Metal For Nepal Benefit Concert
As a person who has been a lifelong metalhead and a person that has worked in the non-profit world in the past, I find it strange when people are bemused to learn that people who love aggressive, heavy music also love helping people. When two devastating earthquakes struck Nepal and quickly turned entire communities upside down, a concerned crew of people stepped up and founded Metal For Nepal. They soon organized events all over the world, including one in Boston, MA. I was glad to contribute in any way I could personally and proud that so many people I know rallied around this show and this cause. (Editor’s Note: Ghost Cult participated in the planning of this event also helped run the show.)
On a sunny Saturday morning a bunch of folks from all walks of life, bands, fans, photographers, a crew camera and press people descended on The Middle East Nite Club in Cambridge, MA as we opened the sleepy club. Props go to the club and Erik Hansen of Wormwood Joint Booking. Slowly bands filled in and set up gear, volunteers set up tables with merch fans began to arrive for the show. Some fans were there early waiting for hours to get in, and it was odd to see battle vest wearing metallers hanging around the club in the bright of day. A few bands trooped in from Maine or Western Massachusetts. But by 1 PM bands were ready to take the stage, monies were being donated, merch was being sold, drinks were flowing and the crowd was joining in.
Along one side of the venue the bands set up some merch, as well as the main tables for the fundraising and raffle prizes. The early action was brisk where fans plunked down their cash to win cool stuff. Benefit organizers Kevin Brown and Kunjan Joshi were on hand to run the show, and Kunjan was selling the Metal For Nepal compilation CD at the show. Northeast Metal/Hardcore/Punk were on hand, volunteering their time to run the table. In addition to some of the bands playing that donated their own merch, labels such as Victory Records and Prosthetic donated signed items like posters and other stuff. Local Boston artists such as Mark Richards of Heavy Hand Illustrations and Michelle Duggan of Heatbeasts donated original artwork from the myriad of shows they’ve created posters for. Some bands even donated items from their personal collections, rare things they picked up over the years.
BruteMukti, by Meg Loyal Photography
And then it was time for the bands! BruteMukti kicked things off with a wild set led by front man Sanket Lama who leaped into the crowd sang from the mosh pit, waking everyone in the club up. This wasn’t going to be no Kumbaya singing, hand-holding event; this was a metal show dammit! Sonic Pulse took over next and played a raucous display of neo-thrash, youthful exuberance, and shred guitar goodness.
Sonic Pulse, by Meg Loyal Photography
Caricature, by Meg Loyal Photography
Next up was prog metallers Caricature, who triumphantly made their return to live action after nearly two years. Led by guitarist/vocalist Joseph Spiller (Aborted/System Divide, Last Chance To Reason) and a live lineup including Evan Sammons (Last Chance to Reason) the band tore through some classic material and news songs off of the just released Shadows Maxi-Single. It was great to see these guys in action. Metal Blade artists Native Construct were befouled by technical difficulties in the switchover between sets. This led to their 25 minute set being cut to 10, which was a shame. When they did get to play, the jammed their brand of genre-blurring, high-concept compositions that make up their début album Quiet World.
Native Construct, by Meg Loyal Photography
Obsidian Tongue, by Meg Loyal Photography
Obsidian Tongue, by Meg Loyal Photography
Closing out the show, Obsidian Tongue played their intensely emotional, well-crafted USBM songs. Although the room had many heads in attendance to see the headliner, the band made sure to remind everyone the purpose of the fundraiser, which was cool. Besides the enrapt fans, they captured the attention of every eyeball and earhole in the venue, leaving everyone raw and wanting more. We’re looking forward to their new album due out later this year!
All in all, it was great matinee metal show which raised funds for a great cause.
Information about donating to Metal For Nepal and the charities it supports.
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WORDS BY KEITH CHACHKES
PHOTOS BY MEG LOYAL PHOTOGRAPHY