11-3 Epica, Alestorm, Insomnium, System Divide, Pittsburgh @Altar Bar

Pre-show last night I hadn't heard any of the other bands other than Alestorm. Expected it to be a debauchery of nu-metalcore nu-metal or some other bullshit. I was pretty much right.

Right off the bat Epica left me with a bad taste in my mouth because they kicked all the local openers off the bill. A few bands like Second Empire and Deathlehem were supposed to play, but at Epica's request the only bands that played were the touring bands they brought with them. That's just some rockstar shit, all I'm saying.

All in all turnout seemed really good. I'm thinking there were around 200 people there. Maybe 250. So I'm sure the promoter cleaned up on that one. Let's assume everyone paid $25 for the presale price and no one got the $27 at the door, or the $60 VIP whatever the fuck that is. 25 x 200 = 5000. That's a lot of cheese and if this metal tour cost more than that to bring through, that's fucked up.

System Divide - Boy did this band suck. They were on some tough metalcore shit brought to you by some bald guy, then some chic would sing some shit. For one I didn't like the way the chic was wiggling around on stage. She wasn't banging the head right. So they're fucking up right there. Then the songs are all confused, are they tough? Are they wimpy? They had no identity. Some 105.9 the X faux-underground bullshit metal. That's what I call it. We only stayed to watch two songs of theirs because of how bad it was. It looked like some people liked it. I think I disliked this band about as much as I've ever disliked a band before.

I have a serious accusation against System Divide that gets it's own paragraph here due to the nature of the allegation. I think both singers for System Divide were singing over a track, or completely lip-syncing. Let me explain the allegation farther. During the second song, which is the last song I saw of theirs, the dude singer was growling some shit and I guess he did something bad with the mic and it squealed at him in the middle of him singing. He took the mic away from his face and looked to the right, presumably at his sound guy, all pissed off. When the mic was away from his face, his lips weren't moving to the music (they were like what the fuck), there was no mic there to catch the vibrations if he had been, but the vocals to that song were still going. The mishap was only noticeable for two seconds, but it made me start to pay very close attention. That's when I noticed that there was something wrong with the chic's singing too. So, to clarify the allegation, here is what I think happened last night: System Divide played over a track. 75% of the sound we heard was a cd, 25% was the actual band. I know the microphones and shit were on because of the squeal, but I also know for a fact there was a track playing because I heard the singer singing when there was no singing being sung. Make sense? /rant

Insomnium - This band brought more of a respectable sound to the stage. Where the first band was some radio metal shit, this band was a little too heavy and too metal for the average Pittsburgh metal fan. I don't know which subgenre of metal I'd classify them as. But they weren't any one traditional style, but a mixture of things. It was nice that there was no nice singing involved and all the guys were fat metalheads. We watched 2 songs. While they were much better than the first band, still not worth my time.

Alestorm - I was all amped up for this and Alestorm didn't let me down. A few funny things happened right off the bat. This band is from Perth, Scotland. I'm pretty sure they announced right off the bat that they are Alestorm from Sacramento California. I'm not sure what that was about, but it was an interesting start. Second immediate observation of humor, their guitarist is a midget. It's true. We were hoping there would be a midget being funny, and they one upped us by having a midget in the band. And the lead singer is barely taller than the midget himself. The keytar was in effect. The singer was wearing a Pittsburgh Pirates shirt, which was the obvious choice that evening. The midget was wearing a Deathlehem shirt, that's one of the local bands that got kicked off. It makes me happy to think that they're not getting along well with Epica because of their rock star persona. Anyway I think the set only consisted of 9 songs. The Sunk'n Norwegian, Shipwrecked, Leviathan, Rum, Death Throes of the Terrorsquid, Nancy's Harbor Cafe, Captain Morgans Revenge, Keelhauled, and Pirate Song. It was great. I'd go see Alestorm again for $25.

Epica - This band sucks. One looooooong song in, we left. The chic singer sure can sing real nice, but that doesn't do shit for anyone when the songs suck. Some rock star metal fucks. Glad I had the foresight to leave before that set got real embarrassing.

