Surgeon, Sunrot, Devoidov and Dutchguts at Aviv

Aviv is a really fun place to see a show. It has that wonderful punk rock vibe that makes so much of the Brooklyn scene so great but manages to have excellent sound, a cheap bar and a relatively safe atmosphere. It's a venue that has managed to figure out the best of both worlds, which makes me sad that they will be closing down son. As with many nights like this it started at punk o'clock, in many ways only adding to the inherent charm of the venue and the show. There's something special about gathering with twenty five other punks and falling in love all over again.

First up were black metallers Surgeon on tour from Philadelphia. They came on and delivered the same sort of destructive madness that made their new record Beast Of Light such a hit. Surgeon understand the fundamental beauty of black metal, and though they seemed limited by the size of the stage they delivered a set that left me in awe. Their sheer compositional excellence shines through in a live setting and you start to get a sense for how goddamn talented these guys are. They hint at several types of black metal but manage to create something that is entirely their own - passionate and over the top.

Sunrot were at the end of a three day run with Surgeon, and despite their frontwoman losing her voice they managed to put on a killer show, brought forward by Lex's dynamic antics. There is something wonderfully huge about this bands sound, it's easy to get lost in their sound. They represent a great combination of punk rock aesthetics and sludgier, doomier frontiers. Sunrot move forward with a sort of antediluvian might, aware of their own humanity but willing to push boundaries in the name of punk rock. They are the sort of band tailor made for Aviv - they understand the genre can take us farther, but show that they will never forget their roots.

I had seen Devoidov years ago when they were still Pharaoh. Now they have another guitar player and a more evolved, far gnarlier sound. They were stunning to watch live, they represent a very exciting side of the sludge metal genre, beautifully orchestrated but also wonderfully sludgy. Their music is fundamentally jam oriented, but their understanding of riffs is truly exciting and hints at a band who could go on to do some amazing things. As is, they are a lot of fun to watch and suggest to me that Devoidov is exactly the next phase that Pharaoh needed to enter to start to achieve their full potential.

I hadn't seen Dutchguts last night but I'd heard a lot about them. I'm thrilled to report that they totally live up to the hype. This is the sort of fuzzy, dirty and fucked up rock and roll band who perfectly represent what their genre is all about. Tossing in a Motorhead cover to their set to liven things up you get the sense that Dutchguts are the spirit of punk rock. Sure some of the songs drag on, but with guitar tone this tight and riffs that juicy it's hard not to remain entranced by Dutchguts. Sure they went on late, but they fucked shit up anyway because their unique blend of stoner rock, hardcore and punk is what the underground feeds on.

And so the underground beats on - nights like these remind us that we can still have fun moshing with our friends, engaging in gang vocals and even taking group photos. Bands need floors to sleep on and shitty food to eat - that's part of how it's supposed to be and the people who run Aviv get that. It was a night that showed that despite the nihilism of the underground there is still hope and no matter what we can find a way forward, figure out the eternal pain we all suffer from and drink a few beers with our friends.

Find the bands on Facebook!

Surgeon: https://www.facebook.com/Surgeonmusic/?fref=ts

Sunrot: https://www.facebook.com/sunrotmusic/?fref=ts

Devoidov: https://www.facebook.com/pharaohNJ/?fref=ts

Dutchguts: https://www.facebook.com/DUTCHGUTS/?fref=ts

Darklands, Aneurysm, Tournament & Tower at Shea Stadium

Another night, another show, Bushwick is one of my favorite places to see a show - especially in that neighborhood around the old Acheron, that walk home certainly invokes the memories. As is - Shea Stadium is a very exciting little venue tucked away in one of the countless warehouse spaces that defines that area. So when you get the opportunity to attend the record release parties of two solid bands in one night, Tournament and the almighty Tower you start to see that you are on track for rock and roll salvation. 

Darklands where up first playing a wonderfully suburban brand of pop punk, unafraid to dip into vats of noise and worship the old masters. This is the kind of pop punk that captures the original spirit of the genre, it may not be quite as pissed off as some of their predecessors but that's okay. Instead we get music tailor made for VFW's and back rooms in alternative coffee shops. It certainly tapped into a bit of nostalgia in me. Though they didn't play for long it was hard not to vibe out to what they had done here and made me want to dive back into those old bands, to spin that Menzingers vinyl and look back on our collective youth. 

I was pleasantly surprised by Aneurysm who sound like what would happen if Clutch had debuted on Subpop in 1990 and wanted to be a hardcore band. What I'm trying to say is that Aneurysm exist at a perfect crossroads of rock and roll, hardcore and old school grunge. It's groovy and powerful but also vicious enough to keep you on edge. Aneurysm comprehend the burning magic of rock and roll in all of its formations and grow it in their own, very special and powerful way. This is a band who are riding a powerful wave of rock and roll and seem to be hinting at far better things to come in the very near future. 

The first highlight of the night was Tournament - though I'd never seen them before I was certainly impressed by their latest release Teenage Creature. They deliver some powerful and wonderfully dirty brand of rock and roll that can't help but to resonate. There is a very human pulse to Tournament's music and the deeper you delve into what they have refined the harder it is to turn away from their waves of sound. They draw you in and refuse to let you out of the otherworldly coffin they create. This is cleansing and pure rock and roll at its finest - destined to keep you on the edge of your seat and in love. 

Of course the true triumph of the soiree was Tower, the band who I am quite convinced were sent from the heavens to save rock and roll. This is a band who have the stage presence, the songwriting chops and the sheer manic energy to make the entire genre seem worth it again. In a world where rock and roll often seems flaccid and boring Tower come screaming out with wicked guitar solos, a vicious frontwoman whose voice fucking sparkles and a rhythm section that pushes harder than you thought possible. This is a band who invoke the true spirit of rock and roll, and if they sold their souls for rock and roll I wouldn't be surprised. People go apeshit over Tower and they might be the band to take this entire degenerate scene to a whole new level.

As I walked home I kept repeating to my roommate, "Holy fuck, wasn't Tower amazing?" jumping up and down, unable to contain my excitement. They are the most potent live band I have seen in years and overshadowed everyone else to grace the stage - despite very capable performances on all fronts. Shea Stadium was the perfect venue for this shindig, not only did it remind me of the first time I saw Tower at the Acheron, it also came apart at the seams, showing us that this Brooklyn scene will last for now and forever. 

Find the bands on Facebook!

Darklands: https://www.facebook.com/drklndspvd/?fref=ts

Aneurysm: https://www.facebook.com/Puritancandy/?fref=ts

Tournament: https://www.facebook.com/TOURNAMENTBAND/?fref=ts

Tower: https://www.facebook.com/TOWERnyc/?fref=ts

Sanhedrin, Cauldron and Satan at Webster Hall

Man - your first show back after tour is always a weird experience, especially when you have a lineup as stacked as this one with a killer local, one of your favorite bands who grind away on the road and old school legends. Add in a venue as great as Webster Hall a venue that is both legendary and excellent. It's the kind of place that makes live music work, everything about the venue is ideal for heavy music, especially the Marlin Room which provides couches, great views and top notch sound. This was a fitting return to New York City's triumphant scene.

