I had this show marked on my calendar for quite a while because when I saw that Revocation would be making a stop in the Metroplex you know I’d be there. As this the date grew closer I thought I’d see what some of the other bands on the bill had offer. Not unusual to do, but when I’m amped to see a band I don’t always take the time to check out some of the support acts that I’m not familiar with. Man, am I glad I did! Black Fast sucked me right in with their blistering riffs, pummeling rhythms which translated into a fresh mix of thrash and death metal. Now I was even more psyched for this show and making sure they got a few spots as my “Featured Artist” on our Facebook & Twitter pages. Gotta spread metal to the masses, right?
Timing it just right, I arrived as the band was getting set up. Thanks to riff-mister Trevor Johanson, I found a nice little spot to set up video to capture this potent St. Louis 4-piece as they were about to unleash the fury on the anxious Texas crowd. And within minutes drummer, Ross Burnett provides the segue for his bandmates Aaron Akin (vocals/guitar), Ryan Thompson (bass) and Johanson to rev the engines and head full force into the barn-burning “Haunted Vigil” from their recent release Terms of Surrender. Slowing down just enough to introduce “Progenitors of Predation”, the lone song in the set from the impressive 2013 EP - Starving out the Light - they kick it back into overdrive and keep it in the fast lane for most of the set.
Black Fast is a young band that is just oozing with talent. Not only Mr. Johanson but the rhythm section of Thompson & Burnett; switching from warped speed to cruise control and everything in between. Being able to give a song that pile-driving punch but then pulling back the reigns to give it some feel. And having the bass peak out and make itself known is always nice. Make sure you soak in “Haunted Vigil” because you’ll be treated to that along with some nice solo work.
Now, you add the classic scowl of vocalist Aaron Akin and you’ve got something special. He gives their sound that classic thrash vibe but with a more modern feel. Something nice to see; especially when it’s done well. And listening to them I can hear it in the music but it was seeing them live that I really noticed it. There is a vibe, energy and it resonates in Akin on stage. The way he interacts with the crowd and his charisma; HE’S ELECTRIC! The crowd feeds of him and it fuels the band. It’s the look of a band that is hungry and enjoys being on stage and getting their music out there to new and old fans alike.
After the set I had the pleasure of hanging out with Akin and talking about music, the band, touring and whatever else came to mind (and occasionally peer over to watch Ross & Trevor “play” foosball). Fair warning - if they ask you and a friend to play a game just expect and ass whooping. They pretty much owned the table when they were teamed up. While Aaron and I were talking about bands Metallica came up in the conversation and how we each got into them. Of course how old I felt as I saw them for the first time back in 1985 on the Ride The Lightning Tour at a small club in San Antonio. I mentioned how at the end of the show Hetfield stage-dove into the crowd, something they’re way too big to do now. But thinking about that show and watching Metallica on that tiny stage, so young, charismatic and hungry to make it, I see that with Black Fast. The passion and pride Aaron had was evident during our conversation and with the music to back it up the future is theirs for the taking.
* If you missed them last month be sure to catch them on November 24th at Reno’s Chop Shop in Dallas as they will be direct support for Havok.