Story and Photography by Timothy Schumann • 513 Photography
Ok, here we go again. And what I mean by that is--just like last month, I am covering a headlining act and the publicist for the supporting act reaches out to me to include that band as well. So, once again I am“ double dipping”. This time, I will be pulling“ double duty” shooting headliner DEVILDRIVER, while also photographing THE AGONIST, the opener. The“ Bound By The Road” tour arrived here in El Paso on February 28 th, and of course, at the only venue in town that would host a show of this caliber … TRICKY FALLS.
The Agonist hails from Montreal, Canada, and has been around since 2004, but didn ' t release their first album until 2007. To their credit there are 5 releases in 9 years. The music they play is labeled“ Melodic Metalcore”-- a la NIGHTWISH or DELAIN. Now, here ' s nice“ fun fact”: In 2007, they took 6th place in“ Most Popular Music Video” with“ Business Suits and Combat Boots” on MTV2 ' s“ Headbangers Ball”. Not too shabby! Another cool part about this band--The Agonist has a female lead singer, VICKY PSARKIS. I did have moment backstage with her … she was very warm and welcoming. Although it was a Devildriver crowd in the house, The Agonist was wellreceived by this El Paso metal madhouse. Their songs such as“ Thank you”,“ Pain”,“ You ' re Coming With Me” and“ Business Suits and Combat Boots” had those devil horns standing tall! There was definitely an enthusiastic reaction, especially for a band that, for the most part, was unknown to this crowd. I think it’ s safe to say that Vicky has left her mark here in West Texas.
Next was the headliner and Santa Barbara-based band Devildriver. DEZ FARARA is the only original member left from band’ s inception in 2004. I do have a bit of history with Dez--from when he was last here with COAL CHAMBER in 2015. I won ' t go into it, but let’ s just say that I walked somewhat gingerly to the pit to shoot my 3 songs for this performance. They categorize their music as“ Groove Metal”. I’ m not really sure what that means. From my vantage point, it was Hard Metal Rock, but putting genre aside, this show really had me on my ear! I was impressed to the core … great show, Dez!
The catalyst for tonight’ s circle pit was Dez screaming out songs like“ Devil ' s Son”,“ Driving Down the Darkness” and my personal favorite,“ Digging up Corpses”. I might add that watching the entire show from the side of the stage, I could see Dez was just having fun, a master at his craft, giving this crowd everything they wanted and more.
El Paso is passed over by many major tours and festivals. They are either on their way to Dallas or Albuquerque. What I am getting at is, the bands that do come here are treated and received very well--especially large national metal acts. What can I say? El Paso is a Metal Town. On second thought--if the sold-out Devildriver show is any indicator, El Paso is a GROOVE Metal Town!