Even More Outta Control Tour in PA (Nonpoint, Soil, Spineshank, HedPE)

I just saw Nonpoint and Soil in May, but when I saw that they were adding (Hed)PE and Spineshank I made it a point to get tickets to see them again.  Even though they weren't coming back to my immediate area, I'm on summer vacation and I was willing to go out of my way.  Even better was that I was able to meet up with an old friend on the way.  In fact, I brought a couple people and he brought a couple people and it made it the biggest group I have been to a show with which made it even more fun.  I had to recap this amazing night with another post!

On August 4th I picked up my college buddy Jeff, and his friend from the gym, and drove to meet my old friend Chris and some of his friends.  We took two vehicles to the Sherman Theater in Stroudsberg, PA.  On the way, Chris played us a few original songs as well as songs from the bands we were going to see to hype us up.  We pre-gamed a little in the parking lot and then got on line for the venue.  Inside this place was about the size of the Webster in Hartford, but laid out a little differently.  The long front hallway had the snack stand, merchandise tables, and a bar across the back.  Then entering the concert hall there were maybe 20 rows of chairs and then a big general admission floor space that was slanted toward the stage.  Even though some people were there early, we got near the front.  I was about second row for (Hed)PE who played first.  This was my 6th time seeing them live, but first with their new drummer and guitar player.  The drummer, Stephen Arango, just joined in 2024 and was pounding the skins. The new guitarist, Nathan Javier, joined in 2021 and seems cool. What stood out most is that everyone seemed to gel nicely and the band has ditched the reggae breakdowns that had been mixed in with a lot of the old songs. I was thankful to hear many songs from the Broke album the way they used to be, and this was the most the band has sounded like the classic record in over a decade.  They started right at 7PM with Jesus (of Nazareth). KB is still killing it on bass and Jared can still growl, rap, and command a crowd - and yes, he played his melodica including an outro to the 30 minute set at the end of "Bartender."

Just a short while later Spineshank came out and began with "Asthmatic."  I was most excited to see them because I hadn't seen them since 2003.  They are down to a four-piece after previously touring with two guitarists. Guitarist Jason Hager (Chimera) has been home since May to focus on his mental health. They still have their long time drummer, Tommy Decker, and his son Tommy Jr. is now playing guitar.  James Mills is currently covering bass and backing vocal duties while longtime member Rob Garcia is taking some time off as well.  Lead singer Johnny Santos is significantly heavier and doesn't have the same voice that he used to have.  He looks very happy to be back on stage though and he interacted well with the crowd.  It was still cool to see them again.  I heard many of the songs I wanted to hear as they covered four songs each from Height of Callousness and Self-Destructive Pattern.  There was a bit of moshing, but I'd say the pit was lackluster.  It allowed me to get some video and keep my spot at the front without getting slammed so I was fine with it.  Spineshank is the first band that I moshed to back in 2001, but I'm getting old for that now.

At the next break I got a refreshment and checked out the merchandise stands more closely.  Bands had reasonably priced t-shirts at $35.  HedPE members had appeared at their table right after their set.  Johnny said he would wait until after Nonpoint to join his table.  By 8:30PM Soil took the stage and kicked off with "Breaking Me Down."  Like when I saw them in May, they played only songs off of Scars and Redefined.  Singer Ryan McCombs as always had his Shure Super 55 "fat-boy" microphone that looks like a speaker.  He is still flanked by original members Adam Zadel and Tim King who are massive individuals that look even taller compared to the 5'6" McCombs.  TJ Taylor, formerly of Tantric, has been drumming for Soil since 2017.  Last show I caught a drum stick from him, or rather it went over my head and the girl behind me that caught it gave it to me because she said she didn't know them and I was obviously a fan.  This night the band sounded great and I thought Ryan was even stronger and more consistent than last time on songs like Unreal, Dirty Black Seven, and crowd favorite Halo.  After 8 songs and a little after 9PM they were done.  Less than 30 minutes later Nonpoint came out.  Gone are the days of hour long set changes.  Nowadays bands usually pre-load all of their gear and sound check early.  After each performer, gear is removed, opening the stage up for the bigger acts.

