Smile Politely

Metalfest Ongoeth

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.

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