Rwake, top, and Pallbearer play Saturday night at Revolution.

  • Rwake, top, and Pallbearer play Saturday night at Revolution.

RWAKE, PALLBEARER
9 p.m. Revolution. $7-$9.

Advertisement

At the risk of repeating myself, I’ve got to ask this question: Why are there so many great metal bands from Arkansas? I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’m very, very happy about this fact and I’ve got more state pride than a county fair’s worth of good ol’ boys hopped up on Mini-Thins, Mountain Dew and Skoal.

But it’s still remarkable that a state this small has birthed, to name a handful just off the top of my head: Deadbird, Vore, Iron Tongue, Seahag, Snakedriver, Rwake and Pallbearer. The latter two are headlining this show. Rwake’s “Rest,” from last year, is an apocalyptic metal masterpiece, a mix of post-Neurosis bleakness and Southern sludge, with a core of contemplative psychedelic guitar wizardry. Rwake recently played the Maryland Deathfest, one of the biggest metal fests in the world (and check this out — crazy!).

Advertisement

Pallbearer’s debut, “Sorrow and Extinction,” has gotten critical raves for its haunting, innovative doom metal, and the band has played several high-profile shows since its release, including recent gigs in New York and a Scion A/V showcase in L.A. back in April. I’ve got to cop to having not seen Rwake play live in several years, and I’ve never seen Pallbearer, so I’m way excited about this show, as are many other folks, no doubt.

Also playing this 18-and-older show are the local young thrashers Severe Headwound and the classic hardcore revivalists R.I.O.T.S., so all ya’ll remember to show up on time, it’s gonna be a major rager.

Advertisement

Arkansas Times: Your voice in the fight

Are you tired of watered-down news and biased reporting? The Arkansas Times has been fighting for truth and justice for 50 years. As an alternative newspaper in Little Rock, we are tough, determined, and unafraid to take on powerful forces. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts, we are making a difference. But we can't do it without you. Join the 3,400 paid subscribers who support our great journalism and help us hire more writers. Sign up for a subscription today or make a donation of as little as $1 and help keep the Arkansas Times feisty for years to come.

Previous article Saturday To-Do: S.L. Jones Next article Obama extends immunity to youthful immigrants