It's that time of the year again! I have been to every single Mayhem Fest since it's inception. It's always a fun time and the 2011 edition was no exception.
It was a brutally hot day in Massachusetts. It hit the low 100's at one point in time, but it was all worth it. That being said, the show started with a thud. The Jager band this year was Deadseason from Maine. They were completely horrible. They sounded like a bad Pantera cover band mixed with the clean vocals of a bad Killswitch Engage cover band. These guys really had no clue what they were doing on stage. I mean don't have high expectations for the Jager band, but I must say this is the only time in my four years going to this where the Jager band was bad.
Straight Line Stitch was up next and they were even worse. Their singer is unholy awful. She can't sing, she can't scream, and she is annoying as shit on stage. As soon as their first song started, I knew I was in for an awful performance. The instruments sucked too, generic-ass metalcore that didn't go anywhere. The singer wasn't even nice to look at. They had nothing going for them and are one of the absolute worst band I've ever seen.
Finally the first worthwhile band of the day, Red Fang, hit the stage. Red Fang played an energetic set and their brand of sludge/rock provided a nice-change of pace opposed to the other bands on the bill. Sadly, most of the crowd wasn't into them. I met them later in the day and they were a good group of dudes, although they did seem a bit bummed that not too many people were into them.
All Shall Perish followed. It was my third seeing them and I was stoked to them again. Their new record, This Is Where It Ends, is currently in my top 10 of the year. They still put on a good show, but this was the weakest of the three performances I've seen. The set didn't really pick up until they played "There Is No Business To Be Done On A Dead Planet". Their set was quite enjoyable after a bit of a rough start with the first couple of songs.
Kingdom Of Sorrow played next and they were awesome. Jamey Jasta brings the same energy and amazing stage presence he has with Hatebreed. Seeing him play with sludge legend Kirk Windstein was just great. I had them before when they first started, they have greatly improved live since then. They have found their identity as a band and become a lot more cohesive in a live environment. The one misstep was they blew out the PA during "Free The Fallen", but that didn't derail the set. Kingdom Of Sorrow was one of the best side stage bands of the day.
Suicide Silence hit the stage next. I am so fucking sick of seeing this band. They aren't bad, but I have seen them five times and I'm not even a fan of their music. I have pretty much said everything there is to be said about their live show before (good energy, their vocalist is kind of a douchebag, their live show is all over the place in terms of quality, their songs can kind of bleed together blah blah blah) . They were better this go round then they were at Rock and Shock last October, but they still were still just average. The only joy Suicide Silence brought me was after the show when my friend almost hit Mitch Lucker(their vocalist) with his van. Mitch was walking his dog in the middle of an unlit part of the parking lot when my friend and I left during Disturbed's set. It was pretty fucking funny and was easily the best story of the day.
Massachusetts's own Unearth came on after that. They put on an awesome show for the hometown crowd. You could tell they were stoked to be back home and the whole band seemed extremely appreciative. Justin Foley from Killswitch Engage did a really good job filling in on drums for this tour. He hit the older material flawlessly, as well as the new stuff that he recorded with the band. I would have liked to have seen one more song from the new record, Darkness In The Light , but the setlist was still damn good. I want to see Unearth headline at some point (this was my second time seeing them and the first time was also a support set) so I can them play longer. They are a ton of fun live and they always give it 110% live.
It was Machine Head's first day as a side stage headliner yesterday(they were on the main stage for the first two weeks of the tour) and they destroyed. This was my second time seeing Machine Head and it completely blew the doors off the first time I saw them. Robb Flynn sounded awesome, as did the whole band. The crowd was going absolutely nuts throughout their set. The crowd really didn't go that nuts until Unearth came on. But once it started to cool down a bit, The crowd's got alot crazier and Machine Head's set proved that. They did have to cut a song, which kind of sucked. Still Machine Head put one of the most impressive shows of the day.
In Flames was the other side-stage headliner and they were fucking fantastic. Although In Flames's more recent studio material pales in comparison to their older stuff, their live show is still awesome. The songs they played (for the most part) are no where near their best, but all of their songs come across so much better live. Anders Friden is one of the funniest frontmen in metal. He was cracking jokes the whole set and had the whole crowd laughing their asses off. In Flames closed out the side stages with the best performance (out of the side stage bands.)
