Rustbelt Rock Review

By: Z.M. Delgado

Rustbeltrockreview.com

Volume #105: Midnight, Black Death, Assault, Nunslaughter, Necroprophecy & Destructor

October 27th, 2023

Beachland Ballroom & Tavern, 15711 Waterloo Rd, Cleveland, OH 44110

Happy Halloween and welcome back to the Rustbelt Rock Review! This week I will be discussing a concert that I have been anticipating for sometime, the Midnight 20th anniversary show at the Beachland Ballroom and Tavern. This one had a stacked bill which included Black Death, Assault, Nunslaughter, Necroprophecy and Destructor. With a bill this loaded with talent, you can see easily why I was so excited. With that in mind I secured my ticket some time ago for a show that I was sure would sell out. (Which I believe it did if you believe the chatter around the club.) I was flying solo and arrived around 5pm for an interview with Necroprophecy. I met up with them and we did our thing, then I was left to my own devices until doors opened at 7pm. I wandered around chatting with some of the bands and eventually drifted across the street to a pizza shop where I found Shaggy Snodgrass (Bessemer Saints, The Rick Ray Band), Jaime Young and other members of the N.Y.D.M. club. From what I have been able to gather, this is an international group of Metalheads that travel around supporting and spreading Metal culture. I hung out with them for some time and they were all really nice and accepting. We talked bands and shows and before we knew it, doors had opened and it was time to head inside. Once in I continued to pester the gathering bands and passed the time wandering the club. Soon enough 8pm hit and it was time for the show to begin.

Starting off our evening in the Ballroom was Destructor. This is a four man group, made up of Guitar/Vocals, Guitar, Bass and Drums. They play a style that I would consider old school Thrash with touches of traditional Heavy Metal. There was a nice early crowd in place before the first note of the evening was struck. A cheer went up as Destructor was introduced. We learned that 2023 marks the 40th anniversary of Destructor’s service to our scene, which I have to say is pretty damn cool. They then broke into some classic Thrash that was both heavy and driving. I was taken with the Bass players stage presence as well as his sound, which was big in the mix. Their first song went over really well and earned loud applause. There was a broken Guitar string to contend with at this point, but the band quickly rectified the problem and continued with little lost momentum. The second song was equal to it’s predecessor; hard and fast. Someone lit a fat joint down in front and the unmistakable smell of reefer drifted across the room. With hammering drums, ripping riffs and some excellent solos, Destructor pushed deeper into the set, earning large cheers from the crowd. We were treated to a new one, entitled “Iron Clad” from their forthcoming album. This one was really good and showcased some nice tandem Guitar work with the two ax men standing back to back. The crowd seemed to really be feeling it as further applause and screaming followed the track. On “Maximum Destruction” the crowd chanted “Ay! Ay! Ay!” with their horns up and fists pumping. “Iron Curtain” had a romping Bass line. Many in the crowd were singing the chorus word for word and a bout of rhythmic hand clapping started up for the breakdown. Closing out with a number that, I think, was called “Pounding Evil” they ended their set with thunder. With a high speed cadence to the lyrics, and more impressive soloing the band crushed the finale of their set. The crowd let loose an enormous bout of applause as Destuctor finished up. They had undoubtedly started the show off in excellent fashion. The crowd was amped and things were off and running. Unfortunately there was little time to reflect as we were running on a tight schedule. Off I raced to the Tavern to get in place for our next performance.

