Exhumed, Oxygen Destroyer, No/Mas, Iron Front
- Bleeding Priest
- 22 minutes ago
- 4 min read
DNA Lounge
San Francisco, CA
March 21, 2026
Another Metal extravaganza at The DNA. This time around it’s Exhumed/Oxygen Destroyer/ No/Mas and Iron Front.
Before I get into the show I want to quickly talk about what I did earlier in the day. After the Nefarious rehearsal in the early afternoon I went to go see the Kreator documentary HATE & HOPE. It was being shown as a part of the Berlin Film Festival at SF MOMA. It was a pretty cool little theatre with a great bunch of local Metalheads in attendance.
I can honestly say it was one of the best, most entertaining band movies I’ve ever seen. I loved the non linear approach to the film with tons of old footage from the 80’s up until present day. I liked how it jumped back and forth.
Death Angel has done plenty of touring with Kreator over the years and I love the guys dearly but I had no idea they were so fucking funny. Especially Ventor, who really was the star of the movie in my opinion. He had the whole theater rolling with laughter a number of times.
Aside from a few totally unnecessary, uninteresting cameos (one really) from other musicians it was a perfect film documenting THE greatest Metal band to ever come out of Germany. I unfortunately had to bail before the end because I needed to get to the DNA and get set up for my dj gig. A gig that started at 5:30!!
I get it, the DNA have to maximize the space for a Saturday and make the money when and where they can but it’s hard to get pumped for a show starting at 6 pm on a Saturday. Regardless, the show got off to a great start with Iron Front.
These youngsters play a style of Metal that’s grounded in the hardcore/slam style of things with tons of syncopated breakdowns and the occasional Death Metal passage. Not necessarily my cup o’ tea but make no bones about it, these kids absolutely CRUSH at what they do. They perform with a confidence and professionalism that a lot of other local bands lack. Being that I know this style of Metal is really popular with the younger generation I’m really surprised these guys from Oakland haven’t been swooped up for a national tour. They’re that good.
Up next was No/Mas from D.C. This quartet were full on Grind Core to the max with an occasional hip-hop (at least the beat) flavored breakdown. It reminded me a lot of the Grind stuff that was coming out in the early/mid 90’s. I actually thought of Redwood City’s own Plutocracy while watching them. Solid stuff. They ended their set with a ripping version of Bad Brains “Banned In D.C.” A strong closing statement.
Now we had the punishing Oxygen Destroyer. This was my second time seeing them (at the DNA no less) and what can I say, I love em’. In the past I know I’ve ripped on bands not having a bassist but with Oxygen Destroyer they absolutely do not need one. They have their sound so dialed in with the dual crunch attack that a bass would just muddle things up. It’s the …And Justice For All approach and I love it.
These dude’s style of Death Metal is hammering and just beats the crowd down to submission. They also have impressive vocal prowess belting out many syllables at a rapid pace. In addition to all of this there was the old Japanese monster movie imagery showing on multiple screens throughout the set which really worked well with the music. These guys RULE!
Lastly we had the headliners, local(ish) heroes Exhumed. This was the last night of the tour and there was clearly a festive mood in the air. Exhumed usually have a theme with their live show with this particular one being vehicular manslaughter. They had orange pylons and roadside flashing lights on stage. Dr. Philthy was there, up to his old antics (sparking circular saw etc.) and the band was well oiled and tight as always.
Drummer Mike Hamilton was absent once again. I’m not sure what his situation is but I hope all is well with him. He’s a great drummer and a great dude. In his place was Cartilage blast master Adam Houman who’s more than capable of handling the job.
In keeping with the theme of the evening they closed with a loose yet fun rendition of KISS’s klassic “Detroit Rock City”. Actually one other interesting thing happened at the end of the show, bassist Ross Sewage proposed to his girlfriend on stage….and she said NO!! I’m joking of course. That most certainly gave the end of the eve a unique and celebratory vibe.
Pretty kick ass night of Metal with a solid turnout ta boot. See you next time!
–Bleeding Priest