Sanhedrin are a really exciting Brooklyn based act who find a weird, but surprisingly good balance between space rock and speed metal. There sense of dark and light, while still being polished, is really solid. They have a sort of authoritative rock and roll swagger that hints at great things to come. Yeah they were a bit limited with a limited set in an early time slot, but it doesn't take from the fact that Sanhedrin truly understand the power of rock and roll. This is a band who are going to go for the throat and remind you time and time again that this is exactly what the Brooklyn scene so often needs, a dose of reality.

I've loved Cauldron for years now, and I was thrilled to see that they would be playing some deep cuts - a special treat from a band who thrive on them. Asides from their stunning set closer of "Chained Up In Chains" Cauldron leapt from peak to peak, showcasing all different sides of their discography and playing a handful of songs that I never expected to see them play live. Perhaps best of all, guitarist Ian Chains seems to have largely recovered from the terrifying car accident that the band survived earlier this year. Cauldron prove that the power of rock and roll is infinite and we will always fight on.

I'm not as familiar with Satan's work as I maybe should be, but it's always fun to watch these old NWOBHM bands tear it up, especially when they get to play in front of a crowd of adoring fans. Watching Satan play, a band who has been through so much and around for so long it's obvious that these guys are something special. As they perform you see the years come away and despite the shoddy sound (Or perhaps because of it) you start to feel like you are in a dingy English pub in the early 80s. Last night in New York City Satan captured the music of a movement and it was triumphant.

And so the evening came to a close. I had a cold and had to make my way through that cold unforgiving New York City night back to the gentle streets of a Brooklyn ghetto. Sanhedrin, Cauldron and Satan all hint at an older era of bands - one that many people say is gone, but I disagree. I still think there is hope for rock and roll and we need folks like these to help move it forward. Embrace the darkness, observe the fucked up majesty, and bury yourself in the combined discography of bands who truly 'get it'.

Find the bands on Facebook!

Sanhedrin: https://www.facebook.com/sanhedrinband/?fref=ts

Cauldron: https://www.facebook.com/CAULDRONmetal

Satan: https://www.facebook.com/officialsatanpage/?fref=ts

Pallbearer and Baroness at Webster Hall

Rock and roll is the devils music. I'm not sure what that makes doom metal, but it fucking rules. Pallbearer were on point last night, as were the headliners in Baroness. There is something consistently encouraging about these bands and fining the peace that these bands provide has been a strangely reassuring experience. Even in the darkest days and weirdest moments, we sit here with doom metal to encourage us and remind us that this I the sort of music that brings absolution to so many tired and confused people.

I've seen Pallbearer a bunch of times. Like... a whole bunch of times. I've hung out with them pretty consistently over the last few years and watching them grow as a live band has been a true honor. This is the sort of band who we all know are going to change the world. Their set was overwhelming, potent and even their longest tenured fans freaked out over the overwhelming power that this band has for so long been able to cultivate. Pallbearer are transcendent live, and their new material, or at least the one song they played hints at a bold new future for one of metals most promising bands. These guys will capture your heart if only you will open your heart to it.

Up next were Baroness. I'd never seen them before but I knew what to expect. This was in fact their biggest headlining gig ever and it was beautiful to see a band who had been though so much do so well. Baroness is triumphant, they reign proudly above their peers. Sue their music isn't always for me, but the are one of very few truly authentic arena rock bands. Almost none of their peers have the legitimacy they do and literally none have the tragic backstory. Baroness deliver passionately and perfectly last night. Every chorus hit, every riff captured the imagination and the worlds imagination was captured yet again.

So the evening came to a close. Sure there was only two bands but they were two of the best bands in the world. The night descended into networking - I met Metallica's manager, I hugged Megadeth's booking agent. It was amazing how many important people turned up for these bands -but then again when you consider how much talent was on the lineup it makes sense. I headed out to Saint Vitus Bar with Pallbearer for drinks upon drinks and I realized that this is what rock and roll was always meant to be. 

Find the bands on Facebook!

Pallbearer: https://www.facebook.com/pallbearerdoom/?fref=ts

Baroness: https://www.facebook.com/YourBaroness/?fref=ts

Seas Of Wake and Binary Code at The Knitting Factory

The Knitting Factory is a fun venue - it's right by my house, in a neighborhood with a ton of bars and restaurants. Basically - if you are going to hit up a show - then this is the place to be. So that's why I was stoked that Derek Soto would be putting on Pantages II.Though I unfortunately showed up later than I would like (Got caught up at a Meshuggah listening party #humblebrag) I was stoked to be able to catch at least two bands and revel in the incredible magic that they had conjured up with just a few minutes of music.

Seas Of Wake really impressed me. Though their sound isn't exactly what I go for in my day to day they were really damn good at what they did. The band sound incredibly tight and their delivery is top notch. Its rare that you see a younger band who deliver with the sheer professionalism and excellence of Seas Of Wake. They bring forward what a mainstream metal show should be about and watching them tear it up with their bouncy riffs and wonderfully technical guitar parts was a ton of fun. I'm very curious to see where this band goes because they are clearly very serious about their craft and have a ton of potential.

When Binary Code came on there was excitement in the air - after all they are one of the leading names in progressive music. It was fascinating to get to see them in such a relatively intimate setting given all that they have built up over the last few years. The New Yorkers absolutely demolished the audience with their set - playing to the peak of their abilities and reminding us why they get on so many great tours. You could see the hard years on the road in their playing and it was clear that this band was the real deal. Again - maybe they aren't for me - but they still understand the fundamental power this music has.

So another show came to a close. Sure I had only seen a pair of bands, but what a pair! Seas Of Wake and Binary Code are among the hottest names in their particular subset of the metal world. New York City has great metal shows pretty much every night of the year and this particular evening was no exception. The thing is - The Knitting Factory was the perfect venue to watch up and coming bands who are clearly on the brink of greatness. It allowed us to reach out and look once more to the stars above.

Find the bands on Facebook!

Seas Of Wake: https://www.facebook.com/seasofwake/?fref=ts

Binary Code: https://www.facebook.com/binarycodemusic/

Blizaro, Castle and Pilgrim at Trans Pecos

It's been a while since I've been to a true basement show. One of those shows that sees you navigate down a rickety set of stars and go through the unholy ritual that is underground music. I didn't even know Trans Pecos had a basement, but alas here we were, drinking cheap beer and partying down in the lush backyard and then dipping into a cavern of doom metal madness. That being said, given the content of the music, I'm rather glad that this was a basement show, it added to the visceral appeal of the music.

First up was Blizaro, a band who have been around crafting some of the most amaazing horror doom for years now. I've been obsessed with them for a good long while, and I didn't even know they played live. Watching them though was a trip. This is the sort of band who seem to be made up of wizards. They come on stage, understated and evil, a trio trying to create music meant for a five piece (Or more) and somehow succeeding. It's rare that you get to see a band as undergroun and legendary as this one and rarely do they deliver as Blizaro did. Even though the surroundings were dismal it was a triumphant experience.

