The New Reality Tour: Code Orange, Wicca Phase Springs Eternal, Twitching Tongues, vein, and Trail of Lies @ The Paradise

   Seven. Seven pairs of camo pants. I know Matt McCarthy will be sad to hear that there were no tripp pants worn here. Didn't think I would be writing this one. After hearing the new EP by Code Orange, I just needed to hear at least one of those songs live. Quite a mixed bill with the special guest for this date being Wicca Phase Springs Eternal who I was more than curious to see, along with metal hardcore geniuses Twitching Tongues and the masters of chaos, vein. Let's dive right in.

Trail of Lies
Genre: Heavy Hardcore FFO: Suburban Scum, Lifeless, Naysayer

This band was bad.

vein
Genre: Experimental Hardcore/Mathcore/Alt. Metal FFO: Thumbscrew, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Slipknot

    vein have proven time and time again since 2013 that they are the next important band in hardcore. With the constant trend of heavy, vein take it to the next level and create music you didn't know could be possible. This night in particular was the release date of the new LP: Errorzone. As you can imagine, the set was crazy. From the moment they began, every member would move sporadically and Anthony would jump straight over the security guards into the crowd. I couldn't wait to see how the song Virus://Vibrance would play out. The drum roll was sampled well, and the crowd knew every word. Anthony went over the barrier shove the mic into the crowd while they screamed the end to the song. Kids were constantly getting on stage only to fly back into the crowd. For Doomtech, a friend of the band was on stage singing the clean part, I believe  he was the vocalist of the band, Zero Hour. Of course vein ended with Progenitor where a ton of kids got on stage, let me remind you this was at the paradise, and shouted "WHY DID I SURVIVE?!?!". I lost count on how many there were. If there's one band that one needs to experience live, its vein.

Twitching Tongues
Genre: Doom Metal/Hardcore/Crossover Thrash FFO: Candlemass, Merauder, Only Living Witness

    Now Twitching Tongues was one of the bands I was waiting for. No matter how much hype they get, it will never eliminate the fact that their music is incredible. If I recall, this was the first time I've seen Twitching Tongues since the incredible performance at This is Hardcore 2015. Opening with the hit Eyes Adjust, the crowd was upfront, myself included, singing along to Colin's doomy words. The pit was rather small compared to vein, but if you've seen TT before, you know that a fan of TT L O V E S TT and will go to the farthest lengths to show it. This may have been the best sound I've heard the band have, but it has been a while since I've seen them so it's tough to say. The song Preacher Man, one of my personal favorites post-Sleep Therapy, had one of the best reactions of the night. I even managed to get the mic. It was almost like seeing Type O Negative with the sound quality they had. I feel obligated to say the one and only Billy Mourned got the mic multiple times throughout the set which is becoming a normal thing for shows I review it looks like. The Sound of Pain unfortunately did not have the reaction I hoped for, being the most thrashy and heavy song on the new album. Traditionally, Twitching Tongues ended with World War V, and naturally the crowd screamed every words and the pit was a complete warzone with tons of people getting clobbered.

Wicca Phase Springs Eternal
Genre: Cloud Rap FFO: nothing,nowhere. LiL Lotus, Tigers Jaw

