Concert Photography: A Dying Art?

A piece that is purely my opinion, and thrown together in a short amount of time. Take from it what you will. 

Is concert photography becoming a lost art? I find myself pondering that question every time a myriad of pictures appears from any live show I’ve attended (or any other show, for that matter). It’s relatively easy to find pictures from almost any event or show now, posted online for the entire world to see. The quality ranges from absolutely awful to professional. 

‘Professional’ photography seems to have different defining characteristics now than it did before the rise of and the popularity of digital cameras. Sure, digital cameras have made taking pictures simple. Compared to film, you can store a ridiculous amount of photos on a simple memory card. So why not take a thousand pictures, hoping for a handful of truly excellent ones? If you don’t get any fantastic pictures, not to worry, any number of photo-editing programs can come to the rescue. With the advances in technology in recent years, anyone can become a ‘professional’ photographer. 

On one hand, there’s nothing wrong with this. I’ve seen some great photos, and some really creative ideas emerge using available technologies. Things that would have been very difficult, or impossible, to do using film. In terms of photography for the sake of capturing a moment in time, digital cameras and phone cameras have made it ridiculously simple for the average person. Cell phone cameras have made leaps and bounds in the last few years, although personally I’d rather use an actual camera to capture whatever I’m trying to capture. Even professional level photography equipment is readily available, and although somewhat expensive, still affordable if one prioritizes correctly. Some photo editing software is relatively easy to use, and simple photo editing is built into cameras and standard computer photo programs. Perhaps this is starting to paint a picture of why the true art of concert photography is on it’s last legs...

Photography in general can still be considered an art form, but I do not consider it nearly as much of an art form as before cameras went digital. Anyone who has actually used a film camera knows that unless you wanted to spend a lot of money developing a lot of pictures, or spend a lot of time changing film rolls that you could easily ruin by simply opening the camera, you had to spend a little bit more time considering the shot you wanted to take. Personally, I’m a lot more proud of most of the photos I’ve taken using a film camera than I am of the vast majority of photos I’ve taken using digital cameras. It’s not as exciting to instantly have the photos available. Something has been lost in no longer having to wait to get film developed and finally seeing the results. Developing one’s own film, and watching an image slowly come to life, instead of merely clicking a button, had something inherently rewarding about it. Sure, it was easy to screw up, and you might not always get the results you wanted, but that was part of it. Film just seems to have a more organic appeal, although this is quickly being lost in a society that doesn’t value things that don’t come instantly. 

Will we really get those truly iconic concert photos anymore? Those live photos of bands like Led Zeppelin and The Who? It’s still possible to find great concert photography. While still possible, it seems that it’s lost the edge that it once had. It’s easy to make a photo polished after the fact. It’s easy to digitally adjust any number of factors that couldn’t be so easily adjusted before. It’s relatively easy for anyone to become a great photographer. That in itself seems sad. On one hand, it’s fantastic for the average person. On the other hand, it signals the end of an art form in which not everyone had the skills readily available at their fingertips to create something great. 

Personally, I’ve generally quit attempting to take live concert photos. If my camera makes an appearance, it’s to capture moments with friends, or perhaps to get a picture with a band member. Granted, I do not have professional photography equipment, nor do I have the photo editing skills to make it appear that I do. When I take pictures, it’s for my own reasons. Not for the disillusionment that I can become a professional photographer, or that any photos I take are of a ‘professional’ quality. 

With that being said, I’m still struggling to understand the ban that has been placed on photography at some venues, or for certain shows. (Unless of course, you have a photography pass and a professional quality camera). What’s the point in placing a ban on point and shoot cameras? I’ve run into it countless times upon attempting to bring my point-and-shoot into shows, and have often rudely been told that photography is not allowed. Even though it mentions nothing about on the ticket itself, or any publicity put out before the show. Why ban a point-and-shoot camera when every idiot out there is snapping (often horrible) pictures with their cell phone? Just a thought...

