News From the Pit

By Eddy Metal

What up foo's. I'm sorry my column is so late this month (the latest ever!), but we had some serious coding problems with our website. My boss was stressed out bigtime! But he is a smart man, and figured it out finally when I was out of town. I just got back from vacation so I'm late AF too! Aye aye aye! A double whammy! Ah, you'll be fye aye iiine. I hope life has been better for you this last month or so. I've been working my ass off! But I finally found some light at the end of the tunnel. I just had some well deserved time off from work, and I took a much needed break for some rest and relaxation in the mountains. I was in a chocolate induced coma for most of the time, lounging in a sweet double decker waterfall pool, and eating like a king, but at least I got some rest! Well, sorta! I did explore/hike some badass waterfalls there! I've been getting out seeing more shows lately too. I went and saw Louisville's Native Sons play (they jam!), and I went to see Laynes Calling, and a great band from Fort Worth called Mud Creek (these guys are good!), and as soon as I got back from the mountains, I literally got out of my car and went and saw Shinedown/Pop Evil at Waterfront Park. I've been a busy fun seeking reviewing bastard! You only live once is my motto!

What a great time at Shinedown! It was great seeing all of you down there. And seeing everyone happy with actual big and real smiles on your faces! It was lovely. I had a blast.

There's been all kinds of stuff going on around here! Shows, national shows, local shows, hot rod shows, horror conventions, slowly but surely things are getting back to normal. And the M ercury Ballroom is open again! Yay! I love that place, and all those people! I was gonna review Candlebox there recently, but I was out of town on vacation! Right when things are finally normalizing, and you feel like the dark cloud of covid is lifting, then I hear more crap about various strains of Covid that might be spreading again, and that the government might start doing lockdowns again. I hope to god that don't happen, because I've had enough of this BS. If my outgoing ass hasn't gotten it yet, I'm not going to! I've been all kinds of places while Covid was here, and I have contracted ziltch from my travels, except maybe a buzz!

I'm ready to get on with my life, put this dark period of life behind me, and have some fun again! My time in the mountains wasn't enough though, and I crave one of my epic vacations when Christ mas comes around! It's going to happen. Y'all know I don't play when it comes to this shit.

I love life and I love you all!

Yeah, I've been busy AF! Musically, I only had 5 weeks to work in a new drummer for a national show we were invited to play (I was sooo stressed), and we ended up freakin' killing it! Our new drummer Sean did awesome! And we just played Metalfest in Lebanon Junction (see props below!). It felt good to be playing music again. If you need a good professional original band with mucho experience for a show, hit me up! Let's talk. We are now booking.

I told you I'd be back! Psh.

You can't keep me down! Ever! When will you mofo's ever learn this? I do not give up! Disappointment only motivates me tenfold! I've proved that without a doubt in the last several months. In the last several decades! How many mofo's have come and gone in our music scene over the years? Tons! Only to disappear forever.

Yet I'm still standing, and have never left.

I'm pretty proud of that. No one can take a hit and keep on swingin' like I do. I'm not seeking an award or recognition, I do this because I like to make folks happy, and I love music, and seeing all you good people out and about. It's what I do! I may be a little bit shy aye aye, but I love to people watch and to meet cool new people. And I absolutely love proving doubters and haters wrong! I smile ear to ear. Don't worry though, the haters will be rid of me eventually, when I'm fucking dead!

Louder Than Life is coming up soon, and people are getting excited. Shinedown was just a teaser. It will be soooo good seeing very big crowds of people enjoying live music once again. You know I'll be there covering the event, as always!

My column will be a bit short this month, as I've been slammed like a MFer. Next month will be better now that we got the website issues fixed, and I finally got some rest!! So sorry about being late! The mountains were calling my name "Hey stupid, get yer exhausted ass over here!"

Just keep your fingers crossed that this new Covid variant crap does not boomarang its way back into our lives full force. I'm hearing Festivals are concerned and debating cancelling. So let's hope Louder Than Life keeps on the right track for its long awaited return.

