Back in the 20th Century, ümlaut was a xeroxed fanzine that existed from 1992-95. Despite limited distribution, loyal readers ranged from coast to coast and included Rock Stars of various credibility, including Neurosis, Sonic Youth, Melvins, and Metallica. This 21st Century version of ümlaut has been ranting since 2004 and is also the co-author of the book Murder In The Front Row.
Saros The Eagle Tavern, San Francisco August 27, 2009
It was with a heavy Metal heart that Umlaut made his way to The Eagle on this night. After 5 years, Saros had announced they were playing their final show with Tim on bass and would be going on a hiatus for perhaps as long as a year...
Although The Eagle has hosted shows regularly over the years, the last time I was there was during the Clinton Administration for a Tranny fashion show with my old roommate (Hey Jayne!). Given the magnitude of the show, the Umlaut Nation was out in force... so a shout out to Joey, Johnny, Photo Ray, Jason, Rafa, and Dave. It was also cool to see members of those other S.F. Metal heroes Ludicra, Hammers Of Misfortune, Black Cobra, and Acid King out supporting Saros on their special night; it takes a village for a Music Scene to be Metal.. and tonight the core of the S.F. Metal Scene was in the house.
This show was bittersweet since Saros are one of my favorites and it's always more fun to support a local band. They opened with their almighty classic 'F Subzero' and tore through a 45 minute set that showcased the band's hybrid of Classic Metal and shape-shifting Prog Rock with Tim holding down the bottom end one last time.
During the set there was some nice Metal show drama down at the front when a dude got a little out of hand and sent a Metal Lady's beer flying all over those around her, including Umlaut. Not one to stand down from such an afront, the Metal Lady demanded, and received, a replacement pint from the dude. Don't take no shit in The Pit!
After Saros had played their last song the band started to tear down their equipment, but the crowd that had filled the space between the stage and the bar would not leave or relent in their calls for an encore. In what will be one of my favorite gig moments of the year, Leila took her SG back out of its case, the band plugged back in, and they played one final song with Tim... a solid version of 'Collapse Of The Tower'. NICE! They say a picture is worth one thousand words, so here's 2,000 blurry words on Saros:
'Collapse Of The Tower'
I've ranted about Saros more eloquently in past posts, so click HERE and HERE to read what I've previously said about the band because it still rings true. Although the word "hiatus" always strikes fear in my heart when it's connected with a band, at least Leila will be busy with Amber Asylum as they support their latest album, but more on that in 24 hours.
According to the Umlaut Archives this was the 6th time I'd seen Saros.. and hopefully it won't be the last. On the way back to the car, some pimply-faced teenagers called us fags. Here's to Saros and I hope the band rises from their hiatus like the fiery Phoenix in the not too distant future..
This show had those 3 magic words attached to it: "Album Release Show". I had not been to a show at El Rio in 3 years so, unlike most Umlaut gigs, this was not a surgically precise affair. Although I didn't roll out of Casa de Umlaut until after 10:00PM, Timo and I were still able to kill some time down the block at Cancun with burritos instead of catching the first band. Across town, Tom Jones was at The Warfield inspiring old ladies to throw their panties onstage.
As I type this I'm listening to the new Saros CD (Acrid Plains) and the songs are... elegant.. I can't say that Saros are brutal... but they are... elegant... The songs are finely crafted.. like jewelry hammered out by Elven artisans with silver mined by Dwarves many centuries ago but left in the cauldron a bit too long so that it's tougher and harder than other delicate things of beauty..... Errr.... or something like that. Anyway, for whatever reason, "elegant" was the first word that popped into my head.. so I'm running with it.
No offense to the El Rio staff... El Rio is a good bar... I like the patio area.. but the live music space is too narrow and "Rec Room" for Umlaut.. Yes it's Punk Rock, but Umlaut isn't Punk. Oh well.. guess I won't be showing my face at El Rio again anytime soon.. Free speech, dude!
