Rustbelt Rock Review

By: Z.M. Delgado

Rustbeltrockreview.com

Volume #175: Shotgun Bowl 3 feat: Olathia, Cyadine, The Great Iron Snake, HAMS, Tundra, Radiatrix & Sabon

February 2nd, 2025

The Beachland Ballroom and Tavern, 15711 Waterloo Rd., Cleveland, OH 44110

Hello my friends and esteemed Rock N’ Roll enthusiasts. It is I, Z.M. Delgado, your narrator and navigator into the world of Cleveland Metal. I have once again journeyed deep into the underground and sought out the best and brightest talent in the Scene. And where better to seek out that caliber of skill then at the pinnacle of Cleveland Metal, the third annual Shotgun Bowl! Yes, it is that time again, and I have been chomping at the bit in anticipation for the event. This year Olathia pulled out all the stops and put together an unstoppable lineup. Initially slated to perform was Olathia of course, along with Cyadine, Doctor Smoke, The Great Iron Snake, Kurnugia, Tundra, Radiatrix & Sabon. Due to unforeseen circumstances Doctor Smoke and Kurnugia had to drop off the bill. Fortunately Olathia was able to work some scheduling magic and managed to book Cleveland Punk Rock madmen HAMS in their place. Now with a solidified seven band lineup in place, the stages were set and the time slots secured. With Host and MC Jay Stone on the scene, it was go time. Time for Shotgun Bowl 3!!!

First let’s rewind briefly. My day began with me stressing out and running behind schedule. With some unforeseen logistical issues on the home front, I found myself leaving the base much later than expected. Together with Chen Killingsworth we set out into near white out conditions. The snow poured down as unexpected flurries blanketed northeast Ohio. None the less we persevered and Chen pushed the car to the edges of what could be considered safe under such conditions. We arrived outside the Beachland and the Metal Gods smiled upon us... gracing us with a fantastic parking space directly across the street from the club. We hurried across Waterloo with the clock ebbing dangerously close to start time. We paid the man at the door, grabbed our complimentary CD and as we turned to enter the Tavern, the first notes of Sabon’s set rang out.

The crowd was already thick and we had to swerve between people on our way to the stage. Almost immediately we ran into one of our favorite dudes, Jimmy “The Dook” Fedor of Roxxxstarradio. Together we addressed the stage and took in the action. Before us Sabon was already Rockin’ through their opening track. They are a female fronted Ska/Punk quartet made up of Vocals/Sax, Guitar/Backing Vox, Bass and Drums. Right off the bat I was impressed. The music was fast, lively and loaded with energy. Complimenting that musical energy was the stage presence of the band. The Bass player and Guitarist danced and moved as they played, while the Vocalist threw down. She jumped, headbanged, and moved about the stage in constant motion. In addition to her on stage antics, she had a strong voice, with pretty good range behind it. The crowd seemed to eat the whole thing up; cheering wildly at the completion of each track. People danced and moved, fans sang along and Sabon ran wild. By their fourth song, “Drunk on Memories,” they had the whole room jumping.

On their sixth track their singer broke out her Saxophone, while the Guitarist took over lead Vocals. I have to say that the Guitarist had a great voice as well, and the Sax lines were smooth. The crowd stayed engaged throughout the set, dancing and pumping their fists in time with the music. They closed out with a little ditty entitled “Chicken Boy.” An oversized rubber chicken began to circulate the room as Sabon went nuts one final time. When the song finally wound down, the crowd gave up a big cheer. Sabon had killed it. They had the daunting task of opening a festival at 1:45 in the afternoon. They had to warm up a cold crowd. They were a Ska/Punk band, playing for a bunch of Metalheads. And they killed it!!! They simply Rocked. Sabon was in full command of the stage and the crowd for the entirety of their set. They were the young bloods on the show, yet they approached the set with Veteran prowess. They gave it their all and they earned the respect of the Beachland crowd. With Sabon finished it was time for the great migration. We exited the Tavern and made our way to the Ballroom for the next performance.

