An eruption of beautiful chaos is how I saw The Dillinger Escape Plan last night. It had been almost ten years since I last saw them play live and they didn’t disappoint at all. This band has always been one of the most energetic, dangerous and violent bands I’ve seen, and last night was no different. On this run the band is playing small tiny rooms, thus making the intimacy factor very intense. I myself haven’t even been in a pit in many many years, but last night I felt compelled to go and let it all out on the floor for a couple songs. Dillinger unleashed a fury live, that most bands would be jealous of. They are unrelenting in their prowess and dedication to play like each show is their last show.
Opening the show was Author and Punisher. This one man band is a sight to see live. Tristan Shone, a mechanical engineer by trade, custom designed and fabricated most of his “instruments.” His music is best described as industrial doom metal. The sheer intensity that Tristan emits during his shows is gripping. This was my second time seeing him live and his live shows and material keeps getting better. I’d love to see him add some visuals to add to the already intense music he plays. Author and Punisher was a great opener for what was about to come.
Starting off the set with “Prancer” from One Of Us Is The Killer was one hell of a way to kick it off. Following that was their newest song “Limerent Death,” which the crowd seemed to know the words to and were really happy to hear. When Dillinger played “Panasonic Youth,” that’s when it all came out. From that point on there was no escaping the fury the band and crowd were putting out. Singer Greg Puciato and guitarist Ben Weinman were like madmen jumping and climbing around on stage without losing a beat, while the rest of the band held down the rhythm yet were destructive in their own way. Other songs that stood out from the set were “Room Full Of Eyes,” “Hero Of The Soviet Union,” “One Of Us Is The Killer,” “Happiness Is A Smile,” and “Farewell, Mona Lisa.” Closing out the night was “The Mullet Burden” and “Sunshine The Werewolf.” At the end of the “Sunshine” the band invited everyone up on stage to sing and jump around , which was quite something cool to see. Not to mention the guys in the band diving on top of those on stage to finish off the song.
What a show this was. It was everything I wanted it to be. Sure, it would have been nice if they had played some songs off of Calculating Infinity, but I was more than satisfied with what they played. Their upcoming album Dissociation will be their last for a while so I expect much more violence and chaos at their shows as they continue on for the next year or so. Shows like this are what’s missing from a lot of rock and metal shows. The element of danger and recklessness, really bring the music to life. These guys might be older but they still play like they are in their 20’s and bring it each and every night. I for one will have to go see them at least one more time before their end comes. I highly recommend you all go too. Even if you aren’t into the music, this is something that every fan of heavy music needs to experience in their life.
Set List:
Prancer
Limerent Death
Milk Lizard
Panasonic Youth
Room Full Of Eyes
Hero Of The Soviet Union
Nothing’s Funny
One Of Us Is The Killer
Happiness Is A Smile
Good Neighbor
Farewell, Mona Lisa
When I Lost My Bet
Encore:
The Mullet Burden
Sunshine The Werewolf
By: Brian Lacy
audioeclectica 