Sounds Of The Underground
So, a brief (it will most likely be lengthy) recap of the concert yesterday. It was one of the best band line-ups for a large scale tours that I've been to. I actually have almost nothing to complain about from the day, except that my ex G/F was there, but she certainly didn't ruin the day for me. So, without further delay, my run down of the bands that played (in order of appearance), and my thoughts on the show.
An overview - The sound was incredibly loud. I think this was an outdoor show at some locations so with all that equipment inside, it made for an amazingly loud show. Thank god for earplugs, and I feel for anyone who did not wear them. The low end bass and kickdrum notes were capable of paneling your body to the point that breathing was difficult, which was absolutely amazing. My only complaint is "core-kids" and their ridiculous pit etiquette. I don't understand how karate kicks became a part of moshing, but there were a number of people kicking away like they were trying to impress Mr. Miogi from The Karate Kid (wax on, wax off).
DevilDriver - My first time seeing them live. I don't think any of the other bands could have worked the early crowd up as good as this band did. I enjoy their music (although it is a little accessible to the masses) and they put on a great show, especially given the opening time slot.
A Life Once Lost - My first time seeing them live. I love there music as it is extremely complex and technical. Unfortunately, this doesn't translate into a live setting very well. The music itself and the musicians were absolutely fantastic but the singer just didn't seem to fit that well into the live setting. I still enjoyed seeing them.
All That Remains - My second time seeing them. They were fantastic the first time around and they continued that trend with this performance. Definitely one of my favorites of the day.
Madball - My first time seeing them live, and I actually skipped out on this to have a drink or two. They are typical "Tough guy" hardcore music which is always fun in a live setting, and they sounded like they put on a good show.
High On Fire - My first time seeing them live, and I missed them as well. I actually didn't even pay attention to their set.
Terror - My first time seeing them live, and I skipped out on them too. They are another "tough guy" hardcore band, and quite enjoyable on CD.
Throwdown - Second time in a live setting. I love their "Tough guy" hardcore music built around the very moshable breakdowns. I saw them in Vancouver, and they manage to energize the crowds extremely well. Excellent moshpits ensue when these guys take the stage.
Every Time I Die - First time seeing them live. Another metalcore band that transfers their music well into the live setting. I quite enjoyed their set, and wish they would have had a longer time on stage.
Norma Jean - First time seeing them live. I love their music, but spent the time they were playing in the beer gardens. They sounded extremely good, and seemed like they were pretty faithful to their recordings. It sounded like it was a pretty good set.
Strapping Young Lad - Second time in a live setting. Probably the loudest band on the tour (and possibly the world). Devin and crew completely obliterated the crowd and always put on a fantastic show. They also receive best finale of the day with Devin's comment "suck a turd to a point, and then stab yourself with it... I fucked all of your mothers". Not a whole lot more needs to be said.
GWAR - My second time seeing then live. Now, this is where things started to get really interesting. I had no intention of being at the barrier for this, but that's where I ended up. For those that are not familiar with GWAR's stage antics, they are known for bringing a bunch of props out on stage, and dismembering them spraying blood colored fluid onto the audience. They also have water "cannons" on each side of the stage that spray blue and green fluids on the audience as well. And, they shoot a long ways as well. I will upload pictures of myself in my post SOTU appearance, which is pretty disgusting. My shorts, socks, shoes, and boxers were all a rainbow of red, green and blue colors. When I got home, I discovered that under my 2 shirts, my skin had also turned a lovely blue color. It was a good thing I had a spare pair of board shorts in the car, so I at least got to change into something a little cleaner. I had to do 3 loads of laundry and spent an hour scrubbing my shoes in order to get things clean. In the end, 1 pair of boxers and the socks I was wearing got tossed, as they remained a lovely pink color (and I don't care if pink is the new blue, I'm not wearing pink socks). The shoes have mostly recovered, as did the board shorts, and the shirts were thankfully dark colors. I love a GWAR show... but I dislike the results of a GWAR show.
Poison The Well - Second time seeing them live. I love their hardcore music, and they put on a very good set, much like the first time I saw them. Good energy and the crowd took really well to their set. I stood back a little for this set as I was preparing for the next acts, but thoroughly enjoyed their time on stage.
