THE MORNING AFTER: XIBALBA

October 4th's show made history in the Salt Lake Hardcore Scene by, get this, starting on time!

That's right, Collapse blasted our their first smokin' riff at just 20 past 7 p.m. And smoking they were. In only their second live performance, the band (made up of current and ex-members of Cherem, Aftermath, Tamerlane and more) proved that Salt Lake's legacy of crushing riffs, doomy melodies and shredding solos will never, ever, die out. Word has it these guys will be recording in November so keep your eyes pealed.


Untitled from Grudge City Activities on Vimeo.

Youngsters Bring the Gallows played next. These guys are a talented lot for such a young band (and I'm not just saying that because Clint's cousin is in the band).

Reflect had to do their 108 cover, meaning Clinton had to get crazy, which led to one behemoth fist crushing into my eye. Thanks Reflect. Other than that, the band played a great set and debuted a couple most-excellent, new tunes. An exclusive GCA video interview with the band will be up in the next few days that may or may not include an intense abdominal muscle, t-shirt cleansing and a suicide promise.


Reflect Teaser from Grudge City Activities on Vimeo.

Xibalba rules. These dudes packed into a rental car, drove all the way out to Salt Lake to play this show, jammed out some of the heaviest, evilest, Mayan-Death-Ritual-influenced riffs ever and, atop it all, were really good people. Hopefully we'll see this band back sooner than later.

Enter Trevor:

After a far-too-long hiatus, City To City finally got back to doing what they do best: rocking the fuck out. From the first song all the way through the last (and newest) track they proved that taking a few years off only made people appreciate their good-time HC even more. It was a great way to start back up. Here's hoping they keep it going.


City to City 10/4/08 from Grudge City Activities on Vimeo.