Upcoming Shows: Nationwide Edition

I'm going to try something new: Instead of focusing on New Mexico's local shows, I'm going to post flyers for shows throughout the country. Simply scroll down until you see your region, then check out what shows are coming to a bar/warehouse/slum near you. The U.S.A is a pretty big place, so this will be broken up into two parts: Part 1 will focus on the West and it's various sub-regions, and Part 2 will tackle the rest. You ready? Me neither. Let's do this.

West Coast:

Ghoul is fuckin' ace. The rest of the line up is pretty good too, but let's face it. Most of us would pay the $30  just to see Ghoul. 

So-Cal goes old-school. This show is happening in Ponoma, CA. Having never been there, I can't give you directions. I hope it's literally in a Glass House. 

Southwest: 

Holy crap, that's alot of bands in one day. I'm proud to say that Defleshment hails from my home state of New Mexico, and they have even been interviewed by Native Entertainment magazine. They will be sharing the stage with tons of talented bands at the Rocky Point Cantina in Tempe, Arizona.  Brutal Fest is happening this Saturday, so get your tickets before they sell out!

Speaking of Arizona, that's the place that Anomaly calls home. They will be playing at Warehouse 21, Santa Fe's only all-ages venue. I thought that this show was tomorrow, but since it's currently 2 A.M, I guess it's technically tonight!!

Later on, in the fine month of June, Warehouse 21 once again hosts an epic Metal show. Scalafrea from Colorado is one hell of a band, and Eat A Helicopter is Experimental DeathCore. Basically, if you come, expect some insane mosh pits. Not to mention the rest of the line up, which is comprised entirely of shredders.

This one is in Albuqurque's own Hooligans nightclub. Once again, the line up is pretty righteous, but I have a feeling that Torn Between Worlds will be the band that draws a crowd like moths to a flame. 

Torture Victim is releasing their new album! It's about damn time, too. Not for the faint of heart, lest you have a faint heart attack. 

Northwest:

This beast of a concert will take place in Studio Seven of Seattle, Washington. Fun Fact: Seattle is also home to the brilliant Stoner-Metal group Serial Hawk!

Midwest:

Goat Entertainment presents Shawn Whitaker at The What's Up Lounge in Mankato, Minnesota. I wish I could post more flyers in this region, but it took me about an hour just to find this gem. 

Wow, this is harder than I thought. And I'm not even half-way done! Iron-clad deals suck. Stay tuned for Part 2: Eastern America.  

Datz Not Metulz Part 2

I was unable/unwilling to post anyting for the past week or so, due to the fact that I was kidnapped to Durango to see a rave. I came back in one piece, but Colorado will be scarred forever. Anyway, I was deprived of Metal for a pretty long time, even though I enjoy electronic music. I don't remember what any of the DJ's called themselves, but I think it's fair to say that the music scene in Colorado is pretty freaking epic. Don't believe me? Check out the poll for the  Denver Music Showcase. While you're at it, vote for Scalafrea... Or Speedwolf...Or Iconocaust.

My point is, it's about time I had a drunken epiphany and realized that "Metal" is not synonymous with "Awesome", even if there is massive overlap. Just like some Metal kind of sucks,  other genres prove to host gems of musicianship and talent. Raves still aren't my favorite thing in the world, but last week was sublime. I will always prefer guitar distortion to record scratches, mosh pits to fist pumps, and blood to glitter. In fact, I was stranded so far out of my comfort zone that it was scarier than any Metal show I've ever seen. Ain't that something? Picture this: a badass Metal bitch, who has braved the fiercest pits and afterparties, now cowering from the pink-glowstick weilding frat boys. For shame.

So last week was amazing, even if the only activity that was remotely "Metal" was trashing the hotel room. Everything else was a whole 'nother world. Granted, the first DJ played a remix of Bulls On Parade, which is technically headbangable, but that's basically like running out of booze and resorting to mouthwash.  Not only does Colorado rock, but I have a newfound appreciation for genres that I had hitherto ignored. Five stars outta five.