The Carolina area’s favorite new-wave metal or nu-metalcore band, The Coursing, put on a metal showcase at The Neighborhood Theater highlighting some of the best local and regional talent out there. Since their establishment in 2018, The Coursing has been making their mark in the Southeast music scene. Led by vocalist Dillon Sheets, the band’s music is heavy and aggressive with emotional vocal stylings that reflect on the human condition from pain and suffering to love and happiness. Known for their epic live performances, magic was in the air as fans flocked to the iconic NODA venue for a night filled with the promise of something fantastic.
The night kicked off with a solid set from Asheville metal band Systematic Devastation. The first thing to notice is just how full and heavy they sounded with only a guitarist and drummer. Not many bands can accomplish such a brutalizing force with a five-piece, let alone only two so definite kudos are in order there. These guys go hard calling for a circle pit since tomorrow was Friday and nobody was going to work anyway. With songs like ‘Murderslime’ and ‘Nuclear Shroud,’ they got the action going early on and I was glad I got there early enough to check them out.
Greenville SC thrashers Black Market Currency were next to hit the stage. The three-piece band really reminded me of the glory days of thrash with punishing riffs combined with an unmistakable melodic edge. The guitarist joked that he felt a bit like he was at a junior high dance as he made small talk with the crowd warning us that he was a little high but not to worry because muscle memory would take over and guess what, it did! The band sounded flawless as they performed a set with songs that focused on conspiracy theories like cell phone tracking in ‘Machines’ and the state of things in America with ‘American Class Warfare.’ Since there were so many bands yet to come, their set was over too soon, even the band wanted to play just a few more but unfortunately, their time was up.
It’s not a secret that Asheville NC has a thriving music community so it made sense that another band from the area would be on the bill and that band was none other than Bleedseason. The band describes their sound as “Appalachian Horror Groove” and it’s a great combination of metalcore with influences that run the gamut from grunge to punk. It’s definitely music to move to and let me tell you right now, their live show will blow you away. The band is super tight and lead vocalist Elijah Wayne is “A-mazing!” With a painted face, he took us through all the highs and lows that live music brings. Some people are just born to perform, and Elijah Wayne will out-perform almost anyone. Their set had an energy and vibe that know no bounds with a feeling of positivity and coming together that only those that experience it can understand. Bleedseason is a must see live and with songs like “Nurture” and “Wtich Hunt,” their future looks very bright.
Making the trip all the way from Florida we now have Kill The Imposter tearing up the stage with a brutal onslaught of deathcore madness. With flashing strobes to accentuate the non-stop rage on the stage, Kill The Imposter came to put on a show and indeed they did. Their set was a definite banger, packed with the force of a thousand suns, they came, they conquered, and we were left picking up the savage bits of ourselves that were left. Add this one to your metal must-see list and check out their EP ‘The Pain Never Dies.’
After a short break, it was finally time for the reason for the evening as The Coursing was about to take things up another notch. A robed figure made his way on to the stage, pointing as a Grim Reaper would as each band member took their spot on stage, faces covered with makeup or a mask. The ritual was about to begin and when frontman Dillon Sheets made his way to center stage dressed in his signature hooded cloak, it was on. In a flash, the music was cranking and Dillon was all over the stage, singing, screaming, and writhing in a frenzy that could be felt down to the very bowels of Hell itself. Pointing at the crowd, his disciples obliged with metal horns up and the excitement could not be contained.
Guitarist Mike Malone was delivering blistering riffs and drummer Tyler Wooten was a force of raucous, thundering rhythms. A new member emerged on this night, making his live debut on the bass guitar, face covered with a white Kabuki style mask. Who was that masked man? Whether performing their breakout song ‘I Am The Cure’ or their latest single ‘Worthless,’ The Coursing delivers the goods. Sheets is not only a tremendous vocalist, but he is also a consummate showman. Not many can command a crowd the way that he does with a single look. His presence on stage is magnetic and you can’t help but be mesmerized by what is going on in front of your eyes. It was an amazing end to an outrageous and action-packed night of metal. If you never seen The Coursing, what are you waiting for. Get your ass to as show!
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