Author Archives: Matthew Belter

Even though it’s been 10 long years since the initial self-titled album was released, there seems to be no visible break in the sheer genius that Daron Malakian brings to the table. His music is fresh, his lyrics are thought-provoking, and his sound is clearly unmistakable.

So, who is this Daron Malakian character? Most people simply know him as guitarist extraordinaire for one of the biggest metal bands of all-time, System of a Down. Digging a little deeper, one would find that he’s the mad scientist responsible for writing most of the music on their five incredible albums. Daron is an innovator, an instigator, and a provocateur all rolled into one. And when most fans simply gave up on any new music from SOAD (after the band went into hiatus in 2006), Daron pulled a rabbit out of his hat and formed his own amazing band known simply as Scars on Broadway.

That band has evolved over the years and was rebranded in 2018 as Daron Malakian and Scars on Broadway with the release of their second album, Dictator. On Thursday evening, before a packed house at The Observatory in Santa Ana, fans from all over Southern California (and around the world) got a rare chance to see Daron Malakian and Scars on Broadway perform live. And as we all found out, this would be no ordinary show. Daron surprised fans by opening the show with a new track, “Animal,” and then blazed through both Scars on Broadway releases in their entirety.

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A sold-out crowd of over 25,000+ made their way to beautiful Long Beach, California for one of the largest reggae gatherings in 2019, the 4th annual One Love Cali Reggae Festival. As in years past, the show was presented by The World Famous KROQ and was set up in the massive shadow of the historic Queen Mary.

This year’s festival featured some amazing food, ice cold beer, and killer music featuring some incredibly talented reggae artists. World-class performances by Rebelution, Slightly Stoopid, and Sublime with Rome headlined the now three-day event and showcased why the One Love Cali Reggae Festival is quickly becoming the standard for reggae festivals worldwide.

On stage at this year’s festival were over 50 top-shelf acts spanning rock, rap, roots, and of course reggae. Each graced the Koi CBD and SMKFLWR Stages with brilliant music that calmed the mind and inspired the soul for the thousands in attendance. Aside from a few sound issues on day one, a handful of these performances separated themselves from the others in ways that literally blew my mind. Here are a few of my favorite performances from this year’s One Love Festival:

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Kicking off their long-awaited 2019 Evolution Tour, Disturbed electrified fans from all over the world with an incredible performance in San Diego on a chilly Wednesday evening. Their 16-song set took “Disturbed Ones” on an incredible journey into the heart and soul of one of the world’s most beloved metal bands and left little doubt why they still reign supreme on the altar of all things metal. 

Let’s be frank, there are literally hundreds of bands touring the globe right now spanning all genres of music. From punk to pop (and everything in between), one can easily find a live show to drop their hard-earned money on. More difficult is finding a band that is worthy of your investment. How many times have you walked out of a gig shaking your head wondering why you came in the first place? Seems to happen to me all the time, but not Wednesday night as Disturbed kicked off their highly anticipated 2019 Evolution Tour in San Diego. This show had it all and then some.

Opening the evening’s festivities were Canadian rockers Three Days Grace. From the first notes of their latest single “The Mountain” to the final crescendo of 2006’s classic “Riot,” this band fired on all-cylinders with what could have been a “headlining set.” Matt Walst’s vocals were dialed in all evening and the musicianship of brother Brad Walst (bass), Barry Stock (guitars), and Neil Sanderson (drums) were second to none. If you have not checked out their 2018 release, Outsider, do yourself a favor and give it a spin at your earliest. It’s an instant classic.

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Save Ferris is considered by many to be one of the most important ska bands of our generation. Fronted by the uber-talented Monique Powell, this band fuses traditional ska beats with an edgy punk rock attitude that has withstood the test of time and continues to sell out shows all over the country. Their performance on Saturday night in Anaheim was no exception as superfans lined up early for their chance to rush the barricade and get up close and personal with one of Orange County’s finest.

After incredible opening sets by Mest, The Untouchables, and Hoist the Colors (all who could have individually headlined shows of their own), Save Ferris took the stage and opened with an amazing cover of The Waitresses 1981 smash, “Christmas Wrapping.” This holiday classic was just what the doctor ordered to get the anxious crowd off their feet and skanking to the beat—officially kicking off the holiday season in typical Save Ferris style. For those in attendance, this show was already was shaping up to be an instant classic.

For the next few hours, the 2000+ fans who packed the Anaheim House of Blues were captivated by Save Ferris and their holiday infused setlist—standards that included hits “Goodbye,” “Mistaken,” and “Your Friend” off 1999’s Modified. The night ended with a brilliant encore including two fan favorites, “She Has a Girlfriend Now” and a cover of Dexy’s Midnight Runners’ smash, “Come on Eileen.” What an incredible way to wrap up an amazing set and a perfect way to kick off the 2018 Holiday Season here in Southern California.

