REOG, JNX, Where It Lies at The Whisky – Live Review

REOG

REOG, JNX, Where It Lies, The Whisky, West Hollywood, CA., October 20, 2024

It was the album preview show for Dark Horse Prophet.  Founded by drummer Brent Terry and guitarist Eddie Wisztreich and later rounded out by vocalist/guitarist Chaz Terra and bassist Tony Smith, this Los Angeles quartet is primed and ready to make a name for themselves above and beyond our local music scene.   And on this very special night at the legendary Whisky A Go-Go, all bands presented were personally selected by Dark Horse Prophet – three of which are being reviewed here.

REOG

REOG opened the event with a sonic blast to the senses, presenting a stunning amalgamation of heavy metal and modern rock! Based out of the Los Angeles area, REOG recently toured in Indonesia out of all places as well as participated on the Metal Knight West Coast Tour with Jessikill! Including within the realm of Reog’s absolutely amazing set were their brand-new singles Daily Grind and Island of the Gods!

Sammy T is an absolutely mesmerizing frontman, whose towering vocals and shimmering rhythm guitar work capture your attention! Billy Sablan unleashed absolutely imaginative lead guitar artistry while bassist Ralph Beam and drummer Jon Asher made for a superbly intensive rhythm section. With a live performance this powerful and the memorable songs to back it all up, REOG is destined to greater glories in the New Year and well beyond! Such an epic way to start a iconic night at The Whisky!

JNX

I’ve been meaning to check out JNX for quite a few months now. This explosive rock band of real-life brothers from Mariposa has been really making a name for themselves. With classic musical influences such as Van Halen, Metallica, and Pantera, JNX adds their own magical touch to the proceedings, and the live show found within is very fresh and exciting!

Lead vocalist and guitarist Jonah Dacanay exudes a ton of star presence, really bringing the listener in with such a topnotch performance. Roger Dacanay supplied a thunderous low-end on bass. And while drummer Xavier Dacanay was not present for this specific show, Gavin Gonzales from Kutie stepped in last minute – and this 15-year-old drummer sent it all into supersonic overdrive with his slamming beats! Standouts from the set included Expectations and Pretty Little Lies from their Love, Hate, Apocalypse manifesto as well as an absolutely brilliant cover of the Billy Idol classic Rebel Yell! Be sure to check out JNX the next time they arrive to rock your world!!

WHERE IT LIES

Right before the headlining Dark Horse Prophet, Where It Lies took to the stage, and proceeded to rock the house with their outstanding hybrid of metalcore and hard rock! Another band on rise ready to crash headfirst into the big leagues, Where It Lies delivered an impassioned performance that set the imagination and senses in flight. From the opening refrains of Still Holding On and Your Own Grave, Where It Lies delivered an absolutely massive performance!

The amazing Where It Lies lineup features the talents of Mike Lira on vocals and guitar, Raymond Alegre on bass, Anthony Ornelas on lead vocals and guitar, and Timothy Creasy on drums. An absolutely inspiring performance from a band destined to headline their very own shows in the New Year! Be sure to catch Where It Lies opening for the infamous Trapt at The District in Redlands on November 10th!

(Review by Ken Morton – Photos by Enrique Sanchez)

REOG on Instagram
JNX on Instagram
Where It Lies on Instagram