Metal Blade 25th Anniversary tour - October 11th, 2007 - Club Firestone - Orlando, FL
The Absence, The Red Chord, Black Dahlia Murder and Cannibal Corpse

Review by Luzviminda DelaPaz

There could have been a joke in there had the situation was not remedied and they lived up to their moniker. The Absence almost couldn’t make it to the stage due to the typical touring situation of the van breaking down. But front man Jamie Stewart explained that with the helping hands of the folks from Goatwhore, they were able to play the final show of the Metal Blade Records 25th Anniversary tour. I, on the other hand missed the first four songs in waiting in line but found myself in the middle of “The Murder.” Described as melodic death metal, the band can pride itself with its great precision and technicality like in the song “From Your Grave.” The songs are fast and aggressive especially with the shred style playing in “Dead and Gone.’’ It was a promising start and makes for a fun show especially when I was able to throw in someone I enjoy hating during the Testament cover “Into the Pit.’’ Already the music was enabling my inner demons to come out and play.

I grew curious as to the psychology of metal music. What exactly is the appeal? I guess Goatwhore led to some answers. True artists are indeed those that reflect reality. According to its frontman Ben Falgoust, black metal is thoughtful music that “probe black recesses of the mind and soul in a disturbing introspective examination of dark forces at work.’’ We can’t ignore that it’s there. It has a way of making its presence known but free will gives us the choice to either surrender to temptation or take control. With self-knowledge it is easier to assume control and not fall prey to these dark forces. Goatwhore’s music is cerebral, as metal is in general. I think that’s partly the draw. Self-possessed, the lead singer exudes confidence and has a commanding presence on stage as he paints an unpleasant picture and unsavory politics within the infernal realms. (Having met him afterwards, it took me by surprise how this character was so serene after seeing him perform!) Personally, I liked the eagerness conveyed by the speedy sound, that sense of urgency in addition to the skill involved in executing great riffs and guitar solos. The dark lyrical content offers apocalyptic imagery such as in “All the sins’’ and ‘The Serpent that Enslaves What is Worshipped.’’ It encourages for one to walk in firm correctness to be spared from a dire situation for all eternity.

The Red Chord felt like a breathe of fresh air with their less serious, and high energy offerings of death metal and grindcore. Propositioning the crowd to body surf for a measly quarter, I’d suspect that vocalist Guy Kozowyk were a couple of dollars short for a happy meal late night munchies. Youthful and vital they are revered by the crowd who was enjoying the fun loving and high spirited spectacle and enjoying animal moments along with the band. Who doesn’t relish the chance to giving in to our brutish inner Hydes begging to come out? Inspired by the music, there was a deviant who after body surfing through the crowd jumped on stage and dove back in to an approving audience. They gave off a playful and electric performance entertaining fans with stage antics like bassist Greg Weeks climbing on top of the speakers in the middle of the set to rock out. Such child play can be distracting to the music and the message but in this situation it is a good compliment. Some of it is after all related to the infuriating aspect of interpersonal relationships gone awry like in the songs included in the set “Dread Prevailed” and “”Nihilist.” I can relate with others going apes, trust me. Sometimes it’s good to act silly in spite of better judgment. Actually it goes highly recommended. Repressing leads to self destructive behavior that having an outlet is a must. Is there a pattern here?

The trend continued with the next act the death metal band Black Dahlia Murder. Security had to psyche themselves for the challenge of keeping the body surfers relatively safe. “These guys go insane!” As if on cue, the lead singer Trent Strnad darts on stage and took off restricting clothing allowing the animal to come out. Expressive and full of vigor, these guys threw it down hard in Florida and primal instincts were cut loose. One body after another, giving their selves as sacrifice to this violent ritual, the staff had to keep alert and at times get inside the swarm to fetch the fallen, giving a high five to one another for the more interesting saves. The chaos that ensued is in response to powerful music that elicits these strong reactions like in the song “Funeral Thirst.” All the reveling in the madness made for an intense experience witnessing it right in front. Don’t even know what went on the pit but judging from what remained on the floor at the end of the show, it must have been a sight to behold.

I missed the beginning of the set because we were wrapping up an interview with Goatwhore but right after I ran to catch the main act Cannibal Corpse. I found myself amongst die hard fans playing air guitar along with the music, mouthing lyrics and begging for picks in between songs while vocalist George Fisher teases the audience for its sobriety. Cannibal Corpse was engaging and the crowd was receptive especially during “Five nails through the neck.” Prior to performing it, he pleaded to the audience ‘’to bang your heads even if you don’t have the hair for it!” We were only too accommodating for this simple request. Leading by example, they demonstrated their prowess for this acquired skill and repetitively banged their heads in unison. Just as anger blinds and blurs the senses, so does metal. disordering your senses with the loud and destructive power of the sound and the movement involved. It’s a way to let loose the savage within and indulge in primal baser urges as can be deduced by the lyrical and graphic content of Cannibal Corpse which has long been controversial. No wonder people like metal. Despite the material, there was a joyous, festive vibe in the entire set and it came to a climax when fellow tour mates jumped on stage to join in the fun. It proved to be a proper ending for the last show of the anniversary tour.

Though coming out disoriented, bruised and stiff necked, it was definitely worthwhile to find momentary relief and release of pent up aggression. I can even say that participating in the ritual allowed me to make a conscious choice and altered my reality to the detriment of this review. I confess that it’s been difficult to write a metal show review when I’ve felt too peaceful and so goddamn happy lately. So much for keeping it metal. But I’m sure the urge to rip heads and stay brutal will return all in good time. It is part of human nature after all.

Visit the bands official websites: The Absence | The Red Chord | The Black Dahlia Murder | Cannibal Corpse