So what is the perfect formula for a good time and a way to welcome in the new month? Well it's quite simple really, a night of classic Florida Death metal and two members of VENOM's "Prime Evil" era to boot you into February of course!!! During this show I saw what can only be described as a pure raw example that Obituary are still going strong by the day and proving that real Death Metal is here to stay.

To start the night off is the UK's own ROTTING REPUGNANCY. Honestly from the start I had never really heard anything of these guys and didn't really know what to expect, but from what I saw I can safely say they are a band that know how to make their mark, that I am certain of. These guys have a very Grind type of sound which really can be found from their frontman as well as the guitars which mix between Grind and Death. From the actual stage show they give a lot more than you would think as just by watching them they give off this really raw energy which I find to be the sign of a band that is destined to go very far, whatever the case I would definitely advise any one to go watch them and see for yourself.
 

Next up was a very interesting and very fast treat if I do say so myself. Now these days when we look at Thrash metal we look across the border and what we find in the end is a very old fashioned speed demon force, these guys are an example of just that and much much more. Hailing from Germany DUST BOLT bring with them a show that consists of some of the fastest yet melodic riffs and bass lines I have heard in a long while, while at the same time bringing full force to the audience at hand, being one of the many individuals to have graced said audience I was part of an onslaught of face melting riffs and furious force to which dragged me into the pit and almost lost myself at the same time. By far one of the most active bands I have ever had the chance to see and for any hard hitting thrashers out there then this is the band for you to check out.
 

Now comes the part where everyone Lays down their souls to the gods rock 'n' roll!!!. Now this was a real treat to watch if i may be honest. MIRE OF EVIL: consists of the "Prime Evil" era of the legendary Metal band Venom featuring Jeff Mantas and the Demolition man himself Tony Dolan. Through the bands entire set I saw what can only be described as one of the most powerful performances of British Metal I have seen in a long time which is to say that this is what it's all about when you go to see a show, with band mates like Tony and Jeff you can see their chemistry, both strong and has lasted years to where now you see them paying the old VENOM material and you're just there in the audience with a dropped jaw because this is just incredible to witness. What makes an MIRE OF EVIL show something special is the fact that they have this incredible stage presence which really defines their music as it gives something more to the music itself. One other thing you can look forward to is when you see Mantas blasting into "Black Metal" because that when things get into overdrive.
 

So now we come to the final band of the evening and by far not the least, one of the original four of Death Metal, the one and only OBITUARY. So from experience I have seen OBITUARY now three times which includes this show as well, in the past I have enjoyed every show that they have put on which does include the Bloodstock shows I have been lucky enough to have seen, this show was no different as it was in fact even stronger then the last two times. From the beginning of OBITUARY's set we saw the band bang out two of the new tracks off "Inked in Blood" which, I felt, started the show off just right and allowed the audience to prepare for what would later be utter carnage. As the show continued OBITUARY played some of their older material which of course gave everyone in that room a reason to go insane, as with every show they never slack when it comes to giving the fans what they want, a heavy and active show of classic Death metal all the way from Florida. As I watched with a very still expression on my face I just couldn't look away from the power and skill of Trevor Peres' guitar work, so powerful and heavy, the man can still bring it when it comes to the classics and blasting out the new material, but what really made the show was seeing drummer Donald Tardy bring it on home with what can only be described as one of the most intense drum solos i have ever seen; the man's skill is just incredible that it leaves you grabbing hold for dear life. One thing though is that if there is any person that deserves a pat on the back is the man himself and one of my vocal heroes, Mr John Tardy; it is insane how he has been able to keep his voice the way it is for all these years.
 

All in all this was a show I was proud to cover as being a fan for years I was humbled and honoured to be in that venue at that time watching OBITUARY bring it!

Setlist:
1. Centuries of Lies
2. Visions In My Head
3. Infected
4. Intoxicated
5. Bloodsoaked
6. 'Til Death
7. Immortal Visions
8. Don't Care
9. Violence
10. Back to One
11. Dead Silence
Encore:
12. Drum Solo
13. Back on Top
14. Inked In Blood
15. I'm in Pain
16. Slowly We Rot

*Photography by Alex Neeros

Interviews with DUST BOLT and OBITUARY below: