*Feb 7, 2005* Lo-Fi Cafe, SLC

BEHEMOTH were really on it. They were tighter than last year's show touring with SIX FEET UNDER and SKINLESS. Except for they played a longer set last year. So the only thing I could complain about was the brevity of last night's set; however, it was an assured attack from these old hands at dealing sonic death and darkness. Nergal has his moves down pat, he's a natural showman. Their drummer stayed at the borderline of being so fast his rolls were a crisp blur. They ended their 4 song set with the title-track from their latest album, DEMIGOD.

SUFFOCATION really outdid themselves. I've been listening to their reunion album SOULS TO DENY on vinyl, and I actually like it despite the fact it doesn't quite add up to the unique vibe they used to deal out in the old days. However, I really think it an accomplished piece of technical death dealing. And let me tell you: their live performances of these new songs was nothing short of lethal. Super chugged amped up death chords wrapped in shiny twisted barbed wire lead guitar soloes, all accompanied by Frank Mullen's deep bass vocal grunting, it was a visceral set. They played more oldschool stuff than new, actually, and they succeeded in opening up the most vicious pits of the night, by a long shot. I stayed along the inner wall, and shoved fuckers back in.

It was one helluva successful night of fury, darkness, and mayhem.