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Fans of all ages descended upon Orange County for P.O.D. and Nonpoint’s third and final stop in Southern California, and by all fan accounts the show was one of their best combined performances on tour this year.

From circle pits to crowd surfing and everything in between, those in attendance got their money’s worth as these two “nu-metal” heavyweights took the stage on a Tuesday night. Both band’s performances were raw, inspired, and seemed to transport their fans back to a time and place when all that mattered was the music. For me, that takes it to a whole new level and separates “good” live bands from “great” ones. These bands were the latter.

For those who have followed Nonpoint over the years, it should be no surprise that Tuesday’s show opening for P.O.D. would be one for the ages. The band, consisting of Elias Soriano (vocals), Robb Rivera (drums), Rasheed Thomas (rhythm guitar), Adam Woloszyn (bass), and BC Kochmit (lead guitar) left it all on the stage with an incredible 45-minute set in front of a near-capacity crowd.

Those in attendance were treated to Nonpoint classics such as “What a Day,” “Breaking Skin,” and “Bullet with a Name.” And if those were not enough, fans got to hear some killer tracks off their 2018 release, X, including “Chaos and Earthquakes” and “Dodge Your Destiny.” Both songs are amazing and even more powerful when performed by this group of killer technicians. If you have not picked up this album, do so. It simply rocks from beginning to end.

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At the half-way point of his 2018 “Independent Grind Tour,” Tech N9ne conjured up his inner demons and unleashed them upon the thousands in attendance on Tuesday night. His “Pre-Halloween” performance at the House of Blues in Anaheim was simply brilliant and highlighted with exclamation points the incredible talent that this man possesses. Whether it be writing, rapping, or performing on stage, Tech N9ne continues to push boundaries that most artists would simply just avoid.

The first opener to take the stage on Tuesday was Fresno’s very own Anilyst. To say this guy was solid would be an understatement. Seff whipped the near-capacity crowd into a frenzy that would set the stage for the rest of the evening. After a raucous 20-minute performance, Arizona native Futuristic was up next. This guy was on fire during his 30 minutes on stage. And as fans were just beginning to catch their breath, Dizzy Wright took the stage and assaulted the crowd with a powerful set that literally rocked the venue to its core. This was independent rap at its best.

Finally, around 9:45PM, house lights dimmed and a short intro video signaled the start of Tech N9ne’s eagerly awaited performance. As the video came to an end, Tech made his way to the stage in an all-grey jump suit, black face paint (mirroring his look in the video), and kicked off his set with “Anti” (off 2015’s Special Effects). Energy levels were now at an “11” as the show got underway and there was no turning back at this point. Add some of Tech’s Bou Lou Craft Beer (in partnership with KC’s Boulevard Brewing Company), and you had all the ingredients necessary for one heck of a Halloween party.

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For the 15,000+ in attendance on Wednesday evening, System Of A Down put on what many called their best live performance in the past ten years. Serj Tankian, Daron Malakian, Shavo Odadjian, and John Dolmayan took no prisoners in San Diego with a 30-song set that left even the most die-hard SOAD fan well-satisfied after an incredible night of true metal mayhem in what many call “America’s Finest City.”

Opening Wednesday’s show were post-hardcore legends, At The Drive-In. Founded in 1994, this quirky quartet from El Paso, TX took those lucky enough to be seated on a wild ride that challenged their minds and obliterated their senses. At the Drive-In’s set was dark, powerful, and the perfect elixir to wake up the near-capacity crowd at Valley View Casino Center.

What I loved most about this set (aside from their incredible music) was the unpredictability of vocalist Cedric Bixler. One minute he was center stage killing vocals on a classic like “Enfilade,” the next he was leaping off Tony Hajjar’s the drum kit like he was Superman himself. My only wish for this set was that it would have been longer—8 songs is just not enough to give a band like At The Drive-In the justice they deserve. Hope to see these guys headlining in 2019.

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HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA | Reading some of the reviews of Sammy Hagar’s High Tide Beach Party & Car Show, one might get the impression that Saturday’s all-day festival might have fallen a bit short of expectations. Well, we were on site wire to wire and can unequivocally say that aside from a few “opening day” challenges that any new event might encounter, this beach bash kicked some major ass. Food was solid, drinks were plentiful, and this year’s musical lineup was simply out of this world.

As you might expect, anything that Sammy Hagar touches turns to gold—and this event was no exception. Opening acts such as Sir Please, Drew Hagar, the Dead Mermaids Feat. Green Day’s Tre Cool, and Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers helped elevate a growing crowd that admittedly had some challenges getting into the seaside venue. Each of their sets were solid and all played with a reckless abandon that resonated with fans attending from all around the world. Add some of Hagar and partner Adam Levine’s Santo Mezquila, and party-goers took it to a whole level on sundrenched Huntington State Beach.

