MELECHESH, VREID, LIGHTNING SWORDS OF DEATH, REIN OF LIES – Brooklyn NY

Melechesh fill the Europa Club in Brooklyn with their Sumerian sonic magick! It was the final night of the their tour as Melechesh, Vreid, Lightning Swords of Death and Reign of Lies spread their message from California to NY, just over 2 weeks. What a way to say “farwell” to the tour with a kick ass how in NYC!

First up was the Los Angeles natives, Reign of Lies. These guys had a more American metal feel, along the lines of Pantera meets Lamb of God cramped on a small stage. They had a good groove and while most there were waiting for the headlining bands, they were entertaining to watch and get your feet wet for the night of metal. Reign of Lies new album “THE NEW EMPIRE” is out now. The band will continue to tour, so keep an eye out for them.

Second to take the stage was Lightning Swords of Death. Also hailing from Los Angeles, LSOD brought a darker ambience to the show with their unique black metal style. I had caught this band a few years ago, and was excited to see them on the bill. Now that I was a little more familiar with their music, I was ready to absorb more what their live set was about. They did NOT disappoint, as they were every bit as good as I had anticipated. Currently signed to Metal Blade Records, check out their lastest release, “Baphometic Chaosium” which was released earlier this year.

It was time for The Pitch Black Brigaders! as the Norwegian metallers, Vreid was next on the bill! These guys have amazing guitar work and put on an killer show! They have a very technical and tight performance, yet they still have fun on stage. It was great to see these guys, playing back in the states. Last time they were here on the coast, a hurricane blew in. This time in, there was no stopping ’em! They are currently out in support of their lastest album, “Welcome Farewell” which was released earlier this spring (2013).

Headlining the night was Jerusalem/Messopotamia’s Melechesh! If I could only use two words to describe a Melechesh show, it would be PHENOMENAL ENERGY! Their name is two words combined: melech (meaning king), and esh (meaning fire) – The King of Fire would be fitting as they lit the place up with their energy! On their albums, Melechesh is great, but they kick it up another notch with the energy they bring on stage and truly put on a phenomenal show! Their latest release is an EP entitled, “Mystics of the Pillar II” was released in 2012 and only scratches the surface. According to their facebook page, it looks like new music in the works.