Tell me that would not just suck ass? Two years in a row, cancelled.

Here is the part where you get to say "STFU Eddy ! Don't Jinx us!"

Ok, I'll shut the hole under my nose, but never let it be said that you weren't warned.

Pray to the god of rock concerts to look down upon us with favor.

P.S./I'm going to be skipping my local video section for a month or two. It's been difficult finding new videos to put up. I can only plug the same bands so many times! So I think I'll take a break for a bit to find some new stuff. It will return soon though! Promise. I need new blood!

The Metal Grapevine

Louder Than Life 2021 Lineup: It's almost time, folks! You getting' excited yet? I'll see you bastages there!

Thursday: Korn, Staind, Cypress Hill, Anthrax, Beartooth, Sevendust, Knocked Loose, Wage War, Helmet, Escape The Fate, Zero 9:36, Hyro The Hero, Teenage Wrist, Currents, Jeris Johnson, Another Day Dawns and Blame My Youth .

Friday: Metallica, Janes Addiction, Rise Against, Gojira, Killswitch Engage, Starset, Avatar, Fever 333, Turnstile, Cleopatrick, Dead Sara, 68, The Blue Stones, South Of Eden, Tallah, Joyous Wolf and Contracult collective .

Saturday: Nine Inch Nails, Snoop Dogg, Machine Gun Kelly, Ghostemane, The Distillers, Asking Alexandria, Grandson, Code Orange, Ice Nine kills, Spiritbox, Red, Butcher Babies, Bones UK, Diamante, Siiickbrain, Unitytx, Dana Dentata and The Messenger Birds.

Sunday: Judas Priest, Metallica, Mudvayne, Seether, Pennywise, Skillet, Sabaton, The Hu, Badflower, Mammoth WVH, Fozzy, Red Fang, Ayron Jones, From Ashes To New, Avoid, Tempt, Dead Poet Society and Like Machines. the Louisville gig was his last show ever. I always liked ZZ Top, and the documentary they have out is real good, you should watch it!

Former Slipknot drummer Joey Jordison passed away as well, and while Slipknot was never my favorite, there is no denying that mans talent.

Then Metal Church vocalist Mike Howe passed away suddenly. The band is upset to say the least. He seemed in good health they said. Odd. I do not trust that shot. They can keep it. I'll just wear the mask at work and suffer. These three will be sorely missed, and may they rest in peace forever. Thanks for rocking out and for making people happy with your music. R.I.P.

Shinedown Review : This was a last minute thing, as I had just gotten back from vacation, so I was not prepared to do a full-on in depth review, so you get what you get! I had a few whiskeys in me and I was feeling rather spritely ... soooo!

We got there early to see an opening band that was pretty good, and they laid down the groundwork for a night of good music. They reminded me of Lincoln Park or Limp Bizkit, which led to the inevitable Lincoln Bizkit and Limp Park remarks, which we ran into the ground. It's all in love, though! They had a good sound, strong guitarist, good vocals, and some neat vocal effects. Decent songwriting. We enjoyed it. Good band! Too band I couldn't find out the band’s name though. Why aye aye?

Pop Evil came up next and did well, as always. I've seen them sooo many times now. They sounded good, and the singer, Leigh Kakaty was in fine form this beautiful evening on Louisville's Waterfront. They know how to put on a good show! They have come a long way in the last five years. They have polished up their show as good as it will ever be. They played "Deal With The Devil," "Footsteps," "Breathe Again," "Trenches" and "Waking Lions."