Trivium opened the main stage and what a surprise, they sucked! I will say their live performance has slightly improved since the last time I saw them. I only saw the second half of their set because I bought a Gatorade and relaxed for a few minutes before I headed up to the lawn.
The number one reason I attended, thrash legends Megadeth hit the stage after that. They exceeded my insanely high expectations. I am actually kind of sad it took me this long to see them. Megadeth put on one of the best live performance I have ever seen. Dave Mustaine sounded perfect. He sounded exactly the same as he does on record. The band was perfect too. They hit everything, not even one mistake. That is extremely impressive considering the speed and complexity of Megadeth's songs. Chris Broderick is the best guitar player I have seen play live. Seeing him nail the solos on tracks like "Hangar 18", "Peace Sells" and "Holy Wars" was jaw-dropping. If you haven't seen Megadeth live, do it ASAP. Amongst the top five performances I have ever seen for sure.
The other Massachusetts band on the bill, hard rockers Godsmack, played next. I haven't listened to Godsmack on a regular basis since I was 13 or 14. My expectations were pretty low considering I'm not really a fan. To my surprise, Godsmack was actually very good. I don't know if it was the hometown crowd, but Godsmack put on a high-energy, fun, show. They had a pretty cool duel drum solo/ song jam near the end of the set was a unique and interesting break in the action. Godsmack highly exceeded my expectations.
Disturbed, on the otherhand, was a letdown. I have grown out of Disturbed in the past few years , but their live show at Mayhem 08 was great, This time around... not so much. They weren't awful, they just weren't anything special. David Draiman's voice is strained to shit. The various noises he made during "The Game" sounded awful. I left about 3/4 of the way into their set to beat the traffic. Disturbed was barely above average and should definitely take that hiatus that has been heavily rumored recently.
Another Mayhem has past and it was another fun year. A lot of quality performances amongst a few duds. If Mayhem continues to produce solid lineups, I will continue the tradition of going every year. I've had nothing but great experiences at Mayhem during it's four year run and I hope it can continue to remain a fun festival for years to come.
Scores:
Deadseason 3/10
Straight Line Stitch 1/10
Red Fang 8/10
All Shall Perish 8/10
Kingdom Of Sorrow 8.5/10
Suicide Silence 5/10
Unearth 9/10
Machine Head 9/10
In Flames 9/10
Trivium 3/10
Megadeth 10/10
Godsmack 8/10
Disturbed 6/10
Setlists:
Red Fang:
Into The Eye
Sharks
Wires
Malverde
?
Prehistoric Dog
All Shall Perish:
Wage Slaves
Gagged,Bound,Shelved, and Forgotten
There Is No Buisness To Be Done On A Dead Planet....
Procession Of Ashes
In This Life Of Pain
There Is Nothing Left
Eradication
Kingdom Of Sorrow:
Behind The Blackest Tears
Free The Fallen (PA went out during this song near the end and song was never finished)
Enlightened To Extinction
? (song off Jamey Jasta's solo album)
Begging For The Truth
Monuments Of Ash
Led In To Demise
Lead The Ghost Astray
?
