Review: Into Eternity 6/16/2005

#17
June 16, 2005
Into Eternity
All Shall Perish
Jaxx, Springfield VA

Even though I had a bad day yesterday and most of today, I still managed to salvage Thursday by having a nice dinner with friends, checking out some sexy bearded dudes, and further damaging my ears at Jaxx (I really need to put my earplugs back in the car). And I guess I can't complain too much because I finally just got my stuck cd drive open, I didn't lose my job, and I didn't flip my car on the beltway on the way home.

Anyway, All Shall Perish describes themselves as "Bay Area Melodic Hardcore Death Metal" which seems pretty accurate to me. They look like a hardcore band and sound more like a death metal band. I would have enjoyed their set more if Jaxx would get their act together sound-wise and the drummer would take off his shirt. [scroll all the way down to the last photo]
3.4729/5

Speaking of Jaxx getting their shit together...up next was Into Eternity, who thankfully didn't have to stop playing in the middle of any songs this time. The sound for their set was light-years better than last time, though the main vocals and guitars could have been turned up more. The IE guys are really talented musicians and both guitarists and the bass player do various ear-splitting vocals which nicely complement the screeching (in a good way) lead vocals. Since I've got both recent albums I actually knew all of the songs this time (though 'Beginning of the End' with the wailing 'Ar-ma-geddon' line is still my favorite). Those Portsmouth dudes were there too (wearing the Ron Jeremy shirt again *shudder*) so I spoke to them briefly. I really wish I had my camera, I could have gotten some excellent shots and Stu would be an excellent subject (let me tell you...)
4.879/5

I ran into Stu on the way out and asked him my best ridiculous question that I had thought of for Into Eternity:
Rate this pick-up line: Have you ever wondered what it would be like if America was on top of Canada?
Paraphrased answer: I haven't really thought about it, but it would be interesting to find out what it would be like.
[So basically if you're trying to pick up a hot bearded Canadian dude, it might be a good opener]

I didn't stick around for Krisiun (they're from Brazil, so I kinda wish I had), Incantation, or Hate Eternal, but I'm not really into that stuff so much anyway...