Rockstar Mayhem Festival 2015: Live at San Manuel Amphitheatre, Devore, CA


rockstar mayhem fest 2015

The return of King Diamond on a larger stage became the somewhat saving grace on a somewhat inconsistent Rockstar Mayhem Festival 2015 lineup that otherwise lacked the punch of previous editions.

King Diamond, photo©Kevin Estrada / kevinestrada.com

King Diamond, photo©Kevin Estrada / kevinestrada.com

Following his headlining run last fall, King Diamond brought out featured characters from various points in his career (Grandma from Them and Conspiracy), as well as blowing through longtime favorites such as ‘Sleepless Nights’ and keeping diehard fans on their feet. King himself looked and sounded powerful throughout their hour long set, as he powered through song after song, and immediately won the crowd over.

Slayer, photo©Kevin Estrada / kevinestrada.com

Slayer, photo©Kevin Estrada / kevinestrada.com

After beginning their set with a laser show with a variety of Slayer logos flying above the stage, they broke into ‘Repentless’ (the title song from their forthcoming album in September), as well as their two other previously released yet new songs (‘Implode’ and ‘When The Stillness Comes’). Much of their set list consisted of staple tunes from past set lists, which they powered through and get the eager fans on their feet. Imagery of missiles and word from various songs (the chorus of ‘God Hates Us All’ from ‘Disciple’) flashes throughout their set and amped up the crowd.

Crowd at Mayhem Festival 2015, Devore CA - photo©Kevin Estrada / kevinestrada.com

Crowd at Mayhem Festival 2015, Devore CA – photo©Kevin Estrada / kevinestrada.com

Hellyeah, photo©Kevin Estrada / kevinestrada.com

Hellyeah, photo©Kevin Estrada / kevinestrada.com

The rest of the main stage featured a mixed response to Hellyeah and Devil Wears Prada’s strong set battling set times crossed with side stage headliners Kissing Candice and Feed Her To The Sharks playing at the same time at the top of the lawn area.

Thy Art Is Murder, photo©Kevin Estrada / kevinestrada.com

Thy Art Is Murder, photo©Kevin Estrada / kevinestrada.com

Code Orange, photo©Kevin Estrada / kevinestrada.com

Code Orange, photo©Kevin Estrada / kevinestrada.com

The Victory Records side stage (one stage versus multiple stages on past years) featured a vast array of artists ranging from brief yet powerful sets from Jungle Rot and Thy Art Is Murder, alongside new faces such as Sworn In, Shattered Sun and Code Orange joining into the mix as some of the up and comers within the scene.

Sworn In, photo©Kevin Estrada / kevinestrada.com

Sworn In, photo©Kevin Estrada / kevinestrada.com

Overall, Rockstar Mayhem Festival endured a hiccup year lacking a strong enough headliner and support acts with drawing power. The long run will see how many of these acts will overcome this and be a band to look out for. As for now, time will tell whether this was a good move or not by the organizers of this festival.

 

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WORDS BY REI NISHIMOTO

PHOTOS BY KEVIN ESTRADA PHOTOGRAPHY


Jungle Rot – Order Shall Prevail


jungle rot prevailcd

Jungle Rot has been one of the most consistent bands in death metal for over two decades. The fact that they are not top of mind when talking about the best American death metal acts is a shame for how hard they have worked. Added to the fact that their thrashy, power-groove flavored style has always harkened back to the earliest death metal years, while current popular tastes favor the more flashy technical bands. All that being equal, Jungle Rot always turns out solid albums, and their new one Order Shall Prevail (Victory) is no different.

The best thing about Jungle Rot is they know where they live and breathe: the grinding, grooving mid-tempo jams that make everyone headbang and mosh. Starting with the Slayer-tastic ‘Doomsday’, they serve notice that yes, the`Rot is back! Vocalist David Matrise’s militaristic howling bark has always stood out to me. The second track ‘Paralyzed Prey’ has an angular riff from guitarist Geoff Bub and some tasty soloing going on as well. ‘Blood Revenge’ is one of the best songs on the album. Just a classic badass cut. It has a maelström of cool parts that get better on every listen. ‘Fight Where You Stand’ is a deathy speed metal jam and features Max Cavalera on guest vocals. The Max connection makes sense since Jungle Rot has clearly been influenced by early Sepultura albums such as Beneath The Remains and Arise (both Roadrunner). Cavalera and Matrise’s two vocal ranges mesh beautifully too, in a too often not heard type of team up for death metal.

As you would imagine, the title track is a claustrophobic feeling affair, warning of a dystopian future not too far off for us. You can almost hear this being a huge sing-a-long song live. Drummer Jesse Beahler, who dominates on this album, is on point here. Other top tracks include ‘The Dread Pestilence’ ‘Cast The First Stone’, and ‘Nuclear Superiority’.

At this point in the game, Jungle Rot is not going to change up the formula too much, yet stay true to themselves. Their straight-ahead approach should help win over fans all summer as they appear on the Victory Records Stage at the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival.

7.0/10

KEITH CHACHKES


Win An Exclusive Mystery Merch Pack From Shattered Sun And Ghost Cult


shattered sun album cover 2015

Ghost Cult Magazine and Shattered Sun have teamed up to bring you an awesome contest celebrating the release of the bands’ new album and Victory Records début Hope Within Hatred, out this week. They band is currently turning heads in the opening slot on the “Dark Roots of Thrash II” featuring Bay Area Thrash Metal legends Testament and Exodus. Shattered Sun plays a blend of balls out modern thrash, influenced by the greats, but with a lot of modern grit and originality in their song style that makes them a band to watch. Following their current tour, they can be seen all summer on The Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival.

To win an awesome prize pack of epic Shattered Sun merch, simply share a picture you have snapped of the band on tour with your Instagram, tag the band, Victory Records and Ghost Cult’s Instagram accounts and add the hashtag #HopeWithinHatred. Live shots of the band, pictures of you with the band or your Shattered Sun album or shirts are also cool! Get creative, regram (a lot) and you could win!*

Shattered Sun on Instagram

Victory Records on Instagram

GhostCultMag on Instagram

#HopeWithinTheHatred

 

*One grand-prize winner will be chose at random. Entrants must live in the continental United States. Contest ends Sunday May 10th at 5 PM EST.