I can't hide that Hardcore live shows are one of my favorite ways to spend the night. Such shows are honest and full of passion both from the bands and the crowd. That was exactly what happened that Friday night when the US based quartet PRO-PAIN decided to pay a visit to Greece for a moshpit holocaust (the previous day the Hardcore legends had also desecrated Thessaloniki). After a quick look at the merchandise (respect to PRO-PAIN for selling their CD's for 5€) I quickly got in front of the stage since POTERGEIST were about to start their set.
Although in my humble opinion the Athenian act wasn't that relevant to the night, the guys gave their best to warm up the crowd with their Stoner/Southern Metal sound. With a brand new line up, except for the vocalist who is the only remaining former member, the quintet played songs from their debut album "Southwards" like "Voodoo Mama" (too bad they didn't play "Beggar"), as well as tunes from the band's already recorded album who is waiting to be released. Labels, are you listening? Thumbs up for Alex (vocalist) once again who seems like a true successor for Phil Anselmo. Damn, this guy has exactly the same voice! Negative points, Alex's vocals were so low that there were times you couldn't even hear him.
Next to hit the stage was the Thessaloniki based act PSYCHO CHOKE. I have known this act since its "Choke On This" album in 2001 or 2002 if I am not mistaken but never had the chance to see them perform live. The guys impressed me from the very first seconds of their show with their image, music and stage presence. With a sound that mixes Thrash, Nu and Core elements, PSYCHO CHOKE tipped us with songs from their brand new album "Unraveling Chaos" which was released by German 7Hard Records and made the audience a bit more energetic. The first pits started showing up and the quintet received a warm applause, as well as some screams (in a good way of course) from the audience. Huge respect to the singer, who manages to handle screams and clean melodic vocals incredibly, making you wonder how the hell he can handle his lungs so well! If you are into stuff like ILL NINO, MUDVAYNE etc, better check them out!
Ok, here's what everyone was waiting for. The "sharp dressed" (hehehehe) men from New York stepped on stage with an appetite for destruction. The Greek crowd loves them and they love us, too, something that you could see throughout the whole night! The Hardcore titans almost made us tear the club to pieces! From the very first notes, everyone went crazy and the moshpits and stage diving wouldn't stop! It was chaos in there, hahaha! Their simple and straightforward music also helped them have a strong and clear sound, making everything even better! "In For The Kill", "Stand Tall" and "The Shape Of Things To Come" were only some of the few hymns that made me make it through with only a few bruises! Damn, PRO-PAIN is one of the few honest bands out there that have kept their feet on the ground despite their success. They respect their fans, and their fans respect them. That's why 200-250 people where in da house beating the shit out of each other in the sense of good friendly violent fun! And of course when we asked for more they were ready to give to us with an encore that finished us off! "Time Will Tell", "Destroy The Enemy" and let the killing begin!
You know that I HAVE to find something to bitch about since I am never 100% satisfied. Let me think, hmmm... Well, they didn't play "Bad Blood"! Hahahaha!
