GWAR – Battlecross: Live At Webster Hall


Battlecross OJC PICS Omar Cordy 2015 (2)

The last time I saw GWAR and Battlecross together in New York was in 2013 with Oderus Urungus (RIP). It took me awhile to get adjusted to the change and I was nervous about the future. With this tour being a part of their year-long 30th anniversary celebration. It was time to see a return to the slavepits.

Skya opened the show with their brand of hard rock. Solid band with catchy riffs. Battlecross knocked it out with probably their best NY show to date. With new drummer Brian Zink in tow, they hammered a selection of through three albums worth of thrashers. With extra time in their set due to Born of Osiris dropping off the tour because of an injury. GWAR guitarist Pustulus Maximus joined them for a suped-up rendition of Pantera’s ‘Fucking Hostile’. You can never go wrong with Pantera.

Battlecros, by OJC Pics/OmarCordy

Battlecross, by OJC Pics/Omar Cordy

 

GWAR, by OJC Pics/OmarCordy

GWAR, by OJC Pics/Omar Cordy

For the headliner tonight, it’s GWAR vs the internet and all types of social media. Going after Twitter to Tinder; no one is safe. GWAR has always been a multi-headed beast and it has never been more prevalent than now with both Pustulus and Balsac, The Jaws of Death stepping up with more vocal duties. New singer Blothar sounds great on the newer songs like ‘Madness At The Core of Time’ and ‘Bloodbath’, as well as classics like ‘Saddam A Go-Go’ and ‘Sick Of You’. The return of ‘Sexecutioner’ was met with joyous roars from the crowd. They played a varied set from songs from their whole career and sounded just as tight as ever.

GWAR, by OJC Pics/OmarCordy

GWAR, by OJC Pics/Omar Cordy

It’s been said that GWAR by design is a band meant to last a thousand years and can continue on into the next century and beyond. They have some rough edges they’re working out, but that’s expected. The future of GWAR looks bright and I’m excited for what’s next.

 

GWAR, by OJC Pics/OmarCordy

GWAR, by OJC Pics/Omar Cordy

 

GWAR, by OJC Pics/OmarCordy

GWAR, by OJC Pics/Omar Cordy

 

GWAR, by OJC Pics/OmarCordy

GWAR, by OJC Pics/Omar Cordy

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WORDS AND PHOTOS BY OMAR CORDY

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GWAR B-Q VIP Passes Nearly Sold Out, Phil Anselmo Signing Added


VIP GWAR bq

With under two months to go, GWAR’s GWAR B-Q has announced they are nearly sold out of VIP passes for the event. In addition to the previously announced VIP Meat & Great with bands like Clutch, Cro-Mags, Ghoul, Goatwhore and more; there will be an exclusive celebrity signing with Phil Anselmo only for VIPs.

Many other perks and all the fest info can be found at the Ultimate Bohab Guide To GWAR B-Q, and the FAQ page for the fest: https://gwarbq.com/faq.

Phil Anselmo with Down, photo by Echoes In The Well

Phil Anselmo with Down, photo by Echoes In The Well

GWAR B-Q ticket standard

 

Premium/VIP Ticket benefits include:

An exclusive VIP Laminate (mailed in advance)

Entry to B4BQ pre-party show at the National

VIP seating at the B4BQ

VIP Meet n Greet with B4BQ bands

VIP drink specials at the B4BQ

All day entry to GWAR B-Q at Hadads Lake

Official GWAR B-Q event t-shirt

GWAR B-Q swag bag stuffed with FREE shit!

FREE beverage ticket/token for the GWAR B-Q

Access to VIP Pavilion at the GWAR B-Q

Access to VIP Restrooms at the GWAR B-Q

Access to Express Lanes including – Main Gate Entry, Merchandise Booth, and Beverage Ticket Kiosks at the GWAR B-Q

Exclusive Celebrity Signings – GBQ Bands TBA

Not to mention the pinnacle of any Bohab’s miserable existence; a Meat-n-Meet signing with GWAR, and a chance to win the ultimate prize; a once in a lifetime opportunity to be killed on stage by the mighty GWAR!

