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\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 On Sunday, June\u00a012, 2010 Exodus played a record release show at Slim\u2019s nightclub.\u00a0 Exodus played a 16\u2011song, 110\u2011minute set from 10:51 to 12:41.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 1. Ballad of Leonard and Charles (Exhibit B: The Human Condition record, 2010) began with a tape track for the 60\u2011second introduction.\u00a0 Approximately the first 30\u00a0seconds of the introduction (approximations presumed throughout) solely featured an acoustic guitar while the second half was augmented by keyboards.\u00a0 The band walked on stage and Gary Holt (\u201cGH,\u201d guitarist) and Lee Altus (\u201cLA,\u201d guitarist) played pummeling mid tempo guitar riffs also featured during the last 50\u00a0seconds of Bedlam 123 off The Atrocity Exhibition \u2026 Exhibit A record (2007).\u00a0 GH played a smoldering series of short, high guitar notes during the second half of the riff rampage.\u00a0 The band stopped playing for one second followed by GH and LA\u2019s chugging high tempo guitar riffs augmented by Tom Hunting\u2019s (\u201cTH\u2019s,\u201d drummer) thundering drumming and Jack Gibson\u2019s (\u201cJG\u2019s,\u201d bassist) solid driving bass lines.\u00a0 Rob Dukes (\u201cRD,\u201d vocalist) screamed the first verse and chorus with ferocity.\u00a0 During the first chorus TH smashed his Paiste cymbals, and RD screamed the final word, \u201cVioleeeeeeeence.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
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\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The second verse was preceded by a seven\u2011second interlude that featured GH and LA\u2019s chugging riffs.\u00a0 After the second chorus the band engaged in a 30\u2011second jam session that highlighted TH\u2019s drumming with prominent use of his cymbals.\u00a0 TH wore knee\u2011length, camouflage grey, cotton shorts, black Sik World (merchandising brand) muscle shirt with the \u201cSik World\u201d logo in red letters on his chest.\u00a0 TH played a grey\u2011to\u2011black fade Yamaha drum kit featuring silver speckles and double bass drums.\u00a0 The third verse contained a vocal exchange between GH and RD.\u00a0 GH sang the introductory word of the odd\u2011numbered verse lines (e.g.,\u00a0\u201cFear\u00a0– A macabre madness.\u00a0 Fiendish carnage with rabid butchery.\u201d), whereby he chanted the following words throughout the third verse, \u201cFear, pain, rape, slave, sado, sick, lie, kill, death.\u201d\u00a0 [Apropos words to comprise a Hallmark greeting card.]\u00a0 LA and GH then traded guitar solos for 60\u00a0seconds followed by RD singing the third verse and chorus.\u00a0 The song concluded with feedback from GH and LA\u2019s guitars that led straight into Beyond the Pale.<\/p>\n
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\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 2. Beyond the Pale (Exhibit B: The Human Condition, 2010) is an up tempo thrasher that began with TH\u2019s thundering drumming and GH and LA\u2019s chugging guitar riffs during which GH briefly played lingering guitar notes for a few seconds before resuming riffing.\u00a0 RD sang the first verse and pre\u2011chorus.\u00a0 Between the first pre\u2011chorus and second verse GH and LA played chugging guitar riffs for 20\u00a0seconds that ended with a series of complicated TH drum fills.\u00a0 The second verse contained poignant lyrics, \u201cTake the gun.\u00a0 Take the knife.\u00a0 Take the pain.\u00a0\u00a0 Then take the life.\u00a0 My taste for homicide\u00a0… is rising up and amplified. \u00a0Bloody deeds, my only friend\u00a0\u2026 with me \u2018til the bitter end.\u00a0 Together we are one.\u00a0 And our work has just begun.\u201d\u00a0 RD then sang the second pre\u2011chorus and first chorus.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The band jammed for 35\u00a0seconds followed by GH\u2019s 40\u2011second guitar solo.\u00a0<\/p>\n
