[115] Archons, Lightning Swords of Death, Saviours, Midnight (2011)

I went to this for Saviours and maybe it wasn't the best decision. Certainly I'd rather be stuck in a room with metal sorts than the people who go to Drunktes, but after Saviours got going I found myself wondering what the hell Jeff The Brotherhood sounded like live. They were playing in town at that very moment, and I thought about seeing them this time since I've seen Saviours several times already, but... metal or garage? Metal.

Saviours played all new stuff aside from their last song, "Slave To The Hex" (I did recognize another - Metal Swim comp?). All new sets are really tough and I wouldn't suggest bands with a history do this. It was okay - I like Saviours overall - but the bulk of their material is too familiar for me to give a crap about the meat of their albums. I like the "singles" and the presentation. And the drummer!

I've seen Lightning Swords of Death's name a lot in recent times but I blanked out who they were. They were black metal (and looked it despite the fact that their singer looked like a mini-Steve Brooks) so it's no wonder. They had their passing moments for me; overall I don't care for that pure black metal sound.

Archons was a nice surprise. I was expecting the worst from my total ignorance. They were a thrashy doom/sludge band, right up my alley. The first song they did made me think they should open for Nether Regions next time they're in town, but the rest was more like Lord Dying - minus the prog element of either band. Still, I've heard this shit a thousand times now and I'm getting kind of bored of watching it.

I didn't stay for Midnight. Don't know 'em, don't care, too fucking tired.

Great turn-out for this show. Someone from every metal-ish local band I could think of was in the room - besides Red Fang, who are on tour. I ended up meeting a punchline for a "___ is my anti-drug" ad, talked with some familiars, properly met the guitar half of Norska, and still managed to escape without a bestial encounter. Motherfuckin' yay.

Next time, Jeff. Next time.