LOCAL CONCERT ALERT (Banned), Weekend Concert Previews, And More Updates!!

After a two day run of Kewadin Casino concert videos, we're back with a more general news post for the first time since Sunday, but what's in store? Today, we have a SHORT NOTICE LOCAL CONCERT ALERT for this weekend, along with some concert previews over the next two days, the latest from Sykotyk Rampage, and some more assorted stories, so here's what you need to know!

Kinross hard rockers Banned are returning to Todd's Tavern in Moran, Michigan THIS SATURDAY! I apologize for the short notice, as this fell through the cracks since they were announced on the band's Facebook page on Sunday. This will mark Banned's first show in Moran since New Year's Eve (and their first of two that have been announced this year, counting their Todd's Tavern date on February 16th), so if you're up for Alex, Don, Jim, and maybe Mike's mix of classic hard rock covers & originals, you know where to go on Saturday night! Admission should be free for this 8:00 PM concert, and you must be 21 to attend. Check the above links for more details! I'd expect Banned to be on their game on Saturday night, so if you're up for the drive to Moran (50 minutes from the Soo, 15 from St. Ignace), I'd consider it for sure! For a preview, here's Banned covering Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Tuesday's Gone" last year at The Bird!



The other announced hard rock show of the weekend takes place TOMORROW NIGHT, as Sault Ontario hard rock quartet The Suicide Kings will finally make their first live concert appearance of 2013! Following cancelled concerts at both The Rockstar Bar and Docks Riverfront Grill over the past two weekends, this frequently seen newer band will return to The Nicolet Tavern tomorrow night in what should be a high energy set of covers and originals, including some brand new songs to include in tomorrow's gig! This show, in what I believe is a one night only affair, will take place tomorrow night at 10:00 PM, with no announced cover charge and a likely 19+ age limit in effect. For more details, visit the official Facebook event page! It's great to see The Suicide Kings finally back on stage tomorrow, and hopefully everything goes off without a hitch, so keep a trip to The Nic in mind for hard rock action this weekend! For a preview, here's The Suicide Kings playing their original song "Into The Fray" at The Canadian Nightclub last fall!

Now to some other recent news, starting with the latest updates from the Sault's resident crash band, Sykotyk Rampage! Fresh off the postings of streaming copies of their six new albums from last year, they've already announced at least three new albums to be recorded this year! As revealed in their cover photo on their Facebook page (and in scattered other online page postings), they have albums named "Eye For An Eye" and "Wonder About Baby" in the works, along with a yet untitled album (possibly self-titled?), and these three are currently labelled as their 38th-40th albums, despite having only released 35 to date. It sounds like there's at least two more in the pipeline, but official announcements should come out as more information is finalized. The 2013 album sessions will likely be their first with their current lineup, though track listings, content, and possible purchasing details are not yet known, so stay tuned for updates on this creative improvised hard rock band's latest material! Also, if you have an Android phone, click here for details on how to get Sykotyk Rampage's FREE official Android application!

Finally for today, here's three assorted shorter news stories from the last little while, and as usual, these are in alphabetical order by band or event name:

• According to final Woods of Ypres lead guitarist Joel Violette in a recent interview with Headbang or GTFO, he says that another David Gold tribute concert will happen "at some point", as ensured by the quality and success of the two tribute shows last April, and he hopes that a future event would be held outdoors in June to coincide with David's birthday, with "Woods II" played there in it's entirety. This sure is promising, and if anything comes out about it, we'll have it here! (Also, check out the interview above for lots of information on his current band Thrawsunblat!)
• Though public details are minimal, Sault Ontario thrash band Pillory are apparently hard at work on their debut EP! Drummer Bret Shuttleworth has completed drum tracks for it, with bass tracking beginning yesterday according to postings on the band's Facebook page. Nothing's been announced regarding a replacement for the late Andres Duchesne, but I wouldn't be surprised if guitarist Robert Sartini was handling all guitar parts. Stay tuned for updates when & if they come in!
• Sault Michigan classical metal band Theatre of Night have posted a new version of their 2011 original song "Ragnorok Rising" onto their Reverbnation page to stream! Considered a "2013 demo", it's expected to be completed with vocals from Gaby Koss later this year, possibly towards a new original album. The new version has a heavier and grander feel, so give it a listen at the above links!

 That's all for today, but stay tuned for an all video post likely at midnight! Thanks everyone!