France Welcomes Nola Metal Bands to Hellfest 2009





Clisson, France is probably best known historically for the revolt in Vendee’ in 1792. Since then, the town and castle were rebuilt in the early part of the 19th century. Today, it holds the annual 3-day outdoor metal music festival known as Hellfest; an event that takes the concert experience and expands the senses with 3 stages of ear splitting mayhem.
The 2009 festival showcased headliners such as Black Sabbath, Manowar, The Misfits, Killing Joke, Motley Crue and Machine Head, just to name a few. But what got America’s attention, and the rest of the world, was the booking of some of New Orleans finest in Underground metal.

On Friday June 19th, on a warm summers day in France, among the black dressed, beer sipping, pierced metal fans, was an energy and anticipation which could be felt all the way to the vineyards of Bordeaux (A place I hope to retire one day. Although I’m not a religious man, the wine is something of divine creation!) The first of our Nola brothers to shatter the fields of international metal was innovators of southern grindcore, Soilent Green. Those who know the Nola scene are schooled in this bands history. So I wont elaborate on the past. To the rest of you, lets just say these guys were among the biggest bands in the 80’s scene. They arose like a petrified corpse floating up from the Pontchartrain River. The band’s career has continued to influence the music industry throughout the years. Soilent Green took the stage early in the day at the Terrorizer Tent, the 3rd stage of Hellfest. The response was great, and it was truly a rare treat for fans because Soilent Green rarely plays international festivals, seldom touring in that part of Europe. Their blend of brutal blast beats, southern riffs and Ben Falgoust's ferocious stage presence set the bar for bands that day. Crowd surfing and pits erupted.


Later that day, on the 2nd main stage, the legendary EyeHateGod pummeled the crowd with blaring feedback, deep kick drum rattles, and confederate flags draped over the massive amplification of guitarist jimmy Bower’s rig.
If Soilent Green was a rare and exciting adventure for the festival, then these guys certainly did not disappoint.
This may have been EHG’s first over sea’s show in 5 years!




Everyone was moving with the fathers of sludge, clapping, head banging, circle pits, and even singing along!
Even Down front man Philip H. Anselmo joined the boys for a song, cigarette in hand, and strumming the down tuned riffs that make EHG’s rhythm of dysfunction sound like the call of a funeral march on cheap whiskey and pills.
Mike Williams’ humor also played a prompt role, as he is one of the best front men around. I have been a fan of this band for many, many years. And it was great to see that no matter where, or what size the crowd, these guys always make it feel like an EyeHateGod show. Unforgiving, driving, and dangerous, that’s how Southern Blues Hardcore should be!
Also performing the second day of the festival was Outlaw Order, a hardcore meets doom outfit that consists of EHG band members minus Jimmy Bower. Outlaw Order has received great success from there latest album, Dragging Down the Enforcer. Seeing their first performance in France ever, 00% has been Playing numerous shows in the Louisiana, Texas, and Southern area. This band is another representation of the sounds of the streets, and can be likened to a pissed off riot cop on Mardi Gras.


Rounding out the day was headliner, and undisputed New Orleans heavy weight champion, Down. It’s no surprise that Down had landed a slot at this year’s festival. Their successful 3rd album, Over the Under, supporting Metallica on there 2008 tour, putting in work and playing shows all over the world secured their spot on the bill with ease. Down has made New Orleans a house hold name for many metal fans who were not aware of our city’s potential in the genre. And the look on everyone’s face when they hit the stage could be described as awestruck.

What was truly amazing to see was this band playing among their own heroes, bands like doom metal pioneers Saint Vitus and Pentagram, Cathedral and of course the mighty Black Sabbath (which is to be referred to as Heaven and Hell, for legal reasons).

These are bands that have no doubt influenced the sounds of the NOLA scene, and the world.
Songs like Lifer, New Orleans is a Dying Whore and
Bury Me in Smoke got the crowd in an uproar.
Down is one of those bands that show true perfection with a live show; from Kirk’s riff assault, Rex’s groove and deep bass growl, to Pepper Keenan’s blues/metal solo’s, Jimmy Bowers ability to smoke all most any drummer (his
sense of rhythm with the kit is undeniable), and Phil’s charisma and powerful and melodic vocals, the combination is a phenomenal must see. Down has made the metal of the Crescent City the sound for the world to enjoy. With thousands singing along to the song Stone the Crow, there is no doubt in anyone’s mind that this band delivers, every time, anytime.

Maybe it’s the French culture that brought forth the French connection and the Creole /Cajun culture this day,
But no matter who you are, or where you are from, the true stars that shined that day were those from New Orleans, Louisiana. As a resident, I am happy to see any of our bands reach the success they deserve, and teach the world what we have to offer.



I’m Ryan McKern for neworleansmusicians.net


For more information on these bands, and more
on the New Orleans underground scene, please follow these links.

http://www.hellfest.fr/web08/accueil.php?langue=english
www.nolaunderground.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2icVcZIGaQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EucAnpRaZr8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LVLvjQ0xCM
http://www,myspace.com/outlaworder
http://www.myspace.com/eyehategod
http://www.myspace.com/soilentgreen
www.down-nola.com
www.thehousecorerecords.com

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