Elder, Belzebong, Dreadnought, Aug 31, 2022, Hi-Dive, Denver, CO Photos and Review

Progressive heavy psychedelic masterminds Elder held court at Denver’s legendary Hi-Dive Wednesday night. The Massachusetts band has been in heavy rotation since I discovered their 2015 album Lore soon after it was released, but had yet to see them live. This was a bucket list show.

Elder’s long-form songs, many of them stretching well past the ten minute mark, came to life on Hi-Dive’s tiny stage, as they ripped through a six song set that touched on five of their studio albums. From set opener “Lore” to the stoner-leaning mid-set “Dead Roots Rising” to the set closer “Sanctuary” Nick DiSalvo, Jack Donovan, Mike Risberg, and Georg Edert kept the packed room entranced, proving once again why they’re one of the most revered bands in the heavy underground scene.