Nonpoint started with the energetic song "Ruthless" and lead singer Elias implored us to move.  They also seemed to be more "on" than last time.  The stage was smaller, but they all moved around jumping, headbanging, and even trading places on stage.  Most of the time I was in front of Rasheed which is cool because the last two times I was on Jason's side.  I also left out that by this point I had made it to the railing because my friend Chris and a complete stranger moved aside so I could get up front.  I must have earned my spot because throughout the set the guys next to me and behind me were slapping my back, fist-bumping, and singing with me.  A couple of songs in the guitarist from HedPE appeared on a balcony on the side.  Elias remarked how all the bands have history together, and the balcony was lit up as he thanked the opening bands.  They played new songs "Red Yeti" and "Is It" from their forthcoming album. After "Mindtrip," Johnny from Spineshank appeared on the balcony and Elias mentioned how they were friends since Ozzfest '01.  Drummer Robb got up from his kit and went over to fist-bump Johnny.  I was at that tour and remember that at our show at PNC Johnny even joined Nonpoint to sing a song during their set.  Seeing the camaraderie and feeling a part of the metal community was really special.  But wait, there's more!  Nonpoint rounded out their set with "What a Day,"  a hybrid of Victim and Endure which had me going nuts, an awesome version of "My Last Dying Breath," and closing as always with "Bullet With a Name." 

After about an hour from Nonpoint it was over.  I failed to catch a guitar pick or setlist, but just as I was about to walk away from the rail one of the stage hands called me out and handed me a setlist!  It has the wrong date and city on top, but it was the same songs.  He said "I saw you rocking out.  I watched you and you deserve this."  As I floated out of the stage area we passed the Spineshank table.  I called out to Johnny, but there was a line of people waiting to get pictures and merch so I wasn't able to talk to him.  A few minutes later Ryan from Soil was wandering around and I asked to get a picture with him.  He gladly obliged and then took pictures with my buddies as well.  Chris told him about seeing him back in the day.  He told us that the Nonpoint guys were showering and might not come out for a while.  He said he was drunk so he was going back to the bus after he signed some kids swords and whatever else people had.  Jeff ended up on the Sherman Theater website for his R2D2 Metal Head shirt.  Our whole party was visible in the picture taken from the stage after Nonpoint's set that appeared on their social media.  Nonpoint has been one of my favorite bands since I first heard them in 2000.  After seeing them for a dozen shows, they remain one of my favorites.  This night because of the lineup, the friends, the whole atmosphere, the sound and everything in total, will live in my memory for a long time.  Nonpoint has a new album called The Last Word due out September 18. (Hed)P.E. has an album Relapse due out October 2.  Spineshank said they are working on new music and hope to have an album out by the end of the year.  Soil has reportedly been sitting on new music and plans for its release have been delayed.  Nothing was mentioned of it at the last two shows, but some interviews say it is still coming.  Stay tuned for more rock from all of these bands and definitely catch a show if you are able.  Rock on!

90's Nostalgia Night: Blues Traveler, Gin Blossoms, and Spin Doctors

It's been too long since I made a blog entry and I feel compelled to write a review of my recent concert experience, the first of a handful of summer concerts I have lined up.  Two of the bands I had seen before, but never reviewed those concerts.  The third was a pleasant surprise to round out what is just being called "2026 Summer Tour" but harkens back to the mid 1990's when these bands were all at their commerical heights.  The event I attended was at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT.  It's a great venue to see a show because it's easy to get in and out of and the arena is pretty well organized.  The only thing that bothered me was sitting in traffic for three hours on the way to the venue.  It used to take me that long from NJ and should have been half the time from my current residence.  Fortunately, I made it to my seat with minutes to spare before the first band came out.  As a casino arena, they do like to start on time and get you out early to hopefully spend some more money before you go home.

The Spin Doctors came out first at 6:05 and played seven songs in 50 minutes including a Purple Rain cover and three songs off of their most famous album, Pocket Full of Kryptonite (Jimmy Olsen's Blues, Little Miss Can't Be Wrong, and Two Princes).  The lead singer is still energetic and throws a few high kicks during the set.  The speakers were pretty loud and I am glad I brought my ear plugs thinking I may not need them in the upper deck.  The band sounded balanced and strong, but not as good as I saw them last in 2020.  The reason I think is two-fold.  First, they didn't have long time bassist, Mark White, after he was fired in 2022 for refusing to get the Covid-19 vaccine and going MAGA.  Ironically, Spin Doctors were the last band I saw before the quarantine!  The second reason they weren't as impressive is likely that they were the opener and bands bring a different energy when they are the headliner.  Still they got a good reaction from the crowd that built throughout their set.  During the third song, Margarita, they had Blues Traveler keyboardist, Ben Wilson, play with them.  The Prince cover and song "Two Princes" were highlights.

