On Nov. 15, Destroyer Fest obliterated downtown St. Pete. The bands featured on the line-up crooned a thrash and doom sound which filled State Theater the whole night. Even with the festival starting at four and not ending until after midnight, the crowd stayed put till the end. The most iconic acts were Orbweaver and Weedeater.
Orbweaver is by far my favorite band that played that night. This Miami band is a psychedelic masterpiece. Orbweaver is one of those few bands who flawlessly blends the brutality of metal with the disconnected mentality of trippy effects. Their live performances are a celestial excursion similar to suffocating in space; your mind is fixated on the weird effects and you’re hypnotized by the dexterous musicianship. Overall, this brain-melting act stormed the stage like a meteor shower. I wouldn’t be surprised to find out if Dr. Matt Taylor also stuck an Orbweaver album on that comet.
The band to own the fest was Weedeater. This band takes the classic stoner doom sound to a whole new level by adding monstrous riffs encompassed with vitality. This reflects their performance, as they are one of the most energetic bands you will ever see. Their versatile songwriting of mellow parts that suddenly transcends to aggressive playing will keep any crowd-goer interested. By the passionate crowd chanting the lyrics to the insane moshing that occurred, it is obvious that this is the band the attendees at Destroyer Fest were most enthusiastic to see. Coming from a first-time viewer of the band, it is evident to find out why.
Destroyer Fest was definitely a success. It has been too long since downtown St. Pete experienced a vigorous show. The line-up of more brutal and doom bands was perfect to fit this insane and unique show. The factor to top off this successful show was the enthusiastic crowd. Though Orbweaver and Weedeater were my personal favorites, every act I watched at Destroyer Fest impressed me and all sounded fantastic on this staggering fest.
