Rustbelt Rock Review

By: Z.M. Delgado

Rustbeltrockreview.com

Volume #195: Olathia, Stygian Crown & Iron Bitch

June 20th 2025

Maple Grove Tavern 14832 Pease Rd, Maple Heights, OH 44137

Good evening my friends and thank you for once again choosing to spend a little piece of your valuable time here... at the Rustbelt Rock Review! This week I got to check out a good one. I took in some brand new music and reconvened with some old friends. The show in question was Olathia with support from Stygian Crown and Iron Bitch. My evening began when Joha scooped me up and together we headed west towards the Maple Grove Tavern. With my vape firing away we rolled out with the tunes up. We arrived on the Scene, parked the car and headed for the door. The door man was yet to move into position, so we simply continued on and up into the club. Once there we moved about chatting with friends picking the brains of the mingling musicians. After a while we headed back outside to enjoy the evening air, and we ripped our vapes a few more times for good measure. Then it was back inside for some Rock N’ Roll.

Planted center stage and ready to Rock, I hoped I was prepared for what was to come. This was a set that I have been looking forward to since it was first announced. This being only their second gig, I am excited to introduce you, my readers, to Iron Bitch. This band is female fronted Heavy Metal, made up of Vocals, two Guitars, Bass and Drums. Iron Bitch is also Cleveland’s newest Super Group, forged together from the talents of Hannah, Dylan, Zeke, Ed and Grady. These musicians also Rock the North Coast in a multitude of other projects including: Olathia, Ringworm, Assault, Rip Ryde, and The Brakes, just name a few off the top of my head. With all that being said, and all that talent assembled the question still remained: Would they be any good? Well naturally it would come down to the set and it was now time to let the music do the talking. They opened with their title track, “Iron Bitch.” This song was extremely riffy, and I was immediately digging the twin terrors this band boasts on Guitar. The music was heavy, fast and driving. The next thing the struck me, and I mean it blew me away, was their leading ladies Voice. It was operatic, shrill and powerful. Adorned in a goth mystique, Hannah, stood at center stage and commanded the room. Without pause they dove directly into their second song, “Luminous Visions.” This track is the bands first single, and it is a ripper to be sure. The fog machine began to crank out a thick mist as the two Guitar attack again set to work yet again. Dylan unleashed a shrieking solo that boggled the minds of onlookers. Meanwhile, behind the kit Grady was like a man possessed, hammering the skins. The song ended, and the crowd screamed in approval. Iron Bitch was off to a great start. Next they hit us with a cover; a tasteful rendition of Black Sabbath’s “Neon Knights.” It was most excellent to see this classic performed, particularly when Zeke tore down that Iommi solo! Up next was a song called “Nephilim.” On this song I was impressed by Ed’s lightning quick Bass Work. In my notes I describe the music overall as “a killing machine” and as “weaponized sonic warfare.” They closed out their set with a number entitled “Power & Steel.” This one was a bit more melodic, and a touch more epic than it’s predecessors. With the strength of the fabled siren, Hannah wailed into the mic; her presence furious. The Guitar work was ungodly as the song built to a phenomenal crescendo. In it’s ending it crashed over us like an avalanche. The crowd loved it. They howled in approval and applauded Iron Bitch heartily. I was floored. They were good… I mean really good. Imagine if you will, a powerful dual Guitars style like that of Judas Priest combined with the Vocal tone of the mighty Ann Wilson of Heart. That is about a close to describing the sound of Iron Bitch as I will be able to get. All I can say is if you are a fan of either of those two bands, then check out Iron Bitch today. With our first performers behind us, Joha and I ventured down to the parking lot to roast a bone. While leaning against the car, who did pull up, none other than our friend, Laura of the Blunts. Laura parked and joined us just as the doobie was lit. For this show she came bearing joints instead of blunts, but that was fine with us. We discussed the merits of different wraps while we blazed, then eventually headed back upstairs.

Up next was Stygian Crown. In from Los Angeles, this female fronted Doom Metal band was made up of Vocals, two Guitars, Bass and Drums. They began as a four piece with an instrumental, loaded with heavy chugging riffs and impressive Drum work. As they transitioned into their second song their Vocalist entered the stage. She took up the mic and unleashed a big solid Vocal; strong and deep. The band headbanged and Rocked out as both Guitarists exhibited solos. Up next came a song introduced as “Scourge of the Seven Hills.” This one was very Doomy: Slow, heavy and ominous. Again the fog machine began to roll, as the music was punctuated with heavy percussive strikes. Their fourth number, “The Bargain,” was upbeat and Rockin. I found the music to be excellent, Rocking, chugging and churning. The singer showed off some solid stage presence here as she swayed to the music. Next was a song about a werewolf entitled “Where the Candle Always Burns.” This song was all waves of sound, breaking over us. Both Guitarists took turns delivering solos, each adding a new layer of complexity to the song. On “Two Coins for the Ferryman” they put their fists in the air and began to chant “Ay! Ay! Ay!” The crowd joined in and soon the whole club was Rockin’. The Bass player was quite entertaining. He had an intense gaze and an animated face, full of expression. As the set progressed he became a focal point in the performance. They Rocked on, pounding out song after song, keeping the fans entranced. I believe they played a total of nine tracks, closing out with “Strait of Messina.” The crowd loved them. They cheered a raucous cheer, and sent Stygian Crown off in style. With our touring act now finished Joha, Laura and I adjourned to the parking lot for another round of joints before the main event.

