Ya know, where do we even begin when talking about a metal show? A lot of people think of big and scary people covered in tattoos, colored hair, and black and spiky clothes. They're waiting for the scary riffs to come back and find someone to throw in the mosh pit while screaming along to lyrics talking about issues in the world that would leave your grandmother heading for church. While this may be true at certain shows, there is a whole other side that I think gets forgotten about.
Dark Angel took the stage in Dallas, TX, alongside Sacred Reich, Hirax, and Void, and I've never seen four groups leave a crowd with so many smiles and happy memories before. These four bands truly embodied the metal spirit while doing what they can to leave the world a better place.
Void came all the way from Lafayette, LA, to start this evening in Dallas on a good note. While this was my first time hearing of the band, they truly are a band with raw talent. In just a short time after forming, Void has become a force not to be trifled with in the thrash metal scene. Their modern take on a classic genre left the crowd inspired to mosh and headbang the night away. There are not many things I know, but I do know I need to experience a Void show again as soon as possible.
Hitting the stage next is a band that surely needs no introduction, as they have been helping lead the way for thrash and speed metal for over 40 years. Yes, I am talking about the almighty Hirax. Before I go into more details, let me just say this: I had no idea what to expect from Hirax, but I'm going to be sending them a bill for decimating my mind. With countless releases under their belt, the band continued to have the time of their life as they got to experience Dallas for the first time. You know that moment in a deathcore show when the band brings the riff back but slower? Hirax did that same thing with a riff but brought it back faster and faster as the crowd continued to mosh as hard as possible, catching vocalist Katon W. De Pena as he went to join the crowd for a quick surf session. There must be a reason why this band has been able to do this for so long, and that was made clear in Dallas, TX.
Talking about bands with decades of experience, I'd be a fool not to mention the impact that Sacred Reich had on not only the crowd but also the music world. Arguably leading the second wave of thrash metal, the band was nothing short of incredible as the chunkiest bass riffs, fast-paced and intense guitar riffs, and body-shaking drumming echoed across the venue. With each and every lyric sung by vocalist Phil Rind, you could only assume the crowd took it as a challenge to sing the lyrics back even louder. Nothing flashy. No sort of overcompensating. Just some pure, raw, intense, and real metal for the masses. How a band that talks and sings about things that bring sadness to your heart can also uplift a crowd to a feeling of fearlessness is a talent in and of itself.
Getting ready to close the night was the reason every fan in attendance came out. I'm talking about The L.A. Caffeine Machine. Yes. That's right. Dark Angel. As the band took to the stage in a sea of black and a sense of impending doom came from the speakers, all the members exploded into a barrage of intense progressive and technical thrash metal. Not a single person was still, as all you could see was an ocean of fans head-banging and rocking out to a spectacular display of musicianship. As vocalist Ron Rinehart took the stage to another roar of applause from the crowd, I looked around to see staff and fans alike having the time of their life. It's no wonder the band has been able to do this for over 40 years as well (yes, I know they had a few moments of not playing in that time, but too bad because I'm counting it). It wouldn't surprise me if there is a new wave of thrash metal bands coming from the DFW area due to this show, and we can all thank Dark Angel for that. With a long while until the Extinction Level Event comes to a close, get tickets while you still can!
