Pentagram, Hull, Bezoar, Judas Priestess @ Europa, Jan 6th, 2011

Pentagram are gods. This much is a given. They're just one of those unfukwittable things in life. Like loudly farting in a crowded library or beer for breakfast, they're always the right choice. More on them later though.

So I haven't been to many shows lately, one here or there, but hardly the number I was hitting 6 months ago. Anyways, many moons ago, my buddy Tyler of Bezoar/the Levee fame told me that he was opening up for Pentagram at Europa in January. I, of course, was fucking stoked for him because Bezoar is one of the best bands around Brooklyn right now and they totally fit that bill. On top of that, he mentioned that perennial favorites and excellent all around dudes Hull would also be on the bill. A fucking success before it even starts.

So I showed up nice and early to catch Bezoars set. Well. Fucking. Worth it. Everytime I see that band they get just a little weirder, just a little heavier, and just a little better. Straight stonerdoom morons, maybe sit this one out. This band involves though, and the ability to deal with a solo and some psyche. Now for the rest of us who can handle big boy/girl music, get this fucking album and see them live. Sarah's vox are eerie and evil as fuck, Tyler has some of the best tone in the city, and the new drummer Justin(?) totally gave the band new life. He's fucking heavy. 'Nuff Said.

Next on was Judas Priestess. They're good. They cover Judas Priest and they're all ladies. I'm sure plenny has been written about them elsewhere so I'm gonna move on.

After that, Hull. This band will be remembered in the future. Mark my fucking words people. They're one of the few bands out there tight enough to exist as a 5 piece with 5 singers and 3 guitars, claim having an awful night, and still have the entire audience raving like fucking lunatics at the end of their set. Fuck it, they're heavy enough to blow the power out of my old house, they're heavy enough to blow your fucking mind. Got it? Good. Go see Hull. Now. Asap. Stat.

Finally, Pentagram. Now, despite the fact that I truly believe in the unholy, unquestionable power of this band, I've seen them not at their best in the past. Every once in a while the sound just isn't up to par, the crowds fucking lame, Bobby's nodding off in a smack induced haze, etc. Whatever the excuse, they're not 100% reliable live.

This was not one of those shows. Easily the best I've ever seen them. Europa was a perfect fit for the crowd, the band, the vibe, just everything. Not too big or small, the sound was absolutely fucking killer, and they were tighter than a nun's cunt. Their tone was dialed, their set was on fucking point hitting a good mix of old and new, and Bobby was a fucking wildman. Now that shit, was a blast. If you missed em then, find them soon.

There Is Nothing Better Than Eyehategod.

There, I said it. There is nothing better than Eyehategod. I said it again. Last night's show was one of the most amazing, unreal, unholy, violent, awesome, beautiful fucking shows I have ever seen. Shit was like watching a hurricane. Amazing. Sadly or happily my camera was all out of batteries so I was forced to actually have a good time and stop worrying about shit for the entirety of their 2 hour set. Internet's loss, my gain. Go see Eyehategod. There's a reason they're the best.

Strong Intention, Tombs, Howl, and Unearthly Trance all killed it last night too. Fucking amazing all around.

EYEHATEGOD, EUROPA, MONDAY OCT 26TH $15

With Unearthly Trance, Tombs, Howl, and Strong Intentions.

Fucking be there.

Toxic Holocaust/Atakke/Battletorn/Howl @ Europa. Sept 6th, 2009

Atakke @ Europa. Sept 6th, 2009 from Jack Crank on Vimeo.

666 by Toxic Holocaust @ Europa. Sept 6th, 2009 from Jack Crank on Vimeo.

TOXIC HOLOCAUST






ATAKKE










MORE BATTLETORN & HOWL

OM AND NAAM IN BROOKLYN

SUNDAY OCTOBER 11TH, OM AND NAAM AT EUROPA IN GREENPOINT!

This is turning out to be the best fucking day for finding out about shows ever. Fuck yeah!

Cro-Mags Show Last Night at Europa

Seeing the Cro-Mags slay play last night at Europa in Greenpoint still has me sore as fuck. In case you were wondering, NYHC is still very much alive and kicking. Last night the Cro-mags (w/JJ, minus Harley) tore through pretty much all of Age of Quarrel and a couple of choice cuts from Best Wishes at full speed to a crowd of young, old, male female, black, white, latino, Jewish, Christian, small, big, and fucking huge (good ol' NYHC linebacker looking dudes) hardcore fans. Even with this pretty diverse crowd on hand as soon as the Mags got on stage it descended into a massive brodown throwdown pit. As a kid I was into pretty much traditional punk and ska (yeah fuck you I like ska, still) and a lot of the shows I was at would have some overflow with the 90's NYHC scene. I was pretty much entirely turned off to that crowd back then because it basically looked like the football team was out to kick the shit out of each other. And when you're 15 those dudes look like fucking skyscrapers. Seriously, a 6'3 225 dude might as well be a fucking backhoe at that point. Well, now as a fairly large dude myself, they still look like fucking Mack Trucks with arms. Fortunately the bro percentage was fairly low comparative to the entire crowd and people were able to all mosh around and have a damn good time.

Other than the fact that I'm sore as fuck and have been totally chilled the hell out all day I can totally throw my weigh behind this line up of the "no-mags". As you might have figured out I'm pretty fucking uptight and elitist about certain things in the music I listen to and in general, like every music snob asshole in the world, I tend to like "original lineups" best. However, when it comes to a small venue show it's really all about the vibe between the band and the crowd and the band with itself. This line up was all about giving the people what they want and having a good fucking time while doing it. I'm sold, go see the "no-mags."

PS: JJ gave me the number to his temple and invited me to join him for "the feast" on Sunday. Anybody want some kool-aid?