Next up was Orange County’s favorite Ska-Punk band, Reel Big Fish. This six-piece band from Los Alamitos, CA immediately got the crowd off their feet and dancing to the beat to hits like “Everyone Else is an Asshole,” “She Has a Girlfriend Now,” and “Sell Out.” Unfortunately for those in attendance, their typical 18+ songs was trimmed down significantly due to time constraints. However, Aaron Barrett and company smashed their 11-song set in fine fashion and left little doubt as to why this band was chosen by Sammy Hagar to represent Orange County at this year’s inaugural festival.

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At a time when many bands from his generation are starting to fall short of expectations, Boy George and the Culture Club seem to be getting better with age. If you get a chance to see them perform live on their Life Tour this year, do so—you will not be disappointed. It’s one of the best shows I have seen in 2018!

The early eighties were a magical time for music. The New Wave revolution was just beginning to take off, and bands like Culture Club, The B-52’s, and the Thompson Twins’ were all the rage. Whether you were in the UK or here in America, their music was making a statement and the unique sound that these bands were putting out was fresh, catchy, and most importantly relevant. Fast forward 35 years and these same bands are still performing at levels that most bands could only dream of.

On September 28th, Boy George and Culture Club along with The B-52s and the Thompson Twins’ Tom Bailey made a scheduled pit-stop at the beautiful Morongo Hotel and Casino on the US leg of their 2018 Life Tour. For many, this concert would be a unique opportunity to see three of the ’80s most incredible New Wave acts—all under one roof. For others, it was a pilgrimage back to a simpler time and place when all that mattered was the music. Regardless of which camp you fell into (or what band you came to see), there was sure to be magical moments for all in attendance in Cabazon on Friday evening. Here are a few highlights from the show:

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Deep Purple and Judas Priest came knocking at the back door of the Five Points Amphitheater and brought in enough firepower to take over the capacity crowd in Irvine with minimal resistance. For those that witnessed the non-stop carnage that evening, it was a show for the ages that joined the forces of two legendary bands for one incredible metal assault and took no prisoners in the foothills of Orange County late Thursday night.

Kicking off the evening were Scottish blues rockers, The Temperance Movement. While Phil Campbell’s energy was infectious and the band solid from top to bottom, I found it a bit strange that these guys were chosen as the opener for what many considered a classic metal show. That said, I loved their opening set and know that many who showed up early felt the exact same way I did. Their sound was reminiscent of early Black Crowes and left me wanting more. I am going to add The Temperance Movement to my current playlist of up and coming bands and give them a spin in the days and weeks ahead. Good stuff!

Next up at Five Points was none other than the legendary Judas Priest. Not sure what more can be said about a band that has been setting the world ablaze since 1969, but I’ll indulge you with a few key takeaways from Thursday’s show. One, the current incarnation of Judas Priest with Richie Faulkner and Andy Sneap is incredible. Sure, it’s hard to think of this band without the dynamic duo of K.K Downing and Glenn Tipton, but fans can rest assured that their legacy is being carried on by these amazing guitarists.

Two, Rob Halford is still the God of all things metal, and those insisting he is well past his prime are utterly clueless. I’m not sure there’s another vocalist on the planet who can do what he does, and to be able to hit the notes he does after 45 years in the business is simply incredible. Bottom line, Judas Priest annihilated their 15-song set and showed everyone in attendance why these guys still reign supreme over the altar of all things metal.

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I can vividly remember rocking out to the Scorpions as a 12-year-old kid in the back of the family station wagon courtesy of KCAL FM in my hometown of San Bernardino, CA. The blistering guitars of Matthias Jabs and Rudolph Schenker made drives to and from school bearable and helped create the metal monster that I am today. Fast-forward 35+ years and the Scorpions still transport me back to that childlike state—one that I am sure most fans were also in as the Scorpions took the stage in front of a sold-out Five Point Amphitheatre. This show was going to be special.

Opening the show on Sunday night was none-other than progressive rock superstars Queensryche. Fronted by Todd La Torre, the band quickly ignited a powder keg in Irvine with “Best I Can” off 1990’s triple-platinum album, Empire. Guitarists Michael Wilton and Mike Stone along with bassist Eddie Jackson and drummer Casey Grillo slayed their 9-song set and kept fans out of their seats with classics such as “Silent Lucidity,” “Jet City Woman,” and “Eyes of a Stranger.” The best song of the night was a toss-up between two Rage for Order standards, “The Whisper” and “Screaming in Digital.” La Torre’s vocals were simply incredible and brought both songs to life in a way that few vocalists can.