GH wore black combat boots, black jean pants, black Sik World t-shirt with \u201cSik World\u201d and a pentagram in red letters on his chest, and black sweatbands on his forearms.\u00a0 GH played a white B.C.\u00a0Rich flying V guitar with pearl trim.\u00a0 The band jammed for 70\u00a0seconds after which RD sang the third verse, third pre\u2011chorus, and second chorus.\u00a0 The song came to a raucous conclusion with LA\u2019s 50\u2011second guitar solo.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 3. Iconoclasm (The Atrocity Exhibition \u2026 Exhibit A, 2007).\u00a0 Before Iconoclasm \u00a0RD commented on how some of the audience members in the mosh pit were engaging in \u201cold school moshing,\u201d including \u201cone dude who was stepping on people\u2019s heads.\u201d\u00a0 RD wore black Vans high top shoes with white trim, knee\u2011length, black, cotton shorts with a red \u201cExodus\u201d logo printed on the left leg, and black t\u2011shirt bearing a large caricature of the head of a figure wearing a gas mask on the back of which read in white letters, \u201cThe truth can be oppressed for only so long.\u201d\u00a0 [RD bears a slight resemblance to George \u201cSpanky\u201d McFarland, American child actor in \u201cThe Little Rascals (a.k.a.\u00a0\u201cOur Gang\u201d) American comedy short films (1922-1944).\u00a0 I am sure RD will \u201cspank\u201d my butt for calling him \u201cSpanky.\u201d]\u00a0 Iconoclasm began amidst GH and LA\u2019s thrash\u2011infused guitar riffs and TH\u2019s double bass drums. \u00a0After a 60\u2011second introduction RD sang the first verse at a mid tempo pace and slightly lower than usual octave.\u00a0 RD then sang the second verse, which was preceded by a 15\u2011second display of frenetic riffing by GH and LA and tom\u2011tom pummeling by TH.\u00a0 RD then sang the second chorus with the tempo slowing down to a mid tempo pace when he sang the final word (i.e.,\u00a0\u201cfree\u201d).\u00a0 GH and LA played heavy guitar riffs for 40\u00a0seconds after which RD sang the third verse and GH played a 35\u2011second guitar solo.\u00a0 The tempo then resumed an up tempo pace and the band engaged in a two\u2011minute jam session during which LA played a 30\u2011second guitar solo.\u00a0 RD then sang the third verse and chorus.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 4. Metal Command (Bonded by Blood, 1985) began with LA\u2019s palm\u2011muted guitar riffs and TH\u2019s drumming above which GH laid the song\u2019s signature guitar chord progression. \u00a0RD sang the first verse and chorus. \u00a0The second verse was preceded by a 10\u2011second interlude during which GH and LA played guitar chord progressions.\u00a0 RD then sang the second verse and chorus followed by a 45\u2011second GH guitar solo and a 25\u2011second jam session. \u00a0RD then sang the third verse and chorus with the former containing particularly memorable lyrics, \u201cOur legions show no mercy.\u00a0 The final hour nears.\u00a0 Sonic blast deafening.\u00a0 It\u2019s ripping through your ears.\u00a0 There is no retribution\u00a0\u2026 for those who do not dare.\u00a0 There\u2019s only execution.\u00a0 You\u2019re dead without a prayer.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 5. Downfall (Exhibit B: The Human Condition, 2010).\u00a0 Before Downfall RD said, \u201cHow many metalheads do we have here tonight?\u00a0 How many of you watch that show Metalocalypse [animated television series about a death metal band called Dethklok]?\u00a0 Well the director of that show [Jon Schnepp] shot our latest video. \u00a0It is coming out in a week or some sh*t like that.\u00a0 It\u2019s called Downfall.\u201d\u00a0 [Note to self: buy a Little Rascals calendar as RD\u2019s practical Christmas gift.]\u00a0 The first 45\u00a0seconds of the song featured GH playing harmonic guitar notes atop LA and JG\u2019s solid rhythm chords.\u00a0 JG wore black combat boots, black jean pants, plain black t-shirt, and black sweatband on his right forearm.\u00a0 JG played a black Yamaha five\u2011string bass and used Ampeg amplifiers (\u201camps\u201d).\u00a0 [JG is the metal equivalent of Johnny Cash (American country singer, guitarist dubbed \u201cThe Man in Black\u201d).\u00a0 Also, JG\u2019s mustache and beard remind me Porthos, the fictional character in Alexandre Dumas, p\u00e8re\u2019s novel, The Three Musketeers (1844).\u00a0 I would not be surprised if JG came on stage wielding a sword in lieu of a bass and chanted, \u201cAll for one, one for all.\u201d]\u00a0 GH and LA then played churning mid tempo guitar riffs that continued into the first verse followed by the first chorus with a slightly escalated tempo. \u00a0The first chorus fluidly transitioned into the second verse during which the tempo momentarily slowed down only to return to the higher tempo during the second chorus.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The song\u2019s highlight came after the second chorus when the tempo slightly slowed down, JG and TH delivered a heavy series of bass lines and drum beats, and GH and LA played ominous guitar riffs.\u00a0 [The suspenseful eerie mood the band created was equivalent to the laboratory scene in James Whale\u2019s classic horror film, \u201cFrankenstein\u201d (1931) when the mad scientist successfully brought his wretched creation to life.]\u00a0 The audience thrice chanted, \u201cFall\u201d and RD screamed, \u201cDownfall!\u201d\u00a0 [My downfall came during the first three songs when various crowd\u2011surfing limbs toppled on me like rainfall in the two\u2011feet wide photo pit.]\u00a0 GH then played a 35\u2011second guitar solo followed by the third verse and chorus.\u00a0 During the third chorus the audience repeatedly chanted, \u201cHay\u201d and pumped their fists in the air.\u00a0 The song ended with a 50\u2011\u2011second cascade of GH and LA guitar riffs.\u00a0 Downfall, along with another song to be performed, received the strongest audience reaction of the five new songs the band performed.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 6. A Lesson in Violence (Bonded by Blood, 1985).\u00a0 Before A Lesson in Violence RD said, \u201cYou are always so awesome. \u00a0This band has been tearing it up since 1982.\u00a0 Our new record still shows we thrash the right way.\u00a0 We do it just the right way, fast and heavy.\u201d \u00a0A Lesson in Violence is an up tempo thrasher that began with GH and LA\u2019s chainsaw\u2011like guitar riffs followed by RD singing the first verse, \u201cIf you got something to say then come my way.\u00a0 I\u2019m guarded by Satan I\u2019m riding on Baphomet.\u00a0 I\u2019ll teach you a lesson in violence you won\u2019t soon forget.\u00a0 The pleasure of watching you die is what I will get.\u201d\u00a0 RD then sang the first chorus followed by a 15\u2011second interlude that featured a battery of GH and LA guitar riffs atop TH\u2019s thundering drums.\u00a0 Robb Flynn (Machine Head\u2019s vocalist, rhythm guitarist) came on stage and sang the second chorus.\u00a0 GH and LA then played guitar solos for 60\u00a0seconds after which they locked into tight riffing.\u00a0 The mosh pit during A Lesson in Violence, along with two more songs to be performed, was particularly violent, hence the song title.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 7. Fabulous Disaster (Fabulous Disaster, 1989).\u00a0 Before Fabulous Disaster RD said, \u201cAre you guys tired?\u00a0 You want us to slow it down?\u00a0 You want some slow sh*t?\u00a0 How about something from 1989?\u00a0 Fabulous Disaster!\u201d\u00a0 The song\u2019s introduction featured LA playing a mid tempo guitar chord progression amidst red and blue stage lights while standing on TH\u2019s 18\u2011inch high, black\u2011colored wooden drum riser.\u00a0 GH played a series of frenetic guitar riffs atop LA\u2019s guitar chord progression.\u00a0 At the 0:45 mark LA joined GH in frenetic riffing that continued into the first verse.\u00a0 LA wore black sneakers, black jean pants, plain black t\u2011shirt, and black sweatbands on his forearms.\u00a0 LA played a black ESP flying V guitar.\u00a0 [LA has so much lengthy hair he reminds me of a troll doll (toy doll fad created by Danish fisherman, woodcutter Thomas Dam (1959)), albeit more tamed and not as \u201cpoofy.\u201d]<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Fabulous Disaster contained a particularly catchy chorus.