08-05-2008 Napalm Death

Supports: Suffocation, Warbringer; Venue: Bibelot, Dordrecht (Netherlands)
By: Elvira Visser

The first band this evening was “Warbringer” from California, USA.
It was not very crowded and people were more or less just coming in. This band, however, did not mind that people were staying at the bar, and played. Finally, they attracted people towards the stage little by little here. They were a good band to start this evening. They play metal in an old school way. Their singer was quite funny in his white sneakers and I liked their performance.

Second band up this night was “Suffocation” from the USA. Their music is a mix of older styles of death metal fused with their technical and percussive skills. Quite brutal and very energetic. It got a lot more crowded and “Suffocation” knew how to make the people sweat and made them scream for Napalm Death. If you were not in the right mood they would definitely get you there. Not only the power from the music was creating this atmosphere but the energetic movements from Frank Mullen (singer) contributed as well. The band kept me captivated, throughout their set. Although the other members are quite sticking to their spot, the front man is moving from side to side and talking and interacting with the audience.

During the breaks it got very empty in front of the stage and very crowded at the bar. Many beers were ordered and slowly the guys were taking off their t-shirts. During “Suffocation” some people were already stretching their muscles and getting ready to go wild on “Napalm Death”. When they entered the stage is was not weird that the temperature in the venue had risen and the band was welcomed by an enthusiastic audience, but maybe a little demanding. But as soon as the guys from Napalm had played some songs it was clear that most people came here tonight to have a good time. The pit was very hectic, or so it seemed, but even I could manage to run through it. I wanted to see the band from the other side. Got some fists against my arms but they were quite friendly. ( I mean: I am a girl and it was between songs). The atmosphere was very friendly and all about having a good time. And I think the band had a good time as well. Shane Embury was smiling and showed he enjoyed playing. I must say that the band as well as Suffocation learned over time how to interact with the crowd and keep them captivated. Front man Mark Greenway is very energetic and does not stand still at all. Pure power coming off that stage, resulting in a more and more fanatic pit. Tonight was a brutal metal party with loads of energy, I think the bands satisfied their fans.

More pictures of this gig available at photographicretentions.nl

Links:
Warbringer MySpace
Suffocation Official
Napalm Death Official