Day 0: Blackened Has Only Just Begun

Dear America,

Mayhem has arrived. Today marks the first day of the Blackened Fest tour. And also the first day of an installment of (almost) day reports from the road, as I embark on a dark trip throughout the US in a bus with one of the 5 bands on this tour. For me the last two days have been a hectic stream of running errands and shooting shows. For Mayhem the last two days have only been a stepping stone for perfecting just how they will "infect" America.

Yesterday at an undisclosed location (pictured above) near New York City, the band began rehearsing and establishing ways the stage will look. I'm hearing blood, guts and maybe some old friends. But really, I'm most looking forward to the womb Attila might be coming out of. I saw the literal skeleton to this vagina yesterday and I must say, I still can't imagine what it will be like. Everyone I speak to is "8 years old on Christmas day" kind of excited to be greeted by the Norwegians on stage.

I couldn't watch the rehearsals yesterday as I spent the day picking up one of the crew members from the airport and running errands. But, I KNOW this will be a very one of a kind type of show every night. Now if only I can settle on bringing less books so I can actually close my duffel bag and get my ass down to Irving Plaza.

I will be adding photos every internet connection I can get to the Blackendfest hub. But, I only suggest that if you're ready to spit out your cereal watching Attila carry animal heads on stage, or if you're ready for a belly full of tour gags with Cephalic Carnage or if you can handle ugly American road sights. And, if you're that kind of guy or gal, you might as well follow my twitter since I'll be updating about the shows all day long and who has the smelliest feet in the bus.

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Fuck you,

Justina