Up second was Radiatrix. They are a four man Thrash band Made up of Guitar/Vocals, Bass/Backing Vocals, Drums/Backing Vocals, and Guitar. However, they were initially performing as a three piece. It seems their second Guitarist was late to arrive due to the shitty travel conditions. He simply didn’t make it in time for the set, and as we know, the show must go on. So like a true road warrior, Radiatrix’s Vocalist/Guitarist picked up double duty: Singing, playing rhythm and producing solos. They kicked off the set with some jaw dropping riffs. The Vocals were a mix of coarse cleans and snarling growls. The sound was pure, ripping, tearing, Heavy Metal and it was Thrashy… just the way I like it. Their opener was excellent. The whole crowd was headbanging and it gave up a huge cheer upon the song’s completion. The second track was even better. It was “a punishing throw down” as my notes put it, with a “totally bitchin’ cadence” and a “great chorus.” The wayward Guitarist arrived for their third song, “Theory of Madness.” They continued to engage the crowd, earning screams of approval left and right.

On their sixth song the Bass player took over lead Vox and the lead Vocalist providing backing. This song was a beast, and had a big monster of an instrumental break built into it. It held pure power and had a devil of a solo. I was enjoying the set so much I couldn’t keep myself from headbanging, and actually neglected my notes. Sometimes less is more and in the case of Radiatrix that is certainly the case. The lack on scribbles in my little notebook is a direct indicator of how much I was loving the set at that moment. By the time they finished up, with a song called “The Right to Remain Violent,” they had the crowd Rocking out with their fists in the air. The song rode a blistering solo to it’s completion, and the fans screamed in approval. It was nothing short of incredible. Without a doubt Radiatrix had killed… no, they slaughtered their set. Overcoming adversity, playing shorthanded and delivering quality Thrash all the while, I was impressed. There was little time to reflect, after all this was Shotgun Bowl and the sets come in quick succession. We spun on our heels and headed back to the Tavern with all speed.

Third to the stage was one of my favorite Punk bands in the Scene, a late addition to the show, the indestructible HAMS. This is a four man outfit made up of Vocals, Guitar, Bass and Drums. Known of their unstoppable energy, as well as their on stage get ups, HAMS have made quite a name for themselves in the underground. Their Bass player was shirtless and wearing a Big Bad Wolf mask. Across from him the Guitarist was adorned in a Pig helmet and a long tiger striped coat. Center stage their frontman was in the faces of the crowd, barking out his lyrics with vigorous force. They began the set with their perennial opener “Oh Yeah!” This song immediately had the crowd moving, grooving and dancing like fools. I was swept away by the contagious energy and got caught up in the moment. Next they dropped into my favorite song they have “Comeback,” which had me screaming… and I wasn’t alone. Just ahead of me I saw The Dook, Jay Stone, and Sabon down in front Rocking out.

The frontman had the mic chord wrapped around his throat as he screamed the words: “Riot at the Rock Hall!!!” The crowd was charged up and ready to explode. All around me people were dancing, headbanging and had their fists pumping. The room was on fire and the HAMS boys were the arsonists. They blazed through classic numbers from their album including “Debbie,” “Suicide Pact” and “Broke Forever” before closing out with a brand new song. I didn’t catch the name, but I’ll tell you it was really good, had some big “Whoa’s!” on the chorus and the crowd simply ate it up. The fans erupted in applause. I for one, screamed my lungs out in appreciation of an amazing set. HAMS absolutely slapped and it was a pleasure, as always, to see them do their thing. I wanted to stay to congratulate the boys on a job well done, but there was no time. Back to the Ballroom we headed for the next act.

Fourth on the days bill is a band that has made quite a name for themselves in the last year or so, the mighty Tundra. This four man, Traditional Heavy Metal band is forged from Vocals, Guitar/Backing Vocals, Bass and Drums. This is a band who has managed to stay active despite the challenges of lineups changes. I was interested to see how they’d rebound in spite of this and I am happy to report that Tundra hasn’t lost a step. Opening with “Hell’s Heroes” they sounded tight from the first note. I wasn’t the only one who thought so, as the applause was loud and generously applied. Their second song, “The Voices are Calling” had a sick Bass intro and a pair of excellent Guitar solo’s. The crowd went wild as the Guitarist’s fingers danced along the fret board. Fists were pumping as they broke out their cover of Thor’s “Thunder on the Tundra.” “Tried and True” had the crowd singing along as the frontman brandished an actual sword.

