TJSA

Sundown

Zero Star

Bill Fox

Sundown

TJSA

P. Blackk

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Death Angel started earlier than expected though metalheads had been lined up in front of the LC hours in advance so most didn’t miss much of the band’s abbreviated 6-song (I think) set. While Testament and Anthrax have continued to release material that sounds as if it was recorded in the late ’80s, Death Angel has gotten heavier, faster and louder over the years and their blistering set was the surprise of the night.

I haven’t seen Testament since the early ’90s but the Bay Area band looks and sounds basically the same 20 years later. How the hell do these guys keep all their hair? Chuck Billy’s a pretty intimidating figure onstage though it was hard to keep a grin off his face during this performance – not sure if he was just glad to be in Columbus or if he knew the tour was coming to end and realized Testament was in the homestretch. It was entertaining watching Billy stomp around the stage using his light-saber microphone stand to play air guitar as Alex Skolnick and Eric Peterson tore through Testament’s greatest hits (“The Preacher”, “Practice What You Preach”, “Into the Pit”, “Souls of Black”, etc.).

After the thrashing I received from the first two bands, I could have left the venue extremely satisfied. Anthrax was just the additional bonus. Down to two original members as this tour winds down (drummer Charlie Benante’s mom, who is bassist Frank Bello’s grandmother, is very ill so the two jumped off the tour to spend time with her), Anthrax still managed to kick out not only old school jams but tossed in some excellent new numbers from 2011′s Worship Music.

With a venue packed near capacity, there’s still an appetite for this style of music, especially when it’s being performed by bands who have been doing it 20+ years. Let’s hope more of these package tours hit the road in 2012.

He’s My Brother She’s My Sister

Geri X

He’s My Brother She’s My Sister

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Full set

Treebar Preview Party
December 23, 2011

Ghost Shirt

Kyle Snowashes

The tree

the bar inside

Ghost Shirt

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Check out the rest of the photos

I LOVE Kill Hannah. I love Kill Hannah without a cent of irony. Next to the Smashing Pumpkins, they’re second to none, the bee’s knees, the best thing since sliced bread. I’m embarrassed (and proud) to admit how many times I’ve seen these guys play over the past decade and how many states I’ve traveled to for their shows. (I lost track at 84 four years ago. Really.) Back in the day I basically shoved myself into the the street team for Atlantic Records, their label at the time, to promote the band and see as many shows as possible across the Midwest. Their blend of electro-new romantic pop blends perfectly in my little brain and guaranteed, Kill Hannah has the best live show out there, no matter what genre of music you listen to.

I had my first photo passes with these guys when I was still shooting with a 35mm point and shoot – I credit them for teaching me how to photograph, and for that I will be eternally grateful.

Dear Kill Hannah,
I love you. Thank you.
Your humble fan,
Rachael

*cough*

Since 2003 (save last year when singer Mat Devine appeared on Broadway in Spiderman) they’ve held a massive Christmas show/party in their hometown of Chicago. This past weekend was this year’s New Heart for XMas 8.

Kill Hannah w/ Comasoft
December 17, 2011
The Bottom Lounge
Chicago, IL

Opening band Comasoft

Kill Hannah

Click here for the rest of the show, pictures from soundcheck and the afterparty.

Tin Armor @ Circus
December 9, 2011

Thursday
December 1, 2011
20th Century Cincinnati

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Check out the rest of the photos!