The Rickshaw Theater - Sept 21 2013
This energetic night of camaraderie proved to be an international representation of symphonic metal and superb musicianship. Starkill, the Century Media newcomers break the ice to a receptive audience of metal fans.
Headliners, Wintersun, hailing from the land of ice and snow were warmly welcomed with a much-anticipated reception. From Finland: Jari Maenpaa is on lead vocals and guitar, Kai Hahto on drums, Jukka Koskinen on bass and Teemu Mantysaari is on guitar, all demonstrating brilliant arrangements of progressive, melodic, symphonic metal.
Clever compositions keep the audience spellbound by their performance. The passionate, set included “Beyond the Dark Sun”, “Battle Against Time”, “Sleeping Stars”, “Beautiful Death”, “Death And Healing” followed by the grand finale of “Winter Madness.”
Arsis are a technical, melodic, death metal band from Virginia Beach, producing distinctly bluesy American metal with some Zack Wylde and Dimebag Darrell disciples blazing on the guitars! Heirs to the throne of Pantera with James Malone on guitar and vocals, guitarist Brandon Ellis, bass player Noah Martin and Shawn Priest on drums.
Fleshgod Apocalypse is an Italian symphonic, death metal horde from Roma. The three part harmonies combined with male and female vocals showcase a classical influence. Flawless execution, precision with windmill headbanging at no extra charge! Credited is: lead vocalist/guitarist Tommaso Riccardi, pianist Francesco Ferrini, bassist/vocalist Paulo Rossi, guitarist/vocals Cristiano and Francesco Pauli on drums, guitar and vocals. It was a guitar clinic display with harmonized sweep picked arpeggios and the piano enhanced and added depth to the already rich symphonic sound.
This show was an example of how bands from around the world with such diverse influences can unite a whole room, happily, with no incident. Now, if only the news could show such a display of humanity!
- Sonny Dean
