| |
|
Bleed the Civilian
SILENT CIVILIAN
BLEED THE SKY
Colosseum Sports Bar
Wilmington, DE
March 23, 2006
By GREG MAKI
The Colosseum Sports Bar in Wilmington, Del. is not where you would expect to see a metal show. With pool tables and TVs, it is exactly what its name claims it to be: a sports bar. It has a small stage about a foot off the floor and frequently has live music, but the vibe was that of a watering hole where the locals go to hang out. Only a small percentage of those who came out this particular night seemed to actually be there for the music. I was one of those people, eagerly anticipating the performance by Silent Civilian, the new band featuring former Spineshank singer Jonny Santos.
Silent Civilian took the stage first. It was a minor miracle that they even did that, considering Kyle Moorman from Bleed the Sky filled in on guitar (replacing Tim Mankowski, who decided to leave the band less than two weeks into the first tour) and bassist Henno, sporting a broken ankle, was propped up on a bar stool. But with Santos front and center on vocals and guitar, the band instantly commanded the attention of everyone, including those just looking to blow off some steam on a Thursday night at the bar.
The 30-minute set featured six songs from the band’s upcoming debut Rebirth of the Temple (in stores May 2), including all four songs currently available on the Silent Civilian MySpace page. The sound is a terrific blend of old school thrash metal and the occasional melodic chorus. And who knew the singer from Spineshank could shred on the guitar? Santos is the real deal, and he clearly loves being in this new band. Drummer Chris Mora is another star in the making, laying a solid foundation for each track. Highlights of the set were the album’s title track, “The Song Remains Un-Named” and the closer, “Divided.”
Bleed the Sky followed after a short break. They are essentially another thrash band, but they’re set apart by Noah Robinson’s genuinely good singing. If they would emphasize that a little more while not sacrificing any heaviness, they could be something special. As it is, they are a solid band. I’m looking forward to hearing their next album, which Robinson said they have begun writing. I’m encouraged by his introduction of the short snippet of a new song, with which they finished their set: “Remember, heavier does not always mean faster.”
One more band, Spinebelt, played after Bleed the Sky. I didn’t stick around for them, as I had an 80-plus mile drive home and work the next morning. Not very metal of me, I know, but gas doesn’t pay for itself. Silent Civilian was the main attraction for me. I cannot remember being so excited about a new band. These guys deserve to make it big.
|
