words and photos by Ilya Blokh

Mass Grave at Acheron

Friday, June 4th was my first time at the new Acheron venue to see the all-out thrash/sludge/grind attack of The Claw, HOG, Atakke and Mass Grave. The sound was excellent and $2 beers helped take the edge off the stifling heat - my only complaints are the long, narrow layout and the ridiculously high stage, especially for a DIY space. Hopefully more singers (if not entire bands) will find their way down into the crowd at future shows.

Philly's The Claw opened up with furious, riff-heavy thrash. Led by two guitarists, they banged out a good mix of shredding and an occasional breakdown on stage, while singer Jason howled crust-soaked vocals from the floor. HOG followed with some North Carolina sludge, which reminded me of early Mastodon, including the bellowed-from-down-below vocals. Guitarist/singer James even looks like the some unholy offspring of Troy Sanders and Brent Hinds. They're working on an EP for an August release.

The Acheron is home-turf for Atakke and the band looked comfortable and in great form - they know how to space their shows out enough to keep fans thirsty. Heaps of fist-pumping thrash bravado from the guys, while Chloe did held her "invisible orange" proudly to the sky as she shred her vocal chords to bits.

There's something about crust/grind that hits harder than many other subgenres. Maybe it's the mix of punk speed and simplicity with the unrelenting drive of the d-beat and sheer weight of the riff? Whatever the formula is, Mass Grave have it down to perfection - they are unstoppable live. Woody and Lenny's dual vocals both expand the band's sonic range and create a monstrous stage presence as they play off each other and thrash around on stage, while the rest of the band pounds out ferocious 'core. Who knew Vancouver could spawn something this intense? This was Mass Grave's first show in New York, but hopefully more will follow shortly.

More pictures from the show below...

Continue reading "Mass Grave, Atakke & the Claw playeed the Acheron (pics) "

words by Stefan Raduta, photos by BBG

Laurie and John of Ludicra

He is risen. By he, I mean John Cobbett. And by risen, I mean up from the hospital bed after being treated for a burst appendix and ensuing abcess. Cobbett is on the mend (though he still needs your help) and he joined his mates in Ludicra when they headlined the BV/Osiris show at Europa on 4/18 with a little help from Krallice, Castevet, and Atakke. Stefan filed the following review from the show.... -BBG

====

I've been hearing good things about Brooklyn's Atakke, but seeing them for the first time convinced me this really is a band to keep a close eye on. Hands down, they have it all: intense, neck-breaking riffs, great drumming and to top it all, a very charismatic (and quite pretty) bullet-belted female singer that seriously raises some pulses on stage. I mean, this girl can scream her lungs out, she's not fooling around. Just awesome! Great set, super catchy breakdowns, I was really impressed with them. They sort of remind me of a thrashier Benediction, and I'm willing to bet they're all into early Sepultura. Thumbs up.

continued below w/ more pictures, videos & setlists...

Continue reading "Ludicra, Krallice, Castevet & Atakke played Europa (pics) "

by BBG

Krallice at Union Pool (more by Lori Baily)

Who needs Mayhem with a lineup like this? BrooklynVegan and Osiris are proud to present that the great Ludicra will team up with Krallice, Castevet, and Atakke for a killer show at Europa on 4/18. Tickets on sale soon. A few more announced Ludicra dates are below.

Ludicra is prepping for an appearance at Scion Rock Fest, but more imminently, have their new record The Tenant due in March. Order that record via Profound Lore.

BrooklynVegan is also on board as the official sponsor for the Profound Lore/20 Buck Spin Official Showcase at Headhunters on 3/19 during SxSW. Ludicra won't be on that show, but the killer trio of Salome (who is also playing a BV Day Party), Coffinworm, and Yakuza will be reppin' the label.

The Ludicra show is one of three BV-presented metal shows scheduled for April. The other two are Weedeater on 4/10 (tix, a BV/Osiris show) and Narrows on 4/24 (tix, a 1000 Knives/BV show).

Some live Krallice and Ludicra videos below...

Continue reading "not touring w/ Mayhem, Krallice & Ludicra add NYC show"

by Black Bubblegum

Skeletonwitch

The blackened-thrashtastic Skeletonwitch will team up with weed-death metallers Cannabis Corpse for a handful of dates in the new year, including one on Jan 11th with Atakke as part of the monthly Show No Mercy series at Public Assembly (Nachmystium played last month's).

Cannabis Corpse (featuring members of Municipal Waste) are currently working hard at a follow-up EP to this year's Tube of The Resinated (get it?). Look for that on the mighty Tank Crimes in the coming year.

All tour dates, and the Brooklyn show flyer, are below....

Continue reading "Skeletonwitch & Cannabis Corpse - 2009 tour dates "