Metal View –
By Mike Vanek
Metal View LOCAL BAND SHOWCASE #1
With a strange landscape for our local metal scene on the Yosemite Strip… I think it is important to showcase the bands I think are a shining beacon of hope for our scene. For the next few months I will showcase a few bands in our scene a few at a time with more coming Next Month.
1. Nothing But Losers. NBL is a band that has evolved many times over the years and has a fascinating story. This band is a close family unit that appreciates other bands in the scene and new bands that they meet here, or while on the road playing in other cities. This current lineup is the strongest it has ever been adding former Brutal Innocence drummer Dave “LUNCHBOX” Ussery on Percussion/Drums. Most recently they have raised the bar when it comes to image, showmanship and all out brutality with a savage live show, and hopefully a album in the near future. When I think of Modesto Metal, I think of Nothing But Losers a bunch of guys who turn into fans at the show when the set is over and that is the raddest part of this band…
2. Perfect Nightmare. Perfect F’ing Nightmare as I often hear in the parking lot at local shows is by far one of the best up and coming bands in our scene!! After a lineup change last year they have come out swinging with one of the best 30 minute metal sets you will see in our scene!! This is a high-energy metal band that does whatever it takes to energize the crowd no matter how big or small… The stage presence this band creates is one of the most captivating things I have ever seen. Big things are in the future of this force of nature of Modesto Metal. After winning the Youth MAMA a few years ago and attacking the local scene they lost 2 members at what seemed to be the height of their popularity, but original members Stephani and Mari didn’t give up, they totally rebuilt the band and came back better than ever!! These guys are definitely a band to go out and see if you haven’t already!!
3. Sworn To The Black Sworn is one of the heaviest bands metal bands Modesto has to provide!! With mind-blowing musicianship and riffs to match a seasoned vet in Kirk Salazar who has played in a few of the best bands in town at one point like And All Was Lost and Epidemia along with Sworn drummer Pelon. Pelon was also in SEIP with Sworn guitarist Jared Davis who were also a legendary band in our scene. This past year they were joined by former Reclaim and Conquer guitarist Tomas Peinthor and longtime 209 area bassist who has played in bands such Bind and Better Left Unsaid. These guys have become a brutal metal band that borders the line of death metal but are by far one of the heaviest and sickest bands in town and are one of the most sought after bands in the 209 area!!
4. 17Ten The final band I have for you this month is the band that brings the party to every show they play. 17Ten is throwback to old school hip hop influenced metal with sick and rhythmic vocals that keep the energy in the room at a full tilt. Anchored by 209 metal legend Captain Chuck Gaither tied together by vocalists Joe Young, KC Agar and Sektor209’s Jr. Guzman who bring excitement and energy to the crowd and they add something different to every show!! These guys are all cool guys and their level of energy was captured on cd this last year when they released they freshman release entitled S**t eating Grin. This cd is the perfect cd to listen to while at work or doing something ya really don’t like because it is a constant source of high-energy knowledge and it totally rocks!! I couldn’t ask for something better for a long trip somewhere and these guys are just as good live as the cd and that is rare. Go see 17ten!!
That’s all for me this month!! PLEASE SUPPORT LOCAL METAL!! #SAVEMETALINMODESTO
Upcoming Shows
Feb 6 Spinnakers Superbowl Party w/ 3 bands after the game…
Feb 27 209 Motorhead Tribute with 10 bands and all donations going to the Lemmy Statue Live at Spinnakers
