Saturday, March 8th – It’s been ten-years since Allentown’s longtime music venue, the Crocodile Rock Cafe, shuttered their doors. Other venues have stepped up to take its place. These include the PP&L Arena in Allentown, Wind Creek Event Center in South Side Bethlehem, and the now defunct One Center Square in Easton. Despite these efforts, there has still been a void in the local music scene that we’re still trying to recover from.
Today, we kick off the officially grand opening of the new state-of-the-art facility, operated by concert giant Live Nation. The Archer Music Hall promises over 200 shows a year. These events will take place in their 1,600-capacity main room and their smaller 500-capacity room, The Arrow.
Two nights prior, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held as well as hosted a preview of the venue to the public. Tonight, a long line of eager music fans circled the block. They waited to enter what we all hope to be our new home for entertainment.
The first band to christen this new venue is none other than the Brazilian-American extreme metal titans. They are known as Cavalera Conspiracy (or Cavalera for short). They are touring on their ‘Third World Trilogy’ US Tour. Fronted by Max Cavalera (vocals, rhythm guitar) and his brother Igor Cavalera (drums, percussion), the duo was famously known as the founders of Sepultura. Joining the quintet is Max’s son Igor Amadeus Cavalera, who plays bass. Travis Stone, formerly of Pig Destroyer, is on lead guitars.
During the last few years, the band made a decision. They re-recorded Sepultura’s early releases. These include the ‘Bestial Devastation EP’ (1985), ‘Morbid Visions’ (1986), and ‘Schizophrenia’ (1987). With that, tonight’s set leaned heavily on these albums (more so Schizophrenia than others).
I came to the show with a friend much younger than I who have never really listened to Sepultura. At first he was hesitant to come along but I promised him a good time and substances. It was refreshing seeing his reaction to it all. The moment Max came out, the cheer of the crowd was so loud it was deafening. This was definitely something we have all been waiting for and now it’s finally here.
The band started the set off with “From the Past Comes the Storms”. The opening guitar chug kick started the madness that was to fill the night. So far so good. By the third song “Escape to the Void”, the sea of bodies started to make their way over the barricade. Igor laid a blitzkrieg on the drums. “It’s time to travel back in time to 1985!” Max shouts before heading into “Bestial Devastation.”
In terms of the overall sound and performance, metal is supposed to be dirty. It’s supposed to be gritty and raw. We’re in a brand new facility. Still, this is probably the largest size I’d want to be at to enjoy this music. It’s never really meant for an arena. A small club or midsize venue is the perfect sweet spot. There was plenty of room for a decent circle pit. You felt close enough to the band and did not feel restrained.
Overall, I had a great time. I’d definitely be back for more shows (albeit if the service fees don’t kill my wallet.) Hell, I’m already in the process of ordering tickets to the next few events because I want this place to succeed.
neostar // media 