The Sword Headlines Night One In Pure Awesomeness

Kicking off the (formerly called Psych Fest) Black Angels-organized music festival was Wednesday’s pre-party at Empire Control Room. The early night witnessed Philadelphia shoegaze band Nothing soak up the heat of the lights and strobes, gradually building their songs before crashing down like distorted thunder. The venue’s funkiness began to descend alongside the metal sludge band Here Lies the Man’s return to the festival.

Austin’s stoner metal trio The Sword took the stage, adding to the sludgier, odd-headed performances during the week. Gauging the crowd, Nordic-looking guitarist Kyle Shutt said, Are y’all levitated yet? , before the band tore through 13 songs and a cover. Their 2012 album of choice was called Apocryphon, featuring headbanging tunes from band Freya and Cloak of Feathers. They commemorated legendary Texas entertainers ZZ Top by covering Nasty Dogs and Funky Kings of their songs. John Cronise’s vocals were powerful and beautifully perfected after a summer of touring with Primus. In the venue, Former Dum Dum Girls and Vivian Girls, Frankie Rose at the conclusion of their set on the speakers, night to a crowd so quiet, she said, “Y’all are too quiet, let’s do DMT.”