Skeletonwitch - Biltmore Cabaret - June 10, 2013
It was a Monday night that Skeletonwitch’s headlining tour touched ground at the Biltmore. It was well put by singer Chance Garnette when he yelled into the crowd that it “feels like a fucking Friday!!” And I’d say that judging by the mosh pit’s reaction that the crowd was putting their best Friday foot forward.
Busting in wasting no one’s time this Athens, Ohio five piece blasted them with the only way a band that owns knows how to, with three straight hard charging relentless songs. The lackadaisicals smoking outside must have heard the crash because right quick the stragglers added to an already swelling of sweat and flesh that took stage front. And right on cue as the venue was starting burst a full house, Skeletonwitch busted out some classics from their first two albums. It was at this point that the shirts came off and the stage diving went on. Garnett had surprising charisma as he directed the growing circle pit and barked out song titles.
Skeletonwitch can effortlessly straddle the tightness of thrash metal and then brutalize you with some burnt and charred death metal. Garnette can transform high screeches into low belly disturbing gutturals effortlessly. The musicianship was tight and you could tell these cats were a well-oiled touring machine. Guitarists Nate Garnette and Scott Hendrick were a two-headed force that would lay scourge onto the necks of the faithful. The pit was one sweat-laced cauldron of soup stirred with a giant heavy metal spoon that seemed to be an extension of this Skeletonwitch’s arm. Taking much delight was bass player Evan Linger who smiled lavishly ear to ear while flailing away at breakneck speed. In contrast drummer Dustin Boltjes was a head down, hair in face maniac. They even tested a new song, to much delight. If the Biltmore ever goes up for sale then Skeletonwitch just made a down payment because they pretty much owned the place.
- Heath Fenton