Suicide Silence:
Wake Up
Unanswered
You Only Live Once
Fuck Everything
Disengage
Slaves To Substance
No Pity For A Coward
Unearth:
Equniox (intro)
My Will Be Done
Sanctity Of Brothers
This Lying World
Watch It Burn
Endless
Eyes Of Black
The Great Dividers
Machine Head:
Imperium
Beautiful Mourning
Locust
Halo
In Flames:
Cloud Connected
Alias
Pinball Map
Deliver Us
The Hive
Where The Dead Ships Dwell
The Quiet Place
Take This Life
Trivium(last four songs):
Like Light To Flies
Built To Fall(first Trivium song going to radio according to Matt Heafy)
Down From The Sky
Throes Of Peridition
Megadeth:
Trust
Hangar 18
Wake Up Dead
Head Crusher
A Tout Le Monde
Public Enemy No 1
Symphony Of Destruction
Peace Sells
Holy Wars...The Punishment Due
Godsmack:
Cryin' Like A Bitch
The Enemy
Forever Shamed
Straight Out Of Line
Awake
Speak
Love,Hate,Sex,Pain
Voodoo
Ballata Dos Los Tambores (including jams of Back In Black,War Pigs, Tom Sawyer, and a couple of others)
Whatever
I Stand Alone
Disturbed:
Remnants
Asylum
The Game
Prayer
Liberate
The Animal
Inside The Fire
Warrior
Fear/Meaning Of Life/Numb/Voices medly
Another Way To Die (left during this song)
Showing posts with label nemhf 2011 review.concert reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nemhf 2011 review.concert reviews. Show all posts
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Concert Review: New England Metal and Hardcore Festival Day 3, Worcester, MA, April 16th, 2011
I am going to attempt to put into words how amazing this show was. It was the best concert I have ever been to. The bands were amazing, I met a lot of band members, a lot of funny shit happened, and I had an unfathomable amount of fun.
My friends and I arrived at The Palladium about an hour before the doors opened. Upon arrival we find out that there is a cheerleading competiton happening down the street at the DCU Center. It seems like every year I go to Metalfest a hillarious event is occuring in Worcester. Two years ago The Grateful Dead were playing down the street and last year Kenny G was in town. I think this might take the cake for funniest thing happening in Worcester during Metalfest. The cheerleaders and their parents looked pretty fucking scared about what was occuring at the same time. It was an onslaught of dirty looks and confusion. Absolutley fucking hysterical.
Doors opened at 12, but as usual the line was insanely long. We didn't end up getting in untill about 12:10. We were able to make in time to see the first band on the main stage, Structures. I had heard a little bit of Structures before the show and what I heard was pretty decent. I would say the same thing about their live show. Structures is about the same age as me and they aren't even signed yet, so it was pretty impressive how well they were put together considering the circumstances. Their sound isn't anything super original, but they had good energy and they were pretty solid at what they do. Not a bad start to the day.
Volumes was up next. Let's just say they weren't as good as Structures. They had two vocalists, but they both sounded the same and neither were particularally good. They did have some decent progessive sections in a couple of their songs, but for the most part it was just weak breakdowns. The highlight of their set was one of their vocalists eating shit during the first song, that was really the only joy their set brought me. Not completely terrible, but pretty forgetable overall.
I was able to catch the first three songs of The Contortionist. This was the first band of the day I was excited to see and they delievered. They caught my attention with their last record Exoplanet and they are a super talented progessive deathcore act. Their live show was damn good. They were spot-on instrumentally and they sounded pretty much exactly the same as on album. I would have liked to catch their whole set, but the main stage's sets all got pushed back due to Darkest Hour dropping off and I really wanted to catch Son Of Aurelius on the second stage.
Son Of Aurelius was fucking awesome. Their setlist was fantastic and I was so happy they played Facing The Gorgon live. That is my absolute favorite song by them and I didn't know if they ever played it live. Their vocalist has one of the craziest high pitched screams I have ever heard. I am surprised he hasn't blown out his voice due to how hard he goes live. His energy was nuts as well , he jumped into the crowd during their set closer "Slaughter The Immortals". Awesome set from one of the most criminally underrated bands in metal and I would love to see them again soon.
Last Chance To Reason was up next. I just checked these guys out for the first time last week and I was really impressed (my review for their new album Level 2 actually got posted on their Facebook page! I would like to thank Last Chance To Reason for posting that. It's a big honor and it means the world to me.) Live they were spot-on. At times they really do remind me of Between The Buried and Me. Their vocalist, Mike Lassard, is fantastic. His range is one of the best in metal and his clean vocals especially sounded spectacular. Great new band and I highly suggest checking out their stuff if you are a fan of bands like Between The Buried and Me and The Human Abstract.
