The Makai, Book of Black Earth & Stormin Norman

This could easily be a review about the triumphant return of the legendary Hell House. Previously of Temple of Glam fame, the house at 1422 Warner Street has been the punk and hardcore anchor in this town for, well, a while now. Several months ago, the Hell House closed up shop and stopped doing shows because of the boneheaded, disrespectful and selfish attitudes of visiting people. Its steadfast dedication to bringing DIY touring bands and actually paying, feeding and housing them too, is something of a lost art these days.

We shouldn’t forget the fine residents who open their home several times a month to a bunch of dirty punks and street kids; kids who drink and smoke without care or concern that somebody is going to have to deal with that cigarette burn in the carpet or the broken front door (provided by a drunken self-centered, punker-than-thou chump who really is closer to a scab or leech than a community member). Remember people, R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Their tireless work, trust and commitment is more than admirable. So here you go: Thanks guys. You rock.

So. The music. Having seen their name around Chico a couple times, it was great to finally see Stormin Norman. Their youthful, Citizen Fish punk rock wasn’t so much original as it was energizing. That throaty, pissed-off revolutionary angst made me smile, plus they gave out free demos. Sweet. It was a little intimidating to be at the Hell House surrounded by people I’ve never seen before. Luckily, the youth crowd didn’t vanish after Stormin Norman played, like some bands’ groupies do. These guys are good.

The touring band, Book of Black Earth, just about left everyone with a load in his or her pants. Imagine a gigantic, dark medieval castle with sacred, hallowed halls of marble and ceilings vanishing into the darkness, sitting on the edge of a cliff. It’s a full moon. Bats are everywhere. You’re lost in an enchanted forest of elves and fairies. All you hear is the sound of salvation exploding from the castle. Do one of those Lord of the Rings-esque zoom shots of the castle and see this fucked up black metal band shredding in the heart of it. It makes me want to play Zelda. Seriously, they’re that epic; hero’s journey black metal that’ll leave you sufficiently awkward, yet aroused.

Now that I’ve run out of space for this review, I’ll have to make my review of The Makai short and sweet. Check them out! Armed with a new drummer and some new songs, this metal-meets-hardcore band is starting to make some waves, moreso than they already have. Their throaty growls and primal screams really tickle the ol’ tater-tot. Trust me, this shit is bananas.

Words and Photos By Matt Kiser

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