I arrived at the venue expecting the usual set up: high-top tables with high-top chairs and stools at the bar. All of that was gone. I made a funny statement, and they said we have a sold out show tonight. So, they were making room for people as it was standing room only. I looked at the line up and was like, “ok.” Well, as the night went on, the place was packed, and you say, “who was it?” Local band Scum, followed by Cloak, Inferi, Krisiun, and headliner Deicide.
SCUM
This four-piece band is full of energy. This is the second time I have captured this band. They keep getting better musically and marketing themselves. Their lyrics are sharp and they tell a story. The instrumentation is fresh. I want to hear more from these guys as they grow and perform at multiple events.
Their marketing is top notch. They want to keep their name in your face. After they performed, they passed out packets with bumper stickers, posters, invites to their next show, and QR codes to their music and their website. They have a stellar online presence and want their fans to find them.
Scum is playing at a level that gets them invited to open for the killer good shows. In an environment that is flooded with heavy metal. They are climbing their way to the top quickly. You can find Scum at the following links and you will see what I mean.
Cloak
This hard-edge band from Atlanta, GA, brings their own flavor of a black metal band with a blend of anthemic rock and Southern sludge with a Satanic flair. This band is upfront and in your face when it comes to their beliefs. Their message is strong. They can back it up, with driving riffs and head banging beats tied to great lyrics that really put the message together.
With three impressive albums under their belt, Scott Taysom-vocalist, Max Brigham-guitarist, Sean Bruneau-drummer, and Billy Robinson-bass bring a message in each album. Their 2023 release, Black Flame Eternal, is full of power, strength, and empowerment. The message is fresh with a spiritual rebellion that exists between good and evil.
To hear some of their music and to follow their journey, check out BANDCAMP and FACEBOOK.
Inferi
Formed from the ashes of “Death Looks Promising,” Inferi emerges out of the melodic death metal scene of Nashville, TN. Their driving fantasy-based metal brings out dreamy mysterious journeys in music. They can take you on a journey that could feel like a drug inducted trip, but I promise they were not injecting anything in the air during their performance.
Their latest album, Vile Genesis, released in 2021, but they have released a few songs recently like “Tainted Pact” in 2023, which gives us a fresh direction of their music. Many are asking when they are releasing their next album.
Inferi has some great links to find their music streaming. Check out these links.
BANDCAMP | METAL ARCHIVES | FACEBOOK
Krisiun
A three-member family, Brazilian death metal band, the brothers have been performing since 1990. They have traveled all over North America, South America, and Europe. Their violent lyrics and very fast musical tempo have anchored their extreme death metal style as being the best. They come on strong and bold, their energy and music can stir up the best moshing and circles. If you could see the wave length of sound coming off the speakers, you could see the effect of their music to their audience.
Krisiun have released 12 albums over the years, with the last one, Mortem Solis, in 2022. A straightforward, old school album, free of computer-generated notes, keeping the true death metal sound alive. They are soldiers of death metal, creating a new path from old school lessons learned from 33 years of battle.
Watching these three brothers perform, they truly were having fun on stage. If you want a fresh look at death metal, you need to follow these guys.
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
Deicide
In 1987, Steve Asheim, Eric and Brian Hoffman had a vision for the future. Soon after, Glen Benton joined the team to round out their vocals and to help with song writing. At that time, they didn’t know what was in store for them all. Thirty seven years later, 12 albums, many controversial antics and edgy lyrics have brought the band to a level of being a top-notch death metal band, also referred to as a blackened death metal band.
Influenced by the early days of the band Slayer, they have taken that tenfold and created their own hardcore death metal. They have just released their 13th album, Banished by Sin, in the spring, which sold out just months after its release. This should reflect on what kind of influence they have on the death metal world.
They opened their show with, “When Satan Rules His World,” “Carnage in the Temple of Doom,” and “Bury the Cross…With Your Jesus.” Jumping around from there, they wrapped up the set with the song, “Homage to Satan.”
Deicide has proven that old death metal soldiers can still sell out venues and sell albums. They are moving forward with a more secure position in the music business and are going to ride this latest resurgence of death metal. Look up these links and jump on a ride that will take you on a journey of your life.
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
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