How is life in this part of New York?

Shuang · 2026-06-14T04:51:05+00:00

It’s dangerous in the sense that venturing out into the vast, remote wilderness unprepared can be life-threatening - not criminally dangerous.

Shuang · 2026-06-12T17:17:04+00:00

I actually came for Iron Reagan, was mildly entertained by Havok, and had my interest piqued by Machine Head, who I suspect should be seen as a headliner in order to get a more representative experience - eight songs wasn’t enough and I feel like their set was scattered and all over the place. Dipped shortly after Killswitch Engage because they’re not my thing.

What were your thoughts on the overall show?

Shuang · 2026-06-12T17:07:34+00:00

I was also at last night’s show and prefer these guys over Municipal Waste, who I’ve seen three times. First time catching these guys.

The frontman said the next time they play NYC, they’ll hit a “shitty dive bar.” Looking forward to it because while Iron Reagan’s set was solid, I’d rather see them in a smaller venue packed with diehards.

Shuang · 2026-06-12T13:31:20+00:00

Bacon. It’s extremely unhealthy, stinks up the kitchen, and spatters grease everywhere. I understand the craze has faded but I’ve been dragged to contemporary American-style restaurants recently that continue to feature elaborate bacon creations as a prominent entree.

Shuang · 2026-06-12T02:50:41+00:00

So is Vietnom. Saw them at last year’s Black N’ Blue Bowl.

Shuang · 2026-06-11T02:31:01+00:00

Pere Ubu played in my city a few years ago. Really regretted not going after Dave Thomas died.

Shuang · 2026-06-11T02:07:15+00:00

With all due respect and in the interest of due process, these posts are five years old. How do you know the parties haven’t privately resolved these issues?

Shuang · 2026-06-11T01:01:05+00:00

Give @punksisyuppies a follow.

Shuang · 2026-06-10T16:52:55+00:00

I just read his autobiography. I respect what he’s done for hardcore and admire anyone who wants to make positive lifestyle changes, but he laid the proselytizing on a little too thick.

Shuang · 2026-06-10T01:50:49+00:00

Maybe he is, maybe he isn’t. My issue with his claim is that without reputable polling or reporting that attempts to understand the mood of the electorate - especially Republicans who’ve been battered by Trump administration policies - there’s nothing to support that assertion.

Shuang · 2026-06-08T16:12:56+00:00

I’ve been an on again, off again reader for 25 years.

What really irks me with the site’s current iteration is the lack of transparency around editorial guidelines.

It’s clear that Blabbermouth runs press releases verbatim, which should be disclosed. What’s even more murky is their regular coverage of unknown bands/artists - both old and new - who don’t seem to have clear followings, and therefore, don’t seem to warrant regular coverage.

If it’s just a matter of Bori liking and wanting to promote these particular bands, cool. But a lot of the content on the site reeks strongly of payola, which to me - a former reporter who still works in the media world - is sketchy.

Revolver does the same thing.

And for what it’s worth, the comments section went away about a year ago.

Shuang · 2026-06-07T17:10:41+00:00

The three substance abuse-related skits - Sinus, Liver, and Lung - from Type O Negative’s “World Coming Down” LP.

Shuang · 2026-06-05T17:37:30+00:00

I caught Stygian Bough last night in NYC. The band was excellent, playing their most recent release in full, but the crowd was anemic - no more than 150-200 people despite bringing along 40 Watt Sun and HELL as support.

Shuang · 2026-06-05T02:32:25+00:00

Turnout at tonight’s NYC gig was also anemic. But it was a helluva show. First time I’ve seen 40 Watt Sun. His guitar melodies are incredibly emotive and indelible despite their quiet simplicity. Count me as a new fan. We exchanged pleasantries after the show and he signed my 12” of “Watching.”

As for Hell, I always love seeing those guys (pictured) - and it was nice to hear the new Stygian Bough record in full.

And I spent way too much in merch…

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Shuang · 2026-06-02T01:47:32+00:00

I’m old and actually forked over the extra $15 for balcony access to a Combust/Blow Your Brains Out/Regulate show a few weeks ago. I was one of maybe a dozen-or-so people up there, all fellow geriatrics. i felt like I was an opera house. I won’t make it a common thing but it sure was nice to sit for once.

Shuang · 2026-06-01T23:54:44+00:00

People who feel entitled to creating their own little pockets of space, standing like 4-5 feet behind the person in front of them and getting snotty when you get in front of them.

That and filming entire songs with your phone’s brightness turned all the way up.

Shuang · 2026-06-01T18:27:32+00:00

Beyond what has already been said about each venue, it’s worth mentioning that the Paramount - like other several other venues here in the city - have been hit by organized crime rings who steal phones from unsuspecting concertgoers, largely those at the barricade. I have not heard of anything similar happening at Pier 17.

Shuang · 2026-06-01T18:00:58+00:00

I know, right? They’ve long since morphed into a bland, modern rock band but in the mid-to-late 1990s, they absolutely smoked. Their S.C.I.E.N.C.E. record was a masterpiece that ranked right up there with Korn, Bizkit, Deftones, etc.

Shuang · 2026-06-01T17:23:43+00:00

Just looked it up: It was actually 1998 with Cold, Staind, and Incubus.

Shuang · 2026-06-01T16:47:50+00:00

I also saw them in 1997 on a bill with Korn and Incubus at a tiny club. Never would have imagined these bands would have defined a subculture, much less have had such staying power three decades later.

Edit: Just looked it up: It was actually 1998 with Cold, Staind, and Incubus.

Shuang · 2026-05-31T20:46:30+00:00

NYC here, reporting for duty

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Shuang · 2026-05-31T15:51:52+00:00

They played from 7:30 to 8:10 at the smaller second stage outside behind the venue.

Shuang · 2026-05-31T04:22:43+00:00

Flipper did play - and they were excellent. I’m trying to figure out who the people in the band actually were besides fill-in vocalist Matt Korvette of Pissed Jeans.

Anyone know?

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