\u00a0 The tempo momentarily slowed down before RD sang the final two lines of the first chorus but resumed an up tempo pace in time for GH\u2019s 40\u2011second guitar solo.\u00a0 After GH\u2019s guitar solo LA once again played a mid tempo guitar chord progression atop which GH played frenetic guitar riffs. \u00a0LA eventually joined GH in frenetic riffing that continued into the second verse followed by the second chorus that ended when RD screamed, \u201cFabulous disaster!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 8. Blacklist (Tempo of the Damned, 2004).\u00a0 Before Blacklist RD said, \u201cIs everybody drinking and getting stoned or what?!\u00a0 [For a nanosecond my cross-wired brain misinterpreted RB with a literal interpretation of \u201cgetting stoned,\u201d the capital punishment whereby an organized group throws stones at an individual until death.\u00a0 This punishment seems a bit drastic for drinking but then again fundamentalist countries condone stoning.\u00a0 All it would take to crack my puny skull is a pebble.]\u00a0 We forgot our weed but we are home now.\u00a0 When we say we need weed people just throw it on stage.\u00a0 How cool is that?!\u00a0 This one is called Blacklist.\u201d \u00a0Blacklist is a catchy mid tempo rocker that began with GH and LA\u2019s basic, chugging guitar riffs and TH\u2019s solid tom\u2011tom drums.\u00a0 The audience repeatedly chanted, \u201cHay\u201d while RD screamed, \u201cBang your fu**in\u2019 heads!\u201d \u00a0RD sang the first two verses and choruses in standard verse\u2011chorus pattern. \u00a0The band then jammed for 30\u00a0seconds followed by GH and LA guitar solos for 50 seconds.\u00a0 The song concluded with RD singing the third verse and chorus.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 9. The Sun is My Destroyer (Exhibit B: The Human Condition, 2010).\u00a0 Before The Sun is My Destroyer RD said, \u201cI heard some guy up front yell, \u2018Play some new sh*t.\u2019\u00a0 This one is called, The Sun is My Destroyer.\u201d \u00a0\u00a0The Sun is My Destroyer is an epic song nearly 10\u00a0minutes in length. \u00a0[It was long enough for me to read Leo Tolstoy\u2019s 1225\u2011page novel, \u201cWar and Peace\u201d (1869) followed by a facial.]\u00a0 During the first 45 seconds GH and LA played recurring guitar riffs and TH a mid tempo, heavy tom\u2011tom beat. \u00a0TH then kicked the song into overdrive with insanely fast drumming on par with Dave Lombardo (Slayer drummer).\u00a0 RD sang the first verse and chorus with a death metal vocal style.\u00a0 The first verse\u2019s lyrics fit the death metal theme, \u201cImmortal subjugator, usurper, dominator.\u00a0 Blood ruler of the dark.\u00a0 Lord of the shadow world, flag of black unfurled. Foul, unholy patriarch.\u00a0 Enslaver of mankind, king of all unkind.\u00a0 Light ender in black domain.\u00a0 I fear only the dawn, at war with the rising sun.\u00a0 Eternal dusk ordained.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 After a 20\u2011second interlude featuring GH, LA, and JG\u2019s frenetic riffing RD sang the second verse and chorus.\u00a0 Before the third verse the tempo significantly slowed down, and RD sang with less growl and more emotion.\u00a0 The slow tempo continued during GH and LA\u2019s guitar solos that lasted 60\u00a0seconds.\u00a0 Before RD sang the fourth verse and final chorus the song resumed a frenetic pace replete with TH\u2019s rollicking, thunderous drumming.\u00a0 During the final chorus white lights positioned on the stage floor stage left and right shined on the band as RD sang, \u201cThe sun is my destroyer.\u201d\u00a0 [The light was bright enough for RD to have taken off his shirt, gotten basted with sun tan lotion, and bronzed.\u00a0 I would have loaned RD the cucumber slices from my facial to protect the delicate skin around his eyes.] \u00a0During the last 1:40 seconds of the song the band showed its musical prowess by jamming at an insanely high tempo.\u00a0 After the song concluded RD said, \u201cThat is the first time we played that.\u00a0 We played it just for you.