Deicide & Broken Hope on the “No Salvation Tour” 10/6/13
Sunday, October 6th, proved challenging for New Yorkers as death metal veterans “Deicide” rolled in on the “No Salvation Tour” with fellow Century Media Records recording artists “Broken Hope” The show began at 6:30pm with the first two acts in pure darkness. I knew what I was getting myself into being that death metal artists do NOT like stage lighting what-so-ever. Long Island recording artists “Day of Doom” opened up for “Necronomicon” who were thoroughly excited to play in New York City in their 25 year career. The room had all the vibes of metal and each patron began to pour in as the night went on. Unique Leader Records recording artists, Disgorge, opened the first of the last three with a massive set and LIGHTING. As a photographer who has shot death metal before, I was thoroughly impressed with how Disgorged carried themselves. Green’s and teal primarily were the best shot I kept from them out of the 3 song limit. They were NOT as harsh as I anticipated. However, the artists themselves LOVED moving, so it was quite a challenge. Disgorge did their job very well and left the crowd craving more. Open to “Broken Hope”
Broken Hope came in to The Gramercy Theatre with a setlist that would do the justice they deserved. Last time I experienced this band live was with Gibtown Records own “Obituary” at The gramercy Theatre (More lighting at Deicide rather than Obituary to be honest) I felt that Broken Hope was overshadowed SEVERELY by their headlining partner in crime Obituary. However, it was not the case with Deicide. Broken Hope pulled a massive 13 song setlist which comprised of their overall discography even though they have a brand new album released entitled “Omen of Disease” The only songs played from that setlist from their new album was “The Docking Dead”, “The Flesh Mechanic” and “Womb of Horrors” rounding out those other ten songs were songs that started pits and caused ruckus throughout the GA floor of The Gramercy Theatre. Those ten came off their full discography and were well received. It was almost RARE to see death metal in NYC with fantastic lighting. I was blown away (ignoring the fact I cannot get death metal lyrics down for the life of me) by how atmospheric the room transformed. Broken Hope gave me magnificent photos and were great guys to chat with. One being Damian Leski, the bands lead singer. I managed to sneak a photo with him after his set and he enjoyed the photo work. You can see the photos below in the gallery.
Finally comes Deicide. They were already on stage tuning and getting sound properly collaborated as the crowd cheered and welcomed them with open arms. Glen Benton did NOT do a dramatic band introduction as he locked his eyes onto the stage when the lights faded to white and black and said “Fuck it lets get this party started” Only then when he said that… I knew true fear. Literally 30 seconds into the first song, fans began crowd surfing into the photo pit and swarming us with their sweaty, maddening presence. It was only then every member of the press who were part of that photo pit were told to vacate after a song and a half. It got hairy very fast. Every band had a setlist on the stage BUT Deicide. Their setlist is as follows: Homage for Satan, Dead by Dawn, Once Upon the Cross, Scars of the Crucifix, When Satan Rules His World, Serpents of the Light, Save Your, Hang in Agony Until You’re Dead, Conviction, Trifixion, Dead but Dreaming, Children of the Underworld, Witness of Death, Desecration, Sacrificial Suicide, Lunatic of God’s Creation, Oblivious to Evil, Deicide and Behind the Light Thou Shall Rise.
The 19 song setlist managed to be played out before the 11pm curfew and left the venues patrons BEYOND satisfied. I, along with three fellow photographers managed to stay on the side area that lead out to the GA section of the floor. It was pretty much V.I.P for all I care as it kept us safe from the massive mosh pits and crowd surfers losing their minds during the set. I managed to sneak in some photos with my colleague Rodrigo’s 70/200 F2.8 Canon Lens (Which by the way I am in love with) I could NEVER envision seeing this band live before or shooting veteran Glen Benton on stage. He claimed he was having vocal problems but I personally couldn’t tell the difference. Check out their new album “In The Minds of Evil” courtesy of Century Media Records and releasing late November. Also check below for the full photo gallery of all three acts including Disgorge and Broken Hope’s Setlists.
