Corey Taylor with WARGASM @ The Fillmore | 8-28-2023
Review by Havyn & Scott Cornell - Photos by Scott Cornell
The anticipation was palpable as the crowd gathered at The Fillmore for a night of electrifying live music. While The Oxymorrons unfortunately couldn't make it due to unforeseen travel complications, the stage was soon set for a powerhouse performance by Wargasm, stylized as WARGASM. Despite a delayed start that kept fans on their toes, the UK-based duo, Milkie Way and Sam Matlock, accompanied by touring musicians Guitarist Edison Hunter, Drummer Adam Breeze, and DJ/Programmer Adam Crilly, delivered an explosive show that left an indelible mark on the venue.
From the moment they hit the stage, Wargasm exuded an unmistakable aura of hardcore, punk, and metal energy, channeling the rebellious spirit reminiscent of the Sex Pistols era, combined with the enigmatic stage presence of early Nine Inch Nails. As the lights dimmed, Crilly kicked off the night with an unexpected mashup of Drowning Pool's "Bodies" and Britney Spears' "Toxic," an audacious opening that set the tone for the relentless onslaught to come.
Matlock and Way, seemingly untethered, moved across the stage in a frenzied pinball-esque manner, their energy translating into an ever-accelerating tempo that bordered on thrash metal ferocity. It was almost unbelievable how the quintet managed to maintain their precision at such breakneck speeds, leaving the audience in awe of their technical prowess.
Screaming was woven into the fabric of their performance, becoming a defining element of their sound. Each member's distinct non-conforming outfits further emphasized their individuality and dedication to their unique artistic personas. The interaction with the crowd was ceaseless, a testament to their genuine desire to connect with their audience. From the very start, the crowd was entranced and willingly sang along when prompted, showcasing their immediate captivation by Wargasm's unapologetic sound.
Even a mid-song kick drum issue couldn't deter the band's momentum. The Crilly, ever the professional, left his station to address the technical glitch, but the glitch itself failed to put a dent in the band's electrifying performance. Matlock, in a daring move, frequently swung the microphone around with its cord, at times mounting the drum kit in an adrenaline-fueled display of raw energy.
Incorporating industrial sound elements into their set, the Crilly added a layer of complexity to the already intricate soundscape. And when the band challenged the crowd to open a circle pit, their first attempt might have faltered, but they weren't ones to let it slide. The audience, spurred on by the band's taunting, eagerly embraced the challenge on their second try.
Way's command over the crowd was evident as she orchestrated a unique response: the crowd's "Star" retort to her explosive "Fuck," a prelude to the track "Fukstar." Matlock's gradual disrobing over the course of the performance added a layer of visceral intimacy, reflecting the band's unabashed approach to their art. Breeze joined in on the physicality, baring his torso midway through the set, with sweat soon pouring off the entire band.
The setlist, a powerful blend of tracks including "Do It So Good," "Backyard Bastards," and a surprise "Lapdance" (an N*E*R*D cover) performance featuring Crilly taking the mic for a "Break Stuff" cover breakdown by Limp Bizkit, showcased the band's sonic versatility and ability to seamlessly navigate diverse genres.
As the set reached its zenith, Matlock ventured into the crowd, surfing the sea of enthusiastic fans during the final moments of "Spit." The band left the stage to a symphony of cheers and applause, their departure marked by the opening notes of Metallica's "Fuel," a tribute to their own fiery intensity. The night was a testament to the unrelenting energy and unapologetic artistry of Wargasm, leaving the audience both physically and emotionally spent, but exhilarated by the experience they had just witnessed.
Wargasm, a formidable force in their own right, set the stage ablaze, preparing the eager concertgoers for the impending headliner. It's no easy feat to shine as brightly as Corey Taylor, a veritable rock powerhouse, but against all odds, both acts managed to assert their dominance and leave an indelible mark on the night.
Corey Taylor, the charismatic vocalist and frontman, commanded the stage alongside the skillful talents of guitarists Christian Martucci and Zach Throne, drummer Dustin Robert, and bassist Eliot Lorango. Their energy was infectious and unwavering, bringing a consistent intensity that matched the fervor of the crowd.
The stage was a spectacle of lights and visuals, with the band backlit by a dynamic LED screen that pulsed with the rhythm of the music. Strobes and intelligent lights further elevated the sensory experience, creating a visual symphony that complemented the sonic onslaught.
The setlist was a carefully curated journey through Taylor's illustrious career, encompassing hits from Slipknot, Stone Sour, and a selection of singles from his solo albums. The band, featuring three guitarists, a bassist, and a drummer, churned out an electrifying performance that resonated with fans across genres.
Corey Taylor's persona and mannerisms were on full display, a testament to his prowess as a frontman. With an innate ability to command the crowd's attention, he effortlessly guided the audience through a rollercoaster of emotions, from ferocious energy to poignant introspection. The playful camaraderie among band members was a joy to witness, a testament to their chemistry as they flawlessly executed their meticulously crafted act.
The concert marked the third stop on a 28-date tour, and the freshness of the performance was palpable. It was a rare privilege to catch the tour in its early stages, before it could settle into any sense of routine. The band's enthusiasm was infectious, as they delivered a set that brimmed with the raw energy of new beginnings.
A surprising twist came as a stool and an acoustic guitar were brought onto the stage after the intensity of Slipknot's "Before I Forget." Corey Taylor's rendition of the "SpongeBob SquarePants Theme" was an unexpected delight, showcasing his ability to seamlessly shift from the heavy to the whimsical. The crowd's cheers transitioned into a hushed reverence as Taylor then delivered a heartfelt rendition of Slipknot's emotional ballad "Snuff."
Taylor's multifaceted performance continued to evolve as the set slowed down to honor his Stone Sour roots. Hits like "Bother" and "Through Glass" resounded with a different kind of intensity, the audience hanging on every word and melody.
For the encore, the quintet returned to the stage, igniting the crowd with Slipknot's anthemic "Duality." The momentum continued to build as they unleashed the powerful "Hwy 666." As the night drew to a close, the band paid homage to the rock legends who came before them, closing the show with a thunderous rendition of Motörhead's "Ace of Spades."
In the end, the concert was more than a mere performance; it was a visceral experience that transcended musical boundaries. Wargasm and Corey Taylor stood side by side, each bringing their unique flair to the stage, ensuring that every concertgoer left with an unforgettable memory of a night that celebrated the unbridled energy and spirit of rock music.