\u00a0 Next time we play that I want you all to sing along.\u201d\u00a0 The Sun is My Destroyer, along with Downfall, received the strongest audience reaction of the five new songs the band performed.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 10. War is My Shepherd (Tempo of the Damned, 2004).\u00a0 Before War is My Shepherd RD said, \u201cI want a big pit for this song.\u00a0 This one is called War is My Shepherd.\u201d\u00a0 During the introduction to this up tempo thrasher GH played sinister guitar riffs and TH bashed his tom\u2011tom drums.\u00a0 The pace and first verse\u2019s lyrics set the tone for intense moshing, \u201cYou put your faith in Christianity. \u00a0I put mine in artillery.\u00a0 My M\u201116 my lord and savior.\u00a0 Christ never done me a motherf**king favor.\u201d \u00a0[GH may not place high priority on grammar, but his prolific memorable songwriting skills are among the best in the metal genre.] \u00a0RD sang the first two verses and choruses in standard verse\u2011chorus pattern. \u00a0During the choruses the audience sang along with vigor.\u00a0 After the second chorus GH played a 20\u2011second guitar solo.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The aural attack did not let up as the band then engaged in a 45\u2011second jam session during which GH and LA stood center stage facing each other. \u00a0RD then sang the third verse, \u201cFarwell, Graham and Farrakhan.\u00a0 They need god, I need napalm.\u00a0 Praise the lord and pass the ammunition.\u00a0 My sermon is my demolition.\u201d\u00a0 [These lyrics evidence GH\u2019s noteworthy ability to write simple yet poignant lyrics.\u00a0 GH is a guru at using few words to effectively convey his views and make listeners ponder.\u00a0 GH would have a lucrative career as a Satanic monk, if such a job title existed, preaching the virtues of the dark overlord.]\u00a0 The third chorus was followed by a 20\u2011second LA guitar solo. \u00a0The mosh pit during War is My Shepherd, A Lesson in Violence, along with one more song to be performed, was particularly ravenous.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 11. Impaler (Tempo of the Damned, 2004).\u00a0 Before Impaler RD said, \u201cNow I am seeing old school mother fu**in\u2019 moshing here tonight.\u00a0 This one goes out to (Paul) Baloff [late, original Exodus vocalist].\u00a0 It is called the Impaler.\u201d \u00a0Impaler is a solid rocker that began with JG and TH\u2019s heavy, mid tempo bass lines and drum beats, as well as GH and LA\u2019s palm\u2011muted guitar riffs.\u00a0 A 15\u2011second interlude that featured GH and LA\u2019s guitar riffs separated the first two verses.\u00a0 After the second verse RD screamed, \u201cEveryone go insane!\u201d\u00a0 RD\u2019s command served as the battle cry for the tempo to significantly increase as he sang the first chorus.\u201d\u00a0 LA then played a three\u2011second guitar run followed by the second chorus during which white stage lights were syncopated with TH\u2019s pulsating drum beats.\u00a0 LA then played a brief guitar solo followed by the third and final chorus. \u00a0During the last two minutes of the song the tempo slowed to a mid tempo pace and the band engaged in a jam session.\u00a0 Impaler was the second consecutive song the band played off Tempo of the Damned (2004), but it was written by TH, GH, and Kirk Hammett (former Exodus and current Metallica guitarist) in 1982.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 12. Strike of the Beast (Bonded by Blood, 1985) is an all out thrasher that featured GH and LA\u2019s fluttering guitar riffs and TH\u2019s monstrous double bass drums.\u00a0 RD sang the first verse and chorus as if spitting poison out of his mouth.\u00a0 After a 10\u2011second interlude that highlighted GH and LA\u2019s tight riffing RD sang the second verse and chorus.\u00a0 One of the two song highlights took place after the second chorus when the tempo momentarily slowed down and RD said, \u201cI want to thank all you guys for coming out tonight.\u00a0 I want you to pick a side.