Chimaira - First time seeing them live. Having acquired a copy of there 3rd release (due out next week), I was really looking forward to this band. They put on a very good show, and from my spot at the very front barrier I had an excellent time in the pit and still saw their performance. They had synthesized extremely low bass notes that, from my spot on the floor, would completely crush your chess from the pressure created by the speakers. It also made it very tough to breathe or swallow then they hit those notes. I've never been to a live event and had that much pressure coming out of the speakers. Kids, wear your earplugs, because I know that kind of pressure happens in the 130 - 145 decibel range, and that is extremely damaging (not that 12 hours of metal isn't gonna hurt without ear protection). They were extremely good live, and I look forward to seeing them again.
Opeth - First time seeing them live. This is what I come out for. The other bands were just building my energy up for this. They played only 4 songs, but they took their entire 45 minute set to do so. First up was Deliverance, and they pretty much hit all 14 minutes of that song note for note. Unbelievable how well they recreate there music in a live setting, and à kerfeldtÂs vocals were spot on. His vocal range is second to none in the metal world, and he just seems to create thosgutturalal growls with such ease, and then turn around and blow you away with such a tranquil clean passage. Amazing is all I have to say. They followed up with To Rid The Disease, a slow song with no heavy parts. Once again, they hit is note for note, and left the audience completelspeechlessss and quiet during the entire song. Next up was The Grand Conjuration from their upcoming Ghost Reveries release. I was probably one of the only people in the crowd that had heard their new stuff, and they did a fantastic job on this song. This was another heavier song, with a slightly different sound, but it was excellent in a live setting. The last song was Demon Of The Fall from the My Arms, Your Hearse album. This is a Opeth fan favorite, and the perfect end to their set. Not much more needs to be said, and I could have left extremely happy at the end of this set. I will see them again on their Ghost Reveries tour, there is no doubt about that, it's just a matter of finding out where they will be. Opeth is absolutely phenomenal in a live setting, and I recommend that everyone see them.
Clutch - First time seeing them live. After Opeth, Clutch really had their work cut out for them. Their blue oriented sludge-metal is extremely fun music, but I really wasn't too interested in seeing them, even though I love their music. They put on a good set, but were just not very lively on stage. They were fun to see, just not after Opeth.
Unearth - Second time seeing them live. I have forgotten how great this band is live. There set was extremely high energy, and a perfect finale before thheadlinerrs. They worked the crowd up extremely well, and it was apparent that they won a number of new fans from their first visit here with Slipknot. It was good to see the crowd take so well to a number of these lesser known bands.
Lamb Of God - Second time seeing them live. I flew to Vancouver to see this band the first time when they played with Fear Factory and Children of Bodom. That should tell you where they sit on my favorites list. Their set started out a little rough as the sound was not set up correctly. The lead guitar completely drowned the other guitarist out. That was quickly remedied and from that point on they completelpaneleded the crowd with their "Pure American Metal". Both times I have walked away from their shows completely amazed with their stage presence. In terms of pure energy, no other band could even compare, and the crowd really fed off of that. I had a fantastic spot located at the barrier to the right of the stage, located directly in front of one of the guitarists.
Well, that's a rundown of the bands. Opeth and Lamb Of God were the best of the day, followed by Unearth and All That Remains. If the opportunity arises, do your best to catch any of these bands live, and make sure you experience the mosh pit as it just makes the show that much better.
As a note, I spent many hours in the mosh pit, and did not end up with a single pit related injury. I did however have to go to the first aid room in order to be patched up after an encounter with a set of stairs that got the better of one of my fingers. I was leaning harmlessly up against said stairs and out of no where they decided to cut open my finger. Bastards... they took advantage of the fact that my back was turned and got a surprise attack in. I got them back by bleeding all over them... and all over my shorts, and my shirts, and my leg, and my arm. It was an impressively deep cut... pretty sweet. Pictures will no doubt be posted to show the carnage.
So, that was Sounds Of The Underground. I will support this next year if it comes around. Like I said before, there just couldn't have been a better line-up of bands.
