Dropped the Ball Again

Kind of sucks...I missed out on over a year...My time is limited... It was a good and bad year for Cardiac Arrest in 2012. Played the show of our lives with Autopsy, Cianide, and Bones in May of 2012. Did limited shows since I started working again. Released our fourth full length album, Vortex of Violence. You probably didn't hear it because it did not get pushed at all. Oh well, on to bigger and better things. 2013 is busy. I'm getting married in May. Cardiac has a split 7" coming out with Mutant Supremacy. We are also working on our fifth full length. Played in Indianapolis with our good friends Radiation Sickness in January. Will be playing next week (Mon Mar 11) with Master here in Chicago. Playing Cheyenne, WY for the Wolves of the Apocalypse Fest in April. Have some irons in the fire for some other shows in the US. That's all for now folks...Maybe it won't be another year before I update this thing...

It's Alright...

You digging how I'm interweaving these Black Sabbath songs? I thought it was clever. But then again, I'm always drunk...

So, Jim is no longer in the band and the line up has been compromised for the first time since I joined in 2006. Five years...that is a pretty long run for stability in bands these days. So what the hell were we going to do?

We had a couple of options...Jim set us up with someone. This someone had already learned some of the tunes. Ok, why not try him out? I also had Danny from my other band Severed in mind too. Danny and I have jammed together since 1995 so we more or less share the same brain. Decisions decisions.

Ok, so we tried both out. Since we wanted to keep things quiet, we did not put out any adds or go posting all over the internet. We just wanted to test the waters with these two guys and see what happened. We had the time. If neither would work out, well, we would worry about it then.

So we played with both drummers for the next few weeks. And we made a decision. It wasn't Danny. And this is not a slight in any way. Danny just could not commit to our schedule. We had a lot of things coming up, and it caused some conflicts with his family life as well as his other bands. So Danny and I will still be doing Severed together at some point.

We had our first show coming up in Milwaukee on May 13th...so we continued to practice and tighten the screws...

Oh...and the new guy is.......

















...going to be revealed soon!

We're Going Through Changes...

Yup...

So, where did I leave off...Oh yeah...a great local show here in Chicago and finishing up in the studio...We got everything done in January and were planning to keep things moving...Them, the bomb dropped in February...

Jim, the Cardiac Arrest drummer since 2005 had to leave the band. I'm not going to get into detail about this, but I will say it was not an ugly thing. Yes, it sucked for us, but Jim did what he had to do. This was not dick thing, nor a high-school drama thing. We are on good terms and wish Jim the best of luck in the future.

So, why did we keep quiet about this and why did we keep quiet for so long? Well, in my opinion, there is just too much information on the internet these days. We have Album #4 (I'm still not saying the title) done, we have a bunch of shows booked throughout the year, and frankly, we do not cater to drama, and it is none of anyone's business why a member left. Also, I don't believe people (especially on the internet) need to know every single detail about a band. There is no mystique left anymore and I don't think everything needs to be broadcast. Call me old, since I was around back in the day when information was not so readily available, but whatever...This is the way we chose to handle the situation and Jim agreed with it...

I guess I can be called a hypocrite as well since I am talking about it now...but it is almost 8 months later...We kept all of our show commitments and are working the new guy in (more on that in another post) and all is fine...I guess I just did not want Jim's absence to be the focal point of our future...Is that fair??

I Dropped The Ball Again!

I guess it takes the new Facebook changes to make me seek out other outlets on the interwebs...I have slacked off yet again keeping this thing updated...I kept saying this would not happen again, but life gets in the way sometimes.

There will be a ton of stuff to update here...I won't do it all at once...I'll just post some stories here and there...then I should be able to update more frequently...

So, I'll get cracking if you want to read this stuff...

Cheers!

Studio Day 9

Well, on Sunday, 1/16, Adam went into the studio to do leads. Don't ask me what happened other than they got done...I wasn't there...I will be hearing them for the first time tomorrow...

We go back to the studio tomorrow morning...I hope the damn snowing and blowing stops by then...You know it has to snow when I have to go to the studio...Let's make the long drive that much more difficult...

Anyway, we will be doing vocals tomorrow...Bright and early...My guess is we will wrap up recording tomorrow...

Update then...

Studio Day 7 and 8

Another weekend and more progress made on Album #4...We did bass tracks this weekend...Got a great sound, although we ran into some equipment problems mid-way through on Saturday...Either way, we got what we needed to get done...

And low and behold, I knew I had to go to the studio on Sat morning, and what happened Friday? You guessed it...snow...Although it was not that bad, it still pissed me off...It takes me an hour to get to the studio from my house...

Recording is not an easy process...You don't hear what you hear at practice or live...Issues can pop up from time to time because while we think we are playing the same thing (and yes, we are) each person has a different variation to what they are doing and the others are hearing that in the studio for the first time...So there will be discussion and compromise to deal with...Not to mention getting a proper headphone mix to be able to perform...While we all went in prepared, it is still tricky...it's not like we record every week...

So, we got the bass done in two sessions...David finished on Sunday and he kicked ass...The bottom end on this album will split skulls...All we have left is leads and vocals...So far, I think we spent about 24 hours total recording time...Leads and vocals will be done in no time...Then on to the mixing...

But, it is safe to say that Album #4 is practically in the can...

And my beer can collection is getting quite impressive...Ha ha!!

January 2nd...First Cardiac Show of the Year!

Let's see how this works out...in the past, I have thought about doing write ups for our shows, but end up forgetting about it. Either that or I am too hammered to remember what happened...

A little back story...I was approached some time ago by Renato, a local promoter, to have my other band Severed play a show with Johnny Vomit and Eyegouger. Why not Cardiac? Well, most people who know us know that we will not play shows in the Winter time...Usually from November through March, we are rehearsing for the studio, in the studio, then writing and making plans for the next year...Of course there are always exceptions, but par for the course is to simply not play. Why you ask? To be honest, it is a fucking pain in the ass! Snow and cold simply just suck and we are not a Black Metal band who seem to thrive on the stuff...no thanks! So I agreed to have Severed play this show...

There is a problem though...Severed has not played together since March...And we could not schedule any time to get a practice in or two to be ready. There is also some other drama going on that I'm not going to bother getting into...long story short...Severed was unable to play...

Not wanting to be a tool like many "scene" people are, I did not want to leave Renato hanging...So a few weeks before the show, I asked the Cardiac dudes if they wanted to do the show...we discussed the pros and cons and we decided to go for it if Renato would have us...

It was at The Empty Bottle, a great divey place here in Chicago...I have seen several shows there in the past and there was always a great turnout and sounded great in there...And beer prices were cheap! Besides, we were going to be playing with Johnny Vomit, who have been friends of mine for years and we have never shared the stage with them. And Eyegouger was an added bonus. They are doing their Pornus Grindus thing again which is very welcomed by me. See, these guys were doing the porn grind thing well before kids with drum machines...They are very punked out, crude death metal...Look them up...I'm sure you'll be pleasantly surprised...