    Half the crowd cleared out for this set, but this was the one I was most curious about. I've tried to get into Wicca Phase before but its tough for me. It's one of those things where I can appreciate it for what it is more than enjoy it. Regardless after the last soundcloud rap show I went to and had tons of fun at, I wanted to see how Wicca Phase would play out. Again with my man Connor, he informed me that doing Wicca's beats was Fantasy Camp, and I'll say it, those beats went hard, and Adam definitely sounded way better and less whiny than he does on record. Some songs I did recognize, like In Providence, and you could see his emotion as he was performing, however the song Corinthiax remains my least favorite. The second song he played was called Stop Torturing Me (Thanks Connor) which was one I was not familiar with and it basically sounded like Tigers Jaw with beats. Most songs where he sampled acoustic guitar sounded like Tigers Jaw now that I think of it. At the end of each song you would hear over the speakers "Goth Boi Clique". The one thing that stuck out to me the most was the last song he played that I do not know the name of (If anyone can tell me please do). The beats had a doom metal riff sampled into it that I feel like I've heard before but not sure, if Adam wrote it, bonus points to him. The song altogether was dark, gloomy, and depressing just like a doom metal song. I turned to Connor excited yelling "Dude that song sampled a doom metal riff that was sick" and some idiot nearby heard me and said "Most of his stuff is sampled". What the fuck was this idiot trying to do by giving me this information. Wicca clearly did not have a band with him and all instrumentals were clearly playing over the speakers. As Code Orange were setting up, Connor saw Wicca Phase walk by and just said "Sup Wicca" and he responded "Yo!" and held up peace. Cool set, glad I didn't skip out, fuck that kid though, what an idiot.

Code Orange
Genre: Industrial Metalcore/Alternative Metal FFO: Disembodied, Slipknot, Bloodlet

    Alright so most kids in their 20s like myself can say how we've seen Code Orange grow. Most remember two tours they did as Code Orange Kids: one with Defeater, and the other with Gaza. These were both back in 2011-2013 or something. I still remember the first headline tour with Twitching Tongues at the Middle East upstairs right when I Am King came out. From there, they worked hard enough to headline the paradise. No matter what, these guys always have and always will give their all. Opening with My World, the intro was played slower and heavier, and the crowd responded. The lightning was almost seizure inducing. Kids were flying all over the venue. The band still had the same passion and energy with their movements from the very first time I've seen them. for the most part, the set contained most songs off of Forever, with I Am King, My World, and The Hunt. Kill The Creator was the most dissonant sounding song they played, my favorite off the release and Anthony from vein did a guest feature for the end. I'm sure most people were hoping to see Corey "The Knot" Taylor for The Hunt, however Reba did his part in the song , but still did it justice. The glitchy end to the song was done in a more Full of Hell noise type of way but the samples and everything else was spot on. Throughly impressed at how they pulled it off. Jami stated that they first played a garage in Lynnfield to 5 people and they are very grateful that they manage to escalate to where they are now. The fans were primarily young hardcore kids with a select few mainstream kids sprinkled in and it showed in the way they reacted to they band. Whether they were holding up horns, fighting their friends, stage diving, you name it, it all happened. Joe and Dom would be pulling kids on stage while playing, and Eric's vocals sounded even more inhumane than ever. Code Orange ended with I Am King followed shortly after by The Hurt Goes On. Quite a performance and quite an adventure seeing how much these guys grew.
 

Code Orange - "The Hurt Will Go On" Review

    Earlier  today, Code Orange surprised us with a new three song EP entitled "The Hurt Will Go On" and I gotta say I'm way more impressed with this than I was with the previous full length. Normally I only do these type of reviews for friends and locals, but this release I felt deserved my attention.

     Now when it comes to Code Orange, I will say "I Am King" was a spectacular release that really shed the previous Code Orange Kids era AKA Trash Talk meets Converge sound that personally I enjoyed more, however the LP showed more potential towards a heavier Disembodied influence that was a good change of pace. I've seen the band perform countless times under both names and it got to the point where I felt I've seen them enough. The release of "Forever" presented a more mainstream approach still maintaining the metalcore sound but introducing both industrial and alternative metal influences, that I thought could go way better than it did but I can't deny the LP did have its bops.

   Now this new EP, why am I so impressed? Well Code Orange managed industrial stuff further and perfected it. Let's start with that first track, "3 Knives". Its really powerful and aggressive with some old school metalcore riffs and I gotta say the breakdown is just plain classic. The industrial parts are not subtle, in fact its straight up in your ear and emphasized. What they do differently is use it chaotically, like you can almost feel reality break like glass. Its not like Ministry or Skinny Puppy industrial but more like mathcore riffs if they were filtered through tv static. They even manged to fit the samples in violently and fade out with it well to make it sound like they want the music to be terrifying, kinda like what grindcore bands would do.

