Adult Swim’s third annual Ragbag of Jollification promises carnival-themed games, live music, food, and “swag.” Sadly Odd Future is not included, but the multi-city endeavor does feature a mix of indie and hip hop acts, from Best Coast and Wavves to Pusha T and Curren$y. The shindig launches March 30th in Baton Rouge, LA, where Curren$y will hold court in the parking lot of Fred’s Bar. Two days later, Best Coast will play the parking lot of College Station, TX’s Dixie Chicken.

For a full list of confirmed locations and acts, scroll below. All events are free and open to the public.

The Ragbag of Jollification 2011 Tour:
03/30 – Baton Rouge, LA @ Fred’s Bar Parking Lot (Curren$y)
04/02 – College Station, TX @ Dixie Chicken Inc.’s Parking Lot (Best Coast)
04/04 – Albuquerque, NM @ Park It Place Lot (Maserati)
04/06 – Tucson, AZ @ O’Malley’s on the Fourth (High on Fire)
04/09 – San Diego, CA @ 4th & B Parking Lot (Young Dro, Killer Mike & Pac Div)
04/12 – Boulder, CO @ University of Colorado Buffalo Plaza (Wavves)
04/14 – Lawrence, KS @ 8th St. btwn Massachusetts St. & New Hampshire St. (Pusha T)
04/16 – Campaign, IL @ The Red Lion (How to Dress Well)
04/18 – Lansing, MI @ Mac’s Bar Parking Lot (Washed Out)
04/22 – TBD @ TBD

High on Fire will kick things off across the bay from its hometown of Oakland on September 29th. After covering California’s bottom half the following day, the band will follow the road east, stopping at theaters in Arizona and New Mexico on the way toward the Midwest. When there, High on Fire will do three gigs in Illinois and a healthy litter of gigs in surrounding states. The East Coast leg has High on Fire covering its bases in New England, as well as a quick jump to Nova Scotia. At the end of October, the band will play NYC and Philly before showing North Carolina and Florida some love. The tour ends at Austin’s Fun Fun Fun Fest on November 7th.

Additionally, the band is set to tour Australia with the 2011 Soundwave Festival beginning February 26th.

Joining High on Fire for the North American dates — billed the “Sanctioned Annihilation Tour” — will be Torche and Kylesa. You can view the full itinerary below and get tickets beginning this weekend on Ticketmaster.

High on Fire 2010/2011 Tour Dates:
09/29 – San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall #
09/30 – Pomona, CA @ Glasshouse #
10/01 – Flagstaff, AZ @ Orpheum Theatre #
10/02 – Albuquerque, NM @ The Launchpad #
10/03 – Denver, CO @ Bluebird Theater #
10/05 – Minneapolis, MN @ Varsity Theatre #
10/06 – Milwaukee, WI @ Turner Hall Ballroom #
10/08 – Rock Island, IL @ Rock Island Brewing Company #
10/09 – Urbana, IL @ Canopy Club #
10/10 – Chicago, IL @ Riot Festival
10/11 – Bloomington, IN @ Bluebird #
10/13 – Covington, KY @ Historic Southgate House #
10/14 – Detroit, MI @ Majestic Theatre #
10/15 – Cleveland, OH @ Grog Shop #
10/16 – Rochester, NY @ Water Street #
10/17 – Northampton, MA @ Pearl Street #
10/19 – Halifax, NS @ Halifax Pop Explosion
10/21 – Portland, ME @ Port City Music Hall #
10/22 – Providence, RI @ Club Hell #
10/23 – Boston, MA @ Middle East Downstairs #
10/24 – New York, NY @ Webster Hall #
10/26 – Philadelphia, PA @ Starlite Ballroom #
10/27 – Carrboro, NC @ Cat’s Cradle #
10/29 – Gainesville, FL @ Ye Old Fest
11/07 – Austin, TX @ Fun Fun Fun Fest
02/26 – Brisbane, AU @ Soundwave Festival
02/27 – Sydney, AU @ Soundwave Festival
03/04 – Melbourne, AU @ Soundwave Festival
03/05 – Adelaide, AU @ Soundwave Festival

# = w/ Torche, Kylesa

Starting May 17th, Adult Swim will host a new single weekly until July 12th. Kicking off the series will be Superwolf (Will Oldham and Matt Sweeney). From then on, it’s Madvillain, Killer Mike, Washed Out (featuring Chairlift’s Caroline Polachek), High on Fire, Black Lips, LCD Soundsystem, Cults, and Freddie Gibbs. Just an FYI, LCD Soundsystem’s contribution is the previously released Holy Ghost remix of “Drunk Girls”, along with a video. And if that weren’t enough, the Cults will also have a video premiere. That and television featuring stop-motion animation; what a company.

Enjoy the full schedule below. Check out the Adult Swim site for the releases and more info.

