Words by Jimmy Glinster
Photos by After Death Photography
In true festival fashion, Krispy and I rocked up fashionably late, but just in time to catch the powerhouse that is Adriatic. The thumping kicks and grinding guitar stabs were slapping me right in the face, which was just what I needed to wake me up after a sleepy afternoon that almost had me staying home. I think the heat today got to me, or maybe I’m just getting old, but luckily the air con was pumping, JDs were cold, and Adriatic rocked hard enough to wake me the fuck up!
From all accounts, the earlier bands all killed, but I’ll talk to some more punters and get back to you about that a little later. Ancient Remains received a special mention early on from a semi-reliable source. Here’s looking at you, Karlos.
Next up was New Clear Vision, who I’ve now seen twice in the last few months following an extended hiatus. NCV play a crossover of Groove and Nu-Metal with heavy guitars, phat bass lines, bouncing drums and a mix of rap and scream vocals. The fellas all don masks so, unfortunately, I couldn’t see their beautiful faces.
We The Hollow take the main stage after some technical difficulties. It wouldn’t be a show without some technical difficulties, though, would it? These guys are wearing masks too, it seems to be the thing so far tonight. They all have matching uniforms too, which is a little bit too much like a very well-known band, and they actually sound somewhat similar. And I don’t mean any disrespect with that. If you’re being compared to one of the biggest bands in the world, Is that really a bad thing? Cheeky bastards did have the nerve to call out another local mask wearing band, though, which was a little bit diskusting …
Nek minnut, Regular Gonzales hit the side stage in shorts … again. They pride themselves in it, the fucking rebels! For a 3-piece box, they sure do rock it with their mix broken of grooves and intentional timing mishaps. Entertaining band to say the least! Sharp Dessed Man? Not sure about that though, but what a play on words, and they sure did smash it out of the park!
I’m not sure who this next band is on the main stage now, but fuck me, those are the longest dreadlocks I’ve ever seen. I’ve just been informed by Southeast Queensland’s most reliable roadie, Hatho, that I’m watching Sin Sato (formerly Tai Sui), and he was nice enough to text me the run sheet so that I know who the fuck I’m looking at from now on in. Anyway, it’s a rock show, but I’m not sure of the significance of the bearded Voodoo Witch Doctor or whoever/whatever that is lurking around on the stage. I do know guest vocalist Brad Bromfield from New Clear Vision popped up onstage for a quick rap. And now we have an angel onstage. I’m so confused right now.
It’s time for some thrash now and Aslyum bring it hard, fast! This is old-school Bay Area style thrash with some indisputable influences from the Big 4. The dual guitar work is tight, and the rhythm section holds it together without missing a beat. Oh, and the guitar solos are shredding! This is both intense and beautiful! Hats off and hair out!
If you’ve ever caught Kaosis live, you’ll know exactly what I’m in for next. Lasers, fireworks, hype girls, dual drummers and some guy dressed like a pit bull. It’s a lot to take in, but it all comes together in an entertaining show of rocking tunes and cabaret. The stage presence is massive, which sometimes makes it difficult to concentrate on a single element of the performance. The crowd doesn’t seem to care though as they dance around with their hands raised high in the air. And just when you thought there were already too many people onstage, 20 punters were invited up to join them onstage for the last song. Even The Colourful Writer, Shannon, got on board the hype girl train. Take note, this is how you do crowd participation.
Here I was thinking I’d just seen the headline band and the night was over. As it turns out, Void Matter appear on the side stage and very quickly drop the heavies. These guys are tight, and they seem to do it so easy with an almost effortless looking performance. So effortless, the drummer looks like he’s about to take a nap in between the hammering double kicks. Some technical issues poke their head out mid-set, but the band quickly recovers to drop their latest single on us, which reflects a more refined and melodic side of the band.
Our final act for the night is Empire Within. They take the main stage and quickly draw the now slightly thinned-out crowd straight to the front of stage. It’s a heavy, bouncing set with a mixture of screams and clean vocals. The quick kicks are thumping and the odd 808 pounds through, almost delivering a brown note. That might just be the Southern Chicken I ate earlier playing games with me, though. Either way you look at it, there’s some heavy shit involved. Oh, and on a side note, Jeffery Dahmer plays some fully sick bass and even sings a little in a heavy cover of This Heart Attack.
Now, I’d be lying if I said the night was over, but as shows go these days we have a tribute band coming up to pump out some Korn, Limp Bizkit and Linkin Park. Y’all don’t need to hear about that now, do you though …
Twas a great night and the production was on point thanks to Andy Rudder and his team of sound and lighting gurus! Massive shout out to Jimmy Robertson and the Mansfield Tavern for hosting another stellar event.
Oh, and as for the earlier bands that I missed, no one could help me with any other feedback than “yeah cunt, they were sick aye”. Sorry I missed you guys, maybe next time if the Heavy chariot can get me there on time?
