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If you make it there, you can make it anywhere... Too often, myself included, we become enamored with overseas newcomers, but each of these bands hold hope for the future, in terms of internationally viable traditional metal. Skullfist and Night Demon (along with Australian thrashers Elm Street) were kicking off a trans-continental tour (the Cali troupe having just endured more than a month, in often sub-freezing temps, criss-crossing the US, supporting Raven), while the North Carolina-based trio were added exclusively to the NYC date, on the strength of their previous forays into the Northeast. Win-win!

Well not quite, as myopic big city promoters saw fit to showcase the Dark Tranquillity tour ($35) about a half dozen blocks away. While the double-booking probably didn't cost the Swedes much of their audience, this package of newcomers was undoubtedly hurt by a better known entity playing concurrently. If there had been nothing else on the docket, more than a few metalheads would surely have ventured to Webster Hall (the old Ritz, to those remembering the 80s) to investigate the new blood ($12). I throw down the gauntlet, challenging any/all metal mags, zines, websites this side of the Atlantic to show support (let alone attend, in person) this tour package.

Despite having played in Greece, Australia and the UK, Widow were up first (even before the local, unsigned act). Sort of pity those that came later, as this seasoned trio put everything into their high energy half hour onstage. Bug-eyed singer/bassist John E. Wooten, he of the waist length hair, flung himself around the stage, often playing the four-string vertically and with a permanent smile seemingly etched on his face. Guitarist Chris Bennett, who also helps out on vocals and between song banter, dazzled with some tasty licks, a portion of the young crowd singing along to Life's Blood material, likes of "Lady Twilight" and even chanting the band's name! "Take Hold Of The Night" saw the audience moving around the floor or hopping up and down. This was a traditional metal loving crowd, not some That Metal Show watching posers, as they knew the lyrics to "Angel Sin", off the '03 debut. Rumors are, there'll be a new album, later this year. Can't wait!

Night Demon, the hotly tipped trio, followed a local warm-up band. Led by Jarvis Leatherby on bass/vocals, the band were days from issuing their Curse Of The Damned debut (on Century Media domestically and the mighty SPV overseas). The small studio stage was soon overwhelmed by theatrical fog, just the start of a sweaty, headbanging evening (and that's just Leatherby, look at the photos)! As mentioned in my review of said album, theirs is a NWOBHM inspired sound, mixed with Guy Speranza-era Riot (whose "Road Racin" they aired tonight). After a red/green lit "Screams In The Night" kicked things off (just as it does on the new CD), there's still a heavy dose of the pre-release Ep, and why not as "The Chalice" and "Ritual" are killer tunes. The former sees traveling journalist-turned-merchandiser Andrew Bansal (MetalAssault.com) temporarily play the role of a hooded Druid/priest, waving the titular drinking vessel aloft. The signature track, "Night Demon" was another crowd pleaser. Their plan calls for a total of 60 dates in the USA this year, playing all 48 contiguous states. No excuse not to see them. It's worth the trip.

The Skullfist sophomore effort, Chasing The Dream landed at #12 on my Top Albums of 2014. They seem to be a fun-loving, booze-filled devil may care (to the point of possible personal injury, on & off stage) troupe. Witness high pitched frontman Zach Slaughter, the telephone number of some lovely written from forearm to biscep in black Sharpie marker, and then there's that tale of missing the first night of the tour, detained by border security. Onstage, they churn out a catchy speed metal hybrid that sees bassist Casey Guest in a friendly shoving match, or kicking each others' derriere, with the frontman throughout the performance. Slaughter wields a left-handed, hand-painted Japanese sunburst design guitar, hanging from a chain-link "strap". The tight, straight leg jeans and hair hanging in their eyes recalls the early promo photos of kindred spirits Destruction, Sepultura and countless other 80s thrash/speed outfits. Storming riffs on ""Sign Of The Warrior' and "You're Gonna Pay", along with plenty of others from ...Dream. To close out the night, guitarist Jonny Nesta (black curls obscure his face, ala classic Slash) perched himself atop Slaughter's shoulders (AC/DC style). Flashback to the 80s, especially for those who were never there.

Good to see younger bands opting for these sounds. Even better, their contemporaries are going to the shows, buying CDs and merch. Are you?