Armed with new vocalist Marc Lopes, a reborn, revitalized, and re-invigorated Metal Church are setting out this summer to write the first chapter of a new era for the band. Following the tragic suicide of beloved singer Mike Howe in 2021, many wondered if the metal legends would call it quits. The band’s creative force and only remaining original member, Kurdt Vanderhoof had been working with Howe on new material together prior to Howe’s untimely death. Vanderhoof ultimately decided he wanted to complete the album in honor of his friend and bandmate.
Enter Marc Lopes – a long-time friend of Metal Church bassist Steve Unger and drummer Stet Howland. After working with the band casually to test the waters, it soon became clear Lopes was the “guy” and the band moved forward recording their latest release, Congregation of Annihilation. As Marc’s aggressive vocal style was more similar to previous vocalist David Wayne, Vanderhoof felt it was time to move in an old school musical direction with a bit of modern twist. The results have been outstanding – the album of edgy classic thrash metal tracks has been well-received, especially by fans of the band’s earlier years.
With a new killer album out, how would the new singer pass the live performance test? Would the band still possess the musical passion and drive after enduring pandemic delays, the death of Howe, and more recently the passing of former long-time drummer Kirk Arrington in May? Metal Church rolled into Brick by Brick in San Diego and were greeted by enthusiast long-time fans, many adorned in Metal Church shirts (including myself!) including one dedicated fan dressed as a Metal Church pope. While it was a Monday night, the energy and anticipating of the crowd was very evident.
The fast tempo opener, “Ton of Bricks” quenched the crowd’s thirst for an immediate intense face melter. Newcomer Lopes stormed the stage with bold reckless abandon, nailing the vocals impressively and enticing the crowd to get fired up. It was obvious right away that Lopes vocals fit perfectly - edgy and gritty with powerful screams right in the Metal Church stylistic wheelhouse, while also adding his own touches, a modern metal vibe of his own.
The set list was amazing, heavy on material from the first two albums Metal Church and The Dark. Heavy hitters like “Gods of Wrath”, “Watch the Children Pray”, “Start the Fire” and two deep cut surprises “Burial at Sea” and “Hitman”! Two Howe era songs were rightfully included, the epic classic “Badlands” and the headbanging metal anthem “Fake Healer”. Two songs of the new album were incredible. “Pick a God and Prey” is a thrash metal masterpiece, crunchy metal guitar hook and melodic aggressive catchy vocals. “Me the Nothing” is another new tune that just slaps your face and demands your attention – it includes a classic Metal Church non-distorted clean guitar only intro, then explodes with a mid-tempo kick ass hook and catchy aggressive vocal delivery that has you shouting, “Me the Nothing!”. The final encores almost blew the roof off the place, threatening to turn Brick by Brick into a “ton of bricks”, with the timeless and haunting “Beyond the Black” and first album title track “Metal Church”.
The band lineup is both formidable musically and fun to watch. Bassist Steve Unger has been with the band 20 years now and he and his rhythm section partner Stet Howland fire up a very powerful and loud metal engine. Howland (formerly of WASP) has been with the band since 2017 and always seems to be having a blast back there on the drums. Many drummers twirl their sticks, but Howland does it effortlessly right in the middle of monster fills furiously rolling left to right across the tom rack! Guitarist Rick Van Zandt, band member since 2008, is the technical guitar wizard, both pounding the hooks and shredding many solos. Finally, there’s Vanderhoof, the band quarterback, proudly ripping out riffs with his familiar Les Paul and Marshall amp setup. Vanderhoof took a moment to give a heartfelt thank you to the crowd for their support, noting the losses the “Metal Church family” had endured recently. It was great to see one of my metal heroes back in action.
I left the show energized and encouraged that Metal Church had risen from the depths of tragedy, found a great new singer, released an incredible new album, and was back playing live all for the joy of playing metal and giving back to the fans. With touring planned around the world in ’23-’23, a new era of Metal Church is off to a great start.
Rock on and be well!
