BLACKDIAMONDSKYE at Madison Square Garden

On Friday night, Madison Square Garden welcomed the "BLACKDIAMONDSKYE" tour. The national tour features Alice In Chains, deftones and Mastodon. A lineup that is simply unmatched by any tour thus far in 2010. Both 3 bands represent different times in music, in which they have managed to become huge influences on many bands thanks to their statuses as flag holders. As we all know, Madison Square Garden is the dream venue for any musician to perform at, and Alice In Chains, deftones and Mastodon all made history together. Let us tell you about this magical night.

Earlier this year, we ran into Mastodon's singer/bassist Troy Sanders and drummer Brann Dailor at the Slipknot show at Madison Square Garden and told them: "You guys will be on that stage very soon!" Both of them sighed and smiled. Fast forward 7 months and they are opening the "BLACKDIAMONDSKYE" tour at the worlds largest arena. Thankfully we arrived just as Mastodon were starting their set with their song "Naked Burn", and we were very happy to witness this historical event. Mastodon warmed up the crowd with songs like "Divinations" and "Colony of Birchmen". The band kept blowing peoples minds throughout their 8 song set, which was concluded with "Blood and Thunder".


Then it was time for Sacramento's deftones to take over center stage at Madison Square Garden. From the get-go the band was on point and Chino looked and sounded phenomenal. It was evident that Chino needed to change his lifestyle in order to improve his performance-ship and after hearing members of the crowd say: "The deftones are back, Chino is definitely back!" It was evident that the band is in fact, back in style.

They opened their set with "Rocket Skates" and got the crowd grooving, then they got into Around the Fur mode and played "Around the Fur", "Be Quiet and Drive", and "My Own Summer". After a few new songs from their latest album "Diamond Eyes", the band played all the crowds favorites like "Change (In The House of Flies)", "Engine No. 9" and they left in a very high note after playing "7 Words". The deftones owned Madison Square Garden, and we expect them back within the next few years on their own headlining tour.

Then it was time for Alice In Chains to headline Madison Square Garden. As many of us know they are missing their original front-man Layne Staley, who died in 2002 from an overdose. In our opinion they have proved all skeptics wrong, and Alice In Chains did justice by bringing in William DuVall to replace Staley. Any doubt doubt anyone had on his performance before their performance, was quickly washed away by his amazing performance-ship and original stage antics.


The band kicked off their set with "Them Bones", which immediately made the crowd lose their minds. During the next hour and a half, Alice In Chains performed songs like "No Excuses", "Down in a Hole", "Rooster", "Man In The Box" and ended the amazing music night with "Would?". What impressed us the most about Alice In Chains, was the fact that all their older songs sounded timeless, their stage presence was intact and the light show was simple yet colorful.

If you get a chance to catch the "BLACKDIAMONDSKY" tour, do your ears a favor and take them to this sonically perfect tour.





Here is a clip of Alice In Chains opening with "Them Bones":


The Black Diamond Skye Tour:


Related links:
The Black Diamond Skye Tour
Official Site of Alice in Chains
Official Site of the deftones
Official Site of Mastodon

IMPRINTED by Jo Schüftan (Founder of Horns Up Rocks)

DOWN: Diary of a Mad Band

New Orleans has always been known for its influence in music and its multilingual cross-cultural heritage. This ever-changing region of the United States gave birth to Jazz music, and is universally known for its cuisine. Recently they became known for their NFL football team, thanks to the New Orleans Saints victory over the Indianapolis Colts at this years Super Bowl in Miami. What does all this have to do with Heavy Music? Well, NOLA is the birthplace of one of the best bands in the country, which band are we talking about? DOWN!

Formed in New Orleans in the early 90's, Down started as a side project formed by Pantera's own Philip Anselmo, COC's Pepper Keenan, Crowbar's Kirk Windstein, Eyehategod's Jimmy Bower and former Crowbar bassist Todd Strange. After the demise of Pantera, Philip Anselmo recruited Pantera's bassist Rex Brown, and got Pepper, Kirk and Jimmy on board for the rebirth of one of the best "super-groups" in Heavy Music today. They immediately entered the studio and recorded one of the best sounding records of the last 10 years: Down II "A Bustle in Your Hedgerow". Soon after the completion of the album, they went on the road for what they called "An Evening With Down". The concept was to have videos from legendary bands like Black Sabbath, Led Zepellin and Metallica play before Down's set, instead of having opening acts.

In 2006, Down went to Europe for their first European tour and documented it all on video. The end result is a 130 minute DVD featuring 17 live songs, and plenty of behind the scenes footage. This is what guitarist Pepper Keenan had to say about the DVD:

"The DVD is an in-depth look at what five boys from the wrong side of the tracks can achieve when motivated by the will to escape hard times, fueled by an unexplainable quest to destroy live and be embraced by the love of fans whom we had not had the pleasure of meeting yet. This is how it's supposed to be: rock solid."

"Diary of a Mad Band", will be released in the United States on October 5th through Down Records/ADA. Here is the OFFICIAL trailer:


Make sure you support the underground music scene and buy this amazing DVD.

