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Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Sum 41 are the reason I chose to dedicate my life to music. That may seem like an odd statement coming from an extreme metal fanatic, but at age 15, I got my hands on Sum 41′s 2002 album, ‘Does This Look Infected?’ and subsequently discovered my life’s path. A decade later, Sum 41 have launched a tour to celebrate the album’s 10th anniversary, playing the entire record from front to back for rabid and nostalgic fans, and we were there to cover it all. When Sum 41 released their breakthrough 2001 album, ‘All Killer, No Filler,’ the early 2000s pop-punk explosion began to hit its fever pitch. MTV was already airing videos from established bands such as Blink-182 on heavy rotation, but when Sum 41′s ‘Fat Lip’ hit in the summer of 2001, mainstream music began to notice a breed of younger pop-punk acts. By 2002, pop-punk was mainstream rock’s hottest genre, with albums such as New Found Glory’s ‘Sticks and Stones,’ Finch’s ‘What it is to Burn,’ and the Starting Line’s ‘Say It Like You Mean It,’ all achieving massive success, and much like Sum 41, all three bands are touring to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their respective records. Simple Plan, Good Charlotte and Bowling for Soup also rose up as popular mainstream acts, but Sum 41 offered a more aggressive form of the genre. They focused on their heavy metal roots and the more ‘punk’ side of pop-punk, with tracks such as the politically infused ‘Still Waiting’ and the thrash-meets-old-school-Offspring track ‘Mr. Amsterdam.’ Along with the gravely yell of Deryck Whibley , Sum 41 drifted from their contemporaries while remaining a radio-friendly act. Although Sum 41 have fizzled slightly in the modern day, the New York City crowd for the band’s Nov. 14 show spoke volumes about the group’s legacy. Stepping past the doors and into the threshold of New York City’s Irving Plaza, I was expecting to see an older fan base, as the show was focusing specifically on an album released 10 years ago, but surprisingly, the venue was absolutely packed with an impressive mix of young and older fans. As Sum 41′s crew prepared the stage for the show, a myriad of thunderous chants, which could rival music’s most beloved bands, filled the venue from front to back, and once Sum 41 hit the stage, the crowd absolutely exploded. As Sum 41 performed ‘Does This Look Infected?’ from front to back (sans ‘Thanks For Nothing’), the energy level never diminished, even as the band busted out the deepest cuts of their 2002 album. The second half of the set was filled with both old and new fan favorites including ‘Fat Lip,’ ‘We’re All to Blame’ and ‘Underclass Hero.’ Having personally seen Sum 41 in 2003 while witnessing the rise of the pop-punk heroes in real time, an absolutely befuddled realization hit me like a crowd surfer kick to the back of the head — nothing had changed. I was suddenly the 15-year-old kid in the black Chucks, Dickies shorts and multi-colored wristbands again, surrounded by the same personified energy conjured by Sum 41 in their most definitive of times; only I wasn’t the youngest kid in the pit anymore. Despite the departure of guitarist Dave Baksh in 2006, the band was the same Sum 41 they’ve always been, with the same magic radiating throughout the crowd that I first identified nearly a decade ago. Drummer Stevo32 even maintained the tradition of swapping places with Whibley for the band’s classic concert finisher, ‘Pain for Pleasure.’ We’ve all grown up listening to the sounds of the present mixed in with the milestones of the past. Sum 41 may never make another ‘All Killer, No Filler’ or ‘Does This Look Infected?’, but on this cold November’s night in New York City, the crowd’s visceral reaction along with its noticeably diverse age group points to something incredibly important: a legacy. Ten years before ‘Does This Look Infected?’ was released, Rage Against the Machine unleashed their self-titled record, Alice in Chains unveiled ‘Dirt,’ Bad Religion gave the world ‘Generator’ and Green Day unleashed ‘Kerplunk!’ These landmark albums were celebrated the year they were released, praised 10 years later in 2002, and remain incredibly important to rock fans of all ages even after hitting the 20-year mark in 2012. In my eyes, Sum 41 have hit two out of those three milestones, and if future generations remain hungry to delve into the gems of the past, we may very well find ourselves reporting on the 20th anniversary tour of ‘Does This Look Infected?’. “ This is who we are, and nothing’s gonna change .” Check Out Photos of Sum 41 at Irving Plaza in New York City Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire
Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Having surgery for a hernia is a painful process, and Machine Head ‘s Robb Flynn can attest to that. The rocker, who had emergency surgery earlier this week, has been documenting the process and sharing his recovery with fans via a video diary. The first installment showed Flynn coming out of the surgery successfully and feeling somewhat alright due in part to the drugs that were killing the pain he was experiencing. The second installment (watch below) finds Flynn a little bit worse for wear. In the new diary, we see a barely mobile Flynn struggling to stand up straight, and revealing, “I guess I was on a lot of pain meds when I left the hospital, because they’ve all worn off now. I’m really — it’s brutal.” Midway through the clip, the singer has had a difficult night trying to sleep and reveals that he couldn’t lift his left leg without excruciating pain. Even at his weakest, the rocker still kept his sense of humor, sharing, “I feel like I’ve been dry humping for a week with a girl who ain’t putting out.” Since this happened while the band was on tour, Flynn was left to wait out his recovery at a local hotel rather than flying home, and the musician admits that even though he was scheduled to fly that day, it likely wasn’t going to happen. After a bit of a time jump, the rocker leaves his room to show that the place where he was staying had a water park right outside. By the end of the video, Flynn seems noticeably better and admits that being able to step outside and take in what’s going on around him has lifted his spirits. The singer will continue his recovery and has hopes of Machine Head rejoining the tour with Dethklok that the band had started before the need for surgery occurred. However, it’s too early to establish a timetable for that happening as of yet. Watch Machine Head Frontman Robb Flynn’s Second Diary on His Surgery [button href=”http://loudwire.com/machine-head-robb-flynn-video-diary-successful-hernia-surgery/” title=”Watch the First Installment of Robb Flynn’s Recovery Diary” align=”center”]
Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Megadeth celebrated the 20th anniversary of their album ‘Countdown to Extinction’ with fans at New York’s Best Buy Theater on Wednesday night (Nov. 14) with some serious support from rock trio Kyng . L.A. band Kyng kicked off the night with a vigorous set as they performed tracks from their debut album ‘Trampled Sun.’ The energy and power the band displays is quite amazing considering that they are a trio. Frontman Eddie Veliz not only shreds it up on guitar but his range of vocals echoed throughout the venue as he performed tracks like ‘Falling Down,’ ‘Trails In Veins,’ ‘Bleed Easy’ and many others. The bass lines of Tony Campos boomed throughout Best Buy Theater while the very talented drummer Pepe Clark’s thunderous drum patterns shook the foundation of the venue throughout the set. After numerous “Megadeth” chants, first started by Veliz onstage, the headliners hit the stage with ‘Trust,’ then had the fans going out of control with ‘Hangar 18’ and ‘Public Enemy No. 1.’ The band then went on to play ‘Countdown to Extinction’ in its entirety. Of course they also played fan favorites ‘Peace Sells’ and ‘Holy Wars…The Punishment Due.’ Dave Mustaine’s famous ginger red hair flopped around as he played some blistering riffs and belted out some Megadeth anthems. Drummer Shawn Drover kept the beat steady behind the skins while guitarist Chris Broderick and bassist David Ellefson worked the very rowdy crowd of passionate fans. It was one hell of a night for Megadeth die-hards, one they soon won’t forget. Check out the remaining dates to see Kyng and Megadeth on the ‘Countdown to Extinction’ tour here . Photos of Megadeth and Kyng Performing in New York City Megadeth: Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Kyng: Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire
John Shearer, Getty Images Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl has a little more time on his hands during the band’s hiatus , and he’ll use part of it to travel to Austin next March, where he’ll be the keynote speaker at the annual South by Southwest Music and Media Conference and Festival. Grohl will speak to the audience of industry members and music lovers Thursday, March 14, at the Austin Convention Center, which houses most of the South by Southwest’s speakers during the week. The musician should have plenty to discuss, reflecting on his experiences in two of rock’s most iconic bands — Nirvana and Foo Fighters. He’s also been one to lend a hand to other acts and almost became drummer for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers before ultimately deciding to launch Foo Fighters in his post-Nirvana period. Grohl has previously drummed with Queens of the Stone Age , as well, and is back with that group as they prepare their 2013 release. On top of that, Grohl has spent much of the last year working behind the scenes with some of music’s biggest names on a documentary about the legendary recording board at Los Angeles’ Sound City studio. It was at the studio that the musician played drums on Nirvana’s breakout album, ‘Nevermind.’ The film, titled ‘ Sound City: Real to Reel ,’ is expected to surface in 2013. South by Southwest runs March 12-17, 2013 in Austin, Texas. [button href=”http://loudwire.com/best-foo-fighters-songs/” title=”Next: 10 Best Foo Fighters Songs” align=”center”]
