Forging a Heavy Metal Amalgamation at the Sanctuary in Hamtramck with Finality, Cyadine, Supreme Mystic, Centenary, and Monolithic Architecture.
Heavy Metal Amalgamation – Finality, Cyadine, Supreme Mystic, Centenary and Monolithic Architecture
The lineup for this Heavy Metal Amalgamation featured a fantastic cross-section of Michigan metal with Finality, Cyadine, Supreme Mystic, Centenary, and Monolithic Architecture. No matter what metal music genre you enjoy, you could find it on this night at the Sanctuary in Hamtramck. I arrived just as the doors opened, and the Heavy Metal Amalgamation quickly turned into a meeting of metal friends. Members of Cavalcade, 1000 Yard Stare, Theandric, Imminent Sonic Destruction, and more were on hand. The Sanctuary quickly filled up with young kids and old-timers like myself. We were all here to witness the performances of incredible musicians who call Michigan home.
Monolithic Architecture
From the first forbidding beats and malevolent notes, the duo of Monolithic Architecture had my complete attention. The doom metal created by this act is world-class and formidable. When I closed my eyes, I imagined frost giants shrieking with agony and anger as they pounded their foes into soulless dust. Their music captures the violence of the void. There is no safe harbor, no warm abode, no happy spring to chase away the bleak and utter devastation cast in this music. The music of Monolithic Architecture is designed to assuage your pain through an exploration of annihilation.
Centenary
Centenary, the high priests of Lord HM-2 blessed us with blast waves of screaming death. You may know these disciples of Death Metal as Jim Albrecht (bass), Matt Cunningham (lead guitar), Mike Bradley (guitars/vocals), Al Mercer (vocals), and Adam Davey (drums). Together, they laid siege to the stage as they fed the gluttonous maw of death.
As the guitars roared like chainsaws sinking deep into bone, the bass and drums fired salvos of fury. The vocals railed with malice and spite. Centenary’s performance defies description other than to say it was beyond heavy. The band fired on every cylinder and played with an intensity and spirit I had not seen before. It was a portrait of brutality, and it was beautiful to behold.
Supreme Mystic
Delivering a stomping set of hardcore crossover was Supreme Mystic. This new band features legendary Detroit musician Chino Noir handling bass/vocals with Alfredo Riojas (Foxound) on guitars and Jeff Shankin (Universal Stomp) on drums. This trio defines power and force. Their music is a freight train featuring slamming grooves with sizzling guitar. As I listened, I couldn’t help but think of Rollins Band with a taste of Helmet – heavy and compelling music that engages.
Optimism and strength flowed from the stage as Supreme Mystic performed. Their music conveys determination to live life to the fullest through the strength of your heart and the might of your will. I was particularly drawn to tunes “Stealing Beauty” and “Transmutation.” I’m looking forward to hearing more from this band.
Cyadine
I’m pretty sure my first thought when Cyadine exploded on the stage was “Holy Shit!!” This was my first experience with the band, and my jaw fell to the floor. They are hewn from the same hostile block of metal that brought us the mighty Pantera.
The sheer ferocity of their performance was incredible. I was amazed that Noah Polston (guitar) and Shane Uhl (bass) could play that fast and furious while snapping their necks and leaping into the air. Drummer Bennie Knappenberger drove the band with back-breaking and vigorous grooves. To top off this explosion of thrash were the vicious vocals of Tony Thompson. He stalked the stage like a rabid wolf as he unleashed rage.
The future of metal is alive and well, thanks to the men of Cyadine. This band is tremendous. If you get a chance, check them out. But wear a neck brace and a helmet.
Finality
As their name implies, Finality is the last word in heavy metal. They are the definitive metal machine whose music inspires, dazzles, and captivates. For those new to the band, they are Joe Cady (guitar), John Arturo (guitar), Dan Fayz (drums), Mike Heugel (bass), and Tony Asta (vocals). Imagine the sound of bands such as Iced Earth, Into Eternity, Nevermore, and Symphony X to give you an idea of their sound. They are one of those rare bands that forge technical brilliance, marauding riffs, pulverizing rhythms, and stellar vocals into a deadly projectile of metal music.
Earlier this year, I was fortunate enough to attend their release show for Technocracy. While that performance was spectacular, I dare say that this show was better. Musically, Finality struck with the same devastating force despite missing the talents of guitarist Hiran Deraniyagala. Joe and John kept the riffs rapid-fire and razor-sharp. Dan and Mike piled on the savagery with each beat. The thing that pushed this show into the stratosphere was Tony’s vocals. They were commanding and stirring. Matched with the exhilarating music, you were left to stare in awe at this masterful execution.
Finality left us with a ripping rendition of the song “Thunder in Your Heart” from the 80’s BMX classic Rad, complete with Tony sporting a Hawaiian shirt while Joe donned some slick shades. They finished with a new tune called “Haunted,” which features the blistering metal that we’ve come to love from Finality.
Pictures
Head to our galleries for more photos from this Heavy Metal Amalgamation featuring Finality, Cyadine, Supreme Mystic, Centenary, and Monolithic Architecture.
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