Castle is another band that I've wanted to see for years now. They really know how to deliver live, moving from poetic and transcendent doom into something that, while still usually slow and sludgy is quite a bit more transcendent. The bands frontpeople are the ultimate heavy metal power couple - cracking forward with a sort of antediluvian majesty. Castle took the room and made it feel huge, channeling all of rock musics demented glory into just a few gnashing songs that reached out and shook the world. The bands live energy and sheer passion was impressive and had me wondering when I would get to see these titans again.

I'd seen Pilgrim once before, three years ago actually and in a similar situation. They remain an excellent live act and though they were limited by the sound quality of the venue you could tell that this is a band onto something special. Jon's voice rises over the music, almost Ozzy-like at it's finest. Pilgrim are the true American doom metal band, they are slowed down, chilled out and transcendent. They worship the void and give you a chance to chill out and find wholeness within the sublime and fucked up darkness of this band. There music is powerful with stunning hooks and massive riffs and it is transcendent.

So the night came to an end. We all went down to our favorite rock and roll bar and partied down listening to Deep Purple the whole night through. This was one of the best doom lineups that I have seen in years, reflecting on the negative and showing us once more that this is the sort of music that only the true freaks can dive into. Blizaro, Castle and Pilgrim are all titans of their respective genres and the sort of demented bands who will take on the world and give you a shot at world breaking triumph.

Find them on Facebook!

Blizaro: https://www.facebook.com/Blizaro-164692483566639/?fref=ts

Castle: https://www.facebook.com/CastleSF/?fref=ts

Pilgrim: https://www.facebook.com/hailthepilgrim/?fref=ts

Sick Shit, Escuela, Ides and Meek Is Murder at Aviv

So Aviv is the new ABC No Rio - or the temporary ABC No Rio and the longtime Acheron replacement. Or something. Maybe there are cats involved too? Point being - Aviv is a great fucking spot, and closer to my house than Acheron was (So really damn close) It's got a wonderful underground punk vibe, and though the bar in the back doesn't sell cheap beer anymore and you are no longer allowed to smoke inside, it seems like with the recent shutdowns of a few legendary NYC venues we are seeing ourselves move on to something far greater.

I got to the venue a little late, but not too late to catch the full Sick Shit set. The band is wonderfully heavy, punishing hardcore guitar tones, vicious vocals and a powerful stage presence come together for an exciting performance.There is a very real sense of crushing depression behind the band. They understand the very real suburban struggle that so many American have to deal with and they capture it in their riff heavy skate happy brand of hardcore. Are they breaking a bunch of rules and changing the world? No. But do they give kids who are hurting a chance to love life again? Very much so - and that's why the band touched my heart.

Escuela came out all the way from Ithaca for this show and went straight from this gig to another in Poughkeepsie so you have to admire their dedication if nothing else. That being said - they played a really fun of powerviolence influenced hardcore with powerful and passionate lyrics that reflect a tormented and distinctly lower class reality. I mean - it's been forever since I've been to a hardcore show and it's bands like Escuela that fill out the scene and keep us coming back time and time again. If a band has the sort of burning rage that drives the music forward like Escuela it's hard not to fall at least a little bit in love.

Back in my more hardcore days Ides were a major player on the scene, and from what I understand, their burning band of hardcore still makes them a staple. Their athletic frontwoman, with her powerful stage presence guided the band through a brief but intense set and got quite a pit going. It suddenly struck me during the bands set that there were three women fronting these bands - I'm not sure what that says about the state of hardcore, but it certainly means something. The point being - Ides are tight - they play potent riffs, their songs ebbing and flowing wonderfully and their understanding of hardcore songwriting is top notch, making them a blast live.

Finally the hour was nigh for Meek is Murder who, despite the fact that I have seen them tons of times they remain one of my favorite Brooklyn bands to watch. The thing is these gs are incredibly humble. They just got off an incredibly successful European tour and yet they still came out to play the punk rock paradise that is Aviv in front of a few dozen kids on a Saturday afternoon. You've got to admire those ethics. Beyond that of course - Meek Is Murder rule live, there stage presence is unmatched, everyone is just so goddamn into it that you can't help but to fall in love with the beast that they have created

So yeah - Aviv fucking rules. Matinee shows are the best, they give you a chance to see some wonderful bands and then take the rest of the evening for yourself. To spend some time with your cat and reflect on life, and perhaps more importantly, what you have witness. Today reminded me why I love hardcore, the reason that these shows compel me so. Life is more than just you and me, it's about these movements that get us to do silly things and throw our lives away - this is hardcore and this is real.

Find the bands on Facebook!

Sick Shit: https://www.facebook.com/sickshit666/?fref=ts&ref=br_tf

Escuela: https://www.facebook.com/escuelagrind/?fref=ts

Ides: https://www.facebook.com/idesnj/?fref=ts

Meek Is Murder: https://www.facebook.com/meekismurder/?fref=ts

Vimana, Tower, The Golden Grass and Satan's Satyrs at The Acheron

So all good things must come to an end, and last night was, barring some unlikely turn of events, my last night ever at The Acheron. What a night it was though, four of the most powerful rock bands I have seen in a good long while came out to help wish a fond goodbye to this venue that has changed all of our lives. As I made my way out to that hallowed ground I knew that even though this may be the end of one great venue, what is dead may never die, the Acheron and their crew will be replaced and come back harder and stronger.

The first band up on the night was the trippy Vimana. Now this is a band who listened to a toooon of Hawkwind growing up and now use a psychedelic stage show to fully communicate their passion and it is glorious. Covered in glitter and using fantastical song structures with spaced out guitar solos and a general sense of musical exploration Vimana live are simply devastating. A lot of bands add spacey parts to their songs these days but few have the balls to go whole hog as Vimana do. It makes for an unique and all encompassing sonic experience and one that you are going to want to revisit time and time again.

Up next was Tower - a band who I had heard about but wasn't expecting to be as wonderfully impressed by as I was. These guys truly understand the spirit of rock and roll. They are high energy, wild and vicious. With a dynamic frontwoman and a powerful sense of fun driving the whole thing forward it's hard not to want to dance to Tower. This is a group who capture the hearts of an entire audience and within seconds have them all dancing on the floor showing what they've got. This is a band who bring us back to the foundational beauty of the music and remind us why we got into it in the first place.

Golden Grass knew they had a had act to follow but they utterly blew me out of the water. With all three members of the band taking on vocal duties, either as lead or harmonizing in pretty much every song they have a potent versatility. While I spent the entire set waiting for them to cover Led Zeppelin's Rock and roll the band still impressed me with their 70s sensibilities and their ability to charm. Not a lot of bands can deal in the sheer charisma and understated magic of a band like Golden Grass. These guys let you vibe out and dig into what truly matters - fun riffs and high powered good times.

