In the small city of McHenry Il, home of the fox river, a charming city where one can almost leave their house and cars unlocked all day was throttled and shaken to its very core when local metal bands blasted undeniable head banging music at the McHenry Vixen on August 15th and the 16th. Closing out the first night to a nearly sold out crowd was Strident Escape. Their fast, heavy thrashing bending of heavy music left fans roaring for more.
Relentless riffs, and hard-hitting rhythms, powered by inspirations of Lamb of God and Kill Switch Engage. Strident Escape commanded every moment with raw passion. Their stage presence radiated both ferocity and finesse. So much so that their mosh pit made my job as a photographer more difficult as I carefully navigated through flying punches and kicks to get my next shot. The tired fans were already exhausted from the long night of non stop head banging and smashing their bodies into one another as Velmorta, A year ago today, and Seven Cities Dead left the fans drenched from head to toe. One would think after nearly 5 hours of running around, the crowd might take it easy when the headliner band Strident Escape finally got on stage. Instead the band’s engaging interaction with the fans shared this unforgettable energy that elevated the band’s performance to unforgettable night.
Lead singer and co-founder of Strident Escape, Nate Mathe whose gritty vocal performance took a moment to express being “extremely grateful to all of the fans who’ve supported the band’s 20 year long journey.” The sincerity in his voice resonated with the crowd, drawing a massive cheer as the band said their good byes. The crowd immediately shouted and hollored “Let them play! Let them play! Let them play!” And before Connor (drums), Matt (guitarist), Don (guitarist), Brian (bass), and Nate could finally catch their breath. They smiled at each other and signaled the Vixen they weren’t done.
Strident Escape’s execution was nothing short of raw and deeply defiantly fierce. Affirming their place among metal’s ascending acts. Their set was a perfect blend of nostalgia, and unapologetic to anyone who disdains thrash metal or any kind of metal music. For them they don’t care what side of the fence you sit on. All they and every metal band ask one thing of their fans; let your pent up rage out in the most pit.
Review and Photos by Eric LeClair/rantingphotos
