Veil Of Maya @ Ace Of Spades in Sacramento, California on Summer Slaughter 2018
All photos courtesy of Jennifer Black @ Black J Photo
Veil Of Maya, performed at Ace of Spades in Sacramento on Thursday, August 9 as part of the Summer Slaughter Tour. Nikon shooter Jennifer Black was there to capture the action.
Set list
Pillars
We Bow in Its Aura
Whistleblower
Doublespeak
Punisher
Overthrow
Nyu
Leeloo
Lisbeth
Pool Spray
Mikasa
Between The Buried And Me @ Ace Of Spades in Sacramento, California on Summer Slaughter 2018
All photos courtesy of Jennifer Black @ Black J Photo
Between The Buried And Me, performed at Ace of Spades in Sacramento on Thursday, August 9 as part of the Summer Slaughter Tour. Jennifer Black was there to capture the action.
“We are very excited to get on the road this summer in support of ‘Automata II‘. To be part of Summer Slaughter for the second time in our careers is beyond humbling. Their lineups hold a vast history of extremes and interesting music, something we strive to do with our own music. We hope to meet new bands and make new fans, and present the world the next evolution of BTBAM. “
Informal Gluttony
Extremophile Elite
Famine Wolf
Blot
Disease, Injury, Madness
Voice of Trespass
Condemned To The Gallows
Encore:
Selkies: The Endless Obsession
Terror Universal @ Ace Of Spades in Sacramento, California on Summer Slaughter 2018
All photos courtesy of Jennifer Black @ Black J Photo
Terror Universal, performed at Ace of Spades in Sacramento on Thursday, August 9 as part of the Summer Slaughter Tour. Terror Universal features current and former members of hard rock and metal royalty such as Machine Head, Ill Niño, Soulfly, and Upon A Burning Body. The band began stalking the senses in 2014, releasing the Reign of Terror EP a year later and eventually sharing the stage alongside heavy hitters including Korn, Asking Alexandria, HELLYEAH, Papa Roach, Fear Factory, Incite, and more around the globe.
Bad Wolves
Cargo Concert Hall @ Whitney Peak Hotel
Los Angeles, CA
July 23rd, 2018
Photos by Jennifer Black @ Black J Photo
Newly signed, Nuclear Blast Records recording artists AENIMUS massacred the small audience at Holy Diver this Monday, as direct support to PATHOLOGY.
“We are proud to announce that we signed a world wide deal with the biggest metal independent label, Nuclear Blast and have joined Continental Concerts for all booking in North America, Central and South America!,” exclaimed bassist Seth Stone. “We’re looking forward to showing our most ambitious album to date and touring heavily this coming year!”
Catch AENIMUS on the remaining dates of The Brutal Annihilation Tour with PATHOLOGY and PARASITIC EJACULATION.
8/10/2018 The Pin – Spokane, WA
8/11/2018 Elks Lodge – Pocatello, ID
8/12/2018 The Roxy – Denver, CO
8/14/2018 Launchpad – Albuquerque, NM
8/16/2018 Club Red – Mesa, AZ
8/17/2018 Eagle Aerie Hall – Las Vegas, NV
8/18/2018 1720 – Los Angeles, CA
Nothing More headlined Cargo Concert Hall at the Whitney Peak Hotel in Reno Monday night, supporting their album, The Stories We Tell Ourselves. Nothing More performed with Bad Wolves and Eyes Set to Kill on an off-night from their current tour with Breaking Benjamin and Five Finger Death Punch.
Eyes Set To Kill did a great job warming up the crowd. Everyone was discussing how nice it was to see a female-fronted band on the bill. Bad Wolves was next, and burst out with insane amounts of energy, strobe lights, and personality. Bad Wolves fully-engaged their fans, and never stood still, which was challenging for photographers, as vocalist Tommy Vext only slowed briefly to perform the Diamante duet, “Hear Me Now”, which they ended with a big kiss. They closed their set having fans light up the venue with cell lights (and lighters) and sing along to their hit cover, The Cranberries’ “Zombie.” Tommy vowed to stay until he met every last fan, rather than charge for V.I.P. packages, and the crowd immediately migrated toward their merch to meet him between sets. They killed it, and we cannot wait to see them perform at Aftershock 2018 in October.
By the time Bad Wolves finished, from the front of the hall to the back wall, the venue was packed with fans eagerly anticipating Nothing More’s performance. They charged out of the gate, opening with fan-favorite “Do You Really Want It?”, and the crowd responded, loudly finishing the song for them in unison. For “Just Say When”, the crowd took the opportunity to relax, breathe, and sing along to the mellow, beautiful, acoustic Billboard single that vocalist Jonny wrote about his ex. At one point, he asked who had a Jenny in their life, and the crowd erupted with approval as they launched into “Jenny”. Nothing More whipped out a bass contraption that spins and rotates as Jonny, bassist Daniel, and guitarist Mark all performed a spectacular three-person bass solo. In addition, the three performed an acrobatic drum solo, which showcased their diversity, musicianship, and extraordinary talent.
