Hellbound Staff Interrogations #15: Rob Hughes
Today’s staff interview is with Vancouver based writer Rob Hughes
Vancouver
Sepultura @ Vogue Theatre, Vancouver BC, May 31, 2011
Sepultura, celebrating their 27th year as a band in 2011, are still in fine, fine form. Derrick Green is an engaging frontman, bantering with the crowd between every song, and absolutely tearing the place up vocally. Drummer Jean Dolabella is a powerhouse, and the best compliment I can give him is that all of the classic Sepultura songs (let’s face it, the drums were always Sepultura’s signature) sounded exactly the way they were supposed to. Paulo, Jr? Well, Paulo’s bottom-end keeps it all in place – he doesn’t move around or interact with the crowd so much, but as the oldest-serving member of Sepultura at this point, he doesn’t have to. And Andreas’ guitar riffs were monstrous and legendary, he too kept the crowd engaged and roaring.
Kyle Harcott reviews the May 31st appearance by Sepultura at Vancouver’s Vogue Theatre. Live photos by Ted Reckoning.
Baptists—s/t 7-inch
Captured by Stuart McKillop and Jesse Carr at The Hive Creative Labs, Baptists have arrived hitting fast and hard. It’s a little cruel that four songs are all we get, but as a way of documenting the band’s formidable power at this early stage, the 7-inch is the perfect delivery method.
Powerchord 25th Anniversary with WOODS OF YPRES and the Powerchord bands!
“Woods of Ypres took to the stage about eleven, instantly at home on the Rickshaw’s roomy stage. From the opening rooooaaaaarrr of ‘The Sea of Immeasurable Loss’, it was evident that this was an even stronger band than the already-way-impressive unit I saw last year.”
Kyle Harcott reviews the 25th anniversary party for Vancouver’s Powerchord radio show on CITR, which featured Woods of Ypres, Titan’s Eve and more at the Rickshaw Theatre. Concert photography by Ted Reckoning.
Unleash The Archers – Demons of the AstroWaste
On Demons of the AstroWaste, Unleash the Archers sound like veterans of the scene and turn in a, ahem, stellar performance. This album is a nerd’s delight in more ways than one and may very well be an album of the year contender on many lists!
CAULDRON / HOLY GRAIL / ENTROPIA / BLACK WIZARD @ The Media Club, Vancouver BC, April 19, 2011
“Opening with the mighty ‘All Or Nothing’, Cauldron were in fine form as expected, their brand of Banzai-worshipping eighties metal as good live as on tape. Say all you want about Canada and power trios, but damn, Cauldron have it down pat, the three of them playing off each other like old pros, Decay and Chains even getting into vaguely-choreographed guitar mimics at one point.”
Kyle Harcott reviews the April 19th Vancouver performance by CAULDRON, HOLY GRAIL, ENTROPIA & BLACK WIZARD at the Media Club. Concert photography by Ted Reckoning
Motörhead/ Clutch @ Vogue Theater, Vancouver BC, February 7, 2011
“There’s nothing like the rush of adrenaline at a Motörhead show, and from my vantage point at the back of the room, watching the packed floor go off was half the fun. As soon as the song finishes, there’s barely a second’s respite, then Mikkey Dee’s giant fill tears open “Stay Clean” and the entire theater roars for the perennial classic. Thirty-two years on and the song still packs a punch. Motörhead Forever.”
Kyle Harcott reviews the February 7th show by Motörhead and Clutch at the Vogue Theater in Vancouver, BC.
Wolves in the Throne Room / Ahna / Gyibaaw / Sick @ Rickshaw Theatre, Vancouver BC, January 6, 2011
“Nathan Weaver began by briefly thanking the crowd for coming and admonishing them to please refrain from flash photography, and also from moshing – something the majority in attendance seemed to appreciate. This band and all their trappings are an experience in the live setting, and the mood the stage sets seems as important and intricate as the music – taking your eyes off of them to smash into each other seems to miss the point – or maybe they just think moshing is stupid.”
Kyle Harcott caught the recent performance from Wolves in the Throne Room at their Vancouver, BC stop.
Hellbound.ca’s Events Of The Year
One of the things we polled our writers on was to tell us what their Event of The Year was for 2010. Here is what they have sent us in response…
Killing Joke / Cowards @ Venue, Vancouver BC, December 14, 2010
“Everyone roared for “Wardance” too, but Coleman’s conspiratorial microchipping/overpopulation banter between songs seemed lost on the Vancouver crowd just there to hear the old tunes – in fact, the majority present seemed interested in ONLY hearing the old songs. When the band launched into the title track (and other songs from the brilliant new record), the response was lukewarm – nowhere near as raucous as the early-‘80s tracks garnered. This isn’t a surprise in itself, but then again, Killing Joke is hardly a nostalgia novelty act.”
Kyle Harcott reviews the December 14th performance by KILLING JOKE at Vancouver’s Venue. Concert photography by Ted Wilson.