XCITER & THE GOTHIC KNIGHTS
GOTHIC KNIGHTS
After MANY, MANY years of not seeing Gothic Knights in concert, tonight would mark the first time since their Lamour show with Virgin Steele (or maybe it was with Reign of Terror at Obsessions) that I have seen them. I had learned that a theatrical stage show was planned, and damn was that an understatement!!!
I watched from the crowd as a commercial sized fog machine was rigged up. This thing was the size of a small refrigerator!!!! Watching over the audience on top of each side amplifier were two gargoyles, perched high enough barely touching the ceiling. On the floor lay various candles, which were battery operated (thanks to Great White), yet still looked cool. Adorning the back wall behind the drum kit was the Gothic Knights logo, full color and big as life.
Smoke filled Dingbatz, enough to cast an almost silhouetted illusion of the band as they stood on the stage ready to play. Jon played his guitar with all the enthusiasm I’ve come to expect from him. He is a great guitarist and a big part of the heart and soul of this band. Pounding the shit out of the drums was an unfamiliar face to me. Whoever this guy was, he played a great set and really blended well with the band. Mario’s bass playing was great as usual, and Dan’s rhythm guitar playing was tight has hell. I wish he’d get the opportunity to execute some solos. Perhaps this will be seen with the writing of the next Knights album……
Remember that understatement I spoke of??? Well, here comes the icing on the cake!!! Vocalist Rick Sanchez comes out onto the stage dress in ALL black, with a hooded black robe, a black net mask, and black gloves. In other words, not a stitch of his body could be seen. He looked like a Nasgol Syth from Lord Of the Rings…….it was awesome. This really highlighted the band’s darker look. In between songs, Rick spoke with a voice changer that gave him a raspy, demonic voice. This all went over extremely well with the crowd; some guy screamed “You guys fucking rule”. Unfortunately, GK ran out of time, and despite the sound guy telling the band to call it quits, all in Dingbatz cheered for more!!! Incredible…….too bad those cheers were ignored. I’m sure one more song could have been allowed.
XCITER
Not to be confused with the Canadian Thrash Metal legends Exciter, Xciter are a one of a kind Judas Priest tribute band. Armed with an array of Priest material to deliver the goods, this band leaves an unforgettable mark whenever they play. The first and only other time I had seen this band was at the Wreck Room in Wallington NJ a LONG TIME ago. I distinctly remember the vocalist starting the first song from within the crowd, slowly making his way onto the stage. Since that time, added props, more leather and spikes, and stronger musicianship (if that was even possible) have enhanced the what seemed to be flawless showmanship of this Priest tribute band. Both guitarist and the bass player can be seen executing frequent shape throwing while executing a solo or bass line. The vocalist was clad in leather with more spikes that the top of a guido’s head. Countless classics kept the crowd wanting more, as heard in their chants for their favorite song titles in between head banging and fist pumping. One could say that the crowd was eating out of the palm of Xciter’s hand. Displayed proudly on the stage were two Judas Priest crosses……you know, the one that’s coming out of the ground on the Painkiller album. From the AMAZING performance of “The Ripper” to obscure songs, which have not been played in some time like “United”, Xciter left EVERY Priest fan frothing at the mouth, wanting more. Even the faster paced songs like “Painkiller” and “All Guns Blazing” were executed in top-notch style. If you closed your eyes, you’d think the metal gods were right there, on stage. Xciter are THE best Priest tribute band I have EVER seen, and after all these years, it’s good to see that they’re still out there defending the faith. Rock hard and ride free, Xciter!!!!!
Review by: Anthony
TRUE METAL AMERICA PRESENTS
Featuring
ROSS THE BOSS
Finally, the Rob Oriani Benefit Memorial show was all set to take place. What a night this would be!!!! An early load-in and sound check ensured everything to take off and run smoothly. Anyone who was not present for this event surely missed out on a historical event! RIP Rob…….this one’s for you!
