The dark art of Cavalcade’s new album Evergreens is brought to life at Rugger’s Up and Under in Kalamazoo with Drink Their Blood, Blind Haven, Slugchild, and Lucius Fox.
Cavalcade Unveils Evergreens
On a stark stage lit with twin beams of warm white light, I witnessed a performance by an extraordinary and diverse array of heavy bands that cultivate intrigue with their boundless creativity. Cavalcade is on tour, supporting their brilliant double album called Evergreens. Joining them on the stage at Rugger’s Up and Under in Kalamazoo are Lucius Fox, Slugchild, Blind Haven, and Drink Their Blood. In a word, this show was sublime.
Lucius Fox
Opening the show was Lucius Fox. This band defies description. Sonically rich and evocative, Lucius Fox crafts music that transcends space and time. This is fitting as on this night; they presented new music from their forthcoming album Medicea Sidera, which explores the Jovian moons. As the duo faced each other on the stage, they cast sounds in a sweeping and dynamic panorama. Intimate interludes erupt into storming passages brimming with celestial grandeur, chaos, and serenity. As Lucious Fox performed, you could see as much as you could hear the boundless energy exploding from them through fleet fingers and hypersonic drums. This band is staggering and breathtaking.
Slugchild
Grand Rapids extreme metal band Slugchild brought a sonic storm of searing primal rage. With the addition of a bass player, the band has added a vital depth to the monstrous fury of their music. Much of Slugchild’s set featured tunes from their fierce and crushing new Wounds Untold album. These songs capture the brutality and beauty of life. When performed live, Slugchild amplifies the bristling emotions within the music. You feel the sensations of anguish, vehemence, and determination as the band performs. The brilliance of Slugchild cannot be denied.
Blind Haven
The colossal weight of the void smashing you into oblivion comes to mind when I experience Blind Haven. The punishingly hard riffs and violent rhythms forge music that shatters the soul to reveal the brutal truth of life. Meanwhile, the seething vocals explore the dark trails of menace and malevolence. The barren stage lights added to the heavy doom of Blind Haven. This was a remarkable performance by one of the heaviest bands in the universe.
Cavalcade
Evergreens by Cavalcade is a masterpiece of heavy music reaching the heights of creativity. I was floored by the sonic treasures on this album. After recently listening to the music come alive on vinyl, my interest to behold Evergreens live was piqued. Opening with the lead track “Demons For The Truth,” Cavalcade proceeded to astound my senses.
I felt immersed in each song as Cavalcade played. Subtle passages filled your lungs. As the music peaked with intensity, the band reacted physically to this change. Heads would thrash, bodies would jump, and straining arms reached out as black vocals wailed; the expression of Evergreens live by Cavalcade revealed new dimensions to the music. It made for a phenomenal live performance.
Drink Their Blood
Hosting tonight’s feast of heavy music is Kalamazoo’s Drink Their Blood. The red lights emanating from the drums gave the bare canvas of the stage a macabre sensation. It was as if you had been transported to the killing floor. Drink Their Blood played a relatively short set, but their performance was packed with vigor. Their passion soared as they played their unique blend of technical metal meets John Coltrane. The bond Drink Their Blood shared with the other bands who shared the stage and their fans in Kalamazoo capped an epic night of heavy music. I walked away, feeling the universal love of music burning bright inside me and marveling at the prodigious talent on the stage.
Pictures
For more photos, drop into the galleries for Cavalcade, Drink Their Blood, Blind Haven, Slugchild, and Lucius Fox. While browsing, be sure to hit up each band’s website to get their music and support them.
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