Here’s a tasty show that I knew I wanted to catch. Both Viscera and Cabal are extremely well-regarded at Wonderbox Metal, so this was one for me to not miss. It was, however, one of the less well-attended gigs I’ve been to in a while. A shame, but it’s other people’s loss, as this was a damn good night out.
Lifesick
Lifesick start us off with an energetic display of metallic hardcore. There aren’t a huge amount of people here yet, but those that are appear to like what the band have to offer.
Lifesick have an energy to them that’s infectious, and I’m not the only one who finds themselves pulled into their belligerent embrace. The songs are full of appealing groove, stomping rhythms, and satisfying weight. They are made for the live environment.
There’s quite a lot going on for an opening band too. The singer of Cabal, who can be seen enjoying and filming them throughout their set, seems to be a big fan of Lifesick, and also joins them onstage for one track. There’s a wonderful moment when someone from the small crowd stagedives, only there aren’t enough people to catch them until Lifesick’s singer intervenes to encourage them to do so. The same stagediver joins the band onstage during their final song for some extra vocals too.
Lifesick aren’t a band that I really know the material of, but that doesn’t stop me thoroughly enjoying their entertaining set.
Vexed
I have at least been aware of Lifesick before this evening, and have heard some of their songs. In contrast, I confess that Vexed were nearly a complete mystery to me before tonight, (other than knowing they were on the bill, of course). In the run up to the show I decided to keep it that way in order to experience them completely fresh, so other than something that would presumably be heavy, I wasn’t sure what to expect.
Opening to very ominous sounds before erupting with massive grooves and crushing heaviness, they make an instant good impression. Vexed are tight and ferocious, delivering aggressive, groove-based, electronically enhanced metalcore that’s very nice indeed. I can detect a dynamic nu-metal influence, particularly in some of the build/release moments, which manifests explosively in places.
The huge songs are hugely engaging and boast a huge amount of huge riffs that are huge. Did I mention how huge they sound? It’s impossible to stay still to them. Jagged, crisp, crunchy, and forceful, they underpin the songs like great slabs of granite.
It’s good stuff. I’m given the impression of a mix of bands like Downthesun, American Headcharge, Martyr Defiled, Borders, Monuments, and Alpha Wolf, and this goes down a treat with me and many others.
Vexed have made a good impression on me. Time to check out their recorded material methinks.
Viscera
Now this is what I’ve been waiting for. Both Obsidian and Carcinogenesis are fantastic records, so I couldn’t miss seeing Viscera live.
Tonight they destroy. Viscera are every bit as great live as I’d hoped. They also benefit from a singer who is not only very talented in the vocal department, but turns out to be a very fun and entertaining frontman too.
Opening with the title track off their new album and then following with the title track off their first is a great way to flatten the crowd. Viscera are like a wrecking ball. Then Rats with Wings gets a decent circle pit going, and the band just don’t let up, unleashing crushing song after crushing song. Layers of Skin demolishes with furious groove, and Lamb to the Slaughter‘s immense presence is just devastating. Viscera with the epic Sungazer – one of their best – and it just finishes me. Honestly, I haven’t moved like this to a band in ages, and I know I’ll pay for it after the fact!
Viscera’s performance tonight was just excellent. My only complaint is that I would have liked their set to be longer. If you have the opportunity to see Viscera live, do not miss out.
Cabal
After how good Viscera were, a lesser band would struggle to follow them. Most would, I’m fact. Cabal are not a lesser band though. Like Viscera, they have graced my year end list, and if anyone should be capable of holding their own after Viscera’s onslaught, it’s Cabal.
And they do.
It turns out that the Cabal live show is a burning riot of raw energy and powerful presence. The songs are torn out with malevolent glee and a potent heaviness that bleeds passion. I wasn’t sure if I’d have anything left after Viscera, but Cabal make me move whether I’d have wanted to or not. The band’s clear enthusiasm is infectious and joyous, and the crowd lap it up. For all of the music’s aggressive darkness, Cabal come across quite life-affirming live due to how much they clearly love what they’re doing, and how often they have massive grins all over their faces.
If blackened deathcore with an industrial edge is your thing, then it’s hard to beat Cabal. Highlights are many. I particularly love Magno Interitus, so it’s great that they play this. Plague Bringer destroys utterly. Violent Ends is merciless. Innocent Blood dishes out vicious downtempo punishment. Death March is brutally anthemic, and closing song Exsanguination ends the show in a suitably colossal manner. During their set they also play an unreleased new song, (which I think is called Still Cursed), that has a monstrous martial beat and slots right into their barnstorming set with ease.
Cabal were great fun.
Cabal did not disappoint, and I really enjoyed their set. After a great night with quality performances from all bands, I leave happy, satisfied, and bruised. It’s a shame more people weren’t here, but those that were got to witness a top show.
Wonderbox Metal 