Has it really been 31 years since King Buzzo started the Melvins? Hard to believe that these guys have been sludging up the metal scene for more than three decades, and they still got it. Touring in support of their new record Hold it In, the Melvins played to a sold out, jam-packed Great American Music Hall last week and tore the roof off the place. The latest album showcases the band at one of their finest moments in my opinion, and is the first lineup to feature Buzzo and Crover, with Butthole Surfers members Paul Leary and Jeff Pinkus.
King Buzzo certainly lives up to the “King” part of his name. The crowd was full of adoring punks, metalheads, burnouts, and even a sprinkling of hipsters who came to show their loyalty to one of the most eclectic artists in recent memory. (I even saw punk legend Jello Biafra hanging out.) Buzzo stalked across the stage wearing an outfit that looked like he was going to run to the top of a temple and welcome a new alien species to earth immediately after the show.
The live set was nothing short of a spectacle as these three dudes might be the heaviest trio on the planet right now, as far as I’m concerned. The setlist that night was missing a few classic Melvin “hits” if you will, but new songs such as the brilliant “Bride of Crankenstein” made up for any of the expected staples from their classic albums.
Opening the show that night was Le Butcherettes who recently joined Ipecac Recording’s roster who will release their sophomore effort, Cry Is For The Flies. Le Butcherettes was formed by Teri Gender Bender in 2007 in Guadalajara. This was my first time seeing their live show which has garnered rave reviews so far. I will add one more thumbs up as they were spectacular live. I think the photos can tell the story much better than words…
LE BUTCHERETTES
Bottom line: the Melvins are a national treasure in the metal community. I celebrate the band’s entire catalog and have seen their live show three times now. It gets better—and better. Hold it In is coming on vinyl in December. Don’t miss this one, folks.
