Rustbelt Rock Review

By: Z.M. Delgado

Rustbeltrockreview.com

Volume #189: Sinz of Eden, Altared States, Agnauseam & Skull’rz Bane

May 17th, 2025

Maple Grove Tavern 14832 Pease Road, Maple Heights, Ohio 44137

Hello my friends and welcome, once again, to the Rustbelt Rock Review. This week I didn’t know what to do with myself. As I perused the concert calendar, nothing jumped out at me. None of the usual suspects were performing, and there were no big shows of interest in town. I almost said screw it and stayed hom. However, needing material for this weeks review, I decided to instead choose a gig at random. Selecting a bill with no familiar acts, I figured I was in for a night of surprises. This choice would lead me back to the Maple Grove Tavern. I messaged my friend and accomplice, Jimmy “The Dook” Fedor of Roxxxstarradio and we set up to rendezvous at The Grove. I arrived around 7:30 and posted up, awaiting The Dook’s arrival. I puffed on my vape and listened to Acid Bath as the minutes ticked away. He arrived soon there after. Along with him came the certified maniac known as “One Punch Rick.” The three of us made our way into the club and paid the cover. We headed upstairs and established that the music didn’t start until 8:30. With that knowledge in store and time to kill we adjourned to the parking lot where we blazed a joint.

**Skull’rz Bane**
*photo stolen from facebook credit to Panel F Media

Joint blazed and highs heightened, we returned to the club in time for the nights first act. Skull’rz Bane is a two piece act made up of Guitar/Vocals and Drums/Vocals. They began the set with an anecdote about a home invasion, followed by the song it inspired: “Behind Closed Doors.” The Guitarist took the lead on Vocals, singing into a headset mic, while playing his ax. He displayed some serious chops throughout the set, serving up strong riffs and exceptional solos on song after song. His vocals were clean, while that of the drummer were pure Death Metal growls. I was impressed by her monstrous voice, as well as her outstanding prowess behind the Drumkit. She beat the skins with ferocity and twirled the sticks expertly throughout the set. Her contributions were without a doubt my favorite part of their performance. This was most evident on their closing song, when the thunderous drumwork shook the room. They finished hard and with impressive energy. Skull’rz Bane delivered seven seriously heavy and high energy tracks, before calling it a night. We applauded as they took their bows. Looking back now I can say with certainty that they were the most interesting band on the bill. Fun fact: Skull’rz Bane apparently brings a live rabbit with them to shows. While it did not perform, I am assuming it to be the third member of the band, making them a power trio. The rabbit was seen throughout the club for the remainder of the evening. Also worth noting, at some point during the set our friend and compatriot “Laura of the Blunts” arrived, completing our party. I must also apologize to Skull’rz Bane, because apparently in my stoney haze, I neglected to take any pics of them; hence the stolen image.

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

The four of us hung about and chiefed on our vapes, until inevitably the second act of the night emerged. Agnauseam is a four man Groove Metal band. They are made up of Vocals, Guitar, Bass and Drums. They opened up very heavy with some truly filthy riffs. There sound was pretty straight forward, hard hitting and with a sort of building momentum. Right off the bat I was digging the Drumwork. I also was into their Basslines, and made multiple notes about them over the course of the set. The Vocals were grainy and rough. They were shouted and screamed, more than growled, and they held an “in your face” quality. I was most into their closing number. It had a very cool riff, that had a “Slayer-esc” sound to it. The Drums hammered in an intricate, yet hard hitting pattern. The Bass line throbbed and the Vocals reached their peak intensity here. Without a doubt it was their best song, and it ended the set on a high note. They played a total of seven songs before calling it a night. We applauded and once Agnauseam had taken their bows, we returned to the parking lot.

I produced another doob, and Laura matched me in kind, before we returned to the bar ready for the nights third offering. In from West Virginia was Altared States. This band is made up of Vocals, Bass/Backing Vocals, Guitar/Backing Vocals, and Drums. These guys opened up with a lot of energy, particularly their Bass player who threw down from note one. This dude went off on each an every song, Rocking out and stomping to the beat. Sonically Altared States was killing it. The Drum work was very nice as the rumbled and pounded. The Bass had excellent tone and the Guitarist was on point. The Vocals were clean and, when the backing Vox kicked in, the harmonies were rock solid. The music was strong throughout the set and the songs were well constructed. All in all they were firing on all cylinders and with a fire in their bellies. They played a total of six songs before closing out with an energetic romp, loaded with slick lead licks. We put our hands together for Altared States and then returned out attentions to our vapes as the bands changed over.

Also from West Virginia was our closing act, Sinz of Eden. They are a four man band made up of Vocals, Guitar, Bass and Drums. They opened up with some very nice Guitar work. The Vocals were clean, with backing growls coming in from the Guitarist. Immediately their Bass Player began to walk the floor, weaving among people and tables while playing his notes. Later the singer would do the same; leaving the stage and making use of the floor as part of the performance area. The Drummer was pummeling the skins with precision skill. Most impressive was their Guitarist. His riffs and solos were undoubtedly the highlight of Sinz of Eden’s set. Closing out with a track called “End of Days” they brought down the house with big Vocals and huge riffs. Over the course of their eight songs they teased both Ozzy’s “Bark at the Moon” and Pantera’s “Walk” but failed to perform either song in their entirety. Even without a full length covers, Sinz of Eden rocked the Maple Grove thoroughly and earned a round of applause.

With the show now at a close, it was time to say goodbye. With hugs, high fives and handshakes all around I made my rounds and then vanished into the night. I drove home and reflected on the show I had just seen, before finally hitting the late night food spot and smashing a cheeseburger. After that I took my ass to bed, with a full belly and a full dose of Heavy Metal driven into my skull. It was another wild night of dope smoking and head banging. I got to spend it with friends and listen to tunes, so I suppose that all adds up to a good time. (I’m still scratching my head about the rabbit.) I want to thank you for reading and for supporting the Scene. Bang your heads, hoist your horns and always wear your earplugs!

Until next time, Rock on, Rustbelt,

-Z.M. Delgado

Rustbelt Rock Review

Rustbeltrockreview.com

5/19/25

Links:

Sinz of Eden

https://www.facebook.com/aliensuperjesus333/

Altared States

https://www.facebook.com/altaredstatesband/

Agnauseam

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086562102152