Where do I even begin when I talk about the Shred Fest with Obsurca this past weekend in Dallas, TX? With a stacked line-up featuring five legendary bands that encapsulate the very definition of heaviness, of raw talent, and of what it means to be a heavy metal band, this tour proves just how alive and thriving the heavy music scene is. Obscura was joined by Fractal Universe, Decrepit Birth, Origin, and Atheist, this past weekend was full of head banging, moshing, circle pitting, and having an all around blast of a time.
Coming all the way from France to grace the ears of Texas was Fractal Universe. Their combination of jazzy breakdowns, saxophone solos, and blast beats left me wanting more as the band left the stage at the end of their set. Fractal Universe reminded myself and the fans in attendance how much fun metal can be as each and every moment from the band was a wonderful balance of "stank face" breakdown and ear-to-ear smiling and happiness. While it was my first time catching this band live, I hope I get to experience it again soon!
Up next was a band that doesn't need an introduction, but I'm going to give them one anyway! The almighty Decrepit Birth has been making waves in the technical death metal scene for over 20 years. The band is nothing short of legendary in the music scene! You tell me how many vocalists will join the crowd for a circle pit and mosh pit over and over again like Bill Robinson. I bet you can't. With bone shaking riffs, gut arranging blast beats, and a few broken necks, I don't think any fan in attendance will say they didn't enjoy the band's set.
Origin took the stage next and I swear to God I thought there was a dinosaur screaming on stage as the band exploded into a barrage of the most insane playing I've ever seen in my life. Mike Flores was an absolute unit on the bass as I saw his hands fly up and down the neck of his instrument without breaking a sweat. It makes sense how the band has been consistently recognized by critics and peers as the leaders in technical death metal since the early 2000s. I mean, come on. The band played a song to which the crowd moshed to, circle pitted to, and even had a Wall of Death to. Yes, you read that right. All of that in just one song! Absolutely incredible!
Talking about legendary bands and pioneers of the genre, Atheist took to the stage after Origin finished. Leading the heavy metal scene since the late 1980's, Atheist reminded the people of Dallas, TX why they really are the Kings of Death Metal. I don't think I've ever watched a band head bang on stage as long as this band did during their set. How have their heads not fallen off?! Also, excuse me Dallas because I was unaware you could throw down like that! The sea of people having the time of their life was truly a sight to behold as Atheist just demolished everyone's expectations of what they were capable of.
After several of hours having the time of their lives, fans were finally ready for the almighty, the incredible, the amazing Obscura to take the stage. Another band with over 2 decades of experience in the music scene, Obscura took the stage and immediately started to play some of the most intricate, electrifying, and technical metal to ever have graced my ears before. It was as though each note, hand movement, and even each head bang was thought about prior to taking the stage. I am not all too familiar with the technical death metal scene, but after hearing and experiencing Obscura, I need to dedicate some more time to the genre!
If you have an opportunity to see this incredible tour package, drop everything you are doing and go! Tickets can be found here and you better hurry before the tour sells out!
