Thurs. Nov. 9

When the singer-guitarist is named Dusty Sparkles, you might guess it's not his real name. (Actually, you do the backstory check and you find he drummed for the glittery act Glass Candy back in 2003.) When you check the name of the band, Danava, you'll find it meant "enemy of God" in Sanskirt. Ok, then. Sparkles and his three mates in the Portland, Ore.-based Danava don't consider themselves "hipster metalists" - guys who play the game, but know they're too smart to be doing this. They're into it for real. But it's not exactly metal, either - you'll hear influences such as Black Sabbath, Blue Cheer, Hawkwind and King Crimson. They like the long song, a certain compositional complexity, speed-riffing, some space-rock exploration. Lyrics? Not mindless, such as a meditation on the end of life, inspired by Sparkles' observations while working in a nursing home. They're at the Middle East Upstairs Thurs. Nov. 9 with Sweden's headlining Witchcraft. The 18-plus show gets under way around 9. An opening act may be added.

472 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, 617-864-3278 mideastclub.com