Take angry industrial with endless strobe lights and noise. Then take the most serene, atmospheric music you can think of. Now make both styles seamlessly integrate. That was what Health presented at The National in Richmond, VA.
Promoting the band’s latest album RAT WARS, Health have excelled with creating a unique audience and fanbase. The turnout in Richmond brought industrial fans and gamers to the floor. For a crowd that was mostly stoic and swaying through the evening, a pit eventually broke open during the openings tracks of Health’s set. This was an almost completely black-wearing audience who reveled in the bass filled groove of the 70-minute set.
RAT WARS was a late contender for album of the year entries across many 2023 lists. With the many collaborations on the album as well as the bold creativity and electronic design, it became a last minute gem for my year as well. Several songs from the new album were performed at The National, including “DEMIGODS” which you can find the video for below.
This was my first time seeing Health live. Before the set started, Randy Blythe from Lamb Of God showed up in the photo pit to take photos of the performance. Blythe, who also performed with Health on the band’s latest release, said he too was excited to see Health live for the first time.
It’s also worth pointing out that Health have some extreme merchandise for sale at every show. I would have taken a photo to show the different options, but then I found out that the band has done the good business practice of showing the merch themselves through social media. You can check out the filthy t-shirts along with photos and footage from Health’s set below.
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Setlist:
IDENTITY
CRACK METAL
MEN TODAY
HATEFUL
ZOOTHORNS
STONEFIST
NEW COKE
FUTURE OF HELL
DEMIGODS
MAJOR CRIMES
THE MESSAGE
Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away) (Deftones cover)
ASHAMED
WE ARE WATER
DSM‐V
FEEL NOTHING
CRUSHER
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Supporting HEALTH on tour is Chicago’s Pixel Grip. This was a group that I was completely unfamiliar with until last night. What I noticed was a strong vocalist with the slightest bit of attitude and strong personality. All of which is meant as a compliment. The music relished in digital beats paired with crash drumming. This was dark wave filled with hooks and the vibe was appropriate as an opener for Health.
At one point near the end of Pixel Grip’s set, singer Rita Lukea warned the crowd if they didn’t start turning up that she would come out there and show them what’s up. Lukea lived up to her word and clambered past the photo pit and past the barricade. After finishing her section of the song on the floor, she returned to stage saying “I warned you.”
This was a fun evening. Rat-Based Warfare may sound like a nightmare on paper, but the music made sure it was great. You can check out more from each band at their respective socials: Health | Pixel Grip
