Music Update 2014

Long time no see folks! In the past year I got a new job, living in a new place, etc etc so I haven't been able to update this as much as I'd like. But I'll try to get caught up!

The past year has been fairly good for the modern rock music scene. I attended the VA Chili Cookoff in Woodstock, VA, which had an absolutely epic lineup. Sevendust, 10 Years, Trapt, Saliva, Taproot, Nonpoint, Dope, Soil, Smile Empty Soul, and several local acts like Defending Cain were all in attendance. The concert itself was awesome, however the promoters bit off more than they could chew on this one. First off, they had advertised tickets that came with a beer mug and unlimited refills. Due to regulations, they couldn't secure a permit to even sell alcohol, so there was no beer. Secondly....they didn't have any chili either. Needless to say, this was the first and last VA Chili Cookoff concert.

Alrighty, onto the main focus of this blog...modern rock album reviews. There was a LOT of great music that came out in 2013. VOLBEAT released an epic record...mixing modern rock with a western twang to it. "Shady Ladies & Outlaw Gentlemen" is a MUST have for any rock music fan. When you get it, go straight to Doc Holliday. You won't be sorry.

AVENGED SEVENFOLD came roaring back with a great record, the first without their drummer The Rev after his tragic death. "Hail to the King" is one of their best records. Standouts include the title track and Shepherd of Fire. The entire album is a little less frantic than their previous albums, this time concentrating on hard riffs and straight up metal style playing.

Modern rock rookies GEMINI SYNDROME had a debut of astronomical proportions. "Lux" was released to great fanfare among metal fans.  With a sound somewhat similar but slightly less frantic than Five Finger Death Punch, Gemini Syndrome has been lighting up media outlets like Sirius Octane.

Part 2 coming soon...