Unstoppable Metal: Finality, Hate Unbound, Supreme Mystic, Amongst Enemies, and Theandric unleash sonic fury at the Token Lounge in Westland
Finality, Hate Unbound, Supreme Mystic, Amongst Enemies and Theandric: Unstoppable Metal
The stacked line-up at the Token Lounge on Friday the 13th featured one hell of a cross-section of metal music from the Motor City. Whether you dig power, speed, hardcore, thrash, or death – there was something for everyone. It was a heavy metal holiday party of epic proportions.
Theandric
Opening the show was Theandric. Burning with the glory of heavy metal’s molten origins, they are keepers of the flame. Their impassioned set included a few cuts from their EP Flight Among The Tombs, including the brooding “Condemned to Death,” as well as a couple of new tunes. Joining Paul (bass), Aaron (guitar), and Larry (drums) is none other than Imminent Sonic Destruction’s superhero frontman and lead guitarist Tony Piccoli. Like bullets in a magazine, this new line-up is explosive and deadly. Their final tune featured Paul handing off bass duties to Bryan Paxton (Imminent Sonic Destruction) for a blazing cover of Iron Maiden’s “The Wickerman.”
Amongst Enemies
Unleashing a seething set of crossover hardcore metal was Amongst Enemies. This band hurled one brutally volatile song after another in a firestorm of rage. The pacing was relentless, with barely a break between each concussive tune. They reminded me of a band from back in the day called Universal Stomp and bands such as Sick Of It All and Cold As Life. Amongst Enemies’ new album is called Catastrophic End. While each of their tunes is a sledgehammer, the song “Justifiable Homicide” was a backbreaker.
Supreme Mystic
Supreme Mystic uses the power of hard rock, metal, and hardcore to create a unique blend of heavy music that seeks to elevate with positive energy. Having had the good fortune to hear this band a few times, I feel tonight’s performance was their best. They have always been tight in their playing, so perhaps it was the mix. Whatever the cause, Supreme Mystic played with spirited force. Songs such as “Supreme Mystic” and “Stealing Beauty” from their Invoking Auspiciousness EP were coursing with vital energy and strength.
Hate Unbound
I think the new shirts for Hate Unbound should say something like “The Unquestionable Masters of Menace.” It has been a minute since I’ve seen this band live, and once again, I’m at a loss for words. Their brand of heavy music is fierce and pummeling. While they have plenty of technical chops, what I experienced once again at the Token was a barrage of massively heavy riffs. Older tunes such as “Why Won’t You Die” stack up nicely with bonecrushers such as “Godkiller”. This band is a nuclear weapon. As a special treat, bassist Jon Thrasher joined the band for a double bass pummeling
Finality
Bringing this feast of metal music to a close was the epic and superbly talented Finality. They played a furious set of melodic power thrash focusing on music from their EP Technocracy along with new tunes. The technical rage on the new music is outstanding. If ever there was a band to take over for the mighty Into Eternity, it is this band.
The engine behind this metal machine is the bass and drums of Mike Heugel and Dan Fayz. Creating a battering ram of rhythm, the guitars of Joe Cady and John Artuso add savage riffs that blaze with speed. On the melodic front, both John and vocalist Tony Asta showcase brilliant dynamic range. Together, Finality put on a fantastic performance, adding a climactic end to a night of unstoppable metal music.
Pictures
Check out more photos of Theandric, Amongst Enemies, Supreme Mystic, Hate Unbound, and Finality.
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