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And so we begin the bleak descent into madness that is winter. This season is filled with pagan rituals, cold, unrelenting weather, and of course, the whipped cream on top of the pie: a mutual anger for having to put up with people in general. If this all doesn't relate to metal, then I don't know what does.

Fortunately for me, I started this season off right by cozying up to an amplifier at Katacombes to go see Derelict. I should mention that this show was put on by fairly new company, Productions Kranium, that apparently is going to be specializing in doing shows that only have a few local metal acts rather than the current set up of everyone under the sun. Look out for them in 2013, providing the Mayans aren't right and the world doesn't end on December 21st.

First up was a band named Epiphany from the Abyss, who's cryptic name was also accompanied by some questionable band practices. This is going to sound like me going on a rant, but it's really constructive criticism for what I'm guessing is a new band or any new band in metal for that matter. First, this band had two guitarists playing eight string guitars with no bassist present. While the idea is sound, since eight-stringed guitars are lower than other guitars, it's kind of unnecessary. Speaking of unnecessary, they also had two singers who did the same thing of alternating between growls and high pitched screaming. If you have one that can do both, why have two? Finally, just a thought, but maybe you should invest less in drum heads and full banners with your logo on it and more in, I don't know, writing music, you know, the thing that could pay for those things. Moving on...

Second to play was First Fragment, which I knew nothing about going into the show, but now after the show, I know everything about them. They were so impressive. They were musically solid tech-death, that blended together perfect, and man can that guitarist fucking shred. If you don't know about them, here's and early X-Mas gift for you. It is glorious and I cannot heap enough praise on this band. Keep a look out, because these fine gents are going places.

Rounding out the night was the fine sounds of the gentlemen in Derelict. Fun fact about Derelict: they actually did a session at the station which you can listen to in all its glory. 

What is there to say about Derelict? They know what they're doing and it shows. I wouldn't say their tech-death legends, but they are seasoned vets and they know how to put on a damn fine performance. They played a good deal of things off their new album Perpetuation, which if you don't have I don't want to call you a bad person per se, but you're definitely not a good person. 

So, my suggestion to you is to go, purchase some of Derelict's fine material, get a pair of headphones, set up a nice warm fire, and sit in your house hibernating until winter is over... unless Derelict and First Fragment play another show, in which case, venture out to remind yourself how little you want to be outside, and to see how awesome they are. Trust me it will be worth it.

--Andrew Wixq hosts Grade A Explosives, Sundays 4-6pm