Review by: Michael Zinn
Photos by: Michael Zinn
Venue: Upstate Concert Hall
More photos: HERE
Meet The Band
Brian “Head” Welch – Lead Vocals, Guitar
J.R. Bareis – Guitar
Dan Johnson – Drums
Michael Valentine – Bass
Many people may know Brian ‘Head’ Welch as the former guitarist of Korn, but he takes on the role of frontman in his new band Love and Death, who have just recently unleashed their debut album ‘Between Here & Lost.’ With that the urge to write off Love and Death as a Korn spinoff is a strong one, but seeing Brian “Head ” Welch as a frontman is quite a different experience than a Korn show.
Of course the music is going to draw on the same roots and energy that Korn came from, “Head” was one of the driving forces of the material, and the similarity is a nod to his influence on his previous band.The thing that made it different for me was that “local band” vibe that Korn seemed to skip right over.
Coming down from that “larger than life” pedestal is exactly what i think that Brian Welch was trying to achieve with this material and with this show, he nailed it .
If you’ve followed the story, Brians battle with addiction and the rock star life, led him to bottom out and become reborn as a christian. Not being a usual fan of christian rock myself, Brians new project is a pleasant surprise, and, though a quick read of the lyrics may seem predictable, the music remains true for the previous fans, who are likely oblivious to the message and lyrics being presented.
Bringing a young and hungry band of musicians together doesn’t hurt either. Brian announced that J.R Bareis on guitar had just turned 18 and his energy onstage certainly shows. Michael Valentine on bass brings a dark artsy element to the band, looking like he stepped out of a Nightmare on Elm street meets Marylin Manson production, while Dan Johnson on drums lays down the Heavy, almost tribal sound w expect from this kind of music.
I admit i was a little disappointed with the (dare i say – nu-metal) version of Whip It, however, The defining moment of acceptance was the bands finale.. the familiar ride cymbal intro into the mega hit “Blind” and the bands near perfect performance that drove the crowd wild! all in all this band in my book is a must see so if you get the chance check them out you will not be disappointed.
Setlist
Paralyzed
Chemicals
Whip It
(DEVO cover)
Got the Life / Here to Stay / Freak on a Leash / Falling Away From Me
(Korn cover)
The Abandoning
Meltdown
(Live Premiere)
I W8 4 U
Show Photos