The lineup for the fifth installment of the Sludge on the Seas boat cruise event has dropped, with headliner Astrodeath making their way up from Sydney for the annual event.
Showcasing some of Australia’s finest sludge, heavy rock and metal acts the SOTS event first took place in 2018. Organiser Pete Saunders of local sludge metal outfit EvilEye said, “Punks and metalheads floating down the river has been a tradition in Brisbane since I-don’t-know-when, but it’s something I think Brisbane music scenesters love and would like to see continue. This is demonstrated by the fact that every one of the past 4 shows has sold out to full capacity well ahead of time and 40% of tickets for this show have now sold even before we announce the lineup!”
This year’s event features the Sydney Heavy Sludge-Grunge duo Astrodeath. Coming off the back of their recent The Red Weed Tour this powerful, masterfully dynamic duo have been creating waves across the country since 2018.
Also onboard will be Helltrippers, a band that is making their debut live appearance but have been working hard in the digital realm to demonstrate their musical talents by releasing clips and tunes. Clint Mahoney (Eat City), Damien Carr (Cursed Earth) and Sean Witcher (from the original Dreamkillers lineup) team up for some blistering riff-laden crossover/hardcore rock and thrash. If their singles and clips released so far are any indication of what to expect from their live show we’re in for some beer swilling thrashtastic neck straining riffage.
As the organizers of the event, EvilEye will play their ‘residency’ slot with some fresh blood and new tracks, featuring vocalist Sam McCann and Jason Vorsey on bass. EvilEye have upped the ante on their sound, tuning up and speeding up. Moving more towards the roots of their members Pete (ex-Sausage Chopper) and Dan Owens (ex-D-Nine) with a more thrash driven, up-tempo, tighter sound and some seriously heavy chug. They’ve kept their original Sludge Metal style but added some spice with a new track Bin Fire going as far from slow and heavy as you can possibly get, to a Napalm-reminiscent grind. Currently in pre-production for their third EP, EvilEye will light up the night with some fresh new tracks.
Opening the night will be a newcomer to the scene Terra Mantra with local scene stalwart Fiona Savino on drums also taking advantage of this event to celebrate her birthday.
The cruise will depart Brisbane City Botanic Gardens River Hub at 7pm sharp on Saturday, May 13, with tickets available through Eventbrite HERE
