BY:Dax Fowler
The metal band from the far reaches of space known as Gwar hit Chattanooga, TN at The Signal on June 3rd along with some heavy and unique bands. I can say it was a memorable show not only for myself, but also for the fans.
I would first like to state that The Signal has an amazing staff that go above and beyond at putting together live events for all genres of music. And this was no easy task what was to become of the stage this unforgettable evening. The 10,000 square foot, 1,300 capacity venue with 3 bars and a balcony view serves as a key place to experience live music to its fullest enjoyment. I highly recommend this venue.
To kick off the heavy metal insanity for the night, a band from Leonard, Michigan named The Native Howl set the tone for the evening with a different kind of sound I had never heard of. A kind of Metallica sound with a twist of blue grass, alternatively known as “thrash grass.” I had recently seen an interview prior to the show where legend Alice Cooper said “he couldn’t take his eyes off the stage”. I now know what Mr. Cooper was talking about. From killer drum fills and grooves, to the insane chicken pickin on the banjo to the face melting guitar licks on the acoustic and you can’t forget about the bass slappin like gravy on a fresh plate of hot biscuits. If there was anyone in the crowd that wasn’t familiar with the name “Native Howl” won’t forget it after that head turning performance.
Necrogoblikon kept the momentum going with an incredibly unique performance. The Goblin also known as John Goblikon,is most definitely a key character in their set. I knew from the merch line being a mile long before and in-between sets, this was one to see. When the lights went low, the only thing you could see were the drums illuminating on stage with crimson lights blaring in the background as the drummer, Eric w. Brown casually steps out on stage with his arms spread out greeting the crowd who were going insane, making me anxious for what was about to happen. When the lights hit the stage, the music kicked in immediately as the lights illuminated the crowd’s hands raging to the beat of the music. I knew I was in for a killer show. Prior to the show I had listened to a couple of their songs off their new album The Fundemtal Slimes and Humors that dropped on April 1st of 2022. This is It was the first song that popped up upon me checking these tasty tunes and it was an absolute Banger!!! When they played it, I was right there with the crowd hands up jammin!!! From beginning to end, such an absolute killer set.
As if I thought the night couldn’t get any heavier, this extremely heavy metal band from Louisiana Goatwhore took the stage with their heavy, fast paced drums, in your face vocals, and face melting guitar riffs. The crowd was eating it up and rocking out with every song. For a band to be around since the 90’s, they have no problem maintaining a great following fan base that has supported them over the years. Every song was a hit with their fans.
Last but not least, the all-mighty Gwar!!!!! From Richmond, Virginia.The anticipation was high in the room for these guys. Everyone waiting for the lights to go down and the carnage to begin. I wasn’t quite sure to know what to expect from Gwar. All I knew is that things were about to get bloody, and the crowd constantly chanting “We want blood!!!” over and over. They opened their set with Let us Slay from their Lust in Space album that released August of 2009. Immediately following that was Sick of You from their Scumdogs of the Universe album released in January of 1990. Immediately following the blood drenched insanity was the crowd demanding more blood. I had never seen anything like it and was kind of jealous I wasn’t in the pit with the crowd raising hell covered in blood. I’m just that kind of metal head, I guess. One thing I found very interesting about their set was their interaction with the crowd and a touch of comedy which made their set that much better. After this thrilling show experience, I had to do a little research myself. I wanted to know who Gwar really was, so I dug deep and found a video GWAR: The Complete History from Jerry Springer to Scumdogs XXX, which I highly recommend to everyone to get the full scoop and this amazing heavy metal band. It is a huge eye opener to their music and to their background.
In conclusion the whole night was a blast. Every band surpassed my expectations. I came into this show for some photos and a review, and I left a fan of every band that performed that night. I’ve never said this but hands down best shows I’ve ever experienced, no questions asked.