After a 30 minute set change Gin Blossoms came out announcing themselves as "your favorite band from Tempe, Arizona."  They launched right into one of their biggest hits, "Follow You Down" which is my favorite of theirs and sounded incredible.  After that, lead singer Robin Wilson quoted Roddy Piper from They Live when he said "We came to chew bubblegum and kick ass, and we are all out of bubblegum." He also later commended the people standing in front and told them not to let the people behind them tell to  sit down.  This is a rock show, after all.  I've heard this from Jacoby of Papa Roach and others in the metal community.  I didn't expect it from the Gin Blossoms!  They went on to play a dozen songs in total across five albums in one hour.  Lead guitarist Scotty Johnson rotated between three different guitars, changing after each song.  Before playing "As Long as It Matters" from Congratulations I'm Sorry, Wilson quipped tongue in cheek, "We're very proud that this song hit number one . . . in the Phillipines."  For "Hands are Tied" Blues Traveler's Ben Wilson again performed on keyboards.  This one was a nice upbeat track in the middle of the set.  Robin then said "Now we're going to play the rest of the hits," leading into Found Out About You, Allison Road, featuring his very animated and talented son on lead guitar, Hey Jealousy, and closing with Til I Hear It From You.  I wasn't sure what to expect from this band only being familiar with their radio singles, but I thoroughly enjoyed them.  At the break I used the restroom and got a hot dog and a beer.  The concession stands built to long lines, but they moved pretty fast and there are multiple places along the concourse to do your business.  I thought that they might stretch the break to 9PM, but at exactly 8:50 "Team America" played as Blues Traveler took the stage.

They quickly began with 2012's "Things are Looking Up."  The song features John Popper's harmonica playing and a guitar solo.  It appeared at one point John had a problem with one of his harmonica's because he called for a replacement and then tossed one into the audience.  One or two other times it looked like he was playing but the microphone wasn't catching it.  Other than that he still sounds great and the harmonica playing is a highlight of their show along with extended jam versions of songs.  Speaking of which, the second song began as Devil Went Down to Georgia, but John sang "Devil Went Down to Stamford" and changed a few other words as he played to the Connecticut crowd while telling a bit of his origin story.  This led into their big hit "Run-Around" and then they finished "Devil Went Down to Georgia."  Next John left the stage as the rest of the band played a trippy jam.  John returned to launch into their first popular song, "But Anyway."  John then continues his story about how in 1983 he moved from Stamford to Princeton, NJ.  It was there he met some of his bandmates and Chris from Spin Doctors.  I didn't know this, but John and Chris played together in a band called Trucking Company before John started Blues Traveler and the old band evolved into Spin Doctors!  Chris is invited up on stage and they talk about how Sandford and Son inspired a song about alcohol called Champipple.  It sounds like the main melody to Uncle Kracker's "Follow Me" with funny lyrics.  The song was actually released by John's side project with the Duskray Troubadours and recently returned to the Blues Traveler set list in 2025.  They then played "Look Around" from album Four which is like an emo ballad featuring a keyboard solo and saxophone and lyrics like, "You'll get no answer from me; About what I get or what I want. That was enough to make her leave. She's not the first one come and gone."  Next came an extended jam version of Carolina Blues with Eric Shenkman from Spin Doctors on guitar.  At 9:50PM They closed the set with fan favorite "Hook" and then said "This is normally the part where we leave and pretend we're not coming back, but we're just standing over there on the side of the stage and you all know we're coming back for one more song so we're going to skip that.  Do you want one more song?"  They invited Robin Wilson up for the encore and did a cover of Tom Petty's "Breakdown". At about 10:05PM it was over.  The lights came up and I still had time to go get a burger from Bobby's Burger Palace and donuts from Krispy Kreme.  When I saw Blues Traveler in 2011 at the Wellmont in Montclair I was more impressed with the harmonica playing and the set was longer with about twice as many songs.  However, they still sound terrific and are worth seeing if you get the chance.  I could have listened to another hour of them easily, but I think the venue likes to get you in and out as quick as possible.  Check out clips of several songs on my YouTube channel, and let me know if you have suggestions for more blog posts.  Keep rockin'!

Spin Doctors 7/31/26

Gin Blossoms 7/31/26

Veer Union - Reinvention

Veer Union just quietly released their 10th studio album.  I say quietly because the Canadian quartet currently is not touring and it was released on a small international independent label, Arising Empire.  Although 2024's Welcome to Dystopia and 2022's Manifestations showed growth, they didn't exactly blow up either.  The band recently went live on social media with their new bass player, Glen Clarke, to do some shots for St. Patrick's Day and publicly launch a Go Fund Me campaign for a reliable RV so they can hit the road again.  Newest member Glen doesn't just bring the bass, but he also brings "unclean" screaming backup vocals which gives the new album a different sound and a harder edge then their previous material.  Crispin's smooth crooning and powerful alt-metal style is still ever present, but the backup vocals, tempo changes, and breakdowns bring elements of screamo and metalcore that could bring Veer Union more attention from a new audience.  At 32 minutes, Reinvention is easy to consume and I quite enjoyed it.

