Municipal Waste

Live at The House of Blues

Hollywood, California

March 27th, 2013

Review and Photos by Travis Baumann

Municipal Waste are a Thrash Metal band hailing from Virginia. They are often referred to as "Party Thrash" and focus a lot of their songs on drinking and partying but also have a good sense of humor and come up with lots of plays on words.

They immediately bring to mind the more hardcore/crossover/punk side of Thrash such as Suicidal Tendencies or Anthrax, which is fitting as they are opening for Anthrax on the Metal Alliance Tour along with fellow Thrashers, Exodus.

I just got into Municipal Waste with their latest album "Fatal Feast" and I noticed right away that they also reference mutants and mutations due to hazardous waste, especially in their artwork.

Their songs are generally on the shorter side as punk songs are generally known for, but they pack a lot of energy and fun into that condensed package.

They started the set off with "Unleash the Bastards". The music is fast and furious and the singer was full of vitriol on stage. He reminded me a bit of the late Sam Kinison as he angrily voiced his lyrics.

They did "The Thrashin of Christ" next. The guitarist and bassist both sang back up or alternating parts on different songs which lent extra voices of aggression into the mix.

Continuing with the volatile mosh music, they did "Sadistic Magician" before moving more into their "Party Metal" vibe with "You're Cut Off". Relentless, their songs blast from one to another and "Beer Pressure" was up next.

Playing on the old Megadeth song's title they went into "Thrashing's My Business... And Business Is Good". Rounding out their set with a couple more mosh pit manglers they did "Substitute Creature" and "Headbanger Face Rip".

As an opening band they got quite a few songs in due to their brevity but it was time for the final song for which they gave us "The Art of Partying".

I used to be huge into punk and crossover way back in the day and still love my Thrash Metal, so these guys were a lot of fun live. The rapid fire vocal delivery and speed riffage were very entertaining and everyone needs a good party band.

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