\u00a0 (the pit audience separated into two clusters)\u00a0 I want everyone over here [stage left] to kill everyone over there [stage right], and I want you [stage right] to kill everyone over there [stage left].\u00a0 C\u2019mon spread it out more!\u00a0 No one goes \u2018til I say\u00a0\u2026\u00a0hold\u00a0\u2026 hold\u00a0\u2026 hayyyyyyyy!\u201d\u00a0 The fans in the two pit clusters rushed toward each other and violently collided. \u00a0[The fury with which the two warring factions collided was like a battle scene from Peter Jackson fantasy\u2011adventure film trilogy, \u201cThe Lord of the Rings\u201d (2001-2003).]\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 GH, LA, JG, and TH then engaged in the song\u2019s second highlight, a 20\u2011second jam session that was testament to the band\u2019s undeniable music prowess and that fluidly led into the third verse after which LA and GH played guitar solos for 40\u00a0seconds.\u00a0 RD then sang the fourth and final verse.\u00a0 During the final\u00a015\u00a0seconds of the song LA pulled a pre\u2011teen boy from front row, strapped his guitar on the bewildered boy, and encouraged him to strum the guitar.\u00a0 The boy enjoyed strumming LA\u2019s guitar so much that GH and LA\u2019s guitar technician eventually came over and gently removed the guitar.\u00a0 The mosh pit during Strike of the Beast, along with War is My Shepherd and A Lesson in Violence, was particularly tumultuous with Strike of the Beast reigning as the song that unleashed the greatest fury.\u00a0 The band left the stage at 12:17 and returned in one minute to play four additional songs.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 13. Bonded by Blood (Bonded by Blood, 1985).\u00a0 Before Bonded by Blood TH came center stage and said, \u201cShh. \u00a0I want to dedicate this show to Debbie Abono [late Bay Area manager of numerous thrash and death metal bands during the 1980\u2019s and 1990\u2019s who succumbed to cancer on May\u00a016,\u00a02010].\u00a0 She was like a mother to a lot of us.\u00a0 But you know what?\u00a0 She went out the same day as Ronnie James Dio [late Black Sabbath, Dio, Rainbow singer who also succumbed to cancer on May\u00a016,\u00a02010] so she is in a good place.\u201d\u00a0 As a tribute to Ronnie James Dio, GH played a part of the melody of Holy Diver from Dio\u2019s Holy Diver record (1983) and Gates of Babylon from Rainbow\u2019s Long Live Rock \u2018n\u2019 Roll record (1978).\u00a0 Bonded by Blood began with a tape track of the sound effect of the roaring engine of a rapidly descending plane shortly before crash followed by GH and LA\u2019s high energy, machine gun\u2011like guitar riffs. \u00a0RD sang the first verse and chorus with ample audience participation. \u00a0After a 15\u2011second interlude that featured GH and LA\u2019s mind\u2011numbing guitar riffs, RD sang the second verse and chorus.\u00a0 GH and LA then played guitar solos for 35\u00a0seconds after which RD repeated the first verse and chorus.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 14. Hell\u2019s Breath (Let There be Blood, 2009).\u00a0 Before Hell\u2019s Breath RD said, \u201c(Chris) Kontos [former Exodus drummer] where are you?\u00a0 This one is for you.\u00a0 You are the star of the DVD (Shovel Headed Tour Machine: Live at Wacken and Other Assorted Atrocities).\u00a0 Seeing you 15\u00a0feet above ground.\u00a0 [RD erroneously identified Chris Kontos when he meant Toby Rage whose photograph mid\u2011air high atop the crowd is featured on the DVD.]\u00a0 This one is called Hell\u2019s Breath.\u201d\u00a0 Hell\u2019s Breath featured mid tempo chugging guitar riffs. \u00a0RD sang the first two verses and choruses in standard verse\u2011chorus pattern. \u00a0The band experienced minor technical difficulties that thrice caused very loud feedback from GH and LA\u2019s Engl amps.\u00a0 Since RD was standing one foot in front of the amps, he covered his ears as he sang and stormed back and forth while he covered his ears.\u00a0 [RD reminded me of Quasimodo, the namesake in Victor Hugo\u2019s novel, \u201cThe Hunchback of Notre Dame\u201d (1831) because he hunched over as he stormed back and forth, the difference being Quasimodo became deaf from loud ringing of church bells whereas RD nearly became deaf from amp feedback.]