It's been a long time since their breakthrough single "Seasons" in 2008.  More recently they've gained followers from their covers of Linkin Park and collaborations with bands like Defending Cain and Stealing Eden.  Reinvention could be the rebirth the band needs and if you like heavy music, I urge you to check it out.  Get more from the band at their website https://theveerunion.net/home

Standout tracks: Sea of Fear, Venom in My Veins, Feel Again

Megadeth - Final Album review

Megadeth's self-titled, and alleged final studio album, has arrived!  Dave Mustaine says they will tour for about three years and then retire.  Singles have been getting slowly released for months and the full album, with white Vic Rattlehead on fire logo, was released officially on January 23, 2026.  It's the first album with guitarist Teemu Mantysaari (Wintersun).  For those interested in physical copies there are CDs and multiple versions of vinyl which appear to be different colors depending on what retail store you get them from.

Here's my impressions:  If you like Megadeth already, you will like this album.  There's plenty to celebrate.  If you don't already like Megadeth, this album is not likely to change your mind.  There's nothing groundbreaking that they haven't done before.  Overall, it is a great album.  I was hoping for a masterpiece to go out on and I think it falls a little short of that.  I would rank it 5 out of 17 in the Megadeth catalogue. 

1. Tipping Point - The album starts off with signature fast riffing and what sounds like a commentary on the current political climate without getting too detailed in the lyrics.  This was the first single, released October 3, 2025.

2. I Don't Care - Talky, scratchy vocals with an angsty early 2000s vibe and lots of ripping guitar licks.  Personally, I could see myself playing this one often.  It's a vibe.

3. Hey God?! - This one is a poem or prayer to God.  It's introspective and honest about feeling insecure and trying to find one's relationship with a higher power.  I didn't expect this kind of song at this point in Mustaine's career, but I really appreciate the sentiment.

4. Let There Be Shred - Listening to these songs from start to finish in the album track order you start to notice that this is Mustaine's final opus and he is making no apologies about showing off his guitar skills and staking his claim to being a thrash godfather.  He was never known for his vocal ability, and on this album he ranges from cringy to passable as a singer.  But the riffs are in your face and this one has a fast driving rhythm to propel the album forward and provide a nice soundtrack for a roadtrip or run on the treadmill.

5. Puppet Parade - This sounds like vintage 90's Megadeth.

6. Another Bad Day - A self pity song that some people will love and others will skip.

7. Made to Kill - An uptempo anti-war song that mentions drones and blood-soaked kings.  Crunchy riffs in the verses and a few shredding solos to break up the repetitiveness.

8. Obey the Call - A slower song about the "pawns" rising up against the "false crusaders" until the the final minute which melts faces.

9. I Am War - Another slower anti-war song that is pretty basic until you get to the solo.  At track 9 it seems like a filler, but it certainly shows there is a theme to this album.

10. The Last Note - A reflection on a musical career, and frankly, a goodbye opus.  With lyrics like "And now it's time for me to say the long goodbye" and " if I ever play again then let this last note never die," the message is clear. He ends it by saying "I came. I ruled. Now, I disappear."

11. Ride the Lightning (Bonus track, all releases except Target edition) - But wait, there's more!  - the bonus track that many Megadeth fans have been waiting years for.  A song to bring Mustaine's career full circle is a reimagined cover of the famous 1984 Metallica track in the style of Megadeth.  The first thing that stands out to me is the bass.  The singing is certainly a different vibe, and while not particularly good technically speaking, it gives the song a much darker tone.  The vocals with Hetfield are actually too airy in my opinion due to the echo effect.  Then the guitars take over with a Dragonforce type of riffing four minutes in, and then the drums take the forefront while the Pantera-like rhythm parts play before the final crescendo.  For those curious, James Hetfield, Cliff Burton, and Lars Ulrich get official co-writing credits on this song.  I personally prefer this version, but not everyone will agree.

11. Bloodlust (Bonus track, Target edition cds and vinyl only) - This song by Mustaine, Mantysaari, and Mary Evelyn Clement sounds like a throwback in that it isn't overproduced and has shades of early Megadeth.  It also sounds to me like the most balanced between song lyrics and musicianship.  It's definitely worth looking up this track if you are a fan of the band and don't have the Target release.

