Chesapeake, VA – Groove metal pioneers Exhorder came to kick ass with tour support from San Francisco, California’s groove metallers Skinlab, Virginia Beach’s doom metal outfit Night Hag and Newport News’ death metal band Cursed Flesh.
Cursed Flesh kicked off the night playing what I believe to be their third show as a band, and they sounded good although the lead singer I feel must find his footing and learn to address the audience between songs. Their set consisted of songs off their first album which they list on their Bandcamp page as a demo available for free to download, and at some point, in the future their finished album will be made available. If you get the chance to check Cursed Flesh out, make the time for them.
Having no shortage of stage banter, Night Hag’s Samuel Fox cracked jokes and toyed with the crowd as they played a crushing set of songs. Most of the guys played the night before as Lichen, a nature themed black metal band, so they were getting their party on as well kicking ass. It is always a pleasure to see Night Hag live, if you haven’t seen them, what are you waiting for?
Prior to the announcement of the tour, I had never heard of Skinlab. I consulted an online source of metal music that had some pretty scathing comments and reviews. I ignored that and give them a listen to decide for myself. One of my friends who was at the show is a 20 year Skinlab fan and while I liked them, my friend loved them. We talked for a few minutes after their set about them, groove and nu metal. People who were at the show liked them as well.
I was worried that the tour would have been postponed or cancelled when longtime drummer Sasha Horn decided to step away from the band. Fortunately, Corey Pierce of God Forbid and Disciples of Verity was brought in to play for the tour. With Pat O’Brien formerly of Cannibal Corpse, Jason Viebrooks on bass and Kyle Thomas on guitar and vocals, I can’t think of too many bands that have so many heavy hitters, especially when you add a drummer on short notice. They played a blistering set of songs from all four Exhorder albums with military precision, they were TIGHT!!!!
“The Tour Of Unsound Minds” runs through April 19th with the last stop in Cadillac, Michigan. I recommend that you go and see them, you will not be disappointed!!!!!
Show Date: 4.12.2026
