Threatpoint released their sophomore album "Careful What You Wish For" Friday, October 3 at Bar on Oak in Pittston, Pennsylvania. The show which included five bands from three different states started off as a little slow but the crowd quickly piled in. A brand new Ibanez guitar was raffled off during this show, along with many other prizes.

Scranton, PA natives Beyond Fallen kicked off the night and they surely didn't disappoint. With hits such as "Concrete Lucifer" and "Caligula" they kept the crowd intrigued and even had a couple hardcore head bangers. I've seen this band many times and they seem to never have a bad show. Beyond Fallen can be described as a band that represents thrash metal with wailing vocals, frantic riffage, and high-speed rhythms.
 

Taking a break from their tour with Project Independent, Cause of Affliction came next. For those that have never seen them, one thing sets them apart from many bands…they have a chick as their drummer. "Metal Mandy" keeps right up with the boys and shows she can hold her own. Cause of Affliction kept the crowd involves with songs such as "Sensored Silence." Lead vocalist Gary Edrington also gained attention when fans known as "The Afflicted" caught sight of the ever-famous keg that he hits with a baseball bat throughout certain songs. The band had a minor drum issue during their set in which Edrington told the crowd, "We ain't no karaoke band, that's for sure."
 

New Jersey band Psychoprism wowed audience members and kept them yelling for more. The crowd stood stunned at guitarist Bill Visser's amazing ability and some even joked saying, "could he play a little faster?" I spoke to lead vocalist Jess Rittgers after the show about how he felt about the night. He had this to say, "The night was fantastic. The staff (at Bar on Oak) was warm and friendly. The bands were top notch and the crowd was very responsive and electrofied. The evening moved like a well-oiled machine with Lady Spitfire doing interviews, as well as raffles. A lot of people picked up our new EP "Bloodlines," as well as shirts from our merch booth and asked us to sign them. We made friends with Northeast Records, as well as the other bands and metal fans. I have never felt so welcome anywhere to date.  It was a long drive, but I didn't want to leave. There was excellent video coverage by Ken Jones, as well as still images from Cami Kyttle. The live stream was spectacular, for those who couldn't make it and there didn't seem like there was any more room available. The place was packed. Psychoprism was proud to be there with a fury…this was a very well promoted show."
 

Off of Megaforce Records, New York City band IKILLYA came next. It seemed as if all of the headbangers came to the front for this band. They bring an energy that can only be described as enticing… you hear it and instantly want to be involved. Lead vocalist Jason Lekberg told Metal Temple how much they enjoyed being part of this event.  Lekberg told Metal Temple, "We were honored to be invited to help celebrate the release of Threatpoint's new album. Bar on Oak is much like the places I grew up playing and it was full of good, honest people who were there to headbang. We could use a little more of that all around and IKILLYA is looking forward to coming back and playing for them again."
 

Finally it was the moment everyone had been waiting for. Threatpoint took the stage and demanded attention.  The five piece metal band started off the night with "The Age of Godlessness" complete with masks to gain even more viewers. The band then kept the high intensity groove going with "Vultures of Prey." Threatpoint did not disappoint the packed floor, turning out many songs off the new CD that had not been heard live until that night. Throughout their performance a couple more prizes were raffled off, including the grand prize…a brand new Ibanez guitar. Vocalist Chris James told Metal Temple how grateful he was for all of the support the band received, "Thank you to everyone who came together to make this possible, especially all of our sponsors, family, friends, photographers, and bands that made this a great evening." I have seen Threatpoint many times, and I have to say they know how to keep the fans wanting more. Check them out at www.threatpointofficial.com
 

All in all, I think Threatpoint's CD release was a success. There was band diversity and an energy that really kept the crowd intrigued and on their feet. In my opinion, it was definitely a good idea to have bands from New Jersey and New York, since many patrons hadn't heard them yet. These are five bands I recommend to viewers looking for some awesome new music! You will not be disappointed!!