The Rec Room was pretty full as Saros began playing at 12:19AM and burned their way through about an hour on the tiny, cramped stage. Although I've seen the band several times, I still get caught up in what great, seasoned musicians they all are.. The rhythm section of Tim (bass) and Blood Eagle (drums) bolts the music down beyond solid and Leila and Ben are a timeless guitar duo; melodic playing tempered with cool dynamics, but also heavy... and throw Leila's vocals on top of that, which flows back and forth between beautiful singing and METAL growling, and Saros easily sucks me into their dark world.
I have to admit that one of my favorite moments when seeing Saros is when Leila first steps to the mic and does her mic check by saying "Check" in her normal voice.. and she repeats "Check" as she works her way up to her METAL voice.. "CHHEEECCK!".. I don't know why I like it, but I do..
As I've said before in this space, I'm struck by how Saros reminds me of the great local Bay Area Metal bands that I saw in the early-80's during my youth... The local bands who didn't go on to become international Metal Godz like Metallica, but who weren't concerned about world domination anyway; they simply wanted to play their music... their METAL music.
Now for something completely different: Lori pointed out that I must be getting old because I looked for a proper place to put my empty beer can instead of merely throwing it on the floor like The Kidz, and she was correct in doing so. Getting old is a bitch, right? Oh, and as with any show involving METAL, the Umlaut Nation was out in force, so a shout out to Timo, Lori, Joey, Dave, Sven, Larry, and Billy.
I didn't to do a merch audit because Saros' merch table was in a pitch black corner of the patio; their merch guy used his iPhone to illuminate the table for me (HaHa!). No audit, but copies of the brand new CD were $12 and I got a free sticker.. On the way back to the car, some pimply-faced teenagers called us fags. The next morning Teri shot me a text about how great the Tom Jones show at The Warfield was; I don't doubt that it was great, but I stand by my decision to spend $7 on Saros vs. $70 for the Welsh Sex God... and no old ladies tossed their panties onstage at El Rio.
Up until around 6:00PM, Umlaut was going to skip this show (Showtime = 9:00PM)... but then I decided to take Johnny up on his +1... The tiebreaker was the fact that Umlaut friend Lori was gonna be in the house and she was leaving for Istanbul (!) the next day, so seeing her was the real headline event of the night (Awww..). The Umlaut Nation was nicely represented by Timo, Lori, Dave, Joey, and Rich... as well as Rafa and Jason onstage as Black Cobra of course.
Black Cobra are the definitive Rock Road Dogs; Rafa and Jason are ALWAYS on tour.. For those who aren't aware, The Sword have taken Black Cobra out as their direct support act on three U.S. and European tours over the past year and a half... Because of this, I was curious how Black Cobra would go over on this bill, because the two bands seem like an odd pairing to me. However, to my surprise, Rafa and Jason went over quite well with the crowd.
The young kid in front of me wearing the denim jacket and doo rag initially seemed confused by Black Cobra's wall of sound and their lack of traditional song structures... Plus the fact that it was only 2 musicians onstage... but after a couple of songs the kid was nodding his head in time to every chord that Jason struck and every beat that Rafa hit.. That kid is gonna be alright.
It's been interesting following The Sword over the past 2 years as they went from a rookie band on their debut tour to a seasoned act opening stadium shows for Metallica in Europe... However, no one can say success was given to them; The Sword have toured their asses off and this was their 6th time through San Francisco... Also, two years on and the band has developed an almost Southern Rock swing to their sound. Remember when they covered ZZ Top's 'Nasty Dogs & Funky Kings' in their set? Me too.
That being said, I have to say that I'm over The Sword now; I am done. All of that touring may have given the band confidence onstage, but it's also made them a slick Rock band... and I don't mean that in a good way... Although only 4 months have passed since I last saw The Sword and liked the performance, in that time the band's live sound has become really clean and safe.
