First a big thank you to my Promcore date Mikey Watson for literally staying up all night long watching the weather radar and waking my ass up early to tell me I better not cancel Promcore. After lunch time, I made a call to James,of Body Graffix and asked him his opinion on the weather and if the show was on. Without any hesitation he says, "its on", its on? "Its on" OH ITS ON. I contacted the bands, made some myspace post and rushed into my prom attire and headed to Body Graffix. 3 o'clock came, and NO ONE WAS THERE. This is where I began sweating bullets. You see, Body Graffix is so dedicated to this local scene they pretty much close down there shop to make these shows happen. I mean if you want a tattoo, don't hold back on a show day, the artist are ready for you. Then a band showed up, yay, and kids starting showing up and another band showed up, and some dropped, and another band showed up, HELL YA, we are going to have Promcore. First band up was Bloodlust and Battery. Amazing band to kick off Promcore 2008. It was not long when the metal from the band reached the blood of those attending and a pit broke out. They did such an amazing job. Up next was Swingshot. Man they tore the place down. Kids were dancing, push moshing, and having the time of their lives. Swingshot really blew everyone's ass off. Downslave was up next, and those boys from Bloodlust and Battery went ape shit, and of course more pits, more metal, such talent from Downslave. Promcore was happening. Tho the sky was overcast, this didn't stop the metal and those pits. Receive the Arsonist was next, and I have to say watching these guys bloom into what they are now is exciting. They have found their band, and this band kicks ass. They had this mini trampoline which many were jumping on, luckily no one went leaping into the air, ok well that came later. Admist the Mannequins were next, and Michael was ahhh extra happy at Promcore and had one of the finest performances I have ever seen him do, this band is just amazing, and the crowd loved them. Then Awake in the Nightmare performs. Every single person there, went completely ape shit. The pit was huge, the dancing was insane, there were kids airbourne, kids on the ground, and the members of Awake in the Nightmare getting slammed into as well. NO WORRIES TRIPP it was a metal show, and the band members were loving it, so next time, step away from the METAL and enjoy, it all works out in the end. Then we had a surprise guest band. IN TRUTH BE VALOR bitches, they are back, and played one song and it kicked everyone's ass. Their ass already been kicked by Awake in the Nightmare's new song, which was heavy as hell. But the crowd was happy as hell that In Truth be Valor, has in fact not left the building. Chris calls for the crowd to seperate, this is when my heart begins ticking a bit harder, for its time for the wall of death. Count it down...1 2 3 WHAM, both sides smash into each other, kids in the air some on their asses, other moshing and dancing, and I did get a glimpse of Phillip bassist of Awake in the Nightmare in that wall of death. Later on I see Seth, from Awake in the Nightmare guitar and all in the pit. It was one of the best Metal shows Knoxville has seen in a long time. Metal and tattoos go together, so when ya want a tattoo BODY GRAFFIX is the place to go. They are the ONLY tattoo shop in Knoxville that supports local music like they do. And that needs to be RESPECTED. PromCore King and Queen was announced, and CONGRATULATIONS to Patrick Cameron, owner of Body Graffix KING, and Jennifer Loy, KSC photographer Queen. Promcore was double in size from last year. If you count the bands, their guest, the KSC guest, and the paying fans there were well over 200 kids there. Thank you to all that came out and I know you had a blast. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED. PromCore 2008 has made history.