Here is the flyer...



So, it was going to be a long day...It was an early show, which required being at the venue early...3pm early...The bands had to soundcheck and get organized...Everyone was there right around the scheduled check in...hows that for pro??? Eyegouger would soundcheck first and of course, we all stood around and listened...Great hearing them again!! We were next, but we skipped...It made little sense for us to set everything up and tear down again, then reset up...We would just use Johnny Vomit's sound as the template and the soundguy could make adjustments during our first song...

Went to eat next door and then it was time to drink...Half off for the bands!! Sweet! Watched Johnny Vomit and talked to friends, old and new. The place was filling up nicely and it looked like we were going to have a great crowd...

And indeed we did...We played all new songs off of our upcoming album and they got a great response...This is tricky because people familiar with us are unfamiliar with the new material...So you never know how it is going to go over...

We played for about 35 minutes and had a great "million dollar" ending...Just a wall of noise and feedback that the club let go on for over 5 minutes...most kill the mics as soon as the set is over, so this was extra cool. And Adam got carried off the stage by the crowd which was just surreal and a first for Cardiac...Hopefully there is video of it around...

Eyegouger was up next and they were great. As said during soundcheck, it was great hearing these guys again. I missed out on ever seeing them live back in the day, so it was great to finally see them, let alone play with them.

Overall a great night and a great show...I guess I have to give slack to Chicago now because since March, we have done a total of 5 shows here and each one of them were excellent. We got treated right and the crowds were all great...But, I'm sure something else will happen in the scene here to screw that up...

Thanks to Johnny Vomit, Eyegouger, Renato, the staff at the Empty Bottle, and all who came out to make this such a great show!!

Well, now it is rant time...

Ok promoters...this one is for you...

Imagine this...an early 7pm-10pm show on a Sunday night with 3 bands...There were 163 people paid...Not bad, eh? Which again, makes me stress...STOP TURNING EVERY LOCAL SHOW INTO A FEST!!!! Four bands tops...3 bands preferred...Each band got paid well, got half price drinks, and were treated like we were supposed to be treated. Do not act like it is you doing us the favor...There is a lot of work for bands to do shows, so please understand that going forward...I'm sure you won't though...it is all about your greed until you move on to the next thing...And if you ever want us to sell tickets, I will tell you to shove them up your ass as well...Other bands need to do the same thing...but of course, they won't either...Of course, this is not every promoter, so don't get your panties in a bunch if you read this and think I am referring to the true promoters...If I know you and work with you, you are cool...

Other than that, not much to complain about...I would have liked to have seen certain friends and peers at this show, but oh well...Just like I said on Facebook, you have to give support in order to get support...This was an early, $3.00 show on a Sunday, so excuses don't cut it...Whatever...As much beer as I drink, I still have an excellent memory...

Anyway, a great way to start the year...We will be wrapping up recording of our 4th Full length (the 2nd on Ibex Moon), getting some new merch, and planning some shows...I do know we are playing the Evansville Deathfest in June and there is talk of a Milwaukee date in June as well...Hopefully we can get on an established tour as well...Ve Vill See...

Studio Day 5 and 6

First off...Happy New Year to everyone...2011 has to be better than 2010, correct? Or in my case, better than 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009 too...At least I hope so...so far so good though...

So as usual, I fell behind again...

Ok, so we were under a bit of a time crunch here...We had to record Adam's main tracks and had to get them done before our show on Jan 2nd...We also had to set up mics for Adam's rig...

Which we did and is all we did on Day 5...Our special helper was not available until the evening and it is a haul from the Southside to Polymorph, so no recording would occur that night...The plan was to get together on Friday morning (New Years Eve) and have a marathon session. Otherwise, it would be a mess having to break down the gear and reset up to record at a later time...Mic placement is precise and sound would change if moved. So Adam had to get all his rhythm tracks done...

And on Day 6, he did just that...We got together around 10am and started around 11am. We finished around 4pm if I am not mistaken. Adam just killed it like we knew he would. And the stress of moving the gear for the show was now eliminated...

All we have left is bass, leads, and vocals and Album #4 is in the can...and no, I'm still not revealing the title yet...So far, it has been an easy process and sounds amazing. Raw and sick and it should really sound like how you would hear us live.

More updates as soon as they happen...

Studio Day 3 and 4

I'm running behind again...so sue me...It is a busy time of year which I hate...

Anyway, on Saturday, I started recording my guitar tracks for the new album. I was actually up early that day, yet I was still late. But, at least it didn't snow that day...and our, um, helper was in tow to assist with mic placement and general consulting...

We spent about an hour fucking with mic placement. I was told he would have spent more time with it, but everyone else was happy with what was coming through the headphones, so we just went for it...

As I mentioned before, I'm not a fan of the studio...while we record live in a sense, we still have to piece things together...I'm not a fan of posers that go into the studio and record a riff and just cycle it throughout thanks to digital technology...I do my best to play the whole song all the way through...if I like it and the band likes it, it remains...there may be stuff to punch here and there, but overall, I am playing to the drums that were recorded in a live setting...hell, I even stand up...I move around...and I headbang...well, not too much because of the stupid headphones...and I get drunk as well...what else is new??

And for the record, I play simple...no gay effects or anything like that...A Gibson Explorer straight in to a Marshall JCM900 with an EQ (MXR) in the Effects Loop...oh, and a Volume Pedal...That is it...So stick your Pods or whatever cheater stuff people are using up your ass!!

I recorded for about 3 hours on Saturday and got 6 songs done. I felt pretty good about everything. It sounded like me, which on albums past, I never really felt that way...So that is another plus...

Fast forward to Tuesday morning...Back in the studio...And guess what?? It fucking snowed here again!!! But at least it was overnight, so the roads were fine...I just had to do the snow for my place and some of the neighbors...

I got there around 10am...Ate a Crossandwich (first time I was up that early in awhile to eat a lovely fast food breakfast) and slugged down a couple of beers while listening to what I did on Saturday...since everyone was happy with my shitty playing, it was time to knock the rest out...

I felt a bit better and comfortable today...Maybe it was the morning drinking...I dunno...I knocked out the last 5 tunes relatively quickly, although I am my own worst critic and start getting nitpicky...But so be it...

At any rate, my tracks are done...I spent a total of about 6 hours when all was said and done...Same with Jim...So 12 hours total so far...Too bad it spans over 4 sessions...

Adam will be up next...he will record his main tracks...My guess is he will knock them out in one session because he can play rings around me...After that, it is leads, bass...then vocals...Which reminds me, I still have lyrics to write...ha ha!!

Because of the holidays, we won't be getting back in until the next week...then we have a special show on Jan 2nd...Either way, this is going much quicker than past albums and we are very happy with the results so far...It can only get better!!