Lazarus A.D was the next band on the second stage. I was extremely dissapointed by their new record Black Rivers Flow so I was a bit less excited to see them live then I would have been earlier this year. Bottom line: Lazarus A.D kills live. They put on one of the most fun sets of the day. I honestly forgot how much fun thrash bands are live. Thankfully they mostly played songs off their first record The Onslaught, which is far,far better than Black Rivers Flow.
After Lazarus A.D, my friends and I went to the car. Some guy ended up coming up to us and it turned out it was Garin Rosen, the drummer for Arsonists Get All The Girls. We talked for a bit and he said that he wished they could have played at the Saturday date. He said the Thursday date was terrible and couldn't stand most of the bands and they got a terrible crowd response. He also asked us for beer and when we told him we were underaged and we didn't have any he was pretty bummed. I told him I was stoked for the new material and I was the digging the two new songs they have posted online and he was really apprecitative. He actually gave me a hug because I knew when their new album was coming out. Really chill and funny dude.
I was able to catch the tail end of Cephalic Carnage. They are always a good time live and their singer is hillarious.
Revocation was probably the number one band I was excited to see on the day that I hadn't seen before. They were incredible. David Davidson is an absolute madman. He is one of the best guitar players in metal right now. Every solo sounded perfect live. The setlist was perfect for the short time they had, they played everything I wanted to hear. I hope they get the opening slot on Summer Slaughter, they deserve it.
After Revocation wrapped up, I went back to the downstairs stage to catch the end of The Ocean's set. I hate to say this, they were the biggest dissapointment of the day. I have recently gotten really into their stuff and I was pretty stoked to see them live. The screaming sounded fine and the band sounded fine, it was just the clean vocals were pretty subpar live. Pretty big letdown.
While Dying Fetus was setting up, I met the singer from Son Of Aurelius. He was so excited that I recgonized him. He said they are going on another tour in July and they should be coming back to the New England area. Onto Dying Fetus, they were fantastic. Anyone that knows me knows that I don't throw the word brutal around too often when it comes to bands, Dying Fetus was brutal as hell. Their stuff sounds so good in a live environment it's scary. It's pretty much brutal death metal bliss. I am really stoked to see them again on Summer Slaughter.
I left Dying Fetus a little bit early to catch 3 Inches of Blood on the upstairs stage. Third time seeing them and as usual, they were awesome. The new songs they played sounded awesome and I can't wait to hear their new record. Only downside was they had their set cut way short. They seemed pretty dissapointed that this happened, I know I was. Still they kicked ass even with a 10 minute shorter set then they were supossed to play.
Skeletonwitch headlined the second stage. I saw them last year at NEMHF and they were sick, but this time out they were even better. They were feeding off the crowd so well and they seemed even more into it. The energy was completely batshit. Guy and Gunface from The Red Chord were there and Gunface stagedived multiple times. It was really cool seeing those guys in the crowd going nuts. Their vocalist, Chance Garnette, was joking around with the crowd and drinking beer the entire time. The setlist was awesome and the new song is badass. Such a crazy performance from Skeletonwitch and one of the highlights in a day full of highlights.
Since Skeletonwitch closed out the second stage, it means I was forced to watch Carnifex. I was so pissed they were playing after Job For A Cowboy(who I missed due to Skeletonwitch. I like Job a lot, but Skeletonwitch doesn't play MA as much as Job.) I haven't seen Carnifex in three years and I wish I never had to see them again. They were so fucking awful. I gave them a chance, but I honestly can't find anything redeeming about their music. It's so generic and boring, every song sounded the same. They are so repetitive it's mind-boggling. Sure they have solid energy, but it doesn't save their performance. I will say it did give me a good amount of time to clear my text message inbox on my phone. I appreciate the break in the action Carnifex.
Times Of Grace was up next. Holy shit were they good. Jesse Leach sound exactly the same as on record, his voice is astonishingly good. I am curious to see how Killswitch Engage would have been if he stayed in the band. Adam D was his always entertaining and hillarious self. He is also such a great guitar player. During "Live In Love", he was playing with one hand. Amazing set and I hope they play another show in Mass before Adam D rejoins Killswitch for the recording of their album.
