Counts Vamp’d  bar in Las Vegas, Nevada is not a large venue.  But you would have expected a slightly larger audience for local band Systemec, and Canada’s Art of Dying on July 3, running into the wee hours of July 4.

It became quickly apparent that a large number of audience members were not a requirement, as Systemec played to an apparent crowd of 50,000.  A small home collective of support was all that singer Paul Anthony and co needed, as he bellowed out the grittiest, gnarliest, pure and pitch perfect vocal that many of those in attendance will have ever heard.  This dude is spot on.  He believes in what he is doing 150% and he leaves the audience feeling the same.  His look is slightly unusual and it works well with what he is portraying.

Photo courtesey of Systemec on Facebook

Anthony has great musical back up, but as a collective they could do a little work on themselves and not split their image or what they stand for.  The look and attitude of other band members were slightly random, and having Jerry Sienfeld the logger play guitar for a serious rock vocalist, kinda throws the show sideways.  Even if he is a shit hot guitarist.

Bassist Chukd makes it look like a walk in the park, but a little more aggression would go a long way.

A bigger stage would be a great thing for a guy like Anthony, he needs space.  His persona and vocals are so big.

Give these guys a listen if you like Disturbed, Rammstein or heavier Rage Against The Machine.  In fact give them a listen period.  They are worth it. You will be hooked.

Find out more at www.systemec.us 

New… Hair

New… Pants

New…Line up

New… Songs

Art of Dying are not new…. and with the loss of guitarist Greg Bradley from their line up earlier this year, regular Diehards may be wondering how the band would fare in a live situation…..  Well it would appear that they are doing great.  A little change of appereance is mainly apparent with the loss of Jonny Hetheringtons long dark curls, in trade for a blonde mohawk.

New line up

Live, Art of Dying still produce one hell of a beautiful noise.  If you are a fan from way back when you will notice a little loss of depth and would perhaps like to see the addition of a second guitarist.  However, it’s not a requirement.  Tavis Stanley can hold his own, and with the support of bassist Cale Gontier and drummer Jeff Brown,  there is no issue.

An abundance of new music was played at this venue.  It has a harder, edgier feel than previous offerings, and Hetheringtons live vocal is still one to be reckoned with.  Of course a few older songs were played, and the vibe, along with the message never gets old.

Again, the stage at Vamp’d was a little small for Hetheringtons large live persona, and a bigger audience would have suited better, but those in attendance were not disappointed.  It was great to hear unreleased songs live, and it was the only way to celebrate July 1 and 4, depending on where you were from…… Ubuntu.

Karen G Headbangerwoman July 2015