Here is the studio damage so far...

Studio Day 2

Welly, well, well...

The studio is going better than imagined. I'm not a fan of recording...it can be a tedious process, and to be honest, kind of boring. I prefer playing live and raging...which we kind of do in the studio...but it is still not the same...

We returned to Polymorph on Saturday...I was fashionably late as always...had to get beer and food, and I took a different way there and there was nowhere to stop since I was in the sticks, so I had to take some extra time to get my supplies...And I dodged another snow storm again...Seems like every time we record, we get stuck with shit weather...Snow and cold...Yes, I'm aware it is winter fuckos, but it can be cold without the snow...Maybe we should switch to black metal??

We reviewed the drum tracks from the previous week and were quite satisfied. Again, Jim did an amazing job and just killed it. The drums sound massive.

So we finished what we needed to do...5 more tunes...Done...

Yes, drum tracks are done!!

Again, kudos to Jim...

So we start guitars this week. We plan on taking a little different approach this time around. No trickery or bullshit...we would never do that. We always want to capture our live performance in the best way we can. Live sound, intensity, and just our crazy sickness.

We will have a close friend lending his ears and assisting with mic placements and stuff like that. It will be a big help because he knows our sound and what we should sound like when recording. Extra ears will greatly help as we have always just did things on our own...while we have always been happy with our past recordings, I think this will kick this release up a notch...

Curious on who is helping? Well, I'm still not telling...

So, that is all for now...So far, we spent about 6 hours recording total...not bad...We are hoping to whiz through the rest. The songs are well rehearsed and everything feels great...Part 3 coming soon...

Here I Go Again...

...On my own...

Oh, sing it David Coverdale!!

Eh, yeah, I know...it has been awhile...Life has been busy...finishing up school, feverishly looking for work, playing in a rock n roll band...Busy busy...

So a bit of an update...

The New Jersey Deathfest was fun for us...a lot of work and we were kind of trapped out there (shuttles and cabs, which is very expensive) but nonetheless, fun times...

We did our last show for the year in November with Incantation, Funerus, and Fatalist here at Reggies in Chicago...Great show...We debuted 5 new songs at this show...They appeared to go over well...Kristoff (Afterparty Massacre) viddyed it and there is a soundboard recording as well...When it will surface is TDB...There are plans...

As most of you who know me know I hate playing in Chicago...It is very fickle and thankless...This year was really good to us though...We did 4 shows, 3 of them with established bands, 1 was the tour date...

April=Deceased @ The Redline Tap
July=Tour Date @ Nitecap with our bros Gravehill
August=Destroyer666/Enthroned @ Reggies
November=Incantation @ Reggies

All shows went great and we were treated the way a band should be treated at all of these shows...The majority of shows we did this year were about the same...Well, all except one maybe...Not gonna mention it though...why bother??

So what is going on you ask? Oh, you didn't ask...well, I'm gonna tell you anyway...

Cardiac has just started recording our 4th album...I'm not going to tell you the name yet, nor the song titles...My old ass still believes that there should be some kind of mystique about a band...Too much information flies around out there...

Says me who is writing a stupid blog...ha ha!!

I will say that Jim (drummer) got done 6 drum tracks last Saturday...And I must say, the drums sounded fucking intense!!! No bullshit and no tricks...Massive!!!We will be in again this Saturday...5 more songs which hopefully he can knock out...And there will be a cool surprise when we start guitars...and I'm not letting the rabbit out of the hat on that either...

No pics just yet...Jim has some drum cam footage...Go look on his or the Cardiac Facebook page if you really want to see it...

So it snowed last week...and i had to clear snow around my neighborhood before making the trek to the studio and I was late as always...And it is supposed to snow massively this Saturday, so I'm sure I'll be late again...Ugh

I started a beer pyramid at the studio...I'll post pics of the progress...Fun fun!!

What's going on with Severed you ask? Oh yeah, my other band...To be honest, I really don't know...I'm so busy, I'm not thinking about it much...Maybe time to call it a day?? Maybe not? I don't know...I hate to stop because I have been doing it since 95...Seems like a waste if I don't keep going...Decisions, decisions...

Till next time...Cheers!!!

Tour Day 4--Oui, oui!! Montreal, Quebec Canada!

A little bit of time lapsed since my last entry...things have gotten way cool in my personal life so I have been kind of preoccupied...I start school again tomorrow, so I wanted to wrap the the tour blog...

So after a very successful show we are on the road headed to Montreal...The plan was to drive a few hours so we would be at the half way point. So I drove a bit and with everyone else crashed out, I started getting tired. I was maybe about 2 hours into the drive and said hell with it and stopped at the next exit...Cool, a Best Western!

Which was fully booked...fuck!

Back on the road I went and drove for awhile...Exits are not as frequent where we were at and I was limited in using my phone (GPS/Google Maps) because of data roaming so I was kicking it old school!! Also, there are not a ton of highway signs like here...you know, the blue ones that tell you where McDonald's is?

Another exit, and look at that...another Best Western...Went in...no one at the desk...Waited for 5 minutes...rang bell...still no one around...Goddammit!! I just wanted to go to sleep...

Back on the road again...found another seemingly populated area after a few miles...Got off and looked for hotels...The ones I found were not appealing to the eye...They looked like those fishing cottages you see in rural areas of Wisconsin...I got a total Deliverance vibe and decided we would stick with the chain hotels...

Back on the road again...And at this point, I'm starting to get mad. Mad because I'm tired and want to go to sleep. Mad because I am starting to see double while driving. Mad because I can't seem to catch a break with hotels. Mad because the three other insensitive assholes in the truck are dead to the world sleeping. Mad because...

Oh snap!! A Motel 6 up ahead!! Fifth times the charm?

As I said, I was seeing double at this point so I was having a hard time navigating...David woke up as I passed the turn off few times...the motel was in this "off" area and I just had a hard time finding where to go...David successfully was my eyes and I pulled onto the service road that lead me into the lot...

Got out and attempted to check in...Yes, they had rooms...however, there was a caveat...I dunno if Motel 6 is considered a 4 star hotel in Canada or not, but the price sure was...$125.00!!!! Ok, not exactly 4 star, but you know what I mean. Hell, I can find them around here for $40.00 a night...I begrudgingly payed and headed back to the truck...I just wanted sleep! So here I am steaming pissed as I went and parked...Went to the trailer to get the bags...The lock was not on there right meaning the trailer was unlocked for the last three or so hours...Not too big of a deal, but it was just enough to trigger the Tom Temper!! Stuff was flying around the trailer as I searched for my bag...I tossed everyone else's out, slammed the door shut, locked it properly, yelled out the room number, and headed up...

It was a nice Motel 6 though...Brand new. But fuck it...it was 5am and I just spent $125.00 for a four hour nap...Ugh...With every attempt I try to be frugal on the road, it never fucking works out that way. I am always keeping mad track of the band money and I get miffed when it starts depleting. Seems like we never get ahead.

