Review & photos by Andrew Bansal
December 13th 2014, Exhibit A Gallery, Los Angeles CA: South-central LA-based heavy metal band Vile Descent began as an entity this year. Led by Kevin Angel (ex-Malignant) and Lerry Ortega (ex-Scythe), Vile Descent brings together not only the musical styles of those bands but also the trials and tribulations faced by these individuals over the years of toiling hard in the local underground scene. They played their first gig at the Airliner in May, made a solid first impression on a decent turnout, and have been active ever since. All of their early efforts have culminated towards ending their first year as a band with an invite-only showcase at the Exhibit A Gallery, located in West LA.
The contemporary art gallery, which recently hosted the ultra high-profile ‘Obey Your Master’ event featuring Metallica, has been home to the work of several talented artists, and has worked and partnered with a multitude of well-established brands and organizations during the six years of its existence. Now, it’s seemingly opening its doors to showcasing talent in local heavy music, and in many ways, this Vile Descent performance was the first of its kind at this place.
Invites were sent out through social media, entrance to the event was free with RSVP based on a first-come-first-serve basis, and in addition, free food and drinks were served to all attendees, hence leaving those proclaiming to be local metal supporters no reason to be absent. Besides, a small collection of intriguing art was displayed on the walls, on platforms such as denim vests and skateboards.
Vile Descent started their set at 9:30 in front of an appreciably large gathering and played their ‘Dead On Arrival’ debut EP in its entirety, treating the local thrash faithful to a healthy dosage of dynamic tunes transitioning between fast-paced shred and slow, deadly grooves. Mosh pits ensued at constant intervals and the atmosphere inside the room was filled to the brim with good-hearted fun times for all involved.
Exhibit A has taken a great initiative in putting together such legit showcases for local metal bands that would definitely benefit from it, and Vile Descent have certainly set the example for others in the scene to follow, specially for members of the bands that turned up to support them here. Here’s hoping for more such metalicious events in the near future.
More photos from the event:
Vile Descent links: facebook | twitter | instagram
Exhibit A Gallery links: facebook | twitter | instagram