    Now lets address the elephant in the room. Most of us probably saw the words: "New Code Orange song featuring Corey Taylor of Slipknot" and immediately checked it out never expecting something this to happen. Well out of curiosity I had to check out the song entitled: "The Hunt". As soon as I finished it, I said out loud: "Paul Cronin just rolled in his grave". When it started, I was afraid it was another "Bleeding In the Blur" but it quickly progressed into something way better.  All throughout the song you hear: industrial, hardcore punk, alt. metal, and some rocking riffage. Again the elctronics are emphasized but mixed well with the song, then the ending breakdown is like a chaotic glitch that actually will make you question if your media device is starting to break. Corey Taylor's part isn't obnoxious and just makes you think "This is insane", it just blows my mind that I saw these guys when they first started and they ended up making a song with him.

    The last song is a remix of the song: "The Hurt Goes on" and is the titled track of the EP. Now this song along with the original is a straight up industrial interlude track, nothing else. Its tough to really review a remixed track, but the previous song fades right into it, and is a good outro to the release. The sample in the song is made to sound more demonic, the drums sound tribal, and with the electronics, and straight up sounds like the ending to a horror movie with no happy ending just before the credits roll and you just see a black screen. Towards the end, you can hear Jamie's vocals more muffled and vicious. Not sure what Code Orange were going for, but this song, despite being an interlude, could easily make it in a horror movie soundtrack.

    I'm not one to really do a x/10 rating and I'm not gonna do one for this. If you are a fan of Code Orange's new sound, then you will love this release. If you are like me and was set off a bit from the previous release, trust me this one is a step up continuing with the industrial sound. "The Hurt Will Go On" gets Bill's Rock 'n' Roll Stamp of Approval. Send me your feedback lets get a discussion going and get a part two to see everyone's opinion. 

Full of Hell & Gatecreeper w/ Goolagoon, and Limbs Bin @ Sonia

   Full of Hell brought their audio destruction to our ears at Sonia in Cambridge. Joining them was death metal warriors from the desert, Gatecreeper along with local favorite, Goolagoon, and Limbs Bin. A colorful cast of characters ranging from metal kids to crust punx, making the pit quite a warzone with a nearly sold out crowd.

Limbs Bin

Genre: Noise FFO: Merzbow

"Don't really like noise, I really just prefer silence"

                   - Dr. Paul "Nice Legs" Cronin M.D.

Not much I can really say about this set. Limbs bin was one guy screaming into two mics while blaring loud distortion. Not gonna lie it was better than the last noise set I've seen (Some guy that opened for Siege) but I can't understand the enjoyment of a noise set. Furthermore, he came on stage and said "I hate Boston and wish none of you were here". Quite the intro, but I give him bonus points for the Lana Del Ray shirt he was wearing. Can't really complain considering he only played for barely 10 min.

 Goolagoon

Genre: Powerviolence FFO: ACxDC, Sex Prisoner, Punch

   I was really curious to see what Goolagoon had to offer. I remember hearing the name back in the day thinking, it must be one of those not serious bandcamp projects, but after seeing that they were playing Maryland DeathFest I think last year, I think they deserved my attention. For someone like me who hasn't really been into powerviolence since high school, I was impressed by the sound. Goolagoon came on stage introducing themselves then said "Shoutout to the queers who came out". The vocalist was off stage in the crowd and the moment they began, the crowd immediately responded and caused all out punk chaos. Circle pits all around, kids slamming into each other, and the slow riffs...I'm sure you could guess. The drums  and strings were violently fast and still slow and destructive, while the vocals were barked viciously.  They did also include a cover that I did not recognize. Goolagoon defiinitely earned their rep in their home. Gotta say I never would've expected a Spongebob themed powerviolence band could be this good. If you've read my reviews before, you know I suck at reviewing punk and hardcore so i'll end it here before I get repetitive and stupid. Goolagoon will be playing again with Dropdead, Think I Care, Wound Man, and So Be It at Hardcore Stadium, June 30th, more than likely I'll be there, less than likely I'll write it up.

