DEVASTATION ON THE NATION 2018:  Day 1 of the Bay Area Death Fest crushes OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA

June 8th, 2018

    Despite not having the luxury that Europe, and other countries have of witnessing the greatest Metal festivals:  Wacken Open Air, Hellfest, Brutal Assault, Inferno, and so much more; North America is still fortunate enough to see some quality festivals.  Summer Slaughter, Mayhem Festival, Ozzfest, Knotfest, California Metal Fest, there are indeed many to see when they come around.  But one I would considered to have been underrated for the past couple of years:  Devastation on the Nation.  A fantastic 8-10 various Death Metal bands of all kinds, ranging from Cryptopsy, Decrepit Birth, Krisiun, Origin, Aeon; bands that can, and have, make their own tours anytime they wish.  This year, Belgian Death Metal gore extraordinaires Aborted and the veteran wizards from Tasmania, Australia, Psycroptic, took the roles of headliner and main support for this most exquisite extreme Metal tour.  Seven other bands would be also on this tour, and playing tonight at The Cornerstone Brewing Company in Oakland, California, for Day 1 of the Bay Area Death Fest.  I had some plans with one of my good friend's birthday, so I traveled for this anticipated event, and absolutely was worth the entire trip.

     Doors would open at 5 PM, although there was some confusion on where the entrance to the music venue was.  The venue was gorgeous, with well over 30 quality craft beers to choose from, an outside patio with shade, tables and lots of room to chat and drink.  To the left of the brewery side, was the music venue.  Because I found out later that the entrance to the music venue was on the other side of the brewery, I unfortunately missed most of Accidentally Murdered, a Grindcore band from Stockton, maybe 20-30 minutes away from Oakland.  Based off the rest of the lineup, I can only imagine the band received lots of praise and applause from those in attendance.
    
    And waiting for Signs of the Swarm to finish set up, I noticed how packed the venue was already.  Bar in the back was full, fans checking out the merchandise, it was a sight for sore eyes, and reconfirmed my initial thoughts of the Metal scene in Northern California.  Signs of the Swarm made quite an impression on this Oakland crowd, starting right away with some Brutal Slam Metal, with headbanging and bopping heads seen all around.  Fans of Devourment and Dying Fetus would be so proud, there was no shortage of bass thumping riffs and powerful breakdowns.  CJ McCreery's pummeling gurgling vocals were legit, and his energy grew every minute he jumped off the stage to sing with the eager crowd.  Props to The Cornerstone Brewing Company for an outstanding PA system, as I could hear every crunchy slam riff from guitarists Cory Smarsh and Jacob Toy.  Although their heavy Deathcore sound resonated quite well in the room, their 20 minute set was just right.  I can only take those type of riffs and breakdowns, but Signs of the Swarm was a pleasing and most bright spot opening this show.

     A little more my speed, Vale of Pnath graced the stage, with more of a Technical Death Metal style I enjoy.  The chord progression varied constantly, with dissonant appregios and looping tapping riffs, adding some short breakdowns throughout.  The guitar work was tasteful, darkened, and enabled the fans to appreciate their accelerated Death Metal sound.  "Skin Turned Soil", one of their newer songs not on album quite yet, showed off the talents of Harrison Patuto and Vance Valenzuela, taking turns wowing the audience with their guitar skills and songwriting ability.  Most of the bands tonight would be playing under 30 minutes, and if you enjoyed any band particularly, it would soften the impact as it left you wanting for more.  On the flip side, the 20 minute sets also felt fresh and not too longing on impact and familiarity.  Denver's own Vale of Pnath put on a show, and despite this show being their last for the tour, the audience reached for the stage to thank the band for an energy filled set.

Vale of Pnath setlist:
1.  The Serpent's Lair
2.  Time of Reckoning
3.  Skin Turned Soil (New Song)
4.  The Darkest Gate (New Song)
5.  Heart of Darkness

     Most of the bands were not local, and coming from perhaps one of the furthest locations in South Wales, United Kingdom, Death Metal/Hardcore group Venom Prison did not come just for the North America sights and landmarks, they came to pulverize every venue on this tour, and they left quite a devastating blow to this venue tonight. What I especially enjoyed from the band was their blitz-like captivation in every style they played.  Grindcore bits, Death Metal pieces, Deathcore moments, all waved into this chaotic pace that formed the very first mosh pit of the evening.  I can hear Napalm Death listening to this and giving their seal of approval.  "Desecration of Human Privilege" roars through the air, deafening the listener with a two minute song length that explodes as soon as it begins.  I vastly loved their fury and frenetic energy.  Vocalist Larissa Stupar was electric in her growling delivery and spontaneous movement on the stage, leaving any silent movement to complete waste. Her menacing nature and passion onstage melted the crowd right in her hand.  "Corrode the Black Sun" highlighted Venom Prison's superb set with a short chance to catch your breath at the end of the song, with clean melodies foretelling the tale of the assault laid upon everyone in attendance.  Mike Jefferies crushing bass tone was truly harmonious, leaving every passage with sudden impact and ringing the ears for days.  Fans were mesmerized by Venom Prison's talent and energy, with many going to their merch booth throughout the night.  Only active for roughly four years, Venom Prison's first North America apperance was not wasted, and excited for their next and eventual visit. 