We had to be at the gig at 3pm...I figured we were about three and a half hours away...We could get a nap and head out around 11 and be fine...And that's what we did after waking, getting our showers on, and stopping for gas/food...

As I was driving, I still felt like we were behind...the mile signs seemed longer than I had thought...Oh wait, they are in kilometers...Duh!

We get into Quebec...at that point, everything turns French! The signage, everything...Weird. We keep plodding along and the directions put us on this highway that turns into a regular city road for awhile...We laughed when we saw a KFC...There it is called PFK...

The road turns back to a highway and we are getting close...I noticed a shit ton of graffiti on the overpasses which seemed odd to me. I always think of Canada as this pristine place...It looked like we were back home in Chicago.

Jim did good with the directions. I am terrible about navigating once we get close...cities always screw with me. After a massive traffic jam, we find the exit. And sure as shit, the place is located in a busy downtown area. In a very steep area. With a festival of some sorts going on. And tons of traffic, both pedestrian and vehicle...And I overshot the club. Fuck!

Wasn't that bad though...was able to circle around and get there...After a bitch of a time backing in the trailer next to the bus, we met up with everyone and began unloading.

The club, Katacombes was pretty cool, although set up kind of weird. It was all circular and the stage was kind of small. There was not a lot of room to store gear. There were going to be two opening bands this night, so the room was really filling up with gear. We also wouldn't be able to backline due to the small stage and the openers.

I must say this...Jim was a trooper for this show...He put up with a lot of shit. David went to the truck to sleep, Adam went and did whatever Adam does, and I kind of wandered around, drank, or hung out with Ian from Destroyer. Jim attempted to set up his kit, work with the stage manager, dealt with the opening bands, etc. It was kind of an odd situation, which I wanted no part of. I just wanted to go get some Poutine!! Which I did...and it was everything I thought it would be!!



Upon my return to the club, I ran into an old friend, Annick Giroux. She did the zine, Morbid Tales and most recently, the super awesome cookbook, Hellbent For Cooking!

We played catch up a bit and it turns out she was DJ'ing at the club in between bands! Awesome, as she has great taste in music...



I was allowed to drink without limit today...David said he would handle the first leg of the trip home. He napped on and off in the truck throughout the night. Awesome! And drink I did...In fact, I sampled so many different beers...It would be a good night.

A pretty big line was forming outside. Everyone in Toronto said this would be a great show for us and it was sure shaping up that way, minus the logistical problems...The first two bands played to a pretty packed house. A very good sign. We were up next and our goal (as always) was to destroy the place. We were uncertain as I think we were unfamiliar to many, but it seems we won them over based on the merch sales after the performance. We about sold out of everything we had. Also we more than recovered from the previous hotel and then some, so I was feeling better.

Here is a video from the show...



Again, the metal fans there are great. We met a lot of cool people and made a lot of new friends. Sure there is a bit of a language barrier. However, their English is 50 times better than my French, so no complaints. If you are in a band, I highly recommend adding Montreal to your list of places to play.

Not much to say about Destroyer and Enthroned. They both killed it yet again. In fact, KK made mention that it was the best show of the tour. I would concur, even though I was not there for the whole tour. But the metal fans in Montreal are crazy and fucking dedicated!!! The place was packed.

After the show, we all hung out. The club was opened till 3:30am, and we finally got the chance to hang out without worrying about anything other than going home. Annick played some great tunes while the typical sing-a-longs, drinking, and debauchery occurred as always. We were having a blast, yet we were kind of sad as we would be going home. We did not want it to end and we made that clear to both Destroyer and Enthroned...

They were playing the Hostile City Deathfest in Philly the next day. We had tried to get on when we found out we were on the tour to no avail. Ian suggested we just go with anyway as there are always cancellations. Since we had their backing, it may have been worth a shot, but we decided against it. It was decided that we would make plans in the future though as we all really hit it off...

The bar was closing and it was time to leave. We had a 14 + hour drive ahead of us. David, as promised, took the first shift. I stayed up with him awhile until he got out of Montreal and on the main highway we would be taking all the way back.

The conclusion/aftermath coming soon...Stay tuned!!

Tour Day 3--Take off, hoser!--Toronto, Ontario Canada!!

Yeah, sorry, but I had to throw a Strange Brew reference in...

Ok, so we head out of Detroit after a pretty decent show. I was hammered, so David drove...I figured it would be best since he was sober...I doubt it would be in our best interest if I pulled up to the border in an inebriated state...So the keys to the war beast (read: Chevy Trailblazer) were relinquished...

David drives really well...It is tough hauling a trailer and he handled it with ease. Hence is why he is on the approved driver list for road shows...that makes only two of us...However, two is better than just me...Ha!!!

Our plan was to get through the border and drive a bit...It was a shorter drive than we were used to (about 4 hours) so if we could get through and make it some of the way, we should be golden. We had to be at the venue at 3pm. So time was on our side once we would (could) make it through...

We get to the border and it was a bit intimidating...I kind of sobered up instantly. The border guards were really polite, asked the random questions, and instructed us to pull up and check in. The check in area was pretty empty...Hopefully that is good, because I was worried about Jim getting in since he didn't have a passport. Doing some research before I left, I learned that you don't really need one to get in...It speeds things along and you may have a bitch of a time getting back to the US without one, but we would worry about that when it was time...

We pretty much breezed right in...I think we were there for 20 minutes...Next thing you know, we were heading towards the gig...Yay us!!!

David drove for awhile longer and gas was running low so we decided to get a room...By my estimation on where we stopped, it would be about a 3 hour drive to the venue...Lets get a good night sleep and something decent to eat in the morning....Sounds like a plan stan!! I want to say it was around 3am...If we were on the road by noon, we should be fine...

Sleep never goes well...With four of us in one room, sleep will not bode well...However, we are not rich so we have to deal with each others quirks...Mainly...snoring! Ugh!! Jim used to be pretty bad, but now Adam is the one that takes the cake...I went in and out of sleep throughout the night...Finally, around 9am, I got up and started getting ready...everyone else followed suit shortly after...

We stopped at the overpriced hotel restaurant and had a decent meal...We gassed up and headed out. All this time, dealing with American vs Canadian money, gallons vs liters, and miles vs kilometers...Yes, the first time we have had to deal with it...

We bought cigarettes...could not get Marlboros there...We got whatever Canadian equivalents...and the packaging is brutal...picture of a limp cigarette saying smoking causes impotency, a picture of a brain that had a stroke, pictures of blackened lungs, etc. That shit would not fly here at all...you know, because that is improper, offensive, and whatever else the moral majority deems fit for our eyes and brains...

