S. series has reached Billboard’s Top 10 with NOW 3 the first non-soundtrack, multi-artists collection in history to reach #1.

DO YOU REMEMBER what you were doing thirty-five years ago (okay, I realize there are many of you reading this they may not even be 35 years of age), but as for the rest of us out there…?? I do…it was my senior year of college, and other than sports and girls, music was the most important thing in my life (some things never change…!). Amongst the many bands that my music pals and I listened to (everything from the New York Dolls and T Rex to ZZ Top and Status Quo), there was a band called Kansas, whose unique rock-edged mix of guitar, violin, and multi-vocal melodies on songs such as “Dust In The Wind,” “Point of Know Return,”and “Carry On Wayward Son” stood out from just about any other band we listened to.

FAST FORWARD TO 2010, and Kansas guitarist Rich Williams can tell you HE’s happy to be doing what he was doing in 1974, which is the first year the group from Topeka, Kansas first formed. “It was a hobby that turned into a career…that turned into a lifetime,” said Williams by phone, before the first of two shows by the band in the Southland (May 18 at Gibson Amphitheater in Universal City; May 19 at Citizens Bank Arena in Ontario; both with Styx and Foreginer on the bill).As for trying to explain the longetivity and success of the band? “The Baby Boomers grew up…and this is their music,” says the humble Williams. “This is what they want to hear.” Williams credits the Guitar Hero video game series (“we got a huge boost from that”) while noting that “kids have also discovered classic rock in their own musical journeys. They’re tired of being force-fed music on the radio.”

WHICH TAKES US TO “THERE’S KNOW PLACE LIKE HOME,” a live DVD released last October commorating the bands thirty-fifth anniversary. The title of the DVD – recorded in the band’s home state at Washburn University’s White Concert Hall with the school’s full fifty-piece orchestra – is, as it appears, a play on the famed Wizard of Oz movie, “something we always fought as a band. Now it makes sense, “explains Williams, who notes the inclusion on the 19-song DVD of onetime members Kerry Livgren (guitar, keyboards) and Steve Morse (guitar). Three of the members of Kansas also attended the college, adding, “Livegren lives in Topeka, so to have him involved again was a natural,” says Williams.  How has the band been able to weather the challenge of touring and recording for almost four decades? “It was hard in the beginning…but any differences we had, have long since been resolved,” exsplains Williams, concluding with these words of wisdom: “Just surround yourself with people you can get along with.”

(Kansas, Styx and Foreigner In Concert – Tuesday, May 18, 7:15 p.m./Gibson Amphitheater@Universal City Walk, Universal City; (866) 459-2035 or www.gibson.boxofficecenter.com for tickets/info. The same three bands also perform on Wednesday, May 19, 7:00 p.m./Citizens Bank Arena, Ontario; (909) 244-5600 or www.cbbankarean.com for tickets/info.

Ratt were one of those bands in the 1980′s who were successful and one of the best bands in their brand of rock’n'roll, but when the 90′s arrived their music style was no longer accepted with the arrival of the Grunge genre. Like every other hard rock band post-Nirvana, Ratt lost their focus. Somewhere along the way, Pearcy left the band, guitarist Robin Crosby passed away, bassist Juan Croucier exited, and… well, at least everyone would always remember “Round & Round.” ‘Infestation’ sounds like classic Ratt, the trademark sound is definitely present and it could have been released right after “Out of the Cellar” or “Invasion of Your Privacy”. After going through various personnel change the band is now consisting of three original Ratt members; Pearcy, guitarist Warren Demartini, drummer Bobby Blotzer, also former Quiet Riot guitarist Carlos Cavazo and bassist Robbie Crane. Loaded with top notched rockers like, “Eat Me Up” is hardcore Ratt and Roll right there! The energy of this song is outstanding and instantly reminded me why I like Ratt, one of the best songs on this new album and obviously the heaviest. “Best of Me” is the first song I heard and right away I knew I had to get this album, if, the songs were half as decent as this one, it would be one heck of an album! The crunchy guitars are very reminiscent of “Round and Round” and the song is great, anthem like, this will be a killer song live. “A Little Too Much” is another great song, a little too cheesy of a chorus but it’s still a strong track. A triumphant return for Ratt. If you are or ever where a fan of the band you will enjoy this record.  Overall a quite strong album from Ratt and one worth checking out. It’s not “Out of the Cellar” I’ll give you that, but its damn close!

