As little as five years ago, I was a diehard Metallica fan. I had my high school locker adorned in pictures of my favorite band. I tattooed the ninja star logo on my back and lived and breathed Metallica—I hung on every statement they made and worshiped the ground they walked on. I had an entire wall of my bedroom covered in a collage of the band (which took me a full year to complete). So it was only fitting that I would go to see them play in Lubbock on Sept. 4 at the United Spirit Arena. I am not such a hardcore fan anymore but I had to go see them, as they will always hold a special place in my metal heart.

To affirm everyone’s suspicions, yes the West Texas Canyon Amphitheater has shut down.

Since it was built in 2000, the amphitheater has played host to bands including Slipknot, Linkin Park, Evanescence, Slayer, Pat Green, Cory Morrow and Saliva. It has served Lubbock as a place to go see great music in a beautiful environment.

"I Should Tell You" Eighteen Visions rocks!
by Zac Morris, entertainment editor

After listening to this Orange County band’s fourth release, I’ve once again been amazed by the power of music. After being at the heart of metal-core fans across the nation and touring with bands such as Kittie, Him, and Killswitch Engage, this band has broken out with a CD more appealing to the general public.

Lamb of God: "Ashes of the Wake"

by Jacqui Streety, editor-in-chief

As I stood in the 100 degree heat that seemed only to penetrate the second stage area of Ozzfest—it happened.

I stood before the masters of metal with my jaw unhinged and my legs quivering in my dilapidated Converse with anticipation—and they took the stage.

Gregory's "Nigger" Compelling

by Jacqui Streety, editor-in-chief

One word, defined by the American Heritage Collegiate Dictionary as: 1a. Used as a disparaging term for a Black person. b. Used as a disparaging term for a member of any dark-skinned people. 2. Used as a disparaging term for a member of any socially, economically, or politically deprived group of people.

This offensive slang word is also symbolic—as symbolic as the American flag or the Bald Eagle.

"Little Black Book" for the Ladies

by Grayson Thomas, staff writer

Girls, lose the boys and go see this movie!!

“Little Black Book” is a “Chick Flick” that can’t be missed. This is not one of those girly movies that you should drag your boyfriend along to just because you can. This is one of those that you just don’t invite him to. Trust me, you don’t need him to have a good time at this flick!