Detroit has many pocket-sized music venues, and the Sanctuary is one of the city’s favorites. Settled in the hamlet of Hamtramck, right next to Motor City, this bitsy concert hall is a spot where fans can experience their beloved bands in a comfortable and intimate setting. Death Metal virtuosos, Vader are on the prowl in North America for their 40th Anniversary, and they brought their Revelation of the Wicked tour to town. Along with Death Metal heavyweights, Krisiun and Decrepit Birth, this lineup came to the Sanc ready to delight and destroy.
The local favorite act, Nethergate kicked off the evening of brutality with an energetic set that got everyone warmed up. The room was wall-to-wall black hoodies when California’s Decrepit Birth took the stage next. Their dramatic, dense sound boomed forth with aggression and wildness. The slap of the bass, crunch of guitar, and speed of the drums were all accentuated by the backing tracks that added an extra layer of suspense. Frontman Bill Robinson’s dreads flailed about as he dredged up his furious gutturals. He got everyone moving by egging the crowd on and getting them excited for the acts to follow. Heat rippled off the strings and they stung with fortitude and cohesiveness. They played three songs in a row off their first album, …And Time Begins (Unique Leader Records) and the avid fans ate it up. Their primal energy set the tone of the evening, making them a great group as an opener on this tour.
The powerhouse trio that is Krisiun took over next. They glided right into their set with a forceful fury and determined mercilessness. The lush, dark manes of each player swooshed about as the intensity and groove of their sound moved them. Alex Camargo barked his lyrics of destruction with strong contempt and outrage. This Brazilian group of guys have been playing for over thirty years and their level of capability and creativity sets them apart from others in this extreme genre. The intricate work on the strings and the relentlessness of the drums showcased their effectiveness. Each member was present in their playing and met the eyes of their onlookers. Many in the front row blushed at such attention. A tidal wave of ripping and roaring riffs flooded the senses with rageful elation. When they broke into Motorhead’s classic, “Ace of Spades,” the room erupted. The floors shook as the trio thundered through their set. Their honest, unadulterated heaviness proved why they don’t need any backing tracks to add flavor to their already perfectly seasoned sound. The attentive crowd roared with pleasure as the band’s final number came to an end.
As AC/DC blasted through the speakers, the room was able to recoup a bit before the headliners made their appearance. Soon, Poland’s own Vader blasted into their renowned sound of raucous, resentment, and rage. The thrum of the guitars hit hard as they sped with a furious furor. Their leather tightened and their metal doo dads jostled as each member threw their all into each song. A true metal veteran, Piotr Wiwczarek roused the audience with his indignation and outbursts of hate. The speed and agility of each player was gripping. They knew how to draw in the crowd with their earnest presentation of invasive harshness. Their classics like ‘Wings’ and their new material like ‘Shock and Awe’ were all well received. There was a continuous open space in the middle of the room so the enthusiasts could mosh. The pit remained moving through the entire set. Everyone glistened with sweat by the time these Death Metal legends wrapped things up. Many stood panting as the lights turned brighter and the applause died down. The severity, passion, and excitement of the evening made it a show to remember.
WORDS AND PHOTOS BY RAGIN ROSIE