Category Archives: TVD Los Angeles

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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Gracing the stage of The Roxy Theatre, 33 year old singer-songwriter and musician Barns Courtney treated fans to a rowdy night of entertainment. With his songs being used in everything from movies to television to video games, chances are you’ve had the pleasure of listening to the indie rock artist’s addictive tunes.

The final show in the Supernatural Tour which spanned Canada and the US, Courtney opened the night with 2019 bop “Fun Never Ends,” immediately captivating the crowd with his sprightly moves and raspy tone. Despite signage in the theatre calling for no stage diving, the English-born artist couldn’t resist jumping into the audience, at one point being held up by the crowd as he sang 2017 release “Kicks.”

Affirming to the fans he had only one song left, Courtney performed his claim to fame track “Fire,” with the band swiftly thanking the audience and leaving the stage. Immediately met with murmurs questioning whether there would be an encore, fans excitedly chatted about the awe-inspiring performance they had just witnessed.

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Greetings from Laurel Canyon!

Freddie’s dead / That’s what I said / Let the man rap a plan said he’d see him home / But his hope was a rope and he should’ve known / It’s hard to understand / There was love in this man / I’m sure all would agree / That his misery was his woman and things / Now Freddie’s dead / That’s what I said

Everybody’s misused him / Ripped him up and abused him / Another junkie plan / Pushin’ dope for the man / A terrible blow but that’s how it goes / Freddie’s dead on the corner now / If you wanna be a junkie, wow / Remember Freddie’s dead

2023 is not quite done for new songs, but for this Idelic “free form jock” I’m starting to gather up pebbles for my year end countdown of 2023 favorites.

Traditionally “blogger/critics/best-ofs” come after turkey week, so while our canyon still shines blue and clear, I’m dropping an old school themed “free form” FM radio set. Originally my muse was an old Undertones song from the ’70s punk era, but I was driving to a gig and I heard the voice of Jim Ladd on Sirius radio. Jim was shaken—he had just found out that night that this would be his last “Deep Tracks” set on Sirus.

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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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WORDS AND IMAGES: CHRISS LOOMIS | The highly-anticipated “Machine Killer Tour” featuring Static-X, Sevendust, and Dope took the stage at the House of Blues in Anaheim on October 31, 2023. The concert, held on Halloween, was a thrilling spectacle of industrial metal and nu-metal music that captivated the audience from start to finish. The 2200-capacity music hall was filled with fervent fans who were treated to a memorable night of heavy riffs, thunderous percussion, and powerful vocals. Despite being a weekday show, the energy and enthusiasm were palpable, making it a resounding success.

Now five years into version 2.0, Static-X headlined the Machine Killer North American tour when it stopped in Anaheim on Halloween night at House of Blues along with Sevendust, Dope, and Lines of Loyalty. A nu-metal party right out of 1999 with this lineup, and they rocked Anaheim like never before and then some—a night not soon to be forgotten for sure.

Lines of Loyalty, this magnetic rock trio out of Kenosha, WI kicked off the night in fine fashion and successfully lit the metal fuse to ignite the House of Blues in preparation for the upcoming 1-2-3 punch of nu-metal.

Dope took the stage led by frontman Edsel Dope and played a short but ferocious set of powerful metal anthems fueled by piss and vinegar. The set kicked off with the recent “Blood Money,” then you got all the Dope hits you would expect and the crowd was intensely giving Edsel tons of energy as they sang every word. With Acey Slade on guitars for this tour, the band delivered “Bitch” as well as the medley “Die, Boom, Bang, Burn, Fuck” which gave you a little of all your favorite Dope songs. The band ended the set with the Dead or Alive cover “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record).” Now half-way through the night band-wise, the crowd was PUMPED for Sevendust.

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Greetings from Laurel Canyon!

Taking it all the right way / Keeping it in the back / Taking it all the right way / Never no turning back, never need no / Never no turning back

Flying just a sweet place / Coming inside and safe / Flying just a sweet place / Never been known to fail, never been no / Never been known to fail

What to do “après that big day?” “Après Halloween,” “après album release,” “après ski?”

I’m not saying 2023 is over for new music, but I feel it’s time to relax and dig into some old soul tunes. Some obscure, some comfort food.

Of course, congrats to all artists releasing new music. Dig in.

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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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Greetings from Laurel Canyon!

Out in the streets / The modern vampire prowls / He’s been spreading disease / All around

There’s an epidemic / If you don’t believe me / You ought to take a look / At the eyes of your friends

When someone tempts you / You can’t refuse / It’s getting colder and you know / You got nothing to lose / You need it / Know you got nothing to lose / You need it

As days shorten, the sunsets in our canyon seem to disappear at slightly different angles. The moon has been full and bright as evenings give off a different hue of light.