Adult Swim Singles Program Schedule:
05/17 – Superwolf (Will Oldham and Matt Sweeney)
05/24 – Madvillain
05/31 – Killer Mike
06/07 – Washed Out [ft. Chairlift's Caroline Polachek]
06/14 – High on Fire
06/21 – Black Lips
06/28 – LCD Soundsystem: “Drunk Girls” (Holy Ghost! remix) (video)
07/05 – Cults (new song and video)
07/12 – Freddie Gibbs (produced by Phaseone)

Snakes for the Divine is strongest in the first half. The title track opens the album with a metal riff reminiscent of 70′s arena rock, then leads right into a vicious assault on the ears. The transformation is a welcome one, as the droning metal riffs and solo mastery become apparent after only about the first minute or so. A heavy rolling drumbeat opens up the next song, “Frost Hammer”, and presents a feeling of being pummeled by sound. High on Fire destroys with this song. Its grunge-esque harmonizations in the middle portion proves that a progression between albums can exist.  ”Bastard Samurai” continues the trend with slower southern grooves and vocals, but songs like “Ghost Neck”, and “The Path” seem to only touch on older versions of High on Fire. The bleak and violent assault continues after these songs, but holding interest gets to be kind of difficult.

“Fire, Flood and Plague” is the only song worth mentioning in the second half. Because of its unique climax, a newfound interest is formed, and the last part of the album becomes easier to digest. Fast and heavy riffs help build up to a point of no return. As the climax is reached, the same speed is kept, but direction changes once Pike’s vocals kick in. An all out race back down the mountain ensues and it becomes apparent that “Fire, Flood and Plague” holds one of High on Fire’s most brutal and emotional moments.

This album is in no way the most memorable High on Fire album, but it’s definitely a worthy follow-up to the record that pushed them to the highest point in their career. While about half of the songs stick with the same old High on Fire formula, there is enough new and progressed material here to keep new and old fans spinning the album for a good amount of time. Old fans may find more to like than new listeners, but if you have the ear for metal, this is one 2010 release that should be given at least a few spins from beginning to end.

This year’s lineup once again again showcases a diverse roster of national and international acts, including alt-rock legend Billy Bragg, acclaimed folk-rock outfit The Mountain Goats, psychedelic rockers Dr. Dog, indie sensations Rogue Wave, UK punk band Leatherface, and the hardcore group Senses Fail. And that’s just getting started.

Man Man, Delta Spirit, Anti-Flag, The Moldy Peaches’ Kimya Dawson, Torche, High on Fire, Anvil, Cymbals Eat Guitars, Portugal. the Man, Danielson, Of Montreal’s James Husband, Past Lives, Bear In Heaven, Freelance Whales, Dead Confederate, Fruit Bats, and Dr. Octagon (aka Kool Keith) are also confirmed participants. The full list of notables can be found here.

Three-day tickets are on sale now and still incredibly cheap, however, they will rise in price as the festival draws closer. From January 14th through February 11th, tickets will be available at the early-bird price of $39.50. From February 12th to March 11th, they will jump to $49.50. Walk-up 3-day tickets will be $60.00. Single day tickets will be available for $25.00/day in advance and $35.00/day weekend of. Three-day camping passes are also now available at $19.50/person. A small number of VIP passes are available at $99.50 per person. The VIP pass includes access to the VIP camping area, a three-day festival pass, and extra goodies. Find all the info here.

Of course, we’d be remiss not to note that Harvest of Hope serves to raise awareness and provide financial support for the Harvest of Hope Foundation, a charity organization that aids migrant farm workers across the country. Check out our recent interview with co-founder Ryan Murphy for the complete story.

My friend Chris and I left Tallahassee at 8:30 in the morning and twisted our way through the back roads of Georgia. We made good time, as we approached I-75 and coasted it all the way north to Atlanta. After driving through the pretzel-shaped highways of downtown Atlanta, we arrived at the Masquerade Music Park in the north side of the city. After an hour and a half wait in line chatting with fellow metalheads about thrash metal albums, local bands and upcoming concerts to check out, the gates to destiny opened with a creak. Chris and I were fortunate to get there early enough, as we ended up standing about twenty feet from the stage. Cameras weren’t allowed, so I was left to my phone for pictures of the bands.

Two rounds of Coors Light pre-gamed the event and at 5pm on the dot, Oakland’s own High On Fire took the show. Matt Pike’s frantic wailing and sludge mud guitar kept the mosh pit disciples at bay and praying for more. The band twisted its way thick and thin for a half an hour and ended on the devil-laden rocker “Devilution” as Jeff Matz’ chunky bass rocked back and forth like a pendulum of machetes.

Twenty minutes passed as the roadies packed up the band’s gear and prepared for the next line of metal to be thrown in our faces. Glendale, Arizona death metallers, Job For A Cowboy, stormed the stage and gave the crowd a heavy uneasiness, while all the while hitting the stage like a time bomb. The band did a good set, even though I wasn’t formally familiar with their material, and bantered with the crowd just before finishing. Both guitarists sounded more like motorcycle engines revving down a dark and lonely highway, while the double bass punched it into overdrive. The band certainly had its fanbase tearing up the pit, but overall did a pretty good job keeping the metal alive.

