MAMMOTH WVH/NITA STRAUSS – TOAD’S PLACE – NEW HAVEN

By Ralph Beauchamp

Mammoth WVH and Nita Strauss play a sold out show at the iconic Toad’s Place in New Haven.

The first thing I noticed as I entered the infamous Toad’s Place is the amount of people milling around for this highly anticipated spectacle. Mammoth WVH and Nita Strauss had created such an electrifying buzz days before the show due to their dynamic music and the incredible guitar licks everyone anticipated. Toad’s is a smallish venue but the excitement generated could fill Madison Square Garden. I’m not big on crowds, so I stayed near the soundboard and back bar which still offered fantastic views of the stage.

Up first was Nita Strauss and band which was comprised of Johnny Young (Guitar), Josh Villalta (Drums), Christopher Dean (Bass), Katt Scarlett (Keys) and Kasey Karlsen (Guest Vocalist). Her nine song set was full of intense guitar riffs and incredible solos. Strauss’ intensity is unmatched. She easily controls the dias and audience’s attention. Her musicianship is through the roof and she is an unbelievable shredder. Her stints in Alice Cooper’s band are legendary. As a solo artist, her music is sharp and aggressive. Her riffs are solid and her songs deliver sonic fury.

Strauss opened with”Summer Song” from her 2023 album, The Call of the Void. The song is both cinematic and assailing. Her guitar wails as she flies across the entire stage. She is in total control. The ferocity continued with four songs off her 2018 debut full length, Controlled Chaos. “Our Most Desperate Hour” ran into “Mariana Trench” and “Alegria”. “The Quest” followed with a short but vigorous drum solo from Strauss’ fiance Villalta.

Photos Holly Roy Photography

The last leg of the set featured four tracks from The Call of the Void. Guest vocalist, Kasey Karlsen, from the band Deadlands, popped out to accompany Strauss. “The Wolf You Feed” began the frenzy. Karlsen’s vocals matched well with Strauss’ potent guitar licks. “Through the Noise” and “Dead Inside” ensued next. Once again, Karlsen’s voice fit the band’s fervor. Strauss closed out with her huge hit, “Victorious” which totally enlivened the room.

All through her performance, Strauss interacted well with the audience. At one point she expressed gratitude on being on this tour and playing Toad’s. She said ” I may be from L.A. but we have all heard of the legendary Toad’s and it’s an honor to be playing here”. She was charismatic and charming. It was an absolutely perfect start to the night.

As soon as Mammoth WVH hit the stage, a huge roar emerged from the room. Wolfgang Van Halen was the true attraction of the night. Besides, Van Halen, the ensemble is made of Jon Jourdan (Guitar), Ronnie Ficarro (Bass) and Garrett Whitlock (Drums). Conspicuously absent was Frank Sidoris who is currently on tour with Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators. The fifteen songs on tonight’s list were pretty equally divided between Mammoth II (2023) and Van Halen’s debut release Mammoth WVH (2021).

Opening up with “I’m Alright” from Mammoth II was a plus. The tune is vibrant and carries a profound charge. The melodic vocals and brazen textures brings the best out of the audience. They were swaying right from the beginning. In addition, the guitar solo ripped. “Right?” came next and the energy was notched up a peg. Wolfgang and the band were killing it. “Epiphany”, “Miles Above Me” and “Like A Pastime” tracked afterwards.

Wolfgang seemed genuinely amazed as to the amount of people that was in the venue. He couldn’t believe it was sold out and felt overwhelmed. I truly felt his gratitude but he should recognized how much his music affects his fans. He is such a positive role model.

The band lashed into “Horribly Right”, “Optimist” and “Stone” before Wolfgang slowed down the pace a little bit. Playing the inspirational “Distance” solo on an acoustic guitar, he had the crowd in an awed silence. Mammoth WVH closed out with four explosive tracks. “Think It Over” led into “Mammoth”, “You’re to Blame” and a monstrous version of “Take A Bow”. But the house wasn’t letting Wolfgang off the hook that easy. No one budged. They were craving more.

The encore was ruthlessly propulsive. Wolfgang‘s big hit off of Mammoth II, “Another Celebration at the End of the World” plainly kicked ass. The entire band was on fire. The vocals were strong and the groove rattled Toad’s down to the core. The audience was in a profound hypnotic state. The last song, “Don’t Back Down” slayed. The cadence was crushing and the guitars emitted massive anthemic riffs.

This was a night to remember. I don’t think Mammoth WVH will be playing clubs like Toad’s much longer. They are destined for bigger and better. Plus, Nita Strauss was simply amazing. A wonderful evening of outstanding music.

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