Hypocrisy with Killswitch Engage, Scar Culture and Soilwork
|
Hypocrisy with Killswitch Engage, Scar Culture and Soilwork |
Judgment Committee Reviews | Rating |
|
3 | |
|
4 | |
| Solomon's Review | 5 | |
| Go to Reader Reviews |
Abyss's Review (5/25/02, North Six, Brooklyn, NY):
One Man's Metal Show is Another Man's Eighth Grade Dance
Photos by Solomon
HypocrisyBefore I get into the specific of the show, allow me to explain this piece's title for a moment. I was very distracted this entire show by a seemingly endless supply of lip-locked couples. And when I say lip-locked, I don't mean overly affectionate, I mean I don't think they came up for air. We're not talking about kissing for a few minutes here, we're talking hours being the most efficient unit of time (I am not exaggerating) I found myself going through many stages. At first I felt uncomfortable and avoided looking (there were two couples within 5 feet of me), thinking that I would just wait until they stopped. But after about the third song of continuous tonsil hockey, my initial trepidation gave way to a morbid fascination. Did they know where they were? Is this what she considered romance? Are they turned on by the smells of an average metal show? I mean, we all did it at the eighth grade dance, but that's just because it was so hard to get away from our parents. These people looked old enough to go wherever they wanted, and they chose this metal show. I stopped being uncomfortable and started pointing and staring, wondering if they were going for a record or something. Some girls never find such a Romeo...but I digress.
That was only part of the show that was going on at this venue. I walked in during the second to last song of Killswitch Engage's set, and while I'm lukewarm when it comes to them, the crowd was much appreciative, cheering loudly when he said he didn't care if his band was called hardcore or metal and that we should all get along. Even though I didn't see much, Killswitch Engage got the mission accomplished by getting me in a metal mood.
Killswitch EngageBrooklyn's own Scar Culture was up next. I've never been that impressed with this band, but I held out hope that they might be one of those live acts that turns me around with passion and presence. That wasn't to happen this night, unfortunately. After being berated by fans telling me how amazing their drummer was (it was announced that he was a last minute replacement for this tour, so I don't know if they were talking about him or the original drummer), Scar Culture hit the stage awkwardly, sounding sloppy and off-time. Everything seemed disjointed for the first few songs, reminding me of someone driving a stick, unable to get it in gear. The crowd initially seemed to be on my side, as they stared with questioning looks, but they eventually warmed up to the band, making me wonder if things would have been a lot different if the band wasn't in their back yard. They did eventually start to sound better, but they had lost me by then.
Scar CultureEveryone's favorite band these days, Soilwork, took the stage next. I have often commented that I haven't really been on board when it came to this band's recent direction. The clean vocals that have been utilized on these last two records struck me as poppy and tepid, but I'm happy to say that in a live setting the clean vocals retain a raw bit of anger, making the songs much more effective, in my opinion. The band tore into their set with all of the precision we've come to expect from Swedish metal acts. They were dead on in their presentation and while their set consisted mostly of songs of the last two records, a few older songs were thrown in as well. The band seemed comfortable, coming out to the theme for Raiders of the Lost Ark, and their stage presence was good humored and interesting. The band told of getting lost (and frightened) in Queens and the crowd seemed to appreciate them the entire set. This band doesn't have the dominating presence of some of their countrymen (In Flames), but they are on the right track.
Hypocrisy took the stage with a visibly drunk Peter at the helm. He was wearing a Kiss jersey, and proclaiming his love for the band, and initially had to field some heckling from the crowd. His intoxication was only very evident when speaking, however, and didn't seem to effect his playing. Hypocrisy is always a treat to see live, and even though I wasn't too keen on the last album, there are very few bands with as impressive a catalogue. From "Penetralia" to the encore of (of course) "Roswell 47" the band hit upon all of their different sounds and proved why they have achieved what they have. I don't care how drunk he gets, I'll go see Peter & Co. every time. And before I knew it, it was over, and I had to schlep back into Manhattan. Hopefully this band will start coming to these shores more often.
Hel's Review (5/25/02, North Six, Brooklyn, NY):
Death was off gallivanting in Amsterdam on the night this was scheduled for, so Solomon was recruited once again to fill in the gap on the Judgment Committee for this show. After all, how could Hypocrisy and Soilwork possibly do a tour and not receive JC coverage? So with that issue resolved and Redwolff in tow, we set out across the river with purpose.
We arrived during Killswitch Engage. As those of you who read my album review already know, while I consider them to be a talented band, I'm not totally "into" them. Unfortunately, their live performance was unable to sway my point of view. In some cases, it is possible for an outstanding live set to win me over, though in this case, their set was highly reminiscent of the record, and I was not utterly wowed. It was a good effort, one that several in the audience seemed to appreciate more than I.
SoilworkScar Culture was the next band in the line up. Another band I am rather unenthusiastic about. My experiences with them have always been limited and in a live setting, but they have yet to impress me with their performance. This night was no exception, and it quickly became clear that one of two things was occurring. Either the drummer could not keep time, or the drummer was fine, but the rest of the band wasn't paying attention to him and they were all out of time together, while the drummer was keeping time by himself. My guess is that it is the former. Not an uncommon problem, and as I understand it, one that can be fairly easily remedied. I would recommend they do so, and soon, if what I witnessed was the norm.
