Last Night: Thrice at the House of Blues Anaheim (11/25/09)

Better Than: Going to Warped Tour or Bamboozle Left just to see Thrice.

My first Thrice show was back in 2002 at the House of Blues Anaheim when they opened for Face To Face. I had no idea who they were but was blown away at their intensity and highly devoted fans. It was hilarious to see House of Blues clear out after they played. I knew at that moment Thrice had a bright future.

After reading Thrice's road sores column here on Heard Mentality, I was concerned whether Teppei Teranishi would be appearing at the show since he had to miss some of the prior dates due to a family emergency. A blind man could easily tell from the characteristic fretboard tapping guitar notes of "Of Dust And Nations" that Teppei was back with the band.

A storm of crushing guitar riffs in the form of "Silhouete" rained over the crowd as the mosh pit stirred. Thrice was coming out of the gates blazing hot. The lack of keyboards and electronics on stage was a noticeable contrast to the time when I saw them at the House of Blues Anaheim in 2008 in support of the Alchemy Index albums.

"All The World is Mad" is a textbook example of Thrice's fusion of metal, hardcore and killer sense of melody. Another track from their latest album Beggars, "The Weight" had a panic stricken feel with its nervous sounding guitars accompanying Dustin Kensrue's passionate screams. "Helter Skelter" has been covered many times by the likes bands like Motley Crue, but Thrice really did a knock down drag out version of the song. Hopefully, you purchased the special edition of Beggars in order to obtain the track. 

"In Exile" tapped an almost country vibe with the twang of their telecasters being in the forefront propelled by the drum shuffle of Riley Breckenridge. The song was clearly a fan favorite judging by the number of people singing along to the chorus. It just so happens the video of the song was debuted today via Myspace. 

I thought a real ambulance need to be called during "The Artist in the Ambulance" as the circle pit was at maximum intensity. "Deadbolt" was simply phenomenal as it showcases the stellar guitar interplay between Teppei and Dustin. I remembered being at Chain Reaction when they filmed the video for that song.

Teppei did manage to get behind the piano for a bit during "Doublespeak" as Ed Breckenridge's bass growled underneath the sparse arrangement. It made me realize how Thrice have done an excellent job in creating their own unique sound regardless of whether the song is a ballad or a full out face melting rocker. 

A lesson in Greek mythology was given in the form of "The Melting Point of Wax"(which tells the story of Icarus) and "Daedalus". Who says you can't learn at a rock show? The apocalyptic hymn of "Come All You Weary" and scorched landscape of "The Earth Will Shake" were fitting encores that still left the sold out crowd wanting more. 

Personal Bias: You possibly can spot me on their DVD release of Live at the House of Blues which was filmed last year at the House of Blues Anaheim.

Random Detail: Did you know that the Cold War Kids did the artwork for The Artist in the Ambulance?

By The Way: make sure you read Thrice's road sores diaries right here on Heard Mentality.