Finally the hour was nigh for Satan's Satyrs, the last band I was ever to see at Acheron. I've loved these guys for years now, I've probably seen them six or seven times, and they actually have played the Acheron themselves a handful of times. It's weird to think that a band who are such a mainstay in my life would be the band to help me say good bye to one of my favorite places in the world but in many ways it is appropriate. They came on and ripped through their new set, this being their second show as a four piece. With harmonized guitar solos and a rip roaring attention to detail there is something fresh and serious about Satan's Satyrs. They are young, vicious and ready to tear your throat out all over again.

So I walked home from the Acheron for what will probably be the last time. Who knows - maybe I will go back to the Anchored Inn, the sick bar that they had attached, but maybe not. All I know is that I've had some good times there and made some close friends at the space. The Acheron was designed for tramps like us. It's rare to find a place that so perfectly reflects the magic of the DIY scene - but such is the case with this venue and though it may be gone from NYC's geography it will never be forgotten.

Find the bands on Facebook!

Vimana: https://www.facebook.com/VimanaBK/?fref=ts

Tower: https://www.facebook.com/TOWERnyc/

The Golden Grass: https://www.facebook.com/thegoldengrass/?fref=ts

Satan's Satyrs: https://www.facebook.com/satanssatyrs/?fref=ts

Anicon, Immortal Bird, False and Theories at The Acheron

I've written about how much I love theAhceron many a time on this blog and I'm quite sure that I will continue writing about this beautiful venue for years to come. As I always say, the unique combination of killer food, great people, and 270 degree views of the stage makes for a concert experience that few bands can compare to. When you've got a line up this good things can only get better, as a packed out house was very pleased to find out. This was one of those weird nad unique shows that proves to us how great New York will always be.

Up first were Anicon, who I had never heard of before, but who blew me the fuck away. they have an excellent understanding of black metal and the way that their music ebbs and flows, from crushing blazing riffs to more laid back drones was delicious. Far more frostbitten than many of their American peers, Anicon still have quite a few elements of American black metal. Intelligent and devastating this band is one of those hidden New York City gems who I desperately want to find out more about.

Immortal Bird were up next, fronted by the quasi-legendary Rae Amitay who has quickly proven herself to be one of the great metal vocalists. Her stage presence is stunning, her demonic stage presence and monstrous performance captured my imagination. Meanwhile, the bands top notch songwriting was reflected in their playing, crashing forward and then stepping back, forcing you to revel in the vibes and drink the blood of the innocent. These guys tear the stage up from beginning to end creating a truly transcendent show. In a world where most grind bands feel bland, Immortal Bird go for the throat and make you genuflect in awe.

I had been looking forward to seeing False for a while, but I was hardly expecting their singer to be wearing a sun dress. That being said - the juxtaposition was delicious and the band came off as all the more intense because of it. False are among the greatest of the American black metal bands, largely because of their devastating live presence. The gathered masses were forced into unholy motion and fell desperately in love with what the band had done. Even after a performance as crushing as Immortal Bird's False still managed to resonate - perhaps all the more so because of what they had just seen.

Then the time came for Theories. Now I had seen these guys before in Philadelphia but it was here that I really felt like I understood them for the first time. Each hyper political blast reminds us what metalheads stand for and every punishing attack shook the walls. Theories live will simply tear you the fuck apart. It's probably for the better that their songs are shorter though, because more than three minutes of their pure devastation, with all of its subtle technical ecstasy and stage annihilation would be too much for any one man. Theories understand the true power of grindcore and the deeper I delve the more I fall in love.

And so another great night came to an end. This was one of the best shows that I have ever seen at the Acheron with every band going up and giving it their best. It's nights like these that remind me why I love New York City. Whoever books at the Acheron has been able to do a great job of cultivating top notch lineups - but it's the people who help to make this thing great and the bands who make it transcendent. In a world of suffering, we need to rely on bands like these to avoid putting a gun in our fucking mouths.

Find the bands on Facebook and Bandcamp!

Anicon: https://www.facebook.com/scrapingearthandsky/?fref=ts

Immortal Bird: https://www.facebook.com/immortalbirdband/?fref=ts

False: https://gileadmedia.bandcamp.com/album/untitled-2

Theories: https://www.facebook.com/theoriesgrind/?fref=ts

Slaves BC, Blackest, Thera Roya and Pants Exploder at the Acheron

I've written about the Acheron in depth here before. For the uninitiated, the venue is one of the best in Brooklyn, capitalizing on a crusty atmosphere inside the venue proper as well as benefiting from being right next to a great Mexican restaurant. In other words - if you are getting ready for an evening of sludge metal then there is no better place to want to be. Yesterday evening's show captured all that I have historically loved about the genre, and served as a fitting reminder to the might of our local metal scene.

First up were Pants Exploder, easily the best named band on the bill. Of course it didn't stop there, the band feature song titles like, It's Okay, I'm Wiccan and Um, I Curated An Art Show In College, So... Despite the rather silly nomenclature behind the band Pants Exploder play some incredibly solid sludge metal. Their distinctive throb and the beautiful pulse behind their music is going to keep you coming back time and time again. This is a band who know how to deliver live, and despite being stuck playing first they put on an entrancing set that kept the gathered congregation utterly rapt throughout.

I've seen Thera Roya a few times and they have rapidly established themselves as one of my favorite Brooklyn based bands. This particular set was perhaps the best time I have ever seen them though. This is a band who get utterly lost in the sound, allowing themselves to create immense sounscapes that feel wonderfully organic. Ryan Smith's distinctive vocals give the band a very unique feel and remind us that Thera Roya are more than just a post metal band - they have the dedication to pure volume that has defined so many of the greatest bands throughout the years. These guys have tapped into something transcendent, I'm just not sure if they are aware of it yet.

Up next were Blackest. Here's a great example of a band who have stellar riffs, some incredible vocals, strong songs and a solid drummer. Unfortunately, the muddiness of the guitar tone leaves you wanting more. Blackest are clearly extremely talented dudes, they put on a solid show, their songs are easy to get into and yet multiple times throughout their set the sheer muddiness left me frustrated. The band has so much goddamn potential, and I'm curious to see where they bring it next. Blackest have a very solid understanding of what makes extreme music great, watching them capitalize is going to be a pleasure.

Slaves BC came to close out the night, and I was more or less blown away. The bands distinctly American blackened sludge/doom sound captured my heart. This is a band who understand the sheer pain of existence and allow even the most depressed metal fan the knowledge that someone else out there is suffering as much as they are. Slaves BC get at the sheer simple nihilism of the human condition with a live set that seems to be just as much about suffering as it is about music. This is a band who use their music to speak to so much more, to drive nails into the listener and remind them that it never gets better.

So the night came to a close. I wandered home to watch Kesha music videos and prepare for tour. The perpetual stress that is existence within the music industry had been relieved for a while though. When you go to a show and see bands that feel your internal pain as deeply as you do you rapidly realize that there is something more to this existence. Maybe most people aren't ever going to care about this sort of thing, but for a select few of us we know we can always find absolution in a bar nestled among the warehouses of Brooklyn.

Find the bands on Facebook!