I have been waiting a long fucking time to see Born Of Osiris. I was supposed to see them opening for Hatebreed two years ago, but they were banned from The Palladium for a little while so they didn't appear. Anyways, I was glad I was finally able to see them live. They were spectacular and worth the wait. Jason Richardson is honestly one of the best guitar players I've heard live. He nailed every solo and then some. He even added some crazy parts to the older material that weren't their originally. I do wish they played a little bit longer and threw another one in from The Discovery. Nevertheless, Born Of Osiris put on a damn fine show.
Between The Buried and Me is my second favorite band of all time. Last night was the fifth time I saw them and I can honestly say it was the best performance I have ever seen from them and possibly the best performance I have ever seen in my entire life. The setlist was perfect and it was the best setlist I have ever seen from them. I finally got to hear Fossil Genera live and they played Selkies. Selkies is the best live song of all time, it's so fucking perfect and beautiful. There was seriously someone standing next to one of my friends crying tears of joy during the solo. I don't blame him, the ending solo is so gorgeous that I think it could bring world peace. Between The Buried and Me is perfect live and I can't wait to see them yet again.
Hatebreed closed out the show and as usual, they were great. Jamey Jasta is a ball of energy on stage and he is such a great frontman. The setlist was awesome and spanned their entire discography. Jasta was beyond thankful that people stuck around for their set after such a long day. He said they hope to have a new record out by the end of the year and go on a headlining tour early next year.
This was the best show i've ever been to and I can't wait for Metal Fest next year. It's such a great and affordable fest that always delivers a ton of fun. I would also like to thank my friends Steve, Arthur, and Dave for going to this show with me and anyone that read this entire review due to how unholy long it is.
Scores
Structures 7/10
Volumes 4/10
The Contoritionist 8/10
Son Of Aurelius 8.5/10
Last Chance To Reason 8.5/10
Lazarus A.D 9/10
Cephalic Carnage 8/10
Revocation 9/10
The Ocean 7.5/10
Dying Fetus 9/10
3 Inches Of Blood 9/10
Skeletonwitch 9.5/10
Carnifex 2/10
Times Of Grace 9.5/10
Born Of Osiris 9/10
Between The Buried and Me 10/10
Hatebreed 9.5/10
Setlists
The Contortionist(partial, first three songs)
Primal Directive
Vessel
Exoplanet I: Void
Son Of Aurelius(might be missing a song. came in at the end of The Farthest Reaches)
The Farthest Reaches
Mercy For Today
Facing The Gorgon
Slaughter The Immortals
Last Chance To Reason
Upload Complete
Coded To Fail
?
Portal
Lazarus A.D
The Ultimate Sacrifice
Thou Shall Not Fear
Absolute Power
Revolution
Cephalic Carnage(partial, last two songs)
Abraxis Of Filth
Lucid Interval
Revocation
Reanimaniac
Pestilence Reigns
Distmantle The Dictator
Exhumed Identity
The Ocean(partial, last two songs)
?
The Origin Of Species
Dying Fetus(partial, first five songs)
Praise The Lord (Opium Of The Masses)
Your Treachery Will Die With You
One Shot, One Kill
Shepherd's Commandment
Homicidal Retribution
3 Inches Of Blood
The Goatrider's Horde
Destroy The Orcs
Lords Of Change
New Song
Deadly Sinners
Skeletonwitch
Blinding Black Rage
Submit To The Suffering
No Rest For The Dead
The Skullsplitter
Crushed Beyond Dust
Infernal Rescurrection(new song)
Sacrifice For The Slaughtergod
Upon Wings Of Black
Beyond The Permafrost
Within My Blood
Times Of Grace
Strength In Numbers
Willing
Hope Remains
Live In Love
Worlds Apart
Fight For Life
In The Arms Of Mercy
The End Of Eternity
Hymn Of A Broken Man
Where The Spirit Leads Me
Born Of Osiris
Open Arms To Damnation
Empires Erased
Recreate
Devastate
Abstract Art
Now Arise
Follow The Signs
Bow Down
Between The Buried and Me
Specular Reflection
Sun Of Nothing
Selkies: The Endless Obsession
Fossil Genera: A Feed From Cloud Mountain
White Walls
Hatebreed
Everyone Bleeds Now
In Ashes They Shall Reap
Perseverance
To The Threshold
Smash Your Enemies
Under The Knife
Empty Promises
Beholder Of Justice
Tear It Down
Puritan
Destroy Everything
This Is Now
Betrayed By Life
Doomsayer
As Diehard As They Come
Last Breath(dedicated to Peter Steele)
Defeatist
Proven
Before Dishonor
A Call For Blood
Live For This
I Will Be Heard
My friends and I arrived at The Palladium about an hour before the doors opened. Upon arrival we find out that there is a cheerleading competiton happening down the street at the DCU Center. It seems like every year I go to Metalfest a hillarious event is occuring in Worcester. Two years ago The Grateful Dead were playing down the street and last year Kenny G was in town. I think this might take the cake for funniest thing happening in Worcester during Metalfest. The cheerleaders and their parents looked pretty fucking scared about what was occuring at the same time. It was an onslaught of dirty looks and confusion. Absolutley fucking hysterical.
