Through near-constant shifts in personnel, the long-running October 31 has managed to forge a consistent vision of purist thrash metal fueled by occult horror. Sitting neatly at the intersection of Iron Maiden melody and Slayer momentum, October 31 offers a welcome reminder of headbanger hallmarks, while its imagery of warlocks and witches and Satan justify the autumnal moniker. The Wilmington, N.C., foursome Salvación takes a more lighthearted and fleet-fingered approach in its set, delivering more hedonism than paganism. Or, in other words, imagine Judas Priest on a carefree Sunset Strip bender. The Royal Knights open. —Bryan C. Reed