Pants Exploder: https://www.facebook.com/PantsExploder/?fref=ts

Thera Roya: https://www.facebook.com/TheraRoya/?fref=ts

Blackest: https://www.facebook.com/blackestmusic/?fref=ts

Slaves BC: https://www.facebook.com/SlavesBC/?fref=ts

Full of Hell and The Body in Paris (@La Mécanique Ondulatoire 29/04/2016)

Merely a couple of days after the noise shattering onslaught that was Rotten Sound’s show at the Glazart, Paris was once again struck again by a call of extreme music of the finest kind. If any of the bands’ respective backcatalogs weren’t enough, one needs to give Full of Hell and The Body’s jaw-drop heavy One Day you will Ache like I Ache to guess that the night was going to end with a severe case of tinnitus. After all, by combining the monumental sound of The Body with the ear-piercing noise onslaught of Full of Hell one can expect no less than a hellish racket ready to shatter the earth and skies. With a reputation devoid of any tendency to disappoint on stage or in the studio, it should come to no surprise that the cavernous Mécanique Ondulatoire of Paris opened it’s doors with only a handful of tickets left for sale.

Full of Hell were up first, jumping right into business by blasting away with quick fire rounds of chaotic, abrasive outbursts of magnificent and torturous grindcore songs of the finest kind. Sure enough, the onslaught was as loud as one might have expected, though anticipation did little to undermine the sheer intensity of the bands’ set. Ear protection was an absolute necessity to reduce the loudness down to a level roughly equivalent to that of a loud concert without ear protection. Thankfully, the bands’ sound remained surprisingly clear and comprehensible throughout their set, allowing us to instantly recognise which songs were being played (which may pass off as a luxury in the context of certain grindcore shows). Taking what little space they had at their disposal onstage, the 4-piece sure displayed some impressive stage presence, with frontman Dylan Walker tearing his throat to shreds while pulling off the most pissed-off glare you’ve ever seen. Drummer David Bland’s performance was nothing short of mind-blowing, blasting away at insane speeds that are barely comprehensible to the human brain. Given the speed and intensity of the show, it should certainly come to no surprise that the bands’ set barely reached the 30 minute mark. Despite what would seem like a short set, the band delivered every bit of promise within that short span of time, leaving little to no room for disappointment.

Following up on this high-note, The Body were ready (no pun intended) to keep things going, slowing things down ten-fold with their pachydermic sound. The two-piece from Rhode Islands’ raw, guttural atmosphere submerged the jam-packed room with an impressive wall of sound, with sludgy riffs and gloomy drone doom sections. The stone-paved walls of the narrow venue reinforced the cavernous acoustic of the bands’ imposing sound; the drumset crashed and pulsated with an incredible force atop the immensity of the guitar sound. Despite the more drawn out, slow nature of the bands’ music, the set did not seem to last much longer than that of their tour comrades, which did make for a slight disappointment. With that being said, the disappointment would not be there had The Body delivered a short performance half as good as the one they played.

A great evening of extreme music thus came to a close. Far from overstaying its welcome, it will have certainly marked the minds and ears of its enthusiastic audience that made the show an overwhelming success, undoubtedly leaving some of them with some ringing ears as a keepsake. Living up to their reputation and name, Full of Hell & The Body have yet again conquered the city of Paris, guaranteeing an abundant and eager turn out for Full of Hell’s next date in Paris alongside Nails.

A huge thank you goes out to Kongfuzi booking, Matt and the bands for making this article possible!

Be sure to check out the bands on their websites and social media

Full of Hell

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/fullofhell

Bandcamp

https://fullofhell.bandcamp.com/

Official Website

http://fullofhell.com/

The Body

Official Website

https://www.facebook.com/thebodyband/

Bandcamp

https://thebody.bandcamp.com/

Nightcrawler, Mary Todd and Tiger Flowers at The Acheron

The Acheron is and always will be one of my favorite New York City venues. That special mix of crusty magic, good food, and an intimate performance space that allows the audience to see the band from multiple angles is incredibly rewarding. This is made all the more so on nights like yesterday evening, when the sheer extreme energy of the music being presented forces you to fall deeper in love with the space. As a matter of fact, the show itself may very well have been my favorite grindcore shows that I have ever been to.

Nightcrawler were up first, and performed an absolute monster of a set. The bands vocalist has one of the most impressive stage presences and vocal performances that I have witnessed in a while. His whole approach to the genre makes it easy to fall in love with what Nightcrawler do. That being said - the band as a whole has a crazed energy and a sense of devilish magic to them that makes you want to come back again and again. Grind bands that comprehend the importance of a solid stage show as Nightcrawler so evidently do are few and far between. It makes it hard to turn away and holds you in thrall to the music, even if just for a half hour.

Up next were Mary Todd, one of my favorite groups on the beautiful modern New York City grind scene. Their wholly unorthodox sound remains ungodly heavy and reflects the true burning power that this kind of music can have. Mary Todd are the kind of band who have the potential to turn the whole world of grind on its head with their twin vocalist attack and truly different sounds. This is a band who reek of live energy too, every time I have seen them I fall deeper in love with their twisted dancing and deep internal pain. Few bands reflect the internal, mind melting sense of madness that Mary Todd so easily invoke.

My roommate is really into Tiger Flowers and he got me very hyped to see them, and with good reason. The bands insane stage presence, anthemic gang vocals and raw energy had them borrowing from the best of both grind and hardcore. Their charismatic frontman delivers growls of a sort that transcend the common limitations of the genre. Layered on top of a band who deliver on a truly profound level it's hard not to be charmed by the burning majesty of what this band has been able to conjure up. Despite how grandiose I might make them sound there is something wonderfully raw about this band, preying on the weak and forcing you to reflect upon the burning might of Tiger Flowers.

And so the night cam to an end, we wandered home, reflecting in the power of what we had witnessed. Few shows speak to me like this one. Far too often largely local shows leave fans bored with bands they have seen dozens of times, not tonight. All of these groups are bands who jive with the fundamental power of grind in a way that gives me hope for the future of the genre. Sure it's a music in transition, but it is bands like these who are responsible for leading the hyperspeed revolution.

Find the bands on Facebook!

Nightcrawler: https://www.facebook.com/nightcrawlerny/?fref=ts

Mary Todd: https://www.facebook.com/marytoddtheband/?fref=ts

Tiger Flowers: https://www.facebook.com/TIGERFLOWERSNYC/?fref=ts

Primitive Weapons, Sannhet and Pallbearer at Saint Vitus

Man - I have a weird obsession with Saint Vitus Bar, I spend almost all my time there these days, so it's a very cool thing to be able to celebrate the bars five year anniversary with a bunch of good friends having a grand old time playing some of the brainiest and most important metal music coming out right now. With three bands who define the greatness of the scene that Saint Vitus has been able to cultivate, last night was a triumph, speaking to everything that the metal scene can and should be in New York City.

