Exactly a week after moving back to school for another year. I was presented with the pleasure of seeing a few amazing bands in a small venue. Necrophagist, Dying Fetus, Beneath the Massacre and Veil of Maya. I'm not crazy about Veil of Maya and honestly never listened to Dying Fetus beyond a song or two from their myspace page. However, Necrophagist and Beneath the Massacre was enough to convince me to go to the show. Plus it's not often a show like this comes around these parts. Some people say Guitar Wankery, I say Ear Candy.
First off, after a lame local band called "The Empire Demise" opened for the show, Veil of Maya was first to actually play. The crowd was maybe in the 50-60 person range at this point even after an hour after the doors offically opened. I guess the people that have not shown up yet didn't really miss anything. Maybe it's because they have played the same venue at least 2 or 3 previous times since January and honestly you can only see a certain band of their caliber so many times. Anyway, I never show up late to a show if I can help it. I'll sift through all the local bands or so-so opening bands just so I'm not burdened with having to stand near the stupid mosh-pit that somehow makes it's way to every single show no matter what kind of music it is. Don't get me wrong, the opening bands can end up being some of the better shows of the evening. *Cough* Sounds of the Underground *Cough* Amon Amarth played way before even Shadows Fall *Cough*. Overall Veil of Maya doesn't have much stage presence which is vital to a band playing for a smaller crowd. While their music is tight and true to their sound on albums, watching cardboard cutouts with headbanging play doesn't impress me much.
Second, Beneath the Massacre, I am sure at least half the crowd was there to worship this band, and for all the right reasons. I'm standing front and center with a few friends. The band, most specifically the vocalist is extremely friendly making small talk with us up front. I think the best thing about their show was their new material, they played around 3 new songs which absolutly kicked the shit out of the audience which had doubled in size since Veil of Maya took stage. During songs such as "The Systems Failure" and "Society's Disposable Son" I was at loss for words. I knew two things and two things only, fist in the air and headbang. A combination of the singers size, thundering voice and actual movement of the rest of the band made massive stage presence. I could have gone home after they played and been completely satisfied with the show. When their new CD, Dystopia comes out on October 28th buy it, I don't care what bills or child support you need to pay, buy that CD....You can pre-order it NOW.
Dying Fetus, like I said, I have barely even listened to this trio. Can't say I wasn't impressed. I mean, the music fucking slayed. When the both members that are standing up are tied to their mics for the extreme majority of their set, it's hard for them to have a stage presence beyond being statues with guitars/bass. They make up for it in sheer soul crushing bottom end that could be felt a mile away. Being that I am not familiar with their music I could not help but think its a non-egyptian Nile. Anyway, I am now a fan of Dying Fetus.
Last but not least, Necrophagist. God damn, I almost lost control over myself, I had already bought a shirt at their merch table, clutching it in hand as they took stage the crowd was easily approaching
the venues limit capacity if you take into consideration the stupid pit. I have not been so excited for a certain band to take stage since Amon Amarth. They blow through their set-list with absolute precision that is rarely seen. I knew Muhammed was short but jesus, I am sure every person there that was not familiar with the band was blown away by the sheer power his voice has from someone his size. About halfway through their monster set people are cheering for a new song. Muhammed makes the announcement there will be no new songs for the night, as they took a break from writing their album to do this tour, but they will be back summer of 2009 for the Summer Slaughter Tour with their new album in hand. Sorry about the shitty pic, I took it from a cellphone on a whim.
All in all, I could have died happy by the end of the night. I love this "guitar wankery" like hardcore kids like breakdowns from Whitechapel. If this tour is coming near you, go to it, it kicks fucking ass. The only thing that could have made the show better was for people to STOP FUCKING HARDCORE DANCING TO DEATH METAL. Jesus Herbert Christ, a circle pit during the solo in Fermented Offal Discharge? Gag me.
Posted
Aug 30 2008, 08:33 AM
by
Elpants