All Photos By Diego Gonzales Pictures
@diegogonzalespictures
www.diegogonzalespictures.com
I read several reports from the Chicago SunTimes and other news sources detailing the tragedy that took place at the Apollo Theatre in Belvidere, Illinois over the weekend. They explain how attendees did not run away from the danger but looked into the eye of the storm and stayed to assist first-responders in attempting to save the lives of those trapped under rubble and trying to make it out alive. Of the 48 injured and 5 critical, 1 man by the name of Fred Livingston Jr. had perished. His son had attended the show with him and I can’t imagine what he and Fred’s family and friends are going through and feeling. I along with the rest at KNAC.COM send our heartfelt condolences to our fallen Metal brother. CRYPTA, who was part of the support and openers to the 40 Years Of Acid Tour, headlined by MORBID ANGEL, had just completed their set then took immediate shelter and thankfully not in the RV they had called home for the past couple of weeks as it had gotten destroyed in the storm that hit the town Friday night.
We’re fortunate and dont take for granted the opportunities we find ourselves in. CRYPTA is such a band that earned a chance to tour the states for the first time as part of a superb tour package and although it was not without sacrifice and consequence in many ways, and more-so for those in Belvidere that night, I have not doubt they are thankful for where they are. The 40 Years Of Acid was a stacked line-up from beginning to end of only 4 bands, a focused bill to highlight the Best Death Metal Bands of yesterday, today and the future. Opening the night was the 4-piece from Brazil who for me, was the selling point to attend this show. Followed by another new band from Whittier, California in that of SKELETAL REMAINS followed by REVOCATION from Boston Massahchusetts who have quickly made a large impact with their style that I’d describe as Technical Thrash and have gotten progressively better and innovative with age. Headlined by Trey Azagthoth and led by Steve Tucker, this version of Florida’s Death Metal legends MORBID ANGEL is the one to see.
Although only 1 album under their belt, CRYPTA was able to fill a half hour with a dominating set that would totally be a hard act to follow. I’m glad their name somehow reached Los Angeles because the crowd was totally welcoming to Fernanda and company, immediately cheering for them as they took the stage. Unfortunately the soundman dropped the ball on raising Fernandas vocals at the start of the first song, robbing us of her first Los Angeles growls. Despite this error, the overall sound was dialed in greatly for the girls who were on fire, blazing through 6 songs from their debut record, my favorite release from 2021, Echoes Of The Soul. You can see these Metal-chics were loving what they were giving to the crowd as their stage presence is exactly how it should go, fully engaged and energetic. You could hear the crowd falling in love with them song after song. Without fail, CRYPTA gave their all and replicated their sound from the album and stole the show.
Next up after this hard act to follow was SKELETAL REMAINS who also threw down for a half hour and with 6 songs, 3 from their last release from 2020, The Entombment Of Chaos. Certainly an ‘A’ for effort in sustaining L.A.’s energy but as the night was continuously marred by feedback through the house speakers doing their best bringing that traditional Death Metal sound, I also felt their sound was a bit muddy and incoherent at times and though lacking stage presence, their songs are quite pummeling.
REVOCATION was due up and David Davidson and his “Phill Collins cover band” are always a treat to watch. Their multifaceted sound has catered to a wide audience. The progressive transitions from Thrash to Death and a bit of ’Core has struck a chord with fans, pun intended. Their set of just over a half-hour revitalized the crowd that showed up early. Again what lacks in stage-presence is made up for with REVOCATION’s outstanding musicianship. The songwriting is simply brilliant and caters to not only the musicians (with their arms crossed) in the crowd but the NON-musician Metal fan.
The last time I caught MORBID ANGEL was in 2018 in support of their latest release KINGDOMS DISDAIN, one of my favorite albums from 2017. On this recent night, their setlist consisted of 5 songs off this album, one that seemed to go over the crowd's head. A crowd that I’m sure expected more Vincent era songs (get over it!). The Steve Tucker era is so under-rated and so, so great and he deserves more accolade for his contributions. The rest of the set covered albums A(2.0), B, C, G and H (a somewhat running gag where albums are released in alphabetical order). It took a few before the
crowd showed their respect and really went all in, and it was on "To The Victor Goes The Spoils", a cut from Tucker's sophomore album. It’s here you hear Azagthoth’s amazing supernatural soloing. Yes Trey, “HAIL SATAN” indeed. I couldn’t have a clue as to the state of mind that Trey puts himself in but his solos are one of a kind, high-squeals that are truly out of this realm. The crowd then really lost it and went over the top on "Day Of Suffering", going all the way back to 1991, then again especially on the title track of 1993’s COVENANT. On this great night, it also happened to be Trey Azagthoth’s birthday and at the close of the set between "Summoning Redemption" and "God Of Emptiness", the girls of CRYPTA brought out a cake for Trey and the crowd sang Happy Birthday to the Ageless one. An outstanding way to also celebrate MORBID ANGEL’s 40 YEARS OF ACID.
I’ll say it again til it catches on, this NEW WAVE OF FEMME FATALE METAL is certainly making waves. I happened to catch the birthday boy outside the venue for photo-ops and quick chats with the fans. I didn’t quite catch the full conversation but he happened to mention CRYPTA and THE RUNAWAYS in the same sentence and that alone I think is a major compliment. These women from Brazil are a great female representation in Metal, not just standing at the doorstep but breaking it down, elevating the Metal game, continuously making a huge impact and correcting the ship back to an aggressive direction it should be going.
Again, say his name, Frederick Forest Livingston Jr. Rest In Power, our brother in Metal.
Check out some more photos from the show!
All Photos By Diego Gonzales Pictures
@diegogonzalespictures
www.diegogonzalespictures.com
