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![]() OVERKILL, NILE, LORDI In Cleveland, OH With Photos! ![]() By Geoff Ketler, Cleveland Contributor Friday, February 24, 2017 @ 10:36 AM ![]()
It seems like an annual get-together anymore; once a year, OVERKILL comes to Cleveland, wrecks the joint and everyone goes home. The Cleveland Agora always packs out well for the legendary East-Coast thrashers. With a fresh release and two solid support acts, Bobby and DD & Co descended upon the near-capacity venue with might.
After a barrage of local talent on two stages, everyone’s sights focused on the larger theater, where Finnish shock-rockers LORDI were about to take the stage. After some mic troubles, vocalist Mr. Lordi, in full grotesque costume, made his way to center stage to shrieks from the audience. I am sincerely having trouble trying to describe the band musically. They are almost rock-opera in a MEATLOAF kind of way – but heavier and much darker.
The one thing I am sure of, is that LORDI brought the theatrics. It was quite a sight to see; with over-the-top costumes and stage actors and props – very much in the vein of ALICE COOPER. At one point, Mr. Lordi walked out on stage with large bat wings, which spread out wide using what looked like compressed air. Highlight of the set was the award-winning “Hard Rock Hallelujah”.
Founding member Karl Sanders couldn’t keep the smile off of his face as NILE systematically ripped through a precision set, void of the slightest melody. I hope George Kollias gets an ice bath after the show. Sweet crap is that man ridiculous on the skins. I have seen many phenomenal drummers; Dirk Verbeuren, Kevin Talley, Paul Bostaph - to name a few, but George takes the cake.
OVERKILL brought excellent stage production to the rather dark and hollow Agora Theater, including tons of additional lighting, strobes, fog and a large drum riser. Bobby called out to the “Cleveland Mosh Team” in the crowd. Cleveland truly is OVERKILL’s home away from home as the band has been coming here for 35 years, Bobby explained. Although the set seemed short, there was no shortage of intensity and energy from the band as a whole. After a cover of THIN LIZZY’s “Emerald”, it was time for an encore which included, among others, the bands defining anthem of sorts, “Fuck You”.
Setlist:
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