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3 Inches, Goatwhore, Barnburner, Black Moor:
Goatwhore, 3 Inches of Blood, Barn Burner & Black Moor - Exclusive Coverage
First off I have to apologize to a few ppl. Sorry to Ash, from 3 inches of Blood, sorry we got interrupted in your interview and didn't get it finished. Sorry to the girl who got nailed in the back of the head with my camera lens in the middle of chaos in the pit.Sorry to the guy (I think from The Coast - another media) for grabbing the back of your jacket and hanging on for dear life during that same time. Lol
NOW I can continue with the review. W00T! (for info on bands, names & what they do, see at end of blog). Vince and I were the ones selected to review this concert so I was stoked! I even invited a long time friend along to enjoy it with us since she has been at a number of the other events we've blogged on and she has helped with accommodations some of those times. She was very excited as well to be going with us and be our driver in & out of the city! We've named her Heavy Metal Babe (HMB) for the sake of this review b/c she did play some major parts. Thanks HMB for all your help and lugging our asses around!
Black Moor hit the stage, the thunder began and the people flocked. I knew I liked them on myspace with their sample songs but the live version kicked even more ass! Nothing beats live! These guys definitely have a Megadeth influence and I also picked up on a Metallica sound (the guitar) in one song along with vocals at one point that sounded like Lemmy. If you have not heard these guys you *must* check them out! They are going on tour called "Ride the East" with Skull Fist (a Toronto based band) on May 21/10 supporting their debut album "The Conqueror". The crowd loved these guys with the head banging and horns high. I would have liked to hear more of them. Awesome job guys! Good luck on your tour and I think we'll probably be making a trip to see you guys play again sometime! Check their myspace here - myspace/blackmoormain and a short interview near end of this review.
Barn Burner started to get setup so Vince and I moved in to position for pics. I walked across glass to see these guys play hehe…there was a broken beer bottle and I stepped on the pieces. These guys started and I was a bit surprised! They are WAY heavier live than on their myspace, wow, they kicked hard. From the image they have and the sample music we listened to I was getting the feeling they were like the Trews only a bit heavier, but didn't expect it to be as heavy as we heard that night! I was hooked on the "Holy Smokes" song while reviewing once we found out they were coming and when I heard it there I started bouncing and singing. We had just started getting some info on them recently so we didn't have a lot of background or listening time but played those 3 songs on their page over and over in the time we had, as well as all the other bands I have to add. Kevin (lead vocals) was very humorous and the crowd liked Barn Burner. They were getting in to it and we found Barn Burner well received by Halifax. The echo effects on the last song (Brohemouth) was a nice touch. Check their myspace here - myspace.com/theinfamousbarnburner We could have handled more of them as well. We'll have more on Barn Burner and the other bands below in the short interview section.
Goatwhore was next up and I knew we'd have to move in sooner than later to get a spot for pics so Vince and I headed up. As we stood there a couple of guys approached from behind and positioned themselves. Sound check started and Sammy struck the cords. I heard (from behind) "Oh THAT'S Black" I turned with a smile and this guy was grinning from ear to ear. I asked his name "Dru" he said. I mentioned where we were from and asked him who he was there to see he said Goatwhore!! Love Goatwhore! WOW, this is CRAZY!! I mean HERE! I agreed 100% Halifax! This was one question I wanted to ask Goatwhore if I had the chance and asked Dru if he had one question to ask them what would it be his question was the same as mine! That guy is a diehard fan and was like a kid at Christmas. The pit was full fast, there wasn't a media area as this was a bar/theatre so we were IN with the fans. We witnessed earlier that it could get very insane in the pit and us, like tards, were smack dab in the middle…but I wanted good pics! They came on stage and the crowd got wild! Ben is quite tall…compared to me. The music started and the shit hit the fan, the chaos began, the insanity was unleashed yup, a killer mosh began and remember us tards? We were caught in the middle. I'm just a little shit standing 5' 