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So, I went to a local venue tonight to support a friend's band, Vizagoth. This same friend asked to write a blog for his band earlier in the week. At first I hesitated, I wasn't sure if I had my writing mojo ability anymore. I had turned down so many opportunities that when I logged in tonight I worried that my blogspot had been deleted from lack of activity.
On the drive out to The Shamrock, a local venue that supports original local musicians, I made up my mind that I would make my decision to write the article when I heard the band perform.
When Vizagoth took the stage (and I do mean took it, stole it and owned it) I immediately felt my mind race as I saw this band avalanche onto their audience a unique blend of Punk, Metal, Goth and good ole fashioned Rock and Roll.
I watched in awe as the first song was executed, I hadn't seen anything quite like it. Bob Hudson, a burly man with a mohawk and lungs that James Hetfield might envy, scolded me with Full Moon Baby.
The incredibly talented guitarist Adam Murcek created a feeling of chaos and clarity simultaniously. Bass player Paul Vecca drove home a deep, dark mood to each song, specializing in the "Black Feathers" song. I closed my eyes and felt that song in my soul.
Not every band is lucky enough to have a keyboardist, however Vizagoth's Dave Vosburgh made this band more than lucky, he armed them with a sound that is now signatured.
And last but never least, Shelly Graham, the drummer who brought all the instruments, voice and sound together and delivered it up to us on a silver platter. Every head in the house was nodding in perfect rythmn to the beat.
As the performance wrapped up I managed to throw myself into the path of each one of the band members as they carried equipment off the stage. I began my question with Adam, and realized I had not asked the question in so damn long that I nearly forgotten it. When I found my voice again, I asked him whom he would bring back from the dead and jam with if he could. He thought for only a moment when he answered "Dimebag Darrell." Thinking to myself "new answer and a fantastic one at that." I turned my attention to Bob who had heard my question and shouted out "The Rev." I shouted back "AWESOME!"
Paul first mentioned Jim Morrison when I approached him with my question but then thought a little more and decided that Elvis would be his final answer. I had never heard this answer before either and almost decided to take my interview to another level by asking him why. And may in the future go a little further with my inquistions.
Still intruigued by the Elvis answer I turned to Dave the keyboardist and inquired "what famous musician would you bring back from the dead and jam for 10 minutes?" After a long thoughtful pause he told me of somone I had never heard of before "Skinny Puppy's Kevin Ogilvie". I replied to Dave that I would "Google" this artist as soon as I got home. I am now humbly pleased to say they are an electronic music group from Canada, with some of the wildest music and lyrics. Thanks Dave for the education, LOVE when I learn about someone new!
Impressed with myself and gaining my confidence back I walked outside and found the drummer Shelly, who is also the friend who approached me for this review, we smiled at each other and answered in unison "John Bonham." I knew this because Shelly and I had many late night discussions on this topic.
Do you think that these Famous Musicians knew the impression they had left on the world? With every interview I have done, some published, some not published. I always hoped to breathe life into a musician from beyond the grave as they hear their name shouted with loyalty, appreciation and respect.
This is Penny Pepperstein signing off and telling to get you some Vizagoth!
Like them on Facebook: Band Vizagoth
Hear their music on Reverbnation: Vizagoth
Set List:
Full Moon Baby
The Great War
Astro Zombies
Elizabeth
Free
Black Feathers
Some Kind of Hate
Walk Away
Demon Strikes
Bum Fights