Doors opened at 12, but as usual the line was insanely long. We didn't end up getting in untill about 12:10. We were able to make in time to see the first band on the main stage, Structures. I had heard a little bit of Structures before the show and what I heard was pretty decent. I would say the same thing about their live show. Structures is about the same age as me and they aren't even signed yet, so it was pretty impressive how well they were put together considering the circumstances. Their sound isn't anything super original, but they had good energy and they were pretty solid at what they do. Not a bad start to the day.
Volumes was up next. Let's just say they weren't as good as Structures. They had two vocalists, but they both sounded the same and neither were particularally good. They did have some decent progessive sections in a couple of their songs, but for the most part it was just weak breakdowns. The highlight of their set was one of their vocalists eating shit during the first song, that was really the only joy their set brought me. Not completely terrible, but pretty forgetable overall.
I was able to catch the first three songs of The Contortionist. This was the first band of the day I was excited to see and they delievered. They caught my attention with their last record Exoplanet and they are a super talented progessive deathcore act. Their live show was damn good. They were spot-on instrumentally and they sounded pretty much exactly the same as on album. I would have liked to catch their whole set, but the main stage's sets all got pushed back due to Darkest Hour dropping off and I really wanted to catch Son Of Aurelius on the second stage.
Son Of Aurelius was fucking awesome. Their setlist was fantastic and I was so happy they played Facing The Gorgon live. That is my absolute favorite song by them and I didn't know if they ever played it live. Their vocalist has one of the craziest high pitched screams I have ever heard. I am surprised he hasn't blown out his voice due to how hard he goes live. His energy was nuts as well , he jumped into the crowd during their set closer "Slaughter The Immortals". Awesome set from one of the most criminally underrated bands in metal and I would love to see them again soon.
Last Chance To Reason was up next. I just checked these guys out for the first time last week and I was really impressed (my review for their new album Level 2 actually got posted on their Facebook page! I would like to thank Last Chance To Reason for posting that. It's a big honor and it means the world to me.) Live they were spot-on. At times they really do remind me of Between The Buried and Me. Their vocalist, Mike Lassard, is fantastic. His range is one of the best in metal and his clean vocals especially sounded spectacular. Great new band and I highly suggest checking out their stuff if you are a fan of bands like Between The Buried and Me and The Human Abstract.
Lazarus A.D was the next band on the second stage. I was extremely dissapointed by their new record Black Rivers Flow so I was a bit less excited to see them live then I would have been earlier this year. Bottom line: Lazarus A.D kills live. They put on one of the most fun sets of the day. I honestly forgot how much fun thrash bands are live. Thankfully they mostly played songs off their first record The Onslaught, which is far,far better than Black Rivers Flow.
After Lazarus A.D, my friends and I went to the car. Some guy ended up coming up to us and it turned out it was Garin Rosen, the drummer for Arsonists Get All The Girls. We talked for a bit and he said that he wished they could have played at the Saturday date. He said the Thursday date was terrible and couldn't stand most of the bands and they got a terrible crowd response. He also asked us for beer and when we told him we were underaged and we didn't have any he was pretty bummed. I told him I was stoked for the new material and I was the digging the two new songs they have posted online and he was really apprecitative. He actually gave me a hug because I knew when their new album was coming out. Really chill and funny dude.
