This week we remember the life and legacy of local metal guitarist Nick Rockefeller, whose passing left a void in the hearts of many. Meanwhile, a relentless onslaught of death metal descends upon the city as Gravesend and Maul converge on Fallout for a night of brutality. In the realm of hardcore, we highlight Heavy Is The Head’s single “Dirty Feet”, a blistering anthem that cries out for change. And finally, we dive into the cavernous depths of doom with the release of Lair’s new album “The Hidden Shiv”.
Are you an artist with new tracks, a listener with suggestions or the inside scoop, or just want to say hi? Send an email to cj@rvamag.com
upcoming shows
NICK ROCKEFELLER MEMORIAL SHOW
Sunday, March 3rd @ Banditos
Doors: 7:00 pm
In a poignant moment for the Richmond music community, the passing of local guitarist Nick Rockefeller has left a profound void. Battling cancer with unwavering resolve, Nick’s courageous journey came to an end on the morning of February 1st. As a tribute to his enduring spirit and musical contributions, a special memorial show has been organized by Lost Life Booking in his honor. Set to feature performances from multiple bands, the event promises to be a heartfelt celebration of Nick’s life and passion for music. What makes this gathering even more meaningful is its altruistic purpose—all net proceeds from the show will be directed to the American Cancer Society, serving as a fitting tribute to Nick’s resilience and the countless lives he touched. As Richmond mourns the loss of one of its own, the music community stands united in honoring Nick’s memory and carrying forward his legacy of camaraderie. To quote his obituary, “Nick never knew a stranger or enemy and always focused on creating connection with anyone he came into contact with. He shined so very bright. Nick would encourage us to ‘be excellent to each other’.”
GRAVESEND, MAUL, BLAZING TOMB & LAIR
Sunday, March 3rd @ Fallout
Doors: 7:00 pm
This Sunday, death and doom comes to Richmond in this savagely stacked lineup. Regional acts Gravesend and Maul are on tour, each one representing some of the filthiest death metal humanity has to offer. Gravesend have released their sophomore album “Gowanus Death Stomp”, a record that captures the seedy underbelly of New York City terrifyingly well, while Maul have just dropped their new EP; teasing their sophomore release later this year. Alongside them are Richmond’s very own Blazing Tomb (who were featured in last week’s article) and doom metal outfit Lair. Mark your calendars, steel your nerves, and prepare for the sonic maelstrom as Richmond, VA becomes ground zero for a night of pure, unadulterated metal mayhem.
TERROR CELL, ALLEY TRASH, SILENUS & JACKAL
Monday, March 4th @ Ipanema Cafe
Doors at 8:00 pm
Richmond noise heavyweights Terror Cell will be hitting the stage with up-and-coming metalcore bands Alley Trash, Silenus, and Jackal. From the visceral intensity of the music, this is a night that promises to be unapologetically heavy.
new tracks
HEAVY IS THE HEAD – “DIRTY FEET” (single) 2023
The Richmond based 5-piece hardcore/metal band has been putting out music since 2022. The first release since their 2022 EP “No More Time”, “Dirty Feet” captivates listeners with its raw energy and emotional depth. The single is a relentless sonic journey showcasing the band’s confidence in blending hardcore song structures with heavy rock melodies and thoughtful lyricism; their first EP “High Pressure” also being a prime example of this. If you’re a fan of hardcore music with depth then this is for you.
LAIR – THE HIDEN SHIV (album) 2024
This new record by Richmond’s harbingers of doom invites listeners into a world of darkness, where the music is slow, heavy and atmospheric, creating a real sense of, well, doom; hence the name. The majority of these tracks chug along at extremely slow tempos and are accompanied by low-tuned and devastatingly long guitar riffs that will rattle your bones. Through guttural shrieks Read Urban describes hellish imagery that make my nightmares sound pleasant by comparison; just look up the lyrics to “A Human Trench Pt. 1” for proof. Among the brooding tension guitarist Anne Marie Dumain offers listeners a slight reprieve via the album’s instrumental track “Something’s At The Door” before pulling you back into the crypt for the remaining 4 tracks. “The Hidden Shiv” exemplifies Lair’s knack for crafting dark, brooding compositions that linger long after the music has stopped. Whether you’re a seasoned fan of the genre or new to the world of doom metal, their haunting soundscapes are sure to leave a lasting impression. Come prepared with a strong will before tackling this beast of a record.
What I’m Listening To
DREAM UNENDING & WORM – STARPATH (album) 2023
Doom metal is not a genre I find myself listening to very often, but after listening to Lair’s “The Hidden Shiv” I found myself revisiting two of my favorite doom/doom adjacent acts, Worm and Dream Unending. These two provide noticeably different takes on the genre but decided to drop this split album together and man do their guitarists know how to scratch my classical music major ear. Dream Unending features the talent of Tomb Mold’s very own Derrick Vella and his masterful use of songwriting, tone and technicality. The same can be said of the technical prowess of Philippe Tougas of Worm, who, as I just found out while writing this, plays for First Fragment and Void Ceremony; two intensely technical bands that I absolutely love and can’t wait to revisit this weekend.
Top photo courtesy of Heavy Is The Head by Jason Collins
