Finality unleash their magnificent debut album, Technocracy, at the Token Lounge with support from Imminent Sonic Destruction, Among These Ashes, and Salvation’s End.
Finality brings us Technocracy
The long wait for Finality’s debut album is over. The album called Technocracy blazes with everything fans of power/thrash metal bands such as Into Eternity and Nevermore could ever dream of. From the fiery onslaught of riffs and blistering guitar solos to the avalanche of drums and soaring vocals, Technocracy heralds a new dawn in heavy metal.
Having tasted Finality when they opened for Imminent Sonic Destruction, I was stoked when they announced the Technocracy release show at the Token Lounge. Not only would I get to witness the brilliant firepower of Finality live, but they had also stacked the bill with Salvation’s End, Among These Ashes, and Imminent Sonic Destruction. With the room full of metal hungry fans ready to ponder the riddle of steel, it was time for the show to begin.
Salvation’s End
If, by chance, a vocalist with the range of Rob Halford or Ripper Owens had joined Nevermore after the passing of the great Warrel Dane, you’d end up with Detroit’s Salvation’s End. This band is phenomenal. Their set was a raging storm of dark technical metal. From the opening with “Monarch” to the closing with “Architect,” Salvation’s End stunned the crowd with a barrage of snarling riffs driven by a tornado of drums and bass. I’m sure the mighty Jeff Loomis would have been dazzled by the spectacular guitar solos that amplified each song like a story within a story. Kudos to vocalist Tim Jackson whose spectacular vocal range had me thinking of Joseph Michael of Witherfall. This savage young band is one you should not miss.
Among These Ashes
After hearing the debut album Dominion Enthroned by Among These Ashes and talking with the band on Fans With Bands, I was very much looking forward to experiencing this band live. Needless to say, Among These Ashes did not disappoint. If you haven’t heard their music, think of Iced Earth on steroids. From the anthemic “The Culling ” to “Dominion Enthroned,” Among These Ashes laid the stage to waste. The power in these songs was even more impressive live. Among These Ashes also played their latest single, “The Enemy in I ” which sticks to the formula of relentless attacking riffs with pulverizing rhythm. As an added bonus, Among These Ashes did a cover of “Sirens” by the legendary Savatage. If you get a chance, check out this powerhouse band live.
Imminent Sonic Destruction
After wrestling with technical glitches, it was time for Imminent Sonic Destruction. Our super metal heroes of progressive metal proceeded to leave us slack-jawed in amazement with the intrigue and nuance of “Nightshade” from their latest album, The Sun Will Always Set. This epic tune showcases their staggering musicianship as well as compositional skills. Pat DeLeon (drums) and Bryan Paxton (bass) are a rhythmic dream team as they propel each song. I loved the melodic interplay both instrumentally and vocally during the performance of “Solitude.” Scott Thompson (guitar/vocals), Tony Piccoli (guitar/vocal), and Pete Hopersberger (keyboards) work magic together, and you can tell they love every minute. The heartfelt and touching “The Sun Will Always Set ” was dedicated to everyone who’s lost someone in their lives. Hearing this live performance was mesmerizing. Imminent Sonic Destruction brought it all home with furious and haunting “The Fog ” leaving us all spellbound.
Finality
As the black curtain across the stage parted, we were met with a blast wave of metal. The metallic assault by Finality was underway. Joe Cady stares into our eyes, grimacing with the ferocity of each riff he casts from his guitar. With a snarl curling his lips, John Artuso spits fiery licks and stunning virtuoso solos, leaving us all in dumbfounded awe. You can barely see Dan Fayz behind his drum kit, but there is no denying his presence. His double kick drums unleash thunder as his snare suffers from one blast beating after another.
At the other end of the stage is the war-hammering bass of Mike Heugel. He effortlessly matches the lightning pace of the rhythm and the riffs. The trifecta of the guitar trilogy within Finality is handled with ease by Hiran Deraniyagala. Hiran flashes a smile, all while his picking hand is a frenzied torrent upon the strings of his guitar. In a flash, his face transforms into a maniacal scowl as the power of the riffs compels him.
Dressed in black leather and sporting the electric eye of the Terminator is vocalist Tony Asta. He leans into the crowd as the band unleashes the fury of the title track, “Technocracy.” With his eyes and hands, he makes contact with the fans while delivering vocals that convey each song’s strength, energy, and emotion.
Finality treats us to a complete play-through of their debut album, Technocracy. Their performance is superb and captivating. They captured all of the intensity and ferocity of the recording and gave it life on the stage. Before we knew it, the band was closing out the final track, “Oblivion.” We all raise our voices and hands in appreciation. For the encore, Finality returned to share a blast from the BMX past with a cover of “Thunder in Your Heart” by John Farnham. A fun closer for a radical show.
Pictures
Check out the galleries for more pictures of Finality, Imminent Sonic Destruction, Among These Ashes, and Salvation’s End.
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