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Gramercy Theatre was sold out on August 31st in NYC as, Belphegor, Origin, Shining, and Abigail Williams all brought fans to midtown for one hell of a show.  Abigail Williams was touring their 2015 album Accuser and always puts on an impressive show. I have seen them four or five times in the past few years and they keep sounding better and better. They have changed personnel a few times in the past but really nailed a solid performance as a three piece with Sorceron and Wilson backed by new drummer Chason Westmoreland (The Faceless, ex-Hate Eternal). They sounded incredible, Godhead was sick live and with a good bit of improvising throughout the set it was interesting to see and hear them again. Sorceron and Wilson are creators, they are constantly working on new music and actively touring or recording with other bands. When they aren't doing that or working on solo stuff, Sorceron does some Audio Engineer work and Wilson owns and operates a printing business. 

The Shining has been around for a while but until recently have never played in the US. They played their first US show this summer at the Anti-Cosmic Music Fest. People were stoked to see this band live for the first time in NYC, and they did not disappoint putting on a great show. Like all the bands on the bill Shining brought a lot of energy to their set that was distinctly their own. They were thrilled to be in NY and left it all on the stage. 

Origin is another band I always seem to catch when they come around. Relentless, tight, and brutal are always a given with them. Paul Ryan (guitarist) and Mike Lores (bassist) are beasts; it never ceases to amaze. With the current lineup playing together since 2011; they have mastered the live representation of their music. Jason Keyser is a madman at the helm joining back in 2011 and always delivers an intense performance. The band is about to enter the studio for the first time with a recurring lineup adding a 7th album to the discography.

The tour just wrapped up a few days ago, it was the second and last US Conjuring The Dead tour for headliner Belphegor who will be releasing a new album in April. The new album will be an addition to an already very long and legendary legacy. My discography is over 7hr's dating back to 92 and I don't even have all of it. Classically infused, diabolical, and ferocious Belphegor live rituals are a thing to behold. Lucifer Incestus, Hells Ambassador, and a Bleeding Salvation encore to name a few made for an incredible end to an awesome show. Helmuth is a weird creature, a great performance as usual, and they sounded fantastic. Hopefully Belphegor has set a new precedent to continue touring the US at least twice a year.