Author Archives: Matthew Belter

John 5’s recent show at the Observatory OC in Santa Ana was nothing short of a masterclass in guitar wizardry and captivating showmanship. From the very first notes of “Season of the Witch,” it was clear that the NAMM packed audience was in for a night of electrifying music on what turned out to be a beautiful night here in central Orange County. From top to bottom, John 5 put on an amazing show, leaving no doubt why he is considered one of the most talented guitarists on the planet today. His performances are not to be missed, and this one was one of the best I have seen (bar none) in years.

Opening for John 5 on Friday night was none other than The Atomic Punks, a Southern California based tribute to early Van Halen. Considered to be one of the most authentic tributes to David Lee Roth era VH of all-time, these cats put on a headline type show that brought out the inner rocker in everyone attending. Classics like “Panama,” “So This is Love,” and “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘bout Love” were all sonic perfection coupled with spot-on stage antics that had the crowd wondering if this was actually Van Halen in its prime. My favorite moment of the night was watching Punks guitarist Frankie Lindia crush EVH’s legendary guitar solo “Eruption” in a way that few have ever been able to capture. His recreation of this classic was truly magical and literally brought tears to my eyes.

Next up was another up and coming guitar heavyweight, Jared James Nichols. Good lord, this guy can play. Known for his “pick-less” guitar playing technique, Jared crushed a 12-song opening set that left little to the imagination for the ever growing crowd here at the Observatory. I’ve seen JJN’s live performances before and can honestly say he took this one to a whole new level. Blues infused hits like “Easy Come, Easy Go” and “Skin ‘n Bone” were cooked to perfection and had the crowd screaming for more all night long. But it was Nichols impeccable cover of Alice in Chains’ “Man in the Box” that stood out for me. He took an already classic song and placed his own indelible stamp on it in a way I might have felt impossible. Respect.

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Metal Allegiance, the star-studded supergroup featuring metal heavyweights such as David Ellefson, Alex Skolnick, Mike Portnoy, and Mark Menghi, delivered a seismic performance at the Anaheim House of Blues on January 25. The band, known for its exceptional fusion of thrash, groove, and traditional heavy metal, crushed a 19-song set that torched a packed house deep in the heart of Orange County. This was by far the best show during the 2024 NAMM week and far exceeded expectations from both new and established fans alike.

The Metal Allegiance project (celebrating its landmark 10th Anniversary) stands as a testament to the enduring impact and influence of an amazing group of legendary musicians. With members hailing from iconic bands such as Megadeth, Testament, Dream Theater, Exodus and more, Metal Allegiance represents a convergence of immense talent, experience, and passion for metal music. This amalgamation of virtuosic musicianship and diverse influences infuses their live shows with an unparalleled dynamism and raw energy.

Thursday’s show kicked off with an electrifying performance by the San Diego-based band Quor. Despite being unfamiliar with their music, I was blown away by their captivating opening set, setting the stage for what was to come. Held Hostage then took the spotlight, delivering a scorching set that ignited the House of Blues. Prior to Metal Allegiance taking the stage for their 10th anniversary show, the supergroup Dieth, featuring vocalist Guilherme Miranda, drummer Michał Łysejko, bassist David Ellefson, and guest guitarist Jadran Gonzalez, delivered an awe-inspiring performance, seamlessly leading into the main event.

As the concert unfolded at the Anaheim House of Blues, Metal Allegiance wasted no time in igniting the stage with their explosive presence. The crowd was immediately engulfed in a sonic maelstrom as the band launched into their setlist with unrelenting force with “The Accuser.” Alex Skolnick and Andreas Kisser’s scorching guitar solos, coupled with Mark Menghi’s thunderous bass lines and Mike Portnoy’s drumming mastery, formed a formidable sonic foundation that reverberated throughout the venue.

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The House of Blues in Anaheim, CA recently served as a portal to the past, whisking attendees off to the zenith of the synth-pop epoch for an extraordinary evening with Men Without Hats and Strangelove – The Depeche Mode Experience. Their exceptional performance was a much-needed end-of-year revival that underscored the significance of live music (and the ’80s in particular) to fans here in Southern California.

Strangelove – The Depeche Mode Experience, the opener for the evening, set the mood with their faithful renditions of beloved Depeche Mode classics. The tribute band’s attention to detail was impressive, from their meticulous recreation of DM’s signature sound to their spot-on imitations of the iconic band’s stage presence.

