Ticket Insider

One of our locals is hitting the road!

April 30th, 2008 Posted by: Dust Devil

Hello all,

Today let’s talk about a band by the name of Rizir. No, I didn’t spell it wrong. RIZIR! Remember the name, for the band has played a number of shows at venues such as Jugheads and Chasers around the Valley.

This is some serious metal folks, but let’s not assume it is the same hokey thing that has been done over and over. Any band can play loud, fast and bang their head. Today a metal band has to be able to incorporate a number of influences to keep it fresh. Don’t believe me? Watch Headbanger’s Ball on MTV one of these nights if you are home on a Saturday. Just about every band has a singer that can’t sing at all. I’m sorry, but someone screeching into the mike for an hour straight, screaming vocals that cannot possibly be understood, does nothing for me.  Nada, nunca, nil … That is not music.

Rizir does things in a different manner and that is what makes them a relevant force in the metal world. They take the standard metal formula and add in a healthy dose of alternative rock and even some classic industrial. The combination adds up to some music that shreds, but does so in an unassuming way. Once again, I believe the listener does not have to be annihilated to be blown away. There are very few bands like Slayer in this world that can physically crush the listener into oblivion with their music and still present it in a manner that is appealing.

The band currently has a line-up of Zac Vinyard on vocals and guitar, Jesse Taylor on drums and Ben Blessington has now taken over lead guitar duties. He formerly handled the bass for the band. Good move in my humble (and correct) opinion. Ben handled the axe in some other local bands in Phoenix, including Echo 57. He is not a guitar player in the Al Barile of SSD mode, pouncing around the stage and leaping in the air while playing. No, Ben conserves his energy so he can pummel his guitar into submission, creating a sound that could peel paint off the walls. You seriously need to check these guys out!

However all you Phoenix folks, you will have to wait, but for a great reason. Rizir is heading out on the road to play some dates in California, Oregon and Washington. Let’s root these local boys on as they bring their attack up north!

May 2 = Vinnie’s Bar - Bakersfield, CA
May 3 = Silver Fox - Bakersfield, CA
May 9 = The Black Forest - Eugene, OR
May 13 = Mr. Tabor Pub - Portland, OR
May 15 = Eastside Club - Olympia, WA
May 16 = The Swiss - Tacoma, WA

Good luck Rizir! Cheers to all of you!

The Dust Devil

Rizir MySpace Page http://www.myspace.com/rizir

Filed under: Concert Tour Announcements