BRING ON THE SHRIEKS FROM LUNGS OF FIRE >>>
In 1998, when the partners-in-love-and-rock duo Jucifer first broke out of the dark, sludgy Athens underbelly that gave birth to bands like Harvey Milk and R.E.M., audiences took an immediate interest in guitarist/vocalist Amber Valentine and drummer Ed Livengood's loud - very loud - fractured art-metal. It didn't hurt that Valentine, with her flaxen hair, heavy black eye-makeup and mini-dresses, had all the makings of a modern-day Russ Meyer vixen. But they had the chops to back it up - deliberate sludge, backward loops and gigantic riffing.
Now married, and performing this Thursday at Hell's Kitchen, the duo is touring behind their April 2010 CD, Throned In Blood, released on their own label, Nomadic Fortress Records. Yes, there's a bit of cheesecake still there, but so is their perfected noise rock/sludge metal combination.
Here's hoping Hell's Kitchen's new downtown spot can handle Valentine's much-vaunted wall of sound. I'm sure Flash designed the sound system around this band.
With Mahnhammer and Sleeper Cell
Thursday, Aug. 12, 9 p.m., $5
Hell's Kitchen, 928 Pacific Ave., Tacoma
253.759.6003