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Melbourne, Australia – tētēma, the bi-continental outfit featuring Mike Patton (Faith No More, Mr. Bungle) and the Melbourne based, electro-acoustic artist Anthony Pateras, return with their sophomore album, the mind-bending Necroscape (April 3, Ipecac Recordings).
An early preview of the Spring release can be heard now, with “Haunted On The Uptake,” a track Pateras describes as sounding “like The Melvins’ tour van broke down in the Balkans and instead of going home, they decide to open a mountain laboratory dedicated to possible hybrids of Rembetika and hardcore.” Pre-order and stream here: https://smarturl.it/necroscape
Necroscape is sculpted around isolation in the surveillance age; and although lofty/high-concept sounding, it is still an intensely fun and heavy listen. Necroscape synthesizes a lot of territory: odd-time rock, musique concrète, otherworld grooves, soul, industrial noise, microtonal psychoacoustics… seemingly strange bedfellows on paper, yet they seamlessly coalesce into 13 songs which playfully challenge our notions of sonic logic and make you move at the same time. In a nutshell, listening to Necroscape creates the weird sensation of exclaiming “of course!” and “wtf?” simultaneously.
Necroscape Tracklist
Necroscape
Cutlass Eye
Wait Till Mornin’
Haunted on the Uptake
All Signs Uncensored
Milked Out Million
Soliloquy
Flatliner’s Owl
Dead Still
Invertebrate
We’ll Talk Inside A Dream
Sun Undone
Funerale Di Un Contadino
About tētēma
Pateras and Patton “created an intelligent but ferocious mixture of avant-garde experimentalism, world music accents, and heavy metal velocity” (All Music) within the confines of their 11-track, 2014 debut, Geocidal. NME described the collection as “Roni Size getting spiked with GHB and fed through a woodchipper” while Alternative Press said, “once you are acclimated, it will leave you tingling.”
tētēma | Photography: Sabina Maselli
The pair, joined by Will Guthrie (percussion) and Erkka Veltheim (violin), both of whom appear on Necroscape as well, made their live debut, fittingly at the Tasmania Mona music and art festival. The Guardian said of the outing: “tētēma didn’t enrapture with anthems or token festival rock gestures, they enraptured with mood, with surprises, and with evocations rarely felt by audiences…”
Los Angeles, CA – Transcendent, two-time GRAMMY® Award-winning rock band, Evanescence, has released the official music video for their first new rock recording in eight years, “The Chain (From Gears 5).” Directed by frequent collaborator, P.R. Brown (My Chemical Romance, John Mayer, Green Day), the piece blends powerful, epic performance visuals with footage from the launch trailer for Xbox Game Studios’ Gears 5 from the massively popular Gears of War franchise. To emulate the aesthetic of Gears 5, a miniature set was constructed for the music video that parallels the dystopian environment of the game. Watch it HERE, and listen to the song on all digital streaming platforms HERE.
“The lyrics make me feel the power of standing together against great forces trying to pull us apart, perhaps even from the inside. I really wanted to drive that home in our version,” lead singer Amy Lee elaborates.
P.R. Brown adds, “The goal of the video is to show the bond of this band as they deliver a powerful take on a classic song. The tie in with Gears 5 presented an opportunity to combine the game world together with the band performance in a post-apocalyptic setting. The band emerges from the ashes to come together. We wanted to bring these worlds together and feel both the force of the band and the game.”
Evanescence unveiled their signature-rock version of the Fleetwood Mac classic in November, following Leehaving lent her vocals to the Gears 5 launch trailer. The spot aired as part of a multi-million-dollar ad campaign in the fall in conjunction with the launch of the game. Watch it HERE. In addition, Gears 5 set new records as the biggest launch for any Xbox Game Studios game this generation.
