It’s the first weekend in April, and despite the warm days and sunny skies ahead, it looks like we’re in for a weekend of extreme brutality, between the crushing dubstep that is Excision on Friday, a smaller metal show at Wonderland on Saturday, and the black metal assault that is Absu on Sunday.
It’s the first weekend in April, and despite the warm days and sunny skies ahead, it looks like we’re in for a weekend of extreme brutality, between the crushing dubstep that is Excision on Friday, a smaller metal show at Wonderland on Saturday, and the black metal assault that is Absu on Sunday. And if you aren’t into the heavy stuff, there are plenty of great indie shows, dance parties, and other events, as usual. Whatever you do this weekend, enjoy the sun and welcome in the springtime.
Friday, 4/5: Excision @ The National
If you are into contemporary dubstep and the heavier side of electronic music, you won’t want to miss Excision at The National. He’s playing with big name artists Vaski and Paper Diamond, and there will be special light and video installation created specifically for his set. Excision brings all the brutality of a metal show to the stage in the form of brutal dubstep, and stays far away from the “brostep” side of the genre, which relies heavily on vocal samples and screeching noises. Tickets are $30 at the door, which is a little steep, but this show promises to deliver in the visual department as well as the aural.
Friday, 4/5: Heavy Midgets @ Gallery 5
Local indie rock gurus Heavy Midgets will be playing this Friday at Gallery 5, alongside Paul Ivey and the Rubes, The Crypts from Fredericksburg, and noise rockers Cavum. This is also the opening reception for Gallery 5’s exhibition of Elena Lourenco’s solo show, Doings And Undoings, and will feature an outdoor street jam by the Party Liberation Front, which will include dancing, acrobatics, and plenty of fire spinning. Best of all, this show is free! It’s affordable and offers everything from dancey, poppy rock to classic rock n roll and noisy stuff, plus art and fire. What more could you want?
Saturday, 4/6: The Proselyte @ Wonderland
Crusty, grungy Boston metal band The Proselyte will be playing this Saturday at Wonderland with local band Black Out Shift. Wonderland is one of the best places to see local metal in Richmond, the shows are always affordable, the music they play between sets is great, the atmosphere is awesome, and there are always good drink specials. If you are looking for a cheap, fun metal show Saturday night, this is the place to be.
Saturday, 4/6: Hens @ Gallery 5
Hens are playing this Saturday at Gallery 5 with Clair Morgan and Patrick Bates. In the spirit of Easter, the show will also feature a promotional Instagram photo hunt. If you find a picture of the poster prior to the show and put in on Instagram tagged #morganbateshens, you’ll get a free copy of Clair Morgan’s album AND Patrick Bates’s album. So go take some pictures, then hit up the show to get your free stuff!
Sunday, 4/7: Absu @ Strange Matter
It’s the metal show everyone in Richmond’s been waiting for: finally, thrashy black metalers Absu will be taking the stage at Strange Matter as part of their North American Connexus Conjuration Tour. They’re playing with Philly thrashers Vektor, Harrisonburg’s Earthling (who just got signed to Forcefield Records), and Ravn and Hoboknife from Richmond. Absu will be doing two sets, one of which will feature them playing “Phase Two” of their 2001 album Tara. There will be so much thrash at this show they won’t be able to contain it, so grab twelve bucks and don’t miss this awesomeness.
For more great events, check out our calendar here!
