Last night Holy Angell represented several firsts for the Showcase as best as I can figure. It was the first time we’ve had anything that could be described as a black metal band participate. And it’s the first time when a vocalist exclusively screamed.* And it was awesome. And a good number of folks stuck around past midnight to see it.

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They got to see lead screamer Philip Schaaf contort himself theatrically as he seemed to be pushing out the soul yawps. Sometimes he held his back and arched backwards. Sometimes he sort of slumped forward holding his belly. Alan Short (guitar), Kevin Raines (drums) and Kiffin Rogers (bass) all killed it, too.

Said the judges:

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Sammy Williams: “Old school black metal, battered and deep-fried. I have no clue how those screams came from a human.”

Clay Fitzpatrick: “I love this type of music. I wish vocally I knew what was happening, but the band killed.” And then he drew an upside down cross.

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Epiphany: “I’m wondering if dude practiced his screams (which were in tune), or did he just feel ’em out? Regardless, it works.”

Isaac Alexander: “A moving performance. Passionate and perfectly executed. I’m becoming more metal everyday.”

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*There were a few times I thought I could hear what started as a word and ended in a scream.

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