{"id":16173,"date":"2017-05-30T13:20:05","date_gmt":"2017-05-30T20:20:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/metalassault.com\/gig_reviews\/?p=16173"},"modified":"2017-05-30T13:20:05","modified_gmt":"2017-05-30T20:20:05","slug":"ear-piercing-madness-suffocation-revocation-rage-in-nashville","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/metalassault.com\/gig_reviews\/2017\/05\/30\/ear-piercing-madness-suffocation-revocation-rage-in-nashville\/","title":{"rendered":"Ear-Piercing Madness: Suffocation, Revocation rage in Nashville"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Rosie Walker<\/strong>
\n(photos by Brian Wyner)<\/em><\/p>\n

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Suffocation<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

May 26th 2017, Exit\/In, Nashville TN:\u00a0<\/strong>Elliston Place is one of the best spots to be in Nashville, Tennessee on a Friday night. West of downtown, it\u2019s a few blocks of bars and restaurants that host some of the best nightlife in the whole city. Nuzzled next to Nashville\u2019s trending neighborhood, is the historic venue, Exit\/In. Established in 1971, this club gave this area the nickname “Rock Block”. Over the years, many legends have taken its stage. From Johnny Cash to the Ramones, it\u2019s a place that celebrates and supports good music. Painted all in black, it’s ominous in appearance, but considering its hospitality and alternative option to country music, it\u2019s a haven to many. To have a place separate from Nashville\u2019s nauseating plethora of honky-tonk music is special. This pillar of the scene in Elliston Place is an ideal setting to host quality, heavy metal shows. So it was not surprising to find out that the legendary Suffocation was playing there.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s rare to come across a local metal band in Nashville, Tennessee. It\u2019s even more uncommon to come across one that\u2019s actually good. Luckily the two local bands on the bill were more than tolerable. Ophiuchus<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>(not to be confused with the Los Angeles based thrash band of the same name), the first band of the evening gallantly took the stage and perked ears with their classic, extreme metal sound. Vocal duties were shared, the guitars made a respectable effort to harmonize, and the drummer was the best part by being an outstanding anchor to the whole outfit.<\/p>\n

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Ophiuchus<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The second local act, Greywoods<\/strong><\/a>, came across as\u00a0a combo of Ghost Bath and early Mastodon. With a black, atmospheric, groovy sound, they did a nice job of gaining the attention of the crowd. They only played for 20 minutes, but for that kind of music, it was a perfect amount of time.<\/p>\n

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Greywoods<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After a quick sound check, Revocation<\/strong><\/a> started their spirited set. Exit\/In has the capacity for 500 people and a small stage which created a cozy, comfortable feeling. Opening with \u2018Arbiters of the Apocalypse\u2019, the single from their newest album \u2018Great Is Our Sin\u2019, Revocation had everyone engaged and singing along. The crowd gathered closer as they were able to properly process the intensity and articulation of Revocation. Everyone\u2019s excitement rubbed off on each other and began to grow, creating a fun, intimate feeling. Hair flew freely, because of the band\u2019s speed and severity. Lead vocalist and guitarist David Davidson poured magic from his fingers as he shredded and ripped riffs from his instrument. The vigor and grace carried by each member was admirable and exhilarating. Playing their fastest song \u2018Communion\u2019, they had jaws dropping all over the place. Though known for their heaviness and speed, Revocation has some very proggy, ambient moments that some might find surprising, but really add to their overall showmanship and sound. Their song structures are like a well coordinated dance with each player gliding through the movements with precision and experience. A look of indulgence and triumph overcame David\u2019s face as he delivered his signature solos. The crowd ate it up. Teenage boys made up most of the audience and it\u2019s great that they have a safe outlet to release and rage. Their 45-minute set ended all too soon and definitely left everyone hungry for more. It\u2019s young bands like Revocation that keep the scene alive and give hope for the future of metal. Their talent and heart\u00a0is worth supporting, and they’re a band you need to see live.<\/p>\n

Revocation photos:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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