Talent packed microsets make for a satisfying ’09 Metalfest at the Canopy Club. Here’s some snapshots.
Friday
5:00 p.m. — Rumplestiltskin Grinder (Philadelphia)
A roaring set with a tinge of gospel psychedelia. One audience member collapsed. Another yelled “Unleash the Troll!” Which turned out to be the third or fourth in a heap of songs with excellent subjects.
“This one’s about grinding up your enemies’ bones and smoking them in a joint” — “This uh, song’s about burning bodies in your front yard because there’s no more room in back.”
The lead singer sometimes shattered the mood with toungue-in-cheek intros.
Crowd small, but a few heads bang and bang well.
Lots of ink and piercings. Confrontational tee-shirts contrast with genial, smiling faces. Hugs galore.
5:50 — Abysmal Dawn (Los Angeles)
It will be a startling band that can top this drummer. Double bass like a marching snare, topped with crystalquick sticking and creative syncopation to beat latin jazz.
A black ship should be built of his fingernails and sailed on the sweat of virgins.
Lead singer is whanging a black guitar, its fretboard silver-etched like a baleful blade. So far everything stringed has been worth a stare.
Another capable band for a smallish audience. Metalfesters must be home marshalling their strength for the coming of Master at 11:30.
6:40 — Daath (Georgia)
Daath always has time to fistbump the audience.
Crowd is picking up. You should come too.