Some people enjoy music for its technical aspects, for its color, its sophistication, for various references and allusions. Some people enjoy music because of how it makes them feel, or because of the mood it sets them in.
I daresay, the fine, sweaty, highly-energized people in the Thrash Battle I was in, on the 4th of September, 2014, belonged very firmly to the second type. Now, I don't mean to say they care nothing for music, but listening peacefully wasn't on their menu, either. I wasn't there to the very end, and having watched 3 bands out of 6, here are my impressions.
I'm a metal fan, by no means stranger to mosh pits, powerful energies and sleazy, dirty sounds and surroundings. But the Koro club, in which this Thrashmania took place, wasn't exactly something I've been accustomed to. Looking distinctly back-alley-ish, with broken sofas, torn down walls with graffiti, exposed concrete and just messed-up in general, this place immediately made me go "ugh, better not… touch anything". Still, it fit the atmosphere well – no fancier place could have taken the abuse that was about to take place.
The event was called Thrashmania, and a mania it was indeed. First to perform were a band called MASTERBATOR – a very young, seemingly inexperienced group that still managed to rouse the audience. Their technical ability was fair, although I can't comment too much on their music – it didn't strike me as unique. They certainly liked being on stage, and had running gags with the audience. It was a small, packed space, and people knew each-other. The vocalist commented – "This song's called "Failed Society", and I have no idea what it's about." – fitting.
The second group are called 03. Just that – 03. Simple enough, and so was their music. Beyond the low grunting of the vocalist and the incessant drumming and guitar riffs, which were repetitive and not really to my liking, I couldn't spot a lot of variation. Maybe this requires a set of skills I am not too familiar with. The singer was not timid – he pranced about with the corded microphone, unafraid to rub against the audience, who were mostly engaged in moshing and body-slamming. I could at least give them that to their credit – they gave a show.
The third band are called CITY RATS – a distinctly punk-looking group, with music that was more varied and less monotone, but no less aggressive. The audience went really wild for these guys – I had trouble maintaining my stance and protecting my camera, and the soundman was experiencing frequent assaults on his station as well – all un-intentioned, of-course.
The soundman did a pretty good job, and there were no distortions, crackles or noticeable failures. The air-conditioning was non-existent, and soon enough, sweaty metal-heads were smashing against each-other, sweat flying everywhere, dripping to the floor. It was an awful, beautiful mess, which is also how I'd describe my evening there.