Get your VIP tickets here: http://gwarbq.com/buy-tickets


GWAR -BQ Adds Clutch As Co-Headliner, Pre-Party, VIP, Show Details


Clutch, by Evil Robb Photography

Clutch, by Evil Robb Photography

Maryland rock royalty Clutch have been added as the co-headliner of the 6th Annual GWAR BQ. In addition the B4BQ event pre-party show now features the entire lineup of the Summer Slaughter Tour, as well as Coal Chamber and Fear Factory.

b4bq001

The B4BQ has come into its own as an event the last few years, after getting its start as an informal gathering. The show will be held at The National (708 E Broad St, Richmond, VA) on Friday, August 14th. Doors are at 2:00 PM and features Coal Chamber, Fear Factory, Arch Enemy, Born Of Osiris, Veil of Maya, The Acacia Strain, Obscura, After the Burial, Cattle Decapitation, and Beyond Creation.

 

Tickets to the B4BQ go on sale TODAY! June 3rd at 2:00pm EST Buy yours here: http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/01004EC398BD3071

 

VIP Ticket Options and Package Details Are also now available

VIP GWAR bq

Premium/VIP Ticket benefits include:

An exclusive VIP Laminate (mailed in advance)

Entry to B4BQ pre-party show at the National

VIP seating at the B4BQ

VIP Meet n Greet with B4BQ bands

VIP drink specials at the B4BQ

All day entry to GWAR B-Q at Hadads Lake

Official GWAR B-Q event t-shirt

GWAR B-Q swag bag stuffed with FREE shit!

FREE beverage ticket/token for the GWAR B-Q

Access to VIP Pavilion at the GWAR B-Q

Access to VIP Restrooms at the GWAR B-Q

Access to Express Lanes including – Main Gate Entry, Merchandise Booth, and Beverage Ticket Kiosks at the GWAR B-Q

Exclusive Celebrity Signings – GBQ Bands TBA

Not to mention the pinnacle of any Bohab’s miserable existence; a Meat-n-Meet signing with GWAR, and a chance to win the ultimate prize; a once in a lifetime opportunity to be killed on stage by the mighty GWAR!

Get your VIP tickets here: http://gwarbq.com/buy-tickets


Cancer Bats – Searching for Zero


Cancer-Bats

One of my favorite acts to come out of Canada, Cancer Bats, return with their fifth studio album Searching for Zero (Metal Blade Records) hitting shelves this week. I’ve been looking forward to hearing new material and I’m pretty pleased with the result.

‘Satellites’ starts things off at moderate clip and is a decent enough song on its own but it’s missing that extra oomph that I’m used to. It isn’t until ‘True Zero’ kicks in that the Cancer Bats vibe really starts to kick in. I’m not surprised that this is a single, it’s just so catchy and makes you want to sing right along with Liam Cormier.

If I have to choose a favorite track, it’d be ‘Beelzebub’ if simply for how it stands out from the other songs around it and hits you in the gut from the very beginning. It takes things down a few notches and feels longer than it actually is. Those stoner-y riffs are like candy to me.

I can’t just go without saying something with regards to ‘All Hail’. Regular readers of my ramblings, if you exist, should be very familiar with the giant soft spot in my heart for GWAR and former front man Dave Brockie. Maybe I’m a sap but I think it’s touching to see members of the community band together and show their support. The first time I ever saw Cancer Bats, they were opening for GWAR. I had no idea who they were but I fell in love in that night. I ran into Liam while he was working the merch booth at GWAR-B-QUE 2014. It was late in the afternoon and he was exhausted but he also seemed at peace. I don’t know when this tribute to our favorite monster was first penned, but I would like to believe that he would be content at seeing a common chant put to music.

This album is full of energy and it’s contagious. I was sick as a dog while writing this and I still the urge to just tear apart the living room. I don’t know what it is about these guys but they always get to me and put a smile on my face. Pick up the album and make sure to catch them on their current US tour through the end of March. I’ll see you at The Middle East in Cambridge, MA on the 27th.

8.0/10

ALEIDA LA LLAVE