This past week had held within itself the holy grail of metal shows to see this year.  Opeth and Mastodon have begun their 2012 North American tour, and on April 26 they crushed the Gibson Ampitheatre stage in front of countless fans.

The night started early with special guest openers Ghost getting the crowd amped up for the headlining acts. I unfortunately arrived at side-stage just as they wrapped up their final song, “Ritual.”  Even with just witnessing this last song, you could visibly see the how the crowd was digging Ghost’s vibe, stage presence, and sound.  Everyone applauded in the flood of red light while the band made their leave to make way for Mastodon.

The energy was high as very damned soul in the pit threw devil horns in the air while Mastodon walked across the stage. A sudden burst of lime green spot lights lit up the room as the beginning riff of “Black Tongue” tore through crowd’s cheering.  The level of intensity that Troy Sanders emitted while wailing out the vocals and bashing his bass was astounding.  He was running all across the stage, feeding the audience with great stage presence and head banging more than the best of us.  Bill Kelliher was constantly playing to his fans in the front rows, standing on the edge of the stage in the stance of a massive titan you do not want to mess with.  The entire set list flew by with Mastodon knowing just how to amp up the entire crowd.  They saluted their fans with gratitude before beginning their final song, “The Sparrow” which ended their evening with a fantastic solo from Brent Hinds and the same awesomely pounding riffs they began the night with.

It was now that time for metal gods Opeth to stake their claim on the night.  The room erupted into a frenzy as they made their way onto the floor.  Blue lights illuminated the band’s silhouettes as they began to play “The Devil’s Orchard” from their latest album, Heritage.  Mikael Akerfeldt’s voice rang clearly through the phenomenal music that was being played, emitting album-quality sound as they do in all their performances.  Next they played “I Feel the Dark,” “Slither,” and “Windowpane” keeping up the generally mellow pace of their previous Heritage tour.  In between about every other song, Mikael Aferfeldt takes a small break to have a little chat with the audience and really establish a connection with fans.  A few comments involving how the band was in Las Vegas the prior night, and Mikael had too much to drink and was still feeling “a little vomity.” They began to play several more fan favorites throughout the night such as “Burden,” “The Lines in My Hand,” and “Folklore.”  Akerfeldt gave more commentary on how playing “The Lines in My Hand” reminds him of playing old Misfits and Dead Kennedy songs “because it was fucking fun!”  Most of the evening was following in suit of their Heritage album and tour; a more mellow and progressive rock feel, but the real brilliant moment of the night is when Opeth surprised everyone with their final songs.  Mikael had paused and began to reminisce about how Opeth had recorded an album in “the anus of Sweden, Gothenburg,” and how their drummer at the time would be found “sleeping in the bathroom with a pile of porno mags as a pillow.”  With the tease that the next song is about “demons”, the entire amphitheatre exploded in elation and cheering.  “Demon of the Fall” began blast and you could feel the rush of energy take you over.  Then Opeth capped off the whole evening with “The Grand Conjuration,” truly surprising their fans and making the evening a night to remember.  Their talent and level of musicality is impeccable and always a thrill to go see.  Opeth always delivers phenomenal shows that do not disappoint, and this was no exception.

One of the comic world’s biggest fantasies is now a reality as The Avengers have finally hit the silver screen.  It all began in 2008 when we waited after the credits in Iron Man to hear Nick Fury say to Tony Stark,”I’m here to talk to you about the Avenger Initiative.”  Now after 4 years and 5 intertwining movies we can all safely say, “AVENGERS ASSEMBLE!”

Bringing together some of Marvel’s biggest names, The Avengers was a huge gamble that pays off in a very big way.  It not only kicks off the Summer movie season, it has set the bar very high.  The film is more than just a big budget/lets blow things up fest, The Avengers is a movie that blends action, drama, comedy into one very fun roller coaster ride.

