Metal legends Today Is the Day play last-minute late night set at Strange Matter tonight

by | Oct 16, 2014 | MUSIC

Attention RVA metalheads! If you don’t have your ears to the ground, you might have missed this sudden announcement from the Strange Matter camp yesterday–so here’s the word: Tennessee noisecore veterans Today Is The Day are rolling into town late tonight and hitting the Strange Matter stage!

Attention RVA metalheads! If you don’t have your ears to the ground, you might have missed this sudden announcement from the Strange Matter camp yesterday–so here’s the word: Tennessee noisecore veterans Today Is The Day are rolling into town late tonight and hitting the Strange Matter stage! After a last-minute cancellation in Frederick, MD, the trio needed a place to play, and Strange Matter stepped up, so cancel any plans you had for after midnight tonight and get over there, because you don’t want to miss this!

Today Is The Day have been around for over two decades now, and have released 10 albums, including classics like Temple Of The Morning Star (1997) and Sadness Will Prevail (2002). Led by Reverend Steve Austin, the band’s constantly shifting lineup has at various times included members of Mastodon and Hate Eternal, and the band has been signed to legendary noise and metal labels like Amphetamine Reptile and Relapse. Their latest album, Animal Mother, was released this week. It’s their first for Southern Lord, and the first to feature the current lineup, which includes bassist Sean Conkling (Regression/Burn Your Halo/Sprawl) and drummer Jeff Lohrber (Enabler, ex-Harlots). Their sound has always been heavy and noisy, but has shifted from gloomy, funereal dirges to blasting, noise-damaged grindcore at various points. Animal Mother appears to land somewhere between these two extremes, as can be heard on the album’s first single, “Masada”:

Tonight’s show marks a return to that stage for Today Is The Day. Back in the late 90s, when 929 W. Grace St was still called Twisters, they played there twice–once with EyeHateGod and Zeni Geva, once with Converge. The Converge show involved a band member’s equipment catching on fire, so even if tonight’s show isn’t the most amazing thing you’ve ever seen, there’s still the possibility for serious mayhem. So come out tonight–technically, Friday morning–after the Red City Radio/Direct Hit show ends. Admission is $10. Doors will open at 12:20 AM, and Today Is The Day will take the stage at 12:45. No opening acts, no presales. For more info, click here.

Marilyn Drew Necci

Marilyn Drew Necci

Former GayRVA editor-in-chief, RVA Magazine editor for print and web. Anxiety expert, proud trans woman, happily married.




more in music

GoFundME for Gallery5! Support A New Chapter For A Richmond Icon

Gallery5, a cornerstone of Richmond's First Fridays celebrations, commemorated its 19th anniversary last week—a milestone shared with us at RVA Magazine. This cherished institution is not just a gallery but a community hub, known for its unwavering support of local...

Adam Scott and GWAR: Merging Time and Music in Photo

We are back to Waynesboro, Virginia to catch up with photographer Adam Scott on his latest project. Adam has been superimposing vintage GWAR photos onto their modern-day locations in Richmond highlighting the city's evolution, or de-evolution, depending on your...

Illiterate Light, PBGRenegade w/ Téy Renae & 4la7la: Sound Check

I'm keeping it local this week, because once again the local talent here is just so powerful and concentrated in Richmond that I can't help but talk about every artist at length. On this week's SOUND CHECK, you might actually be able to get tickets to an Illiterate...

Congrats 821 Cafe! A Favorite Richmond Hang Out Turns Twenty

821 Cafe, the unassuming diner/restaurant/bar on the corner of Cherry and Cary streets - where Oregon Hill and the Fan meet - turns 20 years old in its current incarnation. Andrew Clarke and Chip Cooke bought the place from its previous owners back in 2004, and have...

The Motet, Low Phase & Erin & The Wildfire: Sound Check

I know you're itching to get back outside as much as I am, but while the rain clears up we'll have to wait just a little while longer. We're almost in festival season where outside concerts seemingly never end, with sunshine and tunes galore. Until then, we've got an...

Chandler Has Gone Viral, Again

When your friend from far away Portugal hits you up with a message like, "Have you seen this? Do you know this guy? He's from Richmond and he is all over TikTok!" you can't help but check it out. And when you discover it's Chandler Matkins, it's almost a given—of...