Victims, Reggies Rokc Club, Chicago Il, April 30, 2009

They are from Sweden.

And they kicked ass!

Every now and then, I get out to see a band that I really like, and every now and then I get turned on to a band that is opening that I never heard of before. This was one of the shows. In late April 2009, I had been waiting to see Amebix play live in the states. I had heard that they were playing in CA. but was unsure the extent of the tour. I was looking up a show at Reggie’s Rock club and saw the words Amebix. I was like NO FUCKING WAY, but I will have more on that later when I post those picks from their set.

So I get there late since I do not have the energy to sit through four bands, but I wanted time to get settled and warmed up with fine beverages and get good stage position for Amebix. The band that was coming on before them was in the process of setting up and they looked totally Euro. I ask the dude next to me, who is this playing since I did not know who the opening bands were. He states, The Victims!

I was like, ohhh the Victims... “we are victims, wahhhh”, with a mocking, condescending tone in my voice.

So the band starts, and started fast!

I was fucking wrong, Big Time!

Two songs into the set I realize I better get shots of these guys cause they were fucking brutal and heavy and FAST.

Can I add “Furious” for good measure?

For those into early Discharge, these guys are your answer. I bought their latest release titled, “Killer” at the show and I listened to it for weeks, especially on power walks.

I tried to go see them again the following week at the Beat Kitchen, but arrived just in time to see the Johan the bass player loading up their gear in the back of the van… Shit.

He told me they would be coming back to the states in 2010, hopefully.

So go fucking see them.

Did I mention they are from Sweden?

Stockholm to be exact.

ms