I recently had the pleasure of seeing Castrator, Escuela Grind, Vitriol, and Exhumed perform at Meadows, Brooklyn. It was a night that left me speechless. There was an electric vibe in the room, and the intensity of each band’s performance eliminated any possibility of disappointment.

Although being very involved in the NYC metal scene, I had somehow missed them. I soon understood what I had been missing, though, when the all-female four-piece came onto the stage. Their unyielding aggression and unabashedly feminine death metal were refreshing, and I was reminded of classic bands like Cannibal Corpse with a New York edge. This bold assertion had a significant impact on the crowd.
The night’s other high point was Escuela Grind. The moment they began sound checking, there was a noticeable change in the atmosphere. Its brevity and focus allowed them to offer severe grindcore that remained faithful to the genre’s roots. Katerina Economou’s screaming voice and lurching speed made the band a force to be reckoned with, and their unrelenting performance reaffirmed their mission of promoting unity through music.

The powerful sound of Vitriol was ideal for the occasion. Kyle Rasmussen’s guitar work, which was the highlight of the performance, held their precise speed and snappy bass lines together. Adam and Kyle’s effortless coordination allows them to seamlessly navigate through the song’s numerous tempo changes without missing a single beat. Adam’s use of bass fret tapping adds depth to the rhythm section, creating a visceral and powerful sound that perfectly complements the dissonance of the music. The intricate note motions in the bridge riff leading up to the solo are a testament to the band’s mastery of harsh melody and their ability to create something truly unique in the realm of Extreme Music. Kyle’s solo style is a true marvel to behold, drawing inspiration from a wide array of guitarists and resulting in a sound that defies categorization. His use of tremolo picking, massive note bends, and chaotic tapping techniques creates a complex and vibrant sonic tapestry that constantly pushes the boundaries of what is possible in Extreme Death Metal. The interplay between Kyle and Adam is a thing of beauty, with each musician pushing the other to greater heights and creating a sense of timelessness that is nothing short of magical.

Exhumed closed out the night with a performance that was both theatric and intense. The fog, bloodied chainsaw-wielding doctor, and nurse all added to the atmosphere of the set, which was curated to perfection. Their new songs, like “Rank and Defiled” and “Carbonized,” showed that the band has a firm grip on the death grind genre. Ross Sewage’s bass and vocals complemented Matt Harvey’s screeching highs, creating a sound that was as infectious as it was brutal. It was a full package of sights and sounds that left me breathless.
Overall, the night was a testament to the power of metal music. Each band brought something unique to the table, but they all shared a common thread of intensity and passion. It was a night that won’t be forgotten anytime soon.