Words by Lewd Scoff
Photos by A.D Photography https://www.facebook.com/AfterDeathPhotography/
The gorgeous Miss Vee’s first attempt at putting on a mini metal festival was a triumphant success in execution, entertainment and value for money, firmly landing her as a promoter firmly on the rise. Be sure to search for Vamped Up on Facebook to keep with what’s on the horizon.
Such a high calibre of artists assembled to wreak havoc on an unsuspecting Back Room at Chardon’s Corner Hotel, Brisbane.
My trusty colleague, Rubbysh Bono, was there to enjoy the opening band and everything the daylight offered after that. He insists that “All the bands were foine at the pap concert”.
I arrived in time to catch Among The Ruined. Their brand of vocally melodic infused growl core was plagued by pitchy vocals due to poor foldback and an out of tune guitar string (post show interview confirms the band thinks it was a bass string, but it was actually the high b string on singers Paddy’s guitar). This was certainly forgiven due to the awesome presence of their bass player Caleb Jones, who was on point in every respect.
And, by the time the lads were waxing lyrical about five knuckle shuffles (lyrics they flat out deny exist, but I swear I heard them, but anyways), all previous misgivings were more than rectified. Highlight was the constant riffery of Liberty Cries. Catchy enough that I was singing along by the final chorus. The sign of a band who is in their way to metal glory. Gold Coast be proud. 9.5 on 10.
I was always under the impression that having 2 stages side by side was to provide constant entertainment, with one band starting straight after the other finishes. Maybe the idea was to give the audience time to truly take in Dept. of Gloom’s stage attire, which came across as Tank Girl Sad Clown
Nouveau chic.
Billy Idol and Heart invited Twiggy and Pogo to a fashion show were all the models were naked Robert Smith clones. Mix in some fantastic song writing and well-choreographed stage antics, and you’ve pretty much described Sydney’s Dept. Of Gloom. You could add fantastic and pure rock n roll to that descriptor without any objection from those who care. One song in particular, I Dare You really hit me, and by the way everyone was lost in the music, I wasn’t the only one. I’ve actually written this review with this song on repeat. One of those bangers that transcends its perceived genre, and raises your heartbeat whenever it’s played, mentioned, or even thought about. Never more have I added a song to my Classics playlist whilst at a gig. Girl’s dance to this band, and that’s a good thing. Trust me. 10 on 10.
Next up was Metal Jelly Wrestling. An event as equally amazing as its competitors. Bonus points to Rebel FM for breaking up proceedings with some juvenile antics.
From Crisis to Collapse are next with cranky pirate burper birthday boy Angus Carter in fine form. As is the rest of the band, as they decimate the strings of their chosen weapons, crushing unison riff after unison riff with hard as concrete precision. Marco Penniello was stunning on the sticks, giving off Chris
Adler vibes, but still making those beats his own. This is not mid-tier local metal, but you would be confused by the turnout.
50 sensible punters who weren’t distracted by an Incubus in Pyjamas (I call them Minibus) reunion held at another venue on the same night, were treated to S Tier Byron Bay bred quality core and showed their appreciation in spades. Proper. 10 on 10.
And finally, the moment this fanboi has been waiting for. Years in the making, I finally get to see Our Last Enemy live. Matt couldn’t make it on bass, so Luke filled in, but unless Oliver mentioned it, the punters not in the know wouldn’t have cared.
I feel giddy with excitement as the band hit the stage and launch eye shadow first into Never Coming Back, the second track off their pool room worthy most recent E.P As Above So Below. Shit hot and in the pocket. We Are the Wolves of Périgord lead singer Oliver Fogwell exclaims as the band smash the sonic barrier and metal mayhem permeates the air around us.
A Thousand Visions false starts keeps all egos in check, as the song relaunches, and we get to hear the masterful manipulation of space and riff that these lads are known for. Bringing an old school classic like Devour the Sun into the set was as cheeky as it was well executed. More epic than ForkKnife (sic). Epic? Fuck off. Holy Ones dude. E.p highlight for me, and fuck they play it well. ‘I’m walking with the chosen’ sings Oliver, and I’m blessed to be one of the said chosen. Us O.L.E stans are intense.
But maybe Long Time Coming is my favourite. Oliver is on point vocally for every note, and that disco chorus. Girl’s dance to this band. And that’s a good thing. Trust me. Recently dropped cover The End Is the Beginning of The End gets a run through in the 3rd quarter. Proof of the versatility of this band as they make the Smashing Pumpkins song their own, adding yet another genre bend to their artillery.
Penultimate closer Decline Atrophy is pure groove metal carefully bludgeoned with extreme enthusiasm. Guitarist Wade Norris showing off his fretonics with a blistering solo that could only be topped by the ultimate finale track 10,000 Headless Horses from the Fallen Empires L.P. Cast Off Your Simulation as there are none quite like Our Last Enemy. 12 on 10 (2 extra points for the 2 years lost touring due to the Spamdemic.)
Witchgrinder, from shit weather capital of the world, Melbourne, ignite the p.a with a solid set of hot rod horror party music for the eager fan keen on some funky head banging with the ladies. Girl’s dance to this band, and that’s a good thing. Trust me. Full of piss, rockin’ energy and attitude, the lads tore the back room a new asshole. Lead antagonist Travis knows how to work a room and takes command of his stage presence with a drunken swagger that certainly impressed more than just this ageing reviewer. At this point, I was just lost in the hypnotic brilliance that Witchgrinder offer in a live setting. Thanks for making me feel alive again. 10 on 10
In summary, there is a shitload of brilliant heavy music right in your backyard. Support it, and then it’s like one of those international laden festivals that you’ll all sell out in 20 minutes, but it’s our own homegrown Aussie take on it with subject matter that’s relevant to our own Aussie situation. It’s almost criminal the lack of attention these artists get on the home shore.
Heavy Australian music shit’s all over what other countries dare consider ‘Heavy’, and this festival was a sledgehammer through the skull like reminder.