All in all the evening was enjoyable for many of the same reasons it was not enjoyable, the fans. Radio metal fans are idiots. This guy who was up in front of me, a little short fuck with a ponytail was looking all pissed off whenever someone would bump him during Alestorm. That fucker was turned around facing me more than he was the stage. So of course any time I had the opportunity to push someone into him I gave him an extra hard shove. Fuck that idiot and fuck everyone else there who probably like shim. But we did have a grand time goofing on everyone and everything.

Hi's - Alestorm, idiots, inebriation
Low's - All the other bands, idiots, the price

10-14-2012 Converge, Torche, Kvelertak, Pittsburgh @Altar Bar

Going into this show I hadn't heard any of Converge's new cd, but I figured it'd be a ripper. The other two bands were pretty new to me.

The weather was good this night, a perfect night for hardcore and metal.

Kvelertak - This band was pretty good. Some of my friends thought they were pretty butt, but I thought they represented metal pretty well. Good performance. I'd like to see them again.

Torche - This band sucks. They reminded me of a heavier Creed or something. They also played forever. I watched a few songs and listened to the rest from outside. Will not see again, I hope.

Converge - They didn't play many old songs, but still ripped it up. Dark Horse is an awesome song. The crowd was real into it. Probably the best Converge show in Pittsburgh that I've been to.

I like the Altar Bar for some shows, less for others. This show I'd have rather seen somewhere else that is a little bit shittier.

Hi's - Converge, Kvelertak, weather
Low's - Torche, expensive beer

10-7 Propaghandi, Comeback Kid, The Catastrophe, Worlds Scariest Police Chases, Pittsburgh @Altar Bar

We were super stoked for this show. Propagandhi doesn't tour through these parts much, so seeing them was a treat. I've been listening to them since about 2000 and every album is pretty solid. The show was $20 I think, which is usually a little bit steep by punk standards, but going into the investment I felt it would be worth it.

Also on the same night was a CDC wig-mosh show going on at the Ironworks. I'm not sure why they'd schedule CDC to play here on the same night as Comeback Kid is playing a big show. It's people like me they want to draw there. The gangster mosh people are going to CDC anyway, but I'd only go if there wasn't anything better to do. So Propagandhi and Comeback Kid got my cheese without any contest.

Worlds Scariest Police Chases - Pop punk hardcore punk kinda deal. They all dress up like Police officers kinda. Well, they at least wear badges. Either way their set was real fun. The lead singer has a cockyness to him, though it seems to be part of the show.

The Catastrophe - I was hoping for a decent band. But this band wasn't decent. We watched three songs then went outside for beer. Pretty boring to watch. And the appearance of the lead singer was a turn off for me. He looked like a frat boy or something.

At this point in the night the crowd really started filling up. I especially dislike how the Altar Bar has those fucking benches segregating the 21+ from the all ages portion. It's just that those benches take up a lot of floor space and are intrusive to the show experience.

Comeback Kid - Ripped shit up. Some people say they sound like Linkin Park but I don't get that at all from them. They played a few songs more from the newest release Symptoms + Cures than I expected. But that is ok. The new album is pretty good and the set was very very good. Great energy. Good punk pitting. The setlist was solid and I'll go see Comeback Kid every chance I get.

Is it the bands or the promoters that make the time period between the headliner and the band before absurdly long?

Propagandhi - Killed it. It was the best punx show I've been to in a while. The biggest sticking point with me was the lack of material played off of Todays Empires Tomorrows Ashes. They only played Fuck the Border from that particular release. However, the songs from Supporting Caste are bangers, especially Night Letters. Great set. Played for a little over an hour. Well worth $20 alone.