Next in line was Necroprophecy, a three member Blackened Thrash band made up of Bass/Vocals, Guitar and Drums. The room had a strong party vibe. The smell of pot could be detected, blowing in from an opened door, as drinks flowed inside. The Tavern was packed and stacked with Metalheads ready to Rock. Necroprophecy was more than happy to oblige them. They opened up nasty and noisy with “Scepter of Blood.” Blazing fast and undeniably heavy, Necroprophecy bludgeoned the fans with their aggressive Bass driven sound. The Guitarist was on the front edge of the stage, in the crowds faces, as he hammered his ax. A pit broke out for the second song of the set and by their third “Extermination,” the aggression had sky rocketed. “Bloodied Grave,” had a wild riff that was like something out of a bad acid trip. It drove the pit onward with maddening efficiency. On “Restless Nightmare” I noted simply, “Necroprophecy does what Necroprophecy does and they do it very well.” I also wrote down that the band had excellent stage presence with both the Bassist and Guitarist rocking out wildly. The crowd was really into it and when the breakdown hit, the pit absolutely slammed. I was impressed with the drumwork on “Blinded by Mystery” and jotted down a few scribbles about immense skill of the percussionist. This song also brought the first crowd surfers of the evening to the sky. Next they played the dark and menacing “Poison Curse” which delivered the same breakneck pace that the band had consistently delivered. Closing out their set they dropped “Power to Kill” which is without a doubt a completely bad ass track. Stage divers, crowd surfers and a wild moshpit all manifested here. The crowd chanted “Ay! Ay! Ay!” along with the beat, and the Guitarist summoned another ripping solo. Finishing with absolute power, Necroprophecy earned a cheer that, in the confines of the Tavern, was deafening. With our second set of the night complete I again moved with all haste; making my way back to the Ballroom for our evening’s next performance. Around this time I ran into James “The Dook” Fedor of Roxxxstarradio. We paired up and spent the rest of the night enjoying the show together.

Third on our agenda is Cleveland Death Metal legends, Nunslaughter. This is a four man force to be reckoned with built from Guitar, Bass, Drums and a Vocalist. As they prepared, a red wash of light drenched the foggy stage and gave a bloody impression. Dressed in black and wearing face paint, Nunslaughter stepped forward and opened heavy… and I mean really heavy! The band had outstanding stage presence with both Guitar and Bass rocking out as the frontman moved in all directions. His vocals were snarling, rasping and delivered with fire. On their second track, coming at high velocity, the crowd began to chant “Ay! Ay! Ay!” again. (What can I say except, this group of fans was fired up!) Their third track, which I believe was called “Raiding the Convent” they showcased a driving tempo and some outstanding drumwork. The fourth number was another pulverizing attack. With an ultra quick riff and uber sacrilegious lyrics the song reminded me of a Death Metal Punk song, if that makes any sense. On “I Saw Your God Die” they presented another absolute banger. This intensity continued and a pounding moshpit formed. They delivered a rapid fire set as songs came in quick succession with little pause between numbers. The moshing continued on and through “Ouija.” On song after song the violence on the floor was unabated. For “Three Nails, One Liar” the “Ay! Ay! Ay’s!” started up again. With the speed of a hardcore band, but with a far more savage vocal style, Nunslaughter drove the Ballroom insane. Frothing like rabid dogs the fans throttled each other time and time again. As the set progressed this only increased. The pit grew in diameter, and I found rogue moshers flying passed me with ever increasing frequency. It became difficult to take notes as I had to keep my head up at all times. This madness and danger would sustain until the end of the set. If my count is correct I believe Nunslaughter played twenty songs, each one destructive and evil to it’s core. The crowd absolutely went insane and from the point when the pit first started, it did not let up until the end. If you are a fan of Death Metal at it’s most wicked, then I would suggest you check out Nunslaughter today. They are pure fire incarnate.

