Baby Metal Invades Denver With An Epic Performance

BABYMETAL (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)

Walking upon the Ogden Theatre this past Friday one would have thought a band like Slayer or Iron Maiden may have been playing. The demographic ranged from grown men dressed in metal garb to young girls dressed in the latest fashion trends seen in Asia. Babymetal has been on our radar for a minute and they have toured with the likes of Lady Gaga, Metallica, and The Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Suzuka Nakamoto of BABYMETAL (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)

The live show is something to see as members of the group carefully choreograph every dance move backed by a heavy metal array of musicians(Kami Band). You are almost lost in the performance forgetting it’s an actual metal show for a second to admire the precision and amazing theatrics taking place in front of your eyes. Some may argue that the performance is a novelty gimmick when in reality it is a force of nature that has the band continuing to sell out shows all over the world.

We were pretty impressed by not only the performance but by the fan engagement during the show, not only were people banging their heads but we were dodging crowd surfers in the photo pit. If you ever get a chance to see Babymetal (BABYMETAL) do not hesitate…..trust us.

BABYMETAL performing at The Ogden Theatre (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)

BABYMETAL (Photo Credit: Robert CAstro)

Music | Lola Black, Smackfactor, Scarlight | Dickens Opera House | March 6, 2015

What a great way to kick off the weekend with a night filled with hard rock, punk, and thrash up in Longmont Colorado. Denver-based band Lola Black went up north and showed the state’s northerners why they are rising to the next level. There was a strong sense of energy at the historic Dickens Opera House as everyone was in party mode and ready for the weekend.

photo credit: Dave Burke/Mammoth Metal

Starting off the evening was Denver band Scarlight. A hard rock sound with vocal harmonies mixed in with some screams, this group of young musicians gave their all and had a great time as they were often seen smiling with each other and chatting with the crowd in between songs. Their sound has enough bite to not only get your attention, but keep you enthralled as they take you through their catalog, including 2014 EP Gliding Over All. They’re certainly a fun, young band to keep your eye on.

Next came Longmont’s “hometown heroes” Smackfactor. With the exception of the lead vocalist Payden Browning, the rest of the band resides in this northern Colorado town. I was excited to see these guys perform again: their sound is visceral and heavy, and their live performances are definitely something to be seen. Barefoot bassist James Boyd has a very animated and entertaining persona onstage. He mentioned to me before they went on that he puts himself into the same mental state one would be in if they were entering a brawl. As he stomped and growled through their set, it was clear that he was “in the zone”. Both guitarists John Palmer and Shawn Wolf shred on harmonies and put down their heavy right hands to produce the king of chugging riffs that remind me why I love metal. Vocalist Payden has a great range of screaming that cuts through the room and demands your attention. Drummer Loren Honstein’s drum kit it something to be reckoned as well, as his enormous kit can be described as beautiful as easily as it can be called punishing. Loren thrashed on his kit effortlessly as the drum pummeled the crowd. These guys know what they’re doing and their performance should not be missed by true fans of metal.

photo credit: Dave Burke/Mammoth Metal

Headliner Lola Black, fronted by their vocalist of the same name, came ready to rock. Their hard rock/punk sound is very catchy and heavy. The crowd was primed for Lola and crew thanks to their opening acts; fans felt right at home. Wasting no time, the band burst into their performance the minute they hit the stage. Bassist Yosh Yoshikawa (a phenomenal shredder on the seven string) is a true showman: thrashing, stomping and interacting with the crowd like a seasoned veteran. Drummer Ryan Oakes tight, punchy drums were on point all night long. The groups three guitarists Paige O’Meara, Scott Kennedy and Chris Dellinger all have their own sound yet blend awesomely as to not sound muddy. You can easily see the fun they have on stage together.

Lead vocalist Lola Black was in great form as her powerful voice did not falter even once. Very thankful for the great crowd and their enthusiasm, there was plenty of playful banter between Lola and the crowd, as well as her bandmates. Lola and the guys clearly know how to let the fans know that they are appreciated and respected. 

This was a great night for live music by all of the bands as each one clearly brought their ‘A’ game. No fan left the venue without a smile plastered across their face at the end of the night. A great way to start the weekend for sure.

- Dave Burke/Mammoth Metal

SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM THE LOLA BLACK SHOW HERE

Hellyeah | Concert Review | The Summit Music Hall | February 14, 2015

Texas-based metal group Hellyeah spent Valentine's Day here in Denver and they didn’t come alone. Archer, Like a Storm and Devour the Day were also in tow this past Saturday to help support the metal super group consisting of Mudvayne lead vocalist Chad Gray, Nothingface guitarist Tom Maxwell, bassist Kyle Sanders and former Pantera and Damageplan drummer Vinnie Paul. While known for their hard rock party vibe, the band has chosen to take their music into a more serious tone with their last two offerings, albums Band of Brothers and Blood for Blood.  This new direction for the band has made for some killer new music which we were excited to hear firsthand this past weekend at the Summit. 