Finntroll with Blackguard, Metsatöll, Trollband Concert Review

Finntroll with Blackguard, Metsatöll and Trollband

Nov. 18th, 2013

The Pawnshop

The evening started off with western Canadian blackened folk metallers Trollband opening. Having missed their album release party a few months ago, I was interested to see their take on folk metal. Especially since I did not realize they were on the line-up until arriving at the venue. The ‘blackened’ element definitely shone through at times, creating a sound heavier than most folk metal. Trollband was able to put some energy into a half-full house, evidenced by having those who were initially reluctant to get on the floor nearer to the stage by the end of their set. 

Metsatöll’s set proved to be an interesting experience, as one could assume it would be. Interesting, in this case, does not have any negative connotations. Rather, utilizing traditional Estonian instruments on stage (and in recordings) proved to be something slightly different and incredibly good. Metsatöll was able to build upon the energy in the room, engaging the audience although it’s almost a complete guarantee that no-one in the crowd actually understood the Estonian language. Ancestral instruments and lyrical themes were still able to be communicated through the music, creating for a solid set. Metsatöll is a band that I have long had intentions to further check into, and after seeing an impressive set, this may become a priority. 

Blackguard, hailing from eastern Canada, held the slot directly before the headliners. Having seen Blackguard numerous times over several years with several different lineups, they still felt slightly out of place on this folk metal flavored line-up. The crowd seemed quite receptive and the first evidence of a small mosh pit could be witnessed during their set. Perhaps it was due to relatively recent line-up changes, but their set seemed slightly disorganized in comparison with previous shows. Personal opinion might play an influencing role in my perception of Blackguard’s set as I used to be a fan but have not been for some time now. (There is a good reason, but a review is not the place to discuss it in detail). 

Headliners Finntroll came out with force, tearing into ‘Blodsvept’ and ‘Solsagan’ at the start of the set. These, as well as other material from the two newest albums, “Blodsvept” and “Nifelvind” seemed to be crowd pleasers. Having been a long-time Finntroll fan, it seemed strange when other audience members clearly didn’t recognize older material, but I suppose it’s bound to happen. Vocalist Mathias ‘Vreth’ Lillmåns even got a chuckle out of a few in the crowd when he stated that not every song is that good after an overzealous outburst from a fan. Finntroll brought their characteristic energy and unique mix of several metal sub-genres out with a vengeance. Even though the stage was a little cramped for the number of band members, the energy remained high throughout the set, and all instrumental and vocal components came through loud and clear. Although the vocals are in Swedish, most fans seemed able to headbang and mosh along to the ever-changing tempos. Finntroll is the perfect embodiment of a band that can combine a musical style leaning toward blackened folk, with an interesting aesthetic sense and enough onstage energy to provide an unpretentious and yet grandiose  show.

I very thoroughly enjoyed the half of their set that I was able to watch. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, I had to leave in the middle. Sometimes things happen, but here’s to hoping Finntroll comes back sooner rather than later.

(As a bit of an added random thoughts-brought-about-by-the-show rant: Since when did Finntroll’s music become popular with hipsters? Unless they just show up at metal shows for the sake of showing up at metal shows, as seems to be the case as of late. It might explain this ‘electro-swing’ trend that keeps popping up, and that I can’t wrap my head around. I’m still also struggling with the idea that some people can stand in the front row and not be engaged in the music what-so-ever, but it happened again. Again, I still find myself shaking my head at some women at metal shows. Perhaps it’s because I started going to shows when you would only find a handful of women in the room, or got used to the same generally self-respecting, knowledgeable women or perhaps I’m just getting older and more jaded, but some girls really seem to try their hardest to make all female metal-heads look like idiots. Thanks for that). 

So, this review may have turned out to have a personal opinion, rather than more objective, flair to it. I suppose if you don’t like it, find some way to cope with it. 