Five songs into the set they dropped my favorite track, “Grim Reaper.” With stomping Drums, and Bass that thrums, Tundra once again had the crowd singing along to every word. This song produced another stellar solo and with it another round of vigorous applause rose from the fans. Here Tundra took the time to say a round of thanks, which included a nod to their drummer, the mighty Grady. They explained that Grady had learned their set in only a week and amazingly had killed it. After finished their thanks, they closed out with their newest, and possibly their best, track: “The Hammer of Horror.” This serial killer song is an unquestionable work of badassery. The whole band shone on this track, most notably their Guitar master who blew minds and kicked asses all over the club with his many undeniable solos. My notes read: “Guitar: Nasty solo. Fucking amazing shit! This kid is for real.” Short, blunt and utterly truthful. The facts is that Tundra’s six string section is becoming a thing of legend along the banks of the Cuyahoga. The crowd absolutely roared as Tundra finished. It was a huge cheer and it was well deserved. We turned and beat feet back to the Tavern ready to dive into the next act.

Fifth in succession is a band that I couldn’t wait to check out again: The Great Iron Snake. This power trio is formed from Guitar/Vox, Bass and Drums. Firing up a chugging assault on the senses, The Great Iron Snake tore open all sonic barriers and unleashed a torrent of sound. The vocals were clean, yet gritty with a significant howling quality. Down in front I could see, who I believed to be, Jay Stone, wearing a welding helmet and headbanging vigorously. A sweet and slippery Guitar solo emerged as The Great Iron Snake produced a sludgy, stomping and gritty brand of Rock N’ Roll. The crowd was immediately drawn in and fully engaged; fists pumping in the air. Next we were greeted by the thunderous “Looks like New Destruction.” The Drums were wild as a runaway truck; pounding relentlessly. Heavy and fast, “Chem Trails and Lizard Tails,” kept the crowd moving. On “Pungent Porcelain” the Bass line throbbed, the Drums rumbled and the Guitar solo absolutely seared the ears.

Next we got a change up as the Bass player took the mic and laid out a slick cover of AC/DC’s “Touch Too Much.” This naturally got the fans fired up and a full blown sing along ensued. Finally closing out the set with “August,” The Great Iron Snake had the crowd hypnotized; swaying to the sounds. The Guitar work was fantastic, with soloing that melted faces right off the skulls of those who stood looking. The Drums and Bass impressed equally and my notes read, “all around great musicianship.” The song rocked out all on it’s own for some time, just evolving and kicking ass all the while. Eventually it came to it’s climactic conclusion. The crowd let loose a mighty bellowing wave of applause as The Great Iron Snake took their bows. Turning to the door, we headed back to the Ballroom and prepared for our next dose of heaviness.

Sixth in the procession of bands was Detroit, Michigan’s Cyadine. This is a Thrash Quartet welded together from Vocals, Guitar, Bass and Drums. They opened with the frontman singing solo on some melodic stuff. This went on until the music abruptly came in... heavy as a ton of bricks. Opening with the song “Fuck around, Find out,” they immediately threw down hard. I was blown away by their stage presence, with the whole band rocking out with voracity. They brought a chugging riff, a blistering solo and hammering double Bass on “March or Die.” The music was intense as were the performers, particularly the frontman who was a madman barely contained. He ran shirtless around the stage, red faced, with veins bulging. He was the very picture of intensity as he beat on his own chest and screamed.

Meanwhile the band fueled his fire with murderous riffs and nuclear solos. The Bassist delivered five stringed thunder and the Drums came like a landslide. All this stage energy transferred into the crowd, who headbanged with their horns to the sky. The fans screamed for more at each break in the music; loving every minute of it. With a devastating cadence and sickening lead licks, Cyadine led the Beachland through eight monster tracks. Closing out with “Make a Fucking Move” the Ballroom floor broke out in a flurry of headbanging and dancing. This climaxed in a huge breakdown that left me personally bellowing for more. With a powerful show of support the fans sent Cyadine off in style. They had shredded through their set and no doubt earned much respect from the Cleveland Metal Scene.

Eric Stevenson: The Official Tattoo Artist of the Rustbelt Rock Review

Here we got a brief break in the action. Due to the loss of one of the bands from the line up, we had a little down time between the sixth and seventh sets. Luckily to make sure we were still entertained, The Great Iron Snake decided to grace us with one additional song, and extended version of their track “Ellipsis.” This played out in the Tavern and helped bridge the gap between what was, and what was yet to be: Our headlining performer, the magnificient Olathia. With a well deserved cheer, The Great Iron Snake finished up and the crowd drifted back to the Ballroom. There we stood in dyer anticipation as we awaited the main event.

And finally it was time. The lights fell and the stage went black. Creepy music played throughout the club and smoke began to drift. Then, the band entered and the tell tale notes of “Snake Charmer” began. Jets of smoke rose from the stage as Olathia burst into view! They sounded amazing, that much I can tell you. The sound man certainly had them dialed in and the result was fantastic. On the stage Olathia was full of life. As always Bass man, Terry, was a certified animal. Rocking out and hoisting his instrument in the air; he is the show within the show. Opposite him is the shredder himself: Dylan. One of our scene’s deadliest six string assassins, his stage presence is eclipsed only by the quality of his play. Behind the Drum kit, I noticed Grady performing his second set of the day with expert precision. At center stage you will find the incredible Chris. Her prowess is unmatched as her voice soared beyond all others. Second in the play list they summoned “Insatiable.” Here the Drums unleashed a vicious double bass attack and the Guitar churned up a chugging, stomping riff. Terry was seen punching his Bass in time with the beat. Then came a true ripper: “The Forest Witch.” Hard and fast with excellent lead licks, this song is devilish.

Following that we were treated to the track of the day, the song that spawned it all, the undeniable party anthem: “Shotgun.” With their fists pumping and their voices raised, fans met Chris word for word. The smoke jets fired as a room full of headbangers screamed the question: “When are we going?!” Dylan’s solo melted faces and the crowd roared with satisfaction as he produced yet another blistering batch of leads. Following that we got a real treat: The debut of a new song. Titled “The Beast in Black” it had a fast, galloping cadence, a bitchin’ solo and was, all in all, a great song. The crowd response was extremely positive; the new material being very well received. Now digging into the back catalog they pulled out “Black Widow.” Chris swayed like a cat as she wailed the classic track. Keeping it old school they stayed on the Snake Charmer record, with “RoTog.” The crowd response was fantastic; headbanging with their horns up, all present seemed completely invested. Now delving even deeper they reached all the way back to the first record for “Seven Deadly Sins.” The crowd screamed their heads off for this number which is in the running for Olathia’s biggest ripper. A cover of Ozzy Osbourne’s “Over the Mountain” was the next offering and it slammed. Another singalong unfolded as the crowd jumped in on the classic lyrics. Finally closing out he set, Olathia laid out “Who’s The Devil?” Heavy, fast and aggressive, this song brought a fitting end to a fantastic day. The crowd went wild, in appreciation of not only the set, but of the entire event. Olathia had finished and as such, Shotgun Bowl 3 was officially at it’s end. The crowd milled about in conversation, giving hugs, saying goodbyes and slowing making their way towards the doors. Chen and I did the same and soon enough we were headed back east.

It had been an incredible day of music. Seven bands, who all brought their “A” games and provided us with with an afternoon of heart pounding Rock N’ Roll. From Sabon’s first notes to the final echoes from Olathia’s amps, the experience of Shotgun Bowl 3 had been nothing but fantastic. Good friends, great music and a courteous host club all made for an unparalleled experience. It goes to show why the name Shotgun Bowl has become legendary. I’ve barely put the wraps on this review of # 3, and I’m already looking forward to # 4. Shotgun Bowl is just that much fun. It’s a day that is permanently reserved on my calendar. In the world of Cleveland Metal it is an event not to be missed. I suppose that’s all of this week. As always, thanks for reading and for continuing to support the Scene. Bang your head, hoist your horns ans wear your earplugs!

Until next time, Rock on, Rustbelt,

-Z.M. Delgado

Rustbelt Rock Review

Rustbeltrockreview.com

02/03/2025

Links:

Olathia

https://www.facebook.com/olathiametal/

Cyadine

https://www.facebook.com/CyadineOfficial/

The Great Iron Snake

https://www.facebook.com/thegreatironsnake/