Black Tooth Grin Remains On Top
Justin Arthur performing with Black Tooth Grin at The Knitting Factory, photo by April Massey
As the stage lights come up and the band begins to play, Justin Arthur sways his shoulders in time to the pounding drums behind him. The lead singer is excited to be back on his home stage, so much so that a literal happy dance is in order.
Lou Miller performing with Black Tooth Grin at The Knitting Factory, photo by April Massey
After eighteen years of dominating the Treasure Valley metal scene, Black Tooth Grin has become the revered elder statesmen, with opening acts bragging about sharing their greenroom. With a sound reminiscent of more traditional metal bands like Metallica, Black Tooth Grin has managed to maintain its roots without becoming an outdated cover act. Instead of reverting to the whisper-scream-whisper formula used by newer metal acts, Black Tooth Grin combines smooth guitar licks with growling lyrics and weighty choruses. While their catalog ranges from unrelenting heavy hitters to hushed, retrospective ballads, the band has never lost sight of who they ultimately are.
Derek Sanford and Jeremy Schmidt performing with Black Tooth Grin at The Knitting Factory, photo by April Massey
Although their live performances have become fewer, Black Tooth Grin remains a beacon for Idaho metal heads. The band closed out a packed lineup of local and regional metal acts at The Knitting Factory in downtown Boise, Idaho, on Saturday, June 18th. While every act had its dedicated fans, it was obvious who everyone, including the four openers, was waiting to see.
With confidence and swagger that can only come with playing music together for over a decade, each member of Black Tooth Grin knows their part and plays it impeccably. From the quiet ferocity of bass player Lou Miller, the cheeky antics of guitarist Jeremy Schmidt, to the calculating attack of drummer Derek Sanford and the subtle bravado of lead vocalist Justin Arthur, Black Tooth Grin manages to weave their collective persona and long-lasting bond into every note.
