The Resident Los Angeles

Live Review: The Atlas Moth at The Resident

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Through all the many years I’ve been going to concerts and the countless number of bands I’ve seen, it all comes down to one thing, you either have “IT” or not. Last night at The Resident, one of my new favorite places to see a show, I got to witness the greatness that is The Atlas Moth. Since the release of their new album Coma Noir in early 2018, I’ve been waiting to see them live. It is worth noting that Coma Noir is my album of the year so far.

The Atlas Moth live is tremendous. The fury and volume each member emits while on stage is astounding. Their sound which is a mix of psychedelia, sludge metal and bits of black metal comes across live in a way that is almost hypnotic. On top of the musical trance they put you in, their visual elements with lights and lasers really helps to take you to another dimension. Their set while only 40ish minutes was enough to leave me in awe. Songs like “Galactic Brain,” “Actual Human Blood,” “Smiling Knife,” “The Streets Of Bombay” and “Coma Noir” were absolutely stellar live. The whole set was, not just those songs. Needless to say The Atlas Moth have fast become a new favorite of mine.

The Atlas Moth are one of those bands that when you first hear them your interest will definitely be peaked. Then when you see them live, it all makes sense and you are left with a sense of astonishment and desire to go home and play. At least for me, seeing The Atlas Moth made me want to go home, pick up my guitar and start jamming. I also had the chance to talk to Stavros, the singer/guitarist before the show and he couldn’t have been a more down to earth genuine dude. Thanks for the chat.

Do yourself a favor and listen to Coma Noir by The Atlas Moth. Let the music overtake you and put you in that “trance.”

 

The Atlas Moth- Coma Noir:

 

The Atlas Moth- Live At The Resident:

Live Review: Mutoid Man, Helms Alee & Mustard Gas and Roses at The Resident

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Let me set the tone for the evening. It was a perfect Southern California evening. The weather was perfect and the mood was meant for music that would knock your socks off. It also seems that Downtown Los Angeles is fast becoming the place for rock/metal bands to play. Last night was worth the trip for sure.

Kicking off the night was the very alluring Mustard Gas & Roses. Their brand of doom metal set the standard for the evening. This Los Angeles based four piece is the perfect band to get you in the mood for a night of great music. They are cinematic and proficient in their performance. I’ve been hearing about this band for a little bit now and they were everything I thought they would be.

Next up was Helms Alee. This band left me absolutely breathless. I’ve been meaning to go see them live for some time and I finally had my chance and WOW. Their blistering set was visceral and inspiring. The magnitude of tone they delivered from their drums, bass and guitars made it seem like they were playing an arena. I’m always intrigued by melody and even with their doom approach, the melody was not lost. With all three members doing vocals, that really gives a whole different dynamic to their style of music, There were times during their set that they reminded me a bit of Siamese Dream era Smashing Pumpkins and self titled era Alice In Chains but with a bit of doom to it. Helms Alee is the type of band that releases great albums but, in order to fully grasp the greatness of this band, you NEED TO SEE THEM LIVE.

The main event of the evening was Mutoid Man. They are another band that I’ve been really wanting to see live. Their albums are stellar and the fact that drummer Ben Koller and singer/guitarist Stephen Brodsky were finally able to get together and form a band makes me extra happy, being as I’m a HUGE fan of Cave In and I really dig on Converge. The addition of bassist Nick Cageao adds a whole other layer and dimension of heavy to the band. Mutoid Man really knows how to deliver a great night of riffs, pummeling drums, jokes, and great performances. Like Helms Alee, Mutoid Man puts out great albums but, it’s really best to go see them live. Their set featured songs from both their full length albums (Bleeder and War Moans) along with songs from their debut EP. They drove the crowd into a frenzy, with a perfect mosh pit as well. My friend and I couldn’t resist joining in on the pit fun, as we moshed our way to the front of the venue.

What a great night for a show. Three great bands on one bill to make it known that heavy music is alive and well along with the take no prisoners approach. I highly recommend you all taking the time to go see them live and give a listen to these three great bands albums. You will not only thank me later but, you’ll feel compelled to go buy their albums.

 

 

Review By: Brian Lacy