Review by Catherine McCauley for MPM
There was a huge buzz within Irelands Metal community surrounding tonight’s gig following its announcement. Not surprisingly the three Irish gigs including Limerick and Dublin all sold out which is a huge accolade to the New Orleans sludge masters the colossal Crowbar and their support bands. Joining them tonight are the super group Legions of Doom and the Welsh Silverburn. We arrived into Belfast on a beautiful yet cold night, one day short of Valentine’s Day and what better way to celebrate than with a night of Doom Metal!! We park up half an hour before doors open and immediately observe the impressive queue lined up in front of the Limelight complex.
We see Vans parked outside and as we approach the building delighted fans are chatting to some of the Crowbar lads outside. That’s the beauty of intimate gigs like these that the bands take the time to chat and pose for photos with fans which in the day of expensive ‘Meet and Greets’ is valued and not taken for granted. Amongst the revellers Jarvis Leatherby from Night Demon is engaged in deep conversation with Tommy Buckley and Pat Bruders from Crowbar. To those not in the know it would be like witnessing three rockers waiting outside a gig catching up but to those of us in the know they are three Metal greats enjoying the opportunity to chat amongst their Metal community. It’s a great sight to behold.
As we queue the wide range of fans is heart-warming a real mix of ages and I have to give a wee shout out to the two Harvey’s who are full of craic and elation as we discuss our favourite bands and tonight’s upcoming gig. There’s a real mix of t-shirts too to name but a few Crowbar, Down and Corrosion of Conformity. Nostalgic 80s music is playing in the venue and the mood is electric. Everyone assembles positions and friends old and new gather to enjoy a night of pure and unadulterated Doom and sludge Metal.
Silverburn
Originating from Swansea, South Wales during 2020 Silverburn is the solo project of James ‘Jimbob’ Isaac. Silverburn is known for its penetrating sludge metal sound with elements of Spirit Metal and Quantum Thrash. Silverburn released ‘Self Induced Transcendental Annihilation’ in August 2023 after a two and a half year journey of writing and recording the album at his own digital studio at home. Akin to Trent Reznor, Jimbob is the mastermind behind Silverburn but he is joined on stage this evening with Ross Barrington (bass) and Simon Jones (drums). For being a three piece the lads bring the strong and powerful riffs and drums.
Jimbob and the lads take to the stage and the gathering is already filling out the venue which is unusual for a first support band. I suspect this fuelled the lad’s fortitude to win over the Belfast crowd. Jimbob introduces the band “We are from South Fucking Wales” thanking Crowbar for giving them the opportunity to support them on tour. Playing scorching tracks such as ‘Pain body’, ‘Simulacreality’, Boundless’ and finishing with the blazing ‘Formless’. Silverburn creatively use intros and samples through their set with tempo changes providing ambiance and atmosphere in the midst of searing riffs and forceful drum beats. Judging by the crowd’s reception and the amount of heads banging and chat after their set Silverburn have earned the respect of the Belfast contingent. I had the opportunity to chat to the lads at the Merch stand and they were lovely lads. Jimbob is very passionate about his music, the band and they are relishing the opportunity to tour with the mighty Crowbar. Legions of Doom
Arising from the ashes of The Skull like a Doom laden Phoenix, are the super group Legions of Doom. Following the devastating loss of frontman Eric Wagner (Trouble) in 2021, Lothar Keller (The Skull, guitar) and Ron Holzner (The Skull, Trouble, bass) were determined to release the opus which was originally an almost completed third The Skull album. Wagner had been involved in creating the album and his bandmates wanted to fulfil this labour of love in honour of and as a fitting tribute to the Doom Legend Eric Wagner.
They more than achieved this with help from friends Henry Vasquez (Saint Vitus, The Skull, Drums), Scott Little (Leadfoot, guitar) Scott Reagers (Saint Vitus, vocals) and taking on the role of vocals Karl Agell (Corrosion of Conformity, Leadfoot). Many considerSkull 3 released in Sept 2024,to be a devoted tributenot only to their fallen brother Eric Wagner, but also the Doom genre also.
The warmed up crowd spend the interval procuring refreshments and the Merch queue remains long and active. I have never seen a queue quite like this in the Limelight before and the use of the adjoining bar was a good idea due to the hunger of the fans to pick up vinyl, t-shirts and plectrums etc. Keeping good governance of this area is various crew and the lovely Robin (Kirks wife) who is in her element chatting to fans and ensuring the Merchandise needs are accomplished. As the five strong Legions of Doom take to the stage the heaving Limelight are ready for these Doom Icons to entertain us for Act 2.
Legions of Doom take to the stage and open their set with a few bars of the intro to Judas Priests ‘The Hellion’ and then kick straight into ‘All Good Things’ – pounding drums and cymbals reverberating through the Belfast crowd, the melodic yet intense riffs of Keller and Littles guitars and bass accompanied by the gritty and impassioned vocals of Agell. ‘Beyond The Shadow of Doubt’ the opening track of the album envelopes us with Doom riffs and harmonies. Agell asks if we are all doing alright to which the eager Limelight give roars of satisfaction and approval. The vocalist explains that this is the first time on our island. Going by the lads social media posts the past few days I very much doubt this shall be their last. From being greeted by enthusiastic fans and enjoying pints of Beamish Stout the band seem to be bitten by the Irish bug.
