Doom has been a band since the late 80’s (with a couple of breaks here and there) and has seven full length albums alongside too many demos and compilations to list. They are legends in the crust punk scene and have stayed true to their original sound even with drama, trauma, and changes in their past. Last night was this UK’s band first show in Minneapolis ever and you could tell that some people had lived their whole lives waiting for this moment.

Sunday night’s show was hosted by Profane Existence– a local anarcho-punk collective that is almost as legendary as Doom. Much like the legendary club that the show was held in last night, there are songs that mention Minneapolis’ Profance Existence. Being able to see this legendary band in a notorious punk venue (Triple Rock) being hosted by the collective that is “making punk a threat again” was truly an experience.

The show was opened up by four local bands. I had honestly never heard any of them before last night since this wasn’t really my typical scene but, after watching all of them, I can’t wait to dive into this world of local music that I had completely overlooked. Three piece group Skrutiny kicked the show off promptly at 7:30. Their sound was raw, unfinished and perfect. As with the other locals of the night, there was something very primal about Skrutiny’s music. It had an energy about it that made you feel like you were in a basement watching a house show… not in the Triple Rock about to watch Doom. It was perfect.

After a quick set from Skrutiny, the stage was turned over for Kontrasekt. Kontrasekt’s raw energy had a sense of fury behind it that Skrutiny didn’t have. The music was chaotic, all over the place, and really made you want to move around a little bit in order to warm up for what was to come. The chaos of their music was of the organized variety. Although, at times, the music was a bit overwhelming, there seemed to be a method to the madness and, within just a couple of beats, you were able to figure out what the trio was doing. It was hard to keep your eyes off of the drummer as he truly blasted his way through the quick set. Apparently last night’s show was this band’s last show… at least under the name Kontrasekt. I hope they continue doing what they’re doing because I was absolutely enamored with it.

Geiger Counter hit the stage next with the same feeling of fury that Kontrasekt had only with a new spin on it. Geiger Counter’s music still had that energy and attitude that you would want from a crusty show but there was a sense of organization to their chaos. Their songs were short but definitely packed a punch. The crowd was obviously feeding off of the energy that was radiating off the stage and vice versa. The atmosphere, although intense, was one of the best things I’ve been a part of in awhile. Sure, people were pushing, shoving and even falling down on the cold hard floor but, for every person that fell down, there were at least five people offering a hand to help them back up.

The final local to take the stage was War//Plague. Although this four piece group seemed to be the most polished out of all of the locals that took the stage, there was an undeniable sense of DIY crust punk that seemed to be the overall theme of the night. Sure, their music was polished and clearly sounded practiced but there was still an edge to it that had you stuck in a world of chaos. War//Plague was the only band that really brought up the crazy political world that we all live in but they kept it short and sweet and let their intense music do the rest of the talking for them. The ferocity and power that they showcased throughout their set was more than enough to keep my phone in my bag and eyes on the stage. As I mentioned previously, I know that I’m new to this scene and all four of the locals last night were new to me but War// Plague is one band that I definitely have my eye on.

Wrapping up the already amazing night of music was the legends themselves… Doom. You could feel all of the anticipation in the room peak as the band took the stage and, within just the first notes, the room had erupted into one sweaty mess of a pit. Even with multiple line-up changes and the tragic death of singer Wayne Southworth, this band has stayed true to their anarcho-punk style of music. Often referred to as pioneers of the grindcore scene, Doom had an undeniable sense of energy that made it impossible for you to just stand still during their set.

Their songs were short but brutal. By the time their set was over and done, they must have played around thirty songs with each one being a bit more intense than the last. The chaotic music was matched only by the chaos in the crowd. Sure, it looked violent and there were bodies flying everywhere but there was also a smile on absolutely everyone’s face. As I mentioned before, this was Doom’s very first appearance in Minneapolis it was clear that people had just been waiting for it. You could feel the explosion of energy on stage being met by the explosion in the crowd… it was unbelievable.

Saturday night was spent chilling with a beer in my hand listening to the soothing indie-pop sounds of Father John Misty. Last night was spent without a drink (for fear of spilling it all and wasting it) while keeping my eyes peeled for fists and feet flying at me as I listened to the crust-punk sound of Doom. So maybe my life gets a little weird at times but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Line Up:

Skrutiny

Kontrasekt

Geiger Counter

War//Plague

Doom

Venue: Triple Rock

Sausage Fest Meter- 9 out of 10

Average Age of the Crowd- 29

Crowd Surfers- At least 13 (I moved towards the back and couldn’t see much)

Stage Divers-  At Least 12 (I moved towards the back and couldn’t see much)

Broken Bones- 0

Spotted Flying Through The Air- 0

Fights-0

Pukers- 0

Drunkards Taken Out By Security- 1

Celebrity Sightings- None

Overall Score- 7 out of 10

Show on Deck-  Simple Plan