Mates of State with Judgement Day at The Paradise 8/11

I came to the show for Mates of State, but their opening act, Judgement Day, blew me away! I was very apprehensive due to their death metal sounding name. I expected full on ratty 2XL Metallica t-shirts with greasy dirty blonde locks down their backs. I approached the stage however and found three guys, easy on the eyes, who were... a cellist, violinist, and drummer. This all instrumental trio kept up a fast paced metal noize with a haunting quality. Seizure inducing strobe lights flashed to the hard hitting sounds. The most hardcore violinist I have ever seen, I must also note that this violinist has adorable curly hair. (!!!) For the most part, the audience really seemed to be won over by this strange group who couldn't be more different from the headliners. I picked up their CD and their song names were sure enough just as embarrassing as their band name. But oh well, y'know what, I like 'em, a LOT.

The last time I saw the Mates, Kori was preggers, and it was a special piano show at the Iron Horse in Northampton. That show was great, but this one was even better because Kori had her organ. Very important as their earlier CDs are organ heavy and fast paced, while their newest release features piano and other accompaniment. So for older songs, Kori and Jason went it alone, and Lewis and Anton of Judgement Day helped out on the new tracks. The two bands seemed like a big happy family, the MOS even announced that Judgement Day is the only band that they have taken on tour with them. I'm still in amazement of JD's awesomeness and musical versatility. The Mates performed my personal fave, "Ha Ha", which was made even better with Lewis dancing to it in a leopard one piece.

With two babies and five full lengths under their belts, Kori and Jason still look as cute and happy as ever, stealing glances and smirks. They love to perform, and it shows. The crowd shrieked enthusiastic "WOOO!!!" 's for nearly every song. Surely a great show to end the tour for these two groups. The Mates tour pretty often, so be sure to catch them next time they're around.