Written by: Anthony Hedrick via Vulgar Display of Podcast
Sawed Off’s opening performance for 200 Stab Wounds at Red Flag in St. Louis on November 1, 2025, was a powerful prelude that fully engaged the audience. The band delivered an intense and raw set that perfectly complemented the headliner’s brutal sound. Their gritty energy and tight execution created a charged atmosphere early in the evening, demonstrating their ability to captivate the crowd with aggressive riffs and uncompromising vocals.
Despite being the opening act, they held their own, feeding off the crowd’s rising energy as anticipation for 200 Stab Wounds built. The mix of powerful breakdowns and deep gutterals kept the audience energized and ready for the brutal onslaught to come, marking Sawed Off’s set as a memorable part of a night dedicated to uncompromising intensity and hardcore ethos. The performance demonstrated why they are a promising band within the death metal scene, not only in St. Louis, but nationally as well.
Bastardane delivered a fierce and electrifying set as the national opening act for No Cure and 200 Stab Wounds. Their hard-hitting riffs and dynamic stage presence set an invigorating tone for the evening, engaging the crowd from the first note. The synergy among the band members was palpable, creating an energetic atmosphere that had fans eagerly anticipating each song. As they closed their set, it was clear they left an impression, laying a solid groundwork for the intensity to follow with No Cure and 200 Stab Wounds.
No Cure delivered a blistering performance opening for 200 Stab Wounds, showcasing their powerful tracks like “Parasite,” “The Final Truth,” and “Hang Me From the Bible Belt.” The band’s relentless energy and commanding stage presence captivated the audience, igniting mosh pits and roars of approval throughout their set. Each song resonated deeply, blending heavy riffs with poignant, and sometimes sociopolitical lyrics that kept fans enthralled. No Cure’s ability to engage the crowd set the perfect stage for 200 Stab Wounds, making their set a memorable highlight of the evening and firmly establishing them as a force in the hardcore scene.
200 Stab Wounds delivered an unforgettable headlining show this night, solidifying their place at the forefront of the death metal scene. With a powerful setlist featuring tracks like “Masters of Morbidity,” “Skim Milk,” “Tow Rope Around Your Throat,” and “Itty Bitty Pieces,” the band showcased their signature blend of brutality and melodic intricacy. The energy in the venue was palpable as they unleashed their relentless sound, captivating the crowd from start to finish.
Openers Sawed Off, Bastardane, and No Cure set the tone with satisfying performances, but it was 200 Stab Wounds who stole the show. Their tight musicianship and commanding stage presence created an intense atmosphere, drawing fans into the heart of their dark, immersive world. As they closed the night, it was clear that 200 Stab Wounds is not only a leading force in death metal but also a band that continues to push the boundaries of the genre.
The Barn 