Kreator, Obituary, and Midnight
Neptune Theatre, Seattle, WA
03.28.17

Running since 2012, this year’s Decibel Magazine Tour hit Seattle’s Neptune Theatre set to outdo past tours with seasoned death metal bands. Legions of loyal fans that came out to enjoy the intense lineup.

A unique 3-piece band from Cleveland, as Midnight took the stage, we had no idea what a treat we were about to behold. Dressed in all black, including a cloaked mask, they unleashed a crazy, energetic set that reminded me of old Venom and Motorhead sounds. They were a very energetic and fun band to watch, especially as they ended with their bassist smashing a donated bass into the crowd and then jumping in after it to crowd surf back to the stage.

Obituary brought their classic Florida death metal sound in support of their critically-acclaimed 2017 self-titled album. Hailed as pioneers of the Florida scene, they did not disappoint. The crowd and mosh pit went off as singer/founder John Tardy and his drummer brother Donald Tardy led the band through a brutal set. Guitarist Trevor Peres kept the riffs flying on stage right with hair flying everywhere, while stage left held towering bassist Terry Butler laying down the groove and killer solos from guitarist Ken Andrews.

It was so great to see that Obituary is finally getting the recognition they deserve and touring more since reforming after a 6-year hiatus. Their sound is so iconic, with songs like “Slowly We Rot” being death metal classics.

Kreator has consistently been one of the most recognized and revered German thrash metal bands since their formation in 1982. Touring in support of their newly released Gods Of Violence album, they showed the crowd that “Satan Is Real.”

Founding singer/guitarist Mille Petroza was on fire, spewing vocals at the violently moshing crowd, a huge circle pit engulfing the lower portion of the floor. Guitarist Sami Yli-Sirniö and bassist Christian “Speesy” Giesler crushed out riff after riff while Jürgen “Ventor” Reil laid down a thunderous beat. The huge backdrop of the new album art looked amazing with the strobing lights and smoke cannons going off on the stage. It made for a dynamic visual show to go with the brutality of the music.

One of the night’s highlights was “Flag Of Hate,” when Petroza addressed the crowd with the flag of Hate! The hate was strong with this Seattle crowd, the mosh pit never ceasing to amaze, as Kreator never disappoints live.

Review and photos by Neil Lim Sang

Kreator

Obituary

Midnight