The Seven Song Itch - Rock On Range

I’ve often wondered where rock lives.  Is it Cleveland, Nashville, New York, L.A., Milwaukee or some other place?  Well I’m not that far off because according to Rock on the Range, it lives in Columbus.  Back again for its sixth year, ROCK ON THE RANGE is MAY 18th, 19th, & 20^th at Columbus Crew Stadium in Columbus, OH.  It may not be as large as Lollapalooza (Chicago) or Summerfest (Milwaukee), but it still rocks hard and is one of my favorite festivals of the year.  It’s more personal and you really get up close to the performers, even with the nightly headliners.  I’ve been going to this event ever since it debuted and it just keeps getting better.  So here’s a list of the headliners, and one band favorite from many years back.  All of them have new music, or at least on the verge or some, and will be touring cross-country for the summer concert season.  So pack your suntan lotion, fill your cooler, and bring along a friend because there is head banging to be done!

Playlist for Rock On TheRange

1. Five Finger Death Punch – “Under and Over It”(2011)

Formed in 2005, Five Finger Death Punch (FFDP) is an American Heavy Metal band that takes its name from oriental martial arts cinema, though I suspect that it’s an allusion to the movie “Kill Bill,” but let’s not split hairs with a samurai sword.  FFDP are a staple on the festival circuit and on this current tour they are rumored to be working on their fourth release, so you might see some new music by this band during this summer.  This song, however, is the first single off of their "American Capitalist"(2011) release and is a great commentary about band rumors, and how FFDP are over it.  It almost seems like an episode of “Metalocalypse,” considering the scuttlebutt surrounding the band, but all that I can confirm is that they still know how to rock!

2. Shinedown – “Unity”(2012)

The singles “Bully” and “Unity,” both on their current release “Amaryllis,” continue Shinedown’s mantra of creating heavy metal music with an empowering message.  If you’ve ever been to one of their shows, you know the drill—Audience participation is mandatory!  Pretty early into the show you are instructed by Brent Smith (vocals) to look to your right and to your left and introduce yourself, shake hands, hi-five each other.  In Smith’s mind’s eye, each show is the only show that the band is interested in, and believe you me, they give you all they’ve got at each show.

3. Incubus – “Promises, Promises”(2011)

Over the course of their career, Incubus has utilized elements from a variety of genres and styles, including alternative rock, heavy metal, electro, funk, funk metal, jazz, hip hop, nu metal, rap metal, techno and trip hop—making them one of the most diverse bands at ROTR.  This single is taken from their 2011 release, “If Not Now, When?” which was recorded after a five year hiatus of the band.  This is another group that plans to put out new music in 2012, so check out their lives shows for sneak peaks.

4. Megadeth – “Public Enemy No. 1”(2011)

Known as one of the Big Four of Thrash (along with Metallica, Slayer and Anthrax), Megadeth is touring in support of the ironically titled release, “Thirteen.” The previous twelve releases have seen a number of personnel changes, but Dave Mustaine’s vision has made the band a formidable sonic force during its 28-year reign.  I’ve seen this band dozens of times, as a headliner and support, and they never fail to put on a bone crushing show.

Previous Concert Review: Megadeth

5. Marilyn Manson – “No Reflection”(2012)

The maniacal animal is back and his scowling sounds sinister.  Taken from his current release, “Born Villain,” this song finds Mr. Manson at a bit of a crossroads.  He queries which persona he loves-his stage persona or the man behind the mascara. True to form, the rest of the release is a blazing sonogram into the origins of his music and turns out to be one of his best.

6. Rob Zombie – “Mars Needs Women”(2010)

I tend to disagree with Mr. Zombie on this, because most of the women are at his show, and they need to be there.  He continues his real life horror rock show to the delight of his undead audience.  Rob’s current lineup John 5 (guitar), Ginger Fish (drums), and Piggy D (bass), is an all-star freak show that scares the hell out of me.  This is going to be an awesome show!  Again, there is new music due in 2013 so you might get some free previews of Rob’s madness.

Previous Concert Review: RobZombie: A Creature Feature With A Zombie

7. Halestorm – “Love Bites (So Do I)”(2012)

Lzzy (vocals) continues to be in touch with her inner Valkyrie as the band voyages ahead with their second release, “The Strange Case of…”  A few years ago I got to interview the band and they were hilarious.  I asked her about male groupies and she stated that they had them and that they have a collection of boxer shorts lining the back of their tour bus.  Needless to say, I contributed to the collection.  Ah, the rock and roll life style.  

Previous Interview: There'sa Hale storm a commin, to your town!

List of Performers at Rock On The Range 2012:

12 Stones, Anthrax, Aranda, Attack Attack!, Black Stone Cherry, Black Tide, Bobaflex, Cavo, Chevelle, Cypress Hill, Down, Emphatic, Escape the Fate, Eve to Adam, Falling in Reverse, Five Finger Death Punch, Foxy Shazam, Ghosts of August, Hairball, Halestorm, Hells Bells, In This Moment, Incubus, James Durbin, Kyng, Lacuna Coil, Marilyn Manson, Mastodon, Megadeth, New Medicine, Otherwise, P.O.D., Redlight King, Rival Sons, Rob Zombie, Shinedown, Slash, SOiL, The Darkness, Theory of a Deadman, Trivium, Volbeat.