1", Vince on the other hand is 5' 11" so he can handle it a little better AND I had my good camera, my "other child". Vince and I got separated immediately but I couldn't turn to look b/c I grabbed a hold of the guy's leather jacket in front of me and held on for dear life (I think he was there from "The Coast" a Halifax paper but I'm not sure so I'll call him the other media guy). Then I got hit pretty hard from behind and I flew forward with my camera lens hitting the girl in front of me as I was trying to take a pic…sorry! I got shoved to the fence and held on tight a little worried about my camera but looked around and saw the other media guy stop, check out around him, regain focus on the stage and start bobbing his head and raising his fist. At that exact moment from seeing what he did, a calm came over me, I followed suit and began to do the same while still being shoved and pushed but to the side it wasn't as bad as the middle..holy fk. What would happen to start it is some wild ones would literally run up from behind and smash their bodies in to the unsuspecting people standing in the middle not moving. This would start the chaos and mosh. Lol
All of a sudden this solid looking guy with a kind face and a Mohawk shaved head stood strong next to me and braced steady, looked down at me and did a fist pound as if to say, you're safe. I did feel safe so I went back to taking pics! Later I found the guy to thank him for saving my life (lol) and found out his name was Scott. Thanks Scott, you rock! I was so close to Sammy I could have extended my arm, not even all the way, and touched him..but I didn't…I could have tho. His speaker was right in my face and all I could hear was the instruments, mostly his guitar at that point, I lost Ben's voice totally from the mix. I thought his mic was off. Vince returned!! I was so glad to see him. He had gotten expelled from the pit and ended up on the far side where he decided to stay and get some pics b/c he tried to get back in to rescue me but it was impossible. All of a sudden Scott took a flying leap in to the mosh, I turned to Vince and said "lets get the fuck out of here now!" lol normally as media we are there to take pics for the first 1,2 or 3 songs of a set and then get out so we're not blocking others so we followed this rule with this concert where we really didn't have to, but with flashes and maybe blocking others, we decided to give our spots up each time, go back to write reviews for the rest of the set. As we moved back I could hear vocals! The mic wasn't off. As I sat and wrote I realized what was going on at that point, these guys that I had been watching on their myspace page myspace.com/goatwhore and some youtube were actually there and I was right under their noses, practically being hit in the face with Ben's long metal hear. I had done a blog on Goatwhore awhile back and it was a band I had never listened to until then, it wasn't in my genre of music, I had a hard time listening to growling, a bit too dark for me and I wasn't in to Satan stuff. Well, after the review/blog I was asked to come up with interview questions for the band. This would mean I needed to read and research a bit more so I wouldn't look like a fking moron asking dumbass questions. I learned more about Goatwhore and was able to understand them a bit further. They became interesting to me. Then we got word they were coming to Halifax and we were going as media so I started to get very excited. I was watching Apocalyptic Havoc off and on and getting in to it. This was some kick ass shit. …Ok back to the concert! - the pit calmed a bit with the moshing and thrashing around of bodies long enough for them to head bang, shake fists, raise horns and sing a bit. The crowd was wild and sharing the blackness in the room. The power was strong and all these metal heads were one giving all they could to the stage. Dru did survive the tossing and thrashing of bodies b/c I saw him later…more on that down further. HMB (Heavy Metal Babe) took a note to a fan that we wanted to ask them a few questions after the set; this guy was extremely tall, spiked hair, huge spiked collar around his neck among many other Goth pieces he was wearing. He stood out and she selected him for our fan interview. Goatwhore finished up with Apocalyptic Havoc!! Yay! I was happy. The bar, bathrooms and merch tables became crowded during the break. As I took a wander to the merch tables I noticed something, the bands ran their own tables!! Wow what an opportunity to get some short interviews in and tell them how much Halifax appreciates them coming. Again, see a little further down for interviews.
