Himsa @ Birmingham Barfly – 14th March 2008
If there’s one thing you could never accuse Seattle five-piece Himsa of it’s giving less than 100% when they play live. Vocalist Johnny Pettibone seems less comfortable on stage than he is lurching over the front row and trying to make friends with every person he can reach. Meanwhile, on stage, his cohorts whip up a raging wall of aggression which never lets up for the duration of tonight’s all-too-short set.
Guitarists Sammi Curr and Kirby Johnson certainly know how to hammer out some mean, yet intricate and melodic riffs, and Pettibone’s distinctive vocal adds the passion and edge that brings the songs to life.
Hailing from the drizzly north west of the US, it’s not surprising that Himsa’s music is far from cheerful. Every track is delivered with a pissed off intensity, complete with heavy and relentless riffs and a thundering percussion. Tonight the dual guitars of “Anathema” are a particular highlight and tracks from their latest “Summon In Thunder” album easily stand up to earlier classics.
At one point Pettibone drags an unsuspecting photographer on stage for a hug before a somewhat worse-for-wear stage diver takes a running jump towards the crowd, slips on the band’s monitor and barely makes it over the barrier. The band plough on despite cracking up laughing!
It’s clear that despite the pained lyrics and aggressive music, Himsa are enjoying every minute. It’s also clear that tonight’s audience leave with the exact same feeling.
Words & Photos – Steve Gerrard