This past Sunday the “Curse of the Dead” tour hit the Rebel Lounge in Phoenix, Arizona. The show was packed and hot as could be. The tiny venue was almost to capacity as the night went on. This tour was a very interesting line up consisting of Gatecreeper, Oathbreaker, Iron Reagan & Skeletonwitch.
First up we had Gatecreeper. This was a home town show for the boys and they definitely delivered. As everyone crowded to the front of the stage area the show began. Hot, stuffy, nitty gritty death metal at its finest. The guys did an awesome job opening the show and proving we have some great talent here in the desert. The guys show cased songs from their debut album “Sonoran Depravation.” From start to finish they had tons of energy and pumped up the crowd.
Up next all the way from Belgium we had Oathbreaker. This is the first time I’ve seen them live and I must say I was pleasantly surprised. They had a very dark atmospheric tone to them which changed the mood in the venue. Caro Tanghe has a very beautiful angelic voice when she sings her clean vocals. It was refreshing to hear her because she has a very distinct sound. Although the Belgium beauty’s hair covered her face during her whole entire performance you could feel and see the energy radiating off of her. Their set was short but sweet and left a long lasting impression on the crowd.
Things got kicked into high gear with a blast of energy as the Iron Reagan boys hit the stage. As the circle pit began many elbows to the face were taken during their set. Mayhem and chaos in a small venue always makes for a good time. There’s few bands that can generate so much energy from the crowd and every time they come through town its nuts. I don’t think there was enough space to contain the excitement of the crowd. The guys had an awesome set and it was a good time as always.
Finally it was the moment we all had been waiting for. Skeletonwitch was up next. I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve seen the guys play in Arizona since 2008 but far too many. This was the second time the guys come to our lovely state with their new vocalist Adam Clemans and it was nice to see the chemistry between the band this time around. As expected they had a killer set and it was interesting to see them perform knowing how far they’ve grown over the years. With a set list filled with old and new it was great to see the great crowd response with Adam front and center. Scott, Evan, Nate & Dustin had high energy and were awesome as always. That small dingy venue was scorching by the end of their set from the insanity of the pit. Every metal maniac there definitely had a good time.
Over all the show was amazing. Pleasantly surprised by all the bands it was a great combination of styles. From nitty gritty death metal to beautiful atmospheric music. Every fan at the show was eager and ready to rage in the pit.