It’s time to guess the mustache! Mustaches are synonymous with kung-fu masters and ’70s adult film stars, among others, but there are plenty of legendary musicians who show off some sweet crumb-dusters of their own. We’ve teamed with Ultimate Classic Rock and Diffuser.fm for a game all mustache enthusiasts will enjoy: View a close-up of a rocker’s facial push-broom and then guess who it belongs to. Our first mustache (to the left) is a distinguished one: elegant, yet expressive. It commands respect while conveying the disposition of a man who can kick back with the guys and enjoy a nice pint of lager. Think you know who this ‘stache belongs to? [button href=”http://loudwire.com/mustache-reveal-1″ title=”Find Out Whose Mustache This Is” align=”center”]
Razor & Tie Groove metal masters the Sword have just released one of the most mesmerizing music videos of the year. In a refreshing turn to the creative, the Sword have unleashed a story within the video for ‘The Veil of Isis’ that will leave you hitting the replay button over and over again. With the release of the Sword’s fourth studio album, ‘Apocryphon,’ the band has achieved the highest chart position in their act’s history, along with collecting a new mass of fans from diverse rock and metal sub-genres. ‘Apocryphon’ showcases beefy groove riffs that display the influence of bands such as Black Sabbath and stoner doom pioneers Sleep. To delve deeper into the sonic realm of ‘Apocryphon,’ check out our recent review of the record. The video for ‘The Veil of Isis’ follows a female protagonist who is stalked and pawed at by shady street-people before meeting a mysterious and run-down wizard on those same streets. The woman is given some sort of black stone by the man, which transports her to an alternate universe either physically or mentally. Could it be a representation of the drug addict / drug dealer relationship? Or does the video tell a tale of a woman with true and mystifying powers? The visuals in this video are incredible, acting as somewhat of an extension of the incredible cover art for ‘Apocryphon.’ The Sword offers a tripped out, captivating and visually brilliant music video, which is absolutely a must-see. Check out The Sword’s new vid for ‘The Veil of Isis’ for an unforgettable trip. The Sword, ‘The Veil of Isis’ [button href=”http://loudwire.com/the-sword-apocryphon-prize-pack-giveaway/” title=”The Sword ‘Apocryphon’ Prize Pack Giveaway – Enter Now!” align=”center”]
Epic Records The best Lamb of God songs are powered by their potent deep grooves. Not since Pantera, their fellow Southerners, has a band focused so much on power grooves. Those are what give a song depth and catchiness, not to mention muscle. Power grooves and supreme guitar prowess are certainly the hallmarks of this Virginia band's sound, as are the gritty, venomous vocals of frontman Randy Blythe. For all the fury present in LOG's sound, there's also an intelligence and attention to detail when it comes to the art of songcraft. Plus, you walk away remembering the melodies. The band formerly known as Burn the Priest has released six studio albums under the LOG moniker and they are as consistent as they are brutal. We have sifted through the band's entire cataLOG and have selected our picks for the 10 Best Lamb of God Songs. ? 10 'Ghost Walking' From: 'Resolution' (2012) ? ? 'Ghost Walking' is a textbook example of what's entirely familiar about Lamb of God at this point: rolling riffs, Meshuggah-meets-Pantera grooves and throaty, growled vocals. It's a chunky track with cajones that hang to the floor. From the first power riff, you know it's Lamb of God, from the tone and style. That's how you know they are one of the most important bands in metal – when they are identifiable by a few notes, chords or riffs. Listen to 'Ghost Walking' ? ? 9 'Set to Fail' From: 'Wrath' (2009) ? ? The fast and chunky 'Wrath' track 'Set to Fail' has a bit of hardcore energy coursing through its veins. Drummer Chris Adler's hand and footwork is particularly intense and impressive, as he smashes away at his instrument, infusing his percussion with passion in a way that would make Animal from The Muppets proud. It's a faster than what we'd normally expect from Lamb of God, but they certainly pull it off with poise. Even though the band feels the need for speed here, they never pull up the emergency brake on the groove. That's why it's one of the 10 Best Lamb of God songs. Listen to 'Set to Fail' ? ? 