Megadeth discography ranked

Megadeth albums ranked by me - With the announcement of Megadeth's planned last album and farewell tour I thought I'd do a deep dive and revisit their entire catalogue.  Also with me going back to work I won't have the same luxury of time again for a while so I binged it all in two days.  I've been a fan for many years, however, I didn’t get into them until I was already an adult.  As such, my judgement is not clouded by nostalgia, but may also lack the connection to the cultural importance of the music as it was released at the time.  I've seen them live three times and thought they were great each time.

1. Rust in Peace (1990) - The first album featuring guitarist Marty Friedman and drummer Nick Menza.  It starts off with two of Megadeth’s best singles “Holy Wars . . . The Punishment Due” and “Hangar 18”. Production is markedly better than either of the first two albums, and the songs just have more layers of texture.  Three tracks in and it is an instant classic. One of the biggest criticisms of Megadeth in general is Dave’s vocals, and on tracks like “Tornado of Souls” the whiny sound is a detraction. On “Dawn Patrol” he is almost talking sounding like a creepy Marilyn Manson.  Other than that, this is a masterpiece and their Magnum Opus.

2. Peace Sells . . . But Who’s Buying? (1986) - Despite having a lot less time to write compared to the debut, the songwriting is far superior exemplified by album opener “Wake Up Dead” and title track “Peace Sells.” Themes range from black magic and occultism to modern politics. It also still has ripping riffs like on “Dark Mourning/Black Friday”. The album cemented Megadeth as a thrash superpower and helped push the genre of speed metal.  The reimagining of Willie Dixon’s “I Ain’t Superstitious” seems out of place and not as good as Killing’s “These Boots” in my opinion. 

3. Killing Is My Business . . . and Business is Good! (1985) - This one is raw in terms of production and vocals, but is loaded with blistering guitar licks.  It serves as a standard setter for thrash and set the tone for Mustaine’s career post-Metallica which was based on being heavier and faster than Metallica. Bass shines on “These Boots” but is lost in some other songs.  While the songwriting is still in development stages, “Rattlehead” and “Mechanix” seem to put it all together. For this one, I definitely recommend listening to the remastered versions for maximum rock effect.  It’s a totally different experience. 

4. Dystopia (2016) - This is one of Dave’s favorite albums and one that finally earned him a Grammy after 11 unsuccessful nominations. Chris Adler (Lamb of God) is playing on drums and Kiko Loureiro first appears as a Megadeth guitarist.  I feel like the songwriting is the strongest and the album is most cohesive since the 90’s.  There’s a definite tone and the songs musically seem to compliment the lyrics rather than acting as separate entities as sometimes happens in this band.  The playing is tremendous and there are no skip songs unlike the predecessor Super Collider where half of them were. 

5. Countdown to Extinction (1992) - This album became the band’s most commercially successful and highest charting, only held out of number one by Billy Ray Cyrus.  With the classic lineup solidified, the other members had more input and writing credits.  Mustaine’s vocals are the best up to this point.  Sonically it is heavier and not as fast as previous releases, but there are still plenty of shredding solos.  “Symphony of Destruction” is one of the best metal songs of all time and “Sweating Bullets” is one of the most cult classic Mustaine moments where he talks to the voice in his own head. Great songs, but a little slow at times for me. 

6. The World Needs a Hero (2001) - Exit Friedman and Capitol Records.  Enter Al Pitrelli and Sanctuary Records.  The return of Vic Rattlehead on the cover brings back a return to form in sound as well.  The title track and “Burning Bridges” stand out to me for the right reasons even though these weren’t released as a single.  The single “Moto Psycho” comes off as cheesy, but does have redeeming qualities. It’s an album you can play through in the background or dig into the lyrics and the parts of each musician.  Don’t sleep on this album.

7. Endgame (2009) - this was one that I bought on cd and I liked it back then.  Endgame’s lyrics sounded hyperbolic back in the Bush days, but proved prophetic in the days of 47.  There’s no monster tracks on this album, but there are some monster solos and unlike some albums I was left wanting more when this one came to an end. 

8. The Sick, the Dying . . . and the Dead! (2022) - This one took six years to put out, but there was a lot going on.  Dave Mustaine was diagnosed with throat cancer, there was a global pandemic and lockdown, then David Ellefson was ousted from the band and all of his bass parts were re-recorded.  One has to wonder how the album might have sounded with Ellefson still playing on it especially since somebody finally learned how to produce Mustaine’s vocals.  This is not quite a concept album, but there is an eerie vibe to it all.  Dave’s cancer radiation became the inspiration for “Dogs of Chernobyl” and his doctor even got a writing credit for giving information and phrases about radiation poisoning!   In a sign of modern times, six singles were released within a span of six months. 