WAIT!!! Let's start from the day before. After closing shop at midnight, Patrick, owner of Body Graffix had to reopen at 4:30 in the morning. Why you ask? He had to let in WVLT Volunteer TV channel 8 in to he interviewed regarding the show. Patrick and I were a bit quite, well IT WAS EARLY, but Matt from In Truth be Valor, Klint from In Death there is no Remembrance, and the boys from Awake in the Nightmare had enough engery to relight New York City in a black out. I brought some dougnuts...KLINT...man he likes doughnuts. And after my car breaking down at Kroger, Ronni to my rescue, I finally made it. Allison, the reporter and the camera man enjoyed watching the engery from the boys, and BOY did they have it. Anywho, Patrick volunteered me to go first....gee THANKS PATRICK. Camera's rolling I spoke about the show for the Troops, taking donation, month of love, volunteer state, yadda yadda, I was nervous, but hey I made it thru. Finally Patrick got his turn. He was amazing. A pure natural in front of that camera. Whipping out those answers like it was nothing. GO PATRICK! Then the boys got their chance. Phillip, bassist from Awake in the Nightmare, spoke for them, and Matt, well, since he was the only one there, OK I WONT MENTION THE OTHER BAND MEMBERS WERE IN THEIR COZY BEDS ASLEEP, even tho Mikey Watson was the one that made sure I was up, go figure, well Matt spoke for In Truth be Valor. The other boys stood behind them as the camera were turned on, and METAL, TATTOOS, and THE KSC supporting the troops. Which we are still taking donations for items for the care packages. The camera man, and Allison, the reporter, had a good time. I don't think they ever experienced anything like the good ole KSC, its bands, and Patrick before. Well, we are a hard bunch to forget. THE SHOW WOW! It opened with Receive the Arsonist, and Marcus, a very dedicated musician, has got it going on because the impact of their music blew Jennifer's pants off, and we still can't find them. They were amazing. A note, Jennifer is the photographer for the KSC and a promotor. Then we had The Coat of Arms play, they were extremely talented. Their music is tops in my book. Amidst the Mannequins were next, those boys get tighter and tighter every time I see them, they are the shit. Michael, man his vocals will make you slap your granny. Next up My Final Resting Place, full of engery ready to play and tear up Knoxville, and let me tell you they did just that. They had a new vocalist, and they were KICK ASS. After their set they had a shred off on guitar with Josh from AITN and their guitarist. IT WAS TIGHT....Josh won! Awake in the Nightmare played next. The parking lot was not the same, everyone tore it up. I think I saw the Body Graffix crew in their moshing a couple of times. By now its dark and In Truth be Valor hits us in the faces with pure blood metal. Sadly Tom's last show, they kicked it, and I think a couple of fans too. There were people jumping into the crowd, body surfing, and insanity....it was a metal show!! Ahhhhh yes, the horns in the air, moshing, it was a day to remember. Many donations were made and lots of items were collected, and the care packages ready to be made and sent to Iraq. It was a blast....Thank you Body Graffix, thank you bands, thank you fans, and thank you UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TROOPS....... Knoxville respect you, and soon you will have some goodies. The tattoo give away went to Ronni, the name was drawn out of a brown paper bag, and she won, now go get your tattoo. Next insane show at Body Graffix March 7, Awake in the Nightmare cd release show. SEE YOU THERE! WOOT

December 2, 2006, was a day, that I will personally remember. Not only was it the first day of my birthday celebration, but it was Facelocks return.
The show opened with SwingShot. AMAZING!!! Many people told me they sounded alot like Slipknot and Gwar. They had great stage presence, and I personally liked this band. The crowd loved them too. You really have to check them out. If you love metal, then all the bands on the bill for this show need to be checked out.
Next up was the sick and twisted SPEKULUM, they bleed metal, trust me on this, there is always blood everywhere when they play, and baby dolls, on barbwire. I know what your thinking, so hold on to that thought and come see them at a show. They are truly amazing, and have a very different bizzare sick and twisted stage presence, yeah I know I already said that, but it was worth saying it again, and if you ever saw them live, you would agree with me, and love them just as I do.
Quadrilateral, and the metal kids. Let me explain. This is one awesome talented metal band through and through. Their children who attended this all ages show, were push moshing, stage diving, and standing with their dads on stage head banging throwing up the horns. I am sure this was a proud moments for the dads, as it had to have been for these kids. Quadrilateral played my beloved DROVES, and I was hyped. They have an amazing strong sound. Please check them out
Having a stroke back in August, 2006, it was not know if Syn, vocalist of Facelock would be able to perform again on stage. Facelock gave us a sneak peak at the Knox Mosh, leaving the crowd there, hungry for more. I had the honor of introducing them, telling everyone to stand up for this man, and this band, and as all went to the front of the stage, the stage lights dimmed, the sample started, the band members took their places, and Syn appeared on stage, and IT WAS GOOD! He began singing, FACELOCK WAS BACK and in full force. I honestly stood their in amazement watching Syn, go, and was just as strong as he was before his stroke. I stood there holding a white rose, and has be wished me a Happy Birthday, I handed him this rose, why....you ask? Syn is a beautiful person, and he has a strength about him, that is more powerful, then you may ever realize. Just like a rose, beauty with thorns.....strength. Powerful, this man is just powerful, and the band is as well. Facelock is back Knoxville, and they have been so missed. Please.....check them out. This show was incredible, and the bands were just amazing, it was such an honor for me, to have Facelock make their return on this date. I will never forget this show.

