After a four year absence (a handful of single releases aside), Pennsylvania-based Black Crown Initiate return with their third full-length release, Violent Portraits of Doomed Escape (Century Media). From black metal to progressive rock via blasts of technical death metal, BCI effortlessly combine a whole range of differing styles resulting in their most captivating and assured record to date.
With a lengthy and excitable queue having already formed well before the 7 pm opening time, you can already tell heading to Birmingham on a typically drizzly September evening is going to be well worth the effort. After disappearing for a few words with Rivers of Nihil drummer Jared Klein, I arrive back into the previously empty venue to find it heaving with activity. The bar area is already packed, beer flows freely and merchandise is being handed over at an impressive rate. Continue reading
Black Crown Initiate, photo by Danielle Fedorshik
“Tool and Meshuggah on the Lateralus tour. For me, this was a perfect lineup. No filler; just two bands that I love.”
“Meshuggah and Strapping Young Lad. Strapping Young Lad was opening for Meshuggah and touring for the SYL album. A great crowd crush with lots of booze.”
“Steven Wilson on the Raven that Refused to Sing tour. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more dynamic band. Marco Minnemann expanded and contracted the entire band at will. Guthrie Govan is probably the best modern electric guitarist. It ruled.”
Steven Wilson, by Melina D Photography
Black Crown Initiate just wrapped up touring with Deicide and is still supporting their release from earlier in 2015, Wreckage of the Stars (eOne).