Shinedown has come a long way, too, to become the powerhouse that they are today. I really don't know much about this band, other than they are one of the few newer bands that I like that I think actually sound good. I'm picky, too! But there is no mistaking the talent these guys have. Vocalist Brent Smith has a wonderful singing voice, and he seemed to be one of the nicest dudes, too, when I sorta met him at Louder than Life a few years back. He shook our (the photographers) hands in front of the stage, and was being appreciative and super nice. You really don't see that much, usually the singers are kinda dicks, so I will always remember that humble act. The lights, the stage, the music, the sounds, the crowd's reaction, Shinedown has it really going on! The crowd was into this band bigtime, and knew almost every word it seemed. Everyone but me! I reckon I'm too much of a metalhead to know too much about this rockin', but somewhat commercial band. The guitarwork of Zach Meyers is pretty, and tasteful, and yet can get downright gritty at times, almost metal. His clean sounds are outstanding, I must say! Coming from a guitar nerd like me. Sick stuff fo sho!

It's a wonderful mixture of guitar tones, from which Brent Smith builds his soulful melodies. Together, these two are Shinedown! The nucleus!

They played a long long set of stuff like "Cut The cord" "Fly From The Inside" ""45" " Save Me" "Diamond Eyes" "I'll follow You" "Enemies" "Devil" "How Did You Love" "Get Up" "Bully" "Monsters" "Second Chance",and of course their hit Lynryd Skynyrd remake ""Simple Man" and "Sound Of Madness" before calling it a night. I was having fun and didn't wanna go, but I was hot, sweaty and still tired from that long ass drive, so I hobbled home, took a shower, then crawled into bed with a lil' buzz and was happy. It was a last minute dealio, but I'm glad we went! I'm looking forward to more Danny Wimmer Presents concerts at the Waterfront. This is just the beginning! These people know their stuff, and I have a good relationship with them. So more power to DWP! Keep'em coming. We are ready! Highlight's for me was "Simple Man" "Save Me" and "45."

Soulfly coming!! Wednesday September 8 at Diamond Concert Hall. This should be fun! It's been a while since I've seen ole Max in action. Twill rock! I had the privilidge of seeing Sepultura in 1990 at their heyday. I remember it being an incredible show. Opening the show is locals Eulogy In Blood and Tetrasteede.

Metalfest 2021 - Props: Wow. Allen Ashbaugh did it again! He pulled off another successful Metalfest at an all new location. I liked the spot! The stage was much better, the sound was better, and there were lights this time (I was fucking up last time because my old blind ass couldn't see!). I love playing benefit shows, especially with a cause such as this! Makes me think of late Louisville musicians Ryan Preston, and Kevin McCreery, whose lives were taken much too soon, by Cancer. So F**K YOU CANCER!

Mucho props to Allen Ashbaugh, Mike Taylor, The County Line Swinging Doors, all the folks who helped (sorry if I miss anyone, I know the list is long), and, of course, - all you bands who played!

All you bastards helped raise over 10k to give to the cause! That's great! More than any of my Rock For Kosair Annual hauls!

I'd like to thank all the bands who donated a performance. It was an honor jamming with all of you! Fun fun! Hot Action Cop, Year Of The Gun, Native Sons, Jrumma, Drix, Despite The fallen, Wake Up In Tsunami, Counting Stars, Raze The Stray, Juke Joint Revival, Boozer, Joe Grudge, Devata, Sever The Wicked, Surviving Thalia, E-Flat, Fudgeknuckle, Two Pump Chump, Overload, Luther, Devil Be My Judge, Artwork For The Blind, Granshaw, Further From The End, Convection, Bastard Sons Of A Judas Goat, Rattlesnake Mafia, Celestrial Serpent, Hollow Valley, Slokill, Tetrasteede, Call Me Monster, Hidden Foundation, Hidden sixes, Lechuga, Tattered Sons, Death Mountain Spiders, Blood Of Angels, Amongst Vultures, Noble Road, Northhaven, Hidden Solace, Taylor Road, F.B.A.

So way to go everybody! See y'all next year!

