Rustbelt Rock Review

By: Z.M. Delgado

Rustbeltrockreview.com

Volume #192: Vandalizard Record Release Show feat. Beast Killer, Trunk Ride and Violet Ray

June 5th, 2025

Grog Shop, 2785 Euclid Heights Blvd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44106

Hello my fellow Rustbelt Rockers! I have returned to guide you through yet another journey into the world of Cleveland underground music. The whole thing went down this past Thursday, when some of Northeast Ohio’s absolute best Punk Rock acts took over the Grog Shop. My evening began when Joha scooped me up and we headed west toward The Heights. We arrived on the Scene right around doors, paid the man and headed inside. As we walked in Vandalizard was just finishing up their soundcheck. We mingled about and chatted with the boys from the bands. It wasn’t long before we headed outside to enjoy the pleasant weather and of course to burn a doobie. Once there we ran into our friend, countryman and fellow lover of underground sounds: Jimmy “The Dook” Fedor. We got high and took a stroll down Coventry Rd, drinking in a bit of nostalgia as the boys grabbed a slice of pizza. Then it was back to the club for drinks, joints and more waiting. It was a good time. The minutes ticked away and before we knew it, it was go time for some music.

First to the stage was Violet Ray. This is a four piece Punk outfit made up of Guitar/Vocals, Guitar, Bass and Drums. They had a sweet banner they performed before and a sign on the forefront of the stage that read “NO SKATE-BOARDING.” Opening with “Blender Knows” they broke into their set with all haste. From the speakers came a wave of upbeat Skate Rock. Their set was a barrage of Punk, welded together from a variety of influences. They pack in excellent riffs with an Indy vibe, combined with driving tempos and an extremely grooving Bass. Their dual Guitar attack provided some nice riffs on songs like “All Hail Cardiel” and “Street Survival.” They even treated us to a brand new song, as they asked the crowd: “Hey Man, do you want to be in a Skate gang?” The new material was sick, and I made a note here about the solid drumwork as well. It wasn’t all Skating and good times though. On “Alternative Facts” Violet Ray got serious and political. After some harsh words for the current administration, the band tore into some rock solid Punk. Closing out they played a song about a legendary skater: “Phillips 66.” This song was all ripping speed as Violet Ray demanded we “Shut! Up! And! Skate!” They finished strong and the crowd cheered in approval. Playing a total of 12 songs they thoroughly rocked the Grog and almost inspired me to get back on a skateboard. Almost, but not quite. With Violet Ray now finished we headed back outside to do what we do best: Smoke dope and talk about Rock N’ Roll.

After our latest trip down Mary Jane Lane was complete, we were right back inside and ready for Trunk Ride. This is a four man Punk band forged from Vocals, Guitar, Bass/Backing Vocals and Drums. They opened up hard, fast and extreme. They had an intense attitude and their front man perfectly expressed it. With excellent stage presence he roamed, ranting and raving, literally in the faces of the crowd that looked on. The songs were short, aggressive and deadly fast; blowing by in a blur. Their Bass player brought solid backing Vox as they ripped through their material. The Drumwork was machine gun fast, and just as tight; driving the set on at a blistering pace. Meanwhile, the riffs came like jackhammers and were often accompanied by ripping solos. On their fifth track they asked the crowd “Is your blood pumping yet? Are your dicks hard yet?” While they rocked out, I noticed Mr. Paul Goon weaving among the fans and band members. He was snapping photos and documenting the Scene in his own way. The speed was extreme as Trunk Ride blazed through track, after slamming track. The material came at such a rate that I failed to catch the song titles. That is, until they played one that I recognized, my favorite track from their latest EP “By Design.” This song is a killer and as it tore by I banged my head in glee. I believe they played a total of 17 songs, but they whipped by at such a pace that I may have miscounted. However many it was, it was savage. Trunk Ride crushed it without question. On a night of excellent Punk Rock, Trunk Ride stood out for packing unquestioned adrenaline. With the second set of the night finished, we once again exited the club.

Completing our migration we returned to the stage and just in the nick of time! It seems, in my inebriation, I had lost track of time. As such, I had nearly missed the beginning of the Beast Killer set. Now for those of you in the know, you are surely aware that I love me some Beast Killer. This is a band that I have been following for sometime now, and I come to check out as often as possible. They are a two piece made up of Guitar/Vocals and Drums. Surrounded by some new, and very cool, new lighting rigs they began. Opening with their flagship song, “Beast Killer,” they exploded into their set. The sound man did his job and the boys sounded great as they plowed forward. Second up was “Wolves.” Hard, fast and driving, this is the heaviest song from the new “Exploder” EP. Meanwhile, behind the drum kit Kris was spotted spinning and catching his sticks, while hammering the skins. “Violent Creatures” was next and it was huge. The Vocals were monstrous as Chris roared his impassioned “Yeahs!” Without pause they rolled right into the explosive “Broken Glass.” Feedback filled the air, as Beast Killer loomed mightily above the lights. With a crushing riff they broke into “Pixels” like a sledgehammer. It was a massacre behind the Drumkit and the tempo was fire! The Vocals were all passion and power as this song climaxed. Next up was “Comet,” Beast Killer’s soundtrack to the end of times. With it’s churning chord progression and catchy chorus, this song is always phenomenal live. Speaking of phenomenal live songs, it doesn’t get much more intense than their next number. Returning to the live stage was “Fairy Tale!” Once thought to be retired, this masterstroke of songwriting is back, with all it’s passion in tow. Beast Killer was far from finished. Here they struck yet another high note with their anthem for the aging punk, “Synapse.” As Chris wailed, “We’re not the same kids anymore,” I banged my head without mercy. Finally closing out the set they rolled out “Sparks!” The Drums rumbled and the chords ripped as Beast Killer plowed along unstoppable. I screamed! It had been an amazing set. Great song choices, great sound and a great performance. I was satiated and satisfied, but not yet finished. We headed back out front to lift our minds one more time. Soon it was time for the final performance of the night.