Their 15-song set was a nostalgic journey that had the crowd singing along to every word of every song. Standout performances included “Stripped,” “Everything Counts,” and my favorite “Enjoy the Silence.” Each of these classics were all spot on from a sonic perspective. Simply put, Leo, Brent, Julian, James, and Chris are some of the best in the musicians in the business, and this collective might be the best tribute to Depeche Mode on the planet today—bar none.

Following Strangelove’s energy-filled opening act, Men Without Hats took to the stage and instantly captivated the audience with their charismatic presence. The Canadian new wave band wasted no time in launching into their hits, starting with the timeless anthem “The Safety Dance.” The crowd erupted in cheers and immediately began dancing along to the infectious beat. And this was a real treat because in most cases, an iconic song like that would be the very end of the set. Not this time.

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The atmosphere on Saturday night (12/16) was absolutely electric as fans from all over the southland came together to experience an incredible performance by Queens of the Stone Age at the legendary Kia Forum in Inglewood. Led by Josh Homme and his talented bandmates, they delivered a mesmerizing 20-song set that seamlessly blended newer tracks with beloved classics, creating what many called “a show for the ages.” There final US stop on their 2023 The End is Nero Tour was hailed as their best performance this year, solidifying their status as a once-in-a-generation band and emphasizing their immense importance in the music industry.

Taking the stage before Queens of the Stone Age, the sensational band Spiritualized delivered a performance that left no room for disappointment. As they launched into their opening song “Hey Jane,” the crowd was instantly captivated by their distinctive trademark sound. Led by frontman Jason Pierce, the band mesmerized the audience with an awe-inspiring 8-song opening set. Their ethereal melodies and haunting vocals created a transcendent musical experience that seemed to transport listeners to another dimension (with me being one of them). The spellbound audience was entranced by Spiritualized’s ability to craft sonic landscapes that truly took their fans on a journey beyond imagination.

Now, let’s dive into the much-anticipated performance by Queens of the Stone Age. Although I had never witnessed their live show before, I had heard nothing but rave reviews, so my excitement was palpable as the moment arrived. Following a brief 20-minute break, the stage burst to life as the band finally unleashed their signature energy and intensity. The first chords of “No One Knows” ignited the crowd into a frenzy of exhilaration, and there was no turning back from that point forward. Josh Homme took command of the stage, delivering powerhouse vocals and blistering guitar riffs that sent electrifying waves surging through the Kia Forum. It clear to the 10,000+ in attendance that this was going to be one kick ass show.

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Depeche Mode, a legendary force in the ’80s electronic music scene, embarked on their highly anticipated 2023 Memento Mori tour earlier in the year. Their journey brought them to the iconic Pechanga Arena in San Diego on December 8th, marking one of their final stops on this extraordinary world tour. As a lifelong admirer of their music, I was thrilled to witness their performance, surpassing all my expectations and more. The band’s captivating 23-song set took fans on a mesmerizing journey through time, allowing us to relive what many consider the pinnacle of musical greatness. It was truly an unforgettable experience and one of the best concerts I have seen this year.

Looking back to the early ’80s, there are few bands that have had a greater impact on my life than Depeche Mode. It was back in 1984 when I stumbled upon Some Great Reward at Licorice Pizza, and from the very first listen, I was completely captivated by their sound. Over the years, my devotion to the band has only grown stronger. I proudly own every album they’ve released; I’ve had the privilege of attending their electrifying live performances more than 20 times, and I even bear the iconic Violator rose tattooed on my arm as a permanent symbol of my fandom. To say I’m a die-hard fan would be an understatement.

Taking the stage before Depeche Mode on Friday night was a sensational band hailing from Edinburgh, Scotland, known as Young Fathers. While I hadn’t yet witnessed their live performance or listened to their music, my pre-show research assured me that their opening set would be worth every penny of the ticket price. And boy, was I spot on. These guys brought an incredible amount of energy to the Pechanga stage, delivering electrifying hits like “Rain or Shine,” “I Saw,” and “Toy.” Observing Young Fathers in action, it crossed my mind that these immensely talented gentlemen could potentially become the next big sensation in the indie music scene. Only time will reveal their destiny, but one thing is certain: Young Fathers were absolutely mind-blowing.