Much to my dismay, even their signature song 'Freya' lacked the teeth that made me love it in the first place... but I suppose that will happen when you become Lars Ulrich's favorite new band and learn from The Master how to appeal to a more mass market Rock N' Roll audience. I mean, more power to the Austin lads, ya know? I'm just gonna get off this train here, okay? I can say I saw The Sword 5x and it was a fun ride while it lasted, but now I can wear my Sword shirt while I'm painting the house and not worry about ruining it. I also couldn't help but notice the sizeable Jock element that kept bumping past me with their beers.
Best Quote: "When Jocks start coming to your shows you're making money, but then you start leaving friends off the guest list." - Umlaut
Scorecard: According to the Umlaut Archives, this was my 57th visit to Slim's dating back to when it opened in 1988. Yes, I keep score... it's on an Excel spreadsheet... I think it's about 90% accurate documenting every concert I've attended since losing my gig cherry in 1978. The Geeks shall inherit The Earth.
Bootleg Motörhead hoodies = 1. If you bought one of every Sword merch item you would have paid $170. However, I FINALLY scored the "Eagle / Cthulhu" Black Cobra shirt for a mere $12. On the way back to the car, some pimply-faced teenagers called us fags. Black Cobra won't be home from tour until December, so if they're playing in your town and you like your music LOUD check 'em out and tell them Umlaut sent you.
Saros DNA Lounge, San Francisco, CA October 12, 2008
This show was originally scheduled for The Metro in West Oakland and because of that I was going to pass on it.. Not because of the distance, but because I'm in fucking West Oakland every work day. Maybe when I'm not visiting The Ghetto on a daily basis I might feel differently, but only time will tell. However, The Rock Godz work in mysterious ways and the show was moved to the DNA, which made attendance mandatory since I could go from driveway to venue in no more than 20 minutes.
Prior to the show Timo, The Coal Miner's Son, and Umlaut used the show as an excuse to eat dinner at The Irish Bank. It must be noted that my eyes were bigger than my stomach on this evening.
Apologies to Wolves In The Throne Room, Nachtmystium (say that 3 times fast!), and Embers, but the only band on the bill I wanted to see was Saros. The band's 35-40 minute set consisted of all new songs from their upcoming album Acrid Plains. The new songs were, like, GREAT and leaned more towards the band's Progressive Rock side (hence Tim's Rush shirt onstage, natch!), with intricate melodies guiding the hammer of volume.
One thing that I realized while watching Saros this time was how much they remind me of bands from the early-80's San Francisco Metal Scene (aka Umlaut's Salad Days). Back then, most S.F. bands were not concerned about image; bands from L.A. cared about that bullshit.. Most of the best S.F. bands back then simply got onstage armed with musicianship and well crafted songs; it was about the music, man. Yes, loud aggressive dark music... but when you looked past the volume you'd hear musicianship of the highest order... and that's what Saros' art is all about too.
Note: The new Saros album was produced by the man, the myth, the legend Billy Anderson and will be out on Profound Lore Records in early 2009. Start saving your pennies now, kids!
I spaced on doing a merch audit, but the Saros decal / button package was only $1 (ONE DOLLAR). On the way back to the car, some pimply-faced teenagers called us fags. After Saros were done, we said our goodbyes and were out the door and headed home. A surgically precise evening fo' sho'.
On another note: Based on the urging of a best selling music journalist friend, Umlaut got a copy of the book All Known Metal Bands that was published by San Francisco's own McSweeney's in May.
The names of 50,000 Metal bands were collected in a beautiful hardbound book done with that attention to quality that makes McSweeney's my favorite publisher... Also, at least 9 bands that Umlaut knows are listed, so kudos to the "author" for that... Although I can't really call Dan Nelson an "author" since he probably stole the name list from The Metal Archives web site, but who am I to say, right?
Whatever the case, I like how the book is presented as a pseudo-religious text for future generations to examine and to "read in it a fallen civilization". Would a similar book about Indie Rock be as fun? Nope.
Oh... Before I forget, it was THIS news that made my Music Geek Week:
Out on DVD on November 18th is The Who at Kilburn 1977, otherwise known as Keith Moon's final full concert with the band (!). The Who when Townshend still threw himself and his Les Paul around the stage with disregard for his own safety and Keith Moon sat behind the kit.
