Boy, was this a night to remember! This was one of the most solid lineups of groups that I have seen in over 15 years of going to local shows. The only problem was that the show was pushed back an hour. No bother, this band lineup was worth waiting for. This was the first show to feature the reunited Piranah. These guys walked the walk and talked the talk during the 90’s and into this century. They disbanded in 2000 and have returned to the scene this year. Openers, 6 Feet to Death are a group of high-schoolers from Paris Tennessee. But don’t let their ages fool you. Commander hail from Bowling Green Kentucky and are making waves wherever they go. Last but certainly not least, local thrash legends Monoliath were performing their farewell concert. Certainly a lot to digest in one evening but more than satisfying.

6 FEET TO DEATH:

   


I had high expectations for this group, considering the fact that they have been recording their debut album in GWAR’s Slavepit Studio. From the first song on, they surpassed my expectations. Opening song, ‘Black Skies’ unleashed 6 Feet to Death on an unsuspecting Nashville audience. The crowd was still building and it’s not an enviable position to be the first group on a 4-band bill but they won the crowd over pretty early with some chiding remarks from the drummer. Lead vocals range from Pantera-like screams to Cannibal Corpse death growls and alternate on many songs between the rhythm guitarist and the drummer. The playing is seriously heavy and tight in all aspects. 6 Feet to Death also brought something that you typically don’t see in a metal show; choreography. I know, this sounds cheesy but with so many riffs being played in unison, it made things much more entertaining. I would like to have heard some melodic parts mixed in with their brutal sound but they do a good job playing Pantera-ish riff heavy numbers that make you want to go out and beat someone senseless. These guys are young but I think as they get older, they will do nothing but improve on the solid talent that they currently possess.

For music samples and further information on 6 Feet to Death, visit:
www.myspace.com/6feettodeath


COMMANDER:

   

I don’t give people false impressions on what I think about a group and I’m not going to start here. Commander are a group that deserves a record contract in the biggest way. These guys are technically good players as well but what sets them apart from many others is the creativity that they bring to the table. You will hear so many eras and genres in their music that it will make your head spin! Vocalist, Chris Hightower is a ringleader of mythic proportions with a voice that can growl with the guttural lows of Testament to higher ranged shrieks of Venom. Guitarist Johnny B proves that you don’t need a twin guitar attack to level someone’s eardrums. Drummer Jeremie thumped out a truly solid beat that laid the foundation for some serious four-stringed gymnastics by bassist Josh on his fuzzy guitar (you’ll have to check them out to know what I’m talking about). Opening song ‘Decree of Pain’ was a helluva opening cut that featured a chaotic but tight arrangement (if that makes any sense), rapid-fire vocals from Hightower and loads of tempo changes. From the explosive chorus of ‘Flesh Grafter’ to the hilarious but entertaining ‘Organ Thrasher’ which features the humorous line, “Your organs explode”, to 80’s inspired, ‘Coils of Medusa’, Commander was living up to their name early on. The highlight of their set for me was ‘Relentless Savage Beating’, a song that pulls from their past influences while throwing in some up-to-date skullcrushing riffs for good measure. Commander paid homage to Judas Priest toward the end of their set with a spot-on cover of Breaking The Law. I spoke with Chris Hightower after their set and found out that Commander are currently in discussions with Victory Records for a possible record deal in the future. Stay tuned for these guys, ‘cause they are not going away any time soon.

For more info and tour dates for Commander, visit:

www.commanderband.com
www.myspace.com/commanderband

P I R A N A H

 

As mentioned before, this was the first show by the reunited Piranah in nearly five years. You could sense the emotion in the air for these guys and tell that they were very anxious to get on a stage again. They did not disappoint as they broke into ‘Peeping Through the Keyhole of a Galactic Superdome’ from the album of the same name to open their set. Highlights of their 20 song set list were ‘The Hanging’, ‘Mutation’(lots of crowd participation), ‘Whore’, a cover of G.G. Allin’s ‘Bite It’, ‘Lost in the Middle’ and ‘Children in Blood’. Piranah surely showed the audience that good things come to those who wait. Vocalist Darren Andrews was on a  constant prowl all over the stage while he belted out hardcore screams that would surely burst a blood vessel in the face of any normal person. Drummer, David Peridore  relentlessly pounded his drum kit and stayed on course throughout the set. Bassist Mike Porter pulled double duty, breaking out some vocals on certain songs. Guitarist, Matt Seckinger captivated the audience with powerful riffs and atmospheric solos. Piranah did not come empty handed to this show. They were simultaneously releasing ‘Looking Back’; a CD that does just that; looks back on previous albums and an overall perspective of the band. Overall, I was more than impressed with the long awaited return of Piranah. If you didn’t make it out to see them this time, don’t miss your chance next time. They are worth it!

For more info and tour dates for Piranah, visit:

www.myspace.com/piranahband

MONOLIATH:

   

   As mentioned earlier, this would be the final live performance for Monoliath. These guys have been cranking out ear-bleeding old-school thrash for years but are disbanding due to some band members leaving town. They got their set started with a vengeance by opening with ‘Decending of Ascension’; a song that displayed the tightness of this veteran unit with a classic thrash intro that featured exhaustive right hand technique from vocalist/rhythm guitarist Steve Stewart and a spotlight solo from lead guitarist, Tommy Robinson. Stewart’s vocals are menacing and truly evil sounding. Other high points of Monoliath’s set were ‘Aggravated Aggression’, which featured extremely fluid playing from bassist, Chris “Anvil” Reynolds and ‘Captive’; a song filled with a variety of creative drum breaks from drummer, Jeff Evans. During a song called ‘Misery’ I could actually feel Reynolds’ bass line thumping in my chest. Now, THAT’S metal!!! It’s a shame that these guys are hanging it up because I would love to have checked them out again. There was a certain somber feeling in the room for Monoliath’s set. There were a number of early departures after the marathon Piranah set. Those who stuck around were treated to a great set but you could tell that this band meant a lot to them and they were not looking forward to saying goodbye. Neither were the band. Between each song, vocalist Stewart seemed to grow more emotional about this being Monoliath’s last set. He was very appreciative toward the crowd that stayed and I think that I even saw a few tears shed by some members of the audience. I know it sounds silly to think about members of a thrash band and their audience getting emotional but I think it’s a fine example of the pride and commitment that metal bands and their fans have in each other.

For more info on Monoliath, visit:

www.purevolume.com/monoliath
www.myspace.com/monoliath


   Needless to say, I was purely exhausted at the end of this night. This was a show for the ages with a new band getting it’s feet (6 Feet to Death), a progressing band that is marking it’s territory (Commander), old friend coming back to surprise us again (Piranah), and a group of guys leaving their stamp on a growing local scene (Monoliath). As Mr. T would have so eloquently put it, “I pity the fool that missed this show”. I’m sure there will be other shows that impress me in the future but this is one that I’m sure I will remember many years from now. Congratulations to all of the groups on the bill. You entertained this writer!

Until Next Time, I’m out like Sharon Osbourne’s professionalism!

Message from Uncle Daddy: “Only YOU can prevent a lame local music scene”.

To contact Uncle Daddy Longlegs: e-mail him at uncledaddy@tds.net