Halloween’s coming. Here’s a set of songs fit for that late October dusk.

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An Australian national treasure, Matt Corby took to the stage at The Fonda Theatre on Sunday night promoting his 2023 album Everything’s Fine.

Born in Australia myself, I’ve been a fan of the singer and songwriter since he first appeared on Australian Idol in 2007. Perhaps it’s his nostalgic songs (highly recommend checking out older hits “Resolution” and “Brother” as a gateway into his velvety discography of tunes) and the fact the crowd was vibrating with accents from the homeland or his classic Aussie banter, this was truly one of my most unforgettable concert experiences to date.

Joined by a three-piece band, Corby’s music is best described as a blend of soulful indie/folk/rock. It’s soothing, yet also belt-worthy at times and always vocally impressive. “I’ve got chills” was a phrase spoken multiple times by concert goers nearby. Opening with 2023 release “Carry On,” Corby went on to play a set of 15 songs each as powerful and emotive as the next. Stopping to address the audience in-between songs, the artist apologized for canceling his LA show earlier this month, “I had the laryngitis, I’m sorry!”

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Greetings from Laurel Canyon!

I’m guilty of murder / Of innocent men / Innocent women, innocent children / Thousands of ’em / My planes, my guns / My money, my soldiers / My blood on my hands / It’s all my fault

I must not think bad thoughts / I must not think bad thoughts / I must not think bad thoughts

Last week’s “news of the world” had me take a pause from even sharing music. Friday the 13th, a gorgeous Indian summer day, spooky season upon us… and my turntables were empty?

It could last long. Pretty shocking that California has banned Skittles and Mountain Dew. I’m sure they’re still selling them at the Houston Astrodome.

I heard the Stones played a club last night? They’ve been known to do that now and again. Bravo to Mick and Keith.

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Greetings from Laurel Canyon!

It’s always around me, all this noise, but / Not nearly as loud as the voice saying / “Let it happen, let it happen” / (It’s gonna feel so good) / “Just let it happen, let it happen”

All this running around / Tryin’ to cover my shadow / A notion growing inside / Now all the others seem shallow

All this running around / Bearing down on my shoulders / I can hear an alarm / It must be morning

I heard about a whirlwind that’s coming ’round / It’s gonna carry off all that isn’t bound, and / When it happens, when it happens / (I won’t be holding on) / So let it happen, let it happen

I was looking forward to today. Friday the 13th is a juicy target for any rock ‘n’ roll song release—certainly an Idelic Hour playlist of songs.

Sadly, this Friday the 13th has a bitter and distracting taste. I’m going to side-step my political opinions and just say music has always been my backdrop. It’s gotten me through happy, sad, wins, losses, and stressful times.

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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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Greetings from Laurel Canyon!

Midnight legend, look at you / In bed when the sun comes out / A concrete runway just for you, yeah

Rocking slow your hips to the beat / Blasé boys ’round generating heat / Has time come? Are we merely obsolete? / Trace from a rig hid behind your knee

Won’t you tell me all about your story / And about the day that you didn’t have to fight? / I’m just here to listen, sound board for your visions / All you need to say you say with your eyes / Those eyes

Midnight legend, look at you / In bed when the sun comes out / A concrete runway just for you, yeah

This week I spent some time digging through crates of records for a disc to keep me calm. I came across J.J. Cale’s classic Naturally. I’ve always loved his elusive reputation and it dawned on me that it’s lead track “Call Me The Breeze” is on a playlist I put together during covid to cruise my bike around the neighborhood to. Ol’ J.J. has a real vibe and calming voice. I mean “Call the Doctor” and “River Runs Deep”? Fuck.

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Greetings from Laurel Canyon!

You lie sleeping all warm / I’m here waiting in the storm / Waiting for the time to come when I can come in / And make sweet love to you till I have to go again.

I’ve been waiting for hours / I’ve been through snowstorms and showers / Waiting for the lights to fade and your parents go to sleep / Then just like a randy cat into your bed I’ll creep.

Yes I remember your smell / Yes I remember, remember it well / Strange kind of animal music in the night / Crazy feeling, I just can’t explain it right.

So I send you these words / Let them flutter ’round like birds / Times are changed and rearranged but something lingers on / I still remember you, that’s why I wrote this song.

“When Your Parents Go To Sleep” is truly a cool song. It’s a combination of soul mixed with a youthful, rebellious lyric. To be in the Indian summer California sunshine…

That’s pretty much enough of a thought for me today. I just got a new chain and tires on my bicycle. It made me happy just to think about taking a slow, sun drenched cruise listening to tunes like this.

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