If you haven’t crossed paths with Melbourne’s premier unholy crusty death metal outfit Küntsquäd yet, then honestly, what the hell have you been doing with your life? Led by the ferocious, guitar-wielding frontwoman Paula VC Damnzal, this four-piece wrecking crew has been absolutely tearing the Australian heavy scene a new one with their toxic blend of blackened grime, extreme death metal, and crust punk aggression. Fresh off dropping their latest devastating sonic assault, Satan’s Cock, they are gearing up to take their chaotic live ritual across state borders.
And where better to unleash that unadulterated musical pummelling than at Western Australia’s ultimate heavy metal proving ground? That’s right, the legends are packing up their gear and heading over to Kirup for Dark Down South III Open Air. Taking place at the iconic Jim McDonald Oval this November, Dark Down South has rapidly earned a massive cult reputation as one of the last remaining true European-style camp-on-site heavy metal festivals left standing in the country. With so many events falling by the wayside lately, this is a pure, old-school, family-friendly, BYO-but-absolutely-no-glass metal haven that connects the absolute best of our homegrown underground with fanatical punters who live and breathe the heavy riff.
For Küntsquäd, this isn’t just another standard interstate gig; it’s a full-blown mission to leave the regional WA landscape entirely scorched and begging for mercy. Joining a massive, stacked lineup featuring international headliners Demente alongside a killer bill of national heavyweights, the band is primed to deliver a set that will teach the local metal groms exactly how a proper mosh pit behaves. It’s about unity, respect, and a shared love for the most extreme corners of music—all served up under the open skies.
HEAVY caught up with the absolute bloody legend Paula VC Damnzal and guitarist Nik to chat all things Dark Down South. We dig deep into what the band has in store for the Kirup crowd, how they plan to adapt the crushing, down-tuned production of the new record for an open-air environment, and why supporting independent metal festivals is more critical now than ever before. So, crack a Jack, crank the volume, and prepare yourselves for the incoming pummelling. Küntsquäd have spoken!
Tickets HERE