Evanescence | Photography: P.R. Brown
Band Is Currently in the Studio Working on New Original Music
“The Chain” marks the first release in what is expected to be a very active period for Evanescence. Following their foray into symphonic music with 2017’s critically acclaimed Synthesisalbum and world tour, the five-piece reemerged by embracing a heavier sound, albeit with their trademark style that has made Evanescence integral in establishing a global, critical mass in rock, and among the most unique artists of the millennium. The band is currently working on new original music, which will start rolling out in 2020 in advance of their highly-anticipated fifth full-length studio album. Stay tuned for more details to come.
Spring Tour Begins on March 29 with a Performance at Download Festival Japan
On March 29, Evanescence’s spring tour dates commence with a performance at Download Festival in Tokyo, Japan. Shortly thereafter, the group will embark on a massive co-headline tour of Europe and the U.K. with Within Temptation that runs from April 4 to May 1. Evanescence will also headline their own show in Madrid, Spain on May 3 to conclude their slew of dates overseas. After a quick break, the quintet will return to the U.S. for two select performances – The Fillmore in Minneapolis, MN on May 14 and a major festival performance at Sonic Temple on May 16. Tickets to all shows are on sale now and can be purchased on Evanescence’s official website HERE.
SEATTLE — High Dive was host to an Emo and Pop Punk dance party called “I’m Not Okay” amidst the Emo revival that is sweeping the globe. Being named after their hit single, there is no doubt that some attendees came out to ease the pain of missing out on My Chemical Romance’s December 20th reunion concert in Los Angeles.
The animated DJ Baby Van Beezly led the night, appearing at home amongst the community — many whom were teenagers when the music spinning was new and permanently impacting them. Heard throughout the night were artists such as My Chemical Romance, Yellowcard, Blink-182, The Offspring, Panic! At the Disco, Paramore, Taking Back Sunday, Good Charlotte, The Used, Green Day, and more.
A sole band performed — MySpace Romance, who some may have assumed was strictly a My Chemical Romance cover band. Rather, they additionally covered the likes of Arizona’s very own The Format and Jimmy Eat World, along with Coheed and Cambria, The Starting Line, Fall Out Boy, Dashboard Confessional, and more. (Find the setlist in the photo gallery below.) The band had good energy and put on a delightful set for those that longed to experience these songs in live performance again.
Emo nights occur frequently nowadays, and there is certainly no shortage of them in Burning Hot Events’ home — Phoenix. The venues The Rebel Lounge, The Van Buren, and Pub Rock are some that have been host to emo nights, so keep an eye on their upcoming events. As for Seattle: “The Emo Night Tour” took place at El Corazon the same night as “I’m Not Okay”, but there is another opportunity to experience this event on February 22nd! Wherever you may be located, if you are a fan of the genre, do find an emo night nearby and experience catharsis, nostalgia, community, and the passionate energy that comes with this type of music.
Leon Bridges will appear on all stadium dates. Meghan Trainor will appear on all show dates.
Three-time GRAMMY® Award winning multiplatinum band Maroon 5 have announced dates for their upcoming 2020 U.S. tour produced by Live Nation. These upcoming tour dates mark the biggest U.S. shows of the band’s career, with the group playing iconic venues such as at Wrigley Field, Fenway Park, Citi Field and Banc of California Stadium. The band’s multi-country tour will kick off on May 30that North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre in Chula Vista, CA.
Most recently Maroon 5 released their latest single “Memories” to critical acclaim. Leon Bridges’ new collaborative EP with Khruangbin, Texas Sun will be released February 7th and the title track is out now. Meghan Trainor will release her anticipated third studio album entitled Treat Myself, coming January 31st on Epic Records.
Tickets for the tour are set to go on sale starting on Monday, December 9thand will be available to the public on Friday, December 13th. A limited number of LaneOne Premium Packages will also be available, including amazing seats, transportation, preferred entrance and more. Click HERE for LaneOne details. For more information, please see tour dates below and click HERE.
American Express® Card Members can purchase tickets in select markets before the general public beginning Monday, December 9that 12pm local time through Thursday, December 12th at 10pm local time.
