From Barbie to Goblins- Varsity Theater Had It All On Sunday Night
By the time Sunday night rolled around, I was ready for a show. As lovely as it was to have a Saturday night off, I hated the fact that I had to miss a couple of shows, but you know the saying, if you don't take a break, your body will take one for you, and that's precisely what happened on Saturday. Although I was still a bit groggy and slightly out of it by the time Sunday night rolled around, I knew that a show was just what I needed to get back into the swing of things, and I knew that the show happening at the Varsity Theater was going to do just the trick.
The venue's website listed music starting at 7 PM. Unfortunately, that was incorrect. Music had actually started closer to 6:30 PM, and although I was there my standard twenty minutes early, it wasn't early enough to catch all of Brat's opening set. That's a shame because what I did catch absolutely blew me away. Hailing from New Orleans, Louisiana, Brat is a merciless grindcore band but with a twist. I hate calling having a female vocalist a twist, but that's the twist when it comes to this band. Self-described as "bimboviolence," Brat has a super intense and brutal sound that is highlighted by snippets of pop anthems. From Backstreet Boys to Britney Spears, I loved how this band would sample these pop songs before leaping into a destructive force of brutality. In true grindcore fashion, their songs were short, but that didn't mean there wasn't time for the band to highlight the sheer musicianship that each of their members has. I feel bad for this band as the audience was still growing by the time they wrapped up their set, but I hope they know that Minneapolis loves them even with that mistake, and hope they return soon.
The brutality continued as Ov Sulfur took the stage. This Los Vegas-based deathcore band has only been around since 2020, which, in the grand scheme of things, when it comes to bands, really isn't that long, but it quickly became clear to me why I've been seeing this band's name more and more. Known for their anti-religious themes and darkness, Ov Sulfur had an aura about them that was as intimidating as it was thrilling. The band didn't spend much, if any, time addressing the audience and, instead, opted to fill every second of their quick set with music as if they had something to prove. Whatever it was that they felt they needed to prove, mission accomplished. Although still early in the night, the audience could be found pushing and shoving their way through the intense set. Although Ov Sulfur's music was super dark and quite ominous, I loved how clear it all was. Somehow, the intricate guitar work cut through the proverbial haze of this band and dazzled as the sinister lyrics acted as a way to just add intensity to the already brutal sound. Like Brat, I was utterly blown away by Ov Sulfur and hope that I continue to see their name more and more, especially when it comes to performances in the Twin Cities.
From a relatively new band to a more seasoned act that has been around since 2000, the night kept trucking along as Revocation took the stage. With eight studio albums and a couple of EPs, there's nothing new about Revocation, but their sound still came off as fresh. The focus when it comes to Revocation is more on the technical instrumentation when compared to the previous two acts of the night, which I really appreciated. Although I love being at a metal show, I can't tell you how many times that, by the third band, everything just kind of sounds the same. That was not the case here, and I felt wholly captivated by the technical skill of Revocation. I found myself captivated by vocalist David Davidson as he played his guitar, trying to figure out just how he was making the sound I was hearing without even breaking a sweat. I guess that's what happens when you are as skilled at your craft as he is, but it truly was a mind-blowing thing to see. Although I definitely found David's performance intriguing, there was no ignoring the other members of this band. They all brought an insane amount of talent and power to the stage, which made Revocation's set one. It left me inspired, but also with my jaw on the ground.
Sunday night was far from my first time seeing Nekrogoblikon live. I've been seeing this band perform for years (looking back in my blog, it looks like the first time I wrote about them was in October of 2016 when they were opening for Alestorm at The Cabooze), but something about seeing them at Riot Fest last year sparked something in me. During that set, it became clear that this band is more than just a schtick. Don't get me wrong, the talent of this band has never fallen on deaf ears or eyes for me but Nekrogoblikon had always just been, "that weird band with a terrifying goblim that always made me laugh" until that point so I was so excited for a chance to see this band for what they really are-- truly talented musicians.
Don't get me wrong, seeing "John Goblikon" take the stage in his signature goblin with a suit costume definitely made my heart flutter. John Goblikon is a character, to say the least. From his movements to how he talks with this odd, almost New York-styled accent as he banters with and insults the crowd, John makes it clear that every band should have a hype person because it genuinely does add that special sauce to a show. Hyping up the band and audience isn't all that John does, though; he also sings. I prefer the vocals of Dickie Allen, the other vocalist, personally, but I also love the way that John Goblikon's humor comes through when he's singing and the way it mixes with the more serious style of Dickie and the rest of the band.
Stylistically, Nekrogoblikon is a straight-up melodic death metal band. From dazzling guitar solos to brutal blast beats, I love that, although this band doesn't take themselves too seriously, they still produce some super heavy but super clean and well-done music. The way they take their sound so seriously and blend it with the more comical goblin-infused hijinkery that happens during their shows is truly brilliant. Add their seriously insane state presence and the fact that, outside of John Goblikon, there is really no pageantry or smoke and mirrors, and you are left with a set that will both have you laughing deep down in your gut while also leaving you in shock and awe from the talent and power.
Whether you went to The Varsity Theater on Sunday night to get lost in some brutal metal tones or to see the hilarity yet perfection that is Nekrogoblikon, it's safe to assume that you left more than satisfied with the night. I know that I was definitely ready for a show come Sunday night and maybe that has a slight influence on how much I loved the night but, when all was said and done, and I was driving home, I couldn't help but think that I had just seen a heck of a show that will surely (and hopefully) set the tone for a good week.