Venom Prison setlist:
1.  Syllogism
2.  Abysmal Agony
3.  Babylon the Whore
4.  Descration of Human Privilege
5.  Corrode the Black Sun
6.  Devoid
7.  Perpertrator Emasculation
8.  The Primal Chaos

     As the crowd filled the room even greater, Arkaik were up next, with a good amount of Arkaik shirts in the audience, their apperance was sought and anticipated.  Technical Death Metal with lots of short burst solos and constant staccato riffing, the band easily kept the pit flowing.  What actually stood out for me was the Bass slapping style of Riley Christensen.  It punctuated throughout the set, giving each song a unique rhythm and beat.  "Occultivation" was a prime example of said example, as the rhythm riffs during the solos gave those moments further anticipation and music character.  The musicianship all around was fantastic, and Arkaik couldn't stop smiling onstage watching the pit form in great numbers.  Arkaik was on point during their short, but memorable set.  No wankery to be found in this Tech-Death group, give Arkaik your time and attention.

Arkaik setlist:
1.  Metamorphignition
2.  From the Void
3.  Occultivation
4.  Awaken the I
5.  Temple Aflame

     Crushing all the way from Brisbane, Australia, Disentomb gave the crowd one of the best performances of the night.  No nonsense Brutal Death Metal, Disentomb's suffocating tone and relentless brutality had the crowd eating every portion and bite.  Jordan James's frontman abilities were fantastic and full of glow, a much to Barney Greenway of Napalm Death; his movement was just as swift as the band's overall pace.  His growling was stupendous, easily one of the best vocalists tonight.  Disentomb's sound was dirty, grueling, and unmerciful.  Yet, the sound production was crystal, and not taking anything from their signature, only highlighting it beautifully.  By far tonight, the mosh pit was the most active during their set, especially during to "Vultures Descend" and the booming breakdown that tested the limits of the PA system and speakers.  A healthy addition to Brutal Death Metal, Disentomb bossed around and took no prisoners tonight.  Do not miss this band.    

Disentomb setlist:
1.  The Promethean Altar
2.  Cystic Secretion
3.  An Edifice of Archbestial Impurity
4.  Abominations Created Through Divinity
5.  Chthonic Gateways
6.  New Song
7.  Pyres Built from Their Severed Wings
8.  Vultures Descend

     As the evening ever so progressed, and the music venue of Cornerstone Brewery heavily packed and eager for the rest of the bands, Ingested took to the stage, but with a slight twist.  Taking over vocals for this tour, would be none other than former Skinless and current Origin frontman Jason Keyser.  Haven't hearing Ingested beforehand, I wouldn't have noticed that their singer Jay Evans wasn't present, Jason knew all the lyrics as if he was rehearsing with Ingested the whole time. Playing off their latest album, The Level Above Human,  "Better Off Dead" started off slow and slowly boiling to their brutal crescendo of rocking Death Metal, crushing the audience with a blend of engulfing breakdowns and tremolo picking to nod all of the heads.  Jason's onstage banter and activity certainly added to that, with the Wall of Death, each side coming to a blistering middle of bodies flying and a vicious circle of joyful Metal fans.  Drummer Lyn Jeffs was utterly sensational, providing every bit of violence into each drum attack and bass drum assault.  Their set went by quickly, as everyone was already settled and comfortable in this beautiful Metal space.  Ingested's latest album reached the Top 200 on the Billboard charts, and this performance speaks for that and their future here in the states.

