MUTOID MAN MAKES SHREDDING LOOK EASY AT UNDERGROUND ARTS
Hardcore metal supergroup Mutoid Man came through Philadelphia to stop at Underground Arts this past Friday, and performed an incredibly intense and enthusiastic set. The power trio was supported by tourmates Sweet Cobra and local noise punk band Bardus.
Too often when you see a technically-savvy hardcore band live, the members are stoic on stage while the crowd is going apeshit. On Friday night during Mutoid Man‘s set, the exact opposite occurred. The majority of the audience stood still or banged their heads as they kept their eyes locked on the band, seemingly in disbelief that anyone could shred that well live. Not only did Mutoid Man perform their incredibly technical set of metal with precision, but they did so with an extremely jovial attitude.
Guitarist Steve Brodsky and bassist Nick Cageao poured huge, unrelenting riffs out of their amplifiers, while Ben Koller drove songs with his innovative and accomplished style of drumming. Each member of the band was absolutely first-rate with their respective instrument, to the point where they could enthusiastically blaze through tracks and still find time to playfully give each other the finger in between the music’s craziest moments. The band was truly in good spirits; Brodsky endearingly referred to the crowd as ‘mutants’ as he introduced their songs, Brodsky and Cageao switched instruments at one point, Cageao stole Koller’s seat when he got up to stretch, and they pulled out their insane cover of The Animals’ “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood.” Altogether they put on a topnotch and entertaining set, but possibly the most impressive thing about Mutoid Man is that vocalist/guitarist Steve Brodsky can pull off such a wide range of vocal duties while not missing a beat hammering away on his axe. Overall, Mutoid Man proved they are one of the most talented metal bands around, and more importantly that they are having the most fun doing it.
Click HERE to see Philly Punk’s slideshow of photos by Jay Breslin, and don’t miss them as they continue touring North America and destroy Europe - dates and tickets HERE