Also included in the set is a 1969 London Coliseum show from the 'Tommy' Tour.. DOH! Umlaut has always said that if he could go back in time to see one band, it would be The Who circa 1969 when they were at the top of their creative game.
Tidal Wave 11 - Day 2 McLaren Park Amphitheatre, San Francisco July 6, 2008
For the newbies: Tidal Wave is an annual FREE 2-day live event in San Francisco that celebrates METAL in a very old school, grassroots, no bullshit way. As the title says, 2008 marks the 11th year of this event... which is pretty amazing in these dark economic times.
Unfortunately, Umlaut couldn't attend Day 1 of Tidal Wave 11, which by all accounts was SRO Old Metal Madness via headliners Exodus, Hirax, and Attitude Adjustment delivering it to a crowd of close to 1,000 who jammed into Jerry Garcia Amphitheatre (aka McClaren Park Amphitheatre). I love how Tidal Wave refuses to acknowledge the venue's official name... 'cause that dead millionaire Hippie is NOT Metal.
Click HERE for some great pics of Exodus on Day 1.
In contrast, Day 2 was a mellower affair led by Ludicra and Saros, who fought valiantly to bring darkness to the daytime with their style of 21st Century Black Metal. I'd say a gathering of no less than 300 were on hand to close out the event; quality over quantity as they say.
I think I've said it before in this space but, for better or worse, Metal shows tend to be like high school reunions for Umlaut in that (1) I run into people who I haven't seen in a long time or (2) I run into people who I don't see very often or (3) I'm there with some of my oldest and dearest friends; Tidal Wave 11 - Day 2 was all three. So a shout out to my Old Metal bruthas Konaquon, Mike, Loren, and Tom... Horns! Hope we die before we get old.
On the flipside, the Umlaut Nation was well represented by Johnny, Joey, Lori, Dave, Pam, Richard, and our newest recruit Raj. To make the day even more special, Pam and Richard launched their CatHead's BBQ empire over the Tidal Wave weekend! Is there anything more harmonious than Metal and 'Cue?? I think not!
However, in a faux paus Metal moment I asked if their logo was supposed to be a cat's head on a plate.. hence the name "CatHead's".. The look of horror on Pam's face said it all and I immediately thought "Oooops..." Sorry guys.. I blame The Metal and take absolutely no responsibility for my actions.
Umlaut must also apologize to the 3 opening bands who played while I was there.. Dudes, I ate 'cue, drank a beer, talked with friends and barely paid any attention to your sets. Sorry... I'm sure you were all Metal in one way or another. Horns! If it's any consolation, Tidal Wave reminds Umlaut of Sunday, August 19, 1984:
(From the Umlaut Archives)
The legendary Day In The Dirt... On that day 24 years ago (!), a little band called Slayer shared a plywood stage in a dirt field in Berkeley with Exodus, Suicidal Tendencies, and Blue Cheer (!). The show was cut short because it started to get dark and there were no lights. There ain't no cure for the Summertime Blues.
Slayer - Day In The Dirt '84 (Pic by Umlaut)
Crowd action during Exodus - Day In The Dirt '84 (Pic by Umlaut)
Yes.. I'm afraid Umlaut is WAY more Old School than you and your Pantera Vulgar Display Of Power shirt... Anyway, back in the 21st Century at Tidal Wave 11:
Saros and their intricate weaving of Prog Rock and Black Metal were amazing as expected. It was inspiring to watch the band attempt to summon darkness out of the bright sunshine... If they had only been able to extend their set by 3 hours, then Saros' mighty power over the dark would have succeeded in extinguishing light. The set featured new songs from their forthcoming album which I'm sure will be covered by American Idol contestants next season. Mark my words. There's too much legitimate talent in this band to expect anything less... and that's what American Idol celebrates, right? Legitimate talent... at least that's what the Bible says. As Saros took the stage I flipped on my fancy new digital SLR and THIS is how many pics I had left:
Luckily I had my pocket camera to document this evil omen... I could NEVER make this shit up, right!? I took it as a sign of the impending doom via volume that Saros was about to smear us with.. or something like that.