With a sense of urgency I high tailed it back to the Tavern for the “Kings of Cleveland Thrash,” the mighty Assault. Surely this is a band that needs not introduction to you, my avid reader. However for those who are new to the Review, I will give you a quick breakdown. Assault is a four man Thrash Metal band made from Guitar/Vocals, Guitar, Bass and Drums. The Tavern again had fans packed in like sardines as our fourth act of the night plugged in. Anticipation was high and the energy was palpable as Assault stepped to the forefront. Opening with “Death Solution” they fired up the set the only way they know how: Hard, fast and ripping. The vocals were savage and growling as the band ran through the opening number. The Bass grooved, the Drums hammered and the solos shredded as Assault played what I have described in the past as “a perfect Thrash song.” Next came “Leech” with it’s crushing riff and fantastic solo work. Following that the band broke out the title track from their album, “A Blind Eye.” There was headbanging all around and a vicious pit broke out in the confined space. Bodies flew in all directions and I was jostled repeatedly as I tried to scribble in my notebook. Moshing continued into “Obey/Decay” and yet another crowd surfer leapt into the air. Exhibiting unfathomable technicality, Assault did what they do best and shelled out face melting solos one after another. The fans screamed each time the band would show off their prowess; their fingers dancing up and down the fret boards. Closing out the set we got the bands two heaviest songs. First came their newest single “Pinnacle of Suffering.” Stage diving continued in increased frequency as the crowd surfers sailed in a state of pure elation. Following “Pinnacle” they finished with their monster track “Obliviate.” This song has one of the heaviest riffs I have ever heard and with it’s punishing rhythm it is sure to generate a mosh pit every time. This Friday night was no exception and the bodies began to fly even with the first notes. The crowd unleashed a wave of fanatical cheers to send Assault of in titanic fashion. The set had been an absolute portrait of Thrash Metal perfection. This is a band I have seen many times and I have to say they have never let me down. Assault deliver each and every set and they do so with a style that is without question masterful. If you are a fan of Thrash Metal the way they played it back at the genesis of the genre, then check out Assault today.

Finally it was time for the men of the hour. Preparing for the 20th anniversary performance, Midnight was taking to the stage. Just in case you are not in the know, Midnight is a three piece Black Speed Metal band from Cleveland. They are constructed of Bass/Vocals, Guitar and Drums. For those of you who have been following along at home, you’ll remember I had the chance to check out this band recently when they opened for Danzig back in September (RbRR #98). I was impressed with their performance then, and was excited to get the chance to see them in a headlining role. Now I have to confess, while I love the band, I am not as seasoned of a Midnight fan as many of you. In fact I only got into them after my review of their newest album back in RbRR #6. That being said, I must admit I can’t identify every song by ear, so you may notice some gaps in my setlist. For that I apologize. Anyway, I rushed back from the Tavern and found the Ballroom already significantly packed. With Fedor by my side we worked our way up through the crowd until we found an acceptable vantage point. From there we waited in agonizing anticipation for what was to come. Fortunately we didn’t have to wait too long. Soon enough the lights dropped and from the darkness a deafening roar rose from the crowd. The tolling of an ominous bell filled the room. We waited, as the bell continued for what seemed like an eternity. Then the crowd roared again as the band walked into view. The stage lights rose and Midnight exploded into their opening number “All Hail Hell.” It was a classic Black Speed barrage and it sent the crowd into a frenzy of moshing. The fog machine churned out a steady stream of mist which enshrouded the stage. I was immediately knocked out by the bands phenomenal stage presence. There was a lot of movement, particularly by the Guitarist who was a blur of activity. He ran, jumped, headbanged and thrust is guitar with maniacal energy. By the third song, “Prowling Leather,” he took to standing on the speakers out in front of the stage, playing above the heads of the crowd. Following that with “Evil Like a Knife,” the floor went insane with passion and violence. This continued as the set progressed, each song seeming to drive the fans into further bouts of madness.

I believe it was their seventh song, “Fucking Speed and Darkness,” when the first of the stage divers emerged. Next they hit us with one of my favorites, “Szex Witchery,” which is a solid jam with a killer outro. I again noted the off the charts stage presence of the band as they broke into “Poison Trash.” Finishing this track the band took time to talk to the crowd a bit. Here the front man, Athenar, expressed how Cleveland is still his favorite place to perform. The crowd cheered the sentiment and then exploded as the first notes of “Satanic Royalty” began to blare. This one was “fucking killer,” as my notes so eloquently read. It also led a new flock of stage divers and crowd surfers to take to the air. The intensity only increased as they hammered through “Violence on Violence” followed by “Lust, Filth and Sleaze.” Like most of the bands catalog, both of these songs packed shredding solos that absolutely blaze. “You Can’t Stop Steel,” and “Who Gives a Fuck” both turned the floor into a churning mass of aggression. The pit to this show was continuous and wild. I don’t know that it stopped for a moment of the entire set. On their next number, the “last one,” the band finished up with a cataclysm of activity that had them pounding on their instruments. Athenar sawed his Bass strings back and forth across the speakers creating a calamitous cacophony. After this they left the stage briefly, then returned for their encore. For this they performed a cover I believe was called “T.A.B.” and another one that I was not familiar with. Even if I didn’t know it, the rest of the room sure did and it showed. The final moshpit of the night manifested with frightening aggression. The bodies swirled and flew in all directions as Midnight finished up strong. After the song completed Athenar swung his mic in long arcs above his head, then let the chord wrap around his throat. This went on for a while before he exited the stage leaving us only with feedback. They were done. The crowd cheered one final time for Midnight and sent them off in fantastic style. Without a doubt the set had been brutally delightful. Yet, the night was still not over. Spinning on my heels I headed back to the Tavern for our evenings final offering.

