Review & Photography by Manny Manson for MPM
Outside, the venue, ‘The Halls, Wolverhampton, the rained had died away and the atmosphere, once again, buzzed with anticipation as we arrive, the already gathered are united in ‘worship’ as they wait for the doors to open for those eagerly awaiting to spend the night with a modern rock legend. Once inside, the air continues to crackle with energy as the fans bustle about, hurriedly getting merch and a bevvie before the stage lights dim, this signals the imminent arrival of the undercard, “OXYMORRONS”. But first a bit about the band.
In the heart of Queens, New York, the underground has sculptured, moulded and given birth to an explosive, genre-bending fusion of rock/punk and rap that defies conventional boundaries. This diverse band being called the “Oxymorrons,” and as the night ahead unfolds it’s an obvious demonstration of the band’s evolution, and why Corey has chosen them to open for him on his UK tour.
“Oxymorrons,” are a collective born from the bustling streets of Queens, New York, they have emerged as a musical force that seamlessly combines the grit of rock and punk with the rhythm of rap. Comprising brother’s ‘D’ (Vox)and ‘KI’ (Vox), along with ‘Matty Mayz’ (Drums) and ‘Jafe Paulino’ (Vox/Bass/Guitar), the band’s chemistry is real both on and off the stage. Their journey began in the underground scene, where they honed their skills and forged a unique sound that sets them apart from others in the industry. With their debut album just released entitled “Melanin Punk” of which most of tonight’s set is derived along with tracks from their previous EP’s the night looks set to be a banger.
As the venue continues to buzz with fan speak, the stage erupts in a burst of energy as “Oxymorrons” take their positions. The set opener, “Enemy,” unleashes a sonic assault that immediately captivates the audience. The rapid-fire delivery of verses as the brother’s dart around the stage, intertwines with the thunderous beats that creates a dynamic atmosphere that set the tone for the night.
“Green Vision” follows, a track that showcased the band’s ability to seamlessly transition between genres. The fusion of rap verses and anthemic rock choruses resonated through the fans in for early doors, a sonic landscape that mirrored the diverse influences woven into “Oxymorron” musical tapestry. The crowd, a sea of raised hands and bobbing heads, surrendered to the infectious energy that pulses throughout the performance.
“Graveyard Words” introduces a darker, introspective dimension to the set. The haunting melodies and thought-provoking lyrics paint a vivid picture of the band’s lyrical prowess. The seamless interplay between Demi and Kami’s vocals add depth to the narrative, creating a sonic journey that transcends the boundaries of traditional rock and rap.
“Head For the Hills” injects a massive dose of adrenaline into the set, a high-octane anthem that showcases the bands versatility. The infectious energy radiating from the stage is met with an equally zealous response from the crowd.
“Definition” brought a sense of rebellion to the forefront, the defiance in the lyrics mirrored by the aggressive instrumentation. The track’s explosive chorus became a rallying cry, a call to arms that reverberated through the venue. “Oxymorrons’“ seamlessly blend political commentary with infectious hooks, helping to cementing their status as not just musicians but cultural icons.
“Django” and “Pretty People” from the ‘Mohawks & Durags’ EP continue with the brutal onslaught. The brothers moving quickly around the stage as Matty Mayz, smiling from behind the kit delivers knock out concussive blows to the front row.
“Melanin Punk,” a standout and title track from their debut album of the same name, it again challenges societal norms, and it became a moment of empowerment within the set. The anthemic chorus, coupled with the band’s infectious stage presence, transformed the performance into a celebration of individuality and resilience. The crowd, diverse in its composition, embraced the message with open arms.
As the set nears its end, “Oxymorrons” once again delved into their debut album, to continue the abusive, thought-provoking sonic journey that explores the complexities of the human psyche. “Look Alive” serves as an aural rollercoaster, it’s a dynamic track that, once again showcases the band’s ability to navigate the intricate nuances of both rap and rock.
The final song of the set, “Justice,” from the ‘Mohawks & Durags’ EP provides a powerful conclusion to the night. The band’s raw emotion and unbridled energy reaches its highpoint, and in doing so leaves a lasting mark on the crowd.
“Oxymorrons’“ live performance was a celebration of diversity, a rebellion against conformity, and a testament to the fusing power of music. As the lights dimmed and the echoes of their final song lingered in the air, it was evident that “Oxymorrons” had entertained everyone present, have run slightly over their allotted set time, no one seemed to mind after such a dynamic set.
The crew set about cleaning the stage, making ready for COREY TAYLOR and his band.
Corey Taylor, the versatile and charismatic frontman, has left an enduring mark on the rock and metal scene with his distinctive voice and dynamic stage presence. Born on December 8, 1973, in Des Moines, Iowa, Taylor’s journey to musical prominence began in the mid-’90s when he joined the alternative metal band Stone Sour. However, it was with the Grammy Award-winning band Slipknot that he would achieve global recognition.
Formed in 1995, Slipknot quickly became known for their intense and theatrical performances, masked identities, and a sonic assault that blended elements of nu-metal, industrial, and alternative rock. Corey Taylor, as the replacement lead vocalist after Anders Colsefni departed the band, played a pivotal role in shaping the band’s identity.
Slipknot’s self-titled debut album, released in 1999, catapulted them into the mainstream with hits like “Wait and Bleed” and “Spit It Out.” The band’s follow-up, “Iowa” (2001), further solidified their status as heavyweights in the metal genre. Corey’s raw, guttural vocals and emotionally charged lyrics became synonymous with Slipknot’s powerful sound.
As a songwriter, Corey Taylor’s contributions extend beyond his work with Slipknot. In 2002, he co-founded Stone Sour, showcasing a more melodic and alternative side to his musical repertoire. The band’s success was evident with albums like “Come What(ever) May” (2006) and “Hydrograd” (2017), featuring radio-friendly hits such as “Through Glass” and “Song #3.”
In addition to his achievements with Slipknot and Stone Sour, Corey Taylor has pursued a solo career, releasing albums that showcase his versatility as an artist. “CMFT” (2020)and “CMF2’ (2023) is a testament to his ability to explore various genres, from hard rock to country-infused tracks, while maintaining a sense of authenticity.
Corey’s lyrical prowess is marked by introspective themes, emotional depth, and a willingness to address personal struggles and societal issues. His ability to connect with listeners on a profound level has garnered him a devoted fanbase that spans generations.
Beyond his musical endeavours, Corey Taylor is known for his outspoken personality, wit, and contributions to literature. His autobiographies, “Seven Deadly Sins” (2011) and “You’re Making Me Hate You” (2015), offer fans a glimpse into his thoughts on life, music, and the industry.
As a frontman, Corey Taylor’s magnetic stage presence and vocal range make him a standout performer in the world of rock and metal. Whether he’s commanding the stage with Slipknot’s chaotic energy or delivering heartfelt ballads with Stone Sour, Corey Taylor continues to be a driving force in shaping the landscape of modern rock music.
A little after the given set time the lights dim and “The Box” is broadcast over the house PA
As the first notes of “Post Traumatic Blues”, from CMF2, the new album, reverberates through the venue, the fans are immediately as one, cheering, screaming as Corey made his way to centre stage. The grinding licks of the guitars of Martucci and Throne, the pulsating rhythm from Lorango on bass and seated Roberts on the kit, and Corey Taylor’s searing vocals, instantly created an electric charge that sent shivers down the spines of every fan, myself included.
They responded with thunderous cheers, setting the energy for a night of musical communion before the high priest.
“Tumult” follows, a powerful ‘Stone Sour’ anthem that defies the boundaries of the stage. The crowd sing along eagerly, transforming the ‘Hall’ into a chorus of voices echoing the sheer intensity of the song. The connection between the band and the audience is undeniable, and it only deepens as the band delve into the haunting melodies of “Black Eyes Blue,” a track from the first solo album ‘CMFT’, that blends both style and emotion seamlessly.
“We Are The Rest” is another from the latest solo album, and unfolds like a musical narrative, each note carrying the weight of its backstory. The atmosphere is electric, with the audience hanging on every word, immersed in the sonic journey Corey and his band are diligently crafting.
The transition to “Song#3,” a Stone Sour classic, was met with a surge of collective energy. The crowd singing once again as one, the vibe pulsating through the venue, a testament to the enduring power of the song. “Beyond” continues the sonic odyssey, it has to be noted that Christian Matuccci’s guitar work, whilst adding a layer of intensity, the guitarist is pacing like a caged tiger, as every riff he unleashes scorches the air.
Before unleashing the juggernaut that is “Before I Forget,” Corey Taylor engaged in a spot of banter with the crowd, creating a dynamic exchange that reinforced why he is such a popular frontman. The Slipknot track hits with a seismic force big enough to move the Halls to a new postcode, the crowd responding with a tidal wave of energy, help to bring it back to Earth.
“SpongeBob Square Pants,” an expected delight, garnered cheers as Taylor playfully addressed the crowd, he teased them before breaking into “Are You Ready Kids?”, “I Can’t Hear Yooooou.” The mad energy escalates as the audience sing along with gusto, responding on queue as a collective celebration of the porous super hero as it echoes throughout the Halls. A brilliant moment when one of the biggest voices in metal gets over 3000 fans singing along to a kid’s TV show, sea shanty theme tune. Genius!
With “Snuff,” Corey Taylor invites the crowd into a poignant moment, a shared experience of this classic Slipknot ballad. The emotional resonance was palpable as every word was sung in unison, a testament to the enduring connection between the band and their dedicated fanbase.
The roof-lifting cheer that greeted the fan favourite “30/30-150” spoke volumes about its impact. The raw power of the song reverberated through the venue, another song that left a deep-seated mark on the night as yet again the crowd duet with Corey, who at times let the fans lead.
“Talk Sick” follows on from that stunning moment, its’ a dynamic continuation that keeps the momentum soaring. The acoustic interlude of “Midnight” showcases the band’s versatility, which lead, seamlessly, into the epic “Through Glass,” which served as a resounding crescendo to the main set and was again treated to the choral expertise of the fans.
As Corey humorously declared a break for a “pee and a drink,” the crowd’s anticipation reached a fever pitch. The encore began with a stirring rendition of Slipknot’s “Duality,” the live sound of the track elevating its impact to new heights, this, a dynamic light show and an ever-muscular musical delivery from the crowd ensured that Corey knew he’d just been to Wolverhampton, The West Midlands, steeped in rock music history.
With that in mind, the night reached its conclusion with a stunning rendition of Black Sabbath’s “Fairies Wear Boots.” Described by Corey as a bluesy homage from a band that started it all, this blues-infused, stoner finale was a fitting tribute to Sabbath’s roots in their home city, bringing the night to a close in a crescendo of sound, emotion, and unwavering respect for the legends that have paved the way.
Corey Taylor and his band had just delivered a concert; one they had orchestrated as a musical odyssey that would satisfy their fans for years to come, or until the next CMFT gig. O.K. where are they playing next? Tonight surely rates as one of the ‘hottest’ gigs of 2023 without a doubt!