Citi cardmembers will have access to purchase U.S. presale tickets in select markets beginning Monday, December 9th at 12pm local time until Thursday, December 12th at 10pm local time through Citi EntertainmentSM. For complete presale details visit www.citientertainment.com.
Maroon 5’s New Hit Single “Memories” Out Now – #1 on Hot AC
The band’s tour announcement follows the debut of their most recent single, “Memories” (222 Records/ Interscope Records). The release of “Memories”marks the first new music from the Los Angeles band since the release of their global anthem “Girls Like You.” Produced by Adam Levine and The Monsters & Strangerz and Executive Produced by Jacob “J Kash” Hindlin, “Memories” marks a moment of creative and personal progression for the musicians. The minimalist ballad starkly pairs a lilting clean guitar with chantable and evocative lyrics from Levine. In addition to representing another sonic side, it tackles uncharted subject matter for the group— namely loss—but from a different angle.
Following its release, “Memories” quickly claimed Maroon 5’s 22nd appearance on Billboard Hot 100’s Top 40. The track is currently holding at peak position #4 on Billboard Hot 100 chart, their 10th Top 5, and their 12th Top 10 this decade; that includes at least one new song sent into the Top 10 each year since 2011. The track just reached #1 on Billboard Hot AC chart, their 14th #1 which is the most by any act. The David Dobkin directed music video has garnered over 185 million views on Youtube; pushing their video catalog to 12 BILLION views across all official channels on YouTube.
Previously Announced Tour Dates
2/23 Mexico City, MEX – Foro Sol
2/28 Santiago, CHL – Estadio Bicentenario de la Florida
3/1 Sao Paulo, BRA – Allinaz Parque
3/5 Recife, BRA – Classic Hall
3/7 Rio de Janeiro, BRA – Estacionamento da Jeunesse
3/10 Montevideo, URY – Estadio Centenario
3/12 Buenos Aires, ARG – Campo Argentino de Polo
3/14 Bogota, COL – Parque Salitre Magico
Newly Announced 2020 Tour Dates
5/30 Chula Vista, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
5/31 Phoenix, AZ – Ak-Chin Pavilion
6/3 Alburquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater
6/5 Denver, CO – Pepsi Center
6/7 Austin, TX – Austin360 Amphitheater
6/8 The Woodlands, TX – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
6/10 Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion
6/13 Chicago, IL – Wrigley Field
6/14 Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center
6/16 Clarkston, MI – DTE Energy Music Theatre
6/18 Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center
6/19 Burgettstown, PA – KeyBank Pavilion
6/24 Boston, MA – Fenway Park
6/25 Flushing, NY – Citi Field
6/27 Darien Center, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater
6/28 Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage
8/2 North Little Rock, AR – Simmons Bank Arena
8/4 Oklahoma City, OK – Chesapeake Energy Arena
8/6 Lincoln, NE – Pinnacle Bank Arena
8/8 Fargo, ND – Fargodome
8/9 St. Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center
8/12 Edmonton, AB – Rogers Place
8/14 Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena
8/15 Auburn, WA – White River Amphitheatre
8/17 Portland, OR – Moda Center
8/19 Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre
8/21 Los Angeles, CA – Banc of California Stadium
8/24 Salt Lake City, UT – USANA Amphitheatre
8/27 Kansas City, MO – Sprint Center
8/29 Maryland Heights, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
8/30 Milwaukee, WI – American Family Insurance Amphitheater
9/1 Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
9/3 Camden, NJ – BB&T Pavilion
9/5 Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium
9/6 Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Performing Arts Center
9/9 Hartford, CT – XFINITY Theatre
9/11 Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
9/12 Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
9/14 Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
9/16 West Palm Beach, FL – Coral Sky Amphitheatre
9/17 Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
Italian symphonic power metal band Ravenword has unleashed “No More,” first single from their one-time studio album, Transcendence, out January 31 via Rockshots Records.