I = Happy
An overview - The sound was incredibly loud. I think this was an outdoor show at some locations so with all that equipment inside, it made for an amazingly loud show. Thank god for earplugs, and I feel for anyone who did not wear them. The low end bass and kickdrum notes were capable of paneling your body to the point that breathing was difficult, which was absolutely amazing. My only complaint is "core-kids" and their ridiculous pit etiquette. I don't understand how karate kicks became a part of moshing, but there were a number of people kicking away like they were trying to impress Mr. Miogi from The Karate Kid (wax on, wax off).
DevilDriver - My first time seeing them live. I don't think any of the other bands could have worked the early crowd up as good as this band did. I enjoy their music (although it is a little accessible to the masses) and they put on a great show, especially given the opening time slot.
A Life Once Lost - My first time seeing them live. I love there music as it is extremely complex and technical. Unfortunately, this doesn't translate into a live setting very well. The music itself and the musicians were absolutely fantastic but the singer just didn't seem to fit that well into the live setting. I still enjoyed seeing them.
All That Remains - My second time seeing them. They were fantastic the first time around and they continued that trend with this performance. Definitely one of my favorites of the day.
Madball - My first time seeing them live, and I actually skipped out on this to have a drink or two. They are typical "Tough guy" hardcore music which is always fun in a live setting, and they sounded like they put on a good show.
High On Fire - My first time seeing them live, and I missed them as well. I actually didn't even pay attention to their set.
Terror - My first time seeing them live, and I skipped out on them too. They are another "tough guy" hardcore band, and quite enjoyable on CD.
Throwdown - Second time in a live setting. I love their "Tough guy" hardcore music built around the very moshable breakdowns. I saw them in Vancouver, and they manage to energize the crowds extremely well. Excellent moshpits ensue when these guys take the stage.
Every Time I Die - First time seeing them live. Another metalcore band that transfers their music well into the live setting. I quite enjoyed their set, and wish they would have had a longer time on stage.
Norma Jean - First time seeing them live. I love their music, but spent the time they were playing in the beer gardens. They sounded extremely good, and seemed like they were pretty faithful to their recordings. It sounded like it was a pretty good set.
Strapping Young Lad - Second time in a live setting. Probably the loudest band on the tour (and possibly the world). Devin and crew completely obliterated the crowd and always put on a fantastic show. They also receive best finale of the day with Devin's comment "suck a turd to a point, and then stab yourself with it... I fucked all of your mothers". Not a whole lot more needs to be said.
GWAR - My second time seeing then live. Now, this is where things started to get really interesting. I had no intention of being at the barrier for this, but that's where I ended up. For those that are not familiar with GWAR's stage antics, they are known for bringing a bunch of props out on stage, and dismembering them spraying blood colored fluid onto the audience. They also have water "cannons" on each side of the stage that spray blue and green fluids on the audience as well. And, they shoot a long ways as well. I will upload pictures of myself in my post SOTU appearance, which is pretty disgusting. My shorts, socks, shoes, and boxers were all a rainbow of red, green and blue colors. When I got home, I discovered that under my 2 shirts, my skin had also turned a lovely blue color. It was a good thing I had a spare pair of board shorts in the car, so I at least got to change into something a little cleaner. I had to do 3 loads of laundry and spent an hour scrubbing my shoes in order to get things clean. In the end, 1 pair of boxers and the socks I was wearing got tossed, as they remained a lovely pink color (and I don't care if pink is the new blue, I'm not wearing pink socks). The shoes have mostly recovered, as did the board shorts, and the shirts were thankfully dark colors. I love a GWAR show... but I dislike the results of a GWAR show.
Poison The Well - Second time seeing them live. I love their hardcore music, and they put on a very good set, much like the first time I saw them. Good energy and the crowd took really well to their set. I stood back a little for this set as I was preparing for the next acts, but thoroughly enjoyed their time on stage.
Chimaira - First time seeing them live. Having acquired a copy of there 3rd release (due out next week), I was really looking forward to this band. They put on a very good show, and from my spot at the very front barrier I had an excellent time in the pit and still saw their performance. They had synthesized extremely low bass notes that, from my spot on the floor, would completely crush your chess from the pressure created by the speakers. It also made it very tough to breathe or swallow then they hit those notes. I've never been to a live event and had that much pressure coming out of the speakers. Kids, wear your earplugs, because I know that kind of pressure happens in the 130 - 145 decibel range, and that is extremely damaging (not that 12 hours of metal isn't gonna hurt without ear protection). They were extremely good live, and I look forward to seeing them again.
