1 CHBP 2010: Black Breath (Video)

Black Breath have been slaying in Seattle for some time now, but it wasn’t until Southern Lord Records wrapped their icy claws around the local act in 2009, and spun their predominantly hardcore infused thrash into a massive snarling beast -- one that currently boasts a much more defined and polished blackened thrash attack-- that it was made apparent their true presence and metal prowess.

In my mind this shows a clear directional push and eye for talent by the label and their crack team of heavy music experts and of course, Kurt Ballou’s (Converge) handiwork as producer on the bands Southern Lord debut “Heavy Breathing” should not be understated either. Black Breath was once on pace to become another basement dwelling Discharge, but now are primed for a much bigger arena and audience – in fact they are currently in sole possession of Seattle’s heavy metal torch-- an honor they brought along with them to this year’s Capitol Hill Block Party.

It was no surprise to me the mayhem that ensued when they took to the small Vera Stage Saturday evening. The only thing standing in their way was the arduous task of representing local metal (along with Book of Black Earth of course who played Sunday) in a predominantly non-metal environment. Fortunately they rose to the task and left everything behind while performing for the mishmash crowd of sudo-interested Breath-virgins, passer-byers, and plenty of metal enthusiasts too-- though still quite the contrast compared to their usual audiences. Through an onslaught of chunky riffage, blast beats and demonic screams on standout tracks like “Eat the Witch” and “Escape from Death”-- Black Breath divided, concurred, and then assembled their metal army from those that remained loyal. For 45 minutes it was pure fucking no holds barred, thrash and burn METAL at its best.

There is no question Black Breath fucking slayed at Capitol Hill Block Party and you don’t have to ask the folks who lost their shit in the large circle pit that formed, and you definitely don’t have to ask each and every one of the contributors of this here blog – including Palmer Sather who got his first fill with me willing gripping the front barricade. He’s going back for seconds tonight at Black Lodge. Get into it.