Rockfest rocks Kansas City
Jacob Spader, Reporter
May 16, 2012
Fifteen bands, two stages and 12 hours of non-stop rock is the common moniker used to describe Rockfest. Put on by 98.9 the Rock every year, this all-day concert has rightfully earned its title as the biggest one day festival in America. Rockfest takes over Liberty Memorial park every year... (more...)
The rebirth of a villain
Jacob Spader, Reporter
May 2, 2012
Whether he’s offending religious groups or on stage blowing out speakers with his delicious vocals, everyone can agree that Marilyn Manson puts the man in Manson. The latest addition to his album releases, “Born Villain”, hit store shelves the first of May. Manson himself describes the... (more...)
The Cabin in the Woods combines hilarity and horror
Jacob Spader, Reporter
April 26, 2012
Horrific and hilarious, “The Cabin in the Woods” will absolutely blow the minds of any and all viewers. Released in theatres Apr. 13, “The Cabin in the Woods” may at first seem like the cliche modern horror flick, with the typical college students on vacation looking to party, but it... (more...)
Soulfly enslave their fans
Jacob Spader, Reporter
March 29, 2012
Brazilian-based metal band, Soulfly released, “Enslaved,” their eighth full-length studio album, Mar. 13. When the band first began back in 1997, they infused influences of their brazilian heritage into their music. Some songs included exotic instruments such as sitars and tribal percussion,... (more...)
Put the pedal to the metal
Jacob Spader, Reporter
February 27, 2012
Back in the mid-90’s, a game involving vehicular violence came out on PlayStation by the name of Twisted Metal 1. The game became popular due to its mindless violence and the introduction of weapons attached to cars. Since then, the franchise has released seven other games including the most... (more...)
All hail Van Halen
Jacob Spader, Reporter
February 9, 2012
In the past, great bands have left their mark in music history but cease to exist today. Some bands, however, refuse to die and display an astonishing amount of resiliency. When thinking of a band like this, the legendary Van Halen comes to mind. Van Halen has returned with original lead singer... (more...)
Lamb of God makes a new resolution
Jacob Spader, Reporter
January 26, 2012
Lamb of God, who’s front man has announced his presidential candidacy, have released their seventh studio Jan. 24. Entitled Resolution, this album follows the Grammy-nominated Wrath and breaks new ground in the Lamb of God sound. The band will tour in support of the new album, all while Randy... (more...)
Randy Blythe for president
Jacob Spader, Reporter
January 16, 2012
This year America will get to see the election of a new president. On the Democratic side, Barack Obama runs for re-election but his approval ratings have reached an all-time low. Republican candidates include Newt Gingrich, Mitt Romney, Ron Paul and Rick Santorum, but their popularity has... (more...)
Feel the steel
Jacob Spader, Reporter
December 21, 2011
Every Dec., 98.9 The Rock put on the annual Twisted Christmas concert. Each year, a different set of bands get chosen to perform the show that is unique to Kansas City. This year, the bill consisted of three bands: local rock stars Red Line Chemistry, national superstars Rev Theory and Vegas... (more...)
Korn ‘dub-step’ on thin ice
Jacob Spader, Reporter
December 9, 2011
During the 90’s, tons of groundbreaking genres of music emerged and grabbed the music industry by the collar. Some people enjoyed grunge, while others preferred nu-metal. Nu-metal saw its breakthrough with bands like Slipknot and Limp Bizkit. At the fore-front of the nu-metal movement were... (more...)
Zelda still keeps a Hyrule after 25 years
Jacob Spader, Reporter
November 29, 2011
The “Legend of Zelda” continues with the latest addition to its series. “Legend of Zelda”: “Skyward Sword” reached game store shelves Sunday, Nov. 20. Church attendance hit an all time low as millions of fans of the Zelda series stay home to spend hours upon hours experiencing the... (more...)
National Metal Day rocks 11/11/11
Jacob Spader, Reporter
November 14, 2011
Metal heads everywhere do not get a moment to shine very often. Fans of heavy metal get this chance Nov. 11. VH1 Classic has declared Nov. 11 National Metal Day and began celebrating the occasion Nov. 8. On Nov. 11 VH1 Classic will premiere a new episode of “That Metal Show,” begin a new... (more...)
Thrash veterans Megadeth release their thirteenth masterpiece
Jacob Spader, Reporter
November 4, 2011
Twelve albums aren’t enough to sum up the expansive career of thrash masters Megadeth. So to complete the final chapter, Megadeth released their thirteenth album on November 1st. Simply titled Thirteen, this album marks the release of Megadeth’s thirteenth full length masterpiece following... (more...)
Paranormal Activity 3 haunts movie theaters
Jacob Spader, Reporter
October 23, 2011
Paranormal Activity 3 creeped into theatres on October 21. This prequel continues the series by giving the viewer insight into what started it all. It’s the beginning of the end.Ever wonder how exactly Katie and Kristie became so unfortunate? The answer lies in the depths of this shockingly... (more...)
Five Finger Death Punch return…’nuff said
Jacob Spader, Reporter
October 17, 2011
Five Finger Death Punch return with their heaviest album yet. The album, titled “American Capitalist,” hit store shelves October 11 and features the hit single “Under and Over It.” The single became available to the general public back in September and has created high expectations... (more...)
New Anthrax album beats the competition
Jacob Spader, Reporter
October 7, 2011
September marked the release of two albums recorded by two legendary metal artists: Alice Cooper and Anthrax. Welcome 2 My Nightmare titles Alice Cooper’s latest release and Anthrax titled theirs as Worship Music. Both were highly anticipated but only one delivered. The first CD in 21 years... (more...)
Companies strive to improve Belton
Jacob Spader, Reporter
October 5, 2011
Belton residents have long awaited to see businesses take up the vacant fields located near the intersection of Y-highway and Route 58. Construction started back earlier this summer and continues through today. Rumor has it that the new shopping center will contain a Best Buy, Hot Topic and... (more...)
New water park does not make waves
Jacob Spader, Reporter
September 13, 2011
The Belton water park, the first addition to the new Belton Memorial Park, was completed over the summer and had become highly anticipated as the date for arrival got pushed back for another week. Once it opened in June 30, the first weekend provided a large turnout of eager swimmers, but the... (more...)














