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Immolation @ The Studio at Webster Hall

I am rarely jealous of shows elsewhere, since I’m fortunate enough to have lived in cities that get lots of shows. But I did feel some yearning upon learning of the recent Immolation/Arsis/Disma show at The Studio at Webster Hall in New York City. I reviewed Disma for Decibel‘s demo column, and, boy, were they great: dark, dirty, old-school death metal with ties to Incantation and Funebrarum. They have an upcoming full-length on Profound Lore. Immolation have risen beyond the level of small clubs, so it would have been a treat to see them play one now. And evidently The Studio at Webster Hall is the new hot spot in NYC.

Thankfully, the Internet has documented this show many times over. Two good reviews appear here and here, complete with photos and video clips. Two beautiful photo sets exist of this show, thanks to ace photographers Justina Villanueva and Suren. Justina also shot this video (which yielded the above screen capture) of the title track from Immolation’s Majesty and Decay (reviewed here), one of my top 10 metal records this year.

Finally, WNYC is hosting the stream below of the last half of the set. To download it and see the full track list – contributed by Ross Dolan himself in the comments – go here. This is a great recording that shows off Immolation’s strengths: Bob Vigna’s six-string slashings, Dolan’s hulking (during songs) yet affable (after songs) stage presence, and perhaps for the first time, Steve Shalaty’s drumming. His drum sound has been up and down on his three records so far with Immolation. This live recording is the best I’ve ever heard his drums. You can hear the crack of his snare and the metal of his cymbals. Bill Taylor’s rhythm guitar is a little quiet, but that helps bring out Shalaty’s drumming. It pops, it crackles, it’s a joy for any Immolation fan – which should be all of you.

In two weeks, Immolation head out for a month alongside Vader, Lecherous Nocturne, Pathology, and Abigail Williams. Below are the dates.

— Cosmo Lee

. . .

IMMOLATION – FALL TOUR 2010
w/ Vader, Lecherous Nocturne, Pathology, Abigail Williams

Sep. 29 – Baltimore, MD – Sonar
Sep. 30 – Farmingdale, NY – Crazy Donkey
Oct. 01 – Providence, RI – Club Hell
Oct. 02 – Manchester, NH – Rocko’s
Oct. 03 – Montreal, ON – Foufounes Electriques
Oct. 04 – Toronto, ON – MOD Club
Oct. 05 – Cleveland, OH – Peabody’s
Oct. 06 – Detroit, MI – Blondie’s
Oct. 07 – Milwaukee, WI – The Rave
Oct. 08 – St Paul, MN – Station 4
Oct. 10 – Seattle, WA – El Corazon
Oct. 11 – Vancouver, BC – Rickshaw Theater
Oct. 12 – Portland, OR – Hawthorne Theater
Oct. 13 – San Francisco, CA – DNA Lounge
Oct. 14 – West Hollywood, CA – The Whiskey
Oct. 15 – Santa Ana ,CA – The Galaxy
Oct. 16 – Ramona , CA – Ramona Mainstage
Oct. 17 – Mesa, AZ – U.B.’s
Oct. 18 – Tucson, AZ – The Rock
Oct. 20 – Austin, TX – Emo’s
Oct. 21 – Houston, TX – The Warsaw
Oct. 22 – Tulsa, OK – Marquee
Oct. 23 – Louisville, KY – Uncle Pleasants
Oct. 24 – Raleigh, NC – Volume 11
Oct. 25 – Springfield, VA – Jaxx
Oct. 26 – Rochester, NY – Montage Music Hall
Oct. 27 – Indianapolis, IN – Emerson Theatre
Oct. 28 – Chicago, IL – Reggie’s Rock Club

. . .