Project Independent - Metal Feast
This past weekend October 11, 2009, I had the chance to attend the Project Independent “Metal Feast” here in Richmond Va. The event showcased ten of the best local bands the state has to offer, and as well as introducing my friends Not Liable.
Jeff and everyone at Project Independent did a great job of putting on a madhouse paced event. Last year's tour winners, Eminent, did an amazing job, showing just what hard work and focused vision represent when you set out to do a tour of this magnitude. The following is a breakdown of the participating bands and their performances. Remember, all of these guys have put a great deal of hard work into their performance and deserve credit for it. They are indeed the best in the area for 2009. Even though, there were a few last-minute cancellations, the show went off without a hitch.
Elisium - Fredericksburg, Va
These guys hit the stage first with energy and vigor showcasing some of the best talent of the day. Even though they went on first, they bused in some of their fans and had a great show. Easily the best band of the day, both in energy and unique sound. Their cover of “Safety Dance” just kicked ass. The DJ admits being a fan of the band, however they put on a stage show and set list the showcased their talent well, despite going on first.
The Omega Project - North Carolina
The second band on stage for the day, more like a jet engine than anything else. Aggressive and talented, but like several of the bands that day.
They had a hard core meets metal sound that didn’t really seem all that together as a band. Doing more of the standard jump around on stage and scream they didn’t really impress me as a band that had much in the way of originality. Putting on their best show but falling short of leaving a lasting mark.
Not Liable - Manassass, Va
This was thee band I was invited out to introduce onto stage. They performed well and are a very standard thrash metal sounding band. I give them a lot of credit for their message, and the fact they were more interested in helping the other bands do well than making it for themselves.
Their song in tribute to their singer/guitarist, Dave, who lost his mother to cancer showed that, even though they had a hard and heavy sound, they are mainstream and expected. Their lyrics had meaning.
Property - Stauton Va
Property was another run of the mill heavy band. They were very predictable in their sound and show. The most memorable part of the band was the fan on the singer/guitarist's hair.
Each song in their set blended together with the feel of being pummeled by the same song for 30 minutes. Even their cover was unmemorable. Musically, the band was tight and had great musicians. But, perhaps more work on song structure would have lent to a better show.
St. Diablo - Richmond Va
St. Diablo is made up of local boys and long time touring act. They put on the hardcore metal show they are known for. Rallying the crowd during their entire set, they put on a heavy, solid set with a lot of energy.
The band itself showed its long running performing skills right off the bat, proving that longevity of the band is not a fluke. They delivered a hard hitting mosh pit ruling set that had the club jumping and screaming for more. These guys are worth a look when they come to your town. You won’t be disappointed.
Eminent - Los Angeles, Ca
As last year's winning act, Eminent was the “Headliner” of the day. They hit the stage with a dual guitar-powered hammer that showed exactly why this band is the one on the tour. Melodic and heavy, they delivered a solid set, drawing in the crowd no matter what type of metal they preferred.
Time and again, they set down heavy guitar riffs mixed in with blast beats that would make Slayer proud. The singer’s vocals are not what one would expect, but were delivered power and skill that you would expect on a much larger stage. If they survive the frantic pace of the tour, I see good things coming for these guys.
Malthus - Chesapeak, Va
Not much can be said about Malthus. Their stage show was unimpressive and even their “look” was laughable. Their singer's facial expressions were highly amusing, and the guitarist’s use of the wireless to walk into the crowd was unique. While capable musicians, all of their songs lacked cutting edge of originality, creating a droning roar that lasted longer than I cared for.
Rust - Norfolk Va
Rust is another band that stood out in this event, but not so much for their tried and true hard rock sound. They were a nice break from the screaming of the day. These guys put on an expected 80’s metal show, proving they still could pull it off. Rust reminded me of the NWOBHM band Saxon in stage presence and sound. While they may have lacked in new music, their songs were tight and well written. They showed that, despite being a bit dated, there is new blood in this genre of metal.
Beneath the Surface - Richmond Va
A hit or miss type of Nu Metal band, Beneath The Surface hit the stage last and didn’t seem quite comfortable being there. These guys definitely were more of the miss type than hit. Bland and unoriginal, they did not seem to be ready for this level of event.
Their vocalist missed the mark several times, in spite of the musical skill of the band. They put on a predictable, bouncing and yelling stage show that seemed more fun to the people who had been there all day drinking. A disappointing end to a great show, these guys did very little to impress and probably should spend more time on writing and practicing than being out on stage.
All this being said, Project Independent is out there supporting the world wide metal scene! This was a worthwhile endevor put on for the benefit of unsigned and independent metal music world wide. Check out www.projectindependent.net for more information on this great concept and the bands and people behind it!
Starting December 1, voting begins for this year's two-month tour. Be sure to cast your vote, you could win some pretty great items! And if you have a chance to catch the local version of this show in your area, come on out and support it. Each night of this show features the best local bands, not just the ones reviewed here. So check them out and enjoy local music where ever you may be.
