Revocation Celebrates 20 Years Of Torment At The Amsterdam
The hot and dry breezes of early September have finally turned cool. The air was not the only affected by the more autumn weather, folks seemed to be in a good mood when I popped into Alary’s for a beer before heading to Amsterdam. Clutch factor is high because they have a free parking garage validation with purchase, so even with events going on, you can score free parking downtown. About a ten minute jaunt to the venue from the bar, easy choice to make not wanting to pay those event rates.
Made my way over to Amsterdam, already a few cool kids outside when I got there waiting for the first band to launch.
Decent amount of peeps for the first of four bands, instead of music starting at 7:00pm on the dot, a cheeky 6:50pm start time was Weeping’s party time. Interesting note, Spotify only had three bands on the docket for the show, I doubled checked a few other sources, and Weeping was set on those. Odd that the mega-music giants wouldn’t have the correct lineup for the show. Perhaps due to being on a different label than the others aka they are independent and unsigned as of this year?
Well, either way, they were an excellent choice to crack open the night. These New Jersey guys kick ass, and know they will be signed soon. Super heavy and intense, the audience crept up to fill out the front pretty fast. Vocalist and guitarist Theo Vlahos made sure of it, called people out and beckoned them forward. Occasionally with these types of metal shows, the engine takes a bit to heat up. Shyness and coyness disintegrated a few songs in, some hardcore boys and moshers started pinballing around the center of the venue. Though they were on stage for only a handful of songs, really liked what I witnessed. Definitely catching them the next time they come into town. Having that power metal flavor mixed with some darker themes is a win win for me.
Was beyond pumped for the next band in the lineup, Fuming Mouth. They were ready to melt some faces, and most definitely accomplished their goal. These East Coast boys (from Massachusetts) came ready to destroy. Not gonna lie, they were a big reason I was itching to go to this show. Of course, everyone on the lineup was tantalizing, but Fuming Mouth happens to have that almost perfect witch’s brew of elements that keep me listening and wanting more. They have had some switch-ups in their lineup the last year or so, was curious to see how that may change the vibe and chemistry on stage. No worries needed. They were fantastic. Lead vocalist and OG member Mark Whelan was electric and delivered the intensity the band’s songs demand. If you ever spy them on a lineup, run, don’t walk, to secure a ticket.
Defeated Sanity had a boisterous fanbase, and I am here for every ounce of that energy. The pit was stirring before, but when these guys hit the stage, kicked off into a frenzy. Brining that German sensibility and attention to detail, their music is equally as intricate as it is brutal. I love a healthy dollop of technical in my metal, it contrasts decadently with they thicker and molasses-like heavy aspects so well. They were a wonderful choice to layer the lineup to keep the bands similar enough to attract a cohesive audience, but also each group had enough to distinguish within their own signature style. Genres and subgenres can be a bit muddy, and too much of a good thing on a tour can blend the lines between bands. Not the case with this tour, huzzah! Josh Welshman’s vocals and stance on stage are epic. Using every bit of the space to engage with his bandmates and fans. Gotta tip my hat to Defeated Sanity, first time seeing them live, and won’t be my last.
Time for the headliners of the night, Revocation. Not only is there music amazing and well-rounded, their album art is some of my favorite in the game. I implore you to look up their covers, super sick. I saw lead singer and guitarist Dave Davidson outside with a friend earlier in the evening, shooting the shit and enjoying the September weather outside. Being am extrovert introvert, made my off-subject token comment. Not about his great music, of course, but his beautiful curl pattern. He has some nice ringlets going on right now, digging the look.
Starting off the celebration just right, the band handed out colorful party hats to a few lucky fans in the front row as they exploded into their first song. So happy Revocation made sure to stop in Minnesota on their month long tour to celebrate twenty years of being a band. I think more groups should exalt their togetherness more versus just touring when a new album is out. Which, duh, also love when they do that, but going out and cheering yourself for staying a solid unit for a few decades is a most excellent basis for a jaunt around the country. Revocation did play some songs from their most recent album, released last September “New Gods, New Masters,” which delighted the crowd particularly. Knowing how to gage the mood of the audience quite masterfully with so many years under their belt, each member was so enthusiastic on stage when performing. Drummer Ash Pearson was on his business, fast and hot with those sticks. With some of the best faces I’ve seen while playing bass and guitar, Alex Weber and Harry Lannon were a treat to watch and photograph. Spying so many smiles in the crowd betwixt headbanging to some slick jams, thinking and hoping Revocation will be around for a few more decades. Fingers crossed.