Last but certainly not least on our evening bill was Black Death. This is a band that can trace it roots back to the late 70’s. Acclaimed as being the first all African American Metal band, Black Death has an important place in history. Given their veteran status, they were a band I was stoked to have the chance to check out. They are constructed of Guitar/Vocals, Guitar, Bass and Drums. Now, Midnight ran a little long, so unfortunately I missed the beginning of Black Death’s set. Regrettable as that was, I did make it in time to catch the vast majority of the performance. When I walked in there was still a solid crowd in place. The music was hard and heavy. The vocals were mostly clean, with some snarls thrown in for emphasis. I would classify them as having a Classic Rock/Heavy Metal style that you would expect from a band that emerged in their time period. However you categorize it, they have a killer sound with a lot of groove. The Guitarist/Vocalist performed mostly form a seated position, though at time he would rise from his stool. On the song “Streetwalker” there were considerable lead licks, and a great solo. My notes run on and on about just how much I enjoy the band. I say things like, “fucking great,” “This band is fucking awesome,” and the ever popular, “fuck yeah!” On “If You Live by the Sword, You Die by the Sword” we experienced a very shredding and gritty solo. “When the Hammer Falls” had a very Rock N’ Roll kind of riff and the vocalist let loose some menacing laughter that I really enjoyed. “Spiritual Genocide” had a very Blues Rock component to it, while “Comatose Lover” had really great Guitar work. “Prey for the Children” was more slow and plodding, had a grooving Bass line and some big Vocals. They closed out with a number that that was really bad ass, which my notes describe as a “Blues heavy, power groove.” Whatever that means, I can tell you that Black Death has a very unique and Rockin’ sound that I loved. Their performance was inspired and the power of their music is undeniable. Seeing veteran rockers of Black Death’s caliber live was nothing short of awesome. While I missed a portion of the set, I can tell you from what I saw, this is a damn good band. If you love Classic Rock and early Metal bands; If you are a fan of Deep Purple or U.F.O. I would suggest you check out Black Death. They fucking Rock!

And just like that the evening was over. It had been a long, yet fulfilling day. I drove home exhausted and with plenty to contemplate. Destructor had destroyed. Their set had all the energy we needed to open up the party right. Necroprophecy produced another vile testament to their ongoing saga. There are few bands in our scene who can mass produce aggression the way they do. Nunslaughter proved unequivocally why they are considered Death Metal royalty in this town. They manifested a level of savagery that few bands can ever dream of producing. Assault showcased another blazing bought of technical prowess. Summoning a set that was nothing short of Thrash Metal perfection. Naturally, Midnight showed us the exact meaning of Speed and Darkness. Twenty years into their story and they are clearly still at the top of their game. Finally Black Death closed out the show exceptionally. Their unique Heavy Metal blend put a very nice capstone on the evening. All in all it was an incredible show… one of the best I’ve seen in sometime. It was a genuine pleasure to have been there and to share it all with a completely packed house of rabid Metalheads. I think on that note, I will leave you to enjoy your Halloween candy. Thank you for reading.

Until next time, Rock on, Rustbelt,

-Z.M. Delgado

Rustbelt Rock Review

Rustbeltrockreview.com

Links:

Midnight

https://www.facebook.com/midnightviolators/

https://www.instagram.com/midnightviolators/?hl=en

https://midnight-ohio.bandcamp.com/merch

Black Death

https://black-death.bandcamp.com/album/black-death

https://www.facebook.com/BlackDeathBand/