Closing out the evening, headlining our event and releasing their new record was the fearsome foursome, Vandalizard. Built from Guitar/Vocals, Guitar/Backing Vocals, Bass/ Backing Vocals and Drums they took to the stage before their “Lizard and Crossbones” banner. In celebration of the “Demolition Vol. 1” being pressed to vinyl, we had all gathered and now it was time. Kicking things off with “Jenny Destiny” they blew open the dam and let the rush of Punk Rock flow. I was immediately taken with the most excellent Bass tone, plucky and clear in the mix. There were some nice lead licks throughout the song and solid “Whoas” coming from the Guitar and Bass. Next they broke into “Walk the Earth.” Amazingly, the inspirational man himself, Babalouie, was in the house to bear witness. The Drummer was ferocious as he attacked the rhythm; a ferocity which continued on into “Dissonant Dude.” The ballad of the older brother, “Bad Influence” came next. The Bass thundered, the Cymbals ran wild and the “Whoas” rose to an epic volume as it reached a passionate peak. The Ska driven “You Should Have Been First” was followed by the hard charging chords of “Good Deeds.”

Then we were hit by the southwestern vibrations of “Coyote’s Teeth.” While this song may stand in contrast to the bands other tracks, it is always impressive. I feel it shows a depth songwriting which places Vandalizard above and beyond many of their peers. Up next was a Punkified version of the traditional sea shanty, “Show me the Way to go Home.” It seems whether in the scorching desert or upon the shifting seas, Vandalizard can provide the soundtrack. Up next was my personal favorite, the heartfelt and nostalgic “Roaches.” This is the song that espouses the bands fundamental ideology: “Good Friends and Rock N’ Roll.” “The Grove” followed and it was another strong offering. After a mid-song thank you to the crowd, the bands and the club, the song broke open with a sweet solo and some slick Bass work. “On the Trax” delivered killer lead licks and a wicked Bass Run. “The Thing From Railroad Street,” a tribute to local art legend Eric Stevenson, was a real ripper. “Heartless” was Rockin’ and fun, with lots of “Whoas.” Finally closing out the set was “Ramona.” This track starts out melodic and heartfelt building and growing into an eventual explosion. When the vocals sang out “Shes’ gonna shine on,” it always gets me. This is such a wonderfully crafted song that it has become a must hear, total show stopper. (The Scene holds it’s breath for Demolition Vol. 2 and it’s much needed recording…) The crowd cheered, as this incredible track climaxed. The lights rose and the night came to a close.

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

Joha and I said our goodbyes, and together with The Dook, we headed out to the cars. There we smoked a joint before parting ways and scattering to the winds. Soon enough, but not soon enough, it was off to bed. I had an early morning ahead of me and I knew I was gonna pay for my night of Punk Rock debauchery. But it was well worth it! Looking back I am so glad that I made it out on a school night. Violet Ray was fantastic and they opened up the show most excellently. I love their “Skate or Die” attitude and their grooving Bass sound. Trunk Ride was nothing, if not intense! They played with such fire and energy, I was totally blown away by their songs and stage presence. Beast Killer was incredible as always. I was floored by their passionate vocals and devastating Drum work. Also I loved their new lights and was stoked to see “Fairy Tale” return to the setlist. Finally Vandalizard killed it. Over the course of their set they thoroughly Rocked the Grog. Playing with heart and grit they proved why they are among the hottest acts in the Cleveland Punk Scene. Their new record has been very well received and has rapidly become a “must listen.” I suggest you check it out. So there you have it. Another night on the Scene and another outstanding show. On that high note, I suppose I will call it quits for today. Bang your heads, hoist your horns and always wear your earplugs. Thanks for reading.

Until next time, Rock on, Rustbelt,

-Z.M. Delgado

Rustbelt Rock Review

Rustbeltrockreview.com

6/8/2025

Links:

Vandalizard

https://www.facebook.com/p/Vandalizard-100092590599377/

Beast Killer

https://www.facebook.com/BeastKillerBand/

Trunk Ride

https://www.facebook.com/TRUNKRIDE