TRUE METAL AMERICA CONCERT SERIES 2006
“By The Bands, For The Fans”

Featuring
ATTACKER, TWISTED TOWER DIRE, & SACRED OATH

Sunday, October 29, 2006 @ Maxwells - Hoboken, NJ

After an interesting trip and a hellish time finding parking, Shannon and I finally walked several blocks across Hoboken towards Maxwells for the last True Metal America show of 2006. Tonights show featured Sacred Oath, Twisted Tower Dire, and Attacker.

As we entered the venue, memories of Attacker's "Homecoming" show danced in my mind. It was about three years ago since we've all gathered here, and I knew this would be a great show. I had learned that despite my late arrival, I had not missed any of the show. I was embraced by some good friends and shared conversation with new ones. Finally, the anticipation to see Sacred Oath was about to diminish, as they set up to perform.

Having only very little knowledge of this band, I was VERY curious to see what they had to offer live. I was a little seasoned with material from their Crystal Vision album, but not enough to sing along to anything. This did not stop me, as this band cast such a glow of warmth and stage presence from the stage. I found myself singing along to unknown choruses and headbanging through (almost) their whole set.......after about 2 songs, I downed a beer, and I was loose enough to thrash out!!!

Vocalist Rob Thorne was a very energetic front man, leading the audience like marionetes. He prowled the stage in a playful like manner, and yet seemed to skillfuly execute every note from his guitar. I know this takes some getting used to, but what really impressed me was his ability to play in such a maner on a seven string guitar! Wow!!!! Anyone who has not witnessed this man play should make it a point, as Rob belongs in the ranks of Kai Hansen, Timo Tolki, and all the other Power Metal greats. A youthful second axeman in Bill Smith prooved his fretboard was made of fire-resistant wood, as he too played with shredding mastery. Despite his youth, Bill displayed an array of guitar playing that some seasoned players yearn for. The "new guy" on bass was Lou Liotta, who made no indication that he was new to the band. He performed with ease, incorperating a well oiled workig cog in the metal machine of Sacred Oath. He adorned a constant smile on his face throughout the night, cleary indicating his enjoyment with the music. Rouning out the band was drummer Kenny Evans, who's drums never let up and offered a variety to each song (I cannot remember the name of the song, but there was a slow part, and he was playing the cymbols really well, adding a touch of atmosphere. It rocked). The playful humor of the band shined through, in one of their songs when they had a "fake" start up and had to "try it again". Highlights included a head-banging delight in "Darkness Visible", the audience participating "Rising From The Grave", and "Battle Cry". Overall, Sacred Oath kicked ass, and I would LOVE to see them live again!!!

I'm sorry to say, but I really don't like Twisted Tower Dire, so I wasn't too interested to see them. Shannon and I decided to grab a bite to eat, then watch the remainder of their set. It's funny....there was a pizzaria RIGHT INFRONT of Maxwells, and we didn't see it! We walked several blocks towards the car, where we had seen what we thought was the closest pizza joint. By the time we returned, TTD was done; it was as if they had never played. Sorry guys....what can I say??

Attacker was the last band that evening, and it was a tight room filled with friends and family. This being an all ages show, a LOT of younger Attacker fans had the oppertunity to see the band live. I was happy for "the youngens"...LOL. The overall atmosphere was different, as I expected from Attacker. THIS time around, it was like family. I swear, EVERY TIME I see this band, they leave me with a different feeling than from the last. Whether it's a Metal Festivle feeling, a European atmosphere, or in this case, family, Attacker always suprises me. One great song after the other was performed, including "Blessed With THis Curse" (my favorite), "This Is Power", "The Unknown", and an array of older songs from the Battle and Second Comming albums. Sadly, I had to leave right after "Blessed..." was over, as my back was KILLING me!!!!!! Although I hadn't seen my good friends in Attacker since July, I still couldn't stay. Fucking back!!!!! I sometimes feel like an old fart. LOL......Anyway, it's always a GREAT show when Attacker is on the bill, and whenever they're on the bill, I know GREAT bands will be performing that night. Tonight was yet another testament to this, and it's never wrong.

Review by: Anthony