Vocalist Chiara Tricarico comments: “This song is a classical power metal track with a beautiful piano part and a super-fast solo.”
The track features Davide Lovecchio as special guest on the lead guitar.
“No More” is available as digital single at all major online stores, paired with an official audio track on YouTube.
Transcendence is now available for pre-order at the Rockshots Records’ official store. Inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s novel The Raven, the Milan, Italy, based band was originally formed in 2007 by keyboardist and composer Davide Scuteri (Choirs Of Veritas). After several years of activity, which included a self-titled demo, the band went on a brief hiatus, re-grouping in 2016 when singer Chiara Tricarico (Sound Storm, Moonlight Haze), drummer Michele Olmi (Chronosfear, Skeleeton) and bass/guitar player Cesare Ferrari (Choirs Of Veritas) joined the band, in order to create a one-time studio album that embodies the whole history of the band.
With Transcendence, Ravenword captures the romantic and decadent poetic themes typical of Edgar Allan Poe’s period, combined with an equally decadent symphonic metal sound. In line with Ravenword’s ode to poetry, the title Transcendence was chosen to symbolize the idea of always going beyond one’s perception of reality and seeking deeper meanings.
Los Angeles, CA — Transcendent, two-time GRAMMY® Award-winning rock band, Evanescence, has returned with their first new rock recording in eight years, “The Chain (From Gears 5).” Listen HERE.
The band recorded their signature-rock version of the Fleetwood Mac classic following lead singer Amy Lee having lent her vocals to the launch trailer for Xbox Game Studios’ Gears 5 for Xbox One, Windows 10, and Steam, from the massively popular Gears of War series. The spot aired as part of a multi-million-dollar ad campaign this fall in conjunction with the launch of the game. Watch it HERE.
Gears 5 was Microsoft’s most successful video game launch since Halo 4 in 2012.
Amy Lee firmly re-establishes herself as one of rock’s pre-eminent vocalists, exhibiting an impressive range that still packs a wallop” –Variety
“The Chain” is the first release in what is expected to be a very active period for Evanescence. Following their critically acclaimed foray into symphonic music with 2017’s Synthesisalbum and world tour, the five-piece has reemerged by embracing a heavier sound, albeit with their trademark style that has made Evanescence integral in establishing a global, critical mass in rock, and among the most unique artists of the millennium. The band is currently working on new original music, which will start rolling out in 2020 in advance of their next studio album. Stay tuned for more details to come.
“This cover was so fun to make. We love Fleetwood Mac and wanted to paint a dark and epic picture with our take on ‘The Chain,’” says Amy Lee. “The lyrics make me feel the power of standing together against great forces trying to pull us apart, perhaps even from the inside. I really wanted to drive that home in our version, and even made everyone in the band sing by the end of it! We’re beyond excited to share this with our fans and I’m really looking forward to playing it live.”
At the end of the month, Evanescence will be heading to Mexico City to play Knotfest, followed by an appearance at Download Festival in Tokyo on March 29, 2020. After a short break, the group will be heading out on a massive co-headline tour of Europe and the U.K. with Within Temptation.The new batch of dates kicks off on April 4 in Brussels, Belgium and concludes in Birmingham, U.K. on May 1. Evanescence will also return to the U.S. shortly thereafter for a headline show at The Fillmore in Minneapolis, MN on May 14. All tickets are on sale now and can be purchased on the band’s official website HERE.
