In 1996, I went to a show that would forever change my perspective of how I viewed live shows from that moment in time. The band was "Deicide", and at that time, they where my favorite extreme act. Having been to arena rock shows with over-production, every step rehearsed, and 20,000 people, I was in awe over the grittiness and honesty of seeing my first club show at the age of 15. From that moment on, that's the type of venue I preferred. Thirteen years later, when I heard that "Deicide" was coming to town, I jumped at the chance and was just as excited the first time I had seen them.

 On the bill was the opening act "Order Of Ennead", featuring "Deicide" drummer Steve Asheim, a band that I had never heard of, but when I looked into them, I could tell this was a band that was going to be more than just an opener. "Vital Remains", a band that needs no brief write-up, and from Tampa, Florida, "Adrift " featuring Jack Owens (ex- "Cannibal Corpse" and current "Deicide" guitarist), along with local support, rounded out the show.

 I arrived at the venue about 2:00 PM for an interview and hung out for quite some time before the doors opened. I was ecstatic to see "Vital Remains", a band from Rhode Island that would be present at nearly every show that I would go to when living in the Northeast. "Vital Remains" is a band that has the same personna on and off stage, with raw honesty. They love the music they play right down to the core. I should point out that "Vital Remains" was also the opening act for "Deicide" in 1996.

When the doors opened a crowd of rowdy death-metal fans shuffled in and anticipated the nights events. After the local supporting act, a band I had heard of but never listed to, "Adrift" took the stage. They brought a slower chunkier sound with clean vocals. Had I heard  of them prior to this show, I would have never imagined them being in this fold. But they did a great job, and I'm going to be following-up with this band.

 Next up on the bill was "Order of Ennead", a relatively new band with experience that has climbed over mountains. "Order Of Ennead" songs are well-composed by amazing musicians; including 19 year-old John Li on lead guitar who is well on his way in becoming a master shredder,  Steve Asheim on drums providing the backbone for this
very technical band, Scott Patrick on the fret-less bass, and Kevin Quirion on vocals & rhythm guitar. "Order of Ennead" reminded me a lot of "Death" and has a very unique style and sound. The band played their entire catalog (which is only one full album). "Order of Ennead" is going to excel. This is a band to watch. For me, "Order of Ennead" was the highlight of the night.

"Vital Remains" took to the stage with an already intoxicated crowd and crushed them, performing such highlights as
"Icons Of Evil" and  "Born to Rape the World".  Glen Benton of "Deicide" ran up on stage, grabbed the mic and screamed along side vocalist Scott during "Dechristianize" and "Infidel". Vital sounded tight with their pure, fucking death-metal sound.

"Deicide" was to close the night and should have been the highlight, but "Order of Ennead" stole the show. "Deicide" had technical problems. Every chance Glen got, he was going off on the sound guy, who was either not paying attention or doing his job. They had several shortages, and Ralph Santolla (lead guitar) sounded horrible. Glen remains one of the most intimidating front men in the death metal scene and has a stage presence like no other. Glen has always been a character and never at a loss for words. In a humorous way, he told the crowd about the sleazy promoter. Telling the audience that her pussy was dragging on the floor and that she had to leave. Glen is never soft spoken and always makes the crowd wonder what he is going to say next. 

"Deicide" played a variety on their set-list ranging from their self-titled debut "Deicide" right up through their last release....."Scars Of The Crucifix", "Dead By Dawn", "Once Upon The Cross", "Dead But Dreaming", "Serpents Of The Light", "Homage To Satan", "Till Death Do Us Part", with many more in between, and closed with "Sacrificial Suicide".

 This was a classic death-metal show with an amazing bill. One can only hope they'll extend the tour. I'm not going to wait 13 years to see "Deicide" again and "Order of Ennead" was worth the trip alone.