Black, White and Brutal

Cold and misty, we walk into the dark room. The red and deep purple glow beyond the door draws us like a glowing magnet. As we cross the threshold, a primitive scream that resonates with your soul comes blasting forth from the depths…

Okay, maybe it wasn’t quite like that, but almost. Friday night, Callie and I went to see her cousin, Ryan, and his band Waking Atlantis [WA] at the Masquerade. [WA] is a metal band and this was my first show, so I decided that taking my camera would be a good idea.

Full disclosure: I had never been to a metal show before, and I really didn’t get it. I thought it would be a bunch of guys on a stage acting like morons and yelling their brains out. Well, turns out I wasn’t too far off, but it was so much more than I ever expected. The pure energy was infectious and you couldn’t help but get wrapped up in it. I had an awesome time and I am really pumped to get to another one; especially after watching Ryan transform from the generally chill kid that I eat with at family functions into a chest-pounding, head-banging metal machine. It more than exceeded my expectations.

As an added bonus, I ran into someone I know from my days in The Boro (that’s Statesboro for those not down with the lingo), Elias Pratt. I knew this kid before he could grow facial hair. It was very cool to see him and the band he was playing with, Proclaim the Fall.

Below are some of the best shots from the night:

It all started with Proclaim the Fall. These guys were awesome and very genuine.

Elias drove all the way from Statesboro to fill in on the drums for Proclaim the Fall.

Almost got the mother of all headbutts from this kid. Super intense.

Smalls is the leader of Proclaim the Fall. He reminds me of my friend Adam.

The guys from Proclaim the Fall asked Ryan (left) to join them for a final "breakdown". It was a metal rendition of Amazing Grace. I call it the Amazing Grace-Down.

This was my first experience with Ryan, the metal version.

Then it was time for the main event. [WA] took the stage and started melting faces…

The boys begin their set with a short prayer.

Then the Monster was unleashed - You really don't expect it...

The crowd was really into it...

Bryan was puttin in werk...

Killing every inch...

The growl comes from the soul...

Workin it like nobody's business...

Callie approves.

Ya dig?

The guys of [WA] played a really sick show… I can honestly say I have never been more jacked at a concert, EVER. I guess that’s why people who go to these shows come back bragging about how many times they got punched in the face that night.

If you’re interested you can check out the guys on MySpace (yeah, you heard me… This is the one scenario where Myspace still makes sense): http://www.myspace.com/wakingatlantis. They also have a Facbook fan page and a website, if those are more your speed. You can also buy their music on iTunes. Just search the band name, Waking Atlantis.

I was really impressed with the show and the band. They obviously work very hard and really have a great time performing together. If you like metal, or just like local music, you should give Waking Atlantis a try. They get it and I’m glad they let me shoot their show.

Until next time, remember to keep it Brutal…

RCW

P.S. – If you know have any bands/artists that you really love, let me know. I am always on the hunt for new music.