METAL OWNED THE SCHOOL OF ROCK!

So where were you guyz on Saturday? For those of you who showed up to the Savage School of Rock to support Lakewair, Shadow Rose and the always impressive Thirteenth Order thanks a million the bands, I'm sure are eternally greatful. As for the rest of you, FOR SHAME! You missed a kick ass performance by some of Jersey's most talented metal bands.

Lakewair opened up the night with the intense insanity of the Dime Bag Darrel requiem "Diamonds". Jason Amendolia (pictured left), singer/bassist for Lakewair, held only a fraction of the bands energy and passion in his beat red face as he screamed, sang and danced across the floor to the slash riffs of Kevin, Billy, and Mike. Mark Evans, drummer, kept the madness pounding with his double pedal assults and harmonic singing through every song, but "Body Count" seemed to be the song that the Lakewair entourage was waiting for, the crowd went crazy. These boys bring the pain everytime they perform, dispite a broken bass strap or a thinned out crowd. They play cuz they love it!

OH and dont you think the lunatics of Shadow Rose and the prodogies of Thirteenth Order are any different. They served they're own prescription of cuts and bruises in the only way they know how, with Pure Fucking Metal.

The boys of Shadow Rose brought a little TSO to The School of Rock, by starting their set off with the metal version of "The Carol of the Bells". The crowd reacted in the only way they could with excitement. One show goer commented that Rose's rendition of the song was "flawless". Immediately after Rose went into a cover of the Misfits "Dig up her bones" and continued on with four songs from their current musical project The Testiment of Shadows including "A Fallen Saints End" better know as "THE SHOCKER". If their energetic performance wasn't enough insanity for you then just watching singer/guitarist Mark Cunard (pictured right) drop to his knees and scream during the hardcore parody PRIMAL CIRCUS had to be entertainment enough.

IF you didnt come to see Lakewair and Shadow Rose own the school of rock then you should have at least came to see Delran, New Jersey's own THIRTEENTH ORDER because life without watching these guyz play is just simply...unfulfilled! The boys of Thirteenth Order didnt waste anytime getting down to business they started wowing the crowd of Order virgins from the jump opening with Inveigh the Reign. Every riff CJ,(pictured bottom right) guitarist/vocalist, tore down his Dimebag Razor resulted in faces of pure shock and amazement from those in the crowd who hadn't seen Order perform ever or hadn't see Order perform in awhile. For me it's been at least a year and my jaw was on the floor (again)with the rest of the audience through every song: "In the Character Fallen", "Uncaged Terror", Affliction's Hold", and "Wildfire". When they ended their set with a cover of the great METALLICA's "Battery" and "Damage Inc." heads were banging,voices were cheering, and horns were raised.Nice choice fellas! Just like they're fellow showmates Lakewair and Shadow Rose, Thirteenth Order did not let the energy die for a minute.

This Savage School of Rock show was a choice way to end the year of 2007. The power was there, the passion was there , the metal was totally there, and these boys definitely melted some faces that night. So like i said, if you were there the bands thank you for your support. If you werent SHAME ON YOU!

NEED A SHOW? CHECK THIS OUT!

for more information on these shows or bookings please go to http://www.jerseyshows.com/
STILL TIME TO SIGN UP FOR THE BATTLE OF THE BANDS ($20,000 CASH!!)

THURSDAY 12/20 @ 449 ROOM449 South Broad Street Trenton, NJ 08611 (doors @ 8pm ~ 21+ ONLY)9TH ANNUAL BATTLE OF THE BANDSw/ FAKE GIMMS, DOWNHOLLOW, EPISODE EARTH (room for 2 more bands - email if interested)

SATURDAY 12/22 @ MAINSTAGE222 Wanaque Avenue Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442 (doors @ 2:00pm ~ all ages)9TH ANNUAL BATTLE OF THE BANDSw/ FICTION, SHERAZADA, THE BLACK DOVE FRONT, THE SCARLET PRISON, MID DAY ARRIVAL, THE METH ORPHANS, SPILT BLOOD, WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS, ADELAIDA(room for 2 more bands - email if interested)

SATURDAY 12/22 @ 7 DAYS BAR & GRILL910 Union Avenue Union Beach, NJ 07735 (doors @ 1:00pm ~ all ages)9TH ANNUAL BATTLE OF THE BANDSw/ BRING FORTH VENGEANCE, ONE LAST REGRET, REMEMBER MY FACE, THE GARCIA EXPERIMENT, NOISTRADAMUS(room for 2 more bands - email if interested)

SATURDAY 12/22 @ INTERNET CAFE1 W. Front St Red Bank, NJ 07701 (doors @ 7:00pm ~ all ages)CALL YOURSELF, SEZNAALPHADOR, ANOTHER LOST CAUSE, THEROB DELL'OMO BAND(room for 1 more bands - email if interested)

