Fozzy is bringing their Save The World tour around the US. They have stacked the deck with some high-energy bands guaranteed to get you up and moving. Music Madness recently caught up with the tour at New Haven, Connecticut’s legendary Toad’s Place.
First up was The Nocturnal Affair. These guys have been rocking the Vegas area for years and have escaped bringing their hard-driving dark rock / alternative music to the masses. They just released their debut album (Meta)Morphosis in March and it’s a heavy one. Influenced by the likes of industrial torchbearers Gary Numan, Nine Inch Nails, Type O Negative, and others, you know this is a head crusher of an album. They bring that feeling with them onto the live stage. Lead singer Brendan Shane’s voice filled the club and was backed by a lineup of strong musicians. They set the stage for what was to come.
After a brief intermission, drummer Niki Skistimas marched through the crowd beating a snare drum while vocalist Ralf Dietel addressed the room via a megaphone. It was one hell of a unique entrance for the band KrashKarma. They are a duo that sounded like a battalion of musicians. According to Dietel, the band’s name is a reflection of the duality that the band represents: heavy male vocals mixed with melodic female vocals. That is a very accurate description! Dietel shows off his physical prowess as well as his musical prowess with multiple leaps as he shreds his guitar. Not to be outdone, Skistimas perches atop her drum kits as she lets loose with powerful yet melodic vocals. The only drawback to seeing this band perform is, that you don’t know where to watch! Not a bad drawback to have.
Known as GFM, Florida’s Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh were next on the bill. These 3 sisters have dubbed themselves “Beautycore”, a mix of hard rock and metalcore, played exclusively by women. CJ is the guitarist/lead vocalist and eldest in the band. She growls like the best death metal singers out there. Laying down heavy bass lines is middle sister Maggie. She is full of spirit and has the hardcore hair flip down to a T. The youngest sister, Lulu, keeps time on her SJC drums with an ever-present smile on her face. It’s easy to see these ladies are having fun rocking their fans, new and old alike. Because they have the musical savvy of bands who have been playing much longer, these young ladies will no doubt be riding the crest of the metal wave for years to come.
When the term “rock & wrestling” is mentioned, some think back to the great NRBQ song “Captain Lou” or Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” video. Both of these gems featured the late great wrestler, Lou Albano. Fozzy is a metal band fronted by professional wrestler and singer Chris Jericho. Therefore, these days “rock & wrestling” means Fozzy! Jericho brings the energy of the wrestling ring to the rock and roll stage.
Being a pro wrestler, Jericho is a huge presence on stage. In addition to natural height, add a step stand adorned with the band’s name for him to use as a perch and he towers over the stage. For those of you who think he’s just a name fronting a band, you’re wrong. He has the vocal chops equal to many of rock’s best singers. Jericho has added a collection of musicians to the band who also stand up with the best of ’em. Rich Ward and Billy Grey wowed the crowd not only with their musical abilities but with their physical abilities as well. These guys really know how to entertain their fans! Because PJ Farley on bass and Grant Brooks on drums hold down the rhythm section so well, they keep the wild men from flying off.
Due to the critical acclaim of their latest single, Fozzy is enjoying the highest peak of their 20+ year career thus far. “I Still Burn” quickly became the number one added song on rock radio. Following the extolling of the song, the band has released a video for the hit song which can be seen HERE. Another milestone in the world of Fozzy is the fact that their release “Judas” recently became a certified gold record. Because of the anticipation for what is coming, fans have been pre-ordering the future release, Boombox. Get yours now!
Judging by the critical acclaim and the reaction of their fans at Toad’s Place, things are looking nowhere but up for Fozzy. Not only do they know how to wow fans with their music, they know how to put a complete touring show together. These four bands left folks exhausted but wanting more! For future tour dates, click HERE. Don’t miss this mind-blowing extravaganza of heavy-hitting music!