Gatecreeper

Genre: Death Metal FFO: Genocide Pact, Bloodbath, Blood Incantation

   Gatecreeper never disappoints. When it comes to newer death metal bands, these guys are one of the best ones live and I won't let anyone forget it. I could say this was very similar to the show they played with Nails and Toxic Holocaust at the Middle East. Sound quality was perfect, and the crowd was energetic. There's nothing more metal than a death metal vocalist shouting "Circle pit!" while every members face is covered by layers of hair. Gatecreeper's setlist included a good mix of Sonoran Deprivation and their split with Iron Reagan ending strongly with the song "War Has Begun". The crowd reaction to "Craving Flesh" just gets better and better everytime. The pit was a bloodstained ground through the entire set. Chase's growls were even more demonic than normal, and those riffs were just plain evil nothing else to it. As usual the whole set sounded like you were listening to the recording  but you can't beat the experience with the atmosphere they bring. Give Gatecreeper your attention, again they are one of the best sounding live bands, you can't prove me wrong.

Full of Hell

Genre: Noise/Grind/Death Metal/Hardcore FFO: Nails, Dead in the Dirt, Trap Them

   Full of Hell is a different experience than most when you see them live. The moment they began, it just felt like the venue entered a different plane of existence. I was really curious of FOH's set considering I've never seen them headline before, despite this being my fourth time seeing them. Out of all of their performances I've seen, this was number one, dare I say, some next level shit. If there's one thing that makes a Full of Hell show, it's Dylan's chaotic, spastic, demonic, violent, motions while he screeches. It's actually horrific and almost concerning. Half the time his tongue was sticking out and his vocals were even more disgusting than usual, I was convinced he would puke at least 3 times. He would constantly give the mic to fellow disgusting death metal vocalist, Billy Nicholls (Billy Mourned) who was in the crowd to see his favorite band. If you know Mourned's lyrics, you can tell where Billy gets his influence. Pretty sure every time I've seen FOH, I was with Billy and he always did guest vocal, what a guy. The pit was a war between hardcore kids and metal kids and I couldn't even tell what was happening or who was winning. The mic rushes came for both "Crawling Back to God" and "Gnawed Flesh" screaming those evil words that we all know, I could almost compare it to a hardcore show, kids were starting to pile up. Dylan would be a clown in between songs saying stuff like "This next song is called: *coughs*" or "This song is for you (points at Billy Mourned)" you wouldn't think he would even be like this based on how  he is performing. All around, this set was destructive and evil as ever and as I said before best set they've played. Before the set, Billy, Dr. Paul "Nice Legs" Cronin M.D. and I were actually hanging with Dylan discussing video games, primarily Dark Souls and Bloodborne because we're not pussies.

nothing,nowhere. Shinigami, Lil West, and Jay Vee @ The Middle East

    Now I gotta admit, I didn't think I would be writing this one, I knew n,n. would be incredible, but this was beyond. Cloud rap is still pretty alien to me and I can only say I enjoy a select few, but the vibes each rapper gave from this show was very enjoyable. I've personally never listened to anyone on the bill other than nothing,nowhere. so it was definitely an adventure, luckily I was accompanied by my friends who just so happen to follow the cloud rap trend.

    I'll get this out of the way now. I've know nothing,nowhere. for years. Him and I met in algebra class at Foxborough High and would poke fun at each other for listening to bands the other didn't enjoy. Eventually we came to a mutual agreement that As I Lay Dying was both one of our favorites, and from there, he introduced me to a few hardcore bands, and thus began my journey into hardcore.

