August 31st at Backseat Bar and Grill in Winchester Virginia marked two special occasions it was the first show for KELO Entertainment and the return of Artifas to the Quad state in over a year and a half. If that wasn’t enough the complete show package including Artifas’s tour mates The Zealots and 1818 was as solid a show as any out there right now.
Let’s start off by introducing 1818. A band from Waynesboro, Pennsylvania who I would say gave one of their best performances to date. 1818 as a band are very unassuming; they are the quintessential hard ass working band. When I say there is nothing pretty about their performance it’s not in a bad way, what I mean is they hit the stage grind it out and give 150% a 100% of the time. There is no frilly over produced auto tuning here its straight up unadulterated in your face metal, and folks 1818 do it like no other band that I myself have seen in a long time.
Up next where touring mates of Artifas, The Zealots. I have to say this The Zealots won the “Holy Shit” prize August 31st at Backseat Bar and Grill. It was fair to say that the fans had heard of 1818 and they had heard of Artifas, but I think I can go out on a limb when I say no one knew what to expect of The Zealots from Bettendorf Iowa. Micah Martin – Vocals, Ryan Housenga – Guitar, Adam Housenga – Drums, Colton Menke – Guitar, and Jeff White – Bass collectively The Zealots didn’t step through the gate or door they kicked that sucker completely off its hinges. This Iowa 5 piece took control of the stage and the crowd at Backseat Bar and Grill in Winchester Virginia, hitting us with a blistering set that featured their latest single “Johnny Cashed” and “Ghost” off the Broken Glass album. I’ve said it before there are many bands out there many great bands out there right now trust me when I say The Zealots are heading in the direction of being one of those great bands.
It was time for the fans and the Quad state and Backseat Bar and Grill to get our fix our drug of choice and that was Artifas. Like junkies we were quickly consumed by Artifas. Scottie – Vocals, Cody – Lead Guitar/Vocals, Anthony – Bass, Jared- Drums, Mikey – Rhythm Guitar to the world they are Artifas , to us they are our family. The vocal presentation that Scottie delivers through the lyrics of songs such as “Blood For Blood’ and “Inhuman” tell a story that grips the listener and holds them close, yet with a look he can stare into your eyes and with a commanding presence leave you feeling safe and yet free as well. Cody’s leads and construction of the music along with Mikey elevate the lyrics and music to a pitch perfect symphony. It’s the heartbeat the rhythm that is provided by Jared – Drums and Anthony – Bass that however complete an already intricate masterpiece that takes us on a ride like a speeding freight train. Yes Artifas and their music spanning from their first release Enemy Inside, Vol. 1 to their newest release Inhuman have captured the heart and soul of the listeners. Their ability to musically take us the fans to a higher consciousness while conveying a simple and direct message is for my money the reason why Artifas should be, or in my case is a part of my daily consumption within my life.
