Concert Review: Witch Mountain – June 2, 2012 – Atlanta, GA

Witch Mountain
June 02, 2012
Atlanta, GA
The Earl

Much like bands such as Graveyard, The Devil’s Blood, and Christian Mistress, Witch Mountain has quickly joined the ranks as one of my new favorite bands. I was so stoked to hear that Witch Mountain would be launching their East Coast tour for their forthcoming album Cauldron of the Wild right here in Atlanta. Like with any band I love, I knew that I loved their music but would they translate it well to the stage? All that remained to be seen.

Witch Mountain took the stage and the audience seemed like they could care less. I will never understand audiences like this. These people were pretty much unaware that they were about to see one of the greatest fucking metal bands around today. Lead singer Uta Plotkin addressed the room as the band slammed right into “The Ballad of Lanky Rae” from their upcoming Cauldron of the Wild album. This song was just crushing my face and as the song came to a close I hollered as loud as I could while being accompanied by the sound of about 10 people clapping. Are you fucking kidding me? Good lord people. Show some enthusiasm and some respect for a band that is killing it.

Witch Mountain’s set was made up primarily of songs from the new album such as “Beekeeper”, and Veil of the Forgotten” but it was “Shelter” that really knocked it out of the park for me. This song really showcased the versatility and range of Uta’s vocals and her dynamic personality. Unfortunately, this lack of enthusiasm from the crowd seemed to be taken in by the band and as the set progressed they seemed to be less and less engaged. Uta really seemed to be trying hard to get into that zone but I wonder if the lameness of this crowd was making it impossible. Guitarist Rob Wrong seemed to be also trying to get to that level but it just wasn’t happening. This was really disappointing to me because as a fan, I could really see that this is band capable of giving 110% and really putting on a great show. Instead, I feel like I got a band that was giving about 90% and kind of in a hurry to just be done. The set lasted all of 40 minutes (45 minutes at max) and closed out with my favorite song from South of Salem “Wing of the Lord.” I have to say that it was great to hear this song live but again, it was kind of frustrating as they just seemed to be playing to a room full of wallflowers.

Witch Mountain is still without a doubt one of my favorite bands but I’m bummed that my first time seeing them was less than stellar. Witch Mountain sounded fantastic and they are so tight but that fire just didn’t seem to be there. Playing to a crowd that seemed like they’d rather be anywhere else but there has to be a pretty shitty feeling. Actually, I know it is as I’ve been there. I can only hope that Witch Mountain will find their tribes and play before audiences that truly appreciate what they are doing. I can also hope that Witch Mountain will find a way to engage these kinds of crowds knowing that even if ONE fan is there and vocal, that fan deserves 100%. While I am definitely all about a band letting the music do the talking, I also like to feel engaged as a fan. After all, isn’t a live show supposed to enhance the listening experience? I’m really looking forward to seeing more of Witch Mountain and watching this band grow into the live entity that I know they can be.

Witch Mountain Setlist
The Ballad of Lanky Ray
Beekeeper
Shelter
Veil of the Forgotten
Wing of the Lord

Photos courtesy of Photic Photographic

Discover more from Southeast of Heaven

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading