Before the first note even rang out, the night was already testing everyone’s nerves. Around 7 p.m., just as the venue filled with anxious chatter and the check-in line wound its way to the door, the entire building went dark. A power outage, the kind that makes you wonder if the gig is doomed, hit without warning.
But if anyone doubted this show would go on, they underestimated the Out The Run crew. With maybe just a ten-minute delay, the hum of amplifiers returned to a collective cheer of relief. There was no time wasted, and the first band was in position almost as if the blackout had been part of the plan. From that moment on, there was no hesitation, only full-force execution.
Elbowdrop — Setting the Pit Ablaze
Elbowdrop wasted zero time warming up the crowd. New tracks came swinging hard, sparking immediate pit action: slams, side-to-sides, and the kind of chaos that gets a show’s heartbeat going. Their double-kick assault, blackened riffing, and old-school extreme metal grit were exactly the foundation the night needed.
Kinh — The Storm We Were Waiting For
The anticipation in the room was palpable when Kinh stepped up. Everyone was eager for a taste of their upcoming debut drop, expected in just a couple of weeks. From the opening darkness to their punishing blast beats, it was clear we were in for a storm. Brutal Death Metal roots ran deep in their set, each tremolo run and harmonic squeal feeding the pit’s frenzy. Their latest single, “Vô,” hit like a final lightning strike before the calm, leaving the crowd breathless and ravenous for more.
Putrid Vomit Christ — The Gloom Between the Storms
This was Putrid Vomit Christ’s first time in Saigon, and they arrived with a sound both alien and necessary. Initially, we weren’t sure they’d fit the bill, but their slow, crushing Doom/Death hybrid proved to be the perfect palate cleanser between the high-speed chaos. Tight, ominous, and heavy in atmosphere, their set gave the audience just enough breathing space before the madness resumed.
Cút Lộn — Dark, Fast, and Unapologetic
The lights dimmed, and Cút Lộn came in swinging, sharp riffs, dark post-hardcore edges, and unapologetic trash-punk energy. Vocals seemed a touch restrained at times (possibly the shadow of illness), but the band still tore into their set with conviction. Stage dives, pits, and sing-alongs followed in waves. Their “Phase 2” sound, fast and dark, is shaping up to be something worth watching for.
Kruelty — The Definition of Big
Closing the night, Kruelty made it instantly clear why they’re one of Japan’s most feared exports. Every note, every hit, every transition was big. Their set was relentless, each song flowing into the next without pause, powered by precision and brute force in equal measure. It was a masterclass in how to sound ready for any stage in the world, and a high bar for anyone hoping to follow. The band swooped through a selection of tracks from their extensive catalogue leaving everyone speechless.
Nights like this are lessons in craft, ambition, and what it takes to rise beyond local stages. Kruelty’s precision showed exactly how a band can command international respect, while Kinh, Cút Lộn, Elbowdrop, and Putrid Vomit Christ demonstrated the depth, diversity, and dedication within our own scene. From the blackout recovery to the final chord, it was proof that Saigon’s heavy community is capable of adapting, pushing standards higher, and learning from one another. This is how a scene grows. Through shared stages, mutual respect, and the drive to be bigger, louder, and better together.
Words: Mai Phuong, Hoang
Photos: Saxichuongduong
