Yngwie Malmsteen Photo: Andy Laudano Reveremd Horton Heat Photo: Misty Johnson Faktion Photo: Scotty Mankoff Holy Diver

Yngwie Malmsteen - The Granada Theater, 10/05/08
Swedish guitar God, Yngwie Malmsteen returned once again to Dallas’ Granada Theater. You can always tell when Yngwie is in town. Most of the crowd are musicians themselves and, unlike most shows, almost no one leaves to go to the bathroom, get more alcohol, get food, socialize, etc. Everyone just stands there in a trance, jaws wide open in amazement as the Master schools his class. This time around, newest member, vocalist Tim “Ripper” Owens (formerly of Iced Earth and Judas Priest), joined Yngwie. Owens is a great frontman who fits in quite well with the band. He sounded great on everything, especially Yngwie’s two biggest hits, “You Don’t Remember, I’ll Never Forget” and “I’ll See the Light Tonight.” Other highlights included an amazing cover of Rainbow’s “Gates of Babylon” and Yngwie’s signature instrumental, “Black Star.” (Andy Laudano)

Just-In-Tyme - Rob’s Billiards, Euless, 10/04/08
In case ya didn’t know, Rob’s is becoming THE place to find new bands and hidden talents. Just-In-Tyme proved to be one such treat on this Saturday night.
The talented band covered everything from recent radio rock to classics like AC/DC, The Beatles and even Billy Joel and Bob Seger. The crowd would shout out a group, and Just-In-Tyme would launch into a song. They seemed to know them all and did a great job. Yeah, the scene is smothered in cover bands and tribute bands. But not good ones. Just-In-Tyme is definitely one to catch for a good time rock and roll party. (Kevin White)

Janet Jackson, American Airlines Center, 10/22/08
When the curtain dropped to the sound of an explosion, there was electricity in the air and you knew that this concert was going to be something special. Indeed it was, with a set list of over 35 songs. Janet Jackson never sounded or looked better, changing from one glamorous costume to the next, while her unparalleled dance team kept the audience mesmerized by their moves during the wardrobe breaks. It was truly a variety show, with Janet the shining star. It began with a trip back to the 80’s dance scene, leading to a hot, sensual performance of the bondage-themed “Any Time Any Place.” It then bounced back, asking the crowd, “What’s my name?” The crowd, on their feet dancing for two-and-one-half hours and captivated by the energetic performance, enthusiastically cheered, “Janet!’ That name will remembered by anyone at American Airlines Center this night. (Jill Jackson)

Hell Goat - O’Riley’s Billiards, 10/18/08
Remember the good ol’ Deep Ellum days when local bands were the heartbeat that made the music scene thrive? If so, then you probably remember names like Big Iron, Pornlab and, of course, the one and only Alapeño! If you know Al, then you know he’s “just a regular guy tryin’ to have a regular time.” Well Alapeño’s new project is anything but regular. Hell Goat blows the roof off of every club they play in! Dave Manley’s birthday bash at O’Riley’s Billiards was no different.
Hell Goat Mike set the tempo on the sticks ‘n’ skins. Reagan is exceptional opposite “Big Al” on guitar. Mikey (with a million nicknames) P, likes to dance while he drops the funky bass lines. And of course, Mr. “maybe I’m the one” Alapeño, tackles the vocals while rippin’ guitar solos to shreds! Notable songs “Breathe” and “Whiskey Bender.” Rumor has it that the boys are currently in the studio putting finishing touches on their debut album. Getcha some Hell Goat and Redneck-ed women! Happy Birthday Manhole! (Derek “D-Rock” Walker)

The Acacia Strain - House Of Blues, 10/20/08
The Acacia Strain is known for their intensity and high energy shows, and they lived up to it this night. Jack Strong (bass) and Kevin Boutot (drums) delivered bone-crunching, low-end grooves. Daniel “DL” Laskiewicz (guitar) matched them with songs like “Angry Mob Justice” and “4x4.” DL also provided plenty of bends, chugging rhythms, harmonics and water -even heading down to the barricade to get face-to-face with the crowd. Vincent Bennett delivered scowling vocals with conviction on classics like “Sun Poison and Skin Cancer” and new tracks “Dr. Doom” and “JFC” from the recent Continent. To make sure everyone was getting into it, Bennett asked that “everyone climb on top of sh*t and set this f*cking place off.” The Acacia Strain certainly did that. (Travis Tutwiler)

