This past weekend, the Viper Room mainstage was ablaze w/ the shredding, heavy metal sounds of Black Tide, currently on tour promoting their latest LP, “Post Mortem” on Interscope Records.

Black Tide at The Viper Room 7/29/11

Imagine your favorite heavy metal bands of the 80’s mixed the melodic heavy rock bands of today in the form of their really hot younger brothers.  Yes, each and every member of the Miami-based quartet is attractive–a rarity in the metal genre.  But, they’re not just pretty faces.  This ethnically diverse band featuring Gabriel Garcia (lead guitar, lead vocal), Steven Spence (percussion, drums), Zakk Sandler (bass, vocals) and Austin Diaz (rhythm guitar, vocals) have talent bursting out of the seams that far surpasses their years on this earth.

Fresh from performing at the X-Games earlier in the day, Black Tide, clad in Fox Racing gear (except the drummer, who plays shirtless), played a short set of 6 songs to a healthy-sized crowd of fans.  Fighting through obstacles such as the Viper Room’s muddled sound and tiny, cramped stage, the band’s charisma shined through.

Instantly snapping up audience attention, their set opened with Metallica’s “Hit the Lights,” adding their own Meshuggah-style drum intro to it. This was followed by their original songs; “Bury Me” (Papa Roach meets Avenged Sevenfold vibe); “Let It Out”; their extremely well-made, crowd-slaying first single, “That Fire” from their current LP; “Shout,” lead singer,  Gabriel’s proclaimed favorite song;  the growl-heavy “Walking Dead Man;” and finally, “Warriors of Time,” a song from their previous album that got the crowd chanting along with them in chorus.

The vocal power of Gabriel teamed with Austin and Zakk’s vocal harmonies, the melodic syncopation between both guitarists and bassist, the face-melting guitar solos and overall instrument know-how was absolutely mind-blowing. These guys are in it for the long-haul and they definitely respect as well as hone their craft.

A special treat for the unprepared was Steven Spence, who is not just the drummer, but THE DRUMS.  He plays with the intensity of a bucking Bronco released into the Rodeo.  He’s fun and hypnotizing to watch, very technically inclined, really stands out and is soon to be a legend amongst drummers, mark my words.

This snippet of a show definitely made new fans curious to behold their full set with all the bells on whistles like when the band opened opened for major acts like Bullet for My Valentine, Avenged Sevenfold, Lacuna Coil and All-American Rejects.

Their album Post Mortem, featuring the single, “That Fire” is set to release August 23rd. Check them out!