“Haunting, powerful, and packed with poetic truth, Lee’s voice is one of the strongest in the game—recognizable and unparalleled.” –Nylon
Evanescence 2019-2020 Tour Dates:
11/30/19 – Mexico City, Mexico @ Knotfest
3/29/20 – Tokyo, Japan @ Download Festival
4/4/20 – Brussels, Belgium @ Palais 12 *
4/5/20 – Paris, France @ Accor Hotel Arena *
4/7/20 – London, U.K. @ The O2 *
4/9/20 – Berlin, Germany @ Velodrome *
4/11/20 – Frankfurt, Germany @ Festhalle *
4/12/20 – Zurich, Switzerland @ Hallenstadion *
4/14/20 – Milan, Italy @ Mediolanum Forum *
4/15/20 – Munich, Germany @ Zenith *
4/17/20 – Hamburg, Germany @ Sporthalle *
4/18/20 – Leipzig, Germany @ Leipzig Arena *
4/20/20 – Dusseldorf, Germany @ Mitsubishi Hall *
4/21/20 – Amsterdam, Netherlands @ Ziggo Dome *
4/22/20 – Amsterdam, Netherlands @ Ziggo Dome *
4/24/20 – Brussels, Belgium @ Palais 12 *
4/26/20 – Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg @ Rockhal Main Hall *
Former bandmates Fred Mascherino and Eddie Reyes have reconnected and teamed up for their very own rendition of Emo Night. They’ll be taking their show on the road in January 2020 for a few dates that will include stops in Amityville (NY), Asbury Park (NJ), and Easton (PA). The festivities will include DJ sets, emo karaoke, and performances by The Color Fred and Fates Got A Driver.
“The Color Fred played an Emo Night that our friend Jon runs in Pennsylvania and we had a blast,” explains Mascherino. “He was spinning all of the bands that Eddie and I use to play with, so we thought it would be fun to do it in other places and have Eddie’s band help make it even more fun.”
The Color Fred is an indie rock band headed by former Taking Back Sunday guitarist/vocalist Fred Mascherino. Bend to Break, The Color Fred’s first full-length album, was released on October 30, 2007. The album hit #8 on the Billboard Heatseekers Chart. The band toured throughout North America and Europe, playing with bands such as Dashboard Confessional, Angels and Airwaves, and Four Year Strong. They released an acoustic EP titled The Intervention for Record Store Day in 2009 and did a virtual solo acoustic tour in support of its release.
Mascherino then entered the studio to record LP2 and wound up collaborating with his friends Josh Eppard (Coheed and Cambria) and Andy Jackson (Hot Rod Circuit) in what eventually became Terrible Things. The trio signed to Universal Motown Records, released their popular self-titled full-length, then spent most of their time on the road supporting bands including The Offspring, Minus the Bear, Bayside, Circa Survive, and Streetlight Manifesto. Mascherino then went on tour playing bass in The Lemonheads and guitar for Say Anything. During that time, he was producing and co-writing with bands eventually building his own studio, Diver Down. In late 2018, Fred decided to close the studio to the public and start recording his own music again. Coming full-circle, the new material is being released as The Color Fred. The first song “Don’t Give Up on Me” was released this past May. More new material is underway in the studio and will be released in the near future.
Los Angeles, CA — Rise Records is excited to announce that Jetty Bones, the musical project led by Ohio-based musician, Kelc Galluzzo, has joined their roster of artists. In celebration of the news, the band has shared a new music video for their single, “the part:”, a standout song from their third EP, – (pronounced “hyphen”), which debuted earlier this year via Take This To Heart Records. Stream/download the effort HERE, and watch the new visual HERE. Jetty Bones is also currently working on new music, expected next year on Rise.
Kelc has a message for Jetty Bones fans about this announcement and next chapter in the band’s career: “Growing up in Ohio, we used to have this local scene saying about how the dream was to ‘live in Ohio, start a band, then sign to Rise Records.’ Well, 12 years later, I finally get to say that those teenage dreams are a reality: Jetty Bones has officially signed to Rise and will be putting out a full-length record next year. As the final piece of the – era, here’s a music video and a promise to keep building this community around support and vulnerability as a part of the Rise family. Thank you for reminding me that fighting for passion, recovery, and the strength to help others has not been in vain. I don’t know if I can ever find the words to accurately explain how much I needed all of you (and still do), but I’m going to try my best for as long as you let me.”
