After nearly three decades of complete radio silence, Acid Bath finally clawed their way back onto a stage.
Judging by the shaky footage currently floating around online, it was the comeback plenty of people have been waiting for.
The cult Louisiana sludge legends made their long-awaited return in New Orleans this week, playing live for the first time in 28 years. Acid Bath’s lineup for the reunion sees original members Dax Riggs (vocals), Sammy “Pierre” Duet (guitar), and Mike Sanchez (guitar) back in action, with Alex Bergeron stepping in on bass and Zack Simmons (Goatwhore) holding it down behind the kit.
Whilst many online were sceptical about the reunion tour, the band actually did pull it off. I mean, I was not actually there of course, but if the blurry, brick-filmed fan videos are anything to go by, they didn’t waste a second. Riggs’ voice still carries that gritty, feral edge and the band still works well together as a cohesive unit despite the long passage of time.
This New Orleans date marks the start of a run that will see Acid Bath stick stateside for now. Their schedule includes appearances at Inkcarceration Festival and Sonic Temple, and a handful of scattered US shows across the next few months. There’s no word yet on whether they’ll venture beyond American soil, but for now, the reunion itself already feels like something few thought would actually happen.
It’s hard to overstate Acid Bath’s cult status. They were a band whose influence far outstripped their lifespan, and whose records have only grown more important over time. Whilst tragedy and bad luck seemed to seal their fate in the late ’90s, a new beginning for the band might be upon us.
They’re still ugly, vital, and every bit as heavy as they need to be. Even if the only way to watch them right now is via a potato-quality YouTube upload filmed from somewhere deep in the fourth dimension. You can watch the full set below.
MORE IN Music