3 Inches of Blood were setting up and the floor was filling quickly. Packed in, the metalers were awaiting the final show of the night. When the music hit the excitement of the crowd exploded. This night and everything that built up through the night was actually happening. Four awesome bands played in Halifax, in a bar/theatre and people still couldn't believe it. This night was happening. Many did like the idea of having it in a much smaller venue vs a much larger one where bands would normally play to thousands. But it was intimate and you actually could rub shoulders with the bands during the other band's sets. The fans loved it! The paragon holds about 250 ppl and we guessed about 200 were there but couldn't see everyone at once as there were different sections to the building that others were in, back and forth. I must say, we wanted to see 3iob, had watched the videos and when I was standing next to the lead singer (Pipes), I didn't realize it was him b/c we're not used to seeing the 'stars' hanging around. Also, some of the people at that bar did look like the people in the bands so at times it was a little hard to tell them apart lol. Back to the set - During the 3iob performance, there was one point where a guy jumped on stage, head bangs and Pipes stops and says "Jump!" From what I could see that was the only person that made it to the stage like that. However I did see the cutie, Nick, from Black Moor surfing and I think he made it to the stage but quickly dove back in to the crowd. There was an encore and they ended with Deadly Sinners, which I had been waiting to hear after hearing my other fave; Battles of Brotherhood! To check them out - myspace.com/3iob and make sure u check out their vids, particularly Battles of Brotherhood where the brunette chick slices the blonde through the waist with a sword. Blood flies from the blade, it's awesome! My night was complete! I was a happy metal head. But there was more! We had interviews amongst all of this excitement and then hung out with a couple afterwards and chatted a little bit…
Interview Section: Black Moor - HMB sort of got jumped in when we gave her the notepad and said you can interview them. I thought it would be exciting, memorable and a treat for her as she had been SO excited to come along with us for this event. Quite shocked she looked at me but grabbed the notepad lol. We were unaware until minutes before leaving that we may be in situations where we probably would be interviewing. So we were not really prepared and did as much research on every band (anything new and upcoming with them) as we could in a VERY short period of time. I knew that HMB hadn't heard of Black Moor before knowing about this concert so I thought that might be a good angle to come from seeing as they are our local boys and not well known outside of Atlantic Canada. I would have loved to interview them myself but gave this one up for HMB as she will forever remember that night and be talking to many of her friends about this for a long time. Cheers HMB! U Rock.
- HMB interviewed Sylvain (Drummer) & Rob (Bass) and they've all been together as Black Moor for 5yrs
- Mostly known in Atlantic Canada
- They are quite excited about leaving Thursday for their first major tour with Skull Fist called "Ride the East" to support their debut album "The Conqueror" which is available in stores and at iTunes, etc. They start in Ontario and work their way east ending back in Halifax for 2 shows on the 28th of May
- The concert on May 29th is held in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, at the bottom, just for fish only (lol)
Barn Burner - HMB found Kevin (vocals) at the merch table and started talking, asking questions as I went to get the camera and notepad, then I began.
- They are from Montreal, Quebec. The band has been together for 2 ½ yrs, they are just new but getting to be known.
- They have the same label as Goatwhore (Metal Blade Records)
- People expect them to be banjo players
- He agrees he looks a lot younger than his age (27?) and could pass as a high school senior
- He writes the songs, they've had a few different ppl in the band since they started, their CD has come back with a great # of good reviews, mostly all - they are considered Stoner Metal and some aren't as familiar with that type when they expect metal
- They begin a Europe tour in late September
- One of the craziest cities they've played - their home, Montreal!
- They are on the list as possibles at Heavy MTL on the side stage! That is huge but there are things going on at that time and they are not sure with no confirmation as of yet on being on the final bill.
- They are gaining new fans along the way while touring with Goatwhore & 3iob as they have a large fan base so it is exposing them to those fans as well
- Message for fans from Kevin - "Thanks for being a fan!!" Message to new fans or could be fans - "If you want a fucking party and get wasted we're the ones to do it with!"
Goatwhore - I introduced myself to Ben (vocals) and he knew exactly who we were! I had sent him an interview awhile back via email and we had not receive it back. He was a bit embarrassed and apologized about that and said it is on his computer but would get it to me when he's got a chance. He explained how busy they had been and they had also been in a car accident between Butte Montana and Alberta on April 29th 2010 where a big snow storm caused the problem along with another vehicle. Thankfully everyone was ok and they continued on to put on awesome shows. Ben is the driver when they have to go places so that takes up a lot of his time too. I've gotta tell ya that as I talked to this guy he seemed so sweet, had a warming smile and a great personality. This guy is a real person and so nice. He even took time to come over and chat with us a little after the concert and actually started interviewing us as we were interviewing Ash from 3iob lol. Now I have to tell you, just so his black image is not tainted, when he comes on stage he is a black force Not to be reckoned with! They have a power that comes over them, which brings on a fucking awesome performance. The aggression, music, and experience make it well worth your trip and ticket price. The black energy is passed on to the crowd as you can see it in their faces as they pound away with their fists and grit their teeth. They take pride in their work and continuously read and research to come up with new material to keep the fans happy while giving a message. The transformation from one of us regular ppl to performer is amazing. And it is definitely a time to remember, I know I will!
- They are touring Ozzfest starting Aug 14/10 and there are 6 dates. They were at Ozzfest in 2008 when there was only 1 date.
- Their own tour dates run until July 13th but for some reason Myspace is giving an error when they try to update it! It only says till July 8th at this point so stay tuned for more dates.
