The Minneapolis Metal Scene Throws Down for Autism

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One can definitely tell that Spring is in the air. Warmer weather, trees starting the take shape, more birds flying about, and of course an utter ramp-up of concert selections on the weekends. This past Saturday night, Lee’s Liquor Lounge was the place to be for the Metal Benefit for Autistic Self Advocacy Network which was hosted by The Metal Brigade Booking and Promotions along with Alex Gorgos for the arrangement.

The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) seeks to advance the principles of the disability rights movement with regard to autism. ASAN believes that the goal of autism advocacy should be a world in which autistic people enjoy equal access, rights, and opportunities. They work to empower autistic people across the world to take control of their own lives and the future of the common community, and seek to organize the autistic community to ensure their voices are heard in the national conversations. ASAN’s activities include public policy advocacy, the development of autistic cultural activities, and leadership trainings for autistic self-advocates. They provide information about autism, disability rights, and systems change to the public through a number of different educational, cultural, and advocacy related projects.

Being a metalhead through and through, nothing is more pleasing than to see the continued growing strength of the Metal Community. This is even amplified when they come together for a great cause, to raise awareness, throw down some incredible performances, and have a great time in the process.

I decided to arrive in plenty of time to absorb every bit of the evening ahead. Lee’s Liquor Lounge is always a great, welcoming atmosphere and this night was no different. There was lot’s of socializing going on as well as a steady flow beer and other spirits. As the stage setup, sound and lights were getting dialed in, I quickly dawned my Batman utility belt (photo equipment) and was ready to go. I took a quick pass through the band merch area and stopped to chat with friends in the scene. A few conversations later, the house music dropped and the evenings line-up was ready to dominate my attention for the evening.

First up, VVOLF MASK hit the stage with a high-energy set. As many times as I have seen these guys perform, their set always has an incredible punch. Part Thrash, part Metal, with a mix of backtracking and whole lot of solid chord progressions that never ceases to draw a strong crowd reactions. Always impressive and they seemingly managed to the set the bar really high for others to follow.

Promidal took the stage next. This was the first time I caught these guys performing live. It was clearly a ‘Holy Shit’ moment. Apparently, I have been in some sort of vortex and have miss other performances. Promidal rocked it hard, laying out a deeply dark, artistic, and heavy industrial set. They hammered through their set leaving most a bit speechless.

Another band I hadn’t caught live before, Daigoro, was up next. These guys were no nonsense fast and hardcore. They literally powered through their set like a monster attacking a small village. I found myself being so captivated by their set and not taking photos. They definitely brought their A-game and kept the energy in the room at a strong level.

Taking the stage next was Coffinrot. For those that have not seen Coffinrot live, you are really missing out. With a hard Death Metal sound and vocals that cross over into the Black Metal genre, there is something undeniably infectious about this band. Their set always sucks you in, twists your mind a bit, and leaves you wanting to see more. Every time I have caught these guys live, they always deliver in a big way and continue to raise the level of kick-ass to new heights.

With the stage in smoldering embers, it was time for The Omega Sequence to put a close on the evening. By no means was this a passive thing. These guys hit the stage hard and drilled in the meaning of closing out the show the right way. They always make the statement about being big, and not just in sound (but in size), however their set fully delivered in a very BIG way. From solid vocals, power riffs, thunderous bass, and monster drums, they owned the stage to very end.

As mentioned earlier, seeing the Metal Community come together for a great cause and to raise awareness for Autism is a very noble deed and a proud moment for the local scene. It was easy to see the evening success written on the faces of those in attendance.

For more information on the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) or to make a donation, please visit them on the web at https://autisticadvocacy.org

Also, be sure to check out all the bands mentioned, give them a like on social media, support the local Metal scene, and get out to a show to catch them live. \m/

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