MUSIC PREVIEW: HELLYEAH pays tribute to late drummer Vinnie Paul
The Texas heavy rock supergroup HELLYEAH has its origins in the 2000 “Tattoo the Earth” mega-tour – which featured such legendary bands as Slayer, System of a Down, Sepultura, Lamb Of God, Slipknot, Sevendust, Dropkick Murphys, and many others.
It was just a glimmer of an idea at the time, featuring the guitarist from the band Nothingface, Tom Maxwell, and Mudvayne’s singer Chad Gray. As these things go, of course, with the various time demands on the members’ own bands, the project’s eponymous debut album didn’t come out until 2007. The well-received release gave way to a quartet of follow-ups, including 2010’s Stampede, 2012’s Band Of Brothers, 2014’s Blood For Blood, and 2016’s Unden!able.
HELLYEAH recorded their most recent album – Welcome Home – in early 2018. Tragically the band’s founding drummer Vinnie Paul (also of Pantera and Damageplan) passed away in June of that year from a medical condition. Tributes poured in from the entire hard rock and metal community, as he was a significant influence, and compatriot, to many of them.
This tour, to support that most recent album, which finally came out in September of this year, is set as a tribute to Paul. His spot in the back has been taken by Roy Mayorga (Stone Sour). Gray and Maxwell now remain the sole remnants of the original lineup. Guitarist Christian Brady and bassist Kyle Sanders both joined the band around 2014.
The band plays Friday at Union Hall. 8 pm, $47 and up, BUY
Thursday 5
Rosina Cove – This local country-Canadiana band co-headlines a fundraiser for iHuman (which works with “marginalized and traumatized” youth). The world is expecting a debut album soon. VISSIA also performs, as does Lindsay Pratt and Billie Zizi. Empress Ale House, 8:30 pm, by donation (though $10 is recommended).
Friday 6
Pridelands – This Red Deer hardcore act headlines an evening of heavy guitars and heavier drums, with other bands on the bill including Lesserman (self-proclaimed “Edmonton screamo champions”), and hardcore acts VIBES, and Nuke Dust. Aviary, 8:30 pm, $10.
Starpainter – These Red Deer folk-rockers, formerly known as The Utilities, released a 10-track album in 2018 that has significant Edmonton connections, including being engineered and mixed by Jesse Northey (Jesse and the Dandelions) at two different local studios. Heavy on melody, richer still on lush, sultry guitars. Trace Italian and Good Rumour open. Sewing Machine Factory, 9 pm, $10.
Saturday 7
Collective West – This alt-folk band was the talk of the town back in 2013-14, and thank the almighty Gods they’re releasing a brand new album this very weekend, the band’s third. Its content, like the band members lives, have moved forward, with tales of falling in love with their current partners, a life course more stable in nature. Led by Erin Fought and Alex Klassen, with any luck the band is back for good. Dylan Greenhough opens. Aviary, 7 pm, $10 advance, BUY
Tuesday 10
Pallor – This post-metal-shoegaze project out of Pennsylvania saw their debut album released in 2014. They are touring to support their re-recording of said album, which came out in June. The refresh takes the sound to new heights, an epic, careening journey brought anew, which many would not have thought possible. Doreen and Goat Snorkel are also on the bill. Aviary, 7:30 pm, $10. BUY
