Kreator w/ Voivod, Nachtmystium, Evile, Lazarus A.D. @ Nokia Theatre - 3/6/10

Around this same time last year, Kreator stormed the Nokia Theatre with an all-different, somewhat lackluster, roster of bands to promote their latest release 2009's Hordes of Chaos. For me, what saves the night from an otherwise decent showing by thrash upstarts Lazarus A.D. and Evile, and an incoherently noisy set by psychedelic-black metallers Nachtmystium, is legendary Canadian prog-thrash band Voivod, out on the road in the U.S. for the first time in a long time to promote last year's supposedly last album Infini. Frontman Denis "Snake" Belanger treats the set like a kindergartener plays on the playground, from stomping around the stage like a retarded robot to leading the crowd in unison during "Astronomy Domine" like a symphony composer, Snake keeps a very wily-looking, mad scientist smile on his face throughout. The other 40-something band members, tear it up with the constant thumping and crunch of their 80s thrash and later progressive material, while at one point, bassist Jean-Yves "Blacky" Theriault eats spilled Cheetios from floor.

Kreator follow it up nicely, though somewhat typically. Frontman Mille Petrozza commands the crowd to raise the "flag of hate" (repeatedly), screams and growls, and plays a ripping set of familiar classics. But while I admire Kreator for their contribution to metal, then seems to be something very stagnant about this performance. Maybe I was just more impressed by Voivod's set, but Kreator just didn't live up to the headliner status this time around. I will say though that Mille and rest of the guys were still all-around good guys, though drummer Jürgen "Ventor" Reil is in serious and desperate need for a dentist!


LAZARUS A.D. - To quote a certain song by The Who: "The kids are alright." Set Grade: B-

EVILE - A new band with a new bassist. I can't tell the difference, but a swell bunch of mates. Set Grade: B-

NACHTMYSTIUM - Still incoherent and mindnumbingly dull. Set Grade: C+

VOIVOD - Fun and spirited performances by the band. They should be out on tour more often. Set Grade: B+

KREATOR - A solid set, if somewhat typical. Set Grade: B


VOIVOD SETLIST

"Voivod"
"The Unknown Knows"
"Ripping Headaches"
"Tornado"
"Overreaction"
"Tribal Convictions"
"Global Warning"
"Missing Sequences"
"Astronomy Domine"

Show Grade: B