Neurosis and Converge with special guest Amenra descended upon the city of Detroit to extol the virtues of extreme music. Saint Andrews Hall was near capacity with a line wrapping around the block. Fans bristled with anticipation as they made their way into the hall for this monumental show.
Amenra from Belgium drew first blood at the show with music that was utterly stark and bone crushing. The backdrop displayed behind the band accentuated music which was atmospheric, powerful, and tortured. The sound caused the crowd to bend and sway like sea grass in a darkly cold ocean.
Converge were quick to incite action in front of the stage with their explosive performance. A mosh pit swirled behind fans pressed into the barricade as they screamed along with the band. Every ounce of energy the band produced was mirrored back by the crowd.
Included in their tumultuous set was the song “I Can Tell You About Pain” which was just released on a teaser 7-inch EP as well as on YouTube. This is the first new music from the band in 5 years and Jacob Bannon mentioned this was the first time they had played the song live. This song set off a feeding frenzy within the hall.
Legendary adventurers in the province of extreme and heavy music, Neurosis manned the stage under a hue of blue lights. The intro of “Lost” drew a cheer from the crowd as ice blue faces watch the band enthralled. The stark beauty of “A Shadow Memory” segued into the miasma of “Locust Star”.
Between each song, the band resets as miniature soundscapes bridged the gap. Neurosis leaned heavily into their 2016 release ‘Fires Within Fires’ while jumping back in time with “At The End of the Road” and finally closing with “The Doorway”. The band transfixed the audience with ephemeral textures and a bludgeoning pulse.
Neurosis and Converge with special guests Amenra played a mesmerizing show which traversed all the dynamic ranges within the spectrum of sound. Each band explored the realm of possibilities in extreme music. Their performances inspired awe and reverence for the imaginative minds who conjure the powers of heavy music. The fans were left with a highly memorable performance to savor as we hurtle toward the abyss.