Metal cityBy Jamie Smith tbnewswatch.com
http://www.tbnewswatch.com/entertainment/Default.aspx?cid=72117
Winter in Hell wasn’t for the squeamish.
With six local metal acts storming the stage at The Black Pirates Pub Saturday evening, it wasn’t for sensitive ears either. The show was split evenly between up and coming young bands like The Vilification and scene veterans Bloodpool. So why spend a Saturday night listening to squealing guitars, screaming men and slamming drums?
"It’s an excuse to get drunk and make ugly faces," said Bloodpool bassist James "Jimmy" Laukka. "I enjoy the technicality of it."
Laukka has been a metal staple in the Thunder Bay music scene for the better part of a decade. He’s in four active metal bands at present. While touring with his band Faceless Hulk, he realized how fortunate the city is to have such a vibrant metal community.
"Nobody really follow too many trends here they just do their own thing," Laukka said. "Everybody gets along with everybody. We share gear when we have to. It’s not cut throat like some places."
As a testament to Laukka’s statement, the first band The Vilification played several genres of metal in one song. The four teens were synchronizing jumps, playing tap licks on the guitar and screaming wildly as 15 kids slammed into each other in front of the stage; all while smiling. Laukka said the act of running into each other or "moshing" is all about having a good time.
"I used to think it was cool back in high school but I can’t do it anymore," said Laukka. "It’s a good way to get the angst out."
Up next was We Belong In Fiction. Starting with a groovy instrumental track, the five-piece quickly jumped into newer heavy sounds inspired by bands like Every Time I Die or Alexisonfire. They encouraged the audience to clap along at some parts and had most of the crowd in front of them by the end of their set.
Defend the Syndicate took the stage next. Their music relies heavily on breakdowns. The guitarist plays an open note and follows the pattern of the bass drum which turns the guitar into a more percussive than melodic instrument.
Laukka said bands like We Belong in Fiction and Defend the Syndicate are starting to become popular in the local scene.
"Metal seems to be where it’s at…bands are getting crazy these days, the songwriting has changed a lot," Laukka said. "It’s cool to see. I enjoy watching them have fun playing."
Instrumental band The Dweezils, named after the son of Frank Zappa, get the crowd going with their blend of funk, metal, punk and everything in between. The trio blend genres constantly in a seemingly effortless way.
Laukka’s band Bloodpool take the stage after The Dweezils. With shredding guitar, low growls and machine-gun-like drumming, they are a classic death metal band. The subject matter is dark with zombie massacres and themes of torture. Laukka said the band’s subject matter is more humourous to him than anything.
He said a lot of people have a misconception about metal when it comes to lyrics. He said the words are just stories to put a certain mood to the music.
"I’m not serious about anything. I actually find it kind of silly… it makes me laugh everything about Satan and what have you," said Laukka. "I guess it’s kind of hard to write heavy music and then sing about a flower growing in a field."
Jagstog finished up the loud evening with Slayer-like thrash metal. With songs like "Under Wicked Skies" the band played Metallica inspired guitar harmonies and Iron Maiden gallops while the crowd looked on. After they finished, the all ages show was over. People left with songs in their hearts and ringing in their ears.
