"If anyone is parked on the left side of the building, please move your car now or the neighbors will have them towed!"
Considering the stampede of concertgoers running outside following this statement from venue security, it was clear just how new of a venue Elite 23 is to the Connecticut metal scene. With many attendees noting earlier in the evening that this was their first time there, the buzz before doors opened was, parking matters aside, one of joy in seeing a new home for heavy music in the state.
Indeed, there was much to celebrate as Waterbury welcomed death metal legends Deicide on their Banished By Sin North American Tour. Joined by Krisiun, Inferi and Cloak, the Tampa titans came through in celebration of the album of the same name, which was released in late April.
Together, the four powerhouses delivered a night of intensity and brutality, which gave fans the chance to push the venue to its limits. "I want more metal shows here," remarked one fan shortly before joining one of many circle pits, "let's see if this place has what it takes to survive heavy shit!"
Still hot on the heels of last year's Black Flame Eternal, Atlanta based warriors Cloak have been hitting the road hard to spread their fast and fierce brand of black metal.
Having played neighboring New York several times since their formation in 2013, including last year's tour supporting Uada and Ghost Bath, this was the Georgian quartet's first visit to the Nutmeg State. ."
Delivering gothic influenced, gnashing riffs that are mandatory listening for fans of Dissection and
Satyricon, even those in the crowd less acquainted with black metal were impressed by songs such as "Ethereal Fire", "Seven Thunders" and "With Fury and Allegiance".
Logging yet another stellar tour under their studded belts, as well as an appearance at this year's Milwaukee Metal Fest in May, Cloak continues their darkened crusade while growing their legion of followers along the way.
With just a few months off the road since their run with Enterprise Earth, Nashville tech death sluggers Inferi returned to Connecticut to shred faces with a tour-de-force of blast beats, searing lead, and the roars of vocalist Stevie Boiser.
Though only the second time in the state, following a 2022 tour with Shadow of Intent, the band's nearly two decade long career made them a familiar name for those already acquainted, and a name commanding much respect among those just discovering them.
Charging through songs picked from three of their six albums, seven counting the Of Sunless Realms EP, the set also included the singles "Tainted Pact" and "Eyes of Boundless Black", both released last year.
Inciting the first movements in the moshpit of the night, Boiser remarked "these (performances) go by way too quick", as he continuously smiled at the ruckus growing throughout the room. With thunderous applause breaking out between each song and as the band said goodnight, Connecticut certainly looks forward to seeing Inferi come through again soon.
If one somehow had not heard their name before over thirty plus year legacy, the chants of 'KRI-SI-UN" ringing out in the audience made it clear that all in the room were in the presence of giants. Hailing from Brazil, brothers Alex, Max and Moyses comprise the trio known as Krisiun, who brought all out war to Waterbury.
Leading off with "Hatred Inherit" from 2000's Conquerors o Armageddon, those not caught in the circle pit put their necks to the test, headbanging during the set from start to finish.
With a stacked setlist spanning from 1995's Black Force Domain to 2022's Mortem Soils, each song served as a testament to death metal's history of relentless drums and bass backing tremendous guitar solos.
Having played many stages around the world many times larger that this one, vocalist/bassist Alex Carmago took every opportunity to thank the fans filling Elite 23. "Without you guys, we don't get to do this," he said over the continuous chants of the band's name from the crowd, "without you, there is no death metal, and we thank you for your love and support."
At thirteen albums, thirty five years and boasting two of the most iconic figures in death metal, Glen Benton, Steve Asheim and Deicide needed absolutely no introduction. Coming in with "When Satan Rules His World" and "Carnage in the Temple of the Damned", the sixteen song long set also featured classics "Dead By Dawn", "Once Upon the Cross" and "In Hell I Burn".
Touring in support of Banished By Sin, the first album to feature guitarist Taylor Nordberg who joined the band in 2022, a total of five new offerings hit the stage, including "Bury the Cross...With Your Christ", "Sever the Tongue". Given the response from fans new and old, these tracks are another set of devastating winners in the tombs of death metal.
With a roar still as mighty as ever, it was no wonder fans took every chance to let out a "DE-I-CIDE!" chant along with the occasional "Hell yeah, Glen!" throughout the performance.
Rounding out the set with fan favorites "They Are the Children of the Underworld" and "Scars of the Crucifix", the former graced by guitarist Kevin Quirion's lead work and the latter led off by Asheim's immense drum driver build up, jaws hit the floor as Nordberg flawlessly executed the late Ralph Santolla's head spinning guitar solo in closer "Homage For Satan".
"These guys terrified me when I discovered them as a kid in the 90s", noted a self-proclaimed 'senior headbanger', as the house lights came back on, "and they still scare me just the same!" This concept combined with genre defining music that shows no signs of stopping are just a couple of reasons why Connecticut now waits anxiously for the return of the great Deicide.
Ticket & photo pass courtesy of Adrenaline PR
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