Tim SchumannUpon A Burning Body returns to the Rockhouse
December the 4th was a date that had been circled on my calendar as soon as this show was announced, not to mention, I took off work for this one. Reason being, I never miss them, hell, I’ve been covering this band since 2014. Mayhem in Albuquerque, Texas Showdown in El Paso, Tricky Falls and of course, the Rockhouse. Who am I talking about? Just about the best Texas Metal band ever, oh yeah, I’m talking about Upon A Burning Body, straight outa San Antonio.
The band consist of Danny Leal, vocals (One of the best front men ever), Ruben Alvarez on guitar, Thomas Alvarez on bass and Juan Hinojosa doing the honors on percussion. The boys have been around since 05, punched out their first full release 5 years later and have 5 more to their credit. Now the date of this show in El Paso is the same date they released their brand-new album at midnight, with that said, Blood of the Bull, their 7th album was done totally independently, how cool is that? As always, line-up changes over the years are not uncommon, Tito Felix, the drummer for the past 11 years has moved on. The current guy taken that seat, Juan Hinojosa was actually the original drummer, and Thomas Alvarez has been in the lineup for the past 5 years, and yes, they’re brothers. 
Ok, let’s get the to evening at hand. Upon A Burning Body kicks off Everything Is Heaver in Texas tour, an 8 city Texas romp (one date in Oklahoma City) with Lockjaw and The Browning. Local support was Buden and Steellake, so 5 bands on the evenings card, let’s go to work. Burden kicked the evening off at 7:30, they are a fairly new outfit and were thrilled to get on the bill at the last minute, great job. Next up, Steellake, one of my absolute favorites here in our local scene. They stay busy opening for everyone and have for years, not to mention, they have a following that shows up at every show, it’s pretty impressive. The lineup has stayed the same, which speaks volumes. Currently its Joel Lowas, Vocals (another insane frontman), David Cardenas on guitar, Lorrie Baray on guitar, Alberto Lopez on bass and last but certainly not least is Robert Menchaca on the kit. I love these guys, kick ass metal in your face, El Paso style. Next up was Lockjaw, I liked these guys, they certainly had my attention, look forward to seeing them again. The Browning, sorry wasn’t impressed too much, they are a three piece, which I do favor, but unfortunately, we didn’t connect. On deck was the main event, and we were ready for some UABB, so let’s get busy!!
The boys hit the stage a little after 10 pm and were met by a packed Rockhouse waiting to have their faces melted and that’s just what they got, tenfold. It seemed as if Danny and company were on a mission, maybe first night out, maybe Blood of the Bull being released at midnight, maybe a combination of both, who knows? What I do know is this band can get you going, hence a circle pit that resembled the eye of a cat 5 hurricane during the entire set. Killshot was number 4 on the set list, lord knows that’s one of my favorites. Of the 22 singles they have produced over the past years, 8 of those were on this evenings set list, as a fan, who could ask for more? 16 songs were over before it began, Danny and company went through them like a hot knife though butter, but the damage had been done, hair blown back and permanent smiles on a spent audience. Ladies and Gentlemen, and that’s how it’s done out here in the Great State of Texas, no mercy, no prisoners. In closing. a special thanks to Ruben, who has always greeted me with a handshake and a smile, I truly appreciate it friend. Needless to say, if UABB comes through your town, buy that ticket and take a ride you’ll never forget. Thank you so much and of course, I’ll see you at the next rock show,
Story and Photography by Tim Schumann
Set List-
Sangre
Hand of God
Sin City
Killshot
All Pride, No Pain
Snake Eyes
Day Walker
Matrix
Another Ghost
Already Broken
Mariachi
Southern Hostility
KOD
Curse Breaker
BMF
Texas Blood Money
