New York death metal stalwarts Immolation also featured a sweaty outdoor set on Saturday, though they barely paused between songs in order to make up time thanks to some equipment issues. This only served to increase the potboiler intensity of the songs. Immolation has the odd distinction of being widely revered throughout the world, yet they always seem to come out underrated when the final numbers are in. Saturday was their day, however, as their shirts sold out in 30 minutes flat and they were repeatedly mobbed for autographs before and after their set. Immolation is reputed for their excellent stage presence, and today was no exception as they induced a sun-beaten crowd into marshaling the energy to yell along with numbers like “Into Everlasting Fire” and “I Feel Nothing”. Guitarists Bob Vigna and Bill Taylor slashed at the air with their headstocks while vocalist and bassist Ross Dolan bashed out the rhythm lines while delivering his famous bottomless roar to much fanfare. Despite being one of the least novel headliners on the bill, Immolation stood toe-to-toe with their fellow heavy-hitters and perhaps gave some of them a few things to think about.
View the entire top 10 best and worst things about Maryland Deathfest 2009 for more.