I'm thinking there were somewhere around 300 people in the building. I liked everything about the show other than the Catastrophe and the $6 I spent on a tall can of PBR. There was also somewhat of a fight during Propagandhi. Idiots. I'm sure they settled that score. :/

Hi's - Prop, CBK, turnout, choosing this show over the alternative

Low's - It was pretty cold out, $20 though it was worth it

9-18-2012 Ceremony, Dead Regrets, Rabid Pigs, Pittsburgh @Smiling Moose

It's not often I buy tickets beforehand, but for this show me and my peeps arrived with tix in hand. It ended up not being necessary, but I'm glad I could support Rabid Pigs in that respect anyways. So before the show, pizza, beer, bam. New parking spot in the lot on 18th.

At the beginning of the show I was concerned about turnout. It ended up being ok. I suspect that around 65 people paid. Probably around 80 people in the room including the bands. That's not great, but I'm thinking the promoter didn't lose money on the deal.

Rabid Pigs - They opened up this 3 band show. Fast hardcore power violence. They played well. Equally as well as they've played at the last few Roboto shows. I think I've determined that I've seen them at their best. The show where they had the "I am no feeble Christ, no, not me" intro was their best set. But they played well on this night. Played the I Hate You cover, not the Infest cover, much to my dismay. Ended up being the best local band of the night.

Dead Regret - This band wasn't very good. I'm sure all three of these guys are swell dudes, but their band wasn't entertaining nor good. I'm not even sure what sub-genre of hardcore I'd classify them as. Maybe 'middle of the road hardcore.' Whatever that means. They didn't have a lot of beatdown. Not a lot of thrash. Not a whole lot of fast parts. No sing alongs. I don't think their being on a show will ever determine my being in attendance. Next time I'll probably drink a beer instead of subjecting myself to that.

Ceremony - Killed shit. First off their singer is one of the best frontmen in hardcore. He's entertaining as shit. His use of the mic stand. The way he moves and his expressions are so strange. They played lots off the two most recent releases. Zoo is such a deviance from their classic sound. I'm not sure what direction they're really heading in, but weirdo punk seems to be their thing now. The Doldrums was great. Sick is one of my new favorite songs in the world. Great set. Great energy. Great everything. Ceremony rules.

So I've been thinking a lot about the 4 crusties who were there. I don't care about them one way or another in reference to my preference of their being there, however I can't stop wondering if they paid to get in. Normally crusties don't ever have $10 because that's what happens when you don't have a job and are homeless and all that. Let alone for 4 crusties to have $40 combined. They stunk and were filthy. I don't mind, but I'm sure someone did. I do mind if they didn't pay. The Smiling Moose is usually pretty tight at the doors, so I'm thinking they got in legitimately somehow.

Hi's - turnout, Ceremony, Primantis
Low's - Stanky crusty asshole who was standing on the soap box right in front of the stage most of the Ceremony set.

9-13 Dying, Adventures, Rabid Pigs, Glass Lungs, Pittsburgh @Mr. Roboto Project

We left home too early. Spent a few hours in Primantis eating pizza and drinking and playing pool.

I'd never listened to any of the bands on the bill except Rabid Pigs but had hoped good things. This show was put together last second for the touring band. Turnout is usually not good for shows scheduled a week before happening. I'd say probably 25 people paid at the door. 40 people in the room including local bands.

Glass Lungs - Screamo hardcore from Pittsburgh. They weren't very good. I don't listen to a lot of their type of hardcore, so maybe they were awesome and I just think they suck. It seemed like most of the people there thought they weren't very good.

Rabid Pigs - Fast hardcore powerviolence. They're good. I like watching this band. Didn't know the first cover, did they say it was a Punch Your Face cover? I don't remember. I knew the Infest cover though. Great song. I'm thinking they'll play it also at the Ceremony show.

Dying - Touring band from Philly. Has a dude in it from Pittsburgh bands of the past. They were very heavy, very agressive vegan xxx hardcore. I enjoyed them a lot. Good head nodding stuff in the vein of Heartless.

Adventures - They're billed as emo/indie but I'd say lots of bands billed as hardcore bands sound similar to them. Adventures is heavier than Lifetime. Something like Title Fight. The vocals didn't come across very well, per Roboto syndrome. I'd still really like to see them again in a place with better sound setup.