What a better way to spend your Thanksgiving Holiday, but at the Ballroom for an amazing show right? And that is indeed what happened on November 25th. The show opened with Running for Mayor, http://www.myspace.com/runningformayor. Running for Mayor is a new band on the block that is making some noise. This ROCK band is fresh, booming and is here to amaze and they do just that. With the peppy uplifting beat to their music, this is one band, that you will be happy to hear, and to dance to. Not only are they amazing, but they show support for other bands, which is most impressive. I had to work the door this day, and could not see them perform, but I certainly could hear them, their sound literally fills the entire Ballroom. I could hear the crowd screaming, yelling, and clapping for them. And from the back, I was too. You can not help but to love this band, they are a talent, you just don't want to miss. Dec 9th they will be back at the Ballroom at 3:00 p.m., all ages, for $8.00, and They will be playing with Here's to You, on Dec 16th at Old City Java, the show will start at 7 p.m. and the cover will be $5.00. Running for Mayor, please check them out!
NineBall, they played second, and this was their first time playing at the Electric Ballroom, WOW!!!! I had to leave the box in back to come see them perform, right when they began to play, they amazed. Awesome performers on stage, nice guys to. They have a very strong sound, and the crowd loved them. http://www.myspace.com/nineball NineBall will be back, in case you missed them, on December 20th at the Ballroom. Show will begin at 6 p.m. and the cover is $8.00
The Aftermath, closed out the show. I have always loved this band. They are so full of energy, and pep. New tunes are a must hear, and anytime The Aftermath plays its a must see show. http://www.myspace.com/theaftermathrocks They have new buttons and shirts for sale, get yours today, and their 11 song cd will be out soon, I am hyped!

It's been such a long time since I have written a review from a show, I thought after todays shows, it must be done.
Today at the Electric Ballroom, all ages with Ameri*unts, Christopher Scum and the Dirty Works, Dance Mahine, American Apathy, and Sweat the Magic.
The show started with Ameri*unts, interesting name for a band, but you know, they were awesome. I sadly missed their set, but I heard that the crowd got into them, and appeared to have a blast. Ameri*unts is a punk/ska band, that had a great time today.
What a honor it was personally for me today, having Christopher Scum and the Dirty Works play this show. You have to uinderstand that this band is a legend here in Knoxville. They are a in your face punk band with no fears. Trust me, I can tell you things that have happened at shows you may not believe. They are truly amazing perfomers, and I was so happy to have them there today at The Electric Ballroom.
Dance Mahine played next, they have catchy beats to their music, with their vocalist wearing a white toot toot, (you think I am kidding) that eventually came off for a fan to wear, leaving the vocalist in his "lets do a show", attire in a thong. The female fans dressing up as men, and the male fans dressing up as females, oh yeah, they were wearing skirts and dresses, this is not strage behavoir with this band. The last time they played, the fans came as robots. One of their fans, had this 3 piece thingy, but I wont tell you what this thingy was, because if you want different, and random, and awesome entertainment, then this is a must see band. American Apathy, whom will never let you down at a show, is tight. They are an asset to our local music scene, and played an incredible set today. All the bands that played today had a mosh pit going on, it looked liked fun, though those who know we well, know I stayed clear from it. There was a plastic baseball bat being tossed in the air, and I saw a couple of people being bopped on the heads with it, no worries parents, the kids were safe, with no injuries. They truly had a blast. After the amazing American Apathy, which have shirts to sell by the way, played, it was time for the one and only Sweat the Magic. They played several cover songs, which I have to tell you didnt sound like the songs I know, but heys we are talking about Sweat the Magic, they are different, refreshing, funny, and a all around awesome band to see. I have to admit that todays show was......incredible. And it looked like everyone was really having a good time. Thank you all that came out today, these bands will be back, which there is no telling what they will be wearing. Today was great!!!