Topping the bill are South Carolina mummy metallers Nile, whose Egyptian mythology-obsessed crunch packs an archaeological ass-whuppin’. They’ll be joined by a rejuvenated Napalm Death, whose latest, The Order of the Leech, turns the clock back on these Brit brawlers for one of their most relentless records ever.
Replacing Canadian cyberthrash forebears Voivod in the lineup is Dark Tranquility, who will further expand upon the Gothenburg sound with ferocity and finesse, while Voivod sits this trek out in favor of putting the finishing touches on its latest album. Repping the Canucks in the absence of that seminal bunch will be Devin Townsend of Strapping Young Lad, whose wayward electro metal is as expansive as the Great White North, Townsend’s recording connection. Rounding out the lineup is the masked misanthropy of the Berzerker, which churns out a violent mix of latex, jungle beats, death metal growls, and the occasional Carcass cover. Speaking of which, you may want to start running for some cover of your own right about now.
This article appears in Jan 29 – Feb 4, 2003.