Hi's - hanging out, Dying and Adventures and Rabid Pigs, getting the rest of the crew their Ceremony tix cuz that show's going to be cool as fuck.

Low's - turnout, being so early but it ended up being ok

9-3 Salvation, Holy Life, Trogpite, Manson Girls, Pittsburgh @Helter Shelter/Sharon Tate Estate/Spahn Ranch

I have seen Salvation before, so I was looking forward to their fast hardcore punk. The rest of the bands were new to me, and local. A day before the show, local band Torn Off got onto the bill. The show had to be executed in a small time frame because by 10 it had to be done with. It was billed as the last show ever at the Helter Shelter/Spahn Ranch/Sharon Tate Estate so I knew there was the opportunity for some chaos.

Torn Off - Sweet ass band. I'd never heard of them before, but during the set they said they have several recordings and are coming out with something new. Very screamy vocals, but the singer was massively entertaining. All the songs were about killing yourself or someone else, it seemed. Heavy and fast 3 piece. No bass guitar. I'd love to see Torn Off again.

Manson Girls - Two people playing noise/no wave/minimalist beats. No bass here either, and no vocals. It was pretty boring. Basically a steady drum beat with a steady guitar rythm for 4 songs, then she put the guitar down and fucked around making noise with guitar peddles. It was pretty butt.

Trogpite - This guy was about to put on some dj dance music noise shit most likely. We didn't watch that debauchery.

Holy Life - They were ok. Fast hardcore punk with no beatdowns and not enough head nod. Ex-members of a bunch of Pittsburgh bands. They just weren't very good.

Salvation - KILLED IT. This set was so fun. Unfortunately I was the first to spill beer on the floor. Then people smashed glass bottles on the floor. Then they ripped the particle board off the walls. Then they ripped the frames off the walls and tried to knock down the ceiling fans with it. It was madness. As for the band, they were amazing. Fast get low two step style hardcore in the traditional Youth Attack Records vein. The vocals weren't loud enough, but the set was still very energetic. The crowd was more of a punk crowd than a hardcore crowd, but they were into it too. A little bit too much perhaps. During Salvation's last song some punks ripped the electric outlet out of the wall causing a massive spark and a power outage. End of set.

By the end of the night there was blood all over the floors. Broken glass everywhere. No power for most of the room. No walls. Garbage everywhere. Goodnight punk house.

I'd say at the maximum point there were 40 people there.

Hi's - the destruction, Salvation and Torn Off, drinking and gettin chilly
Low's - the house was destroyed before Salvation was done, the stench outside for the beginning of the show, turnout could have been stronger

8-31 Dead in the Dirt, Heartless, Hounds of Hate, Pray for Teeth, Rabid Pigs, Pittsburgh @Mr. Roboto Project

Going into the show I was expecting averageness. I got a little bit better than that form pretty much every band.

Rabid Pigs - I loved the Jesus hating intro. I'm not sure where it comes from, maybe a Crass song or something. But it's the same thing Crucial Unit used as an intro to their live set on the radio. Powerviolence. They covered Infest. Good set. Glad they played so I could buy Ceremony tickets.

Pray for Teeth - I enjoy the Old Accusers, but not this band so much. They kinda suck. Real heavy and weird kinda. But I just dont think they're very good. Spent most of the set drinking.

Hounds of Hate - Big time surprised. Fast in the vein of Floorpunch or something like that. The mosh was good. The tunes were good. Billed as a rock band, they're more like a fast hardcore band for sure.

Dead in the Dirt - I was moderately excited to see this band going into the show. But I should have known what I was about to get into. The few songs of theirs I know, I couldn't tell if they played them or not. Hah. To super enjoy this band I need a setlist and like 6 months of listening to the new album. They had good energy. Heavy, at times "grindy", fast hardcore. Not too much beatdown.

Heartless - Super good. The best I've seen them. They've got so much better in the last few years from their first show. I enjoyed the shit out of the set even though I don't know any of the songs. Very nice. Pittsburgh bringin it.

Hi's - turnout, Ceremony tickets, decent shoutouts like Fuck Christians.
Low's - not too much