The final round of Coors Light set in while waiting for Children Of Bodom. The roadies took the drums and the amps offstage, troubleshot wires and light and the sweat from the heavy metal movers and shakers began to collaborate into one trademark smell. The musty, honest, dirty and accomplished smell kept the masses alive and the soul of it all presented itself in the flesh.

Finland thrashers Children Of Bodom took the stage and from Alexi Laiho’s first five squealing notes, pits broke out like bonfires on kindled leaves. Chris and I were right in the eye of the pit and man it got ugly. Following chants of “Bodom! Bodom!” from the crowd, Laiho riled up everyone and said that Atlanta was “fucking awesome.” Bodom sounded great, both musically and in their overall mix. Laiho’s banshee vocals, intertwined with he and Roope Latvala’s dueling solos, made it all the best. Unfortunately, I wasn’t familiar with a good amount of their material, but they did perform the newly released “Blooddrunk”, as well as a few sick cuts off of Blooddrunk. The band walked offstage with water on their heads, smiles on their faces and hands stripped to the bone, complete with the accomplishment of achieving the American Dream.

Chris and I coerced with fellow metalheads during the wait for In Flames, the co-headliner of the tour. One of the guys was telling us about his first Megadeth show in 1989 and how he brought his 16 year old daughter to see them for the first time. It was unreal how the generation gap was filled with the exuberance and spirit of heavy metal. It really is one of those things that seems like a once in a lifetime type of deal. Really, it was something to ponder.

Sweden’s In Flames took the stage shortly after and twisted the crowd into a frenzy. The band performed cuts such as “Take This Life” and “Leeches” which went over incredibly well. The mix sounded great and the fans ate it up like hot dogs at a Cubs game. Lead singer Anders Frieden took a minute to breathe at one point and proceeded to tell the crowd that he may have told a lie and said that Louisville, the night before, was the best crowd. He then rebutted that statement and exclaimed that Atlanta was the best crowd on tour. With that said, the band led into a heavy-handed “Take This Life”, in which the crowds went wild once again. Chris and I fought tooth and nail to keep our spots, as the intensity of it all increased by the minute. Finally, In Flames ended its time and promised to return to Atlanta in the fall with brand new material and a much longer set.

Destiny set in. I was finally going to see Megadeth live and be a witness to Dave Mustaine’s guitar shredding, only ten years later. The roadies pulled the back drop down, the sheets off Shawn Drover’s drums fell to reveal the coveted set and the first arpeggio of “Sleepwalker” crawled right out of the speakers. Dave Mustaine and company took the stage, complete with his black sports jacket and mop top of trademark red hair. The man was God and his snarl never sounded sharper and better. Newly added lead guitarist Chris Broderick tore scales left and right and proved to be the best lead guitarist since Marty Friedman. At one point, Chris and I were so astounded by his leadwork that we questioned “Marty who?” but nonetheless, Broderick sounded great!

The next few numbers were nothing short of amazing: “Wake Up Dead”, “Take No Prisoners,” and the flesh-tearing “Skin O’ My Teeth” sounded great. Broderick’s fingers moved faster than lightning and Mustaine followed right behind him. For the first time in a very long time, I felt something that I hadn’t felt at a concert: inspiration. These guys were having the times of their lives playing music they loved as well as utilizing all that practice time to pull off some of the most amazing musical movements ever conceived. Megadeth played honest and that hit me hard. The band followed with a blistering rendition of “Hangar 18″ which right into “Gears Of War.” Every song became Ginsu knives, cutting and tearing everything apart, against all odds. Mustaine and company not only lived up to the hype, but delivered one of the best shows I have ever seen, ending the show on it’s trademark curtain call with “Holy Wars” followed by “Mechanix” and then the finale of “The Punishment Due.” Afterwards, the band took a bow, thanked Atlanta from the bottom of their hearts and bid farewell to the stage.

Chris and I endured the six hour drive back to Tallahassee, but sleep was dead out the window. The energy and inspiration carried over into the ride and all we could do was keep sharply awake. By the time we hit Tallahassee, I wanted to rewind those eight hours and witness them over and over again. Megadeth left me wanting more and more and I hadn’t felt that way since I was a teenager. It really is fitting how things pan out in life, and yes, it took ten years to get this far, but the wait was fully worth it.

Megadeth’s complete setlist:
1. Sleepwalker
2. Wake Up Dead
3. Take No Prisoners
4. Skin O’ My Teeth
5. Washington Is Next!
6. The System Has Failed
7. In My Darkest Hour
8. Hangar 18
9. Gears Of War
10. A Tout Le Monde
11. Tornado Of Souls
12. Ashes In Your Mouth
13. Burnt Ice
14. Symphony Of Destruction
15. Trust
16. Peace Sells…But Who’s Buying?
17. Holy Wars
18. Mechanix
19. The Punishment Due