Setting Up
Most of everyone was at hand to set up. Jack Frost and Mike LePonde were seen moving about, preparing for what would be an enduring evening. Bob Mitchell was at the helm of everything to orchestrate the progress of this event. Animal, Attacker’s road manager, was in charge of stage duties. Add in a back line for everyone to use, and the result is a well-oiled machine. Tony “The Metal God” was at hand to DJ the event as well as to introduce the bands. One could see how well organized everything was. This is another testament to how True Metal America is indeed a breath of fresh air…..something that is much needed in our scene! A smile was brought upon my face when the doors opened and people began to flood into Dingbatz like they were giving away free beer. Before the first band, Devils Island, even started playing, Dingbatz was crowded with swarms of metalheads!
Devils Island
It’s always great to see these guys perform. I’ve seen them countless times before, and tonight’s show would add to that list of amazing, unforgettable performances. I felt Devils really put on a strong show, although I felt their energy was a little bit off as compared to past performances (I later learned that their vocalist was very sick). None the less, there was still plenty of head banging, shape throwing, and that Devils Island brand of raw energy I feast upon every time. Old classics were served up, including one of my favorites, “Mercenary”, which was a call to metal……the old metal we all love and know. On the contrary, newer songs were belted out, including the instrumental turned to vocal “Delirium”, which was a VERY melodic song overcast with dark lyrics. Devils Island always had that quality which differentiated them from being another generic Power Metal band. The band commented on their sorrow for the loss of Rob, someone whom they did not know. I was glad to see this example start with DI: we were all here for a reason…..a CAUSE. It wasn’t to worship Manowar (as some fans may have seen it), but to pay tribute and respect to a fallen brother of metal and friend. Devils Island realized just that, and respectfully honored Rob. After their set, the band was seen with some new fans, to which their new EP “Coma Dreams” was given. One fan even asked the band to autograph his CD, at which the band gladly obliged to do so.
Beyond Fallen
Tonight would mark Beyond Fallen’s first New Jersey show (as most TMA shows see bands making either state side or USA debuts). Just as I expected, Beyond performed with all the power and energy I had envisioned from the photos of the band I had seen. I really had trouble following the band’s set, as I only have their “Lost In The Shadows” album. None the less, Beyond was a great live act, showcasing their brand of heavy, melodic Thrash Metal. Look for them at future TMA shows!!
Kevorkian Housecall
Late guitarist Rob Oriani was a regular member of New Jersey based cover band Kevorkian Housecall. In tribute and respect to Rob, a large color profile photo was displayed along side a collogue of memories and Manowar memorabilia. Although Kevorkian is a great band, I did not elect to photograph their performance, as I felt it strange seeing them without Rob. I guess this was my way of showing respect. In any case, this band maintained a professional and controlled demeanor despite their obvious feelings for the loss of a good friend. It must have been hard for them to perform up there………
Seven Witches
I love Seven Witches’ back catalogue, and I’ve seen them live countless times. I really wish they would utilize Alan’s vocals better. Alan had a distinct sound and range from when he was heard in Hades. Which Seven Witches, I feel part of that is lost, almost like there’s something missing. Despite my feelings here, I still enjoyed their show tonight, as Jack and company really know how to maintain the audience’s attention and interest. I cannot remember if it was performed, so I’ll say that “Passage To the Other Side” should have been performed, in memory of Rob. An added treat to the end of Witches’ set was the invitation of Bob Mitchelle and Mike Leponde on stage to perform “Heaven and Hell”, “Dirty Deeds (Done Dirt Cheap)”, and another cover song that escapes my mind. It was INCREDIBLE, and for every joke Mitchelle spewed onto the audience, Jack snapped back with a fancy or cleaver addition. Clearly, these two have chemistry and should take the stage together more often. It should be noted how relaxed, happy, and in his own element Mike LePonde was. Imagine this as a “Super Group”, treating us to our favorite cover songs……..that would ROCK!
