Launchpad

Gozu trekked across the country from Massachusetts to play 5 songs at the Launchpad in ABQ, and on a Monday no less! And they did it for all 15 of us that showed up to support them. But this didn't slow them down even a little. They took the stage by storm, with the drummer raining down upon us all like the God of Thunder, dropping beats that hit us like hailstones with the weight of kettle bells. He hammered away directly behind the bass player, who stood front and center, hailing from the farthest corner of the map. He is the bearded berserker of Maine and does not suffer fools who idly consider the heavy strings of carnage. He plucked them with vengeance, just as he did the chords that cracked skulls, from bar to bar. To one side, the lead vocals and second guitar came out swinging with both fists, forging an iron-clad, double-edged sword of rhythm and melody that could take your head off like a well-swung battle axe. A constant head-bobbing lead guitar on the other side, in the style of Malcolm Young of AC/DC fame, was giving no quarter, ripping lick after shredding lick, laying waste to all feeble conceptions of progressive doom metal anyone may have previously held. Gozu is not for the faint of heart and redefines the genre of heavy metal to the point that it may require a new term to adequately describe it. Original, stout, and seriously compelling. I can't get enough of their insightful interpretations of this sound and I am deeply grateful that they chose to venture far and wide to share their music with me, here in the high desert.

Violet Rising were surprisingly good. That drummer threw everything at the kit! Living Colour (as usual) Rocked the F'ing house! Biscuit was incredible! Hopefully Will will be able to step back in and rock the house. Vernon, Corey & Doug were great as usual. I was standing right by Vernon's Guitar Tech table. 4 feet away from some of the coolest guitars. I Absolutely Loved the show!

These guys killed it. They still truly have it after all of these years. Dan Peters drumming is as stellar as ever especially during “in n out of grace”. Also love the new album tracks like “little dogs” they played.

Always a good show. It was a Tuesday, so it wasn’t packed and it felt more intimate. They only played for an hour, but for me, that was perfect. French is still amazing and it’s a pleasure to see him still performing with The Meteors.

Pacific Dub is always amazing to see. Their setlist is always perfect and I’m happy I got to see them do a headline show finally.

🤙🤙Every Arise Roots show is always nothing short of amazing as was this one. Awesome vibes were emanating thru the crowd with mucho aloha. Get a ticket and go see them, you will not be disappointed. 💚✌️🤙

The concert was a loud and great show even if all of the bands that were first showcased as the opening acts did not appear on this night. The 2 opening acts was ok but I still wanted to see Kreator.

Death Angel guys killed it as usual. Great set list. Great sound, great energy. Always a awesome show with these guys.

This was such a good show, all of the bands were fantastic and the crowd was so nice and welcoming. Origami Angel was solid sound wise and the lights were very timed very well with the music, the only the I would change is to make the merch tables more clear on whose merch is whose, other than that it was amazing! I hope they come by again they are my favorite band of all time! 10/10 would reccomend!

Spencer Sutherland played a killer show in Albuquerque! Freddie Mercury & Harry Styles combined, he rocked the Launch Pad. Hope he comes back to Albuquerque soon!

I had an amazing time with my friends and sister, he was very brave for coming onto the upstairs area where there was a bit of people, but all throughout was amazing. I hope he comes back for another show!

Great performances from all the bands. There was a pretty bad misshap in the middle of the concert. A girl was injured during the first mosh pit of the night and had to be taken to the hospital. Big ups to Rain City Drive for being conscientious and taking control of the situation to make sure she got the help she needed. They also managed to get the set back on track with some slower songs to help everyone mellow out a little. Great job guys!

Been Hooked since they signed with Strange and saw them for the 1st time for the All 6's & 7's tour all this time still killing it! Awesome show, stellar lineup and chill vibes as always they never disappoint will look forward the next time they come through.✌️

Diamante and the entire band have an incredible stage presence and charisma. The show was great, and they are genuinely nice people. I'm very glad to have had the opportunity to see them in a small venue like the Launchpad before they blow up into a something much larger.

All three bands were insanely talented and put on a wonderful show. Tony is one of my favorite composers and it was so wonderful to see him again.

My first ever Icon For Hire show! I was pretty close up and Shawn was trying to give me his guitar pick but I didn't know what was happening and then he just dropped it, I still got it anyway though! It was a lot of fun, I'm so happy that I went! 😁 Thanks for coming down to Albuquerque, guys! 💓

Fantastic musician! I’ve been to a few of his shows and he offers his classic stuff as well as new material. He also showcases new artists and I must say he has good taste!

DEATH ANGEL brought the HEAVY last night. They are STILL carrying the torch for the Bay Area THRASH scene!! GREAT FUCKIN SHOW!! 👍🏽👍🏽🤘🏽🤘🏽🔥🔥🔥