Legends Of Thrash concert review

Kreator / Overkill / Warbringer 

Rickshaw Theatre, Vancouver, BC

November 11th, 2013

Starting the evening off was the thrash stylings of Warbringer, a band from the United States. While they served to raise the energy of the crowd streaming into the Rickshaw Theatre, their set seemed frantic and a little disorganized at times. This was atoned for by vocalist John Kevill’s willingness to chat with fans and hang out in the crowd for the rest of the evening. 

Veteran thrashers Overkill raised the bar significantly upon taking stage. With a no holds barred, in your face attitude they demonstrated more energy than musicians half their age seem to have. They played a solid set, mixing both newer material and old spanning a career of thirty years. The crowd seemed to enjoy the Overkill set, moshing enthusiastically at the urgings of vocalist Bobby ‘Blitz’ Ellsworth. Not being too familiar with Overkill, I found myself immensely enjoying their set. These American thrash legends definitely gained a new fan. 

Anticipation was high as German thrash legends Kreator began their set. They brought a blistering intensity, playing with the ardor of a band with something left to prove, although their highly acclaimed career speaks for itself. Kreator played a mixed set of old and new material, both equally as heavy. ‘Phantom Antichrist’ had the crowd chanting the chorus, as well as ‘Hordes of Chaos’. The fact that everyone in the venue, younger and older, seemed to be involved in some way, rather than standing on the fringes, proved how well liked and how true to their thrash roots that Kreator have consistently remained over the years. While songs like ‘Pleasure to Kill’ and ‘Endless Pain’ seemed like staples, they were executed greatly to the uninitiated Kreator fan. At the end of the set, vocalist Mille Petrozza brought the “Flag of Hate” onstage, accompanied by the song of the same name, adding a little bit of flair. Overall, Kreator played a fantastic set.

After the show, it was refreshing to see that all the members of Kreator, but namely Mille Petrozza and Sami Yli-Sirniö, were willing to chat and sign autographs, even in a dank alley in one of the worst neighbourhoods in the entirety of Canada. With all of the bands bring a solid array of merchandise, a venue that was unrivaled by anything locally and a solid night of thrash, the Legends of Thrash tour was well worth the nearly two thousand five hundred kilometer round trip to see it. 

My boyfriend's now-signed vinyl. 

"Ugly" Christmas Sweaters

More metal bands need to do this! Metallica, Slayer and now Devildriver have 'ugly' Christmas sweaters, and I think it's an epic idea. Completely appropriate to wear to a family festive gathering, and yet still awesome. Plus, it's a lazy and yet appropriate option for that holiday dress-up idea that many people seem to partake in. I'd probably occasionally wear one everywhere else during the winter too.
(While I don't have many nice things to say about deathcore/metalcore, a band called Attila, falling into the aforementioned subgenre, has a somewhat offensive ugly Christmas sweater. It might be worth looking it up if you're bored).

I actually particularly like this Devildriver one, even though Devildriver is not in the very top of my most listened-to bands category. Plus, the scarf and Christmas ornament are a nice addition.

A bit more on the Devildriver Christmas bundle here:
http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/devildriver-ugly-christmas-sweater-coming-next-month/

Modification Apprehension

Out of the numerous band shirts I've managed to amass over the years, these ones are in need of serious  modification. Why? They are all men's size large or extra-large, which leaves me swimming in extra fabric. I've had plans to modify several shirts for some a very long time now, but can't seem to find the time required, or get over the apprehension at potentially destroying a shirt and creating something completely unwearable. I think a few of these may be a project for this winter...

The Perfect Halloween Album?

        If you're on the hunt for the perfect macabre album to listen to on Halloween, or perhaps play in the background at a hauted house, there's one out there. When Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider set out to make a Halloween concept album, modeled on the fictional tale of an unfortunate boy, he nailed it. This is a spine-tingling sound-track to go impeccably with those creepy-themed October nights.