The story begins where both Thor and Captain America: The First Avenger left off with Thor’s (Chris Hemsworth) half-brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston) in pursuit of what is referred to as the tesseract (or Cosmic Cube) in order to harness its power and rule over humanity.  Loki is not alone as he also looks to bring an alien race known as the Chitauri to aid him in his conquest.  With S.H.I.E.L.D. Director Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) knowing this will be too much to handle, his plan is to bring together Earth’s mightiest heroes.  However, bringing together a supergroup consisting of Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr), Hulk/Dr. Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo), Captain America (Chris Evans), and Thor is not an easy task.  As Dr. Banner puts it, “We’re not a team…we’re a time bomb.”  They will have to find a way to work together though in order to stop Loki and his plans.

Avengers not only brings together 4 very familiar characters, it also brings in 3 other characters that are new to a mainstream audience but familiar to the comic book world.  In the film we get a more screen time with the returning Black Widow (Scarlet Johansson) who we last saw in Iron Man 2 and Cliff Barton/Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) who was introduced briefly in Thor.  Also new to the Marvel movie fold is S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Maria Hill (Cobie Smulders) who is Nick Fury’s second in command.  Don’t worry there is also a Stan Lee cameo, as per tradition.

Director Joss Whedon comes across as someone who knows the audience and doesn’t punish those who are new.  He gives equal screen time to all the characters and gives them time to shine.  Yes the story is simple, but it works very well as both an introduction to a new franchise as well as a continuation of individual ones.  Whedon also gives the story a very old school build.  We do not have action sequence after action sequence and followed by explosions.  Instead we are given bits and pieces that leave us waiting in anticipation and when it kicks in…it does not let go.  The final battle sequence is something to behold and the 3D works so well with it.  The film’s dialog is also sharp with humor and wit and it does not just rely on Tony Stark’s one liners.

The Avengers is a thrill ride that has to be seen and experienced in a theater.  Also, the 3D is used very well and once again enhances the experience.  There will be many moments where you want to stand up and cheer as well as applaud. Don’t worry you won’t be the only one.

Still the Sky’s Limit is a 3 piece band based out of Orange County, California.  They have a rapidly growing fanbase and have played many of the major venues in the LA/Orange County area along with a West Coast tour and stops at South by Southwest.  This past weekend was no exception as they brought their talents to the House of Blues in Anaheim.

With their infectious blend of Alternative and Pop Punk, they caught the crowd and had them cheering throughout their set.  Singer/guitaritst John Barthelmass and bassist Paul Schaubec did not let up as they were hard to catch going back, forth, and all around the stage keeping the energy level at maximum.  Drummer Aaron Kramer wasn’t left out of the fun as even he would get up from his drum set and rally the troops, not to mention do a little bit of vocals on one song.

Crowd participation was very much emphasized as Barthelmass held up cue cards for the crowd to sing along for one of the choruses.  A lot of clapping was also used throughout the set, but the audience didn’t seem to mind as it kept them as a part of the show.  The band in general gave out a very fun vibe on stage, which is something that is missing from many bands performances these days.  STSL seems to know that it takes more than just singing songs to make a memorable show.  It really goes to show that you can have that musical passion and deep feelings for your songs, but you can have fun and make it fun for everyone.

However, STSL isn’t just all high-energy showmanship.  They are all very capable and dedicated musicians who truly love what they do.  It came across very well in their performance.  The music is very reminiscent of bands you would hear on the local rock station or even the Vans Warped Tour in the late 90s and early-mid 2000s (in a good way).  STSL shows that there can still be a balanced blend of great musicianship and fun.

Still the Sky’s Limit will be playing various dates throughout the OC/LA area in the month of May and their latest album “Why Not?” is available on iTunes and at the band’s website.

