The Absence at the Token Lounge
Imagine the tenacity and determination of the Norse sailors of old who braved unfathomable oceans to seek out their dreams, no matter the cost. Now fast forward to Tuesday, March 11, 2014 with four hard working metal bands traveling across North America. This is The Absence tour with support from Infernaeon, From The Embrace, and The Mirage Theory. The same tenacious determination driving these bands to bring their art to those fortunate to witness the mayhem at the Token Lounge in Westland, Michigan.
Corpse Machine
Brighton, Michigan’s own Corpse Machine opened the show. The band took the stage with vigor and dealt an efficacious dose of death metal.
Drummer, Dave Prokopp literally flew on the drums. He must go through skins like there is no tomorrow. While Brad Gasparotto hammered the bass with authority.
Matt Prokopp was an imposing force vocally as well as on the guitar.
You can see more pics of Corpse Machine in the gallery.
The Mirage Theory
For some reason I would not think of Puerto Rico as a home for metal, yet I was pleasantly surprised to hear The Mirage Theory. Progressive in nature with the bombast of melodic death, the band weaved sonic tapestries with ease.
Guitarists Cesar Adames and Giovanni Melendez were mesmerizing in their deft explorations of the fretboard. Truly gifted players in my opinion.
Davier Perez (drums) and Daniel Rodriguez (bass) were superlative in propelling the band through their set. They are the bedrock upon which the band applied layers of sonic deliverance.
From acerbic screams to sober intonations, Jan Michael Vega vocals spanned the spectrum. He engaged and captivated the audience.
The heart of the lion roared with Jon Jon Viguie. He was like Jimi Hendrix on the keyboard providing showmanship and an abundance of musical talent. Definitely support this band and check out their new release “Origins“!
For more images of The Mirage Theory, stop by the gallery!
From The Embrace
Tampa, Florida is known for breeding death metal of the highest caliber. From The Embrace is no exception. Supporting their new release “The Sun Betrays Us To The Night”, the band struck the stage with the ferocity of Thor.
On his own, Nick Marrero is an instrument of reckoning. With vocals that would cast fear unto the Norse god Hel, Nick captured the attention of the metal faithful attending the show and did not relinquish his grip.
A conflagration of notes was stoked by the guitar work of Trey Hawkins and Antonio Glass.
The rhythmic mill of pulverizing drums and bass delivered by Ghaith Khder and Taylor Halpin shock the earth below us.
You’ll find more From The Embrace goodness in the gallery.
Infernaeon
Melding a blackened death from the swamps of Florida, Infernaeon took the rostrum with venomous rage.
The band features drumming excellence of Jeramie Kling (The Absence) and stalwart guitar playing of Steven Harger and Taylor Nordberg. The chaotic maelstrom of death convulsed under the screams of vocalist Daemon. The only bummer was that Daemon was sick and the band had to cut their set short. Be sure to check out their latest release, “The Cancer Within“!
More pictures of Infernaeon are here.
The Absence
As fantastic as all the music had been through out the night, I was here to see The Absence! In my book, this band ranks up their with At The Gates. When I heard “Riders of The Plague”, I had finally found a release that rivaled “Slaughter of The Soul”. Listen to their new single “Oceans” and join me in awestruck wonder.
Patrick Pintavalle is a maestro on the guitar and it was with sheer joy that I was able to witness his playing live. Lyrical phrasing riding the Panzer of melodic death, Patrick gave us all the sweet release that metal affords.
I was thoroughly impressed with the fretboard sorcery of Taylor Nordberg who was filling in for Per Nilsson on the tour. He can flat out play! There needs to be a word for beyond shred (triturate maybe? :)). It was like hearing a Dali painting unfold before you.
Miles Neff (bass) and Jeramie Kling (drums) define the rudiment of sound, which is The Absence. Their work is a glorious reverberation, which envelops your soul.
Evoking triumphant and splendid sagas that would make Odin weep, Jamie Stewart led the staunch metal crowd at the Token through song after song. Including my all time favorite Absence tune, “The Murder”!
The entire band was brilliant. They even invited their fans onstage with them to rejoice in all things metal. What better way to celebrate the gift of music than with the fans that greatly appreciate the blood, sweat, and beers that make it all possible.
A huge thank you to Jason Stocky, the manager for The Absence as he took me backstage to meet the guys in the band and bought me a beer as well! Cheers!! Go see this tour and enjoy some fantastic music that will set your soul ablaze! You can also head into the gallery to see more photos of The Absence!
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