Metal Shock Finland (World Assault )

Live report and photos by Erik Hernandez

The night began like so many I’ve done. Standing in line, talking with fans, explaining why I have my camera bag, and realizing that the music, and bands I love are still loved by so many others. It was cold as we stood in line talking about memories of our favorite shows, and the memorabilia we have collected over the years.

My credentials arrived, and I was ready to enter the venue and upon entry the vibe was pure electric. So many friends in the business were there and it was great catching up with everyone as we waited for the show to begin.

Up first was ARMORED SAINT. Emerging onto the Los Angeles Heavy Metal scene in 1982 and have released 8 studio records, and two live records. The band has had the same lineup since 1990. That is nearly unheard of today in the music business.

John Bush and crew took the stage, and the crowd instantly ate it up. The band was tight and strong! Their energy was contagious. Fans were on their feet with horns held high. I must admit, I hadn’t seen the band in decades, and I don’t like to view videos before I shoot a band. They performed as if it was their last set ever. Later in the show, Bush took to the crowd. In the upper balcony, he handed out fist bumps to eager fans waiting to just get close to the charismatic singer. He then mingled among the lower deck crowd giving the same love to those fans that had stood by them for decades. The band ended their night with the same thunderous energy as they opened with. If you have any doubts about seeing the band, rest easy my metal friends, Armored Saint can hang with the very best. I left the setlist out for a reason, GO SEE this well-oiled machine, you will not be disappointed!

Next up was W.A.S.P. They came this time to perform their 1984 debut record in its entirety. Another band that emerged onto the Los Angeles Heavy Metal scene in 1982. They immediately gained notoriety for their shock image and blues infused straight forward rock n roll based Heavy Metal. With songs like I Wanna Be Somebody, School Daze, Sleeping in the Fire, and L.O.V.E. Machine, the band solidified their spot among the very best Los Angeles had to offer.

This night was like stepping back in time. One only had to close their eyes to be transported back to those days when the world was filled with electricity and heavy metal riffs. The V.I.P. fans were in the crowd clutching their prized signed items from meeting Blackie before the show. Blackie sounds amazing and it was so good to see him on his feet and lively. He did not disappoint. With his signature mic stand Elvis, being an extension at times of the formidable frontman. He, along with his brothers in W.A.S.P. delivered a set that mirrored those of the 80’s. It has been said that heavy Metal is dead, all I can tell you is to get your tickets and see for yourself. It is very much alive and well and this show will have you ‘On your Knees’ begging to go back to those ‘School Daze’! W.A.S.P. is bringing their A game, proving to all that W.A.S.P.’s ‘Torture never Stops’.

Thank you to:
W.A.S.P.: Blackie Lawless, Doug Blair, Mike Duda, and Aquiles Priester
ARMORED SAINT: John Bush, Joey Vera, Jeff Duncan, Phil Sandoval, and Gonzo Sandoval