Toward the end of “This Is The Time”, Jonny rocketed into the air, as he began manning the digital effects atop the massive Scorpion Tail, a 400-pound, 14-foot tall contraption that Daniel conceived and built from scrap metal and auto and motorcycle salvage parts. Jonny had a wild ride, as they went into a cover of Skrillex’s “First of the Year”. Fans surged forward, and started falling over the barrier into the photo pit, and we were asked to exit the pit for our safety; the Cargo security staff were pros, handled it, and kept everyone safe for the duration. I have a new favorite band to photograph, and cannot wait until they return to the area once again, as Nothing More always delivers a mesmerizing performance from start to finish.
Nothing More is:
Jonny Hawkins – Vocals
Daniel Oliver – Bass
Mark Vollelunga – Guitar
Ben Anderson – Drums
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Pictures and words courtesy of Jennifer Black @ Black J Photo
I have been grateful enough to attend many a Warped. From when I was a younger adult drinking myself into oblivion and taking grass naps, to now as a 41 year old hippie smoking cannabis and taking grass naps. Vans Warped tour represents all those demographics that your Mom and Dad warned you about: the goths, the emos, the punks, the metal heads, the stoner’s, the thrashers. What your Mom and Dad didn’t know, unless they were totally cool, was that going to a Warped concert is like a right of passage. It’s an opportunity to crowd surf. A chance to party with your peers. It’s a day of freedom and musical expression. So to Kevin Lyman, I thank you for what you have done for the past 24 years.
Our day started as any other Warped adventure. We left with enough time but arrived late AF. Not because we lagged, but because traffic was horrendous. After a 5 ½ hour drive, we made it safely to the Shoreline and the hysteria continued. Myself and my partner in crime Zoran Theodorovic made our way to the check in booth as always do. Doing music media has given us the chance to interview some amazing musicians and we look forward to going backstage to connect each year. This year however, the girls working the VIP/Volunteer booth didn’t seem to be enjoying the day or their jobs at all,which is unfortunate considering its a freaking SOLD OUT SHOW and everyone is stoked to be there. Long story short, we got zero interviews for the first time in our attending. I was not able to go backstage at all and my partner was only given photo access, but we are a local company that uses videos and Youtube as our forum to help promote music. When things like this happen, you make the best of it and let’s be honest, we were still at the very last Vans Warped at Shoreline. You can’t be mad at that. So we went our separate ways, me to wander and watch and him to take photos.
Again, let me remind whoever is reading this that I am NOT YOUNG! I may look 23 (cough cough) but I am very much 41 so that of course will be a factor in my opinion. Truthfully, I waited in lines more than I watched bands. Lines to park. Lines to get in. Lines to the bathroom. Lines to get water. Lines to get food ( I gave up on that one after 20 minutes in the hot sun). Perhaps it was the MASSIVE amount of people who showed up for the last hurrah, which is a beautiful thing. But it seemed like the venue and workers were just not prepared. Still I found water being sold for $3 which at a concert is a BLESSING. And I saw seas of people having a great time, even if it meant sitting under big rigs for shade. That’s the beauty of music,the killer vibe.
I got to rock out to My Children My Bride.
I felt goosebumps when Unearth performed.
Senses Fail lead singer came out in a rocking ass pink jumpsuit and the BEST energy.
Simple Plan straight PACKED the grass and arena area. It was during this set that I saw the most displays of public affection and I am not gonna lie, it got me good in the feels. I love love.
Every Time I Die…..what can I say about these dudes that hasn’t been said. They kill. Every fucking time. They slay each set they play like its their first and they’ve been rocking for 20 years. Not only did they dedicate to those fans who have seen them at Ace of Spades in Sacramento and The Boardwalk in Orangevale, they did a song tribute to Vinnie Paul. Goosebumps returned.
The Used closed out the night, with colorful smoke bombs, rainbow sign, and encouragement from Bert to be who you are. The crowd surfing was real.
I’d have to say the band that impressed me most because I’ve never seen them before and this woman’s message literally could NOT be ignored was Sharptooth and lead singer Lauren Gashan. She reminded me of a 90’s feminist rocker only this chick was about equality. She was about telling her story, no matter how personal it was, or how uncomfortable it may make you. You have to respect someone who fights for what they believe in. Lauren spoke aggressively about rights for LGBT, trans, non binary and bi sexual individuals. She reached out to those who have been a victim of rape or sexual assault. And she advocated for mental illness, an issue that needs to be talked about. I salute you Lauren. I am grateful that my daughters have a woman like you as a role model and voice.
All in all, Vans Warped Tour rocked. Despite the lines and crowds, it was exactly the way it needed to be: chaotic and hot. Full of people who love music, who have no other agenda but to rock and to rock as hard as they can. Well done……Words by Amber Rose and pictures by Zoran Theodorovic