Channeling the band’s namesake, Betty Jones, who broke out of her all girls’ Catholic school to remove herself from a situation where she wasn’t happy, Jetty Bones exists to encourage people to rise above everyday situations and push for a life with better meaning.
“The sound of an artist totally in control over her craft and her story.”–Chorus.fm
The group’s 2017 EP, Old Women, was a story of progress, growth, and the development of human connection – something often overlooked today. In a world so focused on outward appearances, Old Women takes you on a journey through one girl’s mental and emotional attempts to attach to something in a more genuine way, that something being other people. Its brisk, contemplative follow up, – (pronounced “hyphen”), is a bridge between Kelc’s journey to healthier interpersonal bonds and a future colored by close friends, As Jetty Bones still functions with Kelc’s crystal clear delivery and racing thoughts at its center and a network of trusted musicians bouncing in the margins, – is a testament to the artist’s growth, depth, and warmth.
Currently on Tour in the U.S. With New Found Glory
Jetty Bones is also currently on tour in the U.S. supporting New Found Glory, along with Hawthorne Heights and Free Throw. The remaining run of dates continues tonight in Lancaster, PA at Chameleon Club and wraps next week at Saturn in Birmingham, AL on November 26. A list of shows is included below, with tickets available to purchase HERE.
Jetty Bones Tour Dates Supporting New Found Glory:
11/20 – Lancaster, PA @ Chameleon Club 11/21 – Asbury Park, NJ @ Stone Pony 11/22 – Huntington, NY @ The Paramount 11/23 – Richmond, VA @ The National 11/25 – Carrboro, NC @ Cat’s Cradle 11/26 – Birmingham, AL @ Saturn
LOS ANGELES — TOOL, who are in the midst of their first North American tour in support of their #1 charting, record-breaking album Fear Inoculum (RCA Records), today announces an additional round of tour dates, kicking off on Jan. 10 in San Diego.
Tickets are on-sale this Friday, Nov.15 at 10 am local time, with a limited number of VIP packages available exclusively to Tool Army members via Toolband.com this Wednesday, Nov.13 at 10 am local time.
TOOL begins a two-night stint in Toronto this evening, during their extensive, sold out North American tour. The tour, which sees the band performing in some cities for the first time in over a decade, has received widespread accolades with the Los Angeles Times calling it “impeccable,” the Chicago Tribune describing the outing as a “twisting multimedia rollercoaster of a concert” and The Arizona Republic saying it’s “a visually breathtaking night of dystopian art-rock spectacle.”
Fear Inoculum arrived on Aug. 30 following years of anticipation. The album debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top 200 and earned heaps of critical praise with NPR saying, “Fear Inoculumwas worth the 13 year wait,” Revolver proclaiming the 10-track album “a masterpiece to be dissected for years to come” and Consequence of Sound saying the release finds “TOOL in peak performance.”
Full List of Sold Out North American Tour Dates:
November 11 Toronto, ON Scotiabank Arena November 12 Toronto, ON Scotiabank Arena November 14 Boston, MA TD Garden November 16 Newark, NJ Prudential Center November 18 Philadelphia, PA Wells Fargo Center November 19 Brooklyn, NY Barclay’s Center November 21 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Casino Arena November 22 Atlantic City, NJ Boardwalk Hall November 24 Raleigh, NC PNC Arena November 25 Washington, DC Capital One Arena
SEATTLE — For nearly two decades, producer Daniel Graves’ attention-grabbing and infectious industrial pop project, Aesthetic Perfection, has defied the world’s demands for definitions by blending genres and reinventing what it means to be a dark electro artist.
Last year, Aesthetic Perfection announced the “Into The Black World Tour 2019” to support their fifth studio album, Into The Black. The European leg of the tour commenced in the month of April in the UK, and the North American leg began in the beginning of September in San Diego. For the second date of this leg, they performed in Mesa, AZ — home of Burning Hot Events. Aesthetic Perfection’s North American tour made one of its last stops at Highline Bar with supporting acts Empathy Test and LAZERPUNK.
