Live in Seattle 05.28.2018
Review Score: 10
Reviewed by: Billy Klare
Power Trip released a new live album “Live in Seattle – 05.28.2018” on June 23, 2023 through Southern Lord Records. As the name suggests, it’s a 2018 live performance recorded in Seattle at a time when Power Trip was in absolute peak form and arguably the best modern thrash band on the scene. Earlier versions of this show are out there in different forms but this is the perfect opportunity to get your copy on CD, vinyl and streaming platforms if you previously missed out as I did. According to the band website, the new 2023 streaming version was remastered.
I’m sure most are familiar with Power Trip but I wanted to start with a brief history of the band for any newbies. Power Trip are from the U.S. state of Texas and specialize in old school crossover thrash metal (with their own unique twist). The band delivered two incredibly successful albums, Manifest Decimation (2013) & Nightmare Logic (2017) and built a strong reputation for their lethal live performances. Sadly, it all ended August 24, 2020 with the untimely death of their charismatic lead singer Riley Gale. It’s still unclear if the remaining band members will continue on with the Power Trip name but it will never be the same without Riley.
I vividly remember the first time I discovered Power Trip and Riley Gale. It was November 30, 2017 at the Theater of Living Arts in Philadelphia opening for Cannibal Corpse and I had no idea who they were. They commanded my attention immediately and I instantly loved their 80’s inspired blend of thrash, punk and hardcore (i.e. crossover thrash). However, there was something extra special about Riley that caught my eye. He was the perfect energetic frontman leaping off speaker cabinets & the drum riser and performing high jump-kicks in the air from his standing position at the mike. I immediately ordered both albums that evening after the show.
Now on to the album. It’s relatively brief at approximately 40 minutes in length but largely includes the best of the Power Trip discography (roughly 50% of the setlist from each album). The recording perfectly captures the raw intensity and fury of the legendary Power Trip concerts as I remembered them. The insanely catchy hook laden guitar riffs work so well live, I can only imagine the massive Seattle mosh pit that night. Riley’s in excellent form as well, his aggressive raspy vocal delivery commanding the stage and audience. Ferocious guitar solos and punching drums further fuel the intensity level. Tracks like “Executioner’s Tax”, “Crucifixation” and “Soul Sacrifice” made me want to start my own personal mosh pit right in the middle of my living room. The band is so tight, their live chops perfected over years of touring.
I love the inclusion of Riley’s vocal interaction with the audience, a true blessing given his early passing. Riley uniquely sets the stage for an imminent guitar solo at one point by yelling “1,2,3 – GO” before the shredding begins. Another time he shouts “Take that Seattle” with an evil tone after a particularly brutal component of the song. As Power Trip enter the final songs of the show, Riley thanks the audience for a great night, tells them to take care of each other and then insists everyone “fall in line” and bang their ****ing heads. His on stage banter is genuine, appreciative and perfectly timed. Ironically, prior to playing the track “Firing Squad”, Riley dedicates the song to all friends that passed away.
The sound quality is fantastic, probably the best live thrash metal recording in my collection. Everything is crystal clear and fully mimics the true live show experience. A full-on metal assault to the ears. The vinyl release is extra special including a beautiful 12 page black-and-white photography booklet filled with awesome band live action shots. The Riley pics are worth the price of admission alone. I should also mention the vinyl is incredibly well priced at about $20 US & $28 CAD.
As you could probably tell, I love this “Live in Seattle” masterpiece. It’s outstanding from a song selection perspective and it’s ability to perfectly capture the Power Trip live performance. A rare perfect 10/10 rating. I feel like I’m standing in that Seattle audience every time I play it (and I can’t stop playing it). It’s everything I love about a thrash metal concert – controlled aggression and neck snapping good fun. But more importantly, this recording stands as the perfect tribute to the life and music of Riley Gale. RIP Riley Gale.
I wanted to end this review by sharing a relevant memory from a recent Frozen Soul concert I attended (Death metal band also from Texas and friends of Power Trip). Frozen Soul lead singer Chad Green stopped performing mid-show that night and suddenly discussed the pain he’s experienced with the passing of his long-time friends Riley Gale (Power Trip) and Trevor Strnad (The Black Dahlia Murder). He pleaded with the audience to watch over friends & family and be alert for any potential signs of mental health and / or addiction symptoms. He encouraged the audience to step in and help before it’s too late. It was a powerful moment that made the hairs on the back of neck stand on end. A message we can all apply to our own life and within the broader metal community.
Track Listing
- Drown (Intro)
- Divine Apprehension
- Suffer No Fool
- Soul Sacrifice
- Executioner’s Tax
- Crucifixation
- Heretic’s Fork
- Conditioned to Death
- Firing Squad
- Manifest Decimation
- Crossbreaker
Line-Up
Riley Gale – Lead Vocals
Blake Ibanez – Lead Guitar
Nick Stewart – Rhythm Guitar
Chris Whetzel – Bass
Chris Ulsh – Drums