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

How many debut albums had such an impact as Are You Experienced? Long after the release of this cornerstone for psychedelic rock came onto the scene it still has the ability to get inside your head and turn you inside out. This music has the power to mesmerize and tantalize the senses with unbelievable guitar lines and an eclectic group of tracks covering everything from rock, psych, blues, pop, soul, jazz, and any combination thereof that still sounds ahead of its time. If this wasn’t progressive I do not know what is. Indeed it was and even today as I listen it sounds so fresh and completely different than anything I have ever heard before.

Hendrix was far from being a one dimensional artist. His songwriting talents turned some heads along with his blazing and innovative guitar playing. This newly remastered set boasts an extraordinarily detailed sound that brings out subtle nuances never heard before, not to mention the underrated rhythm section of Mitch Mitchell (drums) and Noel Redding (bass). Everyone knows how great that rhythm section was but they were underrated at the time because Jimi got all the attention. Their work was bordering on other worldly and at times reached out into the vicinity of jazz fusion to keep up with Jimi’s equally deft guitar. It all blended together on this release to make it something special that has never been duplicated since. Hendrix and his mates would go on and to make more mind boggling music, but nothing like this debut.

Look at all the staples of rock that were created here on one album…”Purple Haze” screams of the mind expanding freedom of the experimental drug of the day and all the ensuing “Manic Depression” it would cause after the trip was over. Hendrix epitomized a generation and in fact led the way for so many other guitar players, it’s hard to fathom. Right after those two mind-blowing tracks “Hey Joe” was yet another born to be classic stretch of blues and rock. It is a smoldering hot guitar workout displaying Jimi at his very best musically and vocally. Then to suddenly switch gears and show the world his softer side, “The Wind Cries Mary” stands as a beautiful journey of sonic excellence. As a matter of fact, this entire recording is now sonically pleasing like it never was before.

For all of you space cadets Jimi had a treat in store, a trip around the galaxy inside the instrumental “Third Stone From The Sun” and then another blazing hot blues rocker “Red House” closes out the album giving the nod to Jimi’s roots before saying goodbye. And let us not forget the forever burning flames of “Fire” and “Foxy Lady”, their youthful exuberance and brilliant musicianship still ringing true after over forty years.

The DVD is another eye opener from the legendary engineer and producer Eddie Kramer. He pulls apart 4 tracks on the companion disc “Inside Look” on “Purple Haze”, “May This Be Love”, “The Wind Cries Mary” and “Are You Experienced”, which once again sheds more light on the brilliance of The Jimi Hendrix Experience. For the icing on the cake you get the extensive booklet for a deeper look into the process of Hendrix on his first outing along with plenty of photos.

It came as no surprise how good this would sound after another meticulous re-mastering process. As a matter of fact it sounds completely new and will make you realize, if didn’t already know, that this album is one of the greatest rock and psychedelic masterpieces ever conceived and I do not think it can be improved upon anymore at this point.

Are you experienced? You will be after hearing this for the first time in 2010.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Purple Haze, The Wind Cries Mary, Manic Depression

www.jimihendrix.com

Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0033AGPEO?ie=UTF8&tag=muzikmassoundscr&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0033AGPEO

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Tracks:

1. Purple Haze
2. Manic Depression
3. Hey Joe
4. Love Or Confusion
5. May This Be Love
6. I Don’t Live Today
7. The Wind Cries Mary
8. Fire
9. Third Stone From The Sun
10. Foxey Lady
11. Are You Experienced?
12. Stone Free
13. 51st Anniversary
14. Highway Chile
15. Can You See Me
16. Remember
17. Red House

With that said, those who have witnessed her present cannot get an enough while those who have heard her unforgettable presents are left begging for more. But those who have gotten to know her personally see not just a musician on the outside but a person whose heart cries out not just for one’s self but wanting to touch the lives of everybody all around the world. As their silent screams for their own life has yet to be touched.