‘Between Darkness and Dawn’ opens with the rumbling bass of the Stetson wearing Holzner – intensity and soaring guitar solos with delicate interwoven rhythm guitar accompanied by the blistering yet vulnerable vocals of Agell. The folk standing at the railings at the back of the pit make the sensible decision to move as the Pit is swelling with chaos and elated fans. We are treated to the instantly recognisable chords of Thin Lizzys ‘The Boys are Back in Town’ the Limelight crowd erupt especially the delighted fans in the pit. Legions of Doom are clearly enjoying the Lizzy classic every bit as much as we are singing along.
Then a segue into ‘Send Judas Down’ (Skull cover) / ‘For Those Which Are Asleep (Trouble Cover) – a groovy yet heavy southern-infused stoner rock tunes. Agell’s voice sounds a little Morrison esque as he croons and then injects power when required to this sludgy track. Next up the lads launch into another song ‘Psychotic Reaction’ the Limelight is bouncing along to the bluesy song as the temperature continues to rise. The drummer is an absolute beast and wind milling whilst pounding the drum kit. Final song tonight is a cover of Corrosion of Conformity’s ‘Dance Of The Dead’ which is a chunky yet sentimental tribute to Reed Mullin who sadly passed away six years ago and it would have been his 60th birthday yesterday.
Filled with emotion and nostalgia the pit and crowd euphorically chant and head bang along to the ear blistering guitar intro and thundering drums accompanied by Agells’ cries of “Your Dead”. The chunky chugging riffs of Kellar, Lothar and Holzner are palpable and intense. What a way to end a cracking set. I had the pleasure of meeting Agell, Holzner and Little in the Merch area. Three more down to earth and appreciative lads you could’nt meet.
They loved chatting about their tour experiences, the warm reception they’ve received from the fans and their intention to return. We chatted fondly about Reed Mullin and they reflected on what would’ve been his Birthday. These lads have experienced loss of beloved brothers and yet are unwavering in their resolution to spread the Doom genre far and wide. Do not miss the opportunity to see Legions of Doom and we shall eagerly await their return to our shores.
Crowbar
The Limelight 2 is practically busting at the seams and the tone is one of positivity and intensity. Crowbar hail from New Orleans, Louisianaand have 36 years under their belt with 12 studio albums to boot the most recent being ‘Zero and Below released in 2022. The infamous Kirk Windstein (vocals, guitar) has been the consistent sole member. With Windstein are Tommy Buckley (drums), Matt Brunson (guitar) and Pat Bruders (bass). Crowbar havethe reputation of dependably delivering the Doom goods whilst being the most genuine guys in the Metal world! Windstein is also a founding member of super group Down which have a huge following of Metal fans here and has been involved in a side project with Jamey Jasta of Hatebreed and has also released two solo albums.
Prior to the headliners taking to the stage ‘Whiskey in the Jar’ plays and the energy is ramping up. The crowd begin to cry ‘Ole Ole Ole Ole’. As the lights dimmed Crowbar take to the stage we can see the laid back band are wearing t-shirts in support of bands that they love, Buckley is wearing a Night Demon t-shirt, Windstein is wearing a Down cap reversed and a Pantera 101 Proof t-shirt, Bruders is wearing a Thin Lizzy t-shirt and Brunson was sporting a Motorhead t-shirt. The ecstatic metal crowd exploded and the pit swells to even greater depths. Tonight’s opening track is the stonking ‘High Rate Extinction’, the room is awash with deep rooted and slow crunching Doom and ear splitting riffs whilst splicing punk-influenced tempos.
Crowbar deliver ‘I Feel The Burning Sun’ with such ferocity and composure with Windstein’s signaturevocal style which has been described as ‘Louisiana Lemmy’ and rings throughout the venue with raspy and gravelly injected venom. The lads were met with rapturous applause. In-between songsthe humbleWindstein chats about bringing back Silverburn on tour again which is huge compliment to Jimbob and the lads and tells us how he’s been friends with the lads from Legions of Doom for over 30 years.
Windstein talks about their bands most recent release and modestly revels in the fact that the shows in Ireland have sold out and how amazing it is to come here and enjoy with the fans in attendance. We are treated to a number of songs from the ‘Sonic Excess In Its Purest Form’ album released in 2001 and was the bands seventh studio album containing ‘The lasting dose’ and ‘To Build a Mountain’. Robin was in sound area videoing the lads perform the later song. The songs are heavy and deep and the Pit is in full swing with banging heads and crowd surfing.
Windstein pays homage to Tommy Buckley for his phenomenal drum intro on the sludgetastic ‘Chemical Godz’. A fan up front proudly holds a sign for Windstein to read and the vocalist quips about getting older saying that he needed his glasses which had the crowd laughing. God damn the heavy riffs continue on throughout the set with ‘The Cemetery Angels’ and ‘Repulsive In Its Splendid Beauty’. Bruders aka ‘Pat the beast’ more than deserves the reputation as a legendary bass player as he makes rumbling sounds that Thor himself would be proud of. Windstein, and Brunson beautifully execute melodic yet menacing harmonies.
Crowbar bring their incredible set to an end with ’Like Broken Glass’ and ‘All I had (i Gave). As the lads wipe their brows of sweat on the stage so do the folks in the Pit. Praise for how consistent the musicianship of Crowbar echoes throughout the Limelight.
As the night draws to a sweaty end we are more than content and ”Fucking Crowbar” from New Orleans came and kicked our asses and then some. Instead of just piling into the cold yet refreshing air, folk went into the Merch area to mix and engage with their heroes, fresh off the stage. The night was not over for the bands nor the fans.
What an astounding night of Metal and solidarity. On the journey home our phones are flooded with posts, videos and photos of friends having met the bands and detailing how amazing tonight was. Tonight the Metal Community truly feels like a family for band members and fans alike.
