The Danterion Collection

Godbelow was a Syracuse band that existed from about 1998 until 2002. Most of Godbelow's members played in Blood Runs Black, who I rapped about in this post. After Chris Weichmann parted ways with Earth Crisis in the late 90's, he started Godbelow with his old BRB bandmates "Slider" and Danny Johnson. The result was one of the heaviest, brooding and seething sounds to rise from the Syracuse hardcore/metal scene. Like their predecessors, Godbelow was the the Bridge between Syracuse HC and Syracuse Metal, except now there was a little bit more violence in the mix at shows. Times were getting meaner in that town, and this music reflected the desperation and nagging air of hopelessness that suffocated upstate NY. Seasonal Affectional Disorder is a motherfucker. Where BRB's song writing was choppy and frenetic, Godbelow's sound was more steadfast, with more traditional midpaced to slow bluesy metal riffing and raspy steady shouting over the instruments. The vocals are some of the best of this style that I've heard. Often while nerding out with my friends back home, Danny has popped up as a unanimous choice for best 315 hardcore vocalist on more than one occasion. Beginning with the lurching, John Christ tinged instrumental "Black Dogs Head" into the crusher "Kill Devil Hills" Godbelow do a very good job of fusing the sound of metal bands that came from hardcore of that era (especially Damnation AD) and the "power groove" metal sound of that time. The high end guitar harmonies at the beginning of "Kill Devil hills" could have easily belonged to any number of post hardcore acts or even Tool, but the crushing vibe that follows is 100% "getting your ass handed to you by a guy in an all out war jersey" style shit, in the best way possible. The almost screamo style off-time drum patterns accentuating the chorus to "Enlist the Aide" offset some of the best hooks laid down on tape for this style. These guys were kings at balancing a "pro gear, pro tude" approach with something a lot more real than what your average headbangers ball band of the day was cranking out. Seriously, why would I ever need to listen to Pantera when I have this record and their incredible full length? After Godbelow's demise Slider and Weichmann (and maybe another member or two, I don't recall) started a band called Brand New Sin that was a lot more commercially leaning, and therefore, not my bag at all. Danny sang for the Last Season and Unholy (With JD from the Promise and Another Victim) and both bands were great. Unholy continues without Danny, but are still darn good. Godbelow is playing a reunion at the Lost Horizon on March 7th, and I'm going to make it my beezwax to be there. Ringworm is also on the bill. Fuck. Posted by PatrickW http://inatimeofhate.blogspot.com/2009/02/godbelow.html