Ninja. Rock.

Perhaps not since "Rock Lobster" has the word "rock" been part of such a curious and intriguing pair.

Last week, some LRC alumni and I saw Fist of Dishonor, Portland's only (I'm guessing here) ninja rock band, which is led by one of our vocal instructors (and all-around ass-kicker), Tera.

First off, it was great seeing my fellow lady rockers again and sharing some overpriced drinks at the very cool Clyde Common. Over at the Fez, the opening band was Drop Dead Legs, a "tribute to early Van Halen" fronted by a female singer. They were good! I guess it helps that I like Van Halen (David Lee era only), and their costumes were just awesome. Tera got us dancing like fools.



Finally (it was late for a school night), Fist of Dishonor took the stage. Their show was a bizarre but fun combination of music, acrobatic fighting and drama. Each band member plays a character; enemies burst onstage to challenge the band (the bassist was killed and replaced by an enemy early in the set, only to be semi-revived to lend vocals to a later song); and mid-set, a woman came on stage and did some impressive stunts, including shooting a bow and arrow with her feet while balancing on her hands.



Tera's a great singer, and this band ... well, they have a vision. And some devoted fans. Definitely worth seeing!