On April 17th, at the Novo of Los Angeles a parade of metal was so profound the masses who witnessed it left in awe. The Novo was a madhouse when Avatar, Fleshgod Apocalypse and Frozen Soul took over the stage.

The opening act was Texas’ Frozen Soul. With their brutal sound, the walls of the venue shook as the band also brought out a special guest. The act has done many tours in Los Angeles, this one being one of their heaviest so far. Their chemistry on stage is intense, and the deliverance of death metal will carry on the genre for many years to come. A surprise guest, Gerard Way took the fans by surprise as the band sang the titled track, “No Place of Warmth” this track was released a few weeks later and the fans loved every second of it. The bands sound is brutal and live herald the masses with aggressive riffs, hammering drums and raw vocals. Their set was too short for their complete sound the be enjoyed longer, but a brutal performance non-the-less.

Coheadliner, Italian death metal purveyors, Fleshgod Apocalypse took over the stage and delivered an epic performance. The sound of this band has always astound me, and it has to do with all the elements that compose each and every song. From debilitating orchestrations by maestro Francesco Ferrini, to angelic opera vocals by Veronica Bordacchini the band sets the room on fire. The aggressive vocals are delivered by Francesco Paoli and his energy on stage is exuberant. Guitarist Fabio Bartoletti shreds to songs like “I Can Never Die”, “The Fool” and many more. From poignant scenes on stage during Veronica’s sections on tracks like “Epilogue”, holding the Italian flag and the rage sung out by Francesco Paoli during titled song “The Fool” the entire essence of Italian metal is displayed with passion. All these songs are compelling, and cohesively played in style. The drum work by Euguen Ryabchenko is catastrophic and relentless. Their set, too short for my liking was filled with intensity. Epic sounds, majestic guitar solos and harmonious opera lyrics glued together by the insatiable orchestrations a true pledge to Fleshgod Apocalypse’s sound.

The carnival was closed by non other than Avatar. With their furious sound and trippy performances the band leaves the crowd in awe. All members of Avatar, from drummer John Alfredsson play solemnly. Avatar has performed in festivals like Chicago Open Air among many and this tour felt personal. Their sound made fans dance, headbang and rage in the pit. Lead singer Johannes Eckerstrom delivers and psycho circus performance, singing and headbangin on stage virulently. Both guitarist, Jonas Jarlsby and Tim Ohrstrom exchange insane guitar riffs and solos while headbanging furiously. The band does not get out of character and deliver an exceptional performance enamoring new fans and charming the long time followers of this carnival of madness.

By: Jose Barrientos

Photos By: Jose Barrientos for @rockbray