Where to find Still The Sky’s Limit on the web:

http://www.stilltheskyslimit.com

http://www.facebook.com/stilltheskyslimit

http://www.twitter.com/stilltheskyslimit

http://www.youtube.com/stilltheskyslimit

The Devil’s Carnival had its premier in Los Angeles this past week and Flash Flood Media was there on the red carpet with some exclusive interviews with members of the cast and crew.  The Devil’s Carnival is truly unique movie experience that you don’t want to miss when it comes to your town.  The interviews can be heard below and more info on tour dates & tickets can be found at http://www.thedevilscarnival.com

Bill Moseley (The Magician):

M. Shawn Crahan/Clown (The Tamer):

Ogre (The Twin):

Terry Zduich (Lucifer):

Darren Lynn Bousman (Director of The Devil’s Carnival):

The Devil’s Carnival has begun it’s trek across the country and it is an event you will not want to miss.  Taking it’s cues from cult favorites such as The Rocky Horror Picture Show and even Repo! The Genetic Opera (also directed by Darren Lynn Bousman), it is a full experience offering a live burlesque, a costume contest, sing-a-long, shadowcasting and even a q&a.

The movie itself tells the story of 3 new entrants into Hell (a suicidal father, a kleptomaniac, and a heartbroken teenager) who now face the consequences of their actions under the guise of a twisted carnival headed up by Lucifer himself.  The storytelling is simple, yet effective in getting the point across and introducing the characters.  However, the main focus would be the visual wonder the movie is.  Many of the characters are fun yet menacing to watch while the whole film feels like you are stuck in a twisted dream that will never leave your mind.  The music also adds to the fun feeling of imminent doom.  Taking it’s cues for what feel like nursery rhymes, the songs are catchy enough to suck you into the story and not let go.

Emilie Autumn’s character “The Painted Doll” really stuck out for me. While her dialog was mainly a musical number, her quiet charisma really came across on the screen along with the characters sense of twisted mischief.  Fellow musicians Ogre (Skinny Puppy) and M Shawn Crahan/Clown (Slipknot) also play menacing and intimidating roles.  Ogre plays the devious “Twin” while Crahan, in his first acting role, plays the vicious “Tamer” who regulates Hell and makes sure all adhere to the 666 rules of The Devil’s Carnival.  Ivan Moody (Five Finger Death Punch) is also featured as “The Hobo Clown” singing a memorable song called “A Penny For a Tale”  Also, putting Paul Sorvino in the role of God was a very nice touch by the creators.

Outside of the movie was also a great experience.  The idea was to create a memorable experience for the fans, and Bousman & Zdunich have succeeded.  It really felt like more of a concert atmosphere or even a gathering of friends since a lot of attendees were fans of Repo.  The night began with two burlesque numbers.  One with a contortionist and the second with a dancer who loves to play with sparks (we’ll just keep it at that).  After that was a costume contest where fans could win prizes.  Also included was a special look at Repo! The Genetic Opera that included never before seen behind the scenes footage and a sing-a-long.  Following the movie there was an impromptu q&a with members of the cast and crew who were in attendance for the premier.  However, some fans who purchased the “ringmaster” ticket also got an intimate q&a/meet and greet with creators Darren Lynn Bousman and Terry Zdunich (who also plays Lucifer and co-wrote and helped compose the soundtrack)

One great aspect of this whole project is that funding for it came out of the creators’ own pockets. It was truly a passion project for them and it shows when they are in front of their audience at each and every screening.  This film is also just the first chapter in what promises to be a fun ride for its fans.  The Devil’s Carnival tour runs through mid-May all across the country.  So do yourself a favor and check out and support a truly unique and fun movie experience.

Tour info and ticket information can be found in our preview article or at http://www.thedevilscarnival.com

From Darren Lynn Bousman and Terrance Zdunich, the minds behind Repo! The Genetic Opera, comes The Devil’s Carnival!  Continuing in the tradition of Repo, The Devil’s Carnival promises to be a unique cinematic experience.  With a night that includes burlesque, meet and greets, a q&a, sing-a-longs, and even a costume contest it will be something you will want experience in person.  Actually, the ONLY way you can experience it will be in person on this exclusive tour.