So I drove to the venue...So far, everything was fine...Until we got to the Toronto area...The traffic was nuts!! I mean, crazy. I am used to traffic, but maybe being in an unfamiliar area stressed me out more...Either way, we finally made it and we were on time...

We get to the venue, which was The Opera House. We pull up behind the Destroyer/Enthroned bus...here they were, ready to help us again...No fucking shit!!!

The place was bigger than most places I ever played. For the Chicago readers, think about The Vic Theater...it was not as big, but it was close...We loaded in and started setting up...Met the sound guy and he started moving right away...There was a ramp installed from the floor to the stage to facilitate loading...Nice!!

The tour manager asked for a favor...he wanted to put the bus driver in a hotel to get some real sleep and wanted to save cab fare...Problem was, I am lazy, just drove through the gridlock, and really did not want to leave...especially with an empty trailer...However, I understood the predicament and the saving of cash, I just did not want to drive...David stepped up to the plate and I detached the trailer from the truck to make things easier...

Traffic sucked because they were gone for about 2 hours...Either that, or they all went to a strip club or went joy riding in the Trailblazer...Ha!! No one said anything on return...But they returned safely and all was well...we were all ahead of schedule...

We were the lone band to do a soundcheck...Destroyer and Enthroned trusted us enough to handle it I suppose as they did not soundcheck the entire time we were together...

We then find out Pathology did not make it through the border...I found that odd since they were on tour and made it in at Vancouver a week or so prior...I guess different borders, different rules?? Bummer as those dudes were cool. I'm sure we will share the stage again in the future...

There was a local opener though, which made me happy because we did not have to play first for once!! And they were nowhere to be found yet...

I went walking around to find a bar...which I did...and I happily planted myself there...

Jim and I did an interview...I drank...Just hanging out before the madness would begin...

Get back to the venue and there was a nice line forming outside...Nice!!

The opening band, Sepulchre was all set up and ready to go...Merch was set up and I was just wandering and hanging out...People were already buying stuff from us...A great sign, especially since it was our first time there....

Sepulchre were up and they were really good. I am unfamiliar with them, but I liked what I heard. They played a strong set to a good response...

We were up next...We stormed through our set...Someone passed out during one of our songs and he was right up front...Luckily, it was towards the end going into the next song, so I was able to do a pause and get this poor guy some help...we was carried away, and the show went on...It sounded great on stage, so I could imagine it sound great out in the crowd...

We get done, helped the Destroyer guys get situated, and off to the merch table...No shit...there was a fucking line!! Adam and I were scrambling because people were just throwing money at us...I want this shirt, this CD, can you sign this can you sign that...It was insane!! I still did not sign a set of tits, but I signed just about every bit of merch or concert ticket that was put in front of me...Weird...Someday, I will sign tits!!

Destroyer and Enthroned killed it as they did the last couple of days...I spent the rest of the gig hanging out at the merch table and talking to everyone who wanted to talk...Everyone was very cool and very appreciative that we played...We kept being told that the show in Montreal would kill...they are nuts there...To be honest, I thought this show killed...and it is going to get better??? Wow...I hope I am not getting set up for a letdown...

One funny point...I never seen so many Blasphemy shirts in the same place at once...It seemed like 1 out of 5 people were wearing one...Which is cool in my book...I love that band...

The only bummer of the night is the venue took a percentage of the merch...We knew this going in, but it was still a sore spot. I can see both sides...Here we are, a struggling band just trying to make ends meet, and a venue is going to take money from us...On the other hand, this was a big operation...multiple sound guys, security, the whole nine yards...And they only charged us for shirts, patches, and that sort of stuff...Not music...And since that was the majority of what we sold, we did not get hit for too much...Destroyer and Enthroned on the other hand were not too happy about it since most of what they sold were shirts...And they also stuck up for us because we were the struggling band...A bit of waves were made, but nothing real bad...Nick (tour manager) settled a lot of it...But I really appreciate being stuck up for...Again, these guys (Destroyer and Enthroned) looked out for the little guy (Us) and when most bigger bands could give a fuck, they did...Fucking massive!!!

We all loaded out and hung out a bit...We were invited to a bar by the locals, but we thought it be best to get on the road and make our way to Montreal...It would be a little over a 6 hour drive and I wanted to get at least half way there...Destroyer and Enthroned wanted us to hang at the bar and on the bus, but they respected our choice..."True Professionals" is the term I heard, and that really meant a lot. It also shows that we don't fuck around on the road...We are in the proving stage right now, and word of that will spread...

I was cool to drive as I did not drink a whole lot for a bulk of the night...We headed out, drove a bit, and stopped for gas and some vittles...got back on the road and I proceeded to drive as far as I would be able...3 days and no Tom Temper Tantrum...Things are good...Or would the Tom Temper show it's ugly face???

Tour Day 2--You Gotta Lose Your Mind in Detroit Rock City

Or so Paul Stanley so eloquently put it...

So I woke up around 8:30am, still kind of buzzed I think...and the burrito I devoured before going to bed didn't sit right...Oh well...lessons learned...I had to pick up the trailer at 10am...So I packed, shit, showered, and shaved, and headed out the door...

I got there a little late...no biggie...Got stuck with a 5x8 though...I much prefer the 4x8 because with those, I can still see out the back window a bit...Details, details...

I headed over to the practice spot and everyone was waiting for me...Loaded up and hit the road. Well, tried to. Seems like everywhere in our area is under some sort of pain in the ass construction. I think we finally got on the Interstate around noon...

It is roughly a 5 and a half hour drive to Detroit, which should put us there around 5:30...Kind of cutting it close I thought...I speed and the speed limits are a bit higher in Indiana and Michigan, so I thought I would be able to shave some time off...

Oh wait...I forgot about the time change into Eastern...Fuck...Now we would be really cutting it close. As far as I knew, the show was starting at 6pm. Ugh...Maybe the show will get pushed back like the Chicago show did...We could hope...

So, with me being quiet and focusing on the task at hand, I sped across Michigan with only one gas/piss stop...We got to the club, Blondies, and 5:45pm...We made it!!! I guess the Destroyer/Enthroned bus just got there shortly before us, and the Pathology van was nowhere to be seen, so I guess we were doing alright...

Being in a hurry because we still didn't really know what was going on, we quickly unloaded the trailer...But what's this? Members of Destroyer and Enthroned coming out to help...No shit! We got everything in the club and on the elevator in minutes...



We were about to get everything to the stage area, but not before we got to eat...There was a catered meal of chicken, potatoes, and cole slaw!! Awesome...Free food always rules...

So we get everything set up on stage (with more help mind you) and met some of the staff...We sound checked, set up merch, and had a lot of time to relax because the show did get pushed back to around 8:30. Beer time!! Then again, when isn't it beer time for me?

Pathology rolled in as they also forgot about the time change...Glad we weren't the only ones...