SATURDAY 12/22 @ 7 DAYS BAR & GRILL910 Union Avenue Union Beach, NJ 07735 (doors @ 7:00pm ~ 21+ ONLY)9TH ANNUAL BATTLE OF THE BANDSw/ ADDISEN, HONEY THICK, UNCLE FUNK, DISTANT ENEMIES(room for 1 more bands - email if interested)

THURSDAY 12/27 @ 449 ROOM449 South Broad Street Trenton, NJ 08611 (doors @ 7pm ~ ALL AGES)9TH ANNUAL BATTLE OF THE BANDSw/ COLUMBUS CITY RIOT, RISE FROM RUINS, THE CRETINS, THE SWARM, ALOTYMUS

FRIDAY 12/28 @ LE GRAND FROMAGE25 Gordons Alley Atlantic City, NJ 08401 (doors @ 8pm ~ 21+ ONLY)9TH ANNUAL BATTLE OF THE BANDSw/ PLAGUE OF AUTUMN, ANIMATED ORANGE, ETERNAL ESSENCE (room for 2 more bands - email if interested)

SATURDAY 12/29 @ COURT TAVERN124 Church St New Brunswick, NJ 08901 (doors @ 1pm ~ all ages)FAITH FAREWELL, STRIKE, BANDIT! BANDIT!, THE ODDESSY, STRIKE A VIOLENT POSE, UNDER DRESDEN

SATURDAY 12/29 @ STATION 36 (at Waretown Firehall)117 Wells Mills Road Waretown, NJ 08758 (doors @ 2:00pm ~ all ages)9TH ANNUAL BATTLE OF THE BANDSw/ BLEED THE ARSONIST, IT KILLED US ALL, AT 1003, BREATHE UNBROKEN, BOUND BY SIN, CITIZEN AAMES, A PORTRAIT OF RUIN, A PORTRAIT OF RUIN

SATURDAY 12/29 @ INTERNET CAFE1 W. Front St Red Bank, NJ 07701 (doors @ 7:00pm ~ all ages)RIVALRIES, THE GARCIA EXPERIMENT, THE DAVE SEAMON EXPERIMENT(room for 2 more bands - email if interested

SATURDAY 12/30 @ THE SAINT601 Main St Asbury Park, NJ 07712 (doors @ 1pm ~ all ages)9TH ANNUAL BATTLE OF THE BANDS THE PLAGUE, THE ECHO OF SILENCE, VOICE OF THE CONQUERED, MORBID VISIONS, CASUAL WISH(room for 2 more bands - email if interested)

SATURDAY 12/30 @ GALAXY CAFE2325 Plainfield Ave South Plainfield, NJ 07080 (doors @ 2pm ~ all ages)9TH ANNUAL BATTLE OF THE BANDS ELODIE, AUGMENT, WHEN SPARKS IGNITE, PATS PENULTIMATE POLUZZA, 1812, THROUGH EDEN

SATURDAY 12/30 @ CROSSROADS78 North Avenue Garwood, NJ 07027 (doors @ 1pm ~ all ages)9TH ANNUAL BATTLE OF THE BANDS 9:18, EARTH IT'S WONDERFUL TO SEE YOU, MONTH BEFORE MAY(room for 2 more bands - email if interested)

SATURDAY 12/30 @ CROSSROADS78 North Avenue Garwood, NJ 07027 (doors @ 7pm ~ 21+ ONLY)9TH ANNUAL BATTLE OF THE BANDS MILAN, TOO CLOSE FOR MISSILES, ROUND TRIP, CATS AND DOGS, ITALIC(room for 1 more bands - email if interested)

SATURDAY 1/5 @ INTERNET CAFE1 W. Front St Red Bank, NJ 07701 (doors @ 4:00pm ~ all ages)(from NY) THE HOODIESCALL IT A NIGHT, w/ SAYRELIN, WHITE BUS, ANOTHER DAY'S ANTHEM, A SIMPLE MELODY, JOE CAPELLA

SATURDAY 1/19 @ INTERNET CAFE1 W. Front St Red Bank, NJ 07701 (doors @ 4:00pm ~ all ages)JAMIE O>MATICS BROUHAHA '08featuring performances by:CALAMITY MENAGERIE, THE O>MATICS, LOST IN SOCIETY, FULL OF FANCY, EXPLOSIVE SHEEP, THE BANDITS, CHAOSIS
for a complete list of shows go to www.jerseyshows.com (click on SHOWS)Make sure your band signs up for the upcoming BATTLE OF THE BANDS NO REGISTRATION FEE!!!$20,000 CASH!!!sign up at www.jerseyshows.comshows start in December 2007nearly 20 venues to choose from!!!!
NORTH NEW JERSEYMainstage (Pompton Lakesr, NJ)Just Jakes (Montclair, NJ)

