‘Tis the season for fun festivities and what better way to get in the spirit of things than to attend Battlecross‘ 7th Annual “Battle Christmas.” The much-beloved band hosts a cheery evening with other great groups making it a highlight of this time of year. Hundreds gathered on the west side of Detroit last Friday to join the party. Resting between two Detroit burbs, The Token Lounge is a comfortable-sized venue that has been enjoyed for over fifty years. Hosting a wide variety of acclaimed acts, this delightful destination is a local favorite to catch a show and was the perfect place to host Battlecross’ extravaganza. Not only was this their much-anticipated annual get-together, but it was also their last show before going on an indefinite hiatus.
The lively lads in Nethergate kicked things off with spunk and spark. Their pulverate Death Metal sound pulsed powerfully through the room as it began to fill with eager fans. By the time the second act came on, you couldn’t tell if everyone’s cheeks were red from the cold or from too much hooch. Every act was local and the two fellas in Shit Life are a Detroit Favorite. Their unbridled severity was warmly welcomed. Their shouts and speed got the room loosened up and fed right into the high energy of the third berserk band for the night.
Child Bite has been making Motor City proud for close to twenty years. Kooky, combative, and candid. This quartet tosses their all into each song. Their raw rhythms and weighty, yet fast paced musicianship swung back to the early days of Punk. The bright blue of frontman Shawn Knight’s eyes was the perfect hue to catch the crazed, yet resolved glint in them. The band ignited a crunchy and vibrant chaos that pleasantly washed over the enamored onlookers. Their dramatic crooning and charmia jived with the participatory crowd. Many came prepped in their holiday best for the special evening. Santa hats and full hot dog costumes were spotted in the circle pit. Each member played with an agility that gave off a very theatrical vibe. With hands and heads waving in the air, they had the whole room moving. Knight’s speak sing voice commanded attention and drew out a determined, feverish frenzy that many fans latched on to. The manic heart of this physical, rentlessless act laid excellent groundwork for the headliners to come.
After a lengthy wait, the boys of the hour finally took the stage around 11 pm. The room ruptured with roars of pleasure as the band kicked into the hard hitting piece, ‘Force Fed Lies’. The local quintet has been around for roughly twenty years and they came ready to fully unleash their fire with fury. There were beach balls in the air as they cranked out fan favorites like ‘Man of Stone’, ‘Deception’, and ‘Kaleb’. Each member played with exuberance. Joyful expressions full of exaltation and thrill were planted on each face. Their Thrash-like ruckus reached new heights of charm and spirit. Don Slater never ceased to amaze with his dexterity and intuitiveness on the bass. Founding members Tony Asta and Hiran Deraniyagala had their strings singing with expertise. Their use of harmonies provided a texture that tingled the senses. The girth in the guitars projected their major chord playing which is key in creating their signature happy metal sound. They have found this compatible combination of goofy and groove. Frontman Kyle “Gumby” Gunther dazzled with his screams and squawk. He mastered the crowd with a frantic, yet laissez faire attitude. More than one type of bodily fluid flew about the very inebriated crowd, yet no one seemed to mind. All the focus was on making this last performance one to remember. After an incredible, energy filled set, the night came to completion with their hit song, ‘Push, Pull, Destroy’. It was an emotional ending with long minutes of cheering, words of gratitude, and hugs. This is an act that will be greatly missed and let’s hope they make a comeback in the near future.
WORDS AND PHOTOS BY RAGIN ROSIE