Tag Diving: Virginia
Virginia is for lovers.
Salutations stinkers! Welcome back to Tag Diving, the column where I, your occasionally absent Reliquary Tower, trudge through the trash of Bandcamp in order to bring you bangers. Think of it like when you go dumpster diving and wind up finding not just a chili-covered VCR, but discover that inside is a copy of Deathstalker III! Today’s topic is my home state of Virginia, so let’s see what she has to offer!
City of Caterpillar – S/T
When I saw these guys last year, I was blown away by their on-stage intensity. One of their guitarists used the mic stand as a slide. Their drummer came down into the crowd and started rhythmically smashing liquor bottles into a modified traffic barrel. Audience members were climbing on top of each other to get to the mic. Their bassist had at least three beers knocked over in the process. It was nuts. In terms of their sound, I’d describe it as having lengthy, atmospheric, post-rock passages that erupt into screamo-y chaos. If you dig this track, check out the rest of their stuff and for goodness’s sake, SEE THEM LIVE IF YOU CAN.
Valkyrie – Fear
This album has always felt like a lost Blue Öyster Cult record to me. The riffs, the guitar harmonies, the bass tone, and the song structures all make me want to go listen to Fire of Unknown Origin. Plus the band is fronted by my 8th grade history teacher, of whom I’ve got some pretty fond memories. Oh, and Pete Adams from Baroness is in the band.
Enforced – War Remains
You ever start an album and immediately realize you’re in for a good time? War Remains was one of those records for me. Death metal-tinged crossover thrash is one of my favorite flavors of metal, and these lads were a great introduction to it. If you’re a fan of Power Trip or High Command, check out Enforced.
