Daniel Wallen
Reporter
September 2, 2005
One does not often think of heavy metal when they think of the quiet town of Elizabethton, but there is one band that may just make a name for themselves in the metal scene. The Showdown, a five-piece band hailing from Elizabethton, has put together a powerful metal sound that instantly became a hit with young men and women all over the nation. Since the release of their debut album, “A Chorus of Obliteration,” the band has been touring relentlessly with bands such as Blindside and Showbread. This Sunday Showdown will play a local concert at the Sophisticated Otter in Johnson City prior to their Southern Thunder tour with Chasing Victory and several other bands.
Ferocious, intense, brutal and aggressive are several adjectives that describe the sound of the Showdown. With articulate dual guitar play, thunderous bass, rapid-fire drumming and a wide vocal range, one can not help but admire their unique mix of Southern rock and European death metal. The Showdown will likely appeal to fans of Metallica, Shadows Fall and As I Lay Dying.
There is never a dull moment in the lyrical content of the songs. Vocalist David Bunton said, “‘A Chorus of Obliteration’ was based around Old Testament warfare and battle.” Upon reading the lyrics, one can see songs about events such as Goliath's defeat at the hands of David, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and Samson's slaying of 1,000 men. An example of The Showdown's lyrics follows:
Now for glory
Now for God
We storm the very gates of hell
Pay in blood
Reclaim your honor
Demonspawn your time has come
The Showdown makes their faith quite obvious. Their style offers an alternative for Christians who do not enjoy the sound of contemporary Christian acts. “A Chorus of Obliteration” may be purchased at FYE and other retailers.
Come to the Sophisticated Otter Sunday prepared to rock out and have an experience unlike any other. The time is yet to be scheduled, but check www.theshowdownmetal.com for updates.