RORSCHACH. Sept 24th 2009. Asbury Lanes. AP. NJ.

The first time I heard Rorschach was in 1991.
My friend Greg was driving to Ocean County Mall so we could sit around and look at girls. Maybe pick up a new cassette at Camelot music and wonder why life was so boring in the suburbs.

Greg always liked to show off some music he thought you hadn't heard and would blow your mind. He played me Rorschach and at that time it was just to much for me. I can't remember why exactly, it was just dark and depressing.

Later on it was their cover of King Crimson that would make me appreciate them and revisit the cassette Greg had played for me. In any event I never saw Rorschach and when I heard they were playing a few shows 15 years later (or so) I wanted to go.

Asbury Lanes is always a good spot to see a band as you can get up nice and close. It has an intimate setting that makes for a great vibe.
The opening bands were 2 of NJ's current crop of bands.

Torchbearer plays tight hardcore that reminds me of that early 90's vibe where people were being a little more creative with the tunes. They played a great set that night and the drummers crushing performance certainly left an impression.

Black Kites played next. A 3 piece with a guitar player, drummer and vocalist. With no bass player I was surprised how full they sounded. The guitar work was great. Unique and harsh with a great tone. Solid beats and vocals dancing from screaming, speaking and death metal grunts. Very cool shit.

Rorschach was up last and when they got up there I couldn't help think..."man these guys look aged".

But then these aged punk rockers proceeded to rip my face off and damage my ear drums with a heavy dark riff based assault. Damn! These guys should keep playing! ...and write a new record.
The show was solid from start to finish. Rorschach proving to me why I was blessed to be part of the late 80's early 90's era. The shit was that good back then and still holds up.

Photo's: Shawn Zappo