Death metal has been a constant in my life for well over 30 years (yes, I’m a bit old). Within that time frame Incantation and Nile have been an integral part of that genre and have consistently released album after killer album. So, when they announced The Age of Vile Divinities Tour, I knew I couldn’t miss it. The openers for this tour are Dallas, Texas I Am, and Columbus, Ohio’s Sanguisugabogg– both new up and comers to the metal scene.
After driving 2 hours to get to the venue, walking up I happened to notice that this was the most battle vests I have ever seen in one place in a long time. Numerous metalheads showing off their favorite bands on backs and chests as badges of honor. I find these are great conversational pieces to start talking to like minded people and making new friends. We are a big metal family after all.
Once inside and after making their merchandise booth purchases, everyone took their preferred spots to head bang for the night- whether up front on the barrier, in the middle to venture the tides of the circle pit or towards the back where you just want to enjoy yourself without getting pummeled.
First up was I Am. This was my first time seeing them, even though I myself am also from TX (come to think of it, this my first time seeing all these bands). The Texas band got things started off with a bang and immediately had the circle pit going and hair windmilling in unison. One song after another, they barely gave anyone time for a breather. Within the 30 minute set time, there is always a challenge to make the most out of that time they are given. I Am gave their all and left a Texas size boot print impression that got the night started right.
Next up was Sanguisugabogg with their groove flavored death metal. Having recently released an album in 2021 titled Tortured Whole, they continued the onslaught. With encouraging shouts of pit etiquette and lyrics to make your momma blush, Sanguisugabogg used their time wisely to make new fans and cement old ones as well. The groove laced metal had an excellent cadence for foot stomping moshing. Once they ended their set, the crowd had to disperse for a few minutes outside to cool down their sweat beaded faces.
After a few minutes for set change, the lights went out and the Necronomicon outtake started. (I remember when the movie Evil Dead came out in 1981 well I remember watching it through my fingers as it scared the hell out of me at 6 years old. Honestly, I probably only saw like 15 minutes of actual footage without my hands covering my face back then. Now I appreciate it for the horror classic it is!)
With death metal legend John McEntee taking the stage up front and center, Incantation took a pummeling right hook to everyone’s face and we all just shouted in fervor for more! Filling the night with classic songs spanning their 3 decade career, there was no sign of age or slowing down for John and the band. A few newer songs from their latest album Sect of Vile Divinities, which was released in 2020, also made their live debut. There was even a rare appearance of the song Nocturnal Dominion off of Mortal Throne of Nazarene which hadn’t seen the stage lights since 1994!
It was great to finally see John live with Incantation! Things I noted was the precision exercised by each band member and their music, ensuring that the crowd got what they wanted. By watching the crowd it was evident everyone was enjoying themselves. People were jumping, shouting & screaming lyrics along with so much head banging and hair flinging about it was a cacophony of hair and metal!
Finally up to the stage was the mighty Nile! Their technical death metal opus started with Sacrifice Unto Sebek! I felt like I was transported into their lyrical stories, transported to another time. Screaming guitars filled the night with ferocity and precision leaving gasping breaths and suddenly the moshing erupted from the depths of Apep’s dominion! Watching Karl shred through classics was awe inspiring and jaw dropping as Nile blazed through their back catalog. Hearing songs like Sarcophagus, Vile Necrotic Rites and Black Seeds of Vengeance was a blast from the past.
Going on close to 30 years, time has not slowed Nile down one bit. In fact, by the energy they displayed tonight, they showed how they have gotten better with time. Fans new and old in attendance tonight would attest to that. As the night came to a close fans slowly and reluctantly made their exit. Some stayed behind hoping to find a guitar pick that some other body missed or maybe, just maybe, get a photo with a wandering band member. One thing is for sure, this tour is a plethora of death metal goodness and one not to miss!
WORDS AND PHOTOS BY RENE BOTELLO