Live Words and Photos: DJ
Corey Taylor has been on the road with his solo tour in support of his CMF2 album release, and we got a glimpse to see the enigmatic Slipknot frontman doing his solo thing. One thing I will always say about Taylor is the versatility of the material he has decided to do throughout his career has been impressive. From Stone Sour to CMF material and his main band in Slipknot, he simply is not afraid to put himself out there when it comes to the music he releases. Good for him. On this night we get a chance to experience that same versatility in Huntsville.
But before we get into it, we have the two openers. First up is LA-based alternative powerhouse LUNA AURA. Luna is on the road with Corey and her infectious energy is undeniable. She kicks things off with a few songs from her new EP “The Fiction”… The track “Candy Colored Daydream” is extremely catchy. The same can be said for “Money Bag”, her live band is tight, and the music here while alternatively based in it’s roots, its got funk and so much energy and attitude. The set keeps the energy going with more fun and live grooves that get the crowd going. Luna’s voice brings elements of rock, pop, alt, and punk, but in the essence of the music, it’s her own and wildly entertaining. Enjoyable set and if you get a chance to check out her new EP “The Fiction”, you should check out.
Next, we have Wargasm from the UK. Led by their rebel front lady Milkie Way real name Rachel Hastings. We had jumped on the buzz around these guys last year when we covered their set at Riot Fest 2022 and the energy was real, not only that but back in 2021 Milkie set the internet on fire at the Heavy Music Awards when she came on stage wearing nothing but chains on the chest. The live stream was shut down, and the internet raged. Needless to say, the whole band including Milkie is fun as hell live. She wears her influences on her sleeves and the badass bullet belt she has come to wear on their live performances. This night was more of that same contagious energy. The tunes that spitfire come via “Minigun’ and “Fukstar” towards the back end of the setlist. Another fun tune comes your way in “Backyard Bastards” as Milkie and Sam Matlock (guitars and vocals) for anybody who didn’t know the son of Glen Matlock (Sex Pistols). Those two have some energy on stage, blazing the night and priming it for CT. Great set and I’m sure they converted new fans onto their music without a doubt in my mind.
Corey Taylor’s crew preps the stage and quickly he makes his way wearing a dazzling leopard coat that makes your eye gravitate toward the enigmatic frontman. Cool to hear that the song “Beyond” is #1 on the Mainstream Rock Airplay Chart. Is a super catchy tune that gets people going. The thing I enjoyed the most was the mix setlist he brought to the table that night. Everything from Stone Sour classics “Bother” and of course “Through Glass” to Slipknot classic cuts in “Before I Forget” and “Tumult” and “Duality”. We recently reviewed Taylor’s new CMF2 record and we’re surprised about the versatility and varied bag of tunes on that one. Another song that gets a chance here is “Talk Sick” from that offering.
Say what you want to say about Corey, as he has said many times over. When it comes to music he’s just simply not afraid to cross boundaries and play what he feels. The whole CMF catalog and his new record proves that, but because of the other stuff played on the tour, you get a bunch of enchanting content that leaves most fans pleased. He’s a great showman and puts on a heck of a show. His band is on point as well with excellent guitar players in Zack Throne and Christian Martucci (Stone Sour). Is almost cathartic to some extent hearing Taylor recently talk about the wear and tear on his body from all years of touring… 25 years of rocking and the travel and the grind of the road year after year. Catch these guys on the road if you can. Doesn’t matter if you don’t enjoy his solo stuff as much as the heavier Slipknot material, he is one of the best Rock performers out there without a question.
The CMFT band is:
Corey Taylor (vocals/guitar)
Zach Throne (rhythm/lead guitars)
Dustin Robert (drums)
Christian Martucci (rhythm/lead guitars)
Eliot Lorango (bass)
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