In case there were any doubts, this particular Friday night was proof that the Carolina metal scene is alive and well in the Queen City. It was the debut show for local band Laniidae and metal fans turned out in droves to show their support. The event took place at Amos’ Southend, a staple of live music in Charlotte, and one venue that has survived the gentrification of the South End neighborhood that was once home to light industries and older homes and is now filled with new high rises, craft breweries, and restaurants. It’s a spot that many hold close to their hearts and simply no better place for what would be a metal showcase for the ages.
Kicking off the evening, by way of Gastonia, North Carolina, was Haymaker. A band that is “high energy, hard partiers, and good dudes” according to their social media. While I can’t personally attest to their partying ways, I can say that they are damn sure high energy as they simply tore up that stage from the moment they came out. With grooving riffs and pounding rhythms, Haymaker put in a rock solid performance. Led by lead vocalist Tyler Wright, the band had everyone on their feet for Haymaker classics like ‘White Claw’ and ‘5150’ and even brought out a friend to help out on a cover of Limp Bizkit’s ‘Break Stuff.’ They released a new album, ‘To Hell and Back’, last summer, which is available digitally so be sure to check it out.
The next band up is one that has been sorely missed in the local scene for the past few years but is back with a vengeance. I’m talking about Regions, and if you’re a fan that you have to be happier than a pig in well you know what that the hiatus is finally over. And if that weren’t enough, we have some new music from them as well with the upcoming release of the ‘Hostile‘ EP. The title track is out now and let me tell you, it’s a perfect description for what Regions is all about. The song is a banger for sure and when they hit the stage, the energy level ramped up. Lead vocalist Jesse Carolina was all over the place, spinning, and getting into it as a mosh pit tried to ramp up down in front but was quickly shut down by security. Sorry folks, this particular venue simply is not set up for that. If you like your metalcore hostile as hell, Regions is for you.
I was super excited for the next band to come because in all the shows I have been to over the years, I have never seen Fractured Frames live in concert. Let me tell you right now that it was worth the wait. The stage lights went dark and the four-piece metal unit from Asheville took control of the venue. With several LED light panels positioned around the drum kit, there was a unique ambience to their set that meshed well with their overall sound. Fractured Frames is super heavy but also pervades a certain mood, they’re a little “djenty” if you will and guitarist Zack Dufort is wildly talented. The band’s latest music video ‘Sandstone‘ is out now. Go ahead and give it a listen.
After a short break, the reason for the evening had finally arrived. We were all about to be crushed by the metal madness of Laniidae as they made their debut to a fired-up crowd. Since this was a long time coming, I was prepared for the band to be good, but I wasn’t expecting them to blow a hole sky high through the roof.
Laniidae is the real deal. They are everything that’s great about a metal band. Can we have some savage drums please? Check. What about punishing bass lines, the kind you feel deep down in your chest? Check. Nasty riffs and blistering guitars? Check. Merciless vocals? Check. You get the idea now right? Let’s through in some grooving beats and brutal breakdowns and you have the metal machine that is Laniidae. Led by frontman Chris Deitz, their set was epic in every way. Heads were banging and bodies were slamming and you can’t ask for anything better than that. Check out their latest single ‘Away‘ and revel in the glory that is Laniidae. You can thank me later.
- PHOTO CREDIT: All photos © fiascokris/ Über Rock. You can view of full gallery of photographs HERE.