Long time veterans of the local sin, and with significant opening slots and overseas tours in their luggage, LORD are probably one of the bands that more accurately define what Australian metal is: talented, unique, and full of attitude.
Breaking an almost three year studio silence, they’ve decided to throw a metal party to celebrate the release of their new album Digital Lies, all bangers invited – and other killer bands too.
Due to other commitments, I did not witness the two first acts, Mason and Sewercide, but I had the chance to get brutalised by their relentless live display before… and when I walked into the venue, I could tell that all punters there were… let’s put it this way: had their necks well warmed-up!
Wicked video shooting gear had been set inside the venue, as the whole thing was to be recorded for future use.
I was not surprised by the wild mosh pit that formed by the time Elm Street – who had just returned from their European tour – took to the stage and scratched their first notes. After all, these guys might as well be one of the most energetic bands on the scene today. Backed by an impressive – make Terry Bozzio and Carmine Appice jealous – drum kit, the four piece competently unleashed their fury, covering material from their debut album Barbed Wire Metal, as well as an interesting insertion of Dio’s Holy Diver in one of the songs, and a cover of Twisted Sister’s ‘You Can Stop Rock ‘n’ Roll’. Impressive set from chaps that know what they’re doing, and know their metal very well. One more thing to add: on their CD label they mention their major influences, but legendary band Exciter is not listed… and I for one hear some of that on their music too. Maybe that’s just me.
After a short intermission, LORD came on to the stage and man, the place went mad. Lord Tim lead his metal soldiers that faithfully executed Betrayal Blind, the opening track of the aforementioned album. The band sounded just perfect, tight, heavy as hell, focused, but not without several ounces of good humour and some sarcasm. Their early days as Dungeon were honoured by the rendition of some songs from that era. While other LORD albums were covered too, the material from Digital Lies was the obvious target, with more songs such as 2D Person in a 3D World, and The Last Encore showing how competent they are in mixing the brutality of metal with extremely catchy, almost pop-like melodies. Now as if the mosh pit hadn’t been brutal enough, LORD decided to close this chapter of the party with Metallica’s Creeping Death, executed as if we were in 1984…
The night would continue and close off with Electric Dynamite, but for me it was time to go home… killer night, packed venue, awesome metal – Melbourne scene you never cease to impress me!