Related links:
DOWN's Official Site
PREORDER "Diary of a Mad band

IMPRINTED by Jo Schüftan (Founder of Horns Up Rocks)

MADBALL release Jay Weinberg

New York Hardcore legends Madball have released drummer Jay Weinberg in the middle of their tour in Canada. Apparently Weinberg, did not fit into the lifestyle that the band represents. When we saw them at the Black N Blue Bowl earlier this year, he did seem to be out of place. Here is the official statement from Madball's front-man Freddy Cricien:

"I'm letting Jay go in Canada because I just feel he doesn't represent this band well on a character level. It would go against my own code of ethics to keep him around. Not saying he's a bad drummer. I won't take that away from him. But the reality is - he has a lot to learn about paying dues, and about life in general. Granted, he is a kid, but I'm not sure that he'll ever be built for this particular lifestyle. I wish him the best of luck, but the MADBALL machine rolls on!"

Madball who are on tour with Comeback Kid on the "Through The Noise Tour", will continue the tour with a replacement drummer (who will be announced soon). The bands future plans, which include a European tour with NYHC legends Sick Of It All, and the release of their new album titled "Empire" (due October 12th), will remain on schedule.

Here is the title track for their upcoming album "Empire"!

REMAINING “THROUGH THE NOISE TOUR” DATES

- 9/22 London, ON @ Music Hall
- 9/23 Toronto, ON @ The Opera House
- 9/24 Ottawa, ON @ Ritual
- 9/25 Montreal, QC @ Le Studio
- 9/26 Jonquiere, QC @ Le Bunker
- 9/27 Quebec City, QC @ Dagobert

Related links:
Madball on MySpace
Madball on Good Fight Music

IMPRINTED by Jo Schüftan (Founder of Horns Up Rocks)

Mutiny Within: Drops off from the Nevermore Tour

As we all know Mutiny Within is one of the rising forces of the new generation of American Heavy Metal. Recently, their drummer left the band and a few temporary drummers have been playing with them on the road. After some Visa issues with their current temporary drummer, the band decided to pull the plug on their tour with Nevermore. Here is the bands official statement:

"We’re sorry to say that despite our best efforts, our plans to hit the road with Nevermore this month have sadly fallen through. As many of you know, we have been looking forward to being a part of this tour and seeing all of our fans again. However, we feel that in order to deliver our best performance every night, our search for a full time drummer has to take priority. Instead of hitting the road with a temporary member again, we want to take the time to properly audition and rehearse."

"We did have another drummer lined up to accompany us on this tour, but due to a slow visa process, rehearsal time was cut to an unworkable amount. Mutiny Within is not a 5 piece band and we need to find our 6th member to bring you guys what you deserve. We’re so sorry to anybody who was looking forward to seeing us on this tour, but we cannot tour without a drummer. We know people will be upset and we apologize, but know that nobody will be more upset about this than we are. On a positive note, this gives us the time to work on brand new songs, which we’ve been looking forward to doing for some time."

"If anybody knows a suitable drummer or you are yourself, then please contact us at . We hope you all understand this and will continue to support us. Keep checking back for further updates, thanks everyone.” -Mutiny Within

Here is the official video for Mutiny Within's drummer search:


Here is the band performing "Year of Affliction".

Here is the band performing "Images".



Related links:
Official site of Mutiny Within
Mutiny Within on My Space
Mutiny Within on Facebook
Mutiny Within on Roadrunner Records

IMPRINTED by Jo Schüftan (Founder of Horns Up Rocks)

The Judas Syndrome: NY Thrash Metal

You may be thinking that you misread the title of this post. New York Thrash Metal? Many people out there are under the misconception that Thrash Metal is no longer prevalent, specially in New York City. A city known for Hardcore Punk and Hip Hop, but definitely not Thrash Metal. Well, this hasn't stopped this band from going against the grain, something that has been very natural for The Judas Syndrome. So far it has proven to be a very positive move and since the release of their debut album "Underneath Blood Skies", their craft is spreading quickly. We predict a very interesting time for them within the next year.

Their latest album is not only a balls out furious Thrash Metal album, it also represents the power that New York City is known for. The Judas Syndrome features Yankees aficionado Phil Vibez, who is also the former vocalist of Irate. Joining Vibez in his new venture are guitarists Chris Oblivion and Ian "Kunki" Syndrome, bassist Tony Bones, and drummer Tommy "Coney" Warchild. If you know The Judas Syndrome already, you know the impact they leave every time they step on a stage. And if you haven't heard this phenomenal band yet, you will soon!

Within the last few months The Judas Syndrome have been very busy spreading their craft; they have recently opened for legendary bands like Vision Of Disorder, Despised Icon and Nile. The band has also released a phenomenal video for their song "Death of the Soul", which was directed by Frankie Nasso and former God Forbid guitarist Dallas Coyle. Additionally the band has been on constant rotation on Sirius XM Liquid Metal, on WSOU 89.5 FM, and on Music Choice. Today they debut their video on MTV's Headbangers Ball!

After their stellar performance at New York City's Gramercy Theater, we had the chance to interview The Judas Syndrome boys about the past, the present and the future of the band. This is what went down.


Here is their video for "Death of the Soul":


Related links:
The Judas Syndrome on MySpace
Official site of the Judas Syndrome
The Judas Syndrome

IMPRINTED by Jo Schüftan (Founder of Horns Up Rocks)