CENTRAL NEW JERSEYCrossroads (Garwood, NJ)Galaxy Cafe (South Plainfield, NJ)The Court Tavern (New Brunswick, NJ)Chubbys (Red Bank, NJ)Seven Days Bar (Union Beach, NJ)The Saint (Asbury Park, NJ)Finnigans (East Windsor, NJ)449 Room (Trenton, NJ)

SOUTH NEW JERSEYStation 36 at Waretown Firehall (Waretown, NJ)Le Grand Formage (Atlantic City, NJ)Cherrywood Lounge (Clementon, NJ)Williamstown VFW (Williamstown, NJ)

PHILADELPHIA AREAThe Trocodero (Philadelphia, PA)Dr. Watsons Pub (Philadelphia, PA)The Rail (Ardmore, PA)

NEW YORK AREADock Street Bar & Grill (Staten Island, NY)

SEMI-FINALS & FINALSStarland Ballroom (Sayreville, NJ)SUPPORT ORIGINAL MUSIC!!!Thank You http://www.jerseyshows.com/

AFTER YOU'RE DONE WITH CHRISTMAS....

Here's a show that i think you guyz should check out. Its right in Blackwood, New Jersey on Rt 42 at the Savage School of Rock. Yeah im not even joking the place is called "The School of Rock". Its a kickass little place where kids can go to learn how to play guitar, bass, and drums. They also host shows for local bands to give the little kiddies a taste of what they could possibly achieve. Next Saturday, December 29, a few of South Jersey's only metal bands will be performing at Savage and rocking out post-Christmas style. Take it from me this is gonna be a hella crazy night, Thirteenth Order, a young band of metal heads from Delran, New Jersey are headlineing, along with my band Shadow Rose. The night will kick off with our personnal friends and amazing musicians Lakewair and includes the phenomenal experimental stylings of prog-metal band Athem. Come out and support local music and watch some amazing musicians do what they love most in the world. As an extra added bonus you get to watch me make a fool of myself in my final show with my bestfriends of Shadow Rose. \m/

*Check in this weekend for an exculsive interview with the members of Lakewair only at Adrenaline Magazine! Get Your Rush

Words of Encouragement from Dave Draiman

When Revolver Magazine asked Dave Draiman of DISTURBED if one of his main interest and goals with their new album INDESTRUCTIBLE (2008) was to gain the interest of new fans this is how he responded:

"It's always of interest to us. Always. I would love to be able to affect and to give what this music gives to as many people as possible. I'll give you an example: A master sergeant in the Army came to one of our shows recently after his third or fourth tour in Iraq. He told his story to the securty backstage, they let him through. He was carrying his bronze star and said he wanted to give it to us. First of all, I told him there was no way i could possibly accept that. And then he began to explain why. He said that before every incursion, before every village he went into, before every house they cleared, they'd play our music to get themselves pumped up, to get rid of their fear, to feel strong. That's what i want to give to anyone who wants it: strength, power, the ability to feel like you can do things and be indestructible. If our music can bring that feeling to more people, then why the fuck not?"

Out of all 32 bands Revolver interviewed for their 23 page spread in their February 2008 issue on new music for the new year, the three page piece on DISTURBED stood out to me the most and I felt this great pulling urge to write about it and share it with my fellow local rockers. Use this quote as the driving force for why you make music everyday of your lives. Draiman emphasised the major sergeant's emotional connection with their music, how it inspired him and his troops, and he and his bandmates longed to have all their fans new and old feel the same. Now im not saying copy DISTURBED at all. FUCK NO! Make your own music damn it. All I'm saying is dont get wrapped up in the metal, hardcore, or emo look and the idea of how the musicians in theses genres are suppose to act and play. Make music for yourself and from your heart and keep in mind that what you write could actually touch someone like that Sergeant. Give your art all you've got and be true to yourself and your vision. OH YEAH ...and rock hard no matter what.

check out the spread in full in the February 2008 issue of REVOLVER featureing DRAGONFORCE on the cover, out early January. Also check out my other blog "IT'S MY HEAD..." on myspace.com/tempslt

GET YOUR RUSH!!!

I will never forget this day. My first performance at The Trocadero Theater in Philadelphia with my best friends (from the left) Mike, Lee, and Mark. Our band Shadow Rose was competing in The Next Big Thing competition and we were all psyched. I was confident that we would do well, because frankly we kick ass and we practice really hard, but i was hella nervous right down to my palms sweating.
My adrenaline was pumping like crazy when i hit that stage though. I played hard and rocked out and had a crazy time.That body aching, stomach splitting, hearting pounding feeling i had on that stage is exactly what i want you to get when you go see the bands ADRENALINE MAGAZINE is going to feature, when you go see the show we'll tip you off to, and when you read about the experiences of other music psychos like you, playing and having fun doing what they love. So read on, contribute, and rock out!
DAVONNE
ps-we won 2nd place at that show! ;-) *check out my article on the show at http://www.urbandlegendmag.blogspot.com/ go to the archives