July 18, 2009 – Pub 340, Vancouver, BC
Without Mercy are good straight-up metal with the occasional twist. Some great solos – both guitar and drums, but a few too many. I am a fan of the death-style female vocals, and glad they’re not wasted here. Looking forward to more. First Church of Mud is a very ironic band from Red Deer. It’s as if they can’t decide what genre to be, this is best epitomized by their Jefferson Airplane, “White Rabbit” cover. Not terrible, they woulda saved gas leaving the silly props at home. Seems I wasn’t the only one coming to see Reckoner. Been awhile since I’ve seen them, and they’ve obviously been busy. All their songs have a layer of polish, and now that they have their vocalist, they sound new again. Heavier than ever, these guys put on a great show. Lastly, Fallen Decade. Some typical old-school thrash, with a lot of shreddy songs that all sound alike. Obviously never heard the saying about it not being the notes you play. Still, there are plenty who are into that sorta thing, and who would love these guys. Personally, I caught the bus.
-David Warren
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