Nightmare Metal Fest II - The Warehouse Music Venue, 3/20 -– 3/21/09
Forget SXSW, all the REAL metal fans were in San Antonio for two days of kick ass music, as Minnesota based Nightmare Records showcased bands from their label, mixed with local/regional/national acts.
Day one saw great performances from teenage thrashers Metavenge, Halcyon Way, Mindwarp Chamber, One of Sixx, Six Minute Century, ASKA and headliners Vicious Rumors. The killer music continued the following day with Silenced Within, the surprising Aetherious, Sacred Dawn, Theocracy, Imagika and Krucible (featuring promoter/label owner/vocalist Lance King).
Seven Witches, with founder/guitarist Jack Frost, vocalist James Rivera (Helstar) and bassist Mike LePond (Symphony X) closed the fest in style. Highlights included “Camelot,” “Metal Asylum” and “Passage to the Other Side.” As an added surprise, Rivera invited any other festival vocalists back onstage to join them for encores of Sabbath’s “Heaven and Hell” and Priest’s “Victim of Changes.” A great end to a fantastic show! (Andy Laudano)

Spoonfed Tribe, The End of the World Parade, Egress, Shuttle and Week of Tuesdays - Ridglea Theater, 3/14/09
The Ridglea Theater was the place to be if you love rock, reggae, tribal drums, burlesque performers, parading singing news reporters and hoola-hooping hotties! Egress displayed their stage experience (after playing more than 200 shows last year with bands like ‘Kings X’ and ‘40 oz to Freedom’. As the heart of their sound, vocalist Kali Green (Nigel Wheeler/Channel 5 News) expresses honest lyrics with rage, while the band’s groovy ensemble impresses the audience.
As Spoonfed Tribe took the stage, an eerie provision encompassed the Ridglea. With Timothy Leary quotes, woodwind and brass, spiritual drums and illuminating messages of hope and truth, The End of the World brought the night to chaotic fruition, as a parade of crowd and performers danced and celebrated, their spirits uplifted in harmony. Visit www.spoonfed tribe.com (Naythan Brooks)

Malthusia - Skillman St. Pub, 3/20/09
Malthusia proved why Texas metal is always number one - it’s genuine, raw and devastating. Their set complimented the hardcore genre but was also able to strike a thrash/power groove niche that radiated throughout the club. Robert Reeder (vocals), compelling as the band’s frontman, stood on speakers and got everyone’s attention. Equally as intriguing, Denver (bass), Alon/Dave (guitars), Hank (drums) and Robert fed off each other’s adrenaline and showed an honest connection. If you ever had an itch to kick someone’s ass then “Aggressive” would be your anthem for doing so. “Boot 4 Boot” was in a similar vein but carried an extra fist to the fight. Where have these guys been hiding out? I’d love to see them play more shows. (Misty Johnson)

Kevin’s Head - O’Riley’s, 3/21/09
Kevin’s’ Head was one of the bands making Kim Polen’s birthday celebration special this night. The group consists of Kevin Edwards (guitar/percussion/lead vocals), Zane Lynch (bass/vocals) and Clay Reeves (drums/vocals). The trio plays a pounding mix of mostly originals with a few covers - this night from Puddle of Mudd and Smashing Pumpkins. Kevin’s contagious enthusiasm and energy brings all attention to the stage, where he captivatingly belts out lyrics, wails on his guitar, and occasionally darts over to the bongos at the side of the stage. Originals were light-hearted and fun, while others, such as “You Didn’t Tell Me,” show a more serious side of the band’s talents. Other bands playing were Sex Type Pilots, Out Of The Cellar, Blacklist, The Red Light Zone and Jig Bonson. (Jill Jackson)

Bullet Boys, Swirl, Aska, Revengeance, Pussy Sister - Rock Star Sports Bar 3/14/09
Warren and the rest of the Rock Star staff continued their tradition of combining quality touring bands with some of the DFW’s top locals. Tables and chairs were removed to accommodate the standing room only crowd.
Teutonic rockers Pussy Sister kicked off the night by doing an excellent impersonation of an LA sleaze band. Local favorites Revengeance demonstrated their growth, giving bands twice their age a run for their money. Veteran group Aska found a way to crank it up to 12, while vocalist George Call somehow channeled the spirits of Rob Halford and Bruce Dickenson throughout their rapid fire set.
Bullet Boys’ touring partners Swirl won over new fans in droves with tight musicianship and friendly banter. (Random side note: the guitarist had a BEAUTIFUL collection of Charvels and Jacksons.)
Finally, the band everyone was waiting for - The Bullet Boys - took the stage. Vocalist Marq Torien and company transitioned from AC/DC-esque rockers to soulful ballads with pitch perfect vocals and screaming guitars. Highlights included “For the Love of Money ” and “Smooth Up In Ya.” The bands hung out afterwards for autographs and shots, adding a perfect ending to an excellent night of Loud, Old School Metal. (Jim Wright)