9. The System Has Failed (2004) - The 10th studio album started as a solo album after Mustaine suffered an arm injury and disbanded the group.  A total lineup change meant Mustaine was back in control.  He apparently offered co-founder Ellefson his job back, but they couldn’t agree to financial terms.  Multiple session musicians contributed to the recording.  Heavy drumming and chunky riffs provide the backbone for harmonized guitar melodies and shredding solos that come over top. The lyrics are a strength as well.  I could listen to anything from this album and be content, but I wouldn’t be clamoring for any specific song except maybe “Truth Be Told.” 

10. Thirteen (2011) - David Ellefson returned on bass duties, but Mustaine already had a bunch of songs written.  Despite early critic reviews being pretty positive, this album is frequently very low on ranked lists of Megadeth albums. I’m partial to the heavier sound a lot of the songs have. “Never Dead, Sudden Death, and Deadly Nightshade” are really great songs.  Thematically, this album is also much stronger than a lot of the Megadeth catalogue. 

11. So Far, So Good . . . So What! (1988) - It’s the first album the drumming stands out in a positive way and credit for that goes to drum tech turned full time drummer, Chuck Behler.  It’s a very solid album but lacking some cohesiveness and monster singles. My favorite track was the 4th single “In My Darkest Hour.”

12. Youthanasia (1994) - This one took a step back from previous albums.  Most of the songs are just rock and without the solos you wouldn’t even call it a metal album, certainly not thrash.  Fun fact: they tried to be the first to record an album completely digitally, but ultimately magnetic tape was still used.  Dave Mustaine has said that he is most proud of “A Tout Le Monde.” I never could connect with the song.  I prefer “Reckoning Day,” “The Killing Road” and “Youthanasia.” 

13. United Abominations (2007) - Another new lineup and the first release on Roadrunner Records.  More disgruntled lyrics over fast music.  Mustaine basically revisited some old classics and freshened them up.  “Amerikhastan” he called basically “Part 2 to Holy Wars” and “A Tout le Monde (Set Me Free)” reprises the original with the addition of Christina Scabbia (Lacuna Coil).  It adds musicality, but it still falls short of epic. The final minute of the album at the end of “Burnt Ice,” now that’s epic! 

14. Risk (1999) - Here we take another turn as the band tries to create the next new stadium anthem with “Crush ‘Em” and explores more alternative sounds with “Breadline” and “The Doctor Is Calling.”  Dave cites guitarist Marty Friedman as the reason for slowing down the tempos.  He does get writing credit on the majority of the songs before departing a year after its release.  This is also the studio debut of drummer Jimmy DeGrasso.  It’s not a quintessential Megadeth record, but I find it a lot more listenable than its predecessor Cryptic Writings. “Wanderlust” sandwiched in the middle is a nice hidden gem of a rock and roll track.  “Seven” talks of the seven deadly sins over a groovy bass line and swing tempo drums. 

15. Super Collider (2013) - Released on another new record label, a branch of Universal created for “MegaDave,” not even Vic wanted to appear on the cover as only a dim reflection of his skull can be seen.  After a few heavy rockers in a row, this album reverts back to a more radio-friendly and commercial sound.  “Kingmaker,” “Dance in the Rain” featuring a David Draiman guest appearance, and “Don’t Turn Your Back” are not bad.  The cover of Thin Lizzy’s “Cold Sweat” is pretty good too, but the bonus tracks are better than half of what made this album.

16. Cryptic Writings (1997) - Contrary to the album title, Megadeth made a conscious effort to be more marketable with this album by being more melodic and making lyrics more accessible and inclusive.  It may have been a push from management, but Dave claims “we're willing to study the marketplace and educate ourselves.”  Lead single “Trust” is one of their best songs overall.  Second single “Almost Honest” is basically a pop song with a guitar solo 2/3 of the way through. Seriously, it sounds more Bon Jovi than Megadeth.  The third single “Use the Man” opens like the Beatles, then gets grungy, then speeds up.  The speed metal returns on “Disintegrators.” Can you say identity crisis?  Some people rank this in the middle of their catalogue, but for me it is at the bottom with only the lead track that I would go back to.

