News From The Pit
Hi, my name is Laura Karnes and I'd like to tell you a little about myself and a new column that I'll be writing for Louisville Music News.
First of all, I like all kinds of music, but I have a real passion for heavy metal/hard rock, "headbanger music," or whatever you want to call it.
I am twenty-six years old and I have been attending metal shows since I was about twelve or thirteen. Actually, the first heavy show that I went to was when I was about nine years old. It was Kiss and, I think, Judas Priest in 1979. (Sorry, it's been so long ago, I can't remember for sure who opened the show.) I remember this music striking a chord (no pun intended) in me and I have pretty much been hooked ever since then.
I have seen the biggest period in metal, which came in the 80's, with the popularity of the "hair bands" like Poison and Motley Crue and some heavier bands, such as Slayer, which came out of that time. After the '80s, a lot of people declared that metal was dead, with the wave of bands coming out with the "Seattle sound." I don't think it was dead, I think people just had to look a little harder to find it.
Since I have been into this music scene, I have met a lot of cool people and seen and heard some very talented musicians show what they can do.
In this column, I plan to cover major metal acts and local bands, but I will probably put more emphasis on the local metal scene. We have a lot of excellent, original, heavy bands here in Louisville and I want to support them as much as I can.
I'll quit blabbering and give you the latest news that I've have from the scene.
Hope you enjoy the column!
Pantera, White Zombie, and Eye Hate God rolled through Louisville Gardens for a sold out show on July 1. Please read my review on this page.
Also, local bands Inhuman and Shattered Reality got to play the after concert party at the Toy Tiger. Both bands played great sets and drew a good crowd. Hope this inspires the Tiger to let more metal acts play there. Speaking of that, whatever happened to Mosh Pit Sundays at the Tiger? Inquiring minds wanna know!
Bull's Eyes, formerly C. L.'s and Yogi's is under new ownership and has been featuring more metal bands on Friday and Saturday nights. July 19 and 20 was a two-night metal fest, featuring, on Friday, Incursion, Inhuman, and Point of Anger, and then on Saturday. Choad, Inhuman, and Mindstorm.
Both nights were good shows, but on Saturday night, the sound was much better.
The crowd size was pretty good, considering that the bikini contest was going on at the Toy Tiger. Sorry guys, if you were at the contest, you missed some ragin' bands playing just up the street.
Shattered Reality is recording a new CD, which should be released soon. Will let you know more in the next column.
Inhuman, Shapeless Matrix, and Faceplant played an 18- and over show July 25 at the Flashback. All three bands were very tight and played excellent sets. Keep up the good work, guys. Also, there was a great crowd for a Thursday night, I think the 18- and over rule helped out a lot.
Look for an upcoming show with Inhuman on August 30 at the Flashback. There will be one or two other bands to be announced.
That's all from me for now. Until next time......see ya in the pit!