Thrash Domination: Warbringer Play One-Off Los Angeles Headline Show

By Lisa Burke

screen-shot-2016-12-20-at-10-15-58-pm
Warbringer 2016

December 15th 2016, West Hollywood CA:  What if I told you the big four were not the only four thrash metal bands in the world that are worth talking about? What if I also told you that even if the most popular band on the list of the big four, which is of course Metallica, was not the best show happening on Thursday December 15th 2016? Not only was this the opening date for the latest Star Wars movie, but Animals As Leaders, among other fun bands were also playing on this very rainy night. Despite the heavy competition, I made my way to West Hollywood to see thrashers Warbringer headline a great show.

There were quite a few bands on this evening as always, but I will focus only on the main three which started with a very exciting LA thrash metal band called Ophiuchus, which by definition is the thirteenth astrological sign. The crowd had already gathered and it seemed the rain had done no damage on the turnout, so the pit was thriving as it should throughout their set. The songs varied in nature, but were still all very catchy, fun, fast, and full of brutality, although the vocals were not as growl oriented as one might typically imagine, and in fact sounded almost more of a punk vibe yet the blackened elements kept the darkness in check. They were very complimentary to what was to come and set off the night right. They failed at disappointing their fans and nothing else, so if you ever come across this quartet of solid heavy metallers, do yourself a favor, raise hell, and check them out.

Next on the roster was local Los Angeles thrash act Fueled By Fire who had a very tough act to follow, first of all. That said, the sound and lights were working in everyone’s favor despite the guitarist having a technical issue of an unknown sort for a very uncomfortably long time, while the singer’s lack of stage charisma sadly shone through as he tried to cover up the mishap saying he was waiting for the guitarist to get him a beer. Then there was the mistake of the previous band, probably due to the simple fact that no one told them otherwise where they unloaded their equipment upstairs after the set instead of out the stage side door, so that during most of Fueled By Fire’s set the previous band members were running through the venue with their equipment and distracting slightly from the task at hand. As far as otherwise, playing as the decent thrash band they are, they did successfully pull that off. There is much similarity to the playing style of Metallica yet it isn’t copy cat and the vocals are more death metal style which adds a nice change of pace. In my opinion, finding an outside the box way of presenting the songs and working on stage presence would assure that they don’t lose fans’ attention during their set and keep the pit up to speed throughout. They raged through despite the setbacks regardless, and once again were an appropriate companion to Warbringer’s style.

screen-shot-2016-12-20-at-10-32-32-pm

On to the main event and reason for my attendance, Ventura locals Warbringer thrash-attacked the stage with no remorse. This is a band that if you see once you will immediately crave seeing again like a bad or good drug addiction, depending on what you are into. Let’s just start by saying that their warm-up sound check before take off was better than all of St. Anger and once they really got into it, there was no turning back. This is exceptional modern thrash with a heart and soul that exudes dynamic form and follows perfect function. Frontman Kevill has exactly the right amount of balance when switching from banter between songs to singing, and his voice and high energy create a powerful band leader. Watching bands of the post-2000 era come to fruition with determination and high stamina is a very cool experience to be a part of, especially when they keep climbing that ladder to the top. Ten years ago this band was doing the same thing in a slightly different configuration before signing to Century Media. Currently they just switched over to Napalm and are due to release a new album ‘Woe To The Vanquished’ in March of next year. Both their older and newer songs are a unique brand of thrash that never stop spilling over with die hard determination. The artwork of their banners keeps getting more impressive with each live viewing, and this is also a band that was born road ready. Purple five-string basses are few and far between, and should be acknowledged when appearances are made. The drumming has all the right thrash elements and keeps the tasteful heavy shredding in line. Basically, watching this Warbringer quintet I am filled up with hope for the future of thrash and longed for the day Metallica would let the younger generation give them a huge run for their money.

It’s important to pay attention to the old thrashers as well as the new, as the new thrive best once they’ve mastered the old and pushed in the new to their own personal liking. All ties tied in knots, this was a good day for metal and a great day for modern thrashers who have the ability and determination to knock Lars off his stool with their own voice.

If you like what you’ve read, make a donation of any amount and help keep Metal Assault running full time!

Comments

comments