Deicide in Chicago

Ah yes, another review from your favorite political junkie! The latest show I attended was none other than DEICIDE (Desolation, Lupara, Plague Bringer, and Pist supported)! The show was held at a relatively unlikely venue, the Logan Square Auditorium on Chicago's northside (fuck the Cubs). Better yet, Deicide filmed their set for an upcoming DVD! Therefore, chances are you'll see me, lefty, in the crowd if you purchase/steal/embezzle the DVD.

I will limit my comments about the opening bands to this paragraph only. The first band, Pist, was a local death metal band who provided much-needed energy to the seemingly indifferent crowd. By the second tune, the crowd got involved and a circle pit errupted.Their music sounded similar to early Morbid Angel, only to a much lesser degree. The guitar work was very good, and the drumming was particularly exceptional.

The second band, Plague Bringer, was actually a two-man effort. One guy played guitar while the other handled vocals. Bass and drums were prerecorded. This band actually sounded decent. The guitarrist was doing some interesting work on his guitar, and he utilized unconventional pedals.

The third band, Lupara, had a large following present, but failed to impress me. This band featured ex-guitarrist for the metal band Broken Hope, but that's about as interesting as it got. They blended some death metal with something similar to a Hatebreed-type no-shit attitude. They played well, but their music bored me. Desolation, the fourth band, were very good. They were easily the most-talented of the openers. They played some solid death metal with hints of thrash and black metal. Interestingly enough, these guys were checking Deicide's sound after they finished their set.

Deicide finally hit the stage after a short episode of technical difficulties. They couldn't quite get Glen Benton's bass sound right. I don't know many of Deicide's song titles, so I won't write a setlist. They're one of those bands I listen to in my car, and don't pay particular attention to song names. The crowd went into a frenzy as they played their openly satanic material. Guitarrists Ralph Santolla and Jack Owen looked like they were having the most fun of their lives as they ripped through bludgeoning riffs and shredding solos. The drumming was fucking exceptional! Glen Benton, as usual, delivered his brand of satanic vitriol and bass attack! They played a few tunes from their latest effort, including "The Stench of Redemption". They also played songs off "Scars of the Crucifix" and classic tunes such as "Christ Denied" and "Kill the Christian".

Overall, their performance was phenomenal! I give their set a 10/10, and the general show an 8/10. Get the DVD! \m/

Written by Lefty Metalhead