Greg Vitalich
When we think about Tech N9ne and all that he has done and created, it’s usually fast raps and hard beats. It’s what he’s been known for as long as I’ve been listening to him. Upon releasing “Pull Out” featuring Head Da Don, I anticipated another ripper and was pleasantly surprised by how smooth this track was. From beginning to end we got a great taste of how well rounded Tech is and we are here for it. What’s to come, who knows but I think it will be an exciting new era for him while also keeping it real and true to his roots. We even may see a collab with Ronnie Radke after his appearance at their show in KC and follow up tweet from Ronnie himself but that’s all speculation. Give “Pull Out” a spin and let us know what you think.
- James Coffman
The countdown to #500 continued with show #496 and again, we blew some minds. Our industry Co-Host was Hunnypot intern alumni and current head of sync for Believe, Heather Boyd.
The night was chock-full of musical treasures, opening is Jessica Carter Altman, musician, songwriter, artist, and daughter of Linda Carter, (the all-time greatest Wonder Woman). Airbender One shares some tracks from her debut album #Antidote". Busting out some Power Pop was 19-year-old and Guinness World Record Holder for Most National Anthems sung in their host countries in one year (an astounding record of 76) Capri and St. Louis hip-hop icon Zeus Rebel Waters returned for his Hunnypot Live residency finale. Zeus brought fellow St. Louis rap stars BSG TLO, Juss fuZe, Wilo D, Duke Boi, and Mike Jays to the stage.
Another fantastic night, listen to the full show using the links provided. #WhereMusicLoversGoToPlay
Heather Boyd is Head of Sync, North America at Believe, the world's biggest fully-independent label and artist services company, distributor, and publisher headquartered in Paris. As the first US hire at Believe, Heather pioneered the expansion of their US footprint. She pitches music for film, TV, advertising, trailers, and video games from Believe’s growing roster of international artists, including The Blaze, Novo Amor, Milky Chance, YONAKA, Jadu Heart, and more.
Raised in Potomac, Maryland, Jessica Carter Altman was surrounded by a strong and supportive family. Her mother, the legendary Lynda Carter, helped build a steadfast sense of self in the singer and her father, Robert A. Altman instilled a love for law and philanthropy. Wrapped in an insatiable well of creativity and public service, Jessica followed along in her father’s footsteps, starting a law career after graduating from the University of Michigan Law School. Her desire to help others and be a voice for those who are often silenced propelled Jessica into a successful and impactful imprint at Gibson Dunn — only to realize in 2020 that she felt like her actions spoke louder through the words she’d lace together in song.
Understanding Jessica’s childhood passion for music is another key to understanding just why, despite her profound respect for the legal profession, she had to shift gears and pursue her career full-time. She has fond childhood memories of listening to everything from popular bands of the 90’s to Nina Simone, Etta James, The Rolling Stones, Mary Chapin-Carpenter and Trisha Yearwood and pulls from an eclectic catalog of musical influences including Billie Holliday, Amy Winehouse, and Boygenius to name a few.
Jessica’s music exposes some of the deepest and most difficult human emotions but does so wrapped in warmth, allowing the listener to approach these feelings head-on and embrace them alongside her. The singer evokes the feeling of having a private conversation with her audience, bridging the gap between artistry and humanity that resonates with the many layers of living that exist.
Airbender One is a multi-media artist specializing in music and immersive art. Having received her name as a trained neon bender and musician, she creates sonic landscapes to feature her unique, songwriting. With a calling to proliferate transcendent, raw, connective themes that showcase a journey of overcoming universal challenges,
Airbender One takes listeners on a journey with her debut album Antidote - a self-produced 13-track experiential album.
Capri an 19-year-old, Canadian Guinness World Record-holding singer now based in LA with over 1.1 million followers across her social platforms. Her songs have amassed millions of streams from Spotify to TikTok and YouTube and the music video for her song “Not Your Toy" has gone viral.
Capri's most recent release, "Wonder" hit Top 40 on the charts and the music video has over half a million views after the first week. Be here to see Capri on an intimate stage before she hits the stadiums, you'll be able to tell your friends you saw her play Hunnypot first.
Zeus Rebel Waters is an American hip-hop artist/songwriter, entrepreneur, single-dad, community leader, and philanthropist. The St. Louis native brings a distinct sound and style to hip hop known simply as Gumbo - a gritty blend of all genres mixed with melodic cadence and eclectic rhymes.
The indie rapper brings raw energy to the stage and unleashes it to all his fellow "Rebels" making his live show an experience of high-intensity and positive vibes.
