Warbringer Concert - October 29, 2011
The Warbringer concert at The Firebird in St. Louis on Saturday kicked ass…but seriously there seemed to be only 75 people max at that concert - and by the time Warbringer was on there were about 30. But man…all 30 of those people moshed circle pits like crazy for EVERY SONG! I was so exhausted listening & headbanging to the 5 other bands that I just didn’t have the energy to mosh when Warbringer came to the scene, and was forced to watch most of the performance in the back by the sound booth, or else be absorbed into the pit. It also didn’t help that a 6-foot 325-pound bulldozer and another equally large dude with metal gauntlets were the ones that couldn’t handle a minute without bashing into someone.
At least what was awesome about this particular concert was the venue - it was so small, that (1) there was no barricade between the stage & the pit so we were fully immersed with the bands, and (2) I don’t think there was a backstage. You saw all the instruments laid out within the venue, and all the bandmates hanging with their roadies & drinking heavily. It was a very transparent experience - the closest to 70,000 Tons of Metal I’ve ever seen.
The bands that played on that concert were…
Thorhammer
Black Fast
Diamond Plate
Landmine Marathon (*yawn*)
Lazarus A.D.
Warbringer
It was my first time seeing Warbringer, and it was exactly as I expected - fast, heavy, faster, heavier, thrash. I was actually really impressed with 2 songs from the new album that they played - “Savagery” and “Enemies of the State” - fastest drumming I’ve seen since seeing Slayer last summer.
Lazarus A.D. kicks ass as always - my third time seeing them. My friend actually purchased a shirt when we first saw them in 2006 (when they were the local opening band in Kenosha, WI opening for Anthrax), and after their performance, we met the entire band. The 3 original members signed my friend’s shirt, and they said only 50 were made!
Landmine Marathon…well, we took a break to drink during the performance. The lead singer is smoking HOT, but that’s all the band really has going for them. Their music was just a muddled mess, though had a very rabid fan base.
Diamond Plate to me confirmed the hype, and I actually enjoyed their live performance more than their studio album. Maybe because the vocals were less harsh live, maybe the instruments were more raw with a brighter sound, but I really enjoyed them. We bought the Generation Why CD there to support our hometown thrashers of Chicago. Amazing that they’re 3 years younger than me - I feel old.
Black Fast, in particular, really caught our attention. They were the 2nd of 2 local bands to open the show, and MAN did they kick ass! Their sound to me reminds me of Iced Earth’s song “Stormrider” - only a verse of lyrics or two, and then swallowed whole by jaw-dropping, progressive thrash instrumental interludes that take up about 90% of their songs. Each song they played was more impressive and lengthier than the next. We met the lead singer and asked if they sold a demo, but one of their roadies ran to his van and actually handed us the demo! As soon as I find out the track listing I can start posting the songs on here.
Thorhammer is another St. Louis local band, and the first to open the show. They set the tone for the night - in your face galloping thrash that had a very 80’s feel to it. They had a solid act, though it was tough to compete with the other highly popular bands for attention.
Tonight will be my first time seeing Warbringer, Diamond Plate, and Thorhammer. It will actually be my 3rd time seeing Lazarus A.D.! Most epic Halloween weekend ever!!
I’ll prepare myself for the epic moshpit that I’ll get sucked into for this song…
“Combat Shock” by Warbringer
Show begins at 6:30 @ Firebird in St. Louis!!
Imported from Last.fm Tumblr by JoeLaz
Warbringer coming to St. Louis in T-minus 4 Days!!! They’re bringing Lazarus A.D., Diamond Plate, Landmine Dominate, local band Thorhammer, and more!
Here’s a video of Diamond Plate in 2008. They were a trio of 15 & 16 year old kids at the time!
“At the Mountains of Madness” by Diamond Plate
Diamond Plate are bringing the Death Angel story of youth & rags to riches to a new generation of thrashers!
My favorite song of the Dystopia album thusfar.
“Dark City” by Iced Earth
It’s just amazing to hear new vocalist Stu Block carry the vocal styles of Iced Earth’s previous vocals (Matthew Barlow, Tim “The Ripper” Owens), while still putting his own melodic flairs into this album. Notice the not-so-subtle nod to Iron Maiden to begin the final third of the song for a very epic conclusion.
I’m really liking what I’m hearing off of Dystopia, and I hope the energy & motivation to create memorable music & going back to their roots continue after their rigorous touring schedule next year.
The Hunter is not as prog metal as CTS, but it has those moments. There are some Pink Floyd-like moments. As a whole, it's great listening, just like CTS. Fans of the Remission sound might not like the refined vocals, but I'm OK with them.
Crack the Skye was my entry-way into Mastodon, so I’m still a relative n00b. I’ve enjoyed Blood Mountain as well. Reviews seem very positive for The Hunter, so I might give it a shot. Thanks for the scoop, 16!
Exciter is coming to Chicago on Nov. 18 for what seems to be their last/only gig of the year - guess who will be going to that show? (this guy….)
“Long Live the Loud” by Exciter
Imported from Last.fm Tumblr by JoeLaz
Imported from Last.fm Tumblr by JoeLaz
Hey man thanks for the add. Loving your blog, especially the Eddie background.
Thanks fellow Metal Gamer! \m/
Two fearless fighters (Scorpion / Ryu) from two separate games (Mortal Kombat / Street Fighter) merge into one crazy powerhouse, thanks to Najmul Osmani.
Versus games are a thing of the past!
Scorpryu by Najmul Osmani (CGHUB) (Facebook) (Twitter)
