Knotfest 2014- Slipknot, Tech N9ne, Atreyu, and More

Knotfest 2014 at the San Manuel Amphitheater in San Bernardino, CA offered an endless variety of metal head entertainment including cage fights, flaming carnival games, and- oh yeah, dudes doing back flips on dirt bikes. But you can read all about the various attractions on the Knotfest website. As cool as it was to have a goat petting zoo at a festival (which I fatefully missed out on), fans didn't travel cross country for that. Alternative entertainment surrounded the amphitheater, but you know we all came out for the show. The first band of the night I catch is Atreyu, who provokes quite the audience response.

"Hey that's something everyone can enjoy!"

Said the wheelchair equipped fan rolling through the mosh pit. But really, check out how serious the crowd took Atreyu's set!

The bands diverse performance offered songs from heavy crowd pleasers like "Bleeding Mascara" to their cover of Jon Bon Jovi's "You Give Love A Bad Name". Both song selection and showmanship proved to be strong suits for the band as Atreyu's Bassist plunged into the mosh pit. The energy in the crowd is high, and it only goes up from here.

Opening his set Tech N9ne takes the stage releasing a monstrous scream, grasping the attention of numerous skeptical metal heads. Tech fans alike dropped jaws at the sound and sight of the hip-hop icon's rebel yell. Having established his presence among the Knotfest crowd, Tech dives into his first song while fans dive into the pit. A glorious display of rap fueled aggression ensues during the set as songs like "Riot Maker" and "Straight Out the Gate" induce what might be the most brutal set in rap history.

Though Tech is a black sheep among a metal lineup, fans represent the artist with not only large numbers, but a resounding response to the Kansas City rapper's signature echoing call outs. Strangers in the audience return Tech N9ne's beckoning "K-C-MO!" with an overwhelming "Wooah-Ohh!" so loud you'd think Tech himself was the headliner.  Lyrics alike are seen flowing out the mouths of moshing strangers.

N9ne breaks from his set to make honorable mention of his mother who's birthday so happens to fall upon this very night.. In humble expression of his gratitude to perform on the final night of Knotfest, Tech N9ne speaks of his mother saying "She's smiling down on me like "I made that happen for you motherf***** be proud" and I am" The hair-raising emotion in his face only increases the devoted energy reciprocated from loyal fans in the crowd.

Following the performaces of Volbeat and Five Finger Death Punch, our highly anticipated headliner takes the stage.

The curtain rising causes what I can only describe as instantaneous anarchy. As if Slipknot's music alone wasn't enough, the accompanying show inspired one hell of a mosh pit. A barbaric stage presence, spinning drum risers, and enough fire to burn us all alive set the audience ablaze.

As my reader I share with you a sense of brutal honesty. When Slipknot's first song erupted throughout the amphitheater, I wasn't the first one in the pit. In fact I gave it a song or two before I tested out the waters. Half the crowd was in it, but I didn't exactly size up to the testosterone fueled aggressors stomping furiously about the concrete.

Despite being intimidated the irresistible sonic adrenaline of "Heretic Anthem" draws me toward the insanity. Immediately inducing a death metal baptism evolving my fear into rage. I entered with caution and left with a reckless thirst for more. Strobes, flames, and shades of red lighting illuminate the flurry of blood, sweat, and muscle. The chaos is physically demanding beyond the point of exhaustion. The sensation of colliding fists and elbows is nullified as the crowd is possessed by the high-gain distorted rawness of "Duality". Finally two encores conclude the audiences collective peak of pandemonium. The aftermath consists of endless empty beer cans, lost clothing, puke, and ashes. For the San Manuel Amphitheater, Knotfest has undoubtedly left its mark. (My heart goes out to the clean up crew)

For those of you who didn't attend Knotfest and receive a complimentary digital copy of the new album, you can get yourself a copy here from the Slipknot official website. If you're heartbroken about missing the show, fear not; I think its safe to say Knotfest will be returning next year.

Grieves at Pub Rock 10/20

They say Mondays aren't so bad, its your job that sucks. But even if your job rules who's going to show up at a hip hop show on a Monday night? At Pub Rock; everyone.

Tonight Seattle based rapper Grieves concluded his Winter and the Wolves tour right here at Pub Rock in Phoenix, Arizona. Grieves has been on this tour in promotion of the new release since it started with a free show in Mesa, Arizona back in April. Check out my review of this show here. 

Opening the show was local rapper Mouse Powell from "about three blocks that way" he tells us

pointing behind him. Mouse knows how to make an entrance with the accompaniment of his DJ, beginning the show with a brief crowd pleasing play of "Turn Down for What". 

Mouse Powell already has some brownie points with me for sporting a Wavves shirt but relying too much on catchy radio hooks can definitely be a negative in how I receive a performance. However, Mouse quickly won me over diving into his first song. The show starts with a song about love, provoking quite a bit of audience interaction Mouse Powell is already working the crowds energy in his music, demeanor, and excitement. 

I like seeing an artist enjoy themselves on stage, but even better was the dynamic between Mouse and his accompanying vocalist. Especially during their performance of what Mouse introduced as a "Love song to someone you hate" during which ensued a vicious battle rap resembling back and forth between Mouse and his now rapping vocalist. Recovering from the harsh tone of this song, Mouse introduces the next track saying "To prove I love women, here's a song about my mom"

All in all Mouse Powell gave what might be the best opening performance I've seen at a hip hop show. He seems to not only defy but even contradict the stereotypical rapper with his child like happiness. By the end of Mouse's set I was not only thoroughly entertained, but it almost felt like I had just made a new friend. 

As for Grieves he delivered nothing less than expected. After his last performance in Mesa the rapper certainly did not disappoint bringing the same energy to the last show of this tour as he did to the first. Grieves and his dirty rotten gentlemen return to Pub Rock opening with Rain Damage, the first track off Winter and The Wolves.

Grieves acknowledges the impressive week day turn out commenting "Look at you motherf*****s on a Monday!' going on to say "Aren't you supposed to take care of your kids on Monday and s*** like that?" 

Feeding off of the unexpected energy of the Monday night crowd Grieves moves into his song Bloody Poetry, which featured an additional guitar solo from one of Grieve's instrumental performers. The live instruments introduced several exciting moments to the performance. Most notably the aforementioned improvisation.

From Grieves we got the charming laughs and stories similar to his previous performance. Providing ironic introductions to songs such as "Kidding Me" asking the audience "How many of you are in a healthy, loving relationship?" and retorting the following applause with "Well this song is not about that. This song is about loving someone who don't love you back, catching them with another man listening to your D'angelo records!'

Again Grieves delivered a stage show with more pizzazz than your average rapper while maintaining a personal and comical relationship with his audience. As usual there's always an opportunity to get a CD (or four) for cheap, meet Grieves, and have probably the best Monday night of your life at the Grieves show. For those that missed it, keep your ears open for the next Grieves show in AZ as its sure to be another phenomenal performance!