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Hail Hornet, Zoroaster, Slow Southern Steel documentary Philly show review and Gallery

By Blow The Scene Staff

Posted on February 10, 2012

Johnny Brenda’s in Philly’s Northern Liberties neighborhood found itself the epicenter of Southern metal Monday evening with a rare performance by super-group Hail! Hornet who were joined by Atlanta’s psychedelic doom metalers Zoroaster. The performance was preceded by the Philadelphia premiere of Slow Southern Steel, a documentary film focusing on some of Southern metal’s most infamous bands and musicians. Slow Southern Steel features interviews and concert footage of dozens of bands including Kylesa, Torche, Eyehategod, Weedeater, and Dark Castle to name just a few, as it unravels the fabric behind one of America’s most heavily followed genres of music. One of the most compelling and motivating motifs throughout the film was the prevalence of real, down-to-earth music appreciation by the hordes of fans who follow the many facets of Southern metal. With factions of music scenes becoming more and more isolated, it’s refreshing to a see a culture uninhibited by fashion trends and message-board-blabber.

Zoroaster kicked off the live performances with their best of three sets at Johnny Brenda’s in the last six months. The band continues to build confidence and character as their many months on the road are noticeably elevating the band’s status among Philadelphia music fans. The band continues to tour in support of their highly regarded full-length Matador, which hit streets last summer via E1 Records.

Hail! Hornet (featuring members of Buzzoven, Weedeater, Alabama Thunderpussy, SourVein and Slow Southern Steel narrator “Dixie” Dave Collins) hit the stage with their patented blend of high-octane Southern metal that saw huge smiles and beer salutes ripple throughout the multi-tiered venue. The rarity of this super-group’s appearance on their first ever tour, was evident by the crowd’s attentiveness with the entirety of the audience following every riff tediously and crowing enthusiastically throughout the evening. Hail! Hornet continues to support their sophomore LP, Disperse the Curse which is available through Relapse Records. Let’s hope we see more of these bands soon.

The tremendously talented Dante Torrieri of Useless Rebel Imaging was on hand to capture the show in pictures for your viewing pleasure. So without further ado..

All pictures by Dante Torrieri of Useless Rebel Imaging.
Words by Joshua T. Cohen

Zoroaster