First up were Primitive Weapons, fronted by the quasi-legendary Dave Castillo. In the words of Devin Holt of Pallbearer, "That dude is hyped like, all the time!" And that's the thing, Primitive Weapons are playing some extremely interesting heavy music with great frontmanning that makes them a pleasure to watch live. Toss in the truly interesting vocal parts, combining ideas of vocals fry, atonal singing, and more traditional ideas and you have yourself a set that is going to keep you intrigued for the duration. When the band closed with a moving speech by Castillo about the bar and then a stunning rendition of Black Sheep And Prodigal Sons everyone in the packed room knew that they had seen something special, this is a band who truly dominate the stage.

Following that stellar performance was Sannhet who deliver a stunner of their own. Of course after someone like Mr Castillo tears the stage up you need to go off in an entirely different direction to succeed. This was exactly what Sannhet did. Using a strobe light to accentuate their distinct brand of instrumental post metal the crowd seemed lost in what the band had managed to cultivate on the stage in those few magical moments. Their set ran long, and yet that was part of the beauty of it, the sense of trance that Sannhet conjure up is stunning. They are clearly extremely talented musicians and on tonight of all nights their execution as totally on point.

Then of course there was Pallbearer who really couldn't help but to be the highlight of the evening. Sure they had far more than their fair share of technical difficulties and that led to some awkwardness on stage, everything else about their performance was utterly authoritative. With a set that mixed classics alongside previously unreleased material this was one of those nights that made me realize how god damn good this band is. I've seen Pallbearer quite a few times now, but this time was perhaps the best. It was a transcendent group experience where a massive swathe of fans were held in thrall to four dudes dropping potent solos, stunning guitar riffs and multi part harmonies. Every time I see them I am struck by the sheer talent behind this band and last night was no exception. Pallbearer's live performance is the real fuckin' deal and you had better get used to it because these guys are only going to get bigger.

And so the night came to an end. Every band had said their piece about the power of Saint Vitus (In fact, Joe of Pallbearer gave a particularly sweet and moving speech to many a cheer) and we were left satisfied. Ultimately, this is what matters about this bar, that musicians from so many great bands could be able to call this place home, could look at the scene the Vitus has cultivated and allowed us all to fall in love. And so we genuflect in honor of a venue who are changing the world. With devastating bands and a sense of magic that will last for years, I gotta say, I can't wait to go back tomorrow!

Find the bands on Facebook!

Primitive Weapons: https://www.facebook.com/PrimitiveWeapons/?fref=ts

Sannhet: https://www.facebook.com/sannhet/?fref=ts

Pallbearer: https://www.facebook.com/pallbearerdoom/?fref=ts

Find out more about Saint Vitus Bar: http://www.saintvitusbar.com/

Prochainement: Rotten Sound, Cult Leader & Abigail Williams (27.04 au Glazart de Paris)

De retour à l’occasion de la sortie de leur nouvel album, Rotten Sound marquera sa tournée Européenne avec une date Francaise à Paris s’annonçant déjà très prometteuse. 

Lors de leur passage au Glazart de Paris le 27 avril prochain, les fans du quatuor au son dévastateur dans la pure lignée des groupes Grindcore cultes auront l’occasion de découvrir les derniers titres de Abuse to Suffer, leur huitième album en date sorti tout frais dans les bacs chez Season of Mist.

Accompagnant le quatuor finlandais pour cette tournée européenne, nous avons la chance de trouver deux groupes américains tout aussi réputés et dont la présence dans les salles européennes se fait rare.

Abigail Williams aura l’honneur d’ouvrir les festivités avec un son sinistre et chaotique dans la tradition de le scène black metal américaine (Nachtmystium, Leviathan...).

Après avoir initialement annoncé leur séparation en juillet 2012, le groupe au line-up tumultueux mené par le chanteur-guitariste Ken Bergeron marquera son retour sur la scène avec de nouvelles tournées et un nouvel album pour le plus grand bonheur de leurs fans. Leur dernier album, The Accuser, sorti en octobre dernier promet de faire des ravages auprès d’audiences qui seraient passées à coté de cet opus injustement négligé par la presse.

Complétant ce lineup aux styles aussi extrêmes que variés, le groupe de Crust / Hardcore Chaotique Cult Leader marquera sa présence exceptionnelle sur cette tournée pour défendre l’excellent The Lightless Walk sorti l’année dernière chez Deathwish Inc. Bien qu’étant le premier véritable album du groupe, après 2 EP sortis eux aussi chez l'écurie de la bande à Bannon, cette sortie ne marque en aucun cas un coup d’essai pour ce quatuor issu de Salt-Lake City, puisque ce dernier n’est autre qu’une récente formation née des cendres du légendaire groupe de Crust punk/Blackened Hardcore GAZA. 

Avec un line-up comme celui-ci, le mois d’avril s’annonce sans trop de doutes ponctué de claques pour les heureux fans de musiques extrêmes, avec des groupes dont la réputation n’est plus à faire mais qui rend cette date française à Paris aussi prometteuse qu’immanquable.

Liens pour l’évènement et la billetterie:

Evenement Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/events/1709970239215029/

Digitick

http://www.digitick.com/rotten-sound-cult-leader-abigail-williams-concert-glazart-paris-19-du-27-au-28-avril-2016-css4-digitick-pg101-ri3794787.html

Ce concert vous est présenté par HiBooking:

http://www.hibooking.fr/?tourdates

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/hibookingfrance/

Rotten Sound

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/RottenSoundOfficial/

Bandcamp

https://rottensound.bandcamp.com/

Official Website

http://www.rottensound.com/

Cult Leader

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/CultLeaderMusic

Bandcamp

https://cultleadermusic.bandcamp.com/album/nothing-for-us-here-2

Tumblr

http://cultleadermusic.tumblr.com/

Abigail Williams

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/abigailwilliamsofficial/

Helen Money and Magma at Le Poisson Rouge

It's always nice when I get to go to an early show and then make my way home early and relax with a drink with some buddies. Such was the case this evening with Helen Money and Magma at Le Poisson Rouge, a somewhat legendary venue in the ever magical New York City. The two acts represented tonight were fairly different an yet aesthetically they fit almost perfectly, nicely demonstrating the excellence of Nanotear and the magic that live music should have in a world where tastes are increasingly diversified.

To be totally honest with you, though I've known about Magma for a while, I really came for Helen Money, and I was not disappointed by her entrancing live performance. She's the type of musician who exists in a universe that is wholly her own. Their is a very profound magic to what she's doing, and the very visceral, monochromatic soundscapes that she paints with her surprisingly elegant approach to the cello entrances the listener. Helen Money is a truly one of a kind artist and it's easy to fall in love with the beautiful sound she's crafted simply because she's the rare musician who has been able to cultivate a truly unique idea and turn it into something transcendent.

Magma of course were endlessly impressive Though I had that weird thing where everyone at the show seemed to be a nerd for the band but me, I still had a good time. Magma are simply too talented to ignore. They are known for teir endlessly impressive, their multipart harmonies, rotating time signatures and unique song structures (Often bleeding well over half an hour) But it gives a sense of regal dominance to the music. Magma are powerful because they are endlessly weird, and so much of the music we love has directly evolved from them. They captured the hearts of Le Poisson Rouge and the hundreds gathered were awestruck in an experience that could only be described as religious. Magma are gods in their own lifetime, and they know it.