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The House of Blues in Anaheim became a sanctuary for metalheads as it played host to a night of unadulterated brutality. Friday’s gig featuring thrash metal legends Exodus, Fit for an Autopsy, Darkest Hour, and Undeath was a sonic assault that left the near-capacity crowd begging for more. The show was executed flawlessly and was what everyone needed after the long Thanksgiving holiday filled with food, friends, and festivities. One of my top 10 metal shows in 2023 and that’s saying something.

Kicking off the night was Undeath, a rising force in the world of death metal. Their setlist was a relentless barrage of guttural vocals, intricate guitar work, and pummeling drums. The band commanded the stage with an intensity that captivated the audience from start to finish. Tracks like “Lesions Of A Different Kind” and “Acidic Twilight Visions” showcased their ability to seamlessly shift between blistering speed and bone-crushing heaviness. Undeath left no doubt that they are a force to be reckoned with.

Next up was Darkest Hour, a band that needs no introduction. With their melodic yet ferocious brand of metalcore, they ignited the crowd into a frenzy. Vocalist John Henry’s commanding stage presence and emotive vocals were a highlight of their performance. The band flawlessly executed their setlist, including fan favorites like “With a Thousand Words to Say But One” and “Amor Fati.” The crowd responded with mosh pits and devil horns in the air, echoing the passion that Darkest Hour brought to the venue.

Fit for an Autopsy took the stage and unleashed a sonic assault that shook the very foundations of the building. Their blend of crushing deathcore and introspective lyrics struck a chord with the crowd. Vocalist Joe Badolato’s guttural growls combined with the intricate guitar work of Patrick Sheridan and Tim Howley created an atmosphere of pure aggression. Songs like “The Sea of Tragic Beasts” and “Two Towers” had the crowd headbanging in unison, fueling the energy in the room to a boiling point.

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The Darker Waves Festival kicked off with a bang on November 18th under the radiant California sun at Huntington Beach, creating an electrifying experience for devotees of darker ’80s genres. This inaugural event magnetized an impressive crowd of nearly 50,000 fans from around the globe, making it, well, a global phenomenon! Over 30 bands ignited three stages, delivering performances that will continue to resonate in the hearts of attendees for years to come. It was an unforgettable spectacle that set the bar sky-high for future festivals here in Southern California and beyond.

The moment C3 Presents unveiled the Darker Waves Festival back in June, my excitement skyrocketed. The prospect of seeing iconic ’80s bands like New Order, Tears For Fears, and the B-52’s performing live on a stage in Huntington Beach was exhilarating. These bands were the soundtrack of my youth and the idea of witnessing them perform live, right here in my home turf, was thrilling. So, let’s dive deep into the magic that this extraordinary festival conjured.

The lineup for Saturday’s event was an impressive showcase of talent featuring legendary acts Tears For Fears and New Order as the headliners. Thirty-two performances, spread across three stunning stages—Darker, Waves, and Tiki—were every bit as entrancing as anticipated. A skillful mix of classic synth-pop hits with innovative post-punk tracks created a compelling ambiance that kept the crowd captivated during the entire 10-hour festival. In all, it was a well-choreographed lineup that meet and exceeded even the pickiest of festival goers in Surf City USA.

Since the event concluded, I’ve had many reach out inquiring about my thoughts on the standout performances from Saturday’s lineup. Having been fortunate enough to witness most of these acts live (some for the first time), I must admit, it’s a tough call. Each performance was unique and memorable in its own right—that’s the beauty of live music. However, here are my top three picks from the festival.

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The House of Blues in Anaheim, a venue celebrated for its intimate atmosphere and eclectic musical lineup, was vibrant with excitement on Thursday night. The occasion? A rare, seated concert featuring one of alternative rock’s most cherished groups, Blue October. Accompanied by special guest Veers, this sold-out event highlighted the broad appeal of Justin Furstenfeld and his band, extending well beyond the confines of Southern California. The concert was an astounding experience on numerous fronts, leaving fans awestruck long after the final note had been played.