Opeth - First time seeing them live. This is what I come out for. The other bands were just building my energy up for this. They played only 4 songs, but they took their entire 45 minute set to do so. First up was Deliverance, and they pretty much hit all 14 minutes of that song note for note. Unbelievable how well they recreate there music in a live setting, and à kerfeldtÂs vocals were spot on. His vocal range is second to none in the metal world, and he just seems to create thosgutturalal growls with such ease, and then turn around and blow you away with such a tranquil clean passage. Amazing is all I have to say. They followed up with To Rid The Disease, a slow song with no heavy parts. Once again, they hit is note for note, and left the audience completelspeechlessss and quiet during the entire song. Next up was The Grand Conjuration from their upcoming Ghost Reveries release. I was probably one of the only people in the crowd that had heard their new stuff, and they did a fantastic job on this song. This was another heavier song, with a slightly different sound, but it was excellent in a live setting. The last song was Demon Of The Fall from the My Arms, Your Hearse album. This is a Opeth fan favorite, and the perfect end to their set. Not much more needs to be said, and I could have left extremely happy at the end of this set. I will see them again on their Ghost Reveries tour, there is no doubt about that, it's just a matter of finding out where they will be. Opeth is absolutely phenomenal in a live setting, and I recommend that everyone see them.
Clutch - First time seeing them live. After Opeth, Clutch really had their work cut out for them. Their blue oriented sludge-metal is extremely fun music, but I really wasn't too interested in seeing them, even though I love their music. They put on a good set, but were just not very lively on stage. They were fun to see, just not after Opeth.
Unearth - Second time seeing them live. I have forgotten how great this band is live. There set was extremely high energy, and a perfect finale before thheadlinerrs. They worked the crowd up extremely well, and it was apparent that they won a number of new fans from their first visit here with Slipknot. It was good to see the crowd take so well to a number of these lesser known bands.
Lamb Of God - Second time seeing them live. I flew to Vancouver to see this band the first time when they played with Fear Factory and Children of Bodom. That should tell you where they sit on my favorites list. Their set started out a little rough as the sound was not set up correctly. The lead guitar completely drowned the other guitarist out. That was quickly remedied and from that point on they completelpaneleded the crowd with their "Pure American Metal". Both times I have walked away from their shows completely amazed with their stage presence. In terms of pure energy, no other band could even compare, and the crowd really fed off of that. I had a fantastic spot located at the barrier to the right of the stage, located directly in front of one of the guitarists.
Well, that's a rundown of the bands. Opeth and Lamb Of God were the best of the day, followed by Unearth and All That Remains. If the opportunity arises, do your best to catch any of these bands live, and make sure you experience the mosh pit as it just makes the show that much better.
As a note, I spent many hours in the mosh pit, and did not end up with a single pit related injury. I did however have to go to the first aid room in order to be patched up after an encounter with a set of stairs that got the better of one of my fingers. I was leaning harmlessly up against said stairs and out of no where they decided to cut open my finger. Bastards... they took advantage of the fact that my back was turned and got a surprise attack in. I got them back by bleeding all over them... and all over my shorts, and my shirts, and my leg, and my arm. It was an impressively deep cut... pretty sweet. Pictures will no doubt be posted to show the carnage.
So, that was Sounds Of The Underground. I will support this next year if it comes around. Like I said before, there just couldn't have been a better line-up of bands.
I = Happy
posted by Kelly at 2:48 PM
2 Comments:
Nice review. I mostly concur, although I thought All That Remains took the non-headliner prize of the day (and yes, I'm counting Opeth as a headliner, because they were totally freakin' awesome). The only thing you forgot to mention is the very spectacular cohort who furnished you with the much-needed earplugs, saving the day, and your hearing for future Opeth shows ;)
Awesome, awesome day. Thanks for letting me go with you.
Wow, Kelly,
Impressive run-down, glad to hear that you had fun. I'm looking forward to the pictures. Please, please, please take me with you when you go see Opeth live next time!
Be well,
Angela
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