Houwitser have reformed a short while ago and are playing a couple of gigs in the Netherlands. Now I never really cared much about Houwitser, but they had Putrefied as support. They album was pretty decent – it reminds me most about the first Incantation album – and I heard good things about their live performance. Also they have former Consolation drummer Toep behind the kit.

The opening act are a Dutch band that go by the name of Remains. It is pretty obvious where they get their influences – bands like early Death, Pestilence, and other old school death / thrash metal bands with some more modern touches here and there. It certainly isn’t anything brilliant or original an it wasn’t played flawlessly, but it is at least cool to see new bands to stay clear from the all blast-beat death metal that is so abundant these days. Two covers completed their set list – out of the body and pull the plug. Both recognisable, but not played that well.

Putrefied took a long time to set up. And when they started the guitar sound was too thin and muddy – most of what could be heard were bass and drums, and a the vocals. Not a good start and it didn’t improve much. Most of the song appeared to be coming from their forthcoming “Gore-ific” album, or what I could make of the announcements. And they even had some guitar solos. Maybe a better sound does more justice to a band like this. It was mostly the excellent drumwork that made it interesting.

Lastly, Houwitser started their performance. I had seen them twice before – so I know what to expect. Originally started as a bit of a weak Sinister spin-off with drummer Aad and singer Mike. Neither are still in the band – but mostly the music is still much like a weak Sinister clone. So I got bored and left half way through.