- They are having a very much deserved break between July 14th and Aug 14th. Ben says he himself really needs the much deserved break lol.
- I asked 'Why in God's name'…then I chuckled…'would you come to a little place in Halifax'. He said right away, because we all decided that we wanted to play in the smaller places and give these fans a chance to see them. I thanked him for doing that.
- After the interview I saw Dru near by eating a pizza with his bud, went over, grabbed Dru, and said 'did you get to meet Ben yet?' He said 'No', I said 'come on'. Sorry Dru that you were unprepared :) It seemed to be like a dream come true for him and I bet he's thinking now all of the things he wanted to say but couldn't think of them at the time. - I thanked Ben again and got out of the way so others could talk or buy some merch
3iob - As we stood at the merch table writing the review on 3iob and they finished the last encore song, as soon as Pipes said "Good night" he flew offstage and ran to the merch table so that he could catch anyone before they left. It was a great set up and a little unbelievable with corrugated box lids cut off and marker or pen hand writing on each lid as to what the item cost. They were giving away free 3iob shot glasses and one of their other homemade signs was a display of picks that said $5. Cam told Steve that ppl were trying to pick off the picks from the cardboard all night lol. We started to chat with Justin (guitar), then Steve (bass) and then Ash (drums). They had all just come offstage and were sweaty. Justin apologized as we crammed in for a pic but we didn't care!
- In 2 ½ wks they are beginning the Europe tour "Monsters of Mayhem"
- Ash said since 2008 they have become tighter and gotten better and for himself, it has fused him in to the band more.
- He says they seem to be picking up new fans on this tour as with all tours.
- They are more rock n roll and hard hitting than the black metal. He find there's more of a variety when playing that style vs black and that is what they enjoy
- They are getting good responses from the new CD "Here Waits Thy Doom"
At this point Ben came over and said "I have a question!" lol He said he always wanted to do that and interview the interviewer so I we all laughed as he talked about it and his question ended up being "On which record did Judas Priest have the song Living After Midnight on?" I was stumped and asked Vince to chime in b/c I knew he would know but Ben wanted me to answer. I had listened to priest in my early metal days but did not know them well enough to know what songs were on which albums. Lol Of course Ben was shocked and I told him I'd google and get back to him but he didn't want to let it go and then the security at the bar told us all to get out b/c it was closed lol…saved by the big bad security dude. We all shook hands and hugged and wished them luck on their tour & Ozzfest. Wished Pipes good luck and thanked him for an awesome show and we headed out the door with huge smiles on our faces. This was the kewlest Mother's Day present!
Fan interviews -
Puppet is the name ppl call him. He said they call him this b/c…he started showing us. He's extremely flexible and double jointed. Moving ears 1@a time, eye brows the same, turn his insides out, twist his leg completely around to behind him and a few other things. Entertainment for sure! He stands 6' 7" without shoes, turning 20 in July. Spiked hair and collar - had mentioned him further up in the review. He was there to see 3 inches of Blood, a long time fan and his Message to 3iob was: "Fucking Right! Your sick mother fucking show rocked this world!" So there you go 3iob!
Dru - our chat with Dru is above in the Goatwhore section :)
Black Moor 10pm-1030pm
From Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
Eric Hanlin - Lead vocal/guitar
Nick Jones - Lead guitar
Sylvain Coderre - Drums
Rob Nickerson - Bass
Barn Burner 1045pm-1115pm
From Montreal, Quebec
Kevin Keegan - Guitar/vocals
Mark Doucette - Guitar
Nick Ball - Bass
Taylor Frund - Drums
Goatwhore 1135pm-1220am
From New Orleans, Louisiana
Ben Falgoust - Vocal
Sammy Duet - Guitar/vocal
James Harvey - Bass
Zack Simmons - Drums
3 Inches of Blood 1240am-2am
From British Columbia, Canada
Cam Pipes - Vocals
Justin Hagberg - Guitar/Vocals
Shane Clarke - Guitar
Ash Pearson - Drums
Steve Ericksson (Live performances) - Bass
And THAT my friends is a kick ass wicked as hell night out with amazing bands! Vince and I agree that it was a great night and we'd also like to thank our Welovemetal friend HMB for helping us out to make the night even better!
Hope you all enjoyed the review! ~ Our Pics - on Flickr
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Heavy Metal Momma, Vince Steele, & Heavy Metal Babe
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