Givethemrope, to put it simply, is an intense band. Not just metal concert intense, but also “Get out of my way or I’ll kick you in the throat” intense. Vocalist Rich Books had, at times, a frightening stage presence. He wasn’t rocking corpse paint, tearing bibles, or spitting blood, he was simply yelling into the souls of every spectator before him all the while cracking beers in between songs. Givethemrope reminded me a lot of metal giants Lamb of God, not necessarily in musical prowess but more so in the band’s collective behavior up on stage. They weren’t posturing or posing, they played their harsh groove-metal set with every ounce of energy they could muster with an in-your-face hardcore edge.