American Heavy Metal band Fozzy have kept themselves busy over the past few years. Touring with everyone from Saxon to Buckcherry, even making an appearance on Carolina Rebellion 2014, Fozzy are not slowing down anytime soon. Releasing their sixth studio album in July titled Do You Wanna Start a War, the band takes to the road once again in support of the album; making a special appearance on Sunday October 5th at Gramercy Theater in New York City. Coming weeks prior to a string of dates where Fozzy will be teaming up with Theory of a Deadman, New Yorkers gathered to catch their dose of Heavy Metal on the brisk calm night.
First in order to fire up the room was New York’s own Magus Beast. As a 5-piece Thrash Metal band, Magnus Beast have made a name for themselves around the Tri-State area over the past few years. Previously known as Agressor, the band bring veteran musicianship to the stage each night and once again took their audience for a spin opening with the fast-paced “Darkness”. Vocalist Ron Scauri howled strongly through each song as they played on with “Death By 4,” “Lost,” and “Beyond the Black.” Complemented by heavy drumming of Mike Festa and intense guitar solos of John Rup, Magnus Beast had everyone clapping their hands in praise for the opening set.
Keeping the crowd in a New York state of mind, next was Brooklyn’s Anaka. Coming together nearly fifteen years ago, this band has become a household name within the New York Metal scene. Consisting of vocalist Jimmy Pallis, guitarist Peter Pallis, guitarist Matt Bene, bassist Karl Andreassen, and drummer Tony Heredia, Anaka took to the stage with force opening with “Doomsday Divide.” Jimmy’s piercing scream followed with loud flashy guitar riffs on songs like “Deathborn,” “Ominous Visions,” and “The Unwavering.” Enticing the audience to get involved, Jimmy flipped the microphone over to the audience as they shouted out loud song after song. Putting all they had into the performance, Anaka closed out their set with “Fall From Grace” and had everyone thrashing the entire way through.
Shifting things to a more Hard Rock vibe was Minnesota based band 3 Pill Morning. Having spent extensive years on the road honing their sound and building a following one fan at a time, this national touring Rock band is on the brink of a major breakthrough after their 2011 album Take Control. Led by vocalist Jeff Stebbins, guitarist Aaron Peterson, guitarist Ryan Lee, and drummer Trent Laugerman, 3 Pill Morning bring a modern Hard Rock sound with energy and excitement.
Coming out clean-cut in button down shirts, vests, and suits, the band blasted through songs such as “Revolution,” “Nothing’s Real,” and “I Want That For You.” Having everyone on their heels, cheers came down for 3 Pill Morning as they went into “Take Control” and sing-along “Loser.” Truly into their performance, Peterson and Lee jumped around, fell to their knees, and put on an aerobic-like performance. Matching each track’s catchy tone, 3 Pill Morning did everything they could to keep the adrenaline flowing as they closed out their set with “Skin.” Keep a look out for this band as they continue to make a name for themselves.
The time had come for headliners Fozzy to take over Gramercy Theater in their anticipated return to The Big Apple. Having been in the city back in May, since then the band has released their successful album Do You Wanna Start a War, which fans have been yearning to hear more of. As the audience gathered close and tight to the barricades around the stage awaiting Fozzy, some were screaming atop their lungs as the time ticked by before vocalist Chris Jericho, guitarist Rich Ward, guitarist Billy Grey, bassist Paul Di Leo, and drummer Frank Fontsere took the stage. Coming out with a bang, Jericho and company started up with the ruckus Rock track “Do You Wanna Start a War.” Sporting his light up rhinestone jacket, Jericho embraced the audience with open arms as they screamed Fozzy affectionately. Making one lucky spectator’s night, Jericho spotted them wearing the same style jacket and gave a thumbs up in approval. Giving everyone a good dose of older Fozzy material, they played “To Kill A Stranger” followed by “Marty No More.” As Jericho moved about the stage with confidence and enthusiasm, one could not help but see his WWE roots shine through in his stage presence. Matching his lively singing with clear instrumentation, the band rocked out with a slew of new favorites like “Died With You,” “One Crazed Anarchist,” along with their cover of ABBA’s “SOS.”
Continuing to keep the feeling warm and inviting with the fans, each band member came to the edge of the stage throwing guitar picks when possible and smiling the entire way through. As if the party-like atmosphere was not elevated enough, “Lights Go Out” began lifting the noise level up a few notches. Feeding off the crowd, the most popular Fozzy songs filled the set list with Jericho’s voice sounding full and vital as the night came to a close with “Enemy” and the heavier “Bad Tattoo.” With the thoughts of work and school the next morning on the back burner, roars for more had Fozzy back out for an encore of “Sandpaper” and Krokus classic “Eat the Rich.”
This was a show Fozzy fans could dig themselves into and indulge in all the spectacular tunes ranging from all areas of the band’s discography. The immense feelings of unity between Fozzy and their fans was remarkable, while lightening up a regular Sunday evening with heavy hitting Rock-N-Roll.
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