When it comes down to her latest album “Silent Screams”, the focus is to encourage the ones who have dealt with the uncanny lifestyle of depression, anger, and loneliness or the insecurities of wanting to just cry out for help. “Silent Screams”, was produced by Travis Wyrick who’s worked with such acts as P.O.D., Pillar, and Disciple. This album possesses a style filled with industrial rock layered with vocals of inspiration that are imaginative yet powerful. Éowyn’s writing style is honest filled with an enchanted but hypnotic voice that memorizes its listener by every note sung. With the help of Pillar who were also involved with the writing process as well as contributing to performing on the album itself, front man Rob Beckley adds his own screaming technique to the title track keeping it burst full of energy.

Besides the obviously title track taking the spotlight, each of the other songs (“Crashing”, “To My Surprise”, “Unfinished Memories”,) whilst “Hands Of Time”, has this eerie message introduction indicating that “It’s a cruel world but yet again maybe it was meant to be…” this alone makes “Silent Screams”, that more intimidating.

myspace.com/eowynmusic

Though little has been done, Drive A has gotten one thing down, the success of releasing their first-ever full-length debut, entitled “Loss Of Desire”, choosing their lyrics wisely, being “Fuck you” songs rather than  the usual material as most of the other types of punk rock bands tend to cover. Though this little mishap is a minor detail the music is rather punchy raw in your face attitude than that bouncy momentum that other bands have stringed along in their craftsmanship’s.

Take “Are You Blind?” “Can’t Sleep it Off”, “Head Underwater”, and “It’s Getting Worse”, these selections are pure influence taken from the past and thrown right into the present and what is to become of the future material that is to come from Drive A.

Drive A is purely raw-energy both on the stage and in the studio, letting the music taken you in and spit you right back out isn’t that what punk rock is suppose to be?

www.myspace.com/drivea

Drowning Pool is set to release their self titled next album “Drowning Pool” via Eleven Seven Music and from my early reviews of this CD I can already tell that this album is going to take the members of Drowning Pool to new heights they may have not seen before.

From the first song “Let the Sin Begin” you can’t help but to start banging your head constantly back and forth, with lyrics like “Tonight is what we make it, You give it up I’ll take it, Girl be my heroin, Now let the sin begin”; you can feel Drowning Pool’s passion to deliver even stronger lyrics than their previous albums.

This band has definitely persevered through some very tough and hard times, from the death of their first singer and losing their second, they brought along vocalist Ryan McCombs for this new release to show the true fans of Drowning Pool that they are set on making waves like they never have before, I also think they are here to solidify that through all the hard times that this band has been through they are back to prove they are here to stay around as well they are here to say that what didn’t kill them as a band has only made them even stronger.

This album is definitely a statement to the testament of this bands commitment to not only write anything, from the fist-pumping, head banging, arena rock songs such as “Feel like I Do” and “King Zero” to even a pensive pain almost Ballad like “Turns So Cold” that from the combination of McCombs’s roar, C.J. Pierce’s dangerous fret works, Stevie Benton’s blow the roof off bass lines to even Mike Luce’s perfectionist percussion palette that will wet even the driest ears out there, this new album says that Drowning Pool will not stop and their music will be here forever no matter what life puts in front of them.

They proved themselves with 2007’s “Full Circle” their first one with McCombs on the microphone, with that album’s first single “37 Stitches”  it was their highest charting single even surpassing “Bodies” and they even tore it up at Crue Fest II in 2009. According to McCombs when it came time to make “Drowning Pool” right after Crue Fest they “Just want to be a rock band because that is what comes naturally to us”.

Per Pierce “An album has to be entertaining and it has to flow, that this record is going to be a staple record for us, we wanted to make this the strongest rock album possible” and having to hear the pre-release I will have to say I totally agree, I can’t think of an album that I have had the pleasure of owning and or listening to that I would have to say from the opening guitar and bass riffs along with the pounding percussions and clear vocal control coming from McCombs I will definitely agree that this is going to be a strong rock album.

The first single “Feel like I Do” makes you feel like you are someone because with the way this song is written and played by the quartet makes it seem as if the band knows what you are going through in life, on a personal level for McCombs it possesses an even deeper meaning in the fact that “So many fans come up to me and say, ‘Your song helped me get through what I was going through’;  It also tells you that even through all of the toughest trials and tribulations, everyone goes through them to just embrace it and go with it, acknowledge the fact that it is nothing everyone hasn’t had to deal with and everyone has probably gotten through worse than this just move on to the next day picking yourself up its going to be just fine, turn that frown upside down, raise your fists in the air and put a smile on your face.

