For this final show of the year, I find myself at Bully’s Studios, where it’s a repeat offering from the first of two visitors from the island, the quartet HEXENBANE, giving us a kick-ass dose of stoner hard rock with a side of metal.
The bassist repeatedly reminded me of KYUSS with their grooviest stoner riffs, and the lead guitar made all the delicious squealing that hit the spot nicely.
Lead vocals were subdued most of the set, a little behind the music, so it was hard to focus on them. It wasn’t until later in the set that their voice really stood out when they unleashed an intense low growl that surprised me most wonderfully.
Next was the second visitor from the island, the immensely awesome UNDER THE MOUNTAIN, who, as anyone could predict with that name, offered a killer set of hard rock/stoner metal straight into my waiting earballs.
Right from the start, you knew you were in for a ride. Fucking tight, hard, and straight to the veins, this was a bouncing blast of a set. At times, chugging and others ripping fast; it was a constant assault.
Really dug the lead vocals, a deep, raspy voice that works so well with the sound. They were animated, using the stage set up well, with the lead guitarist coming up on the riser a few times.
Finally, closing out this Saturday evening and the final herald-attended show of the year, the unrivaled balls-to-the-wall rocking from the trio known as THE GETMINES.
They are in the upper echelon of bands that can move the herald. The spinning, flailing, bouncing, and head banging are constant during their set. They frequently play three hard rocking, high-energy songs in quick succession, giving me no time to breathe, leading to a sweaty, drippy mess.
The consolation is the three of them, in their matching sequined blazers, are undoubtedly just as hot and sweaty.
The guitar and bass swapped for and the bassist ripped off a killer solo on the guitar. Fucking beautiful.
So much energy in that room, with the now sparse crowd burning all they had left in a God damn rocking good time.
He was very pleased with tonight’s offering.