Veers, an emerging band, had the honor of being the opening act for Blue October on Thursday night. Their 40-minute performance was a perfect fusion of traditional and contemporary rock that pushed boundaries and exceeded expectations. Under the leadership of guitarist and lead vocalist Andrew James, Veers demonstrated their musical finesse with tracks from their maiden album, Universe Reversal. Despite their impressive performance, the stage lighting occasionally fell short, casting shadows over their stellar set. However, if you’re on the hunt for a new perspective on rock and roll, give Veers a listen—they could just be the next big thing.

As the star attraction of the night, Blue October was simply spectacular. Renowned for their deeply emotive lyrics and vibrant performances, they lived up to every expectation. Frontman Justin Furstenfeld exuded charisma on stage, forging a deep connection with the audience through his sincere performances of tracks such as “Into the Ocean” and “Hate Me.” Across the span of the 21-song set, Justin enriched the concert experience by sharing memorable moments from the tour and the stories behind his songs, adding an extra layer of intimacy to the performance for the enthralled, capacity crowd of nearly 2,000 attendees.

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The North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre in Chula Vista came alive on Thursday night as fans poured in from all over southern California for an unforgettable night with Avenged Sevenfold and Atreyu. This show was rescheduled from a last-minute cancellation earlier in the month (due to M. Shadows’ illness) and ended up being the final stop of their North American tour. The atmosphere was electric and charged with anticipation as the venue filled up for what many fans arguably believed was A7X’s most electric performance over the last few years. When all the dust finally settled after a stellar cover to cover performance, I agreed with their sentiment 110%. To date, this show sits atop the altar of rock as my favorite live performance in 2023, bar none.

On June 2, 2023, Avenged Sevenfold released their 8th Studio Album, Life Is But a Dream. From the moment it dropped, strong emotions began to swirl within the Deathbat community. Some absolutely loved the album, while others felt it was a complete disaster. After careful consideration (and countless spins on the record player), I can honestly say Life is But a Dream might be their best overall album in the band’s storied 20+ year history. To the naked eye, it is not what it seems initially, yet everything you would expect from a band that has always lived by a different set of rules—on their terms. And on Thursday night, A7X brought it to life for its legions of fans.

Atreyu, the first to hit the stage, immediately set the tone with their high-energy performance. Their song choices were a perfect blend of old favorites and new tracks, pleasing both long-time fans and newcomers. What immediately stood out in their 13-song set was how much fun this band had playing for its fans. Led by frontman Brandon Saller, Atreyu went scorched Earth, cranking out hit after hit including “Falling Down,” “Ex’s and Oh’s,” and “Warrior.” Dan Jacobs and Travis Miguel brought their signature sound on the guitar, while bassist Marc “Porter” McKnight and drummer Kyle Rosa kept the low end in fine form. My favorite moment came when McKnight leapt into the pit and lunged into the crowd during “Right Side of the Bed.” The fans’ faces were those of pure joy and set the stage for what was about to come, Avenged Sevenfold

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On a muggy Saturday night, Falling In Reverse and Kim Dracula took the stage at the North Island Credit Union Amphitheater in Chula Vista for what turned out to be a thrilling show by all accounts. Little did fans know that Ronnie Radke and Company would actually be the de facto “headliner” that evening with Avenged Sevenfold cancelling their set last-minute due to illness. The show ended up being a perfect example of what drives fans to live music, with both Falling in Reverse and Kim Dracula delivering high-energy performances that had the crowd on their feet from start to finish. Sometimes one has to take proverbial lemons and make lemonade, and that is what both did in support of their A7X brethren.

Kim Dracula kicked things off with an electrifying set that showcased the band’s unique blend of punk rock and goth influences. Dracula’s vocals were particularly impressive, infusing each song with raw emotion while commanding the stage with a truly dynamic presence. Their musicianship was just insane with the drummer, bassist, and guitarist all providing a steady, driving rhythm that kept the audience engaged throughout their 9-song set. Songs like “Superhero” and “Killdozer” were among the highlights which ended with the raucous “Land of The Sun.”

Falling In Reverse wasted no time in ramping up the energy levels to an “11” with their explosive opening number, “Zombified.” Frontman Ronnie Radke proved why he is regarded as one of the most dynamic performers in the scene, commanding the stage with his impressive vocal range and dynamic stage presence. The band’s instrumental quality was also superb, with guitarists Max Georgiev and Christian Thompson firing on all cylinders. Bassist Tyler Burgess and drummer Luke Holland delivered blistering performances as well, complementing Radke’s vocals and stage antics perfectly.

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