The night started with new band Archer from Santa Cruz, California. Supporting their upcoming debut album, Culling the Week, frontman Dylan Rose has a very Zakk Wylde-esque stage presence and was very energetic and interactive with the crowd. Bassist David De Silva has a very thunderous sound and harmonized really well with Dylan. Drummer Keyhan Moini thrashed on the drums and held it all together as the quickly filling venue got into the groove.

Next up came New Zealand based group Like a Storm. Lead singer Chris Brooks came out with a didgeridoo which captivated the audience as they took over the room. I had not heard of this band yet, but the crowd respond to them as if they were headlining the evening. They also performed a cover of Coolio’s “Gangsters Paradise” and AC/DC’s “TNT” complete with singer Brooks jumping into the crowd to sing and mosh with us. At this point in the evening, it was clear that everyone was in full-on "rock" mode.

New band Devour The Day hit the stage next and opened with their set with the song “Respect” from their debut album Time and Pressure. Their sound is punchy and heavy, and their stage presence is very in your face. A really good combination for a great live show and the crowd responded accordingly the pits got more aggressive.

By now the crowd was primed and ready for Vinnie Paul and crew as Hellyeah opened the show with tracks “ Hellyeah” and “Matter of Time”. The audience was in lead singer Chad Gray’s clutches as he loomed over the audience and bumped fists with the audience. The next song “Sangre Por Sangre (Blood for Blood)“ had new bassist Kyle Sanders spit what appeared to be blood directly into Chad Grays face. As he was singing and screaming directly above me, his face was dripping onto me and my camera. For a split second I was concerned about getting my equipment damaged but that was immediately overridden by sheer excitement; this kind of stuff is exactly why I love metal shows! 

Bassist Kyle Sanders was completely in his element as his massive dreads thrashed about the stage as if they had a life of their own. New guitarist Christian Brady appeared and performed like he had been in the group since it’s inception. Guitarist Tom Maxwell riffed through the crowd and was clearly into his own zone as spit dripped from his mouth while he performed. Former drummer from the legendary band Pantera, Vinnie Paul, was on point as his drum sound is extremely distinguishable and reminiscent of the Cowboys from Hell Days.

Vinnie Paul and the boys did not disappoint, and made it clear that they were very thankful for fans still choosing to show up despite the holiday, and still supporting live music. Right up to the last encore “Cowboy Way”, Hellyeah’s live show is not one to be missed as it’s intensity was something you could feel. HELLYEAH! 

- contributor Dave Burke from Mammoth Metal​

Hank Williams 3 | Ogden Theatre | October 6, 2014

Hank Williams during his Country set. photo credit: David Burke

No other family of musical artists than the forebears of this legendary name Hank Williams have truly captured the heart of what it means to be a country outlaw, a Southern rebel, and a despicable bastard in the eyes of our more uppity brothers and sisters. Three generations of this inglorious family have dominated the Southern consciousness since the early 1930s when the name's original bearer (Hiram) Hank Williams, Sr. picked up his Silvertone guitar and stepped in front of the microphone in Montgomery, Alabama, transcending into American mythology. 

Hank 3, the grandson of this original outlaw, played at The Ogden Theatre this past week, and his show had 3 concerts in one; the first a country western set with 6 band members, next up a hillbilly set with 4 band members, and finally a speed/doom metal performance with just himself, a drummer and a synthesizer for dissonant sounds. Although I am not a country music fan, Hank 3’s performance demands respect as I found my self thumping my foot to songs like “Mississippi Mud”, and straight-up head banging with the horns in the air to “Angus of Death” as I placed myself dead center in front of his amazing show. He even sang two of his grandfather’s songs, “If The Shoe Fits” and “I’ll Never Get Out Of This World Alive”. I don't think I have ever heard the original versions but I really dug his rocking version!

photo credit: David Burke

For over 4 hours Hank play non-stop as band members rotated instruments and line up changes. He appeared unfazed as random fans surfed onto the stage, danced around him an then plummeted back onto the hard venue floor. I was a ball of sweat at the nights end and look forward to his return here in Denver!

Long live Hank III 

-BRKY

Setlist:

Mississippi Mud, Straight to Hell, If The Shoe Fits (Hank Williams cover), Rebel Within, Day By Day, Dyin’ Day, Hurtin’ For Certain, Six Pack of Beer, D Ray White, I’ll Never Get out of this World Alive (Hank Williams cover), Brothers of The 4x4, Low Down, Not Everybody Likes Us

Hank 3 Ogden Theatre Denver Colorado 10/06/14

Dixie In Dixie, Face Down, In The Camouflage, Angus of Death, Cow Sold, Countin’ Cows