Amalgama Calls It Quits: Last Show on Friday

After nearly six years of headbangin’ around the Nippertown music scene and beyond, the metal quartet Amalgama is packing it in. The band will its final show at Valentine’s Music Hall in Albany at 9pm on Friday.

“Valentine’s has always been like a second home to us,” says Amalgama’s lead singer-guitarist John Salka. “After playing what seems like a countless number of shows both upstairs and downstairs, having our farewell gig here just feels right.”

The band – which also features guitarist Ray Hill, bassist Sean Murphy and drummer Justin Cheever – will be showcasing songs from their 2010 CD “Amethyst,” as well as some specially selected cover songs.

Opening the show on Friday will be Bishop, who will sneak preview selections from their as-yet-untitled upcoming album.

“The first bill we shared together with Amalgama was at Valentine’s back in January of 2007,” recalls Bishop drummer Rocky Semeraro, “so it’s a little bittersweet to return here as a reunion of sorts but also as a send off for these guys.”