Rating: 4 Skulls
|
Rating: 4 Skulls |
||
|
|
||
Reviewed by Sabbath (8/30/03, The Huntridge Theater, Las Vegas, NV):
Vehemence
Photos by SabbathBefore we even arrived in Las Vegas, I was already hearing negative rumors about what went down Friday night at the Huntridge Theatre (where this "fest" was being held). I decided to only make Saturday night, and get my ass back to California. Normally when I hear "Metal Fest" I usually imagine a somewhat massive crowd somewhere in the thousands. But, unfortunately this fest is in the western United States, and the turnout was only in the low hundreds. This is the first annual attempt at a fest in this location and I have to say it was a rocky start. But hope still remains.
First off, there was absolutely NO media personnel allowed in via guest list, absolutely no guest list for girlfriends/wives of band members, and absolutely no backstage for non-band members. Right away, I was kind of pissed off about that. Not only did I arrive with one of the bands playing Saturday night, I was covering this festival for Metal Judgment. I quickly got over that, and paid for the show, but still could not accept the fact that I could not go backstage for some good photos, etc. I finally received backstage access, after a short discussion with the promoters.
Note: No drinks outside the venue, and no smoking inside the venue. Uh, we are in FUCKING LAS VEGAS not Beverly Hills, Jesus H. Christ that was lame.
Cattle DecapitationFollowing all the fuss and ruckus, I was ready to enjoy the night. I, unluckily, missed all the bands previous to Divine Empire, including Motive, due to time restraints and other issues, but luckily I have seen Motive play before. Motive, like Vehemence, are natives of Arizona and the only two bands of that state I seem to enjoy enormously. They have a heavy, persuasive, and technical sound resembling mid 80's Thrash/Speed Metal. I enjoyed their set when I saw them not long ago, and I heard they ripped before we arrived. I only witnessed one track by Divine Empire, but that one track was awesome! An all around good band, which fans of many different genres should enjoy.
Crematorium was next in line. This band was born in the heart of California, and they have been pummeling the scene for quite some time. I have seen Crematorium a few times before Las Vegas Metal fest, but never was as impressed with them as I was this night. Their performance was tight, catchy, and presented well, and they also added a few new members to the line-up. Let's see another tour soon boys!
Next up - Vehemence. There is not much more I can say regarding this band that I have not said already, a hundred times over about their previous shows. One word review for performance: Extraordinary! Vehemence owns the dictionary definition for T-A-L-E-N-T, and their live performances are always a highlight of the entire evening. Set list included new tracks: "Kill For God"" We Are All Dying" and "Her Beautiful Eyes" (this track was technically written long before God Was Created, but will be featured on the third release) and they also played "Made For Her Jesus" and "The Last Fantasy of Christ." These young lads are preparing to record their third full-length album entitled Helping the World To See, and are currently in the process of deciding on an applicable album artist, as well as playing many local shows. Happily, I have had the opportunity to hear all their new tracks for their upcoming album during band practices, and I must give everyone who is curious a little preview: If you liked God Was Created and were impressed with this new addition to Metal Blade Records - then you will LOVE Helping the World To See, and you shall be completely overwhelmed by the power this release is sure to dispense. It is obvious how much Vehemence have matured from GWC to their new material, and how they have managed to find their distinguishing niche in the Death Metal neighborhood. Rock on Guys!
VehemenceAfter Vehemence, the celebrated "Vegetarians of California" took stage - none other than Cattle Decapitation. I was looking forward to seeing them because this band seems to shake things up a bit. Last time I saw them, they performed at Metal Blade's 20th Anniversary Party, and Travis was wearing a beef jerky mask, hilarious! Travis is a fucking maniac, truly insane to watch haha. I do admire their style, and take pleasure in watching them execute interesting stage techniques. If you have a chance to see these guys, don't miss them. Malevolent as all hell!
SuffocationFinally, [gasp] SUFFOCATION! No one-word review will fit Suffocation, ever. I cannot think of one word in the English Dictionary that actually describes the impact their live performance has made upon me, and plenty of other people attending this show - they are simply too big. The overlords of Brutal Death are back with the original line-up, and new addition Guy Marchias (Internal Bleeding, Pyrexia), crushing a stage near you. Their set list included "Pierced from Within" "Breeding the Spawn" "Suspended in Tribulation" "Infecting the Crypts" "Reincremation" (a wonderful song that has never been performed live by Suffocation until now), and two new tracks, counting "Deceit", soon to be released with a full-length on Relapse Records. I cannot stress enough how deeply amazing it was to actually see Suffocation live. It was like seeing your own perceived heaven, how you would portray heaven in your own twisted mind. Frank Mullen's voice must have echoed miles from the venue, and seeing Terrance Hobbs do what he does, in the flesh, was a treat to say the least.
In addition, I was shocked to see this tiny, adorable little girl wandering about backstage, until I learned that she was Frank Mullen's daughter. I am not sure her age, but she stood on top of the merchandise counter to watch her dad perform over all the metal "heads". What a pleasant experience, hehe, but hey - who wouldn't like to be Frank Mullen's daughter? Suffocation = a perfect ending to a night that had not so perfect organization/venue. These Deathsters indulged my infatuation with seeing them live, and they delivered 120% quality to their entire set.
In short, this was one Brutal fucking fest. Soundwise, this venue did extraordinarily well, but promoter/promotion wise this show was badly unorganized (but I will not get into the specifics). I wish I could have seen the other two nights, but I will next time for sure! Indeed a show of epic proportions, and I am grateful I made it out, if only for one night.
[- Metal Judgment Home -] [- Email Metal Judgment -]
©1999 Metal Judgment. All rights reserved.