They recorded “Drowning Pool” at radio rock hit factory “House of Loud” with Kato Khandwala producing and David Bendeth on the mix that helped bring this new level of rocking sound to this release, Mike explains it “Sonically, Drowning Pool squashes anything we’ve ever done. This record is really diverse too, there’s some material on here that could’ve been taken right off of “Sinner”, and there’s some new stuff that goes beyond all expectations of this band. I can’t wait for people to sink their teeth into it.”

And there definitely is plenty of heart pounding, head banging, fist-pumping music to be heard on this album that I think goes deeper than the band has ever gone before, with such cuts as “More than Worthless”, “Regret”, Turns So Cold” among the few, Drowning Pool chose to self title this new release because they finally feel solidified into the band they always set out to be, A powerful anthem rock band with heart and a whole lot to say and prove to their loyal fans.

Among producing this latest album, Drowning Pool also continues to support and give back to our men and woman in the Military that are giving up so much to defend our freedom, they have done tours for the soldiers in Kuwait and Iraq in 2005 and 2006, they were also instrumental in the passing of the Lane Evans Health Act providing better mental health care for our veterans.  During a trip to Capitol Hill, they introduced then Senator Obama to the Lane Evans Bill, which was sponsored in the Senate and went on to become law supporting the medical rights for our returning soldiers.  They also engaged in a tour of South Korea for MWR (The Army’s Family and morale, welfare and recreation organization) and even on Memorial Day 2009 they played at Guantanamo Bay, in which Mike states “Playing for the troops on the front lines really was one of the most gratifying things we’ve ever done.  To play in a rock n’ roll band with your buddies is like winning the lottery.  It’s even grander to light someone up for a little while, bring a little rock ‘n’ roll from home and give them an escape even if it’s for a few hours”.

This album is definitely one I would recommend picking up and really listening to, and not just hearing the music, but really listening to what the lyrics say.  I think it says so much about Drowning Pool that once you hear what this album really speaks of and the heart and soul this quartet put into this album, I think you will agree that this is the best of Drowning Pool with even better music yet to come.

Stephen Gibson Photography for All Access Magazine

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Photography by: Stephen Gibson Photography

They were more than 18,000 strong at the Richmond Raceway Complex (www.richmondracewaycomplex.com). They started lining up at 9am for the gates to open at 11am and the line stretched across and through the parking lot.  They were there to attend “The X Chili Cook Off” (www.wrxl.com) concert featuring Proverbial, Evans Blue, Crash Kings, Skillet, Chevelle, and Papa Roach.  We were there to see Skillet, Chevelle, and Papa Roach.

Skillet (www.Skillet.com).

From the moment they took the stage, the audience was snapping pictures with their cell phones, jumping in the air and banging their heads like a group of synchronized swimmers.  The members of the band John Cooper, Korey Cooper, Ben Kasica, and Jen Ledger had the audience engaged from the first note they played.  They began with “Hero”, their newly released single from the “Awake” album, following that up with “Whispers in the Dark”, from their “Comatose” album.  It was at this time that John Cooper greets the audience and 2 sections of risers begin to ascend to the ceiling with Korey Cooper and Ben Kasica aboard rising some 20 plus feet up in the air, leaving John Cooper to jam with Cello player Tate Olsen, as they played the title song from the “Awake” album, “Awake and Alive” with the accompaniment of Jonathan Chu masterfully playing on the violin.   The band thanks everyone for showing up and singing their songs and expresses how proud they are to have the privilege of playing in the band together.  They start to wind down with “Believe” and “Savior”.  John asks the crowd “Do you wanna get crazy?” and they play their hit song “Monster”.  At this point, the crowd goes nuts with the jumping and singing that at a few times drowned out the lead singer.  They ended their portion of the concert with “Rebirthing”, and thanked the crowd for coming.

Skillet definitely knows how to put on a show, from Korey and Ben thrashing their guitars so hard it makes you feel every string they play to Jen’s masterful skills on the drums that make your ears pound with excitement to hear more, and to John’s voice belting out the lyrics so well, you can feel the energy they put into the show and it shows that they are very thankful to be playing in front of their fans as they definitely gave the fans a show they would soon not forget.