Our headlining performer for the evening was the mighty Olathia. This is Cleveland’s most monstrous super group, forged from members of Mutilation Barbacue, Bessemer Saints, & Nunslaughter… again, just to name a few. They are a female fronted four piece, made up of Vocals, Guitar, Bass and Drums. Our joint session ran a little long, so as we ascended the steps of the club, we could already hear the tell tale sounds of Olathia’s first notes ringing out. I reached the landing, and entered the club, and wotnessed Olathia’s outstanding stage show unfold. The room was full of smoke, both from the fog machine as well as from boxes placed at the front edge of the stage. The band’s stage lights, combined with those of the club, beguiled my stoned brain with their dazzling effects. They had chosen “Snake Charmer” for their opener and it was a good choice to say the least. Even as I settled in I could see that the people all around me were immediately feeling the set. They danced, Rocked out and sang along as this slamming track unfolded. (It is worth noting here that, shredding on the Guitar, was Dylan. Simultaneously, filling in on the drums was Grady. Both these boys had opened up the show in Iron Bitch and deserve special credit for performing in two exceptional sets in one night.) Up on the stage Olathia was firing on all cylinders. Breaking into “Insatiable” Front Woman, Chris, hypnotized the crowd then shocked them back to life with her incredible Vocal range. From sweet smooth notes, piercing wails or even devilish snarls, this sonic sorceress can do it all. With some spooky sound effects as an intro, they ushered in “The Forest Witch.” The whole band was headbanging, as the riffs exploded from the speakers. Terry, in peak form, strutted and stomped about the stage, hammering on his Bass like madman. Next came the necessary Friday night party anthem: “Shotgun.” Grady ran wild behind the kit as this good time jam broke loose. Following that we got treated to the band’s latest offering: “The Beast in Black.” To put it plain and simple, this song scorches. It is nothing short of pure ripping speed. Then in an abrupt change of mood, Olathia slowed things down and began the soft melodic notes of “Fight.” This song starts out all smooth guitar work and light Bass touches as Chris sings in a tone that could be suited for a lullaby. That is until the song breaks, and there is an absolute sonic explosion. From the piercing Vocals to the blistering solo, “Fight” is killer to be sure. Next was a cover of Ozzy’s “Over the Mountain” which was excellent. Watching Dylan slay a Randy Rhodes solo was impressive to say the least. On “Seven Deadly Sins” Chris delivered the tried and true line of “Show me your hands!” to which the crowd did exactly that. With our arms extended to the ceiling, we collectively Rocked along with Olathia. “Who’s the Devil” was a gnarly affair. Terry was seen cocking the neck of his Bass and firing it off like rifle. A crushing breakdown was delivered that had me breaking my neck in approval. Chris served up an enormous roar at it’s heaviest. The song then devolves into what feels like bluesy jam session; complete with lead licks and nice Drum fills. Finally closing out the set they served up yet another cover, this time it was Black Sabbath’s “Heaven and Hell.” Serving up one of the biggest and baddest Basslines in Metal history, Terry took the forefront as Olathia kicked it off. Through the powerful plodding verses, to its fast paced shredding climax, Olathia killed it. It was an awesome rendition. The crowd screamed! It was a fantastic set, with a magnificent finish. The band took their bows and said good night. Fans rushed the stage to offer congratulations. Joha, Laura and I discreetly slipped out the door and parted ways in the parking lot. Then it was off into the night and towards eventual sleep.

But what a great night it had been! Iron Bitch was killer! They blew me away with their high speed attack and Vocal power. Stygian Crown was excellent. I think they earned some new fans here in Cleveland and we wish them safe travels as they make their way back to the West coast. And as always Olathia was a beast! They are a true powerhouse of Heavy Metal and every time I see them, I am reminded of why they are among the absolute best live bands out there. Three great bands, three fantastic sets, one sore neck. That’s the way it goes, when all goes well. I think I’ll hang it up for this week. Hoist your horns, bang your heads and always wear your earplugs. Thanks for reading.

Until next time, Rock on, Rustbelt,

-Z.M. Delgado

Rustbelt Rock Review

Rustbeltrockreview.com

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Links:

Olathia

https://www.facebook.com/olathiametal/

Stygian Crown

https://www.facebook.com/stygiancrown

Iron Bitch

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574618662055