So after much waiting around, Soilwork was finally on. They led off their set the same way as they did at the New England Metal and Hardcore Festival, just a couple of months ago, with "Follow the Hollow." Personally, I consider this to be their worst song ever - sure, rhyming is a great songwriting tool, but this song takes it to extremes. Every other word rhymes, and taken together, the lyrics become fairly inane. But it's catchy, and the audiences seemed to respond, so what the hell do I know. Soilwork put on a great set, comprised mostly of songs from the last two records. Their combined musicianship was solid, and all the songs were well-executed. It even sounded pretty good, which it should have, considering the vast amount of time which had elapsed between the end of Scar Culture and the beginning of their set. All in all, it was a great performance.
HypocrisyWhile the stage was being re-set for Hypocrisy, the rumors started to fly. "Peter was passed out on the bus before Soilwork went on and people were drawing on him." "Peter spent the day riding around in a limo getting wasted." And so on. So it came as no surprise when he staggered onstage. I was fearing shades of Nevermore's Warrel Dane at Downtime a couple of years ago - Warrel was so drunk, he couldn't even sing.
Peter was in much better shape, only really noticeably screwing up a song once, but his playing throughout the evening was uncharacteristically sloppy, and his onstage dialogue was hilariously typical of an extreme state of drunkeness. Less reminiscent of Warrel and much more reminiscent of Phil Anselmo's recent appearance with Down. Really, it was all quite funny, except for the fact that the result was that the songs sounded very muddled. I valiantly tried to identify songs, but could only do so sporadically. However, it was a fun show, and the band gets full points for that. While I will always hold their appearance at the Bank as a three piece a few years ago in much higher musical regard, this performance had a lot of character.
Killswitch EngageBelieve it or not, there was a band after Hypocrisy, one of the opening acts was still slated to go on, but I'm fairly certain no one stayed. At least none of the MJ crew did. It was a fun night on the whole, and I generally like North Six as a venue, so, as certain people that I know say, "it's all good." I don't envy Peter the hangover he must have had the next morning!
Solomon's Review (5/25/02, North Six, Brooklyn, NY):
Manowar and Immortal kept me entertained Friday night, but Saturday was the BIG one for the week. After a killer but poorly mixed performance at this year's New England bash, I was anxious to see how Soilwork would hold up in a more intimate setting. Hypocrisy, live and in the flesh, were eagerly anticipated by me and the rest of the MJ crew. I had seen Pete's other band, Pain, at last year's Metal Meltdown in New Jersey, and had been impressed. Would Hypocrisy blow us away? Yes, they did, even if it was a bit "under the influence."
Soilwork
Yes, Mr. Tagtgren apparently had too much time on his hands waiting to hit the stage, and took advantage of that opportunity to drink up. I know metal and alcohol are a marriage made in heaven (especially with the MJ crew, haha), but I usually don't look forward to seeing musicians play drunk. Strangely, by the time Hypocrisy came on, I was already too tired and too anxious to see this Swedish troupe for the first time to care. Pete was pretty funny as a wino, anyway, going off on how much KISS meant to him and trying to keep from falling on his ass. Luckily, the music was loud and heavy, so precision wasn't of great necessity. Lars, Mikael, Pete and Andreas Holma (touring guitarist) beat the hell out of a dirty set of fast, ugly and sometimes beautiful tunes, including "Fractured Millenium," "Don't Judge Me," "Destroyed" and, of course, "Roswell 47." "Fire In The Sky" was a treat, as was the second or third song, the really heavy one with gothic keyboards gallore ("Until The End," maybe?). Crap, guess I'll have to do more homework next time around. Reactions to Catch 22 may be lukewarm, but live, Hypocrisy owns it all. I just hope they play "Adjusting the Sun" on the next tour.
Scar Culture
Killswitch Engage played a punchy, entertaining set of hardcore/Gothenburg songs, and I can't believe guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz actually uses a Fender for that shit (love the hair, man)! Scar Culture was fast and brutal. Vocalist Pheroze Karai screamed his ass off, and was jovial and interacted with the crowd well ("Cat people," haha). Hypocrisy killed, but Soilwork set the standard for everyone. The sound was a little better than the last time I had seen them, but with such layered music (clear/dirty vox, backup vocals, guitars, keys, etc.) I imagine getting it perfect in such a small setting is a tough request. The band takes their music and performs it the best they can. Speed was in fine form, working the crowd and growling/scrooning in all the right places. I was more familiar with the last two records, but after hearing "Millionflame" from Chainheart, a trip to the record store might be in order. Too bad they didn't play "Black Star Deceiver" or "Song of the Damned" from Natural Born Chaos, but there were no complaints with "Follow the Hollow," "As We Speak," "Flameout," "Needlefeast," and "Like the Average Stalker." Soilwork are one of the best bands out there right now, and one of the best live ones, too. Kudos to bassist Ola Flink for having the huevos to wear a cowboy hat and Theatre of Pain shirt!
...the fuck did you just say?
[- Metal Judgment Home -] [- Email Metal Judgment -]
©1999 Metal Judgment. All rights reserved.