Alternative Tentacles recording artists Ludicra and their cold Black Metal fury were amazing as expected. It was inspiring to watch the band attempt to summon darkness out of the bright sunshine... If they had only been able to extend their set by 2 hours, then Ludicra's mighty power over the dark would have succeeded in extinguishing light. The band's sound became locked in bitter hand-to-hand combat with the early evening's wind and, while some saw it as bad sound mixing, Umlaut observed it as an epic battle between Ludicra's cold fury and Nature itself!! Minstrels will sing of this epic conflict to future generations... Seemingly nothing could pacify this violent collision... nothing except the event permit's expiration at 6:00PM. Thus, the band had to cut their set short by one song. Cue an unholy howl as the band's cold fury and Nature became one and evaporated to continue their battle in the ether... or something like that.
It would have been cool if Umlaut had been able to attend Day 1 of Tidal Wave to witness the testosterone-fueled mayhem, but Day 2 caused me to ask myself "When was the last time I attended a gig where the two main bands were spearheaded by women?" Not only that, but the music was empowering AND powerful and the complete opposite of A&F Hipster drivel like Feist. "1234..." Lori said it best "It's nice to see the ladies represented.." Word, my sister.
Best Shirt: Konaquon's vintage event shirt from the Exodus - Bonded By Blood album release show at The Kabuki Theater - May 31, 1985. For the newbie locals: The Kabuki was a concert venue during the 70's and 80's; too bad video killed the radio star and The Kabuki was converted into a multiplex cinema in 1986. The next time you're in Auditorium 1 imagine The Cure, Metallica, or The Ramones onstage where the screen now hangs. Click HERE to download MP3's of Metallica live at The Kabuki in 1985.. Yes, Umlaut was there.
What? Oh yeah... SORRY!! Meanwhile back in the 21st Century: The day after the show, Ludicra asked me via electronic communication if anyone had called me anything on the way back to the car after the show. NICE... Thanks for asking! As a matter of fact:
Number of Metallica shirts = 1... and the guy wasn't beaten up as a poser, which disappointed me. On the way back to the car, some pimply-faced teenagers called us fags. Man, back in The Day if someone flaunted a shirt of a poser band like Metallica, Baloff would have literally ripped the shirt off his back and maybe set it on fire. So let it be written, so let it be done.
No matter... We had joy, we had fun, we had seasons in the sun... Here's some pics.
Black Cobra / Saros / Mendozza Annie's Social Club, San Francisco April 24, 2008
This show reminded me that despite my "sensitive" side I'm made of METAL.. my circuits gleam... I am perpetual I keep the country clean.. However, my METAL buzz was harshed when the door guy didn't believe that the birthdate on my driver's license was correct. Yes, Umlaut really is *THAT* old... I took it as a compliment and told him the secret to aging gracefully is to drink the blood of virgins. That and a good sunscreen.
I had a shitty day at work and came *that* close to staying home.. but the Rock Godz' benevolence is profound and when they offer a gift such as this show you must accept it... you must... and of course it was EXACTLY what I needed to put my shitty day behind me.. like entrails from a carcass... or something METAL like that.. Plus, the fact that Umlaut arrived at about the same time as his bruthas Joey, Dave, and Johnny only made the night all the more perfect; we band of brothers.
Saros were playing their first show in 7 months and they were amazing. An A-MA-ZING set made up of new songs and 2 old ones. If you watched Saros under the right circumstances they would (1) change your life and (2) change the way you think about music. The band is a thundering herd of beasts born of an unholy procreation of Prog Rock and METAL.. After their set I turned to Johnny and spontaneously blurted out "That was unbelievable..." Watching Saros performing with such fury and technique made me wonder what normal people do on a Thursday night... and made me glad I wasn't one of their filthy kind.