The place started getting a bit of a crowd. It was nothing like the Chicago show the night before, but it was respectable...We went on to a great response. More and more people were moving up to the front as we played, which is always a good thing...We get done and felt pretty good...Also sold some more merch after we played, which is another good sign.

Pathology was up next and they killed it. Like I said, not really my thing, but I found myself getting it into it more today. They also threw a song out to us...We'll have to return the favor tomorrow for sure...

Destroyer was up next and again, killed it...What else would you expect? They are a great band and they just took over the place...

Throughout all this time, I was hanging out in back and drinking beers with everyone...getting to know everyone more and just shooting the shit and telling stories...Finally met the tour manager for this leg, Nick, who was super fucking cool.

Enthroned was next and were great as well. I noticed the crowd would thin a bit after Destroyer, which kind of sucks because Enthroned is really good. Maybe people (like myself) were unfamiliar with them since they haven't been to the states in quite a few years...Either way, they slayed...

After quite a few more beers and hanging out, we started to load out...and get this...more help again!! As you can see by all of the mentions of this I make, I am very appreciative with help loading...

Loading got done quick and we were going to head out...Toronto was the next stop and since we never crossed the border before, we figured it would go quicker late at night...Besides, Jim did not get his passport on time, so we thought we would have a tougher time, so may as well get it over with as soon as possible...

Tour Day 1--Spoiled In Chicago

Has a nice ring to it...sounds like it could be one of those light-hearted chick flick comedies...or the name of the newest shit metal-core band...

So Day 1 was at home here in Chicago...It was at Reggies, which is one of the premiere places to play here now. I have been to over 100 shows here now, but have never played there, so this is a happy first...

We all met up there...saved money on a trailer this way and I did not want to drag around those pain in the ass things more than I had to...

Things were weird though...The show was supposed to start at 6pm, which never bodes well for a local band...while we are on the tour, the fact is, we are still a local band when we play here...There were no other openers scheduled either...So there is a good chance that many people would not be getting there till later...Work schedules and travel and all...

Luckily, in the morning, I found out the show got pushed back to 8pm...Better for us!!!

I got to the club around six and there were already some people there hanging out...Apparently word about the time change did not get out...Still, good for us.

The staff there is excellent. They make you feel very welcomed and there is not any bullshit to deal with. Adam was already there and Jim and David showed up shortly after...We loaded in and was trying to find out what was going on. Destroyer and Enthroned were to use our cabinets and the drum set was supplied. Pathology was using their own stuff and they would just set up in front...Problem was the provided drumset...It was missing a floor tom, a throne, and it was just not that good. Perra (of Nominon who was the touring drummer for D666) asked if we brought our kit...was too late to go get it, but we decided that we would bring it for the next three dates since we had the room in the trailer...That was really the only setback for our portion of the tour was that kit...Even still, instead of whining and crying about equipment, professionals make due and use what is there...And that what all three bands did...

So we set up and do a soundcheck and things sounded great on stage...We were ready to slay a hopefully full room...We hung out for awhile and got to know the Pathology guys, the Destroyer guys, and the Enthroned guys...We all really hit it off...This was going to be a fun tour.

So after the hang out and getting to know each other, it was time to take the stage. The place was filling up nicely and we has seemed to get a good response...We raged through our set in about a half hour. We always plan for that as we don't want to cut in to the other bands time. If we finish early, so be it...better than over staying your welcome...

Here was the setlist for the tour...

-Insanity's Grip
-Among Us
-Against Their Will
-The Blade That Reaps
-Embrace The Aftermath
-Paralyzed With Fear
-Affliction of the Beast

Yes, mostly Haven material...we do need to push the new album you know. And it is very difficult coming up with setlists for shows now...With 3 full length albums, the Demo EP, The Beast 7", there is a lot to choose from.

I felt really good after our set. Two really great turnouts for Chicago shows in a row for us now (See the Gravehill tour post for more info on that) and to be honest, I don't want to play Chicago for a long time now for fear of getting disappointed...The last two shows we did here will be hard to top...

Didn't have to break anything down as Pathology was setting up in front of the backline. Went to drink beer, and lots of it...Hung by the merch table and watched Pathology. They are really not my thing, but they were really good. Our friend Shawn Whitaker (Insidious Decrepancy) was doing vocals for this tour...

Destroyer 666 was up next...Went up to check if they needed anything or had any questions about gear. All was well and they went on and about killed the place. I had seen them in Chicago in 06 and I remember the intensity and turnout being better for that show, but this was still a killer set.

Enthroned was up next. Now, I was never a black metal fan, so I have never heard these guys. After checking with them regarding equipment, I went back to the merch table and paid attention while they played. They were really good. Again, I am unfamiliar with their material, but I was digging what I heard.

Here is a review of the show from The Punk Vault. Contains some cool pics too!

Time to break down the gear...and get this...We actually got help with load out from members of Destroyer and Enthroned...Take note on this bands we have played with before that used our gear and then would just stand around while we loaded everything out...

Said bye to everyone and headed home...Ate a burrito and got a few hours of sleep before our trek to Detroit...

Another Tour Already?? The Backstory...

Well, sort of...It was only four days...I'll get to that in a minute...

I was going to write about Central Illinois Metalfest and our show in Akron, Ohio first, but I wanted to try and write about this most recent jaunt with everything fresh in my mind...

Ok, so a couple months ago, we were asked to be part of the Destroyer 666 and Enthroned US Tour...This was an extensive US tour that lasted nearly a month...Long story short, we were asked to do the whole thing in the beginning, which we accepted...Things kept changing though (as I'm sure it sometimes does) and we ended up on the tail end of the tour. About 2 weeks before the tour would launch (and about a week after we got home from the Gravehill/Hod/Caridac tour), I got a call from John McEntee (Incantation and Ibex Moon Records) asking if we could fill in a chunk of dates for our friends and label mates Estuary who were now unable to do the tour. We looked at every way possible, but there was no way we could have done it, which sucked, but that's what happens sometimes...Besides, the notice was too short and contrary to popular belief, people in bands do have lives and responsibilities...



We would be on the Chicago, Detroit, Toronto, and Montreal dates...Not too shabby, especially since it was three markets we have never played, with two being in another country...Yes, I can say it now...Cardiac Arrest is now an International live band! Yay us!! Only took me a little over 20 years playing death metal to do that...

While I generally never get nervous about this kind of stuff (stressed is more my style) this tour was kind of eating away at me...I was nervous about the whole border thing...None of us have anything to hide or prevent us from going, but in our case, if something can go wrong, it will for us. We have a lot of "pie in the face" moments and this tour could have had the potential for a lot of that...This tour was organized and we would be working with the booking agent and various tour managers, something we have not experienced. Also, I get nervous about bigger bands...How will they treat us? Will we get along? Will we be able to sell stuff at our prices? Will we be able to sell stuff at all? Are we going to get screwed on our guarantee? This is the kind of stuff that rattles around my empty skull...

