Holy Mountain, Shred the Past, Learn, Black Spot
@AS220 in Providence, RI
April 3, 2006

I had looked forward to going to this show for a little bit because, my friends bands were playing, in which I have not seen in quite some time. This was also my first time seeing Black Spot which featured my favorite coffee lovin' bro, Shane-O-Mac (Not Shane McMahon). They were kinda rock n' rollish to me, in a Social Distortion way but don't go expecting it to sound like that. It's more hardcore early to mid 80's style. Shane used to sing for Police Beat which was a fast early 80's feel, like SSD (even the band name is an SSD song title!) and i feel like its 1985. Police Beat broke up 2-3 years ago which would make it 1982. This band wasn't fast like Police Beat hence the rock n' roll reference. In some weird way, they reminded me of None More Black but then again, I do not know anything about music. I like it.

The last time I saw Learn play was in August 2005, so I was prepared to hear some new musical stylings from these local gents. They only played one old song which I admit, was sort of a let down but the new songs totally made up for it and made the older songs look like Paris Hilton's raggedy ass. Yuck. I was impressed of how this much this band has transformed musically. It's more emotional. More powerful sounding. I hear more heart and soul. Blew my mind like a blowjob/eat out from (insert fantasy dream boy/girl here). Malfunction picked these guys up so check them out if you call yourself a Rhode Island music supporter. Then again, don't because you want to hear what everyone else is listening to. Just check them out. There's more to Rhode Island, dear reader.

Shred The Past played shreddingly as usual with their thrashy speed metal hardcore with Dave's absolutely insane voice. They played most of their first demo material but did not play the song I wanted to hear. It's only 36 seconds guys; what in tarnation. But then again, like Learn, their new songs have progressed into a more speedy metal atmosphere. Solo-rama from Meaty McPaul and bass-o-rama from our friend, Raab 900. I have to say their drummer Ryan is an absolutely insane drummer. He is out of his gourd. He hits his drums so hard, you can hear it from Broadway (the street in Providence, not New York-ed). They closed with "Creeping Death" by Metallica, which, naturally no one knew. Either people don't care or they are missing out on the Ride The Lightning cd. I am looking forward to their recording as well as Learn's because they are overdue for a release. Meaty McPaul is the axeplayer for both bands. Just an interesting fact. Make RI proud good sirs.

I was really lookng forward to rock on with the headliners from Tampa, Florida. On No Idea Records, which has some of the absolute most EPIC releases ever, The Holy Mountain which consists of fellers from yadda yadda yadda. Feller from Learn, Mr. Magma, said that when he saw these men play at a basement show in which Learn played as well, he was blown away in a jaw dropping motion. He said "Holy shit, these guys are better than Tragedy." I beg to differ. They are somewhat similiar but damn, The Holy Mountain is more straight forward and groove laden in a heavy way. I hear some melodies and solo's too. I really enjoyed their 7 song set. They have a new release called "Enemies" on some label from Europe that I didn't really care to know the name of, but if they release more goodness, I should remember it. Heavy as fuck D-beatish Hardcore but with their own stylings of this sub genre, I declare that I am a sucker for this. If Tragedy & Holy Mountain played a show together, my life would be somewhat complete. Add Nine Inch Nails and The Beatles, I will perish a happy man.

Written by: CH

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