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Bach, Sebastian: Abachalypse Now (CD/DVD)

Hard Rock/Heavy Metal

5.0/5.0

Website Facebook Twitter YouTube
Frontiers Records
by Craig Hartranft,  05.15.2013

If you didn't know it, and I'm guessing you do, Sebastian Bach is a wild man on stage. Most of the time, the man's in constant motion, pumping up the crowd and singing his lungs out. If the stage is an outdoor festival, like France's Hellfest, then look out: he's all over the place. Bach's in his element, and he's a pure rock entertainer. You can't curb his enthusiasm and it's contagious.

Sebastian Bach: pumps up the crowd.

That pretty much sums up Bach's first solo live CD and DVD package, Abachalypse Now. What you get in the package is 2 CDs with concerts from Hellfest and Club Nokia in 2012. The DVD includes these and also Grasspop in Belgium. We'll consider the DVDs in this review.

The three video concerts are tales of three different environments. Both Hellfest and Grasspop were outdoor, of course, with the former performed in fair whether, and the other not so much. Bach and band battle through a torrential rain storm. It's nasty. But the show must go on (despite Bach's grumbling). The former show is a bit more polished. Yet like most live performances the mix really doesn't get solid until the third song. The Grasspop show, considering the elements, is more rugged and raw, with more than a few technical glitches. But even this still seems to fit Bach's show. Once he got over the time slot and inclement weather, Bach is even more humorous and engaging, especially with his banter between songs. Maybe not for production, but for pure entertainment power, the Grasspop show might be the best one of the bunch.

If you rather have your performance and production more polished then the recording at Club Nokia is your thing. While Bach is just as professional and enthusiastic, this live show is definitely shiny. It includes some guest performers including producer Roy Z and Black Veil Brides's Jinxx on guitar. It's definitely the best looking show of the bunch.

As to the songs, Bach offers some of his recent materials but also fan favorites: Kicking and Screaming, American Metalhead (which he renames for the country he's playing in), Here I Am, Big Guns, (Love Is) A Bitch Slap (only on the Nokia show) and, of course, 18 & Life, You Gone Wild, I Remember You and Monkey Business. All in All, Abachalypse Now is great package. Easily recommended.

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

Enjoy Sebastian Bach in his best and favorite element: playing live. The show at Grasspop during a torrential rain storm is priceless.

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