Ingested setlist:
1.  Purveyors of Truth
2.  The Divine Right of Kings
3.  Narcissistic Apathy
4.  Better off Dead
5.  Skinned and Fucked
6.  Invidious

     Anticipation, anxiousness and awaiting, were all of my emotions and most of the crowd for Psycroptic during the end of their set up.  It's been three years since their last North American tour, and eight years since their previous tour before that.  Needless to say, they don't tour too often here, so their performances are already worth even more then they already are.  The crowd, more than warmed up hours ago, chanting "Psycroptic!"  The intro sample to "Euphorinasia" riling up the audience, and as soon as the music exploded, chaos ensued.  Vocalist Jason Peppiatt enraged on stage, screaming, and lightning bolting his way throughout the set, whether getting the fans involved, giving every fiber in his body to belt each word and lyric, truly has made the frontman role a prominent priority in Psycroptic, and has certainly evolved his style over the years truly. Dave Haley's outstanding drumming technique can be heard in the opening moments of "Ob(Servant)", the wicked speed displayed throughout, left no one able to gasp for a breath of air.  The sonic precision, tenacity and technique was incredibly present in this band, a band I've heard 15 years ago, during their release of their magnum opus, "Scepter of the Ancients."  Nostalgia, memory, emotion, and my ever growing desire to learn about Metal, had me appreciating them more than ever before.   And with that being said...
    

     The golden highlight of Psycroptic's set, and for the entire show and evening:  Guitarist Joe Haley.  Even reminiscing through the music and captivation of his ability, leaves me in chilling goosebumps.  It's truly rare to see such bonafide technique, with an impeccable understanding of music theory, subtle notes and harmonies, riffs upon the thousands, characterized into this spiderweb of melody, technicality and wonder.  Hearing "The Colour of Sleep" being introduced by Jason Keyser onstage after members of Aborted and other bands tonight sang happy birthday to Peppiatt, brought a mesmerizing feeling down my spine.  Not only seeing any song played from "Scepter of the Ancients", but remembering where I was hearing this record, and now seeing the main contributor, songwriter and riff master Joe Haley perform this track effortlessly, was an emotion and memory that will stay in my heart for years and years to come.
     

     Bassist Todd Stern stayed in the corner quietly, yet rocked away with the rest of the band, letting his axe speak for him.  The bass volume was higher than I expected, giving a nice rhythm to Joe Haley's riff extravaganza.  I saw many in the crowd anticipate Psycroptic's arrival, and others who just had heard their music for the first time.  It was an unbelievable experience to witness them again.  Tasmania, Australia are quite lucky to have them, and for yours truly, they were the highlight of the entire night. 

Psycroptic setlist:
1.  Euphorinasia
2.  The World Discarded
3.  Carriers of the Plague
4.  Forward to Submission
5.  Cold
6.  Ob(Servant)
7.  Echoes To Come
8.  The Colour of Sleep
9.  Ending
10.  Initiate

     Not to be outdone by Psycroptic, the last band on the Devastation on the Nation tour, and this also being Day 1 of the Bay Area Death Fest, Aborted had something to say in the form of insane Brutal Death Metal.  Aborted's long history in the scene did not go unnoticed, with the mosh pit active during their entire set.  Also included in their long history, the band played three songs off of to what I believe their greatest work, 2003's "Goremageddon:  The Saw and the Carnage Done".  "Meticulous Invagination" and "Parasitic Flesh Resection" back to back, as played on the album, was a tremendous assault that had fans jumping on stage and crowd surfing to their utmost delight. 23 years going strong, the only remaining original member Sven de Caluwe, known for his spectacular guttural vocal range, and ridiculous energy onstage, kept it going throughout their entire set.  One of many aspects I truly enjoy from Aborted, is their Hardcore Metal energy onstage, at the same time playing Brutal Death Metal.  The crowd eats it all up,  the breakdowns acquire this sensational pummeling beat, and the energy can be felt and seen all throughout the venue.  "The Saw and the Carnage Done" summarized Aborted's compelling 60 minute set:  Carnage, no pun intended, heavy riffing, Sven's insane gurgel attack, and an uncompromising, slow death inducing breakdown at the end of the song, in which the audience couldn't contain themselves.  Although Psycroptic stole the show for me, Aborted was only a few hairs behind, and still put on a most stellar, and classic performance.

     Devastation on the Nation 2018 was a huge success:  Taking place at the stellar Cornerstone Brewing Company, excellent capacity of fans and their passion in attendance, and a collective group of talented and enjoyable extreme Metal bands on the stage, you couldn't ask for anything better.  This tour will take place for another few weeks.  For the quality and quantity of bands, attend this tour, and enrage your most Metal spirit within.

Aborted setlist:
1.  Divine Impediment
2.  Cadaverous Banquet
3.  Meticulous Invagination
4.  Parasitic Flesh Resection
5.  Necrotic Manifesto
6.  Hecatomb
7.  Termination Redux
8.  Expurgation Euphoria
9.  Bit by Bit
10.  Retrogore
11.  Bathos
12.  Threading on Vermillion Deception
13.  The Saw and the Carnage Done
14.  The Origin of Disease