And so I dipped out into the night. Like I said - it was an early show and I felt weird being home as early as I was - and yet somehow that seemed to only contribute to the evening. Magma is the sort of thing that is so intense that to take it in one late night sitting would be far too intense of a commitment. Rather - the musician on this tour need to be slowly digested, allow them to become a part of your life and slowly fall in love. Helen Money and Magma are among the great artists of our time, and we should never forget that.

Geryon, Malignancy and Revocation at Saint Vitus Bar

There are fewer and fewer bands who I've wanted to see since I was a kid now. It's just what happens when you go to shows three to five nights a week. Last night though I got to check out a group I've wanted to see for years - a group who permanently altered my uitar playing and who had a massive impact on my high school experience. I am talking of course, baut Revocation. Along with a pair of fascinating, top notch openers last night at Saint Vitus was one of those evenings that proves the supremacy of the bar.

Geryon were up first. I was a little suprirsed to see them opening for Revocation, then again their unique brand of technical, mostly instrumental drum and bass madness couldn't help but to capture my imagination. There is a distinct power behind this band and their distinct soundscapes. What got me about their set was the unique rhythms and the heavy contrast between the drums and the guitars. No one else sounds quite like Geryon because their artistic vision is so distinct and angular that to deny their supremacy is to deny what may very well be the future of heavy music. So yeah - their set may have run a little long, but I could help but revel in what they had created.

I was curious to see Malignancy - not so much because I dig their music (Although it was pretty tight) but more because it's always fascinating to see a group that have been a part of the death metal underground for so long. Malignancy are an interesting act - they play straight up old school death metal and feature a wise cracking frontman who dedicated songs to twenty-odd people throughout the set. They play with a distinctive charm, the guitarist jumping up and down and hair flying around the stage. This is a death metal fans death metal band - sworn to the underground and destined to plow through all struggles.

Then of course the hour was ripe for Revocation - or as I like to think of them - this generations Death. They played a seventy minute set featuring a nice mix of classics and newer material. One thing that struck me is simply how in love frontman Dave Davidson is with being a death metal vocalist. His head bobs along gleefully to the grooves and he guides his band through crazed riff after crazed riff. The fact of the matter is that Revocation put on one of the best guitar performances you will ever get a chance to see, and they utterly tour it up in front of a couple hundred freaked out Brooklyn metalheads who will never escape the burning magic of a band who are keeping thrash relevant.

And so the night came to an end. Now, the evening of the following day, my neck still hurts. My friends have texted me throughout the day to reflect on how goddamn good Revocation were. I can't help but smile as I think back to all that they represented yesterday evening. This is a band who can grind it out - who understand the magic of this type of music, and when on top of a great bill like they were last night - are given a chance to properly shine. Revocation are a death metal fans death metal band, and they will crush your skull.

Find the bands on Facebook!

Geryon: https://www.facebook.com/geryondm/?fref=ts

Malignancy: https://www.facebook.com/MalignancyOfficial/?fref=ts

Revocation: https://www.facebook.com/Revocation/?fref=ts

Uniform, Wrekmeister Harmonies, and Bell Witch at The Acheron

Another night, another show, but not really - not when the show is this god damn good. The Acheron is a 10 minute walk from my house, so if I don't go to a show there it's honestly kind of fucked up, and they put together some truly special bills too. Last night was no exception with Uniform opening up for Wrekmeister Harmonies and Bell Witch, two of the most fascinating bands on the scene right now. Suffice to say - it is the unique and beautiful experiences like last night that make New York City such an amazing place.

Uniform where the first band I got to catch and though they had a bit of a weird start once they hit their stride they blew me the fuck away. Their uniquely bleak sound, powerful tone and heavy sampling makes for a brainy performance that starts off dense and ends triumphantly. Everything about this band hints at their capabilities to reach out and do something greater. The way they present themselves live is interesting to say the least and sort of hints at all that this band stands for. This two piece have figured out a distinct visual aesthetic between the two of them that made for a fitting debut to the evening.

After having seen them at St Vitus the week prior I thought that Wrekmeister Harmonies had show me everything they had. I was wrong. So gleefully wrong. With an almost Arthur Todd Brown-like approach and a sound that was absolutely transcendent Wrekmeister Harmonies guided us through fifty odd minutes of pulsating heaviness. With gentle crescendos and moving denouments this is a band who bring a grander aesthetic to the world of underground metal. It's impossible to understate what this band means live, everything from the eerie violins to the tortured bass playing courtesy of Bell Witch's Dylan Desmond is evidence that Wrekmeister Harmonies are in a league of their own.

As much as I loved Wrekmeister Harmonies though even they couldn't prepare me for what Bell Witch did at The Acheron last night. With less than twenty people left in the room the band took the stage and played an hour of new material and stuff off their latest record. Dylans acrobatic bass playing matches perfectly with Jesse's devastating growls in a way that feels organic and fresh even though the dudes have been on tour for weeks now. This is a band who know how to bring it live and managed to keep the few huddled doom freaks at Acheron at one in the morning in a weird state of trance.

Walking home I reflected upon first hearing Wrekmeister Harmonies and being shocked at how broad the sound was. It's like JR can do anything. Then I remembered listening that Bell Witch demo when I was in high school. The band was so heavy and slow that I thought they had to be a joke. A band couldn't possibly be that crushing right? Now here I was having just seen two of these bands a ten minute walk from my door. I don't know what that says about rock and roll but fuck it dude, if you can't get into these bands rock n roll might just not be your thing.

Find them on Facebook!

Uniform: https://www.facebook.com/thebanduniform/?ref=ts&fref=ts

Wrekmeister Harmonies: https://www.facebook.com/wrekmeisterharmonies23/?fref=ts

Bell Witch: https://www.facebook.com/BellWitchDoom/?ref=ts&fref=ts

Alustrium, Black Fast and Rivers of Nihil at St Vitus Bar

New York City is magical because its big city nights are bigger and better than pretty much any one else's. Such was the case yesterday evening when some of the most exciting bands in the metal world descended on St Vitus Bar to bring the sort of sonic annihilation that makes this whole thing worth doing. So I sit here - reflecting on a trio of impressive death metal bands and the weirdness of mere hours ago as I listen to harsh noise and prepare to see where the rest of what promises to be an extremely weird day will take me.

Alustrium were the first band up, though they aren't part of the package they certainly could have been. I've been curious to see these guys for years ever since I first heard their 2011 EP An Absence Of Clarity. Though their set wasn't as tight as they may perhaps have wanted I found that their distinct riffing style, powerful overlays and sharp stage presence made them an exciting first band to watch. Though at times the fact that they had stage banners felt a little overblown and didn't quite fit the atmosphere, Alustrium clearly have big ambitions and I'm curious to see where that's going to take them.

My real highlight of the evening though was Black Fast - a band with a monstrous stage presence and oodles of hair flying just about everywhere. Black Fast are hard hitting and powerful metal masters, delivering weirdly angular riffs that sound like a sort of demented fusion between Death and Vektor. Despite their apparent technicality though the band does not fail to stay engaging. They draw you in and deliver every blasting chorus with a snarl. This is a band who define what modern death metal should be, combining distinct ideas and a unique vision with the sort of hyper energetic performance that even a non metal fan could love.

