CONCERT REVIEW: Go Ahead and Die - Bodybox - Deep Within, Scoundrel and Cursed Live at Strummers

Strummers is a really chill and fun venue that’s hosted shows throughout the years, and I have always had the pleasure of seeing bands even as a fan. Located in the Tower District, where there are other places to go for music, bars, dining, or just walk around and enjoy the atmosphere and its beauty. Walking into Strummers through the bar area and into the show side, with lights dim low and only a bit of stage light for the upcoming bands to perform the night away.

Local band Cursed was first to open up on stage with their song “Blood Of The Water” as the vibrations of the bass and the thumping of the drums is felt near the stage through the speakers. A small circle pit formed of young people at the show towards the end of their set. Another local metal band that I finally got the chance to see, as they have been opening up for some big bands recently.

Scoundrel, also from Fresno with a good local fan base seeing a couple of fans up front singing to parts of their songs. Fresno continues to impress, seeing support for its local bands and feeling the beat of their Metalcore music. As they ended their performance with circle pits with their ending song “Skinwalker.”

Deep Within is a newly formed band from Los Angeles, being their second round of touring, recently got signed up with a French label. During sound check, the band was enjoying interactions with the crowd, all covered in clown makeup. Performing with some upbeat background music that feels like a trance, but still heavy. Towards the end of their last song, vocalist Matt Wiggins went into the pit last minute of their ending song as people gather around him.

Bodybox is a young band with extreme hardcore and just nonstop energy, with vocalist Harry Brown screaming with mic up close to his face. Great to see a show with a mixture of music in a tour, not knowing what you get, but still enjoying the music and performance with most of the fans just moving. Both the bassist and guitarist had serious looks on their faces as they performed, slamming away at fast-paced riffs. With drums up closer on stage, you could really feel it in the crowd .

Last up tonight, the majority of fans came to check out legendary Max Cavalera’s new band, Go Ahead And Die which has his son Igor Amadeus Cavalera on guitar and vocals. With fans pushing up close to the stage, phones out to record a song, with their first song being “Desert Carnage.” For sure, it was amazing to see a band that has family in it, and the unexpected style of heavy riffs with Punk! The monitors were all decorated with camo nets and figurines of bullets. Bassist Jackie Cruz was hard to not admire being a female playing onstage. As each member was being introduced, the excitement of locals to see their friend Johnny Valles on drums, to roaring of cheers and support. Surprisingly, it was a really great set, with Igor just making the show feel very personal, jamming out throughout the stage. As their last song of the night – “Drugocop” started, Max stepped out wearing a sheriff’s shirt and cowboy hat for the song. For being their first tour, this show was packed, which is always good to see locals showing up, since we rarely get a lot of shows.