Best Quote: "HEY, I haven't seen you in YEARS.." - Billy Anderson to Umlaut.. which was probably true.
Black Cobra (featuring Umlaut friend Rafa) were back home after spending most of the past 3 months or so supporting The Sword in the U.S. and the U.K.. Crazy. After all of that road work, Jason and Rafa were as tight as a nut rusted onto a bolt; a wall of sound in the purest sense of the word. If you watched Black Cobra under the right circumstances they would (1) change your life and (2) change the way you think about music. The band is a two-headed beast born of an incestuous relationship too horrible and exciting to comprehend. Watching Black Cobra performing with such fury and technique made me wonder what normal people do on a Thursday night... and made me glad I wasn't one of their filthy kind.
Click HERE to read the excellent Black Cobra profile from the March 2008 issue of Decibel Magazine that also features one of THE best band photos, like, ever.
Beer count = 2. I didn't do a merch audit, but I felt obligated to support the bands so I bought something from both Saros and Black Cobra (Rafa: I need the 4-color shirt in a Large, dude!). On the way back to the car, some pimply-faced teenagers called me a fag. I feel comfortable in my skin at METAL shows... very... comfortable... and as I type this I'm listening to Arch Enemy and drinking a beer with a charismatic black kitten nearby:
Black Cobra / Saros / Mendozza Annie's Social Club, San Francisco April 24, 2008
This show reminded me that despite my "sensitive" side I'm made of METAL.. my circuits gleam... I am perpetual I keep the country clean.. However, my METAL buzz was harshed when the door guy didn't believe that the birthdate on my driver's license was correct. Yes, Umlaut really is *THAT* old... I took it as a compliment and told him the secret to aging gracefully is to drink the blood of virgins. That and a good sunscreen.
I had a shitty day at work and came *that* close to staying home.. but the Rock Godz' benevolence is profound and when they offer a gift such as this show you must accept it... you must... and of course it was EXACTLY what I needed to put my shitty day behind me.. like entrails from a carcass... or something METAL like that.. Plus, the fact that Umlaut arrived at about the same time as his bruthas Joey, Dave, and Johnny only made the night all the more perfect; we band of brothers.
Saros were playing their first show in 7 months and they were amazing. An A-MA-ZING set made up of new songs and 2 old ones. If you watched Saros under the right circumstances they would (1) change your life and (2) change the way you think about music. The band is a thundering herd of beasts born of an unholy procreation of Prog Rock and METAL.. After their set I turned to Johnny and spontaneously blurted out "That was unbelievable..." Watching Saros performing with such fury and technique made me wonder what normal people do on a Thursday night... and made me glad I wasn't one of their filthy kind.
Best Quote: "HEY, I haven't seen you in YEARS.." - Billy Anderson to Umlaut.. which was probably true.
Black Cobra (featuring Umlaut friend Rafa) were back home after spending most of the past 3 months or so supporting The Sword in the U.S. and the U.K.. Crazy. After all of that road work, Jason and Rafa were as tight as a nut rusted onto a bolt; a wall of sound in the purest sense of the word. If you watched Black Cobra under the right circumstances they would (1) change your life and (2) change the way you think about music. The band is a two-headed beast born of an incestuous relationship too horrible and exciting to comprehend. Watching Black Cobra performing with such fury and technique made me wonder what normal people do on a Thursday night... and made me glad I wasn't one of their filthy kind.
Click HERE to read the excellent Black Cobra profile from the March 2008 issue of Decibel Magazine that also features one of THE best band photos, like, ever.
Beer count = 2. I didn't do a merch audit, but I felt obligated to support the bands so I bought something from both Saros and Black Cobra (Rafa: I need the 4-color shirt in a Large, dude!). On the way back to the car, some pimply-faced teenagers called me a fag. I feel comfortable in my skin at METAL shows... very... comfortable... and as I type this I'm listening to Arch Enemy and drinking a beer with a charismatic black kitten nearby:
Saros
'Collapse Of The Tower'