   First up we had Jay Vee. Now rap shows I'm not used to, I'm pretty sure this was my third one to be honest, but I guess its a tradition to have some sort of dj host and do a set of remixes of popular songs. Most of the stuff Jay Vee would play was cloud rap songs and randomly the opening riff to "My World" by Code Orange. If anyone can tell me what the link is between Soundcloud rap and bands like Code Orange that would be great because I still don't see it. Anyway, the crowd was half dancing and half chilling and talking to their friends, however there was moshing to the Code Orange riff. Before Jay Vee ended, he stated "I got one more and I know you guys know it" and it was the song "hammer" by nothing,nowhere. remixed into a Good Charlotte sounding emo/pop punk song and another pit was started. Can't say I'm too impressed by a dj set but like I said before, these type of things are still new to me, but as long as the crowd is entertained, thats all that really matters.

    Lil West was next up. I was definitely impressed by his music. Some songs were actually dark and eerie sounding and others were nice and beautiful. Bonus points for that sick hair style. I couldn't help but notice that the entire song he would perform was sampled including the vocals. I mentioned it to my friend Connor McGovern and he told me "Yeah its just something they do, the just rap over the whole song instead of just the beat". Very interesting but it got to the point where I wasn't sure if I was hearing Lil West rap or just the recording. Nonetheless his music is what really impressed me in all honesty. It almost reminded me of HO99O9. For his last song, Shinigami came on stage and did his guest spot, and at the end of the song he was actually screaming. 

    Lil West walk off stage thanking the crowd and Shinigami took over. I'll mention Shinigami was wearing heavy eyeshadow and from my perspective it made him look like two things: he hasn't slept in days, and an overpowered antagonist (probably what he was going for). His songs were a lot more on the sad side, made me see why he was on the tour. I turned and said to my friend Cam "Dude he's actually pretty cool", he responded "yeah dude he actually has songs with breakdowns and he screams". Right after he told me this, Shinigami actually played one of those songs, and I gotta say, it literally sounded like a Close Your Eyes song with a heavier breakdown. Of course that song I was definitely into, but all of his actual rap songs really did grab my attention. It was literally like I was hearing the soundtrack to an emotional anime. At the end of his set, Shinigami credited nothing,nowhere. saying  he was a big influence for him, and it definitely shows.

    Up next: nothing,nowhere. To begin, the old guy from the "i've been doing well" video introducing him. The stage was set with the band and a projection screen flashing the n,n reaper logo with the background constantly changing scenery whether it was a forest, city or home videos. If I know n,n like I did in high school, I know he probably did those videos himself. He came out and said "This is nothing,nowhere." and began the song Houdini. The crowd chanted every word as if it was a pop punk show. The next song "Clarity in Kerosene" was the same way, but the energy from the chorus erupted with so much force on both sides. I'm sure you can guess it was like this throughout the entire set, even when he gets to faster rapping parts, the crowd still knew it and sang along. 

    n,n stated this was the first hometown show in a while and gave a shout out to his parents, friends and family. Eventually, an old friend from my high school, Connor Appleby, crowd surfed on stage. When the song ended, n,n gave him a special shoutout and said that he looked like he was gonna stage dive but didn't want to. He then proceeded to play the song Connor is in the video for, "Hopes Up". Connor crowd surfed back on stage, and when I saw that, I knew I had to follow him. I crowd surfed during the chorus and n,n got a huge smile on his face when he saw me and put the mic in my face, I then dapped up Connor and backfilpped back into the crowd. 

    The song ended and n,n stated he was happy to see people he knew crowd surfing. He played some more songs some old some knew, kids sang along and even started a few pushpits, but the song that really popped it off was "hammer". That song brought the most energy I've seen all night. Everyone was moving whether it was moshing, dancing, crying, you name it, it was incredible.

    The entire night was definitely one to remember. Cam and I met up with n,n after the show and reminisced from our high school days and of discussed the vegan straight edge. Fan-fucking-tastic!

Khemmis, Wormwood, & SEA @ ONCE Ballroom

   Khemmis brought the heavy to Somerville with local support. Almost didn't make it to this one but really glad I did. Doom and gloom poisoning everyone's ears always makes for a good night.

SEA

Genre: Blackened Sludge/Doom Metal FFO: Usnea, Woods of Ypres, Pallbearer

    The name SEA really grabs my attention. I was very curious of the sound these guys had to offer so I wanted to get there early for the set. Let me just say, I l o v e d this band. Everything I look for in doom metal in then some were showcased by this band. Heavy, gloomy, depressing, occasional beautiful melody, and blackened riffs. Fantastic to say the least. To make it better, two vocalists: one of the guitarists with her harsh raspy uncleans, and the bassist with his soothing powerful cleans. I'm not even sure how many songs these guys played, the whole set felt like one entire song. Occasionally would think the song ends when you hear that one strong note  and they let it drone out, but then the drums begin playing a new pattern. 

   Speaking of drums, that drummer was something else. he would play patterns you would never expect in doom. lots of crescendos as well which I feel can be underappreciated a lot. The flow into the black metal parts was so smooth you almost wouldn't even realise he was already doing blast beats.

   SEA is a band not to be missed. Big things are coming for this band and they live way more up to me expectations live.

Wormwood

Genre: Sludge/Doom Metal FFO: Coffinworm, Thou

    I've reviewed Wormwood before when they played with All Pigs Must Die at Great Scott so I decided this would be a good time to get food. Might I recommend Veggie Crust about a 10 min walk from the venue, lots of specialty pizzas with vegan options.

Khemmis

Genre: Doom Metal FFO: Pallbearer, Spirit Adrift, YOB

    I still remember the day TheLookout  recommended Khemmis' album Hunted to me. Incredible album almost made me spend probably double what I paid last night to see them at the royale. Khemmis are one doom band that really get into it live.Opening with the song "Candlelight" you would think they were in an eighties band playing in a stadium with their movements while they play. Whether the song was fast or slow (mostly slow) they would bang along with the music with lots of passion. Only thing was the vocals were a little over powered by the guitars and you couldn't hear it very well, however this was fixed during the second song. Nonetheless, the crowd passionately sang along as loud as they could.

   Speaking of the second song, it was my personal favorite off of Hunted, "Three Gates". They introduced it by saying "We're gonna do a faster one" and hearing that riff made you feel like you were a mercenary on horseback. It was medieval, heroic, and I was straight up ready to storm the next castle I saw. The sludgey unclean vocals were more hoarse than the record and followed by those cleans and that melodic doom riff, all I can say is "Holy fuck".

    Khemmis played a new song off their upcoming new album, I'm pretty sure the song has already been released but it was my first time hearing it. The doom aspect has not changed but the classic heavy metal influence is even stronger bringing images of medieval battle into your mind. They played an older song I was not familiar with after that. 

    Khemmis I would say is a band doom metal definite needs. While the genre is one of my favorites, I feel most can get bored with it, but Khemmis' fantasy metal influence mixed with the depressing Pallbearer-esque style makes you really pay attention and appreciate the music more. Really glad I caught this show.

Matt Miller is a poser.

Who the Fuck is Red Sun? (Vantage Point S/T 7" review)

    If you are remotely involved in Boston hardcore, you must've heard Vantage Point's name get thrown around more than once. Recently, VP held a release show for the following ep featuring fellow Boston hardcore favorites: Pummel, and Restraining Order as well as Selective Aggression from Buffalo NY, and the mysterious Red Sun at the Democracy center in Cambridge. Each band put on a fantastic performance and all the money was sent to BARCC (Boston Area Rape Crisis Center) and I believe it even sold out. 