I was able to catch the tail end of Cephalic Carnage. They are always a good time live and their singer is hillarious.
Revocation was probably the number one band I was excited to see on the day that I hadn't seen before. They were incredible. David Davidson is an absolute madman. He is one of the best guitar players in metal right now. Every solo sounded perfect live. The setlist was perfect for the short time they had, they played everything I wanted to hear. I hope they get the opening slot on Summer Slaughter, they deserve it.
After Revocation wrapped up, I went back to the downstairs stage to catch the end of The Ocean's set. I hate to say this, they were the biggest dissapointment of the day. I have recently gotten really into their stuff and I was pretty stoked to see them live. The screaming sounded fine and the band sounded fine, it was just the clean vocals were pretty subpar live. Pretty big letdown.
While Dying Fetus was setting up, I met the singer from Son Of Aurelius. He was so excited that I recgonized him. He said they are going on another tour in July and they should be coming back to the New England area. Onto Dying Fetus, they were fantastic. Anyone that knows me knows that I don't throw the word brutal around too often when it comes to bands, Dying Fetus was brutal as hell. Their stuff sounds so good in a live environment it's scary. It's pretty much brutal death metal bliss. I am really stoked to see them again on Summer Slaughter.
I left Dying Fetus a little bit early to catch 3 Inches of Blood on the upstairs stage. Third time seeing them and as usual, they were awesome. The new songs they played sounded awesome and I can't wait to hear their new record. Only downside was they had their set cut way short. They seemed pretty dissapointed that this happened, I know I was. Still they kicked ass even with a 10 minute shorter set then they were supossed to play.
Skeletonwitch headlined the second stage. I saw them last year at NEMHF and they were sick, but this time out they were even better. They were feeding off the crowd so well and they seemed even more into it. The energy was completely batshit. Guy and Gunface from The Red Chord were there and Gunface stagedived multiple times. It was really cool seeing those guys in the crowd going nuts. Their vocalist, Chance Garnette, was joking around with the crowd and drinking beer the entire time. The setlist was awesome and the new song is badass. Such a crazy performance from Skeletonwitch and one of the highlights in a day full of highlights.
Since Skeletonwitch closed out the second stage, it means I was forced to watch Carnifex. I was so pissed they were playing after Job For A Cowboy(who I missed due to Skeletonwitch. I like Job a lot, but Skeletonwitch doesn't play MA as much as Job.) I haven't seen Carnifex in three years and I wish I never had to see them again. They were so fucking awful. I gave them a chance, but I honestly can't find anything redeeming about their music. It's so generic and boring, every song sounded the same. They are so repetitive it's mind-boggling. Sure they have solid energy, but it doesn't save their performance. I will say it did give me a good amount of time to clear my text message inbox on my phone. I appreciate the break in the action Carnifex.
Times Of Grace was up next. Holy shit were they good. Jesse Leach sound exactly the same as on record, his voice is astonishingly good. I am curious to see how Killswitch Engage would have been if he stayed in the band. Adam D was his always entertaining and hillarious self. He is also such a great guitar player. During "Live In Love", he was playing with one hand. Amazing set and I hope they play another show in Mass before Adam D rejoins Killswitch for the recording of their album.
I have been waiting a long fucking time to see Born Of Osiris. I was supposed to see them opening for Hatebreed two years ago, but they were banned from The Palladium for a little while so they didn't appear. Anyways, I was glad I was finally able to see them live. They were spectacular and worth the wait. Jason Richardson is honestly one of the best guitar players I've heard live. He nailed every solo and then some. He even added some crazy parts to the older material that weren't their originally. I do wish they played a little bit longer and threw another one in from The Discovery. Nevertheless, Born Of Osiris put on a damn fine show.
