Seattle’s metal scene and beyond united at El Corazon for an unforgettable night celebrating the release of Year of the Cobra’s self-titled album with Prophecy Productions. The eight-track album, packed with powerful doom-metal riffs, angelic yet devilish vocals, and thunderous drumming, took center stage as fans gathered to witness the band’s triumphant return. The evening’s lineup also highlighted the genre-blending essence of modern metal, featuring performances by Yellfire, Heiress, and Lacabra—each bringing their unique energy to a night that epitomized Seattle’s vibrant metal scene.
Yellfire Kicks Off the Night
The first band to take the stage was Yellfire, a four-member post-hardcore act consisting of drummer Trent McIntyre, guitarists Eric Christianson and Jeromē Sauer (who is also the band’s vocalist), and bassist Casey Nolan. Influenced by bands like Botch and Cave In, with touches of KISS and Zeppelin, Yellfire’s performance provided an unyielding blend of powerful riffs and captivating energy. Their sound—a mix of hardcore grit, grunge sensibility, and noise-rock chaos—was both unpredictable and refined. Tracks such as “Into Fire” and “Red Sky” really stood out, getting the crowd excited for the night ahead and showcasing why their album Dear Gods earned such high praise upon its release at the end of last year.
Heiress Brings Raw Emotion and Intensity
After Yellfire, the post-metal veteran Heiress commanded the stage presence. Led by vocalist John Pettibone, whose background includes bands like Himsa and Undertow, Heiress created an ominous, brooding atmosphere at El Corazon. Guitarists Wes Reed (the true heart of the band) and Bob Reed delivered massive riffs blended with Mat Houot’s thunderous basslines and Justin Martinez’s crushing drums, crafting an overwhelming wall of sound.
One of the most unforgettable moments of the set happened when Pettibone playfully snatched a phone from a fan filming the performance. With his signature grin, he filmed the audience and his bandmates before giving it back to the thrilled fan. During the set, Pettibone also stepped off the stage to connect directly with the crowd, enhancing the communal energy. Tracks such as the powerful “Guise of a Confession” and the crushing “Nowhere Nearer” showcased Heiress’s emotional depth and raw intensity, solidifying their reputation as one of Seattle’s most dynamic live acts. Pettibone performs as if every night could be our last on Earth together.
Lacabra Delivers Blackened Melodic Death Metal Ferocity
Lacabra followed with a ferocious set of blackened melodic death metal. The five-piece outfit, featuring Lance Neatherlin on lead vocals, Eric Snyder and Michael Anthony on guitars, Eric Weber on bass, and Richie Sather on drums, brought a chaotic yet masterful presence. With influences ranging from traditional heavy metal to dark wave and black metal, Lacabra’s sound was both melodic and devastating.
Snyder and Anthony’s dueling lead guitars delivered intricate harmonies and searing solos, while Neatherlin’s vocals added a layer of grit and intensity. Songs like “Human Quilt” and “Blood of the Goat” showcased the band’s dark thematic narratives and technical prowess. By the time they closed their set with the explosive “Fractured,” Lacabra had firmly established themselves as a standout force within Seattle’s metal scene—their self-titled full-length drops on May 9th on M-Theory Audio.
Year of the Cobra Reigns Supreme
When the headliners took the stage, the anticipation in the room was palpable. Year of the Cobra, featuring vocalist/bassist Amy Tung Barrysmith and drummer Jon Barrysmith, wasted no time unleashing their signature blend of doom metal and psychedelic sludge. The band’s new material took center stage, with “Full Sails” opening the set to thunderous applause. The driving bass grooves and Jon’s dynamic drumming created a massive soundscape that enveloped the crowd.
One highlight of the night was the electrifying performance of “7 Years” from their new album. Amy reflected on the song’s transformation, explaining, “It was a completely different song, with different lyrics and a different name. We road-tested it. It didn’t really work out. We completely changed it to what it is now.” The audience’s enthusiastic response confirmed that the band’s experimentation had paid off.
Throughout the performance, Amy’s rich and commanding vocals ascended above the persistent basslines, while Jon’s powerful drumming provided a continuous rhythmic foundation. Pieces such as “Alone” and “Daemonium” further demonstrated the band’s emotive spectrum, transitioning fluidly between intense heaviness and ethereal melodies. Audience favorites “Into the Fray” and “White Wizard” maintained an elevated energy, eliciting chants and applause from the crowded venue.
In a particularly memorable moment, the crowd demanded an encore with deafening chants of “One more song!” Year of the Cobra responded with a blistering cover of Pink Floyd’s “Have a Cigar,” giving the classic track a doom-laden twist that left fans both stunned and ecstatic.
Reflecting on the recording process, Jon credited producer Matt Bayles for pushing the band to their limits. “He pushed us right on,” he said. Amy added, “We really welcome criticism, and Matt was great to work with.” Looking ahead, Amy shared her excitement about the band’s upcoming European tour supporting Amenra, adding, “We’ve already started throwing ideas back and forth, which has been really fun.”
A Night to Remember
Year of the Cobra’s hometown triumph was more than a record release—it was a celebration of Seattle’s genre-defying metal heartbeat. From Yellfire’s hooks to Heiress’s chaos, Lacabra’s theatrics, and Year of the Cobra’s seismic grooves, the night proved the city’s scene thrives on risk and reinvention. Amy and Jon now look ahead: a U.S. tour this July, followed by European dates opening for Amenra, with it just being announced that she is joining the Belgian icons as their new bassist. “It’ll be awesome,” Jon grinned, while Amy mused on writing with Amenra: “We’ve already started trading ideas on new material.”
For now, Year of the Cobra stands as a career-defining work—a record that claws into your psyche and refuses to let go. Buy it. Devour it. And don’t sleep on the openers: Seattle’s metal future is here, and it’s unstoppable.
Article and Photos by J. Donovan Malley
Year of the Cobra
Lacabra
Heiress
Yellfire