\u00a0 As RD screamed the chorus the song shifted to an up tempo mode with TH exhibiting unbelievable drumming.\u00a0 GH and LA each played 10\u2011second guitar solos followed by a 60\u2011second jam session.\u00a0 RD then sang the third and final verse.\u00a0 After the song concluded RD asked, \u201cHow many people saw that song back in the day?\u00a0 (numerous audience members raised their hands)\u00a0 Wow!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 15. Toxic Waltz (Fabulous Disaster, 1989).\u00a0 Before Toxic Waltz RD said, \u201cYou guys tired?\u00a0 We got time for a couple more.\u00a0 I want to see an old school fu**in\u2019 pit for The Toxic Fu**in\u2019 Waltz!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Toxic Waltz is a mid tempo song with a catchy melody during the verses, pre\u2011chorus, and chorus. \u00a0RD sang the first verse in pseudo rap fashion and fluidly transitioned to the pre\u2011chorus and chorus.\u00a0 After a two\u2011second interlude RD sang the second verse, pre\u2011chorus and chorus. \u00a0GH and LA switched back and forth each playing two guitar solos lasting 60 seconds followed by a 25\u2011second jam session.\u00a0 The tempo slightly slowed down before RD sang the third and final verse.\u00a0 Toxic Waltz is arguably the band\u2019s biggest commercial hit mainly due to the airplay its video received on Headbanger\u2019s Ball (MTV television program consisting of heavy metal music videos).<\/p>\n
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\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 16. Good Riddance (Exhibit B: The Human Condition, 2010).\u00a0 Before Good Riddance RD said, \u201cEverybody say hello to Gary Holt, Jack Gibson, Lee Fu**in\u2019 Altus, and, on the drums, Tom Fu**in\u2019 Hunting!\u00a0 Give it up for Heathen.\u00a0 Lee Altus pulled double duty.\u00a0 He did that for you.\u201d\u00a0 RD sang the first verse of this up tempo thrasher at a particularly fast pace followed by the first chorus.\u00a0 During the 35\u2011second interlude between the first chorus and second verse GH and LA played a flurry of muted guitar riffs while TH played frenetic double bass drums.\u00a0 After the second verse GH and LA played frenetic riffs for 20\u00a0seconds followed by guitar solos for 40\u00a0seconds.\u00a0 RD stood next to LA during his guitar solo and played air guitar complete with wincing.\u00a0 RD then sang the third verse and second chorus.\u00a0 The band members individually came stage front and raised their hands in appreciation.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Venue: Slim\u2019s is a 400\u2011seat San Francisco club that rhythm and blues artist Boz\u00a0Scaggs opened in 1988.\u00a0 Slim\u2019s is located within three miles of San\u00a0Francisco\u2019s financial district.\u00a0 The club decor is simple and includes chandeliers, brick walls, and a bar inspired by the facades of New Orleans manors.\u00a0 Within five feet of walking through the entrance are six steps that lead immediately up and into the general admission floor approximately 20\u00a0feet from the stage.\u00a0 At one end of the main floor is the stage that measures 29\u00a0feet wide by 16\u00a0feet deep.\u00a0 The stage is three feet and three inches from the club floor and features a moveable drum riser eight\u00a0feet by six\u00a0feet and a very narrow photo pit.\u00a0 At the other end of the main floor is a small balcony with 14\u00a0tables and seating for 70\u00a0people.\u00a0 The sound console is located in the rear by the steps leading up to the balcony.\u00a0 The L\u2011shaped bar runs the length of the floor stage left.\u00a0 The general admission floor also includes six pillars.\u00a0 Located downstairs are three dressing rooms, coat check, and additional restrooms.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Opening Bands (first to last): Passive Aggressive, Anvil Chorus, Heathen<\/p>\n
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Arash Moussavian, Entertainment Law Attorney<\/p>\n