Triple Treat Theater

Ok, been forever since I last posted and a lot has happened.

Scion Fest fucking destroyed the known universe. If you give a shit about this monumental event, you were either there or wept while reading all about how awesome it was, so need need for further recap here at this late date. Suffice it to say it was a show for the ages and we must pray to the Dark Lord that they do it again next year.

What else? (Most of) The Mastodon album leaked. I'm sure you've all heard it and have formulated your own opinions by know. I'm actually waiting for a proper copy to listen again, but how well the new stuff slipped into their live set in ATL bodes well for how this record will eventually settle into our brains.

The Kylesa album leaked and it fucking destroys. Their best yet by far and sure to be one of this year's strongest releases. Truly one of the sickest bands out there right now.

WITTR's Dark Cascade also hit the pre-release download circuit. Another crushing four-song epic from these guys. Crystal Ammunition is a ridiculously sweet phrase/concept and a ridiculously sweet song. They're touring soon, can't wait to see them live again.

Ok, on to the new stuff.

How rad is it when you go to see two out of three bands on a bill and the third one turns out to be just as good? Love that shit.

That's exactly what happened to me last night. Went to Philly to see Woe and Javelina at the Kung Fu Necktie. Great venue, btw. Had never seen Woe before, but love the album. Was curious to see how the live show would turn out since Chris Grigg wrote and played everything on the record. Apparently last night marked the debut of their Iron Maiden style three guitar lineup and the good news is that the whole thing translated great live. Woe fucking ripped and were loud as shit. Hung with Chris for a bit after the show, really cool guy. Psyched to see what they come up with next.

Javelina headlined and were really sick. This was my second time seeing this awesomely fat, bald and bearded quartet and they slayed even harder in front of a home town crowd. Their album is solid, but it doesn't really prepare you for the shreditude of their live onslaught. If you get a chance, go see these guys live. You'll be psyched you did.

As for the pleasant surprise, the third band on the bill was a crew called Howl from Providence. These guys are fucking awesome. Huge, crushing riffs that veer between Kill Em All era Metallica and pummeling doom. And they have a hot chick bass-player. Doesn't seem like they have anything out yet, but peep their myspace- www.myspace.com/howlheavymetal . It doesn't really do justice to how sweet their show is, but it'll give you an idea. They're on tour now, see them if you can. I'm definitely going to make a point to catch them again at SXSW next week.

That's all for now. Hope to have some updates from Austin next week.