The Commodore Ballroom - May 21 2013
Seeing three death metal bands that have been playing for about twenty-five years, all together, in one evening, was quite a treat. One would expect utter ear hole annihilation and one would be right about that!Headliners Cannibal Corpse did not disappoint. With songs from their extensive discography: something slow, old, opening the show with "A Skull Full of Maggots" from 1989. Fast, new... all with the precise efficiency of a military operation. George "Corpsegrinder" Fisher regaled the crowd with his trademark windmill-like head-banging and proffering words of wisdom in between songs that one would not want to share with one's mother. Many people may believe they are not a very subtle band but I beg to differ. Their imagery and titles may be what they are but the song writing level has proven them to be definite leaders in the genre. They transformed the crowd into a sea of head banging, following relentlessly, the pounding of the double bass, sending waves of the “sign of the horns” and appreciative roars in the rare pauses.
The other bands were not overshadowed though. Napalm Death revisited their whole song catalogue, from 2012's Utilitarian to a medley of tracks from 1987's Scum debut, and even performing fan favourite "You suffer" in the entirety of its mere second! Between songs Mark "Barney" Greenway exposed a couple of ideas expected from such a political band, ranting over the music business, religion, etc.
Immolation purely and simply destroyed the venue, delivering a comprehensive set with songs from the newly released LP all the way to 1991's Dawn of Possession. Ross Dolan's presence was totally overwhelming and the pounding of his left foot during slow parts shook the room. Their contagious enthusiasm and performance will stick in mind for a long time.
Even if most people were at the Commodore for the three main bands, Canadian opening acts Archspire and Beyond Creation were appreciated for their great technical abilities and energy.
One may lose count of the number of strings on their guitars and basses. Technical/progressive death metal has come a long way since the early days of Atheist or Cynic.
Death metal is very much alive and the diversity of the audience that night proved it. The death metal mass has been delivered, and received.
- photos and words by Arnaud De Grave
