Nile’s Karl Sanders (left) and Dallas Toler-Wade

I don’t know about you, but I kicked off my concert calendar for 2010 with New York death metal legends Immolation, long-running Brazilian trio Krisiun and, of course, the insanely brutal South Carolinian band Nile. Talk about starting the year right.

By the time I arrived to the Grammercy Theatre in Manhattan, I learned that Abigail Williams dropped off (due to reasons unknown to me). Also, Los Angeles-based Dreaming Dead were also on the bill though I had no idea who they were.

I made it inside just in time to catch Dreaming Dead. I haven’t heard anything about these guys (and gals) so, needless to say, I was a tad curious. From what I made out, the band played generic modern death metal—lots of guitar solos and acrobatic riffs and a good amount of Slaughter of the Soul worship. Guitarists Elizabeth Schall Elliot and Laura Christine really know how to play their instruments, but I wasn’t exactly feeling the music.

Krisiun were up next and, of course, their legions of fans here in New York were pumped. I’ve seen them quite a number of times over the years (the last time was with Destruction) and they always deliver the goods. However, as much as I enjoy them live and on record, I feel they’re one of those bands that if you’ve seen them once, you’ve might as well seen them a bunch of times. (Read: it’s pretty much the same show.)

To keep the momentum going, bassist/vocalist Alex Camargo kept the banter to a minimum during their short set. The band ripped through about six songs, which were evenly culled from their catalog with emphasis on their latest offering through Century Media, Southern Storm. If you like your death metal fast and punishing, look no further.

I gotta be honest here: I’ve never seen Immolation live before. Yes, I am from New York and I’m well aware of how often Yonkers’ finest play here. It’s just that, for one reason or another, I had never made it out to an Immolation show. I really like the band (Dawn of Possession is genius), so I was really pumped to finally see them.

The band opened with “Passion Kill” and I knew I was in for a ride. To finally be able to see guitarist Bob Vigna’s signature stage moves and bassist/vocalist Ross Dolan’s insane amount of hair was truly an experience. Classics like “Father, You’re Not A Father” and “Burial Ground” are still as strong today as when they first came out.

“The Purge,” from the band’s forthcoming album Majesty and Decay (Nuclear Blast Records), showed that the band hasn’t run out of great ideas. At the end of their set, I was more than impressed. I can’t wait to see these guys come through again in support of their new album. I have a feeling it’s going to be quite amazing.

Finally, we have Nile. I don’t think an introduction is necessary. These Egyptian-obsessed tech-death machines seemed to be in great spirits when they came onstage to a packed crowd. “Kafir”, from the band’s great new album For Whom the Gods Detest (Nuclear Blast Records), kicked things off and was followed with “Sacrifice Unto Sebak” and another new one, “Hitite Dung Incantation” (they never fail with the great song titles).

Guitarists Karl Sanders and Dallas Toler-Wade, drummer George Kollias and bassist Chris Lollis were on fire. The fans were treated to “Serpent Headed Mask” from their first record, Amongst the Catacombs…, as well as some tried-and-true favorites such as “Lashed to the Slave Stick”, “Sarcophagus,” “Execution Text” and, of course, “Black Seeds of Vengeance.”

The last time I caught these guys live, they were touring in support of their 2007 release, Ithyphallic. At that show, though I liked the band, their song selections didn’t seem to work for me live. However, this time out, with For Whom the Gods Detest —and a much more ripping song selection—the band really kept me on my toes for the entire show. Nile are better than ever and I strongly suggest to attend one of their shows if they’re in the area.—Henry Yuan