Between The Buried and Me is my second favorite band of all time. Last night was the fifth time I saw them and I can honestly say it was the best performance I have ever seen from them and possibly the best performance I have ever seen in my entire life. The setlist was perfect and it was the best setlist I have ever seen from them. I finally got to hear Fossil Genera live and they played Selkies. Selkies is the best live song of all time, it's so fucking perfect and beautiful. There was seriously someone standing next to one of my friends crying tears of joy during the solo. I don't blame him, the ending solo is so gorgeous that I think it could bring world peace. Between The Buried and Me is perfect live and I can't wait to see them yet again.
Hatebreed closed out the show and as usual, they were great. Jamey Jasta is a ball of energy on stage and he is such a great frontman. The setlist was awesome and spanned their entire discography. Jasta was beyond thankful that people stuck around for their set after such a long day. He said they hope to have a new record out by the end of the year and go on a headlining tour early next year.
This was the best show i've ever been to and I can't wait for Metal Fest next year. It's such a great and affordable fest that always delivers a ton of fun. I would also like to thank my friends Steve, Arthur, and Dave for going to this show with me and anyone that read this entire review due to how unholy long it is.
Scores
Structures 7/10
Volumes 4/10
The Contoritionist 8/10
Son Of Aurelius 8.5/10
Last Chance To Reason 8.5/10
Lazarus A.D 9/10
Cephalic Carnage 8/10
Revocation 9/10
The Ocean 7.5/10
Dying Fetus 9/10
3 Inches Of Blood 9/10
Skeletonwitch 9.5/10
Carnifex 2/10
Times Of Grace 9.5/10
Born Of Osiris 9/10
Between The Buried and Me 10/10
Hatebreed 9.5/10
Setlists
The Contortionist(partial, first three songs)
Primal Directive
Vessel
Exoplanet I: Void
Son Of Aurelius(might be missing a song. came in at the end of The Farthest Reaches)
The Farthest Reaches
Mercy For Today
Facing The Gorgon
Slaughter The Immortals
Last Chance To Reason
Upload Complete
Coded To Fail
?
Portal
Lazarus A.D
The Ultimate Sacrifice
Thou Shall Not Fear
Absolute Power
Revolution
Cephalic Carnage(partial, last two songs)
Abraxis Of Filth
Lucid Interval
Revocation
Reanimaniac
Pestilence Reigns
Distmantle The Dictator
Exhumed Identity
The Ocean(partial, last two songs)
?
The Origin Of Species
Dying Fetus(partial, first five songs)
Praise The Lord (Opium Of The Masses)
Your Treachery Will Die With You
One Shot, One Kill
Shepherd's Commandment
Homicidal Retribution
3 Inches Of Blood
The Goatrider's Horde
Destroy The Orcs
Lords Of Change
New Song
Deadly Sinners
Skeletonwitch
Blinding Black Rage
Submit To The Suffering
No Rest For The Dead
The Skullsplitter
Crushed Beyond Dust
Infernal Rescurrection(new song)
Sacrifice For The Slaughtergod
Upon Wings Of Black
Beyond The Permafrost
Within My Blood
Times Of Grace
Strength In Numbers
Willing
Hope Remains
Live In Love
Worlds Apart
Fight For Life
In The Arms Of Mercy
The End Of Eternity
Hymn Of A Broken Man
Where The Spirit Leads Me
Born Of Osiris
Open Arms To Damnation
Empires Erased
Recreate
Devastate
Abstract Art
Now Arise
Follow The Signs
Bow Down
Between The Buried and Me
Specular Reflection
Sun Of Nothing
Selkies: The Endless Obsession
Fossil Genera: A Feed From Cloud Mountain
White Walls
Hatebreed
Everyone Bleeds Now
In Ashes They Shall Reap
Perseverance
To The Threshold
Smash Your Enemies
Under The Knife
Empty Promises
Beholder Of Justice
Tear It Down
Puritan
Destroy Everything
This Is Now
Betrayed By Life
Doomsayer
As Diehard As They Come
Last Breath(dedicated to Peter Steele)
Defeatist
Proven
Before Dishonor
A Call For Blood
Live For This
I Will Be Heard
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