Things looked to be on the up and up though...The booking agent was cool and kept in contact...things were getting organized and plans were being made...All we had to do is show up and kick ass...

We really put everything into our rehearsals for this tour...I mean, we always do regardless, but I think we were paying real close attention...These would be important shows for us. We would be playing for people who may not have heard us before...Also, several genres would be represented on this tour...Black, War, Technical Brutal Death (Pathology was on this tour as well) and our mix of what we do so there would be different fan bases. How would we go over on this?? Another bout of Tom nervousness...

Some things tour wise were working in our favor though...Everyone would be using the same drum kit...Awesome! Less to lug around and it helps in the set up time. We had a half hour set, so the more time saved, the better...And we were getting decent guarantees...I had the trailer secured, so that was one less thing to worry about...We had some more merch en route as well...Everything was lining up...

But I still had an unsettling feeling about the tour...To be honest, I think I was scared for the first time in my band life...

Goodbyes suck!

Well, I get home when most people are getting ready for work...I crash out in a drunken coma...

My phone wakes me at around noon...It felt like I had just closed my eyes when I laid down and now I was up again...It was Scott...The Gravehill guys were getting ready to make their long trek home to California...I throw some water on my face and head out the door...

I walked over this time...I should have walked home a few hours before, but common sense waved bye bye to me at some point in the night of debauchery...not a bad walk at all, except it was really hot out...

Al Famine was still over and everyone was just hanging out...either groggy from the long two weeks we had or hung over...or both...

And of course, Renee corrupted me once again...There was one lone beer in the house...And that was a Sam Adams Imperial White...They pack a punch...especially when I think I was still drunk from the night before...

And that folks is what is in that coffee cup I'm clutching here...





We say our goodbyes and watch Gravehill take off...I know Scott has a pic of the Gravehill-mobile and that shit awful trailer departing...

So now I am mega-bummed...While I was bummed on the road during certain times, it hit me bad now...While I keep in touch with everyone from Gravehill, it is not the same as hanging out. Who knows when we will see each other again? Sooner than later I hope...The point is, I'm already missing my friends...

Since Scott and Renee were off for the day, we hung out...went to a killer hot dog stand that I never knew about in all the time I lived here...Highly recommended, but daylight dining is suggested...It is also Anthony Bordain approved!



Of course we got beer afterward and just hung out and drank through the evening...I split around 8pm though...an early night...One of the few...

When I was home, I didn't know what to do with myself. This feeling is still going on, weeks after the tour commenced. I never knew if I would enjoy touring or not. But, as I was home, all I wanted to was be out playing. I guess I was meant to be doing this.

We had a few days off now to relax and decompress...Next stop...The Sickest Fest in the Midwest...Central Illinois Metalfest!

After Tour Celebration--Sweet Home Chicago Part 2: Electric Boogaloo!

Yeah, I guess you could call it that...While we had to end it early, we still felt a great sense of accomplishment. For Cardiac, it was the first time we have ever did something this extensive...We all got along, no major melt downs, we gave 110% every show, dealt with the downs, and relished in the ups...We proved to ourselves that we could tour...

I had phoned Scott of Cianide before the Indy show to see if his offer (see Tour Day 8 entry) still stood...Good news...it did...and he even took Friday off. Preparing for debauchery...that's what us drunks do!

We left the Indy show probably around 3am...We stopped at a Denny's to grub and finish the drive back to Chicago...I couldn't tell you who drove...I think it was David...with me being drunk and a stomach full of awesome breakfast food, I went into drunk/food coma and crashed hard...Next thing I know, it was daylight and we were back at our rehearsal spot and gear was already being unloaded.

Still half asleep, I did what I could...We also had to put the damn extra seat back in the van...What a pain in the ass...

Everything got unloaded, so I took Adam back to his place...Came back and closed everything up and headed back to Casa de Knizner for the second time this tour. Works for me! Jim and David had to ride along since Jim left his car by Scott's after the Chicago show...But we weren't going there to party yet...Come on...It was like 8:30 in the morning...I'm bad, but not that bad...Ok I am, but Scott and Renee were at work...When I dropped Jim and David off, I noticed Al Famine's car parked there...Must have partied the night before...Hopefully he would still be around for this evenings festivities...

We get to my place about 2 minutes later...Had to search for a parking permit for the Gravehill-mobile (zoned parking and revenue collectors love finding non compliant vehicles) and we just chilled here...Matt and Corpsie went straight to the basement to crash...Rhett did laundry and he, myself, Bob, and Mike just chilled out and watched TV...We had a lot of time to kill and it was nice to just relax...

I had to take the van back at some point today, and luckily, the place was right down the street...I'll worry about it later because I wanted to clean it up before I took it back...

In the early afternoon, hunger started to kick in...I suggested my favorite junk food joint, Jacky's, which is right across the street. However, I was outvoted in favor of Deep Dish Pizza. Yes, the last time the Gravehill guys were here, we really did not have time to do much of anything Chicago-wise and they got shafted...Not this time though...I took them right down the street to one of the more famous establishments here on the South Side...

Disclaimer: Let it be known that we here in Chicago do not just eat Deep Dish Pizza like all those food shows lead you to believe...We mostly eat thin crust that is cut into squares...Deep Dish is a nice treat once in awhile...Got that???

Corpsie and Matt stayed behind and slept while the rest of us gorged on Deep Dish Pizza...I'd like to say that we were dicks and didn't bring them back any, but we are not like that believe it or not...They got leftovers that were still hot (that's how close this place is to the house)

Bob, Mike, and I cleaned the van while the others ate, took showers, etc.

Took the van back without any issue. I was a bit worried about it because of all the goofy things that we went through with the change over and turning it to a different city, but all was well...

Went and loaded up on beer and some food for the night...Drinking and grilling would ensue.

We got to Scott's around 7pm...Besides myself, David was the only Cardiac member in attendance for the bash...And Al Famine showed back up to partake in the bash...and what a bash it was...I'll let the pics do the talking...





































Yup...that's how we roll...This went on till about 5am...I can't even fathom how much booze was consumed...I know I brought a 30 pack, David brought a 12er, Al brought beer, I believe some of the Gravehill dudes bought some beer, Scott's house is ALWAYS well stocked, and that bottle of Maker's Mark was full when we got there...The bash is what the kids now call, epic!

It was getting light out when I made my way home, which thankfully is only a few blocks away...David had left already and the Gravehill guys were crashing at Scott's...I would see them again in just a few hours...

Tour Complete--The Aftermath

Well, as I said, I will explain....But first, here is the press release that went out on what was to be the final day of the tour...

Ibex Moon Records has announced that the last four dates of the "Campaign For Death Metal Purity Tour", featuring GRAVEHILL, CARDIAC ARREST and HOD, will not go on as planned.

Though HOD dropped off the bill after the July 7 date in Austin, Texas, other factors led to GRAVEHILL and CARDIAC ARREST canceling the final dates.

