The Casualties – Goatwhore – Havok – Hysteria – and Bloodshot and Dilated – at The Oakland Metro – Oakland, CA

I was interested in this show from the moment I seen the flyer, firstly because I've been a hardcore fan of The Casualties for as long as I can remember and secondly because the idea of a Punk and Metal Tour intrigued me. Personally, I have never been much of a Metal guy but as a Punk guy I'm always willing to give any band, yes, any band, an open ear.

 

I showed up to The Oakland Metro a little before doors opened, I was super stoked because I hadn't seen The Casualties since “Resistance” came out last year, and I was really excited to hear their new songs live. It's amazing that even after all these years these guys can still put out amazing records, tour heavily and put on a hell of a show. I was stoked.

As I mentioned earlier I didn't know any of the support bands but I was willing to give them all a listen, and just as the doors opened and the spiky headed crowd made their way in the Crusty Hardcore Punk sounds of East Bay's Own Bloodshot and Dilated were being made. I think of all the support bands that night these guys were my favorite, there was lots of screaming vocals and their mix of Hardcore Punk, Dbeat and Crust for sure caught mine and everyone theres attention. I'll look out for this band on future flyers and I hope to see them again soon.

Next up was Hysteria, these guys kind of reminded me of Iron Maiden, they were super talented and even though Metal is not my thing I have to say these guys really put on a great show and played the hell out of their guitars.

Than it was time for Havoc, a Thrash Metal band from Colorado. If you like Thrash Metal and have long hair this is totally the band for you, these guys rule at what they do and put a lot of energy into their performance and a lot of the crowd were really into it.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2nd to last was GoatWhore, These guys were more Death Metal than the previous Metal Acts and it was pretty cool how every band had something totally different to offer everyone. Goatwhore have been around for some time and have a lot of touring under their belts so their set was tight and fast with lots of bone crushing riffs and gravel throated vocals. It was a fun and exciting set.

As Goatwhore finished up and cleared the stage, the place started packing in and everyone couldn't want for NYC Punk Legends The Casualties to start. For me personally I got that really excited feeling when I seen there backdrop and seen guitar cases, drum pieces and other various items being set up around the stage with their iconic logo sketched over it. As the bullet belted Punx made their way out cheers from the whole venue could be heard. Jake and Rick quickly threw their guitars on as Jorge waved the microphone back and forth chanting and shouting to an already totally stoked crowd, than Meggers started thrashing that kit and the whole thing just took up.

I'd seen The Casualties a few years ago and they haven't slowed down one bit, if anything they are more energetic and powerful now than they've ever been, which is inspiring. They started their explosive set “My Blood, My Life, Always Forward” this was the perfect song to start with, The powerful drums and guitar riffs intro got everyone moving and when Jorge began to sing there was kids running on the stage, diving off the stage and lots of moshing, it was awesome.

They played all their classics like “Tomorrow Beings To Us”, “Unknown Soldier”, “Punk Rock Love” “Get Off My Back”, “Ugly Bastards”, “Made in NYC” and “We Are All We Have” mixed some great stuff from their new release. They played on for about an hour and every song got more and more intense, there was so many Punx jumping on and off the stage, singing into the microphones with the band and having a lot of fun. It was hit after hit with a solid set that had everyone on their feet or on their boots. I never seen so many beers splashing around at show than this one, the kids there knew how to party.

These guys are probably the most energetic band ever with everyone sweating and running back forth, you can tell they are playing their with everything they have. I love the way Jorge screeches and screams into the microphone and with other added backing vocals from every member there songs are fun and exciting and that classic The Casualties Punk Sound is nothing short of Legendary.

After the show I had a look at the merch tables, The Casualties are known for always having awesome designs and there was lots of new shirts, hoodies, beanies and other stuff I haven't seen yet, the coolest being a new cd boxset of their latest album “Resistance” that looked awesome. The other bands had a lot of merch too, my favorite being the GoatWhore undies. The Casualties also had a super cool flask and a coffee cup, so if your going to see these bands soon, bring some cash.

So to some up this night, overall it was amazing, The Casualties put on an incredible show and the support acts were cool. If this tour is running through your area I highly suggest you make it. I can't wait to see The Casualties again at Punk Rock Bowling, these guys kick ass.

       

 More photos of the show can be seen HERE

-Brian Mc Cann Jr.-
Big Wheel Contributor

 

 

 

 

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