LAZERPUNK
LAZERPUNK, from Budapest, set an apropos dark and gritty tone, with electronic music so heavy that it feels like it resonates with your flesh and courses through your veins. The intensity of the music, especially as it was coming from just one man wearing an Adidas baseball cap, was nearly beyond comprehension.
Stepping into the environment of the club that night and being smacked with the power of these beats was like being dragged into an alternate universe. It was easily a reminder of why so many of us go out to industrial shows for the cathartic experience — communally flipping a switch that turns on a stifled side of our souls that is screaming and clawing to get out and rage during the mundane day-to-day, as we dismally watch our world socially and environmentally corrode around us. It is here we are uplifted, escape, and achieve balance in a combination of commiseration, unadulterated passion for music, and unjudged embracement of our dark, but not necessarily evil, sides.
Empathy Test
With Isaac Howlett’s British vocals that feel longing and aching, and an ethereal touch, synthwave act Empathy Test has no doubt drawn some associations to Depeche Mode innumerable times. As a blend of 80s sci-fi soundtracks, 90s guitar bands, and modern underground dance as influences, they are a duo in the studio (Howlett and producer Adam Relf), and currently a trio performing live. The beautiful thing about electronic music, as demonstrated by LAZERPUNK and Empathy Test, is that something so big can come from so few people. With the aid of Angel Metro on keys and Christina “Chrisy” Lopez on drums, the trio pulled the entranced audience at Highline into a galaxy of emotion. In between songs, Howlett brought some levity back to the room with charming, good-humored banter. Teeming with talent, Empathy Test are also responsible for their breathtaking artwork.
When Aesthetic Perfection hit the stage, it wasn’t long before the integrity of the building structure was tested as the crowd unapologetically jumped with such force the floor could be felt bouncing under your feet — admittedly not the most comforting feeling when you’re on the second story of a building.
Consisting of the aforementioned vocalist and programmer Graves, Elliott Berlin on keys/guitar/bass, infamous drummer Joe Letz (formerly of Combichrist and a slew of other industrial bands), this trio contrasted Empathy Test with deliciously harsh aggrotech.
The band added a delightfully creative “speed dating” VIP upgrade experience for this tour in which fans got a guarantee to interact with every band number. Additionally, the package included a signed setlist, signed polaroid, signed poster, and VIP laminate — basically all of the essentials that any diehard fan is going to want to collect from a show, and a really smart offer on the band’s part to turn a profit on their tour.
The diversity of Graves’ vocal techniques shine in sexy transitions between a vicious growl and a timbre that might be described as an approximate blend of Jay Godon (Orgy) and the late Chester Bennington (Linkin Park) — this vocal flux is exemplified in the track “Ebb and Flow”; there is a broody and agonizing cover of ‘NSync’s “Bye Bye Bye” (featuring guitarist Nikki Misery of New Years Day) in which he hits an impressively powerful high note with chest voice at the bridge, a beautiful falsetto in the new Into the Black opening track “Gods & Gold”, and even an OTEP-like quality in the theatrical track “Dark Ages”.
Berlin jumped back and forth between instruments, with hair flying wildly to no end, and making himself an entertaining spectacle each time he climbed upon his keyboard and thrashed around amongst the rising smoke.
Meanwhile, Letz made apparent why his percussive skills are so acclaimed, as the vigorous force of the backing beats that he was responsible for nearly brought down the house.
“Holy shit,” was the sentiment that coursed through my head all night, and near the finale of their set, Graves showed that those in the crowd were not alone in sheer awe of the magnitude of the immense energy pervading the venue, as he let out a clearly sincere, “Holy shit Seattle!”
Aesthetic Perfection will go on to tour in Germany from October 25th through November 2nd, with alternating and combined support by Empathy Test and Iris on select dates. If you’ve lost touch, this lineup is a mind-blowing reminder of what there is to love about industrial shows, that they are alive and well, and it is still a scene worth supporting.
