Theory of a Deadman @ ValAir Ballroom in Des Moines, Iowa
January 26,2005 - It's cold, but what do you expect you're in Iowa. Around 7:30 they finally opened the doors for the near sold-out crowd. The line of fans waiting to get in and see Theory of a Deadman and Shinedown reached past the end of the building and into the rear parking lot. Theory of a Deadman followed No Address who played about a half hour. Amongst the multitude of fans that were awaiting Theory of a Deadman to take stage, I caught sight of a Theory fan holding a sign that states Theory ROXS. Theory took stage with "Hating Hollywood" followed by "No Way Out" from the reaction of most fans the new stuff is going to kick butt and take numbers. They played a solid show for nearly 45 minutes. They held the fans for the full duration of the show. They played a good mix from Gasoline and their prior album. This was the first time I have seen them live, if this is anything compared to their other shows they will be filling many venues just like the ValAir and working toward larger venues as they snowball into what I think is a kick ass band that put out a kick ass show. As for the show that is about it...
As for the album... I received my copy of Gasoline about a week ago; I started listening to it last Saturday. After listening to it a few times here and there I started making some similarities. First many years back there was a band named Four Horsemen. One of my early favorites, they had a bluesy rock sound to them with some rough edges. Myself, I liked that style but many others didn't, maybe that's why they are not still around. To me Theory of a Deadman has that rock with edge that many fans are now ready for where they weren't ready for in the past. Track for track Theory of a Deadman has hit the nail on the head with Gasoline. There are many tracks ready for radio and the charts. "No Surprise" will be easily at the top of the charts before Gasoline is even released, through preliminary observations from rock stations in my area they will be in heavy rotation with "No Surprise" within weeks. Beyond that I would also expect "Say Goodbye", "Hello Lonely", "Hating Hollywood" and "No Way Out" to soon follow the success of "No Surprise". To the few people that have been able to hear what Theory of a Deadman has to offer with their sophomore release of Gasoline, it will be no surprise to me if come March 29th Theory gets elevated to the level of success that they deserve. Until then call your radio stations and put in a request for "No Surprise". Gasoline has my seal of approval and Theory is yet another band that I have to add to my addictions.
Jim Massengale
typeo@netexpress.net
Sinch/Stonesour @ Lazerfest in Des Moines, Iowa
Well, it was 180 degrees from last Sunday in Milwaukee at Ozzfest. It seems like it was only yesterday, Drowning Pool was covering Metallica's Creeping Death. But that was then and now its almost cold (I'm not complaining). They actually have this setup like the old Ozzfest, bands on both stages back and forth. Sinch was on about 2:30, they played a couple tracks and they had a nice crowd. Toward the end of their set they were beginning to have a small little pit starting. Stonesour was on right after Sinch completed their set and the crowd was ready for the unveiling. Myself I have never seen or heard Stonesour before now. They started with Get Inside, I was instantly relieved that they didn't suck. I will give my wife's opinion since I am biased "It was kinda like Slipknot, Danzig and Zombie all mixed up". I guess I can't disagree. They played nearly an hour they did Blotter for Dave Williams and Cory did Bother. There was about a 10 minute pure bread Iowa flesh show and that didn't suck either. I was able to talk to Dan from Sinch after Stonesour's set, he said they were out on the road with Epidemic and would be in Cedar Rapids on the following Tuesday, last night sorry this is a bit dated now. And just today I found out that Sinch and Stonesoure will be out together in late September. Sinch will be all over the Milwaukee area later this month so I expect to see more of these bands. Check them out when they are in your area, let me know any of your thoughts.
Jim Massengale
typeo@netexpress.net
Dry Kill Logic - The Darker Side of Nonsense
At first I didn't much care for this disc, it sounded too formed from the metal by products of the past couple years. It sounded somewhat copycat and I felt it was copying one of my favorites. I listened to it a couple times, tracks came and went then finally... I turned it off.
The next morning, as I'm sitting at work thinking of all the bullshit that has happened in the past few months. I keep a list of working lyrics in a notepad on my desk that someday may form a tune. Anyway I start looking at the liner for 'The Darker Side of Nonsense' and I start at the end looking at acknowledgments. Get past all the thank yous and finally start looking at the lyrics and then I see 'Nightmare', I get to the chorus. I see it. I love it. It is fucking perfect. 'You Worthless Piece of Shit'
So I start all over again and give it a second chance. This time I am not comparing then to anyone. Nothing, they are on a scale from 1 to 10, an 8. No perfect scores since there is nothing perfect except for those personal favorites. But with something as true as the lyrics in 'Nightmare'. They definitely deserve a very high recommendation. So do not judge this CD by its cover just listen to it. If it kicks you in the ass or bitchslaps your boss, BUY IT! And if you find it offensive, there must be some reason you understand it.
So do not hesitate, this Tuesday I expect everyone to go out and pick up this masterpiece. I hope it drives everyone who is offended by 'Nightmare' insane. As in the many cases of potential 'worthless pieces of shit' I know. They are too pathetic they wouldn't get it. It would be too loud, too obnoxious and plain and simple too in their faces they wouldn't get it.
Also go see them on tour this summer with Fear Factory and experience this insanity for yourself.
Jim Massengale
typeo@netexpress.net
Fear Factory - Digimortal
From the moment this disc started playing it sounded awesome. It has the combination of vocals and deep bass. I have seen the band open for Rob Zombie in the past but wasn't much into their work. But, it didn't take long before I really started shuffling through the tracks playing a couple over and over. This is when I realized that the one year old daughter started dancing with the bass and jamming with me. I have got to give the guys a great big HELL YEAH! Since my daughter is jamming to any of the tracks I have to give 'Digimortal' my and her seal of approval.
To me the tracks all tell a continuing story. Each seems to be another chapter. I really didn't have to listen to it, being able to feel it through the bass was enough.
Since this disc has been out I can understand why 'Linchpin' is rising in popularity. I don't know what the band is thinking for their next single from 'Digimortal' but 'What Will Become' in my mind would be an excellent pick. Honestly, any of the tracks could be the next single as long as the fans would get up and ask for it.
Also show your support and go see them this summer on their headlining tour with label mates Dry Kill Logic.
Jim Massengale
typeo@netexpress.net