AUGUST 5th 2012
ANVIL/TITANS EVE
Review By: Metal Mom
Photos By: Char Tupper
http://www.metaltitans.com/2012-concert-pics/anvil-guests/
The date, August 5th, and the place, Rickshaw Theatre, and tonight was SOLD OUT, this took place on an extremely hot night in Vancouver, some complained of the heat, but guessing that more drinks were sold. This was definitely the show to see, as I found out. Let me tell you about it.
First was DEAD ASYLUM, and they originate out of Vancouver, sometimes it amazes me that there are bands in Vancouver, that are good, and I haven’t seen them before, especially with all the shows I attend. Dead Asylum have only been around since near the end of 2011. I can see them going places, they also executed a fantastic set, you cant go wrong with a death/thrash band and especially when you see the drummer being a girl, sorry, but I thought, well guess it wont be too heavy a set, wrong, Samantha can blast those drums, and she does it effortlessly. The crowd seemed to fill the floor even more, enjoying the brutal riffs, the harsh vocals, the drum blast making it one great experience.
Then next, was SKULLHAMMER, oh sorry, name changed to TERRIFIER in June of this year, as Skullhammer was already in use. For an opening band, these guys had it all together, and did an excellent job of performing, they are a trash band out of Kelowna. Terrifier was something everyone was enjoying , the floor was filled up , a small mosh pit happened, and seemed everyone was head banging with enthusiasm. They also played a good length of time, a little longer than most openers, fine by me, they were good.
TITANS EVE, who hasn’t heard of this band, most of us from the Vancouver area know this name well, they continuously play shows, keeping themselves in the eye of the fans. They have improved by leaps and bounds since the last time I saw them. This band is metal, make no mistake, and they showed their true metal colours on stage tonight. Each and every one of the guys played aggressively and hammered out their songs for all to enjoy. They work hard and it shows. I am sure that with all the hard work we shall see much more of TITANS EVE in the future, and it always so nice to see one of our locals bands succeeding in what they love.
Now next, is the almighty Canadian metal band ANVIL, who have been around since 1978, before many of the fans tonight were even born. But looking around the floor, a “Sold Out” floor, there were young fans, and older ones who have followed since the beginning. Each and every person in that building was enjoying these 3 metal men to the fullest. I am ashamed to say, I had heard of ANVIL, but never before had seen them play live, and let me tell you, that will change, when they come to town, I will be there. This is the kind of music I enjoy thoroughly, that steady beat, and just that feeling of you want to move, you can’t just stand there. For only being 3 members, vocalist Steve “Lips” Kudlow, drummer Robb Reiner, and newcomer Sal Italiano, they have their thrash heavy metal/speed down to perfection. There was just so much energy in that room, from the stage down to the fans, it was all moving, people singing along, just an all around fantastic experience. Even a spelling lesson was given by Lips, spell Canada he says…C (eh) N (eh) D (eh), everyone enjoyed the humour in that, after all we are Canadian eh? They also did a tribute to Ronnie James Dio, and he told the fans a story of meeting him again after 25 years, and how great Ronnie was. And of course there was some special playing of his guitar, (wink) (wink), he brings a sex toy along to use instead of a guitar pic. (Maybe that’s why it was an 19+ show, lol) There was a lot of fantastic things that happened on stage, including a drum solo by Robb, none stop , a variety of drum blasts, a showcase of the talent behind the man and his drums. The performance of ANVIL was a true testament to them being in the forefront of heavy metal, and lasting for 30 years.
