Lloth73's blog: "The Pound San Francisco2004"

You know there can be interesting things you see on the way to a show; however, most of our trip was uneventful coming out of Winton to San Francisco. Nevertheless, this was something ironic and I felt I had to mention it because it has happened to me on more than one occasion. I feel it is now a sign as to how my evening will go. Often I watch the cars and their passengers as we are driving down the freeway and this was the third time I have seen clowns in a vehicle as we were driving by and on our way out of town. Just thought that was interesting and would share it with everyone else. We arrived at The Pound and there was already a line of people waiting to get in and to soon be engulfed by surgical die-sections, Demonic and Horrid creatures with flaming axes of destruction and entrancing melodies which must have been written by the Lord Of Darkness himself. Sound check was going on and people were conversing in line as to how long they have been fans and what brought them to this nights event. There was much anticipation and excitement as some were just fans and there were many waiting to do reviews and interviews. So on with the show...

First up was “Impaled” after hearing many of their mp3’s on the internet, I was already looking forward to hearing them play, but live did way more astonish me. Very powerful lyrics and nothing less than amazing guitar riffs, diabolical speed and rhythm on bass and drums, I was very entertained. They happened to announce their medical theme as they are real Dr.’s and shared a can of the Ebola Virus with the crowd just before Ross proceeded to set his bass on fire and blow a flaming ball at the crowd in introduction to their song “Back to the Grave” off the album “The Dead Shall Dead Remain”. I must say these guy’s really know how to burst the blood from your veins and get the adrenaline pumping.

"Vehemence" was next on the bill and opened up with thrash style riffs and hypnotic melodies. Their song “Kill for God” dedicated to the “Suicide Bombers from Iraq” was harmonious yet very brutal. I must say each song differed in sound and that made for a remarkable range. I was filled with anticipation of what song would be played next and was very pleased at the change in style’s as each song progressed. I found their music to be very rhythmic, moving and cruelly hypnotic piercing deep into your soul. I can hardly wait to check in to another entrancing session with these harbingers of truth and mayhem again.

"Akercocke" entered the stage with an ominously bestial presence. This band hails from Great Britain, clad in pallbearer style suits and hell bent on spreading their satanic word through their latest release signed under Earache Records "Choronzon".I was in a state of awe by the extreme drive of their deep abrasive vocals, hard-hitting, furiously driving drums and throat gripping guitar riffs. A unique black metal barrage of eerie and haunting chorus’s and organ style keyboards backed a voice that could only have been a true possession taking place on that very stage by Satan himself and assisted Akercocke’s front-man Jason Mendonca. I had to visit their website when I got home and I had a pleasantly warm feeling wash over me, when I looked over to see my children’s ears were bleeding while trying to do their homework, as I am playing mp3’s in the background right now.

Finishing off the night was “Mortician” who emerged from the shadows of the stage. With mind numbing guitar riffs and slamming drumbeats, they enthralled the intensely gruesome pit before them. I enjoyed the intros they played going into each song that were horrifying and chilling. Their rumbling vocals gave me feelings of shards black ice running my spine. I must say these guys did not lack in the area of stage presence either as the look of them alone I found intimidating. I was pleased to have my soul corrupted even more by this band and will make sure to check them out further.

When I had arrived at “The Pound”, I was not sure what to expect this being my first time there. I would definitely classify this a death metal worthy venue with their caged in setting and the dark aura that surrounds the place. I was amazed at the size of the crowd and look forward to my next visit. I will just make sure to bring certain necessities with me such as hand soap, paper towels and toilet paper. I enjoyed getting to talk to a few different people such as Ross from Impaled and hearing the story of the cookie incident in Las Vegas, and how “Noctuary” pissed on them then talking with John from Vehemence. These are some cool people and I will enjoy watching them play again. I was very pleased to see a nice sized mosh pit as most the places closer to my home encourage the no moshing policy and was not inhibited when taking pics and stepping a little too close to it myself sorry to the couple of guys I shoved back in and poked them with my spikes oops. I just hope it is not too long before I can make my way back there for another show.