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Earthen Grave

Mark Weiner


As part of Ottawa chamber music and multi-disciplinary festival, tonight we went to see... a heavy metal band. Yes, Chicago doom band Earthen Grave performed at Saint Brigid's Centre for the Arts. The link comes by their resident violinist, classical (and metal) virtuoso Rachel Barton Pine. A very refreshing evening, as we haven't been to a dirty-guitar live gig in far too long. Not that I am criticising the excellent Apocalyptica!

It seems that something got lost in the promotion, as Saint Brigid's wasn't that full and most of the audience were festival-goers, though this was somewhat balanced by the very enthusiastic metalheads at the front. We did find it rather weird to go to a metal gig in a former church that is still very much a church (plus no alcohol), though there was sufficient space to stand near the stage rather than remain seated. Most of the set comprised songs from the band's self-titled album, though there were covers of Trouble's 'At The End of My Daze' and Black Sabbath's 'Children of the Grave'. Rachel's violin solos and extended riff mid-set drew enthusiastic applause. Frontman Mark Weiner did a very good job of energising the crowd - a predominantly non-metal crowd, sat down - such that by the time 'Children of the Grave' rang out there were a fair few people near the front.
Jason Muxlow
Rachel Barton Pine

All in all an evening of good fun; I can recommend both the band and the album. In particular, having a violinist (and such an instrument - an extended range violin called the Viper) Following on from last year's Classical Heavy Metal night, the festival have the right idea, but maybe more cross-promotion is needed, either with Bluesfest, Spectrasonic, Punk Ottawa or someone similar.  
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