Up Close With A True Music Fan - Louisville's Greatest Music Fan/Supporter? Meet Harold Garland : Sometimes you run across people in life who inspire, and like to spread happiness. In all my years I have never seen a local music supporter like Harold Garland and his lovely wife Angela. It's truly a trip the way this uy takes music to heart and puts so much back into it, and to the people who play it. He collects items, drumsticks, picks, autographs, whatever! This is a fan that makes you feel good about what you do. I have seen Harold do this to sooo many bands too! I thought "this guy deserves some love!" So here we are. I'm going to ask Harold some questions, as to his history and likes. Enjoy! This is one hella cool dude.

Eddy– Where did you get passion for local original music? And when did you become so supportive? \

Harold - My love of music 1st came from my uncle Howard, who took me to see my first concert in M arket Square arena in Indy, which was Motley Crue Dr. Feelgood tour, and I was hooked. But when I started helping my best friend Chad Monk with his local band VIKEN, that made me realize the struggles and joys local bands go thru to just play let alone, make money and I couldn't stop going to shows I can't play any instruments so I felt if I recorded and help put it out for others to see and hear it could help the bands get their music out to others, so if I say I'm going to a show or it's in my calendar, I'm there I don’t click I'm going to a show then not show up or buy tickets and not go. Bands need that support of people going to shows and they really do appreciate it and means alot to them. My wife Angela and I do what we can from buying merch, doing videos or just helping spread the bands name or message. Nothing better than live music and the atmosphere and the people you meet and to become friends and meeting the artist is amazing and an honor that can't be topped and fills our music room with our love for these bands and artist local is truly where it starts everyone starts there.

Eddy - What are some of your favorite bands in the region?

Harold — Louisville is so jammed with local bands that are the real deal and can make it, whatever that means. S ome of my favorites are Wyld Ryde, Untold Rellik, Skipping Stone, Year Of The Gun, Layne's Calling, 3DR, Hidden Foundation, Juke Joint Revival, Mr. Lugosi, The Jim Harralson, Boombox Poets, Slokill , are some of the ones we follow most videos on my YouTube page are bands from Louisville. Louisville is like our 2nd home and love coming to the city and have some of the best restaurants around.

Eddy What are your favorite Venues?

Harold — Mercury Ballroom, The Louisville Palace, Diamond Concert Hall, Street Grubs and Hops there are so many places some I haven't even got to yet, Yet! Great venues, great people, great music, and it doesn't get any better than Louisville, I believe. I just love it, and the bands who make it happen!

Fender's Den Of Sin Receives an Award:

Fender recently received an award from Maxwell's House Of Music for bring so much music to our community. Cool! It is a lovely plaque with his name on it. A nice award that will no doubt go on his wall. Fender deserves it. Congrats bro!

Mud Creek and Laynes Calling Review :

I was at 21rst Amendment Tavern recently to check out some live music.

A band from Fort Worth was playing and, boy, were they good! Mud Creek is their name, and these cats got one great sound! Very strong vocals, and catchy riffs, and great songwriting are going to take these Indiana boys far, I'm thinking! They got some good shows under their belt! I was very impressed. Nice guys too. I want to see these guys again when I'm not so buzzed. Then I finally got to see Laynes Calling. Well, for a little bit anyways. They went up and was tearing it up pretty good. But a few songs into the set they called it a night. I don't think they were too happy with the turnout and the late time they got onstage. It's true the turnout was bad that night. The turnout for both shows I attended that weekend were sad! Not good. I felt bad for the bands. Especially Mud Creek, who drove several hours. What I did hear of Laynes Calling sounded good, though! I wanted to hear the full set. Nice gritty gutteral vocals from Joey Cox that reminded me of Godsmack a little, and some niceguitar playing from Chadwick Clay Pryor set the tone for some metal riffage with groove. Pretty crunchy sound there, bub! DrummerMichael Preston Calvert was awesome on drums, and was like a beast uncaged. Jacob Wilkinson did a fine job on bass as well. There must be something about these guys because they have been doing well, and working hard to get the name out there, but unfortunately I didn'tget to hear enough of them to do an adequate review, so I'll just have to catch another show/full set! Our scene is just still a little lackluster thesedays, as no one hardly goes out that much anymore. It's like pulling teeth! Hell, I was surprised my band had such a strong crowd opening for Enuff Znuff in July! Hopefully, you peeps will start getting out to these shows more. I know you folks youre probably every bit as busy as I am, but we gotta show these badass bands some love! Two shows back to back that had a lame crowd! WTF. C'mon people.

Wyld Ryde Returns :

Well, the guys have finally healed and are back on the stage once again. Bassist Mick Twatkins is still using the cart for his broken ankle, but he still is up there rockin' away! They got their louisville Return show at Diamond Concert Hall on Friday August 27th w/ Stolen Prayer and Edgar Red. Welcome back guys.

Mac Sabbath Returns!

On Saturday, September 12, at Zanzabar, the kings of fast food metal return to the river city! These guys are just plain fun! Here's a video to poke fun at.

Hinder coming on August 17:

Check them out at Diamond Concert Hall! There should be a lot of chicks at this show. Hmmmnnnnn. I think I might have to review this one too.

Drowning Pool coming on September 10:

This show at Diamond Concert Hall sounds good too! Locals Laynes Calling, Call Me Monster and Near Existence will be opening.

Primus in Cinci on September 18: Yup, tis true. Primus, Wolfmother and The Sword live at the PNC Pavilion. Sounds like a pretty good show. Maybe I'll see if I can get y'all some free tickets. We'll do another contest. It's been a long time!

Native Sons Review:

I finally got to see this new Louisville band in action, and I am impressed. These cats got the goods. The sound? Hmmmnnnn. Let's see. To me, it's an earlier A lice In
Chains-y vibe thrown in at times. There is also a bit of a pop element, but in a good way. Vocalist Ashton Blake has a higher pitched vocal range, but he works it well, and the man can actually sing pretty well. At one point he hit some really high notes. One dude in the audience said "damn, that sounds like some King Diamond vocals!" Yes, it was a high-pitched note he hit, but in no way reminded me of King Diamond! It was a good note, though! I couldn't do it! Ashton sounded great on the Dio cover of "Holy Diver." Guitarist Michael Bowman, from Detroit, has got a great guitar sound, pushing good rock rhythm tones and blistering leads all into one assault. His solo's are tasty, and melodic, and have that epic classic rock feel. Dude can shred when he wants to. Easy n' slow sometimes, shredding solos that leave yer jaw on the floor the next, alternating between one hooky riff to the next. All the riffs were good! Bassist Travis Meredith is a skilled bassist as he laid down the bottom end like a pro. I loved the basswork on their cover of "Radar Love." He nailed it. The fill in drummer, a dude named Jose, was very good as well. Y'all should keep ol’ Jose! Dawg was killin' it. Together this original band has all the making of a band that can and will go places. They write good songs. They already have several nice shows at festivals and stuff, so the best of luck to these guys. I dig their music quite a bit, and I'm kinda a picky motherfucker, so that says a lot!

Check out Native Sons. They are a band to be on the lookout for!

Prohibition Distillery Bar Review:

Ok, I admit it. I didn't know shit about this place till I got there. Turns out it is the old Brewery Thunderdome Venue!

I went to see a show there recently, and was transported back in time over 20 years to the Thunderdome days when Korn, Type O Negative, Judas Priest, Soulfly, and Megadeth (whom I brought out on stage when I was with the Fox) were top acts playing there. It's different now, of course. It's cut up into different areas now, but the feel and potential is still there. I can feel it! The nice lady in charge there gave us a tour, and she really truly wants to get the place going strong again. It was dead when we were there for that show.Dead AF. It would be a chore to make that place happening once again, but I think it can be done, if you have the right folks orking on it. I think it could be a potential new venue for my Rock For Kosair Benefit, should I decide to give it another go. I see the potential! But we would need all of you mofo's to make this work. I will be meeting with them soon, and I will keep you informed. Hopefully things can be worked out, and we can all help the poor kids once again for xmas. But I'm telling you right now, we gotta get word out about this place, and try to revive the Phoenix Hill area once again. Now is when we would really need you people to get out and support these places. That turnout for that show I went to there was pathertic! I know you people can do better. The goal is to have another Phoenix Hill Tavern type venue, with multiple stages, for our music scene. And this could be it! IF you act, that is.