Megadeth top 10 favorite songs (amended from original list posted in 2016)

1. Holy Wars...The Punishment Due

2. Peace Sells

3. Symphony of Destruction

4. Angry Again

5. Hangar 18

6. Mechanix

7. Dialectic Chaos

8. Rattlehead

9. Never Dead

10. Dystopia

Megadeth from Gigantour in Camden 2013

Megadeth from Wellmont Theater 2013

Promo photo for the band's yet untitled final album

Chevelle - Bright as Blasphemy

If I had to listen to one band for the rest of my life, I think I'd have to pick Chevelle.  I've been a fan since Point #1 (1999).  I've seen them live ten times, and after the release of their 10th album today I can't wait to see them again.  Bright as Blasphemy is only nine songs and clocks in at just under 40 minutes, but it exemplifies what I love about this band.  They are riff dominant rock when a lot of bands aren't anymore.  They have changed their sound enough to make each album different while keeping a signature sound that works.  The lyrics are deep enough to make you think, but often amorphous enough to be left open to interpretation.

Though their last album NIRATIAS released in 2021 was not that long ago, this album was originally planned to be released at the end of 2023 and then mid-2024 before eventually getting pushed back another year.  The reasons are multiple.  Firstly, the writing process was described as "torturous" by drummer Sam Loeffler.  It's kind of ironic since the writing is down to just the two brothers, Sam and Pete.  Sam says that Pete is very self critical, however, and he will try to rewrite and improve songs until they meet his high standards.  Secondly, the album is largely self-produced.  They're at a point in their career where they are taking control of the music.  Pete does most of it himself with touring bassist, Kemble Walters, assisting in engineering. Thirdly, they signed to a new label, Alchemy Recordings, a relatively new label founded by Danny Wimmer (promoter) and Dino Paredes (manager/producer Puscifer, A Perfect Circle). Curiously, Chevelle is not yet mentioned on their official website. I wouldn't put Bright as Blasphemy as a favorite album, but it is a nice addition to their catalogue. My favorite tracks would be album opener, "Pale Horse;" lead single, "Rabbit Hole (Cowards, Pt. 1);" and closing track, "Shocked at the End of the World."  If you like riff and groove oriented rock with breakdowns to bang your head to, check it out.  Also, Chevelle is best listened to on quality headphones or speaker systems.  You get so much more depth, especially in the low end, if you listen on good equipment.

Chevelle are currently on tour with Asking Alexandria and Dead Poet Society and local dates include 8/23 (Asbury Park, Stone Pony Summer Stage), 8/26 (NYC, Rooftop at Pier 17), 8/27 (Bethlehem, Wind Creek Event Center), and 8/28 (Wallingford, Toyota Oakdale Theatre)

Chevelle at Wellmont Theater 8-3-24

Chevelle at Wellmont Theater 8-3-24

RIP Prince of Darkness, Ozzy Osbourne

Ozzy Osbourne (December 3, 1948 - July 22, 2025)

It is the end of an era.  A hard rock and heavy metal icon has passed, the one many consider the godfather of metal, Ozzy Osbourne.  He was a founding member of Black Sabbath that formed in 1968 and released their first album in 1970.  He wrote and sang on nine Black Sabbath albums and thirteen solo studio albums.  He and his wife Sharon were responsible for starting the biggest and most successful festival tours to feature metal artists.  He just played his final show from a throne on stage at Villa Park in Aston, Birmingham, UK on July 5.  The show titled “Back To The Beginning: Ozzy’s Final Bow” was already planned for a movie release early next year. Time will tell if it will now be expanded beyond the original plan of a 100 minute concert film.

I won't claim to be Ozzy's biggest fan growing up, rather my relationship with Ozzy's music evolved over time.  I was born in 1980 and I didn't start getting into rock until middle school and metal even later.  I first remember being a fan of songs like "Iron Man" (1970) and "Crazy Train" (1980).  When I was a kid I feel like Ozzy was always in pop culture.  Pop music had Michael Jackson and Madonna.  Rock music had Ozzy and Lemmy.  I knew he had his own name tattooed on his knuckles. I had heard the stories of Ozzy biting the head off of a dove (1981) and a bat (1982) and urinating on the Alamo (1982).  I didn't know quite what to think about it, but these things certainly made him stand out. 

In 1991 he had a resurgence with his second album to feature Zakk Wylde, No More Tears, featuring the title track and "Mama I'm Coming Home."  Although I was watching MTV and VH1 by this point, Headbanger's Ball was on past my bedtime.  And while I enjoyed Ozzy, Aerosmith, Def Leppard, Bon Jovi, Twisted Sister, Guns N Roses, etc. in 1991 the grunge and alternative movement surged quickly and dominated airwaves.  I started listening to REM, Nirvana, and Soundgarden.  Later Alanis Morissete, Green Day, and Weezer.  In the summer of 1993 I have a distinct memory of watching the video for "Crazy Train" and thinking it was one of the greatest songs ever.  In 1994 Ozzy first appeared on Beavis and Butthead.  He also recorded a song with Miss Piggy from the muppets.  In 1995 Ozzy's Ozzmosis album came out and I particularly liked "Perry Mason." Then Ozzy kind of faded from my attention for a few years.