The Ross The Boss Band
After presenting the immediate Oriani family (Rob’s wife and daughters) their money (which topped four thousand dollars!!), Bob Mitchelle thanked everyone for making the event the success it was. He then proceeded to introduce each member of the Ross The Boss band in true wrestling commentator fashion. Drummer Mike Sabbatini even entered the stage with a giant leap, in vain of (the wrestler skips my mind). Dingbatz was PACKED, and the overstuffed crowd went crazy for each and every musician. Mike LePonde of Symphony X on bass, Prometheus of Gods Of Fire on vocals, and Ross The Boss on guitar all made one hell of a team. The opening tunes from the “Conan the Barbarian” movie played as the band waited in darkness before blasting off into their set of Manowar classics. Various sound effects between each song (ie: a motorcycle roaring) gave hints as to which song was next. MANY Manowar classics were executed with perfection, and the crowd ate up every last note. Seth “DJ Blood Sacrifice” from Gods Of Fire was behind the sound board adding in the occasional death growl and evil narration for its appropriate song. For the song “Sword of Steel”, I held high my Claymore Sword and walked it up the center of the crowd to the stage, where I handed it to Prometheus. He wielded it during the song “Sword Of Steel”…..it was an awesome touch!!! This band did NOT disappoint in any way!!
Conclusion
Once again, True Metal America has shown everyone that a quality show can be done WITHOUT selling tickets. Where you there?? Don’t miss the next one…….TMA is THE REAL DEAL!!!! Rest in peace, Rob…….we miss you!!
Review by: Anthony
RAVENSTHORN, MALAKIS REIGN, & ZANDELLE
This would be my first time at The Cup, and it can be compared to A’s in Bergenfield. There is a corner stage (or elevated platform…..) and bar. Whoever decided to place a pool table right in front of this “stage” needs their head examined. Despite the small size and absurd setup, The Cup does have a very friendly staff and amazing sound.
I don’t remember the name of the opening band, but they sucked. Their sound can be compared to nu-metal and rap, with an occasional riff thrown in for good measure. They sucked, and did not belong on this bill.
It was good seeing the guys in Ravensthorn again. This group of musicians always put on an amazing show and despite their limited stage room still performed as if at an arena. New songs were performed off their up coming studio album “Horrors Of The Black Mass”, including “The Ouija” and “Up From The Crypt”. This being my second time seeing Ravensthorn, I was impressed at how they have really fine-tuned their sound (even though it was great the first time). I was particularly impressed with their new guitarist, who fit the group well. During sound check, he played a few riffs a-la Yngwie Malmstein. To my disappointment, the vocalist did not use any blood or smoke effects this time around. Given the limits on size, I can understand this.
Malakis Reign were next, and boy were they tight! Featuring the current vocalist of Onward, Malakis put on a display of soaring Power Metal. Their vocalist would use hand gestures quit often during his vocal execution, which made me feel like I was watching some exotic European metal band. I am not familiar with this band’s material, but after seeing and hearing their performance, I intend to keep a close ear and eye on what should be a very promising band.
I missed Zandelle due to health reasons…….my fiance became very ill, so I took care of things with her.
This was a great night of metal, and I am glad to have been there. I hope to catch Zandelle next time; I heard they were REALLY good!!!
Review by: Anthony
Saturday, April 28, 2007 @ Dingbatz - Clifton, NJ
THE ROB ORIANI BENEFIT MEMORIAL SHOW
An evening of classic MANOWAR
With PROMETHEOUS from GODS OF FIRE, MIKE LEPONDE from SYMPHONY X, and MIKE SABATTINI from ATTACKER
SEVEN WITCHES, KEVORKIAN HOUSECALL, BEYOND FALLEN, & DEVILS ISLAND
Saturday, March 24, 2006 @ Dingbatz - Clifton, NJ
Friday, January 5, 2007 @ The Cup - Linden, NJ