CONCERT REVIEW: Ides Of March (Venue: Underground @ The Beachcomber Hotel, Toukley, New South Wales, Australia, 15 March 2014) by Collin Brophy

Venue: Underground @ The Beachcomber Hotel, Toukley, New South Wales Australia

Guest include: October Rage. Rise of Avernus. Troldhaugen. Toehider. Caught Out. Pagans Realm. Apparitions of Null.

I arrived around 15 minutes before the first band played. Wasn’t sure how many people would turn up due to a massive thunder storm around 1.5 hours before the doors opened.  The rain pounded down on my way up to the venue. Quite a few people had arrived before I did which was really good.  A good crowd had turned out by the time Null started playing, and the crowd continued to come in all night.

Apparitions of Null. (Sydney NSW Australia)  

Genre: Progressive/Melodic/Technical Metal

Band Members:

Dale Robinson - all vocals.
Sam Maher - Lead, Rhythm and Acoustic Guitar.
Chris Rosiak - Rhythm, Acoustic and Classical Guitar.
Jamie Harrison Brown - Drums and Percussion.
Dwayne Murray - Bass.

Set list is:

1. Kaleidoscopes.

These guys are brilliant.  If Pink Floyd was a metal band, then this is what they would sound like. The vocalist’s vocal range just amazes me, from harsh death to very soft tones.  The bassist and guitarist are just amazing to watch live, and the drummer well you have to see him live to believe it yourself.  Even though they only played one song which went for around 30 minutes, the crowd that was there loved it and with plenty of loud applause once they finished.  I spoke with the vocalist after their set and he said that they are hoping to have an EP out by June or July. I can’t wait for the EP launch as I would definitely be there for that. Theses guys are for anyone who likes all genres of metal.

Pagans Realm. (Warnervale, Central Coast, NSW, Australia)

Genre: Viking/Pagan Metal

Band Members:

Randall Black - Guitar, Vocals.
Brendan Frame – Vocals.
James Mudd - Bass, Vocals.
Scott Greentree – Drums.

Set list is:

1. The March of the Wolf's Head Bannerman; 2. Battle Star; 3. An Ale to a Winters Sun; 4. Lay My Flesh to the Fire; 5. Tell Your God to Ready for Blood.

Holy crap these guys are bloody awesome! Both the bassist and guitarist were insane as was the drummer.  The vocals from both bassist and guitarist were a perfect fit for the genre of music they play.  The crowd lapped up every song, and the vocalist from Lycanthrope and Pitchfork also lend their talents to a couple of songs with high approval from the crowd and band.  The bassist / vocalist was dressed as a bad ass Viking which looked really cool.  They had a couple of very minor issues during the set, which meant that there was time for some jokes presented by the band and the vocalist from Pitchfork. I spoke with the vocalist after their set and he said that they are hoping to have an EP later this year, and to have EP launch for when it comes out, which I am definitely be going to. If you like Amon Amarth (Sweden) and Turisas (Finland) then give Pagans Realm a listen.  You won’t be disappointed.

Caught Out. (Singleton, Newcastle, NSW, Australia)

Genre: Metalcore

Band Members:

Joshua “Stu” Stewart – Vocals.
Joshua “JC” Childs – Guitar/Vocals.
Anthony "Billy" Mitchell – Guitar.
Buddy “Bud-Lite” Edwards – Drums.

Joshua “BigBird” Sampson – Bass.

Set list is:

1. I'll give you 5; 2. Glassheart; 3. Inception; 4. A shot in the dark (a day to remember cover); 5. Survive; 6. Transform; 7. Worthless.

Usually not a big fan of metalcore, but these guys restored some respect that I lost with this genre, due to the repetitiveness of the whole metalcore genre.  These guys are just plain out and out crazy, jumping all over the place, off the stage and they even got the crowd moving.  The energy these guys displayed was unreal and it was very obvious that the stage wasn’t big enough for all them. I had never heard of these guys before and I had decided to keep an open mind before watching them, and now I am a new fan of these guys. I would recommend these guys to anyone who likes A Day To Remember (USA), Buried In Verona (Aust) and The Ghost Inside (USA).

Toehider. (Melbourne, Vic, Australia)

Genre: Rock

Band Members:

Mike Mills - Guitar and Vocals.
Amy Campbell - Bass and Vocals.
Lachlan Barclay - Guitar and Vocals.
Ricky Evensand – Drums.

Set list iTs:

