Skeletonwitch @ Ivory Blacks, 30 Nov

Tonight is proof positive that the thrash resurgence continues to gain momentum, with mobs of younger fans wholeheartedly embracing the sounds of vintage metal. Enter a trio of spike-clad leather disciples. Toxic Holocaust discharge a set of stripped-down anthems that display their passion for d-beat in particular and anarcho-hardcore in general, ensuring that both the longhairs and mohawks in attendance lock arms in solidarity.

Boasting former members of sludge heavyweights Acid Bath, Crowbar and Soilent Green, NOLA kingpins Goatwhore prove their pedigree by regurgitating over a dozen razor sharp odes to the Great Horned One, while literally begging the question: who needs a god when you’ve got Satan? Indeed. The crowd is responsive and substantial for a Monday night, their constant onstage headbanging creating spirals of swirling hair and flinging sweat in all directions. They part by expressing sincere gratitude for the bona fide Glaswegian enthusiasm and audience participation.

Skeletonwitch successfully manage to kill ‘em all and show no mercy in the process, demolishing songs that hinge on the touchstones of thrash, both European and American, yet spotlight new vistas of venom. On the surface, it may all be about infernal suffering, bestial devastation and endless pain, but let’s face it: the energy level is ultimately what makes this music compelling and relevant. That and the hellacious, annihilation-fueled fun.