8 'As the Palaces Burn' From: 'As the Palaces Burn' (2003) ? ? Much like 'Ruin' from the same album, the title track from their 2003 release 'As the Palaces Burn' demonstrates a command of their instruments and of their grooves. Power grooves were perfected by Pantera, but Lamb of God came along and injected them with a bit of Swedish tech metal influence. Who knew that a pack of rednecks from below the Maison-Dixon line could cull so much inspiration from Scandinavia? They did, and the result is their own unique sound, as evidenced by 'As the Palaces Burn.' Listen to 'As the Palaces Burn' ? ? 7 'Walk With Me in Hell' From: 'Sacrament' (2006) ? ? Everything about the song 'Walk With Me in Hell' is devastating. It's a true LOG signature that inspires headbanging in even the stiffest wallflower. The song's layers upon layers of tension leap out of the speakers and will cause the kind of headbanging that leaves you with broken blood vessels in your neck and a massive migraine. Blythe also sounds like he scaled the bowels of Hades to spit lyrical venom … right into your ear. Listen to 'Walk With Me in Hell' ? ? 6 '11th Hour' From: 'As the Palaces Burn' (2003) ? ? Another quality, well-constructed song from 'As the Palaces Burn,' the track '11th Hour' is also a fan favorite. It's speeding-bullet fast and crunchy, with plenty of the requisite groove. It's nastier than a street fight, and that's why '11th Hour' is one of the 10 Best Lamb of God songs. When you get to the 56-second mark, you can imagine fingers running up and down a fretboard, as the song exemplifies the vivid playing of axemen Mark Morton and Willie Adler. Listen to '11th Hour' ? ? 5 'Laid to Rest' From: 'Ashes of the Wake' (2004) ? ? Despite being a steel-toe-to-the-teeth brutal song, 'Laid to Rest' is one of the 10 Best Lamb of God songs because, like many key songs in their catalog and on this list, it manages to thread a potent, unforgettable melody through all the maelstrom. The bluster is tempered by memorable melodic parts and singalongs. When Blythe dutifully barks, “Destroy yourself / See who gives a f—,” and guitarists Morton and Adler roll in like soldiers on tanks firing away with machine gun riffage, it knocks the wind out of you. Listen to 'Laid to Rest' ? ? 4 'Ruin' From: 'As the Palaces' Burn' (2003) ? ? Lamb of God were all fists and fury on their 2000 debut. They maintained the pace and they aggression on the followup, but there was a certain level of polish and maturity to songs like 'Ruin,' which meshed this Meshuggah-like technical prowess with that deep-fried, Southern groove, which picked is why they are largely considered to have picked up where the mighty. Pantera left off. The pupils transitioned to teacher on this song, which is one of Lamb of God's best. Listen to 'Ruin' ? ? 3 'Redneck' From: 'Sacrament' (2006) ? ? Being that Lamb of God are from Virginia, they wear their “American by birth, Southern by the grace of God” pride like a badge of honor. 'Redneck' is a bit of a salute to their heritage, in addition to being a blistering, groove-centered jam. It also earned them a much-deserved Grammy nomination. When Blythe snarls, “This is a motherf—ing invitation,” most fans take it as encouragement to mosh. The band, also known for asking fans to erect the “Wall of Death” in their moshpits, where the crowd splits and then runs at one another, 'Braveheart'-style on the count of three, perfected its formula here. Listen to 'Redneck' ? ? 2 'Black Label' From: 'New American Gospel' (2000) ? ? The accelerating opening riff, which repeats throughout the song, and the tin can drumming are easily the most recognizable elements of 'Black Label.' And that riff? Well, it's one of the most definitive in the entire Lamb of God song collection and one of the most memorable in metal as a whole. It's easily one of the 10 Best Lamb of God songs because it's as distinct as DNA. Devastatingly heavy sums it up. Listen to 'Black Label' ? ? 1 'Now You've Got Something To Die For' From: 'Ashes of the Wake' (2004) ? ? 'Now You've Got Something To Die For' has risen to be one of the most recognized and loved songs in the entire cataLOG. It features everything that fans love: power grooves, Blythe's “I gargled with whisky and razor blades” vocal viciousness and ticking time bomb percussion. It has a deeper message, lyrically speaking, and it's delivered in a way that demands your attention. It's also hooky as hell. It truly defines what Lamb of God are, where they've been and where they are going. Listen to 'Now You've Got Something to Die For' ? ? What is Your Favorite Lamb of God Song? Now that you've seen our choices for the 10 Best Lamb of God songs, we're inviting you to tell us your favorites. Did we miss your top track? Or do we have the same exact taste when it comes to LOG songs? Now is your chance to share your thoughts and opinions on the best songs by these metal titans. ?