New Band Alert

Remnant: Guitarist Wes Toy has teamed up with drummer Dave Wathen and bassist Eric Woodring on bass. Seasoned musicians, all. Some bad dudes! These guys are looking for a vocalist who can sing and scream. Interested parties contact Dave or Wes on Facebook.

Musician Of The Month for August is Thunderstruck Vocalist Bobby Stamper : Be sure to check out this awesome vocalist's feature in August LMN. He has a lot to say!

Upcoming Shows

21rst Amendment Tavern

Saturday, August 21 — Wrath, Mothrog, A Beautiful Trainwreck.

Friday, August 27 — Luther, Bastard sons Of A Judas Goat and Jim Harralson.

Sunday, September 19 — Until The Dead Walk.

Diamonds St Matthews

Saturday, August 21 — Some Kind OF Saint.

Diamond Concert Hall

Sunday, August 1 — The Skull, The Obsessed and Batwizard.

Saturday,August 7 — Gemini Syndrome w/ A Killers Confession &Outlier.

T uesday, August 17 — Hinder w/ Small Town Titans, Shovelhead and Acquainted Strangers.

Thursday,ugust 19 — Upon a Burning Bodyw/ Wake Up In Tsunami and 3DR.

Friday,August 27 — — Wyld Ryde w/ Stolen Prayer and Edgar Red.

Saturday, August 28 — King. norm,alnormal">

Tuesday, August 3 1 — The Lonely Ones, Sunflower Dead, Co-Op and Skipping Stone.

Friday, September 3 — The Goddamn Gallows.

Saturday,September 4 — Fire From The Cops.

Monday, September 6 — Black Tusk w/ Savage Master and Overload.

Friday,September 10 — Drowning Pool w/Laynes Calling, Call Me Monster and Near Existence.

Saturday,September 11 — Steve Hofstetter.

Wednesday,September 15 — Hellzapoppin Circus Sideshow Revue "Face Your Fears" Tour.

Friday, October 1 — Cold.

Thursday, O ctober 7 — Attila w/ Jynx and Dead Crown.

Wednesday, October 13 — Local H.

Tuesday, November 16 — The Brummies.

The Enchanted Forest

Saturday, August 28 — Tantric w/ Paralandra.

Headliners Music Hall

Highlands Tap Room

KMonday, September 20 — Eulogy In Blood and Overload.

Joe's Older Than Dirt

Kingfish (Jeffersonville)

Kingfish (Louisville)

Louisville Billiards

Saturday, August 7 — Supernova.

Friday, August 20 — Cool Sensation Band and Shatterproof.

Saturday,August 21 — Music City Stones- A Rolling Stones Tribute Return!

Malibu Club (Lexington)

Friday,August 20 — Graveyard Romeos.

MG's Primetime Cafe

1b>Saturday,August 14 — Reign Of Athena, Native Sons and Fuzzstration.

August 26 — Pigweed w/ 3DR, Devil Be My Judge, Slokill and Mr Lugosi.

Nirvana

Saturday, 1August 14 — Skipping Stone

Saturday,August 14 — Wicked Sensation

Spectators Bar and Grill

Saturday , August 14 — Mad Alice.

Street Grubs N' Hops

Friday,July 2 — All Or Nothing.

Saturday,August 14

Saturday, August 28 — Theatre Of Crue- A Motley Crue Tribute.

TK's —

Saturday, August 14 — Fr Eddy and The Krugers.

The Thompson House (Newport KY)

Sunday,August 15 — The Convalescence w/Filth.

Zanzabar

Sunday,September 12 — Mac Sabbath W/Speedealer and Lung.