In college during the fall of 1999 a friend of mine introduced me to heavier music.  He was a huge fan of the Deftones' first two albums.  He then turned me onto Papa Roach, Linkin Park, Staind, etc.  This was pre-YouTube, but we had file sharing programs so I started to explore songs from these bands as well as go back to earlier metal like Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, and Judas Priest.  I bought cds of my favorite artists, and I went to my first concert in February of 2000.  I was now on my way to becoming a true metal-head.  I saw Ozzy perform live for the first time with Black Sabbath at Ozzfest 2001.  They headlined an amazing show that 170 concerts later is still my favorite of all time.  I enjoyed every set and even though I was tired from 12 hours of rocking, I remember thinking I could listen to Black Sabbath forever and be happy.  Songs like "N.I.B" and "War Pigs" really stood out in the live performance.

In October 2001 Ozzy released Down to Earth featuring "Gets Me Through; Facing Hell; Junkie; and Dreamer." This album wasn't as heavy as a lot of his material but I liked several songs on it.  In March 2002 the reality TV series The Osbournes came out.  It quickly became popular as we got to peer into the family life of the Prince of Darkness and see a softer and funnier side of Ozzy which really humanized him. I saw Ozzy on stage for the second time at Ozzfest in July 2002.  This time his band lineup featured Zakk Wylde on guitar, Mike Bordin on drums, and Robert Trujillo on bass. Obviously the sound was different, but still very cool.  I liked everything Zakk did except I didn't think Crazy Train sounded as good with him compared to Randy Rhodes.  I remember Ozzy running and jumping around a lot and hyping up the crowd, even throwing buckets of water.  They played a 14 song set including two from the new album.  Ozzy was maybe at the height of his popularity at this time and I loved getting to see him in his element performing.  

In 2003 it became public that Ozzy was being overprescribed several types of pills which affected his speech and ability to walk.  Some of the footage made it to air on his reality show and most people laughed at his condition.  However, in December 2003 when an ATV accident nearly took his life it was no laughing matter.  When I saw Ozzfest 2004 I went to the Camden show and Ozzy was sick so Rob Halford filled in for him with Black Sabbath.  In May of 2005 he was diagnosed with Parkin syndrome, a genetic disorder related to Parkinson's disease that also causes tremors, posture instability, and affected his hearing.  I got to see Ozzy again in 2007.  While it was a fun concert, Ozzy didn't sound as good as the first two times I saw him and his body was not nearly as limber.  His jumps were awkward, though he still tried.  He didn't run around as much and he held onto the microphone stand more.  The vocals were a little more garbled and he was constantly yelling "I can't hear you" and "Show me your cigarette lighters."  

It was around this time that I started writing this blog to catalogue some of my concert going experiences and write about music that I enjoy.  I didn't have to think for very long before I decided to call it "Diary of a Madman Bink" in honor of Ozzy.  At some point my friends in Phoenixband started dedicating "Crazy Train" to me when they covered it at their shows!

In 2008 Ozzfest stopped being a big traveling tour.  Ozzy continued to perform sporadically his remaining years as either a solo act or with some members of Black Sabbath until cancelling entire tours in 2019 and 2020.  He was diagnosed with emphysema and Parkinson's disease.  Given this, it is very fortunate that I got to see him the times that I did, and sounding pretty great in 2001 and 2002.  Ozzy's last album came out in September of 2022 called Patient Number 9.  I previously spoke about it here as I described it as my favorite album of the year and one of his best in a long time.  

Ozzy Osbourne's passing marks not just the end of a legendary career, but the closing of a chapter in rock history that will never be repeated. From his groundbreaking work with Black Sabbath to his theatrical solo career, he didn't just perform heavy metal - he personified it, complete with all its darkness, humor, and humanity. For fans like me who discovered his music across different decades and life stages, Ozzy was a constant icon in an ever-changing musical landscape. Whether you knew him as the bat-biting madman, the loving father from reality TV, or simply as the voice behind "Iron Man" and "Crazy Train," his influence transcended generations and genres.  Like the Beetles influenced him, he has influenced countless artists from Judas Priest, Van Halen, and Pantera to Candlemass, Fozzy, Halestorm, and Yungblud.  I feel incredibly fortunate to have witnessed him perform during the latter end of his prime years, when his voice was strong and his stage presence electric. Those memories, along with the countless fans whose lives his music touched, ensure that while the Prince of Darkness may have taken his final bow, his legacy will continue to inspire headbangers for generations to come.