Oct. 14 The House Cafe- The Black Dahlia Murder/Goatwhore

I'll admit, I've lost my touch with the metal scene for the past two years now. Not anything personal to say that I dislike Metal, but I haven't able to get my taste-buds into any of the new bands coming out of the woodwork, at least that wouldn't conflict with my usual habit of metal bands, Motorhead, Deicide, and Kylesa. However, if there was one band that still grabbed my attention, it's Black Dahlia and last night is one pure example.

I remember just last year when a couple buddies of mine paid a visit up to The House Cafe in Dekalb, being fucking mind blown by Dahlia that night, recounting their tales of debauchery (i.e getting stoned with the members of Skeletonwitch) all the while head banging to the riffage of Dahlia. Due to being held up at work, I was bummed I missed out on a good ass show, and as time progressed to the now, I decided to have a first hand witness to their set, along with Goatwhore. A friend that went to said show last year and numerous others before chose to venture out as well, so that was that. The ride up there wasn't bad so to speak, despite our car breaking down on us but none the less, we managed to find a way to step a foot at the house cafe. To be in that situation, it was sheer luck.

Aside from our fouls, we managed to catch the first opening band by the name of Sleep Serapis Sleep. I wouldn't say they were the best band that evening but they weren't the worst. Not as much of a stage presence and their music wasn't mediocre or anything but it didn't really see anything about having potential, probably due to their short set. Some kids were feeling it while a huge majority of the crowd during their set continued to have their conversations or just stood there waiting for Dahlia. We passed their merch table prior to seeing their set and were somewhat impressed with their stuff. Once their set was over, we had ourselves a cigarette when one of the members of Sleep Serapis Sleep tried to obtain a sale from yours truly, but utterly failed. Not even worth mentioning if you think about it.

The next band up was Arkaik, a recently signed band from California. I was into their set for a good portion of it, overall. Kids were getting a little more into the show, starting a pit and pumping their fists in the air so that was good. Arkaik didn't miss a beat and still kept on trekking into their set. Quite impressive for a band on the rise, so I wish them luck on the rest of the tour with Dahlia and Goatwhore. Who knows, maybe they might grab the world by storm one of these days.

To write up how this next band played is pretty impossible, due to the fact it was one of the better sets I've seen at a metal show, period. Goatwhore were phenomenal, a must see band for those who haven't heard anything previous. They raged into their set like no other; incorporating blast beats, maniacal guitar chords, and a voice that seemed to mirror a cry from the four horsemen on the eve of an apocalypse. Biblical references aside, the crowd ate it up, going complete apeshit during their set. A pit started to unfurl and fists were going up in the air like no other, adding fuel to the fire for Goatwhore as they progressed. The chants of Goatwhore took place, with some even adding to keep on playing, but of course, it didn't occur. I admire the humor of these guys, mainly the singer and guitarist for Goatwhore. A man in a Banana costume was present at this show and the guitarist went into the mic and said "who is that guy in the costume. I swear, I've seen this guy at almost every show. Did someone lace my beer with acid, man?" It was non-stop fun with these guys. It made the trip worthwhile. If you haven't heard this guys, do it now.

Of course, how would the night go without seeing The Black Dahlia Murder? Odds are you would have had a bad night, in the since of a bad hangover to remind you of missing Dahlia. These guys were the show from the get go and once they started, the chaos started and from there on, it was no turning back, but who would want that anyway? I hadn't seen a crowd go hectic like that since July when I saw Failures and that was pretty fucking chaotic. Kids were going all over the place, to the front, back, sides, and even over the crowd as a couple kids went stage diving and getting kicked out in the process. One even fell straight to the tiles after diving, with a loud thump being overheard from where I was standing. Another kid kicked one of the lights, with the crowd providing a "Ohh!" in the background. From their earlier cuts like Nocturnal to their newer album Deflorate, Dahlia was on the move and made it quite clear. It was hard not to get into them at all, playing practically every song worth hearing live, from "Necropolis" to "a Vulgar Picture". I felt like a little kid at Disney world, still astonished at Dahlia, like it a vivid nightmare gone terribly right, without sounding oxymoronic or wordy.

If the tour manages to make a stop in your town, I advise you to head up and check it out. If you haven't managed to snag a copy of their new album Deflorate, do so as well. I've heard nothing but great reviews of it.

The Black Dahlia Murder Store

Goatwhore