Devil's Gate Music
Related Articles
Tonight was the gig that almost didn’t happen. After playing Berlin in over 100 degree heat, LA based industrial metallers 3Teeth packed up for the journey over to the UK for a gig in Bristol. At border control, the computer said “no”, and the band were denied entry. After a rethink, and a swift detour to France, everything was in order and the band were allowed in. Too late for the Bristol gig though, which was sadly pulled, but here they are, ready to take their frustrations out on the crowd gathered in the darkened, underground, illegal rave-like venue that is SWG3.
New album ‘Metawar’ is imminent, and 3Teeth have been building up a head of steam, climaxing with the release of the album July 5th. As much as the border control hassles sucked, the band were not going to allow that to stop them from spreading the word about ‘President X’, the fictional character from ‘Metawar’.
SWG3 is always dark, no matter who is playing or what the occasion is. It’s darker than hell in there. 3Teeth vocalist Alexis Mincolla doesn’t think so though. After opening track ‘Divine Weapon’ ends, he asks for the front lighting to be switched off and a collective “Bollocks!” can be heard from the photographers stumbling around in the pit. Mincolla is an intriguing frontman. He cuts quite a sinister figure as he darts about the stage spitting out his vocals with venom. Wearing dark steampunk glasses, long, dark overcoat (which is soon discarded to reveal black body armour), and elbow length black gloves, it is almost impossible to take your eyes from him. Did you ever see Roger Waters in his shades and trench coat performing ‘The Wall”? Imagine a younger, leaner, more dangerous version of that, with a partially shaved head and ultra cool ‘tache, and you’re almost there. Despite the sinister appearance, Mincolla is actually very engaging. Between songs, he’s talking to those on the barrier and making such an impression that before long, drinks bought by the crowd are being passed over the barrier.
3Teeth are one of the shining lights on the current modern industrial metal scene. There are plenty of people in the crowd tonight that are familiar with the band, and with earlier material such as ‘Atrophy’ and ‘Slavegod’. With the aforementioned ‘Metawar’ ready to explode in everyone’s inbox, the set features a healthy smattering of new material. ‘Metawar’ is a powerful, visual multimedia project, complete with stunning cover artwork, and several retina-blitzing music videos. Therefore, new tracks like ‘Exxxit’, ‘American Landfill’, ‘Affluenza’ and the crunching ‘President X’ spark some recognition with ardent followers of the band (of which there are plenty). 3Teeth take the staples of the genre (chainsaw riffs, punishing drums, and Tubeway Army-esque synths) and add their own fresh take. Live, it makes for a powerful show. Despite some pesky sound issues, 3Teeth put in a commanding performance, and a swift return for some headline shows is required.
3Teeth celebrate the release of ‘Metawar’ with an official album launch gig in London on July 6th. They then head over to mainland Europe for four more dates with Ministry. Find all tour dates here.
Review: Dave S
Images: Dave J