The Devil’s Carnival tells the story of a place where sinners are invited to a theme park where they endure the repetition of their transgressions.  What chances do a conniving kleptomaniac, a gullible teenager, and an obsessed father stand when facing their moral failings?  You will have to experience it in person and find out!  The movie features a cast of cult and musical favorites including Emilie Autumn, M. Shawn Crahan (“Clown” from Slipknot), Ogre (Skinny Puppy), Sean Patrick Flanery (Boondock Saints), Bill Moseley (The Devil’s Rejects), and Alexa Vega (Repo!, Spy Kids).  Also featured is a soundtrack of twelve original songs written by Zdunich and Saar Hendelman.

For up to the minute info you can visit http://www.thedevilscarnival.com

Tickets are available at http://thedevilscarnivaltour.eventbrite.com/ and can be purchased in 3 different categories:

1. SINNERS – $20.00 (gets you a ticket to the show)

2. CARNIES – $30.00 (ticket to the show, and a pre-signed poster)

3. RINGMASTERS – $40.00 (VIP Experience: ticket to the show, pre-signed poster, and a meet & greet)

The Devil’s Carnival announced tour dates:

4/5 – Los Angeles, CA @ Laemmle Royal Theatre

4/6 – Anaheim, CA @ The Ultraluxe Theater

4/7 – San Diego, CA @ Gaslamp Theater

4/8 – Scottsdale, AZ @ Scottsdale Ultrastar Pavilion

4/9 – Tucson, AZ @ Tucson Loft Cinema

4/11 – El Paso, TX @ El Paso Starplex

4/12 – Austin, TX @ Alamo South Lamar

4/13 – Houston, TX @ Alamo Drafthouse

4/14 – Dallas, TX @ Lakewood Theater

4/17 – Nashville, TN @ The Nashville Limelight

4/18 – Atlanta, GA @ The Plaza Theater

4/19 – Orlando, FL @ The Premiere Cinema 14 (at Fashion Square Mall)

4/20 – Tampa, FL @ The Tampa Pitcher Show

4/21 – Charlotte, NC @ The Neighborhood Theater

4/22 – Richmond, VA @ The Byrd

4/24 – Pittsburgh, PA @ The Hollywood Theater

4/26 – New York, NY @ Times Scare NYC

4/27 – Philadelphia, PA @ The Painted Bride

4/28 – South Hadley, MA @ The Tower Theater

4/29 – Boston, MA @ The Foxboro Theater

5/1 – Toronto, ON, Canada @ Toronto Underground Theater

5/2 – Toledo, OH @ Collingwood Arts Center

5/3 – Chicago, IL @ The Music Box Theater

5/4 – Des Moines, IA @ The Fluer Cinema Cafe

5/5 – Kansas City, KS @ Leawood Cinema Theater

5/6 – Denver, CO @ The Oriental Theater

5/7 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Tower Theater

5/9 – Seattle, WA @ The Admiral Theater

5/10 – Portland, OR @ The Clinton St. Theater

5/11 – Sacramento, CA @ The Colonial Theater

During WonderCon 2012 in Anaheim, CA, we caught up with Community and Hangover star, Ken Jeong. We discussed his many characters and the undying support of Community’s fans.

During WonderCon 2012 in Anaheim CA, I interviewed Gillian Jacobs who plays Britta on NBC’s Community. This was Community’s first WonderCon and they gave fans an exclusive look at the show and screens an upcoming episode at the panel, which was later that day.

Last Sunday The Walking Dead ended their 2nd season and they saved the biggest zombie attack for this adrenaline filled finale. The body count was high and anticipation for the next season was even higher as we got our first glimpse of Michonne, the hooded, samurai sword wielding wonder who will be played by Danai Gurira (Treme/The Visitor). She will no doubt fill the void created by Shane’s passing and cause a stir with the rest of the group by dragging along 2 walkers on her travels.

Michonne

We also caught glimpse of the prison that the group will soon discover as the camera panned out over the dark landscape before cutting to credits.

“The Walking Dead” secured a 2010 Golden Globe nomination for best television series and won the 2011 Emmy award for outstanding prosthetic make-up. It is executive produced by Glen Mazzara, Gale Anne Hurd, Robert Kirkman and Dave Alpert.

-AMC Networks