 The Palladium Worcester, MA |
Another outstanding weekend in New England!
Every year the New England Metal and Hardcore Festival proves its
one of the best. The addition of the third day, made this fest like
European festivals. You had a chance to settle in for the big metal
extravaganza. The way the bands were scheduled worked all right for me, I just wish there was a few more big metal bands on Friday’s lineup. As usual, they had two stages, the main stage seemed more empty than normal this year and the second stage became hard to see bands. I went to the second stage a few times where no one else was allowed in because there was to many people. Venders took their normal spot on the balcony of the upstairs or second stage. I always try to limit myself to purchases, but the prices are so good and the selection is diverse…I always end up with a stack of CDs. You can find anything their from patches to DVDs and shirts to posters. Also, on the first floor or main stage, bands were autographing posters for people, like a normal band signing. Hypocrisy, Nile, Obituary, Strapping Young Lad are just a few bands that did so. The headliners were what you would expect for bands of that caliper. Hatebreed, Unearth and Obituary headlined Friday night. Saturday’s headliners included Danzig and special guest Doyle, Chimaira and Cryptopsy. Sunday’s headliners were King Diamond, Nile and Soilwork. A host of bands were impressive, but the tops for me were Dark Tranquillity, Strapping Young Lad, Obituary, The Black Dahlia Murder, Hypocrisy, Behemoth, Cryptopsy, and God Forbid…in pretty much that order. It was my first time seeing Dark Tranquillity. They were damn impressive! Devon Townsend was his usual self on stage with SYL. He grabbed the audience attention by being fanatical and somewhat comical, and of course, along with their music. Cryptopsy’s Lord Worm entertained the crowd by eating worms on stage out of a chalice. You could see worms trying to escape from his mouth…it was great! Obituary was a favorite as well, it's good to see them playing again. Since the last time I saw them John Tardy was sick, it was quite a bit better to see the whole band. Speaking of Obituary…The most pit was pretty good this year. During the Obituary pit I was punched in the eye, and lost one of my contact. Brutal…just how I like it! No black eye, but some battle marks. I’ll wear my bruises with pride. Metal and hardcore fans should be pleased there are festivals like this in the U.S. I can’t wait for next year’s fest already. The New England Metal and Hardcore Festival, it’s addicting! Rating: 95 Reviewed By: Jeffrey D, Adkins |
