MUSIC PREVIEW: Slipknot holds tight
Slipknot may be one of the largest heavy metal bands currently in existence. Literally. The current roster boasts nine individuals performing on stage.
Playing Sunday night at Rexall Place, the Des Moines, Iowa band is known for rampaging live shows and uber-aggressive sound and vocals – plus lots of drums – and visually for the musicians’ distinctive monster masks. The band has released five studio albums, including last year’s 5: The Gray Chapter, the first since band co-founder Paul Gray died of an overdose in 2010. The current lineup has only percussionist Shawn Crahan persisting from the original lineup, though number of the cast has been around since early in the band’s evolution, including Craig Jones (keyboards), Mick Thomson (guitar), and Corey Taylor (lead vocals).
The newest album has received critical and popular acclaim across the board, with particularly good reviews from Kerrang! and Revolver.
Suicidal Tendencies and Beartooth are also on the bill for this show. Bands on at 7 pm. Tickets from $30, BUY
Thursday 15
Mayhemingways – This alt-country-Cajun-bluegrass project out of Peterborough, Ontario, have traveled across the country with their unique sound, featuring banjo and accordion, among other instruments you’d expect from such a band. With Lucas Chiasson. Accent European Lounge, 7 pm, $15. BUY
Delhi2Dublin – Speaking of unique sounds, this Vancouver group combines Bhangra, Celtic, hip hop, and a slew of other influences into a sound that could best be described as, well, world music. But that would be kind of limiting their impact. It doesn’t hurt that they’re renowned for their insanely energetic live shows either. Starlite Room, 8 pm, $20. BUY
Gang Sings – Musician, artist and TV producer Peter Ricq’s chill-new-wave project from Vancouver gets much of its lyrics from 1980s horror movie plots. Ricq is also known as the co-founder of the band Humans, and has worked on a number of animation projects. Brixx, 8:30 pm, $10. BUY
Friday 16
Martha Wainwright – Daughter of folk stars Loudon Wainwright III and the late Kate McGarrigle (and sister of Rufus Wainwright), this singer-songwriter’s career first started in 1997 with an independent cassette – after which she was quickly and widely accepted into the nation’s folk and country-folk scenes. She now has five full-length albums to her credit, the most recent of which is 2012’s Come Home To Mama. Festival Place (Sherwood Park), 7:30 pm, $39 and up. BUY
Harpoonist and the Axe Murderer – No strangers to the Edmonton metro region, this Vancouver duo features a modern take on the blues, with a definite bent towards rock. Often touring with additional vocalists or other musicians, “Harpoonist” Shawn Hall is currently one of the best harmonica players in North America. Arden Theatre (St. Albert), 7:30 pm, $32. BUY
Saturday 17
Ben Caplan – This folk musician from Halifax is touring to support his brilliant sophomore album Birds With Broken Wings, released in September. Brixx, 8:30 pm, $15. BUY
Sandinistas – This Edmonton indie pop-surf punk project, maybe named for the Clash album, is hosting a release party for their newest EP Greetings From the Sandinistas, along with their friends Hewson Grey, Dear Kitty, and East Pacific Rise. Filthy McNastys, 8 pm, NO COVER
Sunday 18
No Sinner – Led by singer Colleen Rennison, this blues-rock band from Vancouver oozes soul from its every pore. Touring to help support their 2014 album Boo Hoo Hoo, they’ve been around the world with their gritty-yet-catchy sound. With Stephanie Harpe Experience. Mercury Room, 8 pm, $13. BUY
