I haven’t been to a show downstairs at The Middle East since 2014 when Septicflesh and Fleshgod Apocalypse tour together for the Conquerors of the World Tour, so needless to say, this was both an exciting and nostalgic night. Dragon plated shoulder armor, Dungeons and Dragons lore discussions, and a theory about a giant tortoise God that will take over the universe alongside Cthulhu fill the air with anticipation for the first band to take the stage.
Seven Kingdoms, hailing from Florida, took the stage first and they set the tone for the night right from the jump. Soaring guitar work from both Canmden Cruz and Kevin Byrd, thunderous drumming from Kevin’s brother Keith, a bass tone that held it all together from Aaron Sluss, and a voice from another dimension from Sabrina Valentine. This group flew through a quick, but enthralling setlist complete with glow sticks, hamburgers, and circle pits.
Next up was a group that I’d only heard about here and there, Æther Realm. A friend of mine who was also at the show described them as “redneck Wintersun”, which honestly is a great description. As vocalist and bassist Vincent Jones came on stage and challenged the audience if they could handle his legs being exposed for the night and yelled out “Are you guys ready for some fucking country fried North Carolina party metal?!”, I could tell I was going to be in for a hell of an experience. And they did not disappoint in the least. Fast, thrashy songs. Death metal fantasy songs. A couple of 80’s covers and a surprise appearance from Sabrina of Seven Kingdoms for a few songs. A one point, Vincent asked the audience if they were ready for another “down home thrasher” and the crowd yelled, Vincent yelled back “Well too fucking bad, this is a sad song!!” Truly this band is just up there having fun and you can tell with every song they play.
Finally, Unleash the Archers takes the stage to an absolutely monstrous crowd roaring for riffs. Powering through an insanely dense and powerful setlist spanning their entire discography. More glow sticks flying around the entire room making it more of a power metal rave, now with lightsabers being drawn and used. Brittney Slayes (vocals) pulling out a lightsaber and dueling with audience members as crowd surfers flew towards the stage. This was also the first show for the band after the announcement that Nick Miller was no longer their touring bassist, but now a permanent member of the band’s rooster, so he was flying high and full of energy. As was the rest of the band, which was to be expected. They kept going and going for a full 2 hour long set, making for one long but very much worthwhile night in Boston. Closing out the night with “The Wind That Shapes the Land” and “Afterlife” with an encore performance of “Carry the Flame”, it was an absolute treat and pleasure to finally get a chance to see Unleash the Archers live. Do yourself a favor and go see them if you get the chance, I have no doubts they will be the next biggest band in the metal world shortly enough, no doubt in my mind.
Until next time. Peace and chicken grease, y’all…
Smallz, signing off!
WORDS AND PHOTOS BY CHRIS SMALL