Morbid Saint @ Frank's Power Plant

My chosen line of work dictates me to not have much of a social life and as such when a good gig comes around I try my best to attend. I don't get to see them all, but that's the life of a nocturnal shifter, I suppose. This however happened to be a gig I was not just interested in from the start, but by purely miraculous circumstances I had the night off, which meant I was not just able to attend, but to make the best of it. With ancient cult 80's thrashers, Morbid Saint, making their comeback in recent years I was hoping I'd be able to see them eventually and this happened to be their first performance in Milwaukee in about eighteen years. Of course, it must be understood that the band broke up nearly two decades ago, but the power of metal compelled them and the wheels of revival were put in motion in '10 and in the past few months the band continued their live activities.

Joining Morbid Saint for this gig was Cannabinol Synapse, Subjugation, Atrum Inritus and Architects of the Aftermath. My friends and I arrived just in time to miss Cannabinol Synapse though, which is regrettable, because I'm told its 70's style soundtrack music and if its anything like Goblin or Fabio Frizzi I probably would have had a moment, but that will have to wait for another time.

Subjugation:
Therefore, the first band I witnessed was local Milwaukee black metal act, Subjugation. This four piece band has been around a few years now and are fronted by, Jason, a well known fella from these parts whose known for his work in a few bands as well as being a promoter of many cool gigs. The band also features one half of Sacrificial Massacre, namely their drummer, Joe, though here he handles all guitar duties. I'm not sure about the bassist and drummer, though its entirely possible that they are involved in other bands too.

Since this was both my first time seeing and hearing Subjugation (they have no demos or alums yet) I didn't really know what to expect, but I was pleasantly blown away by their set. The band played a sort of black metal that's raw, chaotic and speedy in nature with some minor punkier chords and harshly screamed vocals. The band is by no means the most showy black metal act I've seen live, opting to not wear any paint or spikes, but they brought a good measure of rage and anger to the stage that pretty much instantly connected with me. As I said earlier the band doesn't have any material out just yet, but I hope that changes soon as I'd like to see what they sound like in the studio.

The band only played about six songs, but it seemed like plenty of time to get their message across - whatever that may be. Satan? No, probably not, but that would change by the time next band was up.


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Atrum Inritus:
Hailing from Minneapolis, Minnesota, this five piece band formed back in 2010 and just a little over a year ago released their debut, 'Prognatus In Vorago.' I often am instantly a harsh critic of all things Latin, because it just seems cliché through lyrics, album titles, band names and imagery, but fortunately this was a case of it feeling quite appropriate, both through their occult imagery and twisted dark sound (go read my Funeral Mist review for my thoughts on Latin). And not to forget simply because after finishing I pretty much just stared almost speechless in owe of what I'd just witnessed. Google translate tells me that Atrum Inritus means, 'dark void,' and if that isn't the perfect way to describe their music than I don't know what is.

Clad in ceremonial robes, the stage lights were quenched and candles were set ablaze as incense filled the room and the ritual began with a cold wave of frigid darkness emitting and cloaking Frank's Power Plant. Atrum Inritus play a sort of boreal dissonant black ambiental metal somewhat comparable to the likes of Paysage d'Hiver, Blut Aus Nord and Xasthur (I guess, comparisons are hard to make), though (I suspect) with lyrics centered around Satanism and occult practices. Through the faint candlelight, frontwoman, Vindicaré (also keyboardist) appeared as a specter within the darkness, croaking and howling in a fiendish and serpentine manner I can't say I've ever heard a female perform previously. Alongside her terrifying shrieks and haunting synth chords, two guitarists played slow bleak hypnotic riffs, occasionally augmented with a little speed, while the bassist and drummer steadily followed. Quite a stunning and gripping performance. Other black metal bands should be jealous. Hope they took notes.

I don't suppose a lot of the crowd 'got it,' but then you'll have to consider that fact that a good portion of the crowd were thrashers. I turned to my friends to hear one of them say, "That was the worst thing I've ever heard in my entire life," but then again they don't listen to black metal either. Nevertheless, Atrum Inritus made quite an impression on me and I was quite happy to find that they had their debut album for sale, which I picked up and can also report is excellent, though I'll get to reviewing that later. The dark void is open.


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Architects of the Aftermath:
Local thrashers, Architects of the Aftermath were up next and with the lights back on and spirits and alcohol levels higher for most folks, these guys were in fine shape and delivered another great performance. AotA play fairly standard hard hitting energetic old school thrash, and although its hardly anything new, the members happen to be quite gifted musicians, often slamming out many catchy and killer riffs as well as a good face melting solo per song. The band (I believe) played all of their one and only self-titled album from a few years ago, as well as a Hammered cover song, which is a band rhythm guitarist Mike played in before the AotA days. This being the third time I've seen them it was more of the usual, but enjoyable all the same. My alcoholic levels were not as high as usual, but it was still fun being one of about five people moshing and causing trouble while they thrashed around onstage. But, come on guys, we need a new album!


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Morbid Saint:
Not a lot of younger fans will understand their importance, but Morbid Saint is one Wisconsin's oldest and appreciated bands, having formed as early as 1986, they helped shaped the Milwaukee metal scene in those days, which lead to the first and legendary Milwaukee Metalfest (many more would follow too). In 1988 the band released their one and only album, 'Spectrum of Death,' which was a high octane thrash classic comparable to Possessed in style, though it was released on the tiny Mexican label, Avanzada Metalica, and as such was overlooked and forgotten by most. Morbid Saint would go on to release the 'Destruction System' demo in '92, but would crumble by '94.

I personally first became aware of the band a few years ago when the reunion began to take shape and was quite moved by the album, especially since it was created in my home state. Unfortunately, the album was very much out of print and I've had to rely on mp3's or youtube videos to please my hunger, though just recently the band self-released a three disc set called, 'Thrashaholic,' though I still haven't yet got my hands on a copy...

So, this was Morbid Saint's first gig in Milwaukee in quite a long time, unfortunately problems seemed to exist from the get go. For one thing they were down a guitarist, which instantly altered the sound of the songs since they were all wrote with two guitars in mind, though I'm sure Jay Visser did the best he could to recreate the songs with just one ax. That aside, problems continued through the bass guitar either being overly loud (at least from where I was stationed) and drowning out the guitar or it was cutting in and out during their set. Nevertheless, the band forged onward.

What can I say though, for a bunch of guys in their early to mid-40's they really knew how to deliver. I didn't get as crazy as my buddy or some surrounding people were getting, but it was entertaining watching them and the passion that ripped out of them as Morbid Saint thrashed 'til death. The band played a number of songs from their two notable releases, including, 'Lock Up Your Children,' 'Beyond the Gates of Hell,' 'Sign of the Times' and newer songs, 'Death Before Dawn' and 'Thrashaholic.' Despite the audio problems it was quite enjoyable and at least by the last couple of songs I finally got into it a bit more and joined the enraged fans upfront.

A lot of people may see the bands reunion as nothing more than a mid-life dazzle for the members, citing them as nothing more than hasbeens, but since they played honestly and tore it up you wont see any complaints from me. Also, simply because it helps reunite the scene around here that seemed to totally crumble when Metalfest fell nearly a decade ago. Likewise, I foresee our little scene around here growing and its nice to be a part of something special like that.

Its my hope that I can catch the band again, though hopefully with two guitarists and minus any audio issues. Keep on going guys!