Text and Photos by Alan Hunter
Although Northwest summer days are long, the cold rain and darkness fell upon Seattle early last Friday. Blasphemous Organ, Addaura, King Dude, and (A) Story of Rats brought their doom and gloom to the University District’s Rat & Raven.
Unfortunately I missed [what I can imagine was] a killer, rumbling guitar-synth collaboration from Demian Johnston (Undertow, Hemingway, Great Falls, etc.) and Timm Mason (Mood Organ, Midday Veil, etc.), as Blasphemous Organ. Hopefully this will happen again soon. Following Blasphemous Organ, my dudes and dudette in Addaura destroyed the bar and everyone’s eardrums with their epic, crushing, atmospheric black metal. I’ve been a close “collaborator” with Addaura for a long time, have seen them countless times, and I always enjoy it. Candles lit, King Dude (aka TJ Cowgill of Book of Black Earth, Cross, etc.) slowed things down a bit with his awesomely ominous blend of lo-fi American blues and doomy folk, summoning the dark lord himself. I was stoked to finally see King Dude – his tunes have been on repeat at home – and he certainly did not disappoint. To finish off this epically sinister evening (A) Story of Rats – shrouded in thick candlelit fog – punished entranced viewers with their deathly soundscapes. This was the best (A)SoR set I have seen – featuring the always talented Garek Druss and his synth-wizardry, Andrew Crawshaw’s incredible drum assault, and the deep sonic alchemy of a guest string bassist. This was a truly badass display of Seattle’s real dark, heavy talent. I cannot wait to experience it all again.
FULL PHOTO ESSAY AFTER THE JUMP…
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