I had never heard of Skillet before “Monster” hit the radio.  Possibly because they are a Christian Rock band and they may not have made the crossover to mainstream yet but they are definitely on their way to doing so, but I most certainly know who they are now, and I like what I see.  Their music makes me want to bang my head and sing out loud.  I like the sound they have and the fact that they differentiate themselves by including a Cello and Violin in their music and live performances, I think that adds a little something extra to their music.  I don’t normally purchase a CD unless I like at least 3 songs off of it but I will admit that Skillet was added to my collection early, I had a feeling that I would like more of the music once I heard the CD and I was 100 percent correct. I just wasn’t prepared for such an energetic, hard rockin’, live performance like the one they provided.   I look forward to hearing more from them in the future and I am hoping to see them live again very soon.

Next up was Chevelle (www.chevelleinc.com)

The crowd started chanting their name as if willing them to come out on stage sooner.  Moments later, Pete Loeffler, Sam Leoffler, and Dean Bernardini came on stage and opened with 2 singles from their new album “Sci-Fi Crimes”.  They started with “Sleep Apnea” and followed it up with “Jars”.  They took a minute to greet the crowd and toasted them with a beer.  Next, they went back in time a little and performed “Vitamin R” before they belted out their new single “Letter from a Thief”.  The observation was made by Pete Loeffler that the crowd “likes the heavy shit” and they gave them “Forfeit”, “The Red”, and “Send the Pain Below” from the “Wonder What’s Next” album.

I am ashamed to say it, but, that is about all I can say about their set.  The performance had little to no energy to it, it was lackadaisical at most.  The band members looked like they were practically pushed out of bed to come to the arena and they seemed as though they were tired and were being forced to perform.  I have liked some of their music since the “Wonder What’s Next” album and this was my first time seeing them live.  I don’t know if they were just worn out or what, but I was less than impressed by their live performance.  I will, however, probably give them another shot and see them live again just to make sure it wasn’t a fluke.  But, no matter the performance, I will still like their music.

Last but not least was Papa Roach (www.paparoach.com)

Once the stage cleared from Chevelle’s gear, stagehands started setting up for Papa Roach and you could feel the energy from the 18,000 plus fans in attendance just get even higher, they started chanting “Papa Roach, Papa Roach” and when Jacoby Shaddix, Jerry Horton, Tobin Esperance and Tony Palermo came rushing the stage you could feel that all the energy that the crowd gave the previous bands before them just heated up even hotter than the chili there at the cook off.

Papa Roach rushed the stage jumping up and down singing “Getting Away with Murder”, with Jerry and Tobin shredding their guitars so hard you could have had fret boards as part of your chili if you had wanted it, they rolled straight into “To be loved” and “Lifeline” where I saw Tony pound on his Pearl drums so hard and fast you would have thought he was debuting for a ride in one of the race cars that travel around the Richmond Raceway complex at 100 plus miles per hour,  after “Lifeline”, Jacoby mentioned the fact that it was great to be back on the road after 3 months off but stated “he must have sort of virus or something because he was hacking up green shit all morning long, but that wasn’t going to interfere with him giving the fans what they came here for, he was going to give them what they wanted and that was one hell of a show”, and from what I understand the stuff that Jacoby had must have really put a damper on some parts of the tour as I heard they had to cancel some of their other shows due to his illness, Man I sure hope it wasn’t anything he may have gotten had he partaken in any of Richmond’s Chili.

They rolled into Hollywood Whore and he also debuted “Burn” for the fans in attendance, after “Burn”, I unfortunately had to leave early from the concert as I was beginning to feel ill myself, but having seen Papa Roach before when they toured with Nickelback last year I know that they put on one hell of a show with the crowd singing and banging their heads the whole time, and as we were leaving you could still hear the crowd chanting Papa’s name as the concert ended.

All Access Magazine would like to Thank all of the people that made it possible to cover such great bands from the people at Sony Music, Q Management Group and 10th Street Entertainment for their continued support of some of the best bands out there on the tour circuit today and we wish Jacoby and the rest of the bands the best well wishes for a successful 2010 tour success.