|
Cradle of Filth with Bleeding Through, Arch Enemy, and
Himsam
12-11-04
The House of Blues
This was my first time seeing a show at the new House
of Blues, so I figure I might as well share some impressions for those
wondering what it’s like. It’s not as big as I thought it would be for
starters. Although I imagine it has about the same capacity as The Odeon,
it’s divided into a stage level area and a balcony, so it feels smaller.
I’d say the stage is smaller than the Odeon’s, though. As expected, the
venue doesn’t have a whole lot of unique character. House of Blues is kind
of the McDonald’s of concert clubs. Or maybe that should read the
Applebee’s of concert clubs, since it’s got a semi-swanky vibe going on.
They had bathroom attendants on duty at a metal show, fer cryin’ out loud.
Bottom line: nice, but kind of generic. Now on to the show.
Himsa started things off with a set of undistinguished
hardcore/metal. The band was tight, the singer barked about as well as one
could expect, but nothing really stood out about this band to me. If you
were a fan, I’m sure you would have enjoyed their set. If, like me, you
came for Arch Enemy and Cradle, you probably would have been bored but not
overly annoyed.
Arch Enemy went on second, which seemed a bit odd to
me. I figured they had earned the next to last slot, especially considering
I’ve never even heard of Bleeding Through. Maybe I’m just out of the loop.
Anyway, Arch Enemy’s set was fantastic. Vocalist Angela Gossow has all the
metal front person moves down pat, and her vocals were strong throughout the
band’s set. The dual guitars of the Amott brothers are the real highlight
of this band as far as I’m concerned, though. The band played a 45 minute
set drawing mainly from their last two albums, including such favorites as
“The Enemy Within”, “We Will Rise”, and “Dead Eyes See No Future”.
As I mentioned, I’ve never heard of Bleeding Through
prior to this show. Their performance left me feeling like I haven’t really
missed out on anything. Like openers Himsa, they weren’t especially
terrible. Just not very interesting. No doubt the band’s fans were pleased
with the set, but I was just getting antsy.
Cradle of Filth had the honor of being introduced by
the grim reaper, who also doubled as a stage hand for the band. You know
you’re evil if the reaper is on your road crew. I’ve always enjoyed seeing
Cradle live (this was my fourth time), but in the past there were always
things lacking. Primarily, I’d never really heard the band with a good
mix. No such problems this time, though. The bass could have been a little
louder, but otherwise all the instruments came through at the right levels.
The set seemed to have been selected for better pacing this time around, as
well. The focus was on the band’s newest album, ‘Nymphetamine’, of course.
But there was at least one song from every proper album or ep the band has
released thus far. Rather than the complex theatrical production of their
last tour, aside from a few rear projected images Cradle more or less let
the music do the talking this time around. Highlights for me were “Cruelty
Brought Thee Orchids”, “The Promise of Fever”, and “Nymphetamine”. No doubt
having the same band together for about 3 years now (might be a CoF record)
has made a big difference. Cradle actually sounded tight for a change. All
in all, an excellent show if you’re a fan of the band. I wouldn’t be
surprised if they picked up some new followers, too. (Bob Ignizio)
 |
