On Thursday, October 14th 2010, the Pittsburgh heavy metal underground scene got a chance to witness several icons to the Black Metal scene featuring Tom G. Warrior’s new band Triptykon (Ex-Celtic Frost project), along side the popular Norwegian Black Metal band 1349. Their drummer Frost who has made himself a legend for his fast skillful drumming and contribution to the culture. He was featured in the Black Metal documentary Until the Light Takes Us. Tom G. Warrior was a founder of one of the first bands to start the genre of Black metal called Hellhammer. Hellhammer is a great inspiration for many bands to this day, such as Pantera, Darkthrone, Slayer and the very band they took on tour with them,1349. The band that they brought to support is called Yakuza. They are an avant-garde metal band from Chicago, and they use ambient build up into a very heavy slow and doomy sound. They also implement Jazz by using a saxophone and clarinet with several reverb effects, making a very chilling yet relaxing sound. The crowd was not very large, yet it did not matter. Everyone in the crowd was a true fan of the bands and music; everyone enjoyed it from what I could see. After 1349’s set Frost came out and met some of the crowd, which made the concert very personal and up close to many. When Triptykon played, Tom G, the Founder and front man, had a very enjoyable time. He kept smirking to the rest of the band as well as the crowd. At the end of Triptykon’s set, Tom threw his guitar on the ground and walked off the stage as everyone cheered ending their set.

Yakuza brought something different to the venue, I had never heard of them until this tour was released, and I must say I have become a great fan of their work. They imply a mix of Jazz,Hardcore and Crustpunk I would say, Frontman Bruce Lamont has been making an impression on the US Black Metal Scene as well, after he had a guest appearance on Nachmystium's "Every Last Drop" single. He is also featured on it's music video. Regardless, if Yakuza is in the area, it'd be a good show to see if you are a fan of bands like Opeth,Agalloch, Novembers doom etc. Just with a really big twist of a baritone Sax implied into metal.

1349 is well known and uprising within the Black Metal gene, with infamous and speedy drummer Frost from Satyricon, and they did quite a good performance during the show, opening with "Evil Oath" and playing a very quick and fast set, I personally am a fan of their slower songs such as "Satanic Propoganda." Also them being highly influenced by Tom G. Warrior's first band Hellhammer, 1349 fit the bill perfectly.

For Celtic Frost fan's I must tell you, the disbanment of the band is a GOOD thing, in my opinion and in Tom G.'s as well. After witnessing Triptykon and becoming a great fan of their music, I must say this is simply the continueation of Tom G. Warrior and his music that he took with him since Hellhammer existed. Triptykon is a lot heavier I must warn you, but if you enjoy Doom and Celtic Frost you will shit a brick. I would say Triptykon took a similar sound from Celtic Frost's last album Monotheist. With lyrics based around Tom G. Warrior's hate for the band. The show itself was great, The band was very interactive with the crowd and had no problems at all, so check into Triptykon, most people seem to be missing out!