Smoldering Forge: Criaturas / Icon Gallery / Nomad Queen

Recently it seems like it’s up to the bands now to bring their own lighting to Gooski’s. But the darkness adds to the atmosphere, especially the green lighting. Makes me want to sing Type O Negative’s “Creepy Green Light.”

Tonight was ladies night. Female fronted metal and punk bands that brightened up the room with their own personas and performances.

Nomad Queen

The newly formed group is made of members from Wrought Iron, Oh Shit They’re Going To Kill Us, and Molasses Barge. So already, the group is heavily packed with veterans of the underground music scene. They’re a lot like the bands of west coast 80’s metal, with some thrash, some glam, and even a pinch of doom. Compared to another local heavy metal band, Lady Beast, they’re not as fast or solo-heavy, but the music composition has a variety of influences that gives Nomad Queen plenty of room to explore.

Icon Gallery

The local punk rock outfit mixes a bit of post punk and rock ‘n’ roll. They’re one of my personal favorites to watch live. Both Chani and Matt are the most animated on stage. Bassist Matt uses a Rickenbacker for laying down the bass lines, which are freakishly catchy. There might be a tie between good bassists and Rickenbackers. These guys are built solid. There were a few shouts from the audience for Icon Gallery to play "Pain," their sing-a-long hit, but, unfortunately, the audience was denied the song. Maybe next time.

Criaturas
Blazing fast hardcore from Austin, Texas. Criaturas explode straight from the start. When they’re not rocking the Texas driving rhythms, the beat goes full throttle into speed punk mode. There’s something cute about their Spanish singing vocalist, like Japanese punk cute, but at the same time she comes out baring her teeth. The whole band is like a rattlesnake, deadly, poised to strike, but charming to those that can admire it. I hope they continue on kicking ass.