From humble beginnings to Hoo Bangin’ Records, Waters has become a major player throughout the bi-state region. Now, the deity rapper is setting his sights on the global market. With business ventures in fashion, film, and community development, Zeus’ imprint goes far beyond bars and tracks. Make no mistake, Zeus Rebel Waters is here!
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Juss a kid tryna do something better for my son that what I had as a kid. I own a tattoo/Vape shop. Looking for my chance to become something of myself.
Best Ex is releasing her music video for "The End" on October 6th, in combination with the release of her album With A Smile. Best Ex says that the song "The End" is built out of frustration for the state of the world.
Some information about Best Ex, who also goes by Mariel Loveland, is that living in the shadow of NYC in Northern New Jersey, she got her start battling it out in the rough and tumble suburban scene with her nostalgia-tinged punk outfit Candy Hearts in 2010. Within two short years, she went from playing basements across the East Coast to sharing the stage with pop punk heavyweights like Man Overboard, New Found Glory and Weezer. After a final stint on Vans Warped Tour in 2015, she adopted the moniker Best Ex, trading energetic guitars for fuzzed-out synths, dreamy acoustics and a melodic sweet tooth that rivaled Carly Rae Jepson's or Sky Ferreira's.
Hunnypot is proud to be THE DARTS official sync representative. Check out the music video to their song "Spy Girl". It's a hard rock banger from a cool all-female band. The music video shows a combination of clips from their live shows with funky and fun edits.
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Saint Motel was a highlight of my Concert Photography career. It is always a question as to how much the band will live up to their recordings, and this group had the rare case of exceeding expectations. The group had a sound that flowed so smoothly and with the combination of their beautiful sound and their astonishing stage presence, this was a night to remember. Openers Echosmith began the night and set the bar to a new height for The Observatory OC venue, and the fact that Saint Motel was able to match this was a feat of its own.
Echosmith, well known for their folk twang pop hits including “Cool Kids” and “Bright” were a delight to see live. They were able to rile the crown for the headliner all the while finding newfound fans. The group played their hits along with never before songs, i.e. their new songs “Perfect Life”. The group had a great stage presence that allowed for audience participation and a visually appealing show. When it came time for the end of Echosmith’s set, the crowd was just the perfect amount of riled.
Saint Motel came to stage in formal attire which went splendidly with the golden red carpet vibes of the set design. The group began by announcing how the audience would be participating in the show. The group made it so there were a total of 4 “fan picks” which would be voted on using a QR code. This added an element of intimacy to the set. The group had the fancy elements and the whole shebang their Academy Award Tour.
The group played all of their hits including “Cold Cold Man”, “Sweet Talk”, “For Elise”, etc. It was a show to remember with lighting that gave a heavenly glow to the performers, audience participation, including one fan pick being revealed by a lucky audience member, and high quality performances all around. This show was an all time personal favorite of mine, and gave me a new appreciation for the talent of Saint Motel.
The recent Freaks on Parade Tour featuring Rob Zombie, Alice Cooper, and Ministry stopped in San Francisco on September 22nd, 2023, delivering a thrilling spectacle at the Toyota Pavilion. This electrifying tour brought together shock rock icon Rob Zombie and horror legend Alice Cooper, adding the industrial metal power of Ministry to create an unforgettable night of mayhem that won’t soon be forgotten. Let’s dig in.
Kicking off the evening for me was Ministry. This band, led by enigma Al Jourgensen, never fails to produce the evilest of industrial stompings. I last saw Ministry in 2019 on Slayer’s final tour, and they were even better this time around. The dueling lead guitars, held down by Monte Pittman and Cesar Soto, were gloriously loud and satisfying. Crystal clear yet sinister keyboards from John Bechdel and rhythm section compromised of Ray Mayorga on drums and Paul D ’Amour on bass held down the low end masterfully. Ministry never seems to disappoint (although I am glad I missed the chain link fence stage prop from the past tour). Favorites from the set included "Thieves", Stigmata", and one of their latest, "Goddam White Trash". Overall, Uncle Al and Ministry fully delivered the goods and then some. I am so looking forward to their new album, Hopiumforthemasses, to be released early 2024.
