This show was not what I expected in the slightest. For very good reasons and also a few negative ones as well. Each group brought something different to the table.
Hardcore and blackened thrash metal go surprisingly well together.
But it also can lead to some frantic, non-cohesive energy as it did here. That’s no offense to MouthBreather, Krypt, or Kaonashi. They were badass!
MouthBreather kicked off the show and provided a kickstart to the pit that would only grow in number from there.
MouthBreather on Stage, Grantski Records, October 2023
Early on, only a few people were standing near the front, but then a/ few more joined as the performance was properly getting in the swing of things. Compared to Krypt and Kaonashi, it was still a little lighter in the circle.
That doesn’t take away from the fact that the band still destroyed. Hell, the most ‘metal’ guy you will see was headbanging as hard as he could right in front of the stage. He clearly enjoyed it.
Something that I enjoyed especially about MouthBreather is that each member had a distinct presence onstage without going absolutely nuts just for the sake of it.
Vocalist Brett Cakes and guitarist Ryan Fosdick were almost polar opposites as Brett was very active in movement, not crowd involvement, and Ryan was so quiet and stoic in his body language that sometimes he almost got lost in the rest of the band. When you don’t even have to pay attention to the guitarist, you know he is good.
Bassist Derek Lamoreux acts as a second vocalist and gives off cool and collected vibes doing it. And finally, drummer Nick Cates had the most fun energy out of all of them. It really added to MouthBreather’s presentation for me.
The blackened thrash outfit “Krypt” was next and was the craziest in terms of onstage antics and presence. Vocalist/guitarist Julian Chew defines what thrash metal is all about.
Julian Chew performing w/ Krypt, Grantski Records, October 2023
It’s fast, heavy, and crazy. Taking off his shirt definitely helps with that!
As I said previously, the pit started to get larger as the show went on and it definitely showed up during Krypt’s setlist.
Each member including guitarist Tim Fauls, bassist Brandon Carpenter, and drummer Adam Dickerson was much more lowkey, allowing Julian to be the star on stage.
His ability to get the crowd involved was there and it really helped to get everyone engaged. I especially noticed this during their track “From the Depths”, probably because it is one of their longer songs.
But as I said at the beginning, the contrast between the two hardcore bands in MouthBreather and Kaonashi and the blackened thrash band in Krypt made for a feeling in the middle of the lineup that felt slightly ‘off’.
Even with Krypt’s clear hardcore influence in their sound, it felt much more frantic for this type of show. They absolutely killed it though. Julian’s vocal range was a highlight for me.
Speaking of vocal highlights, Kaonashi’s Peter Rono absolutely takes it to another level when it comes to hardcore. It’s such a unique style compared to what we typically hear in the scene and for me, it’s an absolute breath of fresh air.
Considering this is the first time I have seen Kaonashi, it’s no wonder why everyone loves them. They incorporate so many different influences that are unique to them.
As for their performance, I’ll say it is pretty awesome to have Peter on the floor right in front of everyone. Using a soundboard for the clips used in their songs is again very unique to them.
The crowd interaction was automatic considering Peter was on the floor and was able to let them scream with him. I wish more bands would do this!
Peter Rono of Kaonashi in the crowd, Grantski Records, October 2023
The other band members all killed it too and offered just as much energy as Peter. I really hope I can see these guys again. An absolutely fantastic way to end a show in my book from a veteran band in the scene.
Kaonashi deserves the praise, along with Krypt and MouthBreather. Great Show!
Please be sure to go check out every band’s socials and music!