MASTODON at Hollywood Palladium

Of all the shows I've experienced this year from Nine Inch Nails, Alice In Chains, Down, and a couple others there is one other that stands out from that bunch. Mastodon is a top 5 member of my list. 2009 has had some of the most memorable shows I've been to. This was the second time seeing the mighty Mastodon and it was just as good if not better than the first. Since the release of their latest album "Crack The Skye," they have been playing it in it's entirety. First off the album is a masterpiece and one of the best albums of the last 10 years. I know that's a bold statement but it truly is. The concept, the songs, the music, the artwork, basically the entire package is outstanding.

With a video screen behind them and as soon as the first note of Oblivion was struck everyone in attendance knew what was in store. When they got to "The Czar" it pushed the set into epic proportions. The song is a four part journey with all the makings of a classic live staple. The title track is one of the heaviest songs on the album and live it translates to a bold extreme of greatness. The Last Baron concluded the first portion of their set. The guys in the band were firing on all cylinders. Brann Dailor (Drums) and Troy Sanders (Bass and Vocals) form one of the tightest rhythm sections in all genres. Bill Kelliher (Guitar) and Brent Hinds(Guitar and Vocals) are one of the best  guitar tandems in all of music. The tones and riffs they create are brilliant and shear genius. After playing their new album set, they came back and played a few more songs. Sticking mainly to their first couple albums for their encore, they came back and destroyed what was left of the stage. 

I've seen Mastodon five times now and I must say that was the best show of their I've ever seen. They are absolutely one of the best bands of the decade and deserve all the accolades that come their way. There are two stories within the album and should be explored thoroughly. There is nothing about Mastodon that should go unrecognized. Grab your headphones and get a copy of their new album and gear up for one hell of a great ride!!!

Overall Rating: 10/10

Slipknot: Hollywood Palladium 10/29/09

The very thought of seeing Slipknot at the Palladium made me jump in the air. Having seen them throughout the years from small clubs to large arenas its always great to see a band that has achieved that level of success come back to where it all began. And everyone in attendance whether it was their first time or 8Th (like mine) was there with such anticipation you could feel it in the air.

First up was Vision Of Disorder. The New York based hardcore band is back taking names and kicking ass. Many believe they are pioneers of the "metalcore" sound. Playing such classics as D.T.O., Viola, Landslide, What You Are, and Jada Bloom, those who knew them sang loud and proud (Myself being one of them). Their addition to the show was great and provided a great warm up soundtrack before Slipknot.

Slipknot took the stage with the opening sequence of their self titled debut and continued to the onslaught of the first 4 songs from that record. The crowd went nuts and the floor opened up. One thing is for sure Corey Taylor is a great front man who knows how to get what he wants from a crowd. They played a few new tracks which translated rather well live. Duality from their third album "Volume 3: The Subliminal Verses" was the highlight of the night, sparking the crowd into a loud sing along and an eruption of excitement. The first song of their encore was an interesting choice. "Snuff" the slowest song they have ever wrote from their new album "All Hope Is Gone." While it's a great song I'm not sure I would have picked that to come back to the stage with. Though they did redeem themselves with "Surfacing" with the crowd singing the famous lines "Fuck it all. Fuck this world. Fuck all the things that you stand for. Don't belong. Don't exist. Don't give a shit. Don't ever judge me." In fact I think the crowd was louder than the band at that point. "Spit It Out" closed out the evening with all 1500+ people on their knees ready to jump the fuck up. All in all it was a great show. A great opening band and the chance to see Slipknot in a small spot. 

Slipknot Set List:

1) 74261700027

2) Sic

3) Eyeless

4) Wait and Bleed

5) Get This

6) Before I Forget

7) Sulfur

8) Disasterpiece

9) Dead Memories

10) The Blister Exists

11) Vermillion

12) Psychosocial

13) Duality

14) People = Shit

15) Snuff

16) Surfacing

17) Spit It Out