Wolves in the Throne Room, Nommo Ogo, Neck of the Woods at The Venue – July 13th 2014

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The Venue – July 13, 2014

Wolves in the Throne Room (WITTR), a Washington black metal duo, released Celestite, an experimental synthesizer album on July 8th and followed with a North American tour. Nommo Ogo, a California psychedelic electronic band and Vancouver’s own Neck of the Woods (NOTW) were also on the bill.

NOTW is a band that showcases many different styles of metal and it is obvious why the were Wacken Metal Battle Canada finalists. Progressive bass rhythms accompanied the double kick and wailing guitar while Jeff Radomsky, a hardcore vocalist, spent most of his time pacing around the audience screaming. “Two Smokes” ended the five-song set and was set ablaze by two guitars and slowly grooved into a fast melodic double kick crusher.

Nommo Ogo walked on stage hidden behind beekeeping hats and their electronic equipment. They created an ambient experience full of crashing high pitch noises among low deep rhythms. Their most recent album, The Sea of Night is aptly named as this music seems to be best suited for staring off into the abyss.

WITTR did not play any songs off their newest album and instead stuck to their black metal. Distortion rang out and it was loud as they played their first song, “Thuja Magus Imperium.” The only light came from lit candles as the stage was dark. The band did not say a word to the audience for the almost hour-and-half set, except for the screeching growls of the singer. Heads were drooped for the popular “Vastness and Sorrow” and Venue filled with atmospheric black metal that Wolves in the Throne Room innately create.

By Serena Navarro

Thanks to The Skinny Magazine for publishing this review and thanks also to Beatroute for providing the opportunity to review the show.

Red Fang, Black Mastiff, We Hunt Buffalo at The Venue – October 8th 2014

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The Venue – October 8th 2014 

Vancouverites seem to have a fond liking for Portland and lately everything that has been popping out of its crispy, sweet, music filled city. Red Fang is no exception and people flocked to see them perform at The Venue on a Wednesday night.

We Hunt Buffalo started off the evening right with some awesome rocking tunes. This Vancouver based stoner rock threesome cover their riffs with enough fuzz to make your ears turn into peaches. No complaining here.

Black Mastiff might be a breed of a dog but it’s also a name of an awesome soulful rock band from Edmonton. Ruled by the bass and drums, Black Mastiff created groovy 70’s inspired songs soaked in gritty guitar and it had me swooning, literally.

Red Fang was up on stage in a matter of minutes after Black Mastiff finished their set and Red Fang set up their gear. No rock star status here.  They continued on in their humble tradition of shaking hands with each other before getting into it. The comradery of this band seeps into the community of fans they attain. A down to earth band playing good old heavy metal infused the crowd on Wednesday and had people shouting out the lyrics to “No Hope”.  “Doen” was played and people got the heavy sound they so desperately wanted and moshing ensued. Several folks found their way to the stage to crowd dive and subsequently someone hit the lead vocalist, Aaron Beam, in the mouth but it didn’t faze him and he kept singing. Crusty and catchy, David Sullivan started the “Wires” opening riff and the excitement of the crowd started to build. Aaron’s beautiful singing lead to the crescendo of the evening and consequently to my ears ringing.

By Serena Navarro

Thanks to The Skinny Magazine for publishing this live review.