One of the most personal metal experiences comes in the form of a local show. Death metal blared from the tiny Haven as the show progressed late into the balmy evening. Throne of the Fallen, Synapticide, At Odds With God and Aruspex completed the lineup for the evening.
Despite the Thursday show date and minimal promotion, metalheads came in numbers.
"We expected a small crowd … weeknight show, not well advertised. But we were surprised with the good turnout," said Nate Lawres, a recent UCF anthropology graduate and founding member of Aruspex.
Many times, non-metalheads come to shows to support friends. Maria Rodriguez, another recent UCF grad, and non-metalhead, was in attendance for that reason.
"I expected an interesting crowd. When you think of metal, you think black, lots of spiked collars and bracelets and big Harleys," Rodriguez said.
While some may fear our unique underground culture, it is not as frightful as it may seem.
"I was really surprised how friendly and welcoming everyone was, even though I clearly didn't fit in," Rodriguez said. "I liked Aruspex because of Nate [Lawres] and At Odds With God. I didn't expect a hot girl to be able to do those kinds of things with her voice."
At Odds With God hails from Fort Lauderdale and boasts amazing guitar harmonies and a female guttural vocalist.
"At Odds With God is a phenomenal band with incredible musicians. I am going to make the trek to Fort Lauderdale to see them with Synapticide," Lawres said.
While Lawres sang praise for the opening bands, Aruspex didn't go unnoticed.
"Aruspex is a long-time favorite," said Fenris Ulfhamr of Altamonte Springs. "They never fail to impress and I was happy to hear new songs in their arsenal.
The crowd reacted favorably to Aruspex, and in Orlando, the scene can be hard to please.
Aruspex didn't have to receive the dreaded "golf clap," because a full-fledged mosh pit broke out in front of the small stage.
"I was very pleased with the reaction," Lawres said. "It was one of the best pits we've ever had."
Often times, mosh pits can be used to show appreciation for a band, much like giant foam fingers show support during sporting events.
"Nothing says 'we love your band' like blood and teeth in the mosh pit," Ulfhamr said.
Although the turnout and mosh pits were in force, this reporter felt that there could have been more bodies in attendance. Lesser mortals may fear the unique metal culture and music, but again, even something as frightening as "death metal" can convert casual onlookers.
"I didn't expect to like the music as much as I did," Rodriguez said.
Musical enjoyment coupled with "friendly and welcoming" people led Rodriguez to admit that she would "absolutely" attend another metal show.
Lawres summed it up best when he said the two words to anyone thinking of attending a show - "COME ON!"