Reverend Horton Heat – Pegasus Plaza, 10/18/08
In one of the latest downtown revitalization efforts, Jim Heath (aka Reverend Horton Heat) capped off a picture-perfect, early fall evening with his rolling tent revival of Full Custom Gospel. It seemed fitting, considering The Rev is our resident world-famous rockabilly king and guitar hero. Of course, it was a greatest hits set, because what else would you expect? Horton’s number two “Nature Boy” Jimbo Wallace’s usual “Big Mouth” bass antics still impress, and the band’s most recent addition, drummer Paul Simmons, gelled nicely. Surprises came when Gina Haley (Bill Haley’s daughter) joined the band for her father’s classic “Rock This Joint,” and Simmons sang lead vocals on Black Sabbath’s “Paranoid.” Hopefully this will not be the only year for the Main Street Live concert series, as this can do a lot of good in bringing downtown back. (D.J. Ivie)

Faktion - Curtain Club 10/11/08
The Faktion crowd packed the Curtain Club this night. New lead singer Aaron Pose, (formerly of Paperface) has screaming lyrical stylings, which grab your attention, as on standout “Let You In.” Guitarists Josh Franklin and Marshal Dutton both shred. Jeremy “Brink” Coan’s bass hits you so deep – it feels like an earthquake in your chest, while drummer Jeremy Moore provides a fast, solid beat. The screaming crowd of enthralled fans approved of the new line up, and so will you. See them with Hinder on the Jagermeister Music Tour at Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa on Nov 26. (Scotty Mankoff)

The Spectacle - Curtain Club, 10/17/08
What a fitting name, because The Spectacle from Denton is exactly that. Armed with a stage set out of Pink Floyd’s The Wall, they provide what is often lacking in local music - a cohesive show. Madman vocalist “The Scandal” bounced all over the club while waving their red flag and eventually coaxing a hearty response from the standoffish crowd. With armbands bearing their logo, the rest of the band pounded away on material that can be best described as hardcore metal with a severe twist of left wing anarchist thought. Their new album will arrive early next year. Look for them to be inciting a riot at a club near you. (D.J. Ivie)

The Blokes - 10/10/08, O’Riley’s
Dallas band The Blokes was a trip down memory lane with songs like “Jailbreak” (Thin Lizzy), “White Room” (Cream) and “Good Lovin’ Gone Bad” (Bad Company), each performed to perfection. Members are Kevin the Barbarian (vocals), Mr. Swire (guitar), Timmy Rooker (bass) and Glenn Eagle (drums). This fantastic night of classic rock had fans singing along from beginning to end. A good time band with lots of style, The Blokes are worth checking out soon at a club near you. (Kim “Kimber” Polen)

Holy Diver - Space 10/30/08
Holy Diver will knock your socks off the first time you hear them. It’s a sight to see the Hardy brothers (over six feet tall), playing on mini instruments. Joe Hardy plays drums like a giant, creating a really big sound on his miniature “Le Princess of Darkness” drumsette. John Hardy plays his mini Fender PBJ bass through an Ashdown Perfect 10 mini stack - screaming vocals at the same time. Lead vocalist Lester Lee May II also plays guitar. Covers include songs by Motorhead, Rush, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Cream, and Jimi Hendrix, though the band is transitioning into an original act as well. This power trio, with a large amount of soul, will remind you why going to a concert is so much fun. See Holy Diver play once, and you’ll be a fan. (Scotty Mankoff)

Suicide Angels - O’Rileys, 10/10/08
Suicide Angles is a party not to be missed. The band mixes 80’s classics like “Look What the Cat Dragged In” (Poison), “The Price” (Twisted Sister) with originals like “Hot Wild and Crazy.” Members are Harry (lead vocals from Live Wire), Taylor Dennis (lead guitar/vocals, Live Wire/Revengeance), Wayne (drums/Valentine Failures) and Harm (bass, back-up vocals. They had great stage presence, they loved every moment they were playing, and so did the fans. (Kim “Kimber” Polen)

Red Letter Day - Curtain Club, 10/17/08
Breathing new life into the stagnant local metal-core scene, Red Letter Day had a stellar showing. If you add Every Time I Die and Killswitch Engage then divide that by Dillinger Escape Plan, you get something close to RLD. Jason’s vocals easily transitioned from low growls to Poison the Well-like howls. Brian and Bobby didn’t mind noodling it up some on the guitars; Jeremy (bass) and drummer Tim were in lock step together. “Execution” roiled up the crowd and “This is Really Scary” made them think while they were banging their heads. Look for big things from Red Letter Day. You can see them again at Fort Worth’s Rock Star Sports Bar on November 9. (D.J. Ivie)