2 [LIST MANIA] Kick Ass Local Bands to Check Out in 2010

List and 5/6 videos by Nik Christofferson

My New Year’s resolution for 2010 is to become further engrossed into the local metal and punk scene than I already am in hopes of discovering and further championing the amazing bands currently playing in town. My only regret of 2009, was sleeping on a few of the bands that have me so pumped for 2010. I might need your help along the way, so if you know of any awesome bands that should be on my radar, please let me know immediately.

There are some local bands that I am extremely excited about right now. Some have been around for a little while, others are brand spanking new. All of them are amazing live! Last Saturday, KEXP held their monthly Audioasis broadcast and benefit at the Sunset Tavern. The all local music show benefit always features a couple live on-air performances as well as a stellar showcase of local up and coming bands. Audioasis host Hannah Levin, who incidentally is also the host of KEXP’s new metal show Seek and Destroy, booked an extra heavy lineup for the evening. Also, it just so happened I have been smitten with 4 of the bands on the bill including Dog Shredder, The Keeper, Vultures2012, and Android Hero, so needless to say I was extra stoked for the show and it didn't come close to disspointing.

Having seen all the bands on this post, some multiple times, and I can say without a shadow of a doubt they are some of the best Seattle has to offer at this moment. So here you go, some great local bands to keep your eye on. So support local music and get your ass to venues like the Comet, Funhouse, and Sunset Tavern where all the real shit in the city is going down.

AFCGT

The collaboration between the A Frames and Climax Golden Twins simply called AFCGT has generated some genuinely awesome mind melting cacophony on their new self-titled record due January 26th. Their first show since announcing the record took place at Chop Suey last December 18th. I was there and was completely dumbfounded by the wizardry displayed before me. It was simply an ultimate display in over your head psych mastery; an acid flashback within an acid flashback. It’s wild stuff maaan! Next show January 9th at the Funhouse.

Android Hero

I’ve had a chance to see these dudes live on a couple occasions recently and both times they firmly impressed with a bottom heavy punk sound that not only deserves a raucous pit, but a genuine listen with some good headphones as well. With bassist Eric Carnell’s groovy bass slaps, Jeff McNulty’s slicing guitar riffs, and Matt McGillivray’s thunder dome drum licks, Android Hero make some tough as nails music with an underlying sense of humor, and are responsible for one of my favorite local records of 2009 entitled, “Broken Hearted Love Songs for Sensitive Tough Guys”. They’ve been around since 2006, but are a must see in 2010. Next show January 23rd at Victory Lounge.

Dog Shredder

I’m probably going to get tired of talking about these Bellingham natives after 2010 is done but Dog Shredder is just too kick ass to not shove down your throat for an entire year and beyond. I have had the pleasure of seeing the band three of the four Seattle shows they’ve played in their short existence and let me tell you the guitar assault that comes at the hands of Josh Holland formally of Black Eyes and Neck Ties is not only impressive but pick your jaw off the floor amazing. I think these guys have nailed exactly what one should expect from a band named “Dog Shredder”, cunning and ferocious music for people who like it high-speed and heavy. Next show January 30th in Bellingham.

The Keeper

Do you like metal? Do you like D&D inspired metal about wizards and battles. Do you like heavy riffs and Dio-style synths? Then The Keeper is the greatest thing since 20 sided dice. Not only have they written kick ass horn worthy shout-alongs with titles such as “Sharpen the Axes” and “Witches Wind” but, they also put on one the best live shows in the city courtesy of vocalist Andrew Chapman’s up close and personal off-stage antics. The Keeper isn’t a new band either but they certainly are a band that deserves every bit of your attention in 2010. I’m blatantly stealing this from a comment I saw online but I couldn’t say it better myself: “The only thing more metal than The Keeper, is an iron bar up the wazzoo!” Next show February 11th at Hell’s Kitchen.

Cold Lake

As mentioned before this is a new project by USS Horsewhip guitarist James Burns and Corey Brewer of Triumph of Lethargy Skinned Alive to Death, my first experience with the band opening for Murder City Devils left me wanting more, which is always a good sign. The band showcased an agro post-hardcore sound, with plenty of sweet riffs and pissed off screaming. These guys have friends in town, so they’ll probably be occupying some higher profile opening slots right off the bat, keep an eye out. Next show is January 16th at Comet Tavern.

Vultures2012

Brought to my attention by The Keeper’s resident screamer Andrew Chapman, Vultures2012 was impressive to say the absolute least last Saturday. Mixing crust punk, death, and stoner metal into a hybrid of epic proportions, Vultures were by the far the heaviest band on the bill. If High on Fire and Amebix had a baby and that baby listened to a lot of Swedish melodic death metal and then formed a band, it might sound like-- Vultures2012. They have a self-titled EP out produced by famed local producer Conrad Uno. Sky’s the limit with this band. Next show is February 11th at the Funhouse.