Of the many (many) years of seeing shows, I may have seen one of the oddest, most awesome shows last night at this bizarre American Legion "Hall" in Wallingford, CT (near Hartford). This room was no bigger than 15 feet wide, and 50 feet long; probably fit 50 people, 75 if jammed, old panelling and veterans pix from the 50's on the wall. So f'ing strange, if you didn't watch your step you would have fallen into the drums. To walk in and have Tomas Lindberg at the merch table, and being able to shoot the shit (no, not about at the gates, btw; bad form) made the night work right away.
The fact that the pit was in play made it even cooler...and weirder; like having a major pit in the living room.
Bands:
1. StabyouintheHead - real unprofessional dbag "punk" kids. I guess local; guitarist has the BALLS to show up without a head and cabinet!! Asks the 3 main bands--who are already sharing for the 60 shows and can't risk a blowout-- who say, sorry, can't do. Asshole guitarist has the BALLS to come on mic and say, "F*ck the other bands who wouldn't help us..." FUCK THAT GUY, FUCK THAT BAND.
--big boy rule: you have gig, you bring own goddamn equipment, LOSER.
2. Phobia-- Hardcore + Death -- very solid band, throwing down hard, guys all showing commitment to the art; cool guys too.
3. MISERY INDEX -- Full on technical grind and aggression at max throttle. It is so great to be five feet away from a band who can pummel technically and brutally. How smoking is Adam Jarvis on drums.. Jason (bass,vox), Sparky and Mark (g)--holy shit! New album out today as well.
4. Disfear -- almost a crime to see these guys in such an 'intimate' (read: tiny and ridiculous) setting; BUT, they f'ing RULED. Lindberg was in the crowd half the time thrashing, sharing the mike w/fans, and sounded brilliant. The were totally respectful of the crowd, and they threw down, via Swedish driving rock/metal/punk. Double Fucking Horns held high for keeping the pedal pinned for the whole show.
Indescribable, and awesome.