On Thursday, September 2^nd, 2010 Ziggy’s Underground (a small “hole in the wall”) in Chattanooga, Tennessee was visited by the mighty Goatwhore and supporting acts Graves of Valor, Strong Intention and Coathanger Abortion. I was fortunate enough to attend and even meet a long time idol of mine, Goatwhore guitarist Sammy Duet, who’s work in Acid Bath has kept me listening for nearly 17 years! I ask of you to check out these bands who played an arena quality show to a very small crowd.

Chattanooga’s hometown heroes Coathanger Abortion have been here before. They’ve been active since 2001 and were signed to Comatose music in 2009. Check out the title track of their 2009 debut Dying Breed, a “southern-fried” deathgrind masterpiece.

Strong Intention is a band that is a little difficult to find info on. I’d never heard of them before this show but they’ve been active, though plagued by line-up changes since the early ’90s. Their music is a solid type of crossover thrash/hardcore punk which they deliver with passion. Have a go at this live version of Freedom is Slavery.

South Carolina’s Graves of Valor aren’t new to The Baboon. These purveyors of deathcore put on an energetic show that contained the vocalist pouring a beer bong for a fan between nearly every song and jumping from the stage to put an end to a fight in the pit. Give a listen to Pestilence from their Salarian Gate album.

If you’re not familiar with Goatwhore then shame on you! Just kidding, but they are only one of the greatest metal bands ever. These guys just finished touring with Ozzfest playing to hundreds if not thousands of fans at a time and then took the time to play a little show (which felt almost like a private show) here in Chattanooga, for which I’ll be eternally grateful. Have yourselves some Apocalyptic Havoc from their latest release Carving Out the Eyes of God.