I've wanted to see Rivers of Nihil for years now and for some reason it has never really worked out before last night. With their bald muscle bound frontman and long locked guitar players this is a death metal band who look like a death metal band. As the band executed one devastating track after another I turned to a friend and said, "Damn, I forgot how good they are!" Because that's the thing - Rivers Of Nihil will fucking kill you if you let them. Few bands, especially in the modern sphere, have managed to as perfectly fuse grooves, technicality, brutality and simply good songwriting as well as Rivers Of Nihil have, and it's paying off dividends.

And so the evening came to a close. New friends were made and old friends were hugged. Beers were chugged and some even had the stamina to wander off to Duff's, Brooklyn's most famous metal bar. At the end of the night though, I had gotten what I wanted, the same sort of death metal absolution that resonates just as much with me now as it did all those years ago when I started attending shows in Paris. These bands proved something important last night, that no matter what, heavy music can find a way into your heart and still leave a mark.

Find the bands on Facebook!

Alustrium: https://www.facebook.com/Alustrium/?ref=ts&fref=ts

Black Fast: https://www.facebook.com/BlackFast/?ref=ts&fref=ts

Rivers Of Nihil: https://www.facebook.com/riversofnihil/?fref=ts

Refused in Paris (@Le Trianon, 01/12/2015)

Whether you love them or hate them, Refused are the best example of a band whose artistic delivery and impact match their gargantuan ambition. The same way “Who wants to be a Millionnaire” contestant John Carpenter confidently baffled the world by calling his dad to boast about his 1 million dollar winning, the ballsy statement that is “The Shape of Punk to come” has baffled the world with its accurately foretold prophecy. What was once a grossly underrated band rose up and returned to the scene, greeted by the newfound fan base and praise they deserve. Returning to Paris for the 2nd time since their reformation, the punk quitet from Umea, Sweden were greeted to a Sold-out show at the large, prestigious venue known as Le Trianon.

Scheduled to open up for the band were a local four fifth all-girl band known as X Syndicate, whose sharp attire consisting of black and white suit and tie combos combined with their voluminous haircuts and makeup made for quite the first impression. The bands’ blatantly straightforward overdriven blend of punk n’ roll bordering on slow thrash, while incredibly simplistic, did make for a nice starter for the show… at least initially. While there wasn’t anything all that bad about the set, the bands’ lack of inspiration seemed to become more and more evident as time went by during the course of their uninterrupted mishmash of metal guitar 101 riffs. The vocalist did give out a solid performance, though her microphone was all too often way too low in the mix. Most disturbing of all was the staleness of the performers whose onstage attitude made them seem a lot more preoccupied by the press photographers at the front of the stage than their actual audience. Overall, I couldn’t shake the bitter aftertaste hinting towards a sense of shallowness after listening to a somewhat fun but all too generic set of riffs and songs.

Refused were then next in line and prepared to take on their avid fans. As the time for the bands’ set to start off came night, the audience was greeted and treated to an introduction with Kendrick Lamar’s King Kunta, suggesting the bands’, an unexpected yet pleasant choice that got a fair share of the audience pumped up. The Swedes took to the stage looking sharp as ever with their buttoned shirts and fired up with Elektra off of their comeback record Freedom. While the opening number for the show did feel somewhat underwhelming, the band quickly got back on track after getting warmed up for the first few minutes, getting all fired up in time to unleash The Shape of Punk to Come  unto the audience as a follow-up. Vocalist Dennis Lyxzén visibly needed a song or 2 to get warmed up but as soon as the initial tracks gave him time to get in the groove he quickly turned into a juggernaut. With a fair balance of songs off of Freedom and the classic The Shape of Punk to Come to please and win over old and new fans alike, the band delivered an incredibly fun and intense live set, brilliantly articulated and punctuated with breaks and builds to keep the show fresh and dynamic. Admittedly not a fan of larger venues such as Le Trianon, particularly in the context of a punk show, I was very impressed by the bands’ ability to make the best out of their setting and close off the typically large gap between the stage and audience through their explosive stage presence and their interaction with the audience. With Dennis swirling his mic chord and jumping around like an acrobat while busting some sweet moves, the band shows little to no signs of ageing  and are visibly still fully charged up with the electrifying energy that inked their music and name in punk rock anthology. With each outburst of the bands’ syncopated rhythms and danceable rock grooves contagious enough to tear lesser prepared venues down to the ground, Refused had their audience on their toes and running wild in the pit.

Having lost nothing in the way of their militant spirit, the band also took a brave stand to address the COP21 summit as well as the tragic events having struck Paris only 2 weeks earlier. The quintet from Sweden had played at le Bataclan the last time they toured France and were very adamant in spreading a message of unyielding love and solidarity to their audience. “THIS is our Weapon! Please take care of each other!” the band cried out, with Dennis Lyxzén on the brink of tears as they fired up “Rather be Dead”, during which he jumped into the crowd to yell the refrain alongside the fans.

Thanks to the bands’ incredibly rich sound, Refused offered a superbly paced and diverse set, crashing down with hard-hitting powerhouses all the while steering clear from a one-dimensional sequence of the same grooves and moods. I was most notably pleasantly surprised by the inclusion of the dance-able rock numbers such as the new Servants of death which helped to switch up the mood for a bit.

The bands’ live Bombination in 14 bursts flew by in what seemed like a mere half hour, closing off the main set with a brilliant rendition of the classic “Worm of the Senses / Faculties of the Skull” before leaving the stage. A sold-out venue full of fans cannot be fooled though, as every single person in the room were fully aware that the band had still some unfinished business to attend to. After a roaring ovation of fans calling out for the closing songs of the evening, the band returned to the stage to the iconic opening riff to “New Noise”, to which the crowd lost their minds and split pit from side to side before wreaking havoc. To add some more the icing on the cake before bringing an evening to a definite close, the band followed up their anthemic encore with the crushing “Tannhäuser / Derivè”, the perfect encore for the bands’ phenomenal set.

With a set such as this one, Refused leave no doubt as to the band’s relevance in today’s rock scene, their latest creative output and their explosive live shows stating loud and clear that these Swedes are going to keep tearing it up for years to come. Don’t believe what they say, Refused are fucking alive and kicking it harder than ever.

Robin.

Thank you to the staff at HIM Media for making this live report possible!

Live photos by Nessie Monteiro.

Setlist 

1. Elektra

2. The Shape of Punk to Come

3. The Refused Party Program

4. Dawkins Christ

5. The Deadly Rhythm

6. Françafrique

7. Rather Be Dead

8. Coup d'état

9. War on the Palaces

10. Servants of Death

11. Refused Are Fucking Dead

12. Thought Is Blood

13. Summerholidays vs. Punkroutine

14. Worms of the Senses / Faculties of the Skull

15. New Noise

16. Tannhäuser / Derivè