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News From The Pit

News From The Pit
By Laura Spaulding

Greetings to all people of the pit!

Hope everyone is having a great 2000. Heavy music got off to a great start in January and continues into February. Check out the ton of shows happening this month! I also have some quickie CD reviews.

Read on, read on. . .

Mark your calendar for shows, shows, and more shows!!!!

*!! Do not miss this show!!

February 4 at The Phoenix Hill Tavern's Roof Garden - be at the second " Original Rock Showcase."

This show will feature My Own Victim, Twist, Factor 9, Contortion and Sideshow. The time is 8:30 p.m. and it is 21-and-over.

If you went to the first show on January 7, then you know it kicked butt! Judging by the size of the crowd crammed together in the Roof Garden, looks like all the pit people in Louisville came out to support local metal! The show definitely got a great response. So, everyone, make sure you head out to the show on February 4.

It's going to be evil!

Also, an early announcement for the March Original Rock Showcase, happening March 3. Look forward to hearing MSD, Flaw, Rifle (featuring Victor Hillerich, formerly of My Own Victim) and Dent (from Indianapolis.) Be There!

*There are several shows happening on the weekend of February 11and 12 here in Louisville and elsewhere. Here's the list:

 February 11 at Bogart's in Cincy: System Of A Down, Incubus and Mr. Bungle.

 On the 11th and 12th, check out Slo Annie at Maple Inn Again. Two bucks will get ya in to this one.

 Also on the 11th and 12th, the "2nd Annual New England Hardcore and Metal Fest." The show will be held at the Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts and will feature- Deceased, The Dillinger Escape Plan and others. Just in case you're in the mood to run up to Massachusetts, ya know.

For more info on this show-go to www.relapse.com .

 Also on the 11th, Contortion, Sen and False at Tomaso's Pizza, 1923 South 4th Street.

You decide which show or shows to attend. I highly recommend all of them!

 February 18 at Pappy's Pizza, 8807 3rd Street Road, E-Flat.

 February 19 at The Pandemonium: an all-ages show with Armbar, Full Contact, Omerta, Krosmember and Shattered Moment Of Clarity. Show starts at 6:00 p.m.

 February 21: An 18-and-over show at The Playground, featuring some national and regional talent. Check out Spite from MIA records (in the vein of Corrosion of Conformity), Karma To Burn (who are on Metal Blade) and Flaw.

 February 23 – Bogart's in Cincy: Powerman 5000, dope and Static X.

 February 26 - This is an all-ages show at The Pandemonium. This is a CD release party for Countermeasure and will also feature My Own Victim, Krosmember, Engrind and New Society of Anarchists from Milwaukee, WI. The mosh pit at this show will be slammin'!! Protective gear may be required!

Whew! Better warn your friends and family now: they may have to yell loudly for you to hear them, as the ears are getting a work out this month!!

*A bit of news for ya - Noisebucket has a new drummer, Jason Hensley. The band is writing new material and will be doing some shows soon.

Will let you know more info and show dates as I hear the news!

Quickie Reviews - short, sweet, and to the point!

Make Yourself (Epic/Immortal)

Incubus

Incubus wears a coat of many colors. They are heavy, melodic, angry, alternative, funky, insightful and sincere - all rolled up in a big ball of eccentricity. And their latest release, Make Yourself, is a gem.

Listen to the opening tune, "Privilege," with the lines "Isn't it strange that a gift could be an enemy? Isn't it weird that a privilege could feel like a chore?' The day you were born, you were born free. This is your privilege."

Also, check out the title song "Make Yourself," "Drive," "The Warmth" and "Pardon Me."

This CD may grab you instantly or it may grow on you - either way, make sure you get it! And go see Incubus in Cincy on February 11!

 On a scale of one to five, I give this one 4 skulls.

Factor IX (self titled)

Factor IX

This is a three song EP release from a fairly new, local heavy band. Factor IX is made up of former members of now-defunct bands, but the sound here is unlike any of the previous bands and is refreshing in today's world of Limp Bizkit wannabes.

The three songs on the CD are "Enter the Full," "Paper Bag" and "Close Your Eyes and Fall."

This has all the right ingredients: in-your-face heavy groove, intensity and vocals that flow smoothly into the music. Factor IX has a sound that will draw you in. Go get this now! Be on the lookout for a full length CD from these guys in the near future.

 I give this 5 skulls.

Issues (Epic/Immortal)

Korn

This latest release from Korn is not really any different from their usual sound. But on a good note, it is more closely related to their earlier material than their last two CDs, Follow The Leader and Life Is Peachy.

Tunes not to be missed are the single "Falling Away from Me," "Beg For Me," "Wake Up" and "Am I Going Crazy?."

Definitely a pleaser for Korn fans. Good, but nothing new.

1/2 I would give this 3 ½ skulls.

Well kiddies, that's all for me this month. Thanks to everyone for sending in your info, show dates and comments. I really appreciate it. Keep sending me info and I'll be glad to put it in the Pit News. See ya next month!

Support heavy music!!