May 31, 2005
Putrefaction are a high school death metal band from Potomac, MD and opened the evening with a solid set that belied their age. Lead vox were provided by Max and delivered in a dual hi-low technique that was similar to that used by Glen Benton (Deicide) later in the evening. The lows were outstanding, but the highs need some work. Considering this bands age, they can only get better. Very solid start in their first Jaxx performance.
Sacramento, CA natives, With Passion, were next up and delivered a hi energy set of self described Technical Melodic Blackened Metalcore - wow - that was a mouthful! This six piece featured twin guitars and keyboards that were prominent on a few songs. I wish I was more familiar with their music but I'm now ready to check out their latest release. They have potential.
Read a review of their latest release at The Metal Observer: With Passion - In The Midst Of Bloodied Soil (7/10) - USA - 2005
Despised Icon had the misfortune of being a Hardcore band stuck on a death metal bill. The death metal audience largely ignored the pleas from the twin vocalists to get the mosh pit going, but eventually they were rewarded with a few moshers.
These Montreal natives kept their heads up and put on a fine show with some melodic leads and a couple of trademark hardcore breakdowns that finally had some in the crowd head banging.
Despised Icon - MP3
The Skinless gang wasted no time in kicking the volume level up a notch. This Albany, NY quartet actually got the mosh pit rolling with their grinding style of brutal death. Very impressive!
These guys really laid down some tremendous riffs and the energy level for the whole evening was on the rise! Fellow New Yorkers Immolation would have a hard act to follow.
Skinless - MP3
read a review of: Skinless - From Sacrifice To Survival - here
Crushing is an oft used adjective in the death metal business, but never has it been more appropriate to describe a set at Jaxx. Immolation were as intense as ANY death metal band I've seen at Jaxx and if the show had ended after their set, I think most with the exception of the hardcore Deicide fans would have left feeling they got their moneys worth.
The volume for this set was the loudest I have ever heard for a death metal band without being painful like some of the hardcore guys. Robert Vigna on guitar was sonically piercing while maintaining a cool composure.
Drummer Steve Shalaty appears lost amidst a kit jungle. The moshing died down, but the fists in the air were on the rise.
Bill Taylor on the other axe and Bassist/Vocalist Ross Dolan were both superb! Ross paid a fine compliment to evening opener Putrefaction. Very classy.
IMMOLATION - Harnessing Ruin MP3
Read a review of the new Immolation release, "Harnessing Ruin", at The Metal Observer:
Immolation - Harnessing Ruin (8,5/10) - USA - 2005
Tampa Legends Deicide finally took the stage somewhat north of 11 PM and the crowd response was fervent. While not to the same volume as Immolation, they were plenty loud and most peoples ears were begging for mercy anyway. Touring guitarist Ralph Santolla (ex-Iced Earth), with the white "Flying V" style guitar, was solid all night.
Glen's trademark casual stage presence was on display with brief water breaks between songs and casual banter with the crowd. That is, after he was done complaining about his monitor mix. His patented growl-screech delivery was impressive nonetheless.
Drummer Steve Asheim has been pounding the skins for Deicide since 1987.
With the Hoffman brothers gone from Deicide, Jack Owens (ex-Cannibal Corpse), no slouch himself, performed admirably.
Deicide played the title track from their latest release, "Scars of the Crucifix", along with When Heaven Burns from the same album.
Sacrificial Suicide, Christ Denied and set closer Deicide were also performed. From this show, Deicide were set to embark on a long journey north traveling through New York and Canada.
The Metal Observer gave Deicide's latest high marks. Read the review: Deicide - Scars Of The Crucifix (9/10) - USA - 2004
Deicide - Scars of The Crucifix - Video
Jaxx metal regulars Gabriel, Enrique, Axel and Ivan pose for an after show shot and then share another with Deicide frontman Glen Benton. Glen, working on only 3 hours sleep from the night before, was ready to crash on the Van during the long ride to upstate New York. It doesn't get any more death metal than Glen - note the upside down cross emblazoned on his forehead. Scars of the Crucifix indeed.
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