Review by ÆRæder
- https://www.pilllar.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoojCycAKjWPdSJM2ySITgqG1vE7lqy8SferAVyLdR4uHnVM6L0O – 2300 Central Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418
Venue
Pillar is a nice little spot that hosts metal shows fairly frequently. Small parking lot, mostly neighborhood street parking, so that helps to keep the cost down for the showgoer. A variety of cans of beer, THC, and non-alcoholic drinks available at an ok price. Stage was a half pipe when I’ve been there previously; seemed they removed the ramp portions, opening up the stage a bit more. Turnover between sets was prompt.
Sound
Excellent sound all night. I chose to wear earplugs because of the volume in such a small space, but the balance and mix were excellent, and I could ‘feel’ the sound of the instruments.
Crowd
A decent size turnout for most venues on a Wednesday night, Pillar definitely felt full. Folks were into the show, with a few participating in the pit for the majority. Mixed age range, probably trending younger than most shows. Talked to a few people, but with the quick set turnover there was not too much down time, and coming straight off work and running kids, my son and I mostly stuck to ourselves.
Band Mix and Performance Flow
Begravement
- https://begravement.bandcamp.com/album/horrific-illusions-beckon
- Saint Paul
- 4 Piece (Vox & guitar/guitar/bass/drums)
- https://mnbleedsmetal.com/retro-reviews-begravement-horrific-illusions-beckon/
- Tags: death, thrash metal, death metal, melodic death metal, technical death metal, thrash metal, Saint Paul,
→ Begravement kicked things off with probably the most diverse take on death. Off beat rhythms, psychedelic guitar shreds and squeals. Matt Schrampfer on that fretless bass. He brings in some groove and funk that isn’t often heard in metal with the speed AND heaviness Begravement specializes in. I have been waiting for a couple years to have an open calendar for a Begravement gig, and I was not disappointed. Only issue was, try as I might, we missed the first song and were stuck in the back! Will be checking the concert calendars to try and make another gig.
Hanging Wound
- https://hangingwound.bandcamp.com/album/eat-the-knife
- Fargo
- 4 Piece (Vocs&guitar/guitar/bass/drums)
- Tags: metal, midwest death, Fargo,
The last two weeks have shown a flood of ND bands passing through the Twin Cities, and I was pretty pumped to get a chance to see Hanging Wound. Grinding, rolling, chugging brutal death grooves with some sweet flourishes of tremolo picking, squeals and hammer-ons and tapping in the riffs. Bright drum and cymbal tones, and the lowest dragon-like growls of the night. Lots of dark and heavy, accented with lots of sparkle (metally, slimy, deathy sparkle). Hanging Wound does not play slow, but their pace was a step back from the other bands, and with that came some room for all the tones and sounds to come through. Another band I will listen to more and see again.
Pursuit
- https://pursuitfargo.bandcamp.com/
- Fargo
- 3 Piece (Bass&vocs/Guitar&vocs/drums)
- Tags: death metal, extreme metal, metal, thrash metal, minnesota , north Dakota, Fargo,
→ See the recent review of Pursuit’s latest EP, Earth Created Humans Because It Wanted Plastic. I would echo much of the sentiment shared in that review here, regarding the brevity and brutality in the performance, as well as the complexity. These guys played heavy, at breakneck speed, and they stayed TIGHT. One thing that was awesome to see was how they transitioned so smoothly between a number of their shorter songs with barely a breath, connecting these pieces and remedying my critique of the EPs short length. Another stand out aspect of their playing that hit me at this show was the dynamic interplay of the two vocal styles. This is apparent on their albums, but is absolutely vicious on stage in person. And again, this interplay is TIGHT. Glad they were able to overcome the van issues and make it into town!
Nekrotisk
- https://nekrotisk.bandcamp.com/
- Minnesota
- 3 Piece (Guitar&vocs/bass&vocs/drums)
- Tags: Midwest Blackened Death Metal, black metal , blackened death metal, death metal experimental metal, concept album, grind, grindcore, noise, Minnesota
→ Anchoring the final spot, Nekrotisk darkened everything up with a black metal influence that rounded out the diverse death focused bill this evening. Some more great stage dynamics, and some insanely fast drumming and riffing that kept tunes driving forward with an icy crispness that fused well with Matt’s vocals. Complementing this within songs are brief, heavy breakdowns, chords and cymbals rung out for a pause, and Micah’s heavier roar. Nekrotisk kept the crowd moving throughout their set, up until evenings close. Fantastic performance.
Highlights
In that small venue, the quality of the sound, the excitement of the crowd, and the energy of all the bands together made the show well worth attending. Stage turnover and setting up equipment between artists moved so quickly and efficiently, we were out of their by 9:00; pretty good for 4 bands! A secondary positive was the mix of bands on the bill; just an absolutely pulverizing assortment of death metal showcased tonight. Thrashy techy, hints of brutal, hints of black and with two representatives of the Fargo Midwest Death Headquarters, it was a great mix of similar but very different takes that blended well from start to finish.
Shade
Nothing much was negative or off with this show. The closest thing to a criticism might be seeing a bill loaded with death instead of a more diverse selection of metal subgenres. But as noted in the highlights, all of the bands approached things in a unique way, and the show ended up being an excellent showcase of death metal. All of the artists complemented one another, avoided redundancy, and opened up the overall vibe of the show.
Summary
Great mid week show; heavy, interesting, brutal, and brief.