Van Helsing's Curse - "Oculus Infernum"

Track Listing:

1. Patience (Introduction)
2. Tubular Hell
3. All Fall Down
4. Let Me Prey
5. The Child
6. The Tortured Soul
7. Revenge
8. War
9. Let The Pain Begin
10. The Curse

Music For Halloween

Halloween: That time of year when those of us who love all things morbidly creepy can revel in what the rest of society partakes in for a single day without looking like complete lunatics. At the very least, it’s the time of year that all of those horror and gothic themed decorations that remain up all year seem normal. 

I love the aesthetic of Halloween. I’ve always loved horror movies, horror art and horror literature, and Halloween draws together all of the morbid fascinations that I have. Hard rock and heavy metal tend to bring these together too, in the form of lyrics and in the form of some downright spine-tingling music. 

While there is an incredible amount of horror-related musical material to choose from, especially within the death metal subgenre, I’ve thrown together a few picks for a “Halloween” playlist. Some of these tracks are obviously related directly to Halloween itself (which I have chosen to be picky and not include a ton of directly-Halloween related songs), some of them are more than slightly disturbing, and some of them may not even have been intended to be what I perceive them as. Of course there is no shortage of somewhat repulsive, disturbing, horror themed material from bands like Cannibal Corpse and Entrails, although Entrails is much less disturbing lyrically than Cannibal Corpse. As for King Diamond (or even Mercyful Fate, which I didn’t include), almost every song is occult based. Without delving any further into any of these sub-genres represented, this is my quick Halloween-themed playlist:

Alice Cooper - Black Juju (from Love It To Death)

“Under the soil now waiting for worms all that I feared is all that I've learned”

Alice Cooper - I Love The Dead (from Billion Dollar Babies)

“Cadaver eyes upon me see nothing”

Alice Cooper - Cold Ethyl (from Welcome To My Nightmare)

“One thing I miss is Cold Ethyl and her skeleton kiss”

Annihilator - Phatasmagoria (from Never, Neverland)

“Don’t you know that ghosts never rest”

Bathory - Raise The Dead (from Bathory)

“Calling the vengeance, I tear at the lid, and promise to raise, from the dead”

Cannibal Corpse - Necropedophile (from Tomb Of The Mutilated)

“Pleasure from the dead, complete satisfaction”

Cradle of Filth - A Gothic Romance (Red Roses For the Devil’s Whore) (from Dusk and Her Embrace)

“Drunk on red wine, her dead lips on mine”

Death - Scream Bloody Gore (from Scream Bloody Gore)

“Controlling the minds of the bloodthirsty dead”

Entombed - Left Hand Path (from Left Hand Path)
 "I will be beyond the grave"

Entrails - Cemetery Horrors (from Raging Death)

“Voices from the grave - the cemetery horrors”

Entrails - Undead (from The Tomb Awaits)

“The dead are walking at the cemetery, hungry for flesh and thirsty for blood”

Grave - In Love (from Into The Grave)

“You lie so nice in front of me, as I brought you from your grave”

Helloween - Halloween (from Keeper Of The Seven Keys)

“In the streets on Halloween, the spirits will arise”

Iron Maiden - Fear Of The Dark (from Fear Of The Dark)

“Watching horror films the night before, debating witches and folklore”

Kataklysm - The Night They Returned (from Serenity In Fire)

“They are... the flesh eaters”

King Diamond - The Invisible Guests (from Them)

“Speaking to no one...”

Possessed - Phantasm (from Beyond The Gates) 

“From the crypts they rise”

Rob Zombie - Dragula

“Dead I am the one..”

Slayer - At Dawn They Sleep (from Hell Awaits)

“Blood sucking creatures of the night”

http://riddickart.com/news/gallery

Just to throw everyone for a loop, two more songs that are somewhat synonymous with Halloween and horror, but not the slightest bit hard rock or metal:

The Ramones - Pet Sematary (from Brain Drain)

Michael Jackson - Thriller (from Thriller)