reviews & previews
Concerts
Circle II Circle remembers its roots with local headliner at State Theater
State Theater, St. Petersburg, FL · August 27, 2011
Recently returning from their European tour, Circle II Circle decided to make a stop in their hometown. The heavy metal band, formed 8 years ago by former Savatage lead vocalist Zachary Stevens, filled State Theater in St. Petersburg, Florida with the volumes of history, tragedy and triumph through two decades of music.
Symphony X returns to U.S. with prowess
Firestone Live, Orlando, FL · May 17, 2011
When two bands dropped off a festival-like bill, Symphony X's nationwide tour unexpectedly morphed into a epic welcome-back voyage -- one setting a high precedent for U.S. fans now expecting a second tour after the release of "End of Innocence" this summer.
With the force of Nordic gods, Amon Amarth conquer on their own
Culture Room, Fort Lauderdale, FL · April 29, 2011
Amon Amarth, on a solo tour in support of their recent album 'Surtur Rising,' prove they need no support as they delivered more than two hours of ferocious metal to their fans, with their rumbling growls, pounding double bass and tales of the wars of the Nordic gods.
Sepultura: The Beasts of Brazil Remain Powerful
Culture Room, Fort Lauderdale, FL · April 28, 2011
The incessant tribal rhythms and crunchy sound of Sepultura are back on the road, and the 27-year-old Brazilian band’s performance continues to be a show of power.
Surpassing all expectations: The Accept and Sabaton duo
Culture Room, Fort Lauderdale, FL · April 10, 2011
Sabaton and Accept were the perfect fit for this U.S. tour together. Both bands -- with their positive energy, hilarious knack for cracking jokes and expert showmanship -- deliver a performance that breaks the boundaries of what any crowd would expect.
Manowar returns to the U.S. to lead their Army of Immortals
Cleveland, OH, United States · March 12, 2011
A Manowar show isn't just a concert. It's a battle they've dedicated their life to -- and they have an Army behind them like no other band does. An Immortal Army.
Apocalyptica: Bring on the strings
Culture Room, Ft. Lauderdale, FL · March 03, 2011
Frankly, I didn’t know cellos could do that. No, I’m not referring to the rich tone of the vibrating strings that carry sweeping, powerful melodies with ease. It’s the flipping and turning on stage during a metal show, the surviving of angry acrobatics -- the kind you’d expect out of someone wielding a Gibson or a Schecter -- that makes Apocalyptica the most entertaining musical performance I’ve seen so far.
Underoath’s U.S. tour ends with promises of beginnings
Revolution Live, Ft. Lauderdale, FL · February 27, 2011
When Tampa-based Underoath took the stage, they attacked the venue with a senseless energy and one hell of a light show. The six members of the group were mostly silhouettes during their act, as their backdrop consisted of four rows of bright lights with enough power to cause mass epileptic seizures.
Ozzy Osbourne’s still got enough energy to cause a tsunami (sort of)
Bank Atlantic Center, Sunrise, FL · February 20, 2011
The 62-year-old Grandfather of Heavy Metal didn't just play a show; he dominated the stage with the support of amazing musicians, pyrotechnics, and .... unlimited buckets of water?
A “Testament” to a relentless fanbase
Culture Room, Ft. Lauderdale, FL · January 29, 2011
The guys of Testament must have rested well aboard their week-long cruise in the Caribbean, because their 2011 tour opener in Fort Lauderdale was full of a rare energy. It was the band's first return to South Florida in more than 14 years.