Got a good surprise when SANTA CLAUS himself opened up the show. He dumped a whole bag of noise making toys on the ground and started whispering Christmas tunes in a voice that sounded like he was threatening hostages. After using the toys with a loop pedal, he proceeded to break out the milk and cookies and his guitar. BEST HOLIDAY EVER.

Boston landmark BUGS AND RATS were next on stage. They brought their huge kick drum which sounded killer under Shawnie’s cutting vocals. Their rampaging energy had kids going berserk. I was trying to stand out of the way to get some shots and kids just kept getting thrown into me.

Recently back from tour with Bug and Rats was Providence’s IN HEAT . The three piece thrash really had my blood running. The drummer, the bassist, and the girl with a Kaossilator Pro all scream. They pass off vocal lines in a triangle and it was really just such an awesome set. Brilliant pack too, they offered a patch with a Bandcamp download code for $3 (practical item with the music, just too good of a deal).

Fortunately local trio SKIMASK doesn’t like having photos taken. I was able to spend the end of the show enjoying myself in the pit. Frontman and vocalist Andy calls his club NSA: No Suckers Allowed, all you have need to join is some unique dance moves. Maybe that’s why every Skimask pit is just kids throwing each other like wild animals. Always love their signature electronic thrash style. Keyboards, vocals, and drums. Just give Andy a bass and they’d be like a morbid Emerson Lake and Palmer.

CHECK OUT OUR WENT THERE SECTION! SEND US YOUR VIDEOS and/or PHOTOS and REVIEWS FROM RECENT SHOWS YOU’VE ATTENDED!!! OFFER PROOF OF WHERE YOU WENT!! AND WHAT YOU SAW & HEARD!! C’MON!! JESUS.

All photos Kevin Butwill