STRAPPING YOUNG LAD - For Those About To Rock
By - Bob Cooper
Canadian metal extremists Strapping Young Lad have released their first DVD called For Those Aboot To Rock. This DVD was recorded at a live show at The Commodore Ballroom in the bands hometown of Vancouver, BC in February of 2004 in support of their latest self-titled album SYL. This video comes to us long overdue, as SYL does not tour the States too often and this performance was a stellar one which features many of the songs from the new album as well as the older standards that would invoke rioting if not included. For sake of argument, here is the setlist:
Dire (intro)
Consequence
Relentless
Rape Song
SYL
In The Rainy Season
Devour
Aftermath
Oh My Fucking God
Force Fed
Detox
All Hail The New Flesh
Far Beyond Metal
This DVD is a must-have for a couple of reasons. As this show was performed in familiar territory the band seemed very relaxed and comfortable and at times comedic with "massive amounts of heavy metal goings-on and shenanigans". Devin Townsend’s between-the-songs banter was hilarious. One can always count on Dev to say something totally over-the-top or insulting during his shows, but one can never be fully prepared for what that might be.
Also, the sound mix was superb. SYL songs are traditionally layered with many things going on at once, and to capture all of it clearly at a live show would be difficult, yet this show was as clear, if not clearer, than the studio recordings. In fact, SYL, All Hail…, and Detox were clearer and more listener-friendly than the original studio recordings.
The DVD also features multi-screen views. Not by switching from one view to another, but actually up to six shots at once on the screen enabling each specific listener to view what interests them. The lighting was enhanced, at least more than an average SYL show, so that the band is seen at their best.
Bonus features include the videos for Relentless and Detox. There are some brief interviews with the band and road crew, including Paul who drives bus and manages things on tour (when he is not on loan to Cradle Of Filth). They have cruelly listed naked cheerleaders as a bonus, but I could not find them. I did find that if you go to the bonus menu and click on the bong, you will see hundreds of pictures of the band.
