Many Lansing residents soon will experience a new level of head banging and moshing as hardcore band This is Hell makes its first appearance in the area.
The four-member Long Island, N.Y.-based group is scheduled to perform Wednesday night at Mac’s Bar, 2700 E. Michigan Ave., in Lansing, along with three Mich.-based bands — New Venice, Piece of Mind and Dozic.
The group is known for their fast-paced, energetic performances, and guitarist and vocalist Rick Jimenez said those in attendance should come prepared for a wild time.
“(Attendees should expect) tons of energy, lots of thrashing and obligatory whiplash,” Jimenez said in an email. “Maybe some circle pits with pushups in the middle.”
After releasing its first four-song demo in 2004 featuring tunes such as “Double Grave,” This is Hell made a strong impact on the hardcore scene right from the start.
Jimenez said group members mix together various elements from punk, metal, hardcore and thrash music to come up with their unique sound, and they frequently listen to groups such as Metallica, Slayer and Megadeth.
“Combining all of those, we’ve really come into our own with this new wave of American thrash-metal sound,” he said.
Jay Goldsmith, guitarist for Lansing-based metal band Dozic, said he has followed This is Hell’s music for a long time, and when he learned the band was coming to Lansing, he was determined to be at the show either onstage or in the crowd.
“I’m really excited to play with them,” he said. “The last time I even tried to see them, I missed their set. I just sat and pouted the whole time.”
Steve Charteris, guitarist for hardcore Southeast Mich.-based band Piece of Mind, became knowledgeable of This is Hell’s music because of the band’s prominence in the industry.
“I’m familiar with them just because they’re such a force in the scene,” he said.
Although he recognizes the fame members of This is Hell have achieved, Charteris said he knows playing a show with them does not mean instant stardom for his band, but he is excited to play with them nonetheless.
“I’ve been playing in bands long enough — I know this isn’t a chance to be discovered, but it’s cool to play with a band that I like,” he said.
Although Jimenez isn’t familiar with any of the other bands on the bill, he said he is eager to play with them because he is appreciative of the work they do for the music industry.
“Any time we get to play with locals, it’s our pleasure,” he said. “The local bands keep the scene alive so that touring bands have a place and a crowd to play for.”
Support student media! Please consider donating to The State News and help fund the future of journalism.