    Now then, in the past I have reviewed VP multiple times and I gotta say, when it comes to modern BHC, they are definitely a favorite of mine as well as Kind! Crew, Pummel, and of course FREE. This release is a great blend of youth crew hardcore mixed well with the type of stuff you would expect from Lockin' Out type of bands such as Stop and Think or Mental. My personal favorite on the the EP, "With the Pain" I feel I could compare to Have Heart or even Turning Point with the melodic riffs, which seems appropriate considering they did pull off a Turning Point cover at the show. As you probably guessed, this release features songs from both the promo and demo starting with the three demo songs and ending with the two promo ones.

    With the release of this EP from Straight and Alert Records and the release show a couple weeks ago, Vantage Point have gained momentum and are playing Philly soon as well as opening for Ecostrike later this month. The release shows all the potential and hard work the band has had since their start and the live performance brings color to their landscape. 

Pillorian, Falls of Rauros, & Obsidian Tongue @ Great Scott

    Black metal returns to the Great Scott and with such a lineup! Each band a great balance of atmosphere and darkness. Obsidian Tongue has yet to disappoint, and Pillorian and Falls I have been wanting to see since I first heard both.

Obsidian Tongue
Genre: Atmospheric Black Metal FFO: Krallice, Wolves in the Throne Room, Altar of Plagues

   Opening the night was the two piece powerhouse, Obsidian Tongue. Let me first say these guys are easily my personal favorite for Massachusetts black metal. Only two members and so much talent between them, they deserve your attention.
   Now then, Obsidian Tongue, though only played a few songs, blew me away once more and get better and better each performance. The passion of the blackened shrieks, the melody of the clean singing, the intense concentration between the riffs and drums, it all grasps your attention like no other. Each song was long like, 6-10 minutes therefore they only played about three or four songs. Incredible all around, the only thing I would change is the lighting effects as there were none.

Falls of Rauros
Genre: Black/Folk Metal FFO: Panopticon, Agalloch, Ash Borer

    A band from Maine isn't something you hear of everyday, however a black metal band as talented as Falls coming from Maine is even more rare. I was honestly expecting a visual from them to add to the performance but they weren't dressed up or anything, Nonetheless, Falls still delivered. The other thing I thought about was if they were gonna sample the folk instruments, which they did.
   This time I counted, 3 songs for the set with each song over 10 minutes long. I know some of you might think, "10 minute long songs sound like they would drag and be really boring" but let me tell you that black metal bands like these keep you paying attention and change the sound multiple times within the songs. Each song had beautiful fingerpicked melodies and watching the guitarist play them ever so gently and then breaking into the atmospheric blackened riffs is amazing. Each song makes you feel like you're scaling a mountain in Skyrim.
    As soon as they finished I thought "set of the night" but Pillorian did make it on my top albums last year so I couldn't wait to see how they would follow.

Pillorian
Genre: Atmospheric Black Metal FFO: Agalloch, Wiegedood, Wolves in the Throne Room

    Pillorian are basically a supergroup of musicians from all star bands (see flyer above), most notably for me is John Haughm formally of Agalloch. As you could probably guess, Pillorian takes influence from each of the members former bands.
    Once again no lighting effects for some reason, they only dimmed the lights. Once the band began, the darkness engulfed my soul. I heard riffs I didn't even know existed on the record, and at certain times I could faintly hear an orchestral instrument, it was so faint that I thought it was in my head but when it played again, it was louder and clear as day as if someone was on stage playing it (it was sampled). The one thing that stuck out the most was that drummer. A huge drum kit circled around him, I tried to count how many pieces but I kept losing count, but take my word for it, it was huge. Watching him play it was wild, Animal would be jealous and Neil Peart would be proud.
    Pillorian was definitely the darkest band of the night, in more ways than one, and once again played a few songs but each with very long duration. Fantastic, definitely lived up to my expectations.