After a brief intermission to gather what senses had I had left, the Scorpions finally took the stage. As this could be their final tour (yes, we have heard that before), it was fitting for them to start off the show with “Going Out with a Bang.” Klaus Meine’s voice sounded spectacular (for a guy who just turned 70 in May) and showed no signs of aging as he manhandled a 16-song set that took fans on a journey across the Scorpions 50+ year history. Matthias Jabs and Rudolph Schenker killed on guitar and proved once again why they may be the best guitar tandem in rock and roll history. Add the killer bass chops from Pawel Maciwoda and Mikkey Dee’s ridiculous drumming, and you have all the ingredients for a “bucket list” show for the ages.

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Whether you are a lifelong Rob Zombie follower or a hardcore disciple of Marilyn Manson, there was something for everyone who attended the final stop of the 2018 “Twins of Evil – The Second Coming Tour.” Fans of both bands were treated to a high-energy spectacle that scorched the earth in and around the Five Point Amphitheatre and left the sold-out crowd wanting more when the flames finally subsided. It was an unbelievable night of metal mayhem under the stars in Irvine, CA and will go down as one of the best metal performances at the venue since it opened its doors in August 2017.

Opening Wednesday’s performance were Canadian rockers, Deadly Apples. Led by frontman Alex Martel, this alternative metal quartet lit the fuse in Irvine and took spectators on a wild ride that delivered on all levels. Their seven-song set was just what the doctor ordered to get everyone out of their seats and on to their feet as the show began. On top of some amazing vocals, Martel caught many off guard with his wild stage antics ranging from high-intensity stage jumps to demolishing numerous microphone cables. All in all, this set was simply killer and the perfect precursor to Manson and Zombie.

Next up on the docket was co-headliner, Marilyn Manson. I’ve always heard mixed reviews about his live shows, but never actually had a chance to see him perform. Going into this show, I had high hopes and Marilyn did not disappoint. From his opening salvo on “Irresponsible Hate Anthem” to his incredible cover of The Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This),” the show was jam-packed with 12 incredible songs that took fans at Five Point to a whole new level. My favorite from this ridiculous set was “The Dope Show” from 1998’s Mechanical Animals. This song is Marilyn Manson personified, and captured the true essence of this amazing performer and artist.

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1977 was undoubtedly a very important year in rock ‘n’ roll history. The Billboard charts were packed with hits from well-established artists such as the Eagles, Kansas, and The Steve Miller Band, while newcomers such as Cheap Trick, Eddie Money, and The Clash were just beginning to emerge onto what was already an incredible musical landscape.

It was also March of that same year that Foreigner exploded onto the scene with their self-titled debut, Foreigner. It became an instant classic and has withstood the test of time as one of the most iconic and best-selling debut albums ever.

On Saturday, July 31st, Foreigner teamed up with Whitesnake along with Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening (or JBLZE) for their highly-anticipated Juke Box Heroes Tour in beautiful Chula Vista, CA. For those who have never attended a Foreigner show, it truly is a “bucket-list” type of experience not to be missed. Fans from all over the country travel thousands of miles to be part of magic, and Tuesday’s performance was no exception.

As the sun began to set over the foothills surrounding the Mattress Firm Amphitheater, Jason Bonham took center stage and launched into a killer set of Zeppelin classics including “The Immigrant Song,” “Rock and Roll,” and one of the most iconic rock songs of all time, “Stairway to Heaven.” Throughout the performance, one could only imagine what it would have been like to Zeppelin in their prime.

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On Friday July 20th, Jeff Beck, Paul Rodgers, Ann Wilson, along with special guest Deborah Bonham, joined forces for their long-awaited Stars Align Tour at FivePoint Amphitheatre. For classic rock aficionados, this was a “bucket-list” tour that brought together these legendary musicians for one incredible night of music mastery under that stars in beautiful Irvine, CA.

Kicking off Friday’s show was blues vocalist extraordinaire, Deborah Bonham. While many know her as “the late John Bonham’s sister,” I don’t feel the reference truly gives her the respect warranted as a world-class musician. Although her set was abbreviated, it was evidently clear that she deserved to be on the same stage with the likes of superstars Beck, Rodgers, and Wilson.

Next up was the multi-talented musician and front woman of Heart, the incomparable Ann Wilson. I was blown away by her incredible vocal range as she covered several tracks from her 2018 release, Immortal. Although fans seemed to resonate with the 1977 classic, “Barracuda,” I found myself hanging by a thread as she killed The Who’s “The Real Me,” from their 1973 masterpiece Quadrophenia. It was an amazing tribute and left me wanting more from this once in a lifetime talent.

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