Gorguts, Origin, Nero di Marte, Dismemberment, Unkured

December 14, 2013 • Alrosa Villa, Columbus, Ohio

Back when I saw Locusta play in September, I thought that even though I don't really listen to much death metal at home, it's definitely a genre that I can get into when performed live. Tonight I tested my theory, and as it turns out I was totally right. Even though I was lukewarm to Gorguts' last album and I hadn't even heard of any of the other bands who played, I knew that it would still be worth it to give them a shot in concert. And it turned out to be one of the best shows I've been to yet.

Unkured

Gorguts couldn't have asked for a better opener. Although they fall at least somewhat into the "tech death" camp, these guys still managed to rock really hard. It was probably some of the old-school influences, so it was a familiar sound to a lot of people, and there is a lot of groovy rhythmic bits that really got us pumped up. Their songs were a bit disorganized and tough to follow, but it didn't really matter in that environment, I suppose. They still were very technically talented, with some really nice tapping. I knew it was going to be a good show just from watching these guys.
7 • Best Fascist Combat Boots Outfit Award

Dismemberment

Essentially, take the above band and make it old-school thrash and melodeath instead of old-school tech death. Fast, rocking stuff, really fun to listen to even though it normally wouldn't have been my thing. Really nice riffage, lots of headbangers, straightforward and metal as hell.
7 • Most Luscious Manes Award

Nero di Marte

The token "weird band" of the night. Rather than straight-up rocking stuff, these guys were slower-paced atmospheric proggy death/deathcore. Kind of like Ulcerate meets The Contortionist with loads of heavy atmosphere and very dense production. While it didn't work as well live as it probably would have in the studio, they were still pretty decent. Not as interesting to watch, of course, but they had some good songs and some good breakdowns and such to make up for it.
6 • Silliest Smoke Machine Award

Origin

The brutalest of brutal death metal. These guys were mesmerizing to watch with a really awesome stage presence and audience interaction (stories, diving). The music was a little forgettable, but the performance aspects made up for that (aside from when they'd get off time from each other, tsk tsk). Special mention to the bass guitar player who must be some sort of wizard; I've never seen anyone play the way he does, precision-attacking the frets and strings like he was trying to break it.
7 • Worst Stagediving Award. Also, Best Stagediving Award

Gorguts

They sounded basically like what I thought they would, but (as I mentioned) it was definitely much better live. They played Colored Sands in its entirety (I think) plus some older stuff as an encore. So it was a great set, and it was really cool to hear both eras of the band. I was kind of impressed how much the crowd really got into it. Also, how did I not even realize that Colin Marston was in the band? That was half of my excitement right there. Anyway, really great stuff, totally worth seeing.
8 • Best Drummer Faces Award

Midnight, Nekrofilth, Nukkehammer, Fumes

March 30, 2013 • Ace of Cups, Columbus, Ohio

A friend/coworker of mine invited me to this show, and who am I to turn down a show? It was definitely not one of the better ones I've been to lately (as I expected) but it wasn't bad either. I guess going with people helps (who'd've thought?). A couple people taped parts of the show; I posted links and there's more on their YouTube profiles.

Fumes

Some local hardcore band. There's barely anything to say about them—they were on and off in seriously about five minutes; they played maybe three songs. I barely remember them even playing. I think it was okay, but obviously not fantastic. Clip
5 • Shortest Show Ever Award (of course)

Nukkehammer

These guys were also only sort-of okay. Crossover thrash sort of stuff, with a sludgy-doomy edge to it, if I recall correctly. Maybe I just didn't care for it that much, but it seemed like pretty generic stuff to me. Not to say it wasn't enjoyable; just another band I won't ever think about again. Clip
6 • Most Hipster Facial Hair Award

Nekrofilth

Basically, the same as the above band. Even right after seeing them I couldn't really tell the two apart, let alone as I'm writing this three days later. More hardcore/thrash sort of stuff, perhaps a bit more "traditional" and '80s-sounding. I liked them better than Nukkehammer but only marginally. Clip
6 • Best Hat of the Night Award

Midnight

And finally the main event—possibly the least interesting musically of the four groups, but definitely the best set. They play old-school heavy metal, not my kind of stuff, but I don't think I've seen an audience get so riled up for a band since the Lamb of God show I went to years ago, which made it a lot more exciting. It's hard not to get excited for a band when everyone around you is so pumped and constantly pushing towards the stage. Like before, a band I'll probably never listen to again, but at least this show was kind of fun. Clip
7 • Silliest Masks Award