The Amherst trio had towers of amps stacked up all over the stage, including one that was pointed directly towards front man J Mascis, in case his monitors weren’t providing him enough of his own guitar sound. And not having enough sound has never really been a problem for the group, and it certainly wasn’t on this evening as the band tore through a fiery 90 minute set that spanned the band’s entire career.

Photo coverage of STNNNG at Minneapolis’ 501 Club.

Photo coverage of Chooglin’, Falcon Crest & Ron Franklin at St. Paul’s Turf Club.

Photo coverage of the Black Heart Procession & Bellini at Minneapolis’ 400 Bar.

Photo and video coverage of Pinback and Joe Jack Talcum at Minneapolis’ Varsity Theater.

Photo coverage of Shonen Knife & Red Pens at Minneapolis’ 7th St. Entry.

Though my expectations were admittedly underwhelmed in some respects, I couldn’t help but appreciate what a diverse palate of doom had been delivered that night. Each band that performed was cut from the same cloth, but they each executed their craft in a much different way and indicated that as long as there are cities full of musicians playing doom, the genre will continue to expand in ways like we’ve never seen—for better or worse.

This Monday, while the attention of many was on the Metrodome, the devoted fans who ventured out to the Triple Rock were treated to a intimate and dramatic presentation from two bands who are the cream of the crop.

Photo coverage of Portland’s Pierced Arrows, Peelander-Z & Minneapolis’ Birthday Suits @ St. Paul’s Turf Club.

Photo coverage of HEALTH, Pictureplane & Juiceboxxx at Minneapolis’ 7th St. Entry.

Photo coverage of Har Mar Superstar, Calvin Krime, Mystery Palace and MC/VL at Minneapolis’ Uptown Bar.

Audio, video and photos from Vampire Hands’ CD release show at St. Paul’s Turf Club.