Commented CARDIAC ARREST drummer Jim "Grindhead" Deabenderfer: "We in CARDIAC ARREST and GRAVEHILL are disappointed to be in this position. Canceling shows is not something either of our camps are accustomed to. We are forced to drop these dates for purely logistic reasons, not financial. This should not reflect on any of the promoters for the dates in question — our plans simply had to change with the situation. Both CARDIAC ARREST and GRAVEHILL are committed to make up these four dates as soon as possible."

The affected dates are as follows:

July 15 - Buccaneer's - Memphis, TN
July 16 - Downtown Music - Little Rock, AR
July 17 - Walters - Houston, TX
July 18 - Ten Eleven - San Antonio, TX

The "Campaign For Death Metal Purity Tour" will conclude tonight in Indianapolis, Indiana at The Melody Inn, with GRAVEHILL and CARDIAC ARREST playing alongside Abyss Records acts MAAX and CHRIST BEHEADED.


So, what were the logistical problems...Well, I'll tell ya...


Ok, Hod is the one that secured the van. We had taken over said van. Hod provided a lot of the gear being used, so when they left, so did the gear...We scrambled to get ours to finish out the dates we could...

Now, Indianapolis is about a 4 hour drive from Chicago. Get where I'm going to with this? No? Keep reading then...

We also had to return the van. We were already getting hit for the different driver fee now.

We had two options at this point...

1--Finish the tour as planned

2--End the tour early for said logistical reasons

Option 1 sounds great, don't it...I thought so...Here is the problem with that...

We finish out the dates and play Memphis, Little Rock, Houston, and San Antonio...we return the van in San Antonio and we fly home from there (remember, we have plane tickets as this was the plan from the get-go) and everything is peachy, right?

Ok, how do we get our equipment home?

"Oh Tom, just ship it back home!" you say...

Yeah...2 4x12 cabinets, 1 Marshall Head, and Jim's monster drum kit...

"Just fly home with it!"

Yeah, right...

"Just rent a car and drive the stuff home!"

Won't fit...have to rent a van again...

"Gravehill has the trailer...they could take the gear back with them and work out shipping arrangements!"

Ain't gonna happen...room in the trailer was limited as it was and the van was being used for storing stuff as well...Now, no van with extra storage for their ride home...

"Go back to Chicago, dump your gear off and just use other bands stuff!"

Ok drive away from our next city, dump the gear off, and then do double the drive back to Memphis.

Believe me, I may sound like a smart ass, but we did try to examine every option to continue on with the tour...Nothing would work for us. We really did want to continue on, but ultimately decided to end it in Indianapolis since we were pretty close to home.

So that folks is what happened...No drama, no bullshit not getting along with Gravehill (or earlier, Hod)...We were just stuck and going home was the only way...

We knew we were beat...

It was all decided as a group (including Gravehill) that we would end in Indianapolis. We all put our heads together to try and make this thing work to no avail.

The plan was to go back home to Chicago, dump the gear at the practice space, return the van (which we also get a hit on for turning it in another city, but with turning it in 5 days early, it kind of offsets) and relax and party before Gravehill had to make their long trek back to Los Angeles...

Kind of anti-climatic, eh?

Tour Day 13--Indianapolis, Indiana

Yeah, that's right...I can't think of anything catchy for this one...Maybe some kind of John Cougar Mellencamp thing, but I'm drawing a blank...

So we left New York probably around 3am to make the 12 hour haul to Indy...Mike started out the drive in getting out of the city. Not bad. My foot was now killing me so the best thing for me was sleep...I slept through the night, through a lot of storms, and a change in driver. Yes, David stepped up to the plate and got us through the storms...I am told he did damn good too, so he is now on the driver approved list for upcoming shows...

We gassed up around 8am and I took us the rest of the way...My foot was feeling a bit better now and I just wanted to get there...The ride wasn't too bad, just long and really nothing to look at. We were making excellent time though...

We were about an hour and a half ahead of the Gravehill-mobile as they had stopped at a truckstop for a classic truckstop shower...We chose to marinate for the day...

We got into Indy about right on schedule...we found the club and decided to get something to eat. We were in a very ghetto area by the looks of things and I think we were all wondering how this show would go. Cardiac has played Indy 3 times prior and turnouts have always been on the low side.

He grabbed something to eat down the road and I was deciding whether or not to stay the night...In the meantime, Gravehill rolled into town and was getting kind of lost...Their war machine needed an oil change as well. Luckily, there was quick lube place within spitting distance from where we were currently at...Problem is, my sense of direction is worth a shit and they went the opposite way...They finally met up with us about a half hour later...They pull into the oil change place, and the shitty thing was we had to detach the trailer...Dammit...It wasn't as bad as one would think though...So, oil change is done, and now they want to eat. It was around 5:30 at this point, so we would skip the hotel and head to the club. We also had to out our plan into action, which I will explain in detail in the next entry...I stopped at a store and picked up a 12er while I waited for everyone to finish eating...

We played The Melody in...Our friend Dano is the one that booked and promoted the show. He has never done us wrong, hence is why we will always work with him. The line-up was sweet...Our buddies Maax were the openers...We have played with them quite a few times now and they are a great band and cool dudes. Christ Beheaded would play after. Awesome black metal band consisting of Iron Bob of The Gates of Slumber fame...Then it would be us and Gravehill...

We hung around for outside for awhile and started staging the gear outside...the place was pretty small, so there was not a lot of room for gear. I drank beers in the van for awhile and checked in. The door guy looked really familiar to me, but I couldn't place him...Oh well...

People were really starting to show up...Our friends from Leproso came out to support and see the show. I also remember some other people from past Indy shows...But the place was filling up and I was pretty impressed.

Maax and Christ Beheaded set the pace...both bands were killer...In between the two bands, it finally dawned on me who the door guy (and sound guy) was...It was Karl from Gates of Slumber...It had been a couple of years since we hung out (they play Chicago all the time, and I have missed their last bunch of shows here) and my appearance has changed considerably sine then, so that's why we were both stumped...So we played catch up for a bit, and I started getting ready for load in...

We went up and did our thing...I was floored by the crowd...I think it is safe to say that Indy was one of the best shows of the tour.

Gravehill was up next and finished the assault...I believe they even got to encore...not sure if that happened throughout the tour because I never pay attention since I was usually three sheets to the wind and running merch...but for some reason, I remember it happening here...

We hung out after the show for a bit and took over the juke box again...we were in good company though since Karl and Bob were loading it up and playing good songs...

We said our goodbyes to everyone once the place closed and loaded out...We got an offer from Iron Bob to stay at his place, but we were heading back to Chicago...Yup, that was what was irking me since Hod dropped off the tour...We would not be able to complete the last four dates...Hence, the tour was now over...As promised, I will go into detail in the next entry...