Next up was legendary shock rocker Alice Cooper and his amazing theatrical ensemble. Alice has been entertaining not only Gen X’rs but Baby Boomers as well for decades. I have to tip my top hat to the entity that is Alice Cooper, a fictional name, yet a real person who always speaks of himself in third person. I recall looking at my parents album, Billion Dollar Babies, knowing this was a freak parade I wanted to belong to. Alice’s band is legitimately one of the best in the business featuring the golden kissed Nita Strauss on guitar, engineer and producer Tommy Henrickson on Guitar, Chuck Garric on Bass, Glen Sobel on drums, along with a third killer guitar player named Ryan Roxie. It would be a shame not to mention all of the wonderful theatrics by Alice’s stunning bride, Sheryl Cooper. She is phenomenal. The amazing 16-song setlist was filled with classic songs from all of our childhood and were rolled out with perfection and exciting stage antics. Some of these included "I'm Eighteen", "Poison", and of course "School's Out". It’s always a party with Alice and the gang, and at 75 years young, his set (In my opinion) the performance of the night. This band leaves you wanting more with a stage show and showmanship second to none.
Now on to the main attraction, Grammy winner and Horror rock Icon Rob Zombie. Headlining the Freaks on Parade Tour, Rob keeps it real and simple with his band of 4 including himself, Piggy D on bass, Ginger Fish on drums and new (well not really new) Riggs on Guitar. Zombie gave us an amazing 14-song set list for the evening, spanning his illustrious career nearing 40 years. Some of my favorites from the night included “Superbeast", "House of 1000 Corpses", and the encore "Dragula". Saving some of the best for last, Zombie tossed in some White Zombie for us die-hard fans. Led screens and crazy pyro rounded out the stage production where giant sized aliens and evil monsters graced the stage. Rob Zombie makes all of us freaks that sat at the weirdo table together in school unite. It has never meant so much to be called a freak, thanks to bands like Rob Zombie, Alice Cooper, and Ministry.
The collaboration of Rob Zombie, Alice Cooper, and Ministry offered fans of all ages a unique experience. Each artist brought their distinct style to the stage, creating a blend of shock rock, heavy metal, and industrial music. It was a celebration of the darker side of rock and roll, filled with theatrical performances and powerful music. This concert stood out from other shows due to the unique combination of artists and their shared love for horror aesthetics. This one is sure to be remembered as a highlight of the 2023 concert season, and I will be patiently awaiting the next Freaks on Parade Tour to fly my freak flag high and proud.
If you were in college around 2016-2017 like I was, then I’m certain you know the band Surf Curse. When "Freaks" came out, I felt like I was hearing it everywhere, and that’s largely because it was blaring from my dorm speakers almost constantly. Since then, however, I haven’t listened to ‘em much, if at all really, aside from when I throw Spotify on shuffle – but when I saw that they were not only touring with Greta Van Fleet right now, but also doing a small show in Medford, MA, I had to check it out.
Their performance was exactly what I had hoped a Surf Curse show would be. No real frills to it, just a small stage they could barely all fit on that wasn’t a foot and a half off the ground in a venue that is a far cry from the TD Garden the night before, but they played their set like it was. They played with such raw emotion and energy throughout their whole set, that I couldn’t help but be bouncing along with the crowd as well.
Starting with "All is Lost" and hitting tracks from every album along the way, "Freaks" included of course, Nick and Jacob never wavered for a second. Each song felt like a story of nostalgia and intense, bittersweet emotion that lies at the heart of their sound – especially Jacobs snappy, atmospheric riffs.
In all, Surf Curse’s show at Deep Cuts in Medford, MA was everything I had envisioned and more. From the drinks being served in clear plastic cups, to the pinball machines clinking around in the back corner, it felt like a hometown show with a local band. It felt like Surf Curse. If you haven’t had the opportunity to catch them live yet, don’t hesitate. Even if you only know a song like Freaks for example – I promise you, after the show you’ll be right on board with everyone you just danced with.
I have been waiting for the group behind the I Can’t Handle Change album for quite some time. Roar has found a unique aspect to highlight in every song they have. Ranging from barbershop quartets to psychedelic rock, they are a group unlike any other. They have such a unique charm to each of their tracks.
Opening for Roar was the group Harmless, best known by their hit song “Swing Lynn” which captures a nostalgic and melancholic raw emotion. This group has some incredible surprises in terms of tracks. They have such a range of vibes, but also a singer who can vary from the deepest bass to the highest highs. They rocked the house and brought the energy up for headliner Roar as they took the stage.
Roar had a pure exposed aspect to most of their music live. It felt as if you were in the studio with the group themselves. The band had many surprises in store including a mad libs between songs in which the group would take suggestions from the audience. This show felt incredibly personal not only for the group, but for the audience as well. It was an absolute thrill to get to hear some of my favorite tracks come to life at The Constellation Room, tracks including “Christmas Kids”, “Heart For Brains” and of course the titular “I Can’t Handle Change”. This group not only knows how to rock, but also when to bring things down. As they found a way to transition between their many different aesthetics in a smooth manner. My only wish is that the group had more incredible tunage to bring to us.
I, along with many fans, will be patiently awaiting Roar’s next album.
On a blistering night in Toronto, the echo of metal and the resonance of rock reverberated through the air, as Echo Beach played host to a gathering of metalheads in a fervent celebration of the genre. This was no ordinary night; it was the eve of September 18, 2023, a night when the stars aligned to bring forth the Babyklok Tour - a spectacle of musical prowess headlined by the formidable Dethklok and the sensational Babymetal. To set the stage ablaze, none other than Jason Richardson, a guitar virtuoso renowned for his work in Born of Osiris and All That Remains, took command. With masterful strokes, he conjured a sonic tempest that seemed to defy the laws of music. His solo performance was a tantalizing glimpse of the auditory feast that awaited the eager audience. I would have loved him to have an accompanying band. I get it, I am old, and the idea of programed playback music at a live performance makes me feel like I am at a really expensive karaoke bar. Satriani, Yngwie, Steve Vai and Nita Strauss all are guitar virtuosos who take center stage for instrumental sets, but you get the full band experience on stage. Jason’s guitar playing was extraordinary, and it deserves a solid band to go with it.
Then, in an eruption of fervor, the iconic trio of Su-Metal, Moametal, and Momometal, collectively known as Babymetal, descended upon the stage. Bedecked in matching garb, they opened with a surge of energy, unleashing "BABYMETAL DEATH" and setting the venue ablaze. The fusion of J-pop and metal was nothing short of electrifying, as they traversed their discography, leaving no soul untouched. Hits like "PA PA YA!!," "BxMxC," and the Tom Morello-backed anthem "METALI!!" echoed through the venue, each note infused with an infectious vibrancy that resonated with the fervent audience. The ethereal dance moves, synchronized to perfection, added a visual dimension that elevated the performance to transcendence. The backing band looking VERY similar to vintage Ghost “Popestar” era Nameless Ghouls.
As the night wore on, it was clear that this wasn't just a concert; it was an odyssey into the heart of musical ingenuity. Each act brought forth a distinct flavor, a unique essence that painted the evening with vivid strokes of sonic brilliance. And then came the crescendo, the moment that all had been waiting for – the emergence of Dethklok, a band born not just of musical prowess, but of animated imagination.
Dethklok didn't just take the stage; they inhabited it. The colossal screen, a visual marvel, dominated the backdrop, bearing witness to the iconic artwork of Metalocalypse. It was more than a mere canvas; it was a living, breathing entity, pulsating in perfect harmony with every thundering riff. The band, cloaked in shadows, emerged from the very depths of their animated universe, as if the screen itself had come to life. It was a revelation, a testament to the enduring influence of Metalocalypse, a series that birthed not just a band, but an entire sonic universe.
The interplay between music and animation was nothing short of extraordinary. Dethklok orchestrated a multi-sensory experience that transcended conventional notions of a live show. Each riff, each growl resonated in perfect synchrony with the pulsating visuals, creating an immersive sonic landscape that defied easy categorization. The experience was akin to stepping into the heart of Metalocalypse itself, a world where music and art converged into a singular, electrifying entity.
In the end, Dethklok proved that music could be more than a mere auditory experience. It could be a visual journey, an animated odyssey that invited the audience to step into a realm where sound and imagery danced in perfect harmony. It was a night that celebrated the boundless possibilities of creative expression, a night where the fictional and the tangible coalesced into something truly extraordinary. As the final notes echoed through the venue, it was clear that the legacy of Dethklok would continue to resonate, reminding us all that sometimes, the most powerful experiences are the ones that defy easy explanation.
