Orange Goblin, ASG, and KEN Mode recently tore through Philly’s North Star venue as part of Orange Goblin’s lengthy North American Tour. There was a little confusion at the door, so unfortunately we missed the first three bands and picked up as KEN Mode hit the stage with a burst of energy.
Already a contender for our Top Lists of 2013, Canadian rock band KEN Mode are supporting their fifth studio album, Entrench, which hit streets in March via Season of Mist. SputnikMusic.com hailed this latest effort stating, “..the album as a whole makes for an unnerving, yet oddly rewarding experience which needs to be undergone by every fan of eclectic metal..KEN mode don’t always rely on unflinching heaviness. Both “Romeo Must Never Know” and “Figure Your Life Out” effectively integrate atmospheric passages into the style of the record without ditching its overpowering grimness.” This is also the first album to feature new bassist Andrew LaCour (Khann), as well as, guest appearances by Tim Singer (Deadguy, Kiss It Goodbye) and Dave Verellen (Botch, Narrows). You really could not have asked for more from KEN Mode’s performance, both poignant and sharp, this is definitely a band to keep an eye on in 2013.
ASG, the North Carolina psych-rock quartet who are set to release their Relapse Records debut Blood Drive on May 28, took the stage next. If you are just tuning in, ASG are streaming new song “Blood Drive” via Stereogum. A more than solid live band, ASG have no shortage of infectious driving riffs that we’ve seen win over new fans on more than one occasion, this performance being no exception. Blood Drive was recorded in the Fall of 2012 with producer Matt Hyde (Slayer, Fu Manchu), and is must for any fans of heavy rock.
Last and certainly not least, British metal mainstays, Orange Goblin took the stage and proceeded to deliver a powerhouse performance for adoring Philly fans with this being the band’s first full stateside tour in over eight years. Still supporting their latest studio effort, 2012’s A Eulogy for the Damned on Candlelight Records, Orange Goblin also had the brand new A Eulogy For the Fans-Orange Goblin Live 2012 in hand. The CD/DVD is the first proper live recording from the band and includes Orange Goblin’s complete performances professionally recorded at Bloodstock Open Air Festival (England-August 11, 2012) and Hellfest (France-June 15, 2012). The DVD further includes the official Tom Cronin directed videos for “Red Tide Rising” and “Acid Trial,” the latter courtesy of Scion A/V, plus the Matt Chance directed Red Tide Rising Documentary and Gaetan Chataigner directed Highway To Hellfest Documentary. Art and design was once again provided by Jimbob Isaac under the direction of vocalist Ben Ward.
Discussing the album, Ward says, “for years people have been asking us to release a live album. It’s a warts and all recording to highlight exactly what you get at an ORANGE GOBLIN show. It’s not over-produced; you can hear the bum-notes and the forgotten lyrics as well as the energy and power emanating from the stage. And the crowd! I think that’s what a good live album is all about. It’s just the sound of us getting up on stage, plugging in and going hell for leather. Crack open a beer, turn it up loud and bang your head.”
Kerrang! has stated, “Orange Goblin shows are very predictable… you know they are going to be brilliant before they even hit the stage.” And anyone who at this North Star performance can validate that the band delivers on all fronts- Great energy, impeccable musicianship, great song selections, and lengthy set time.
Without further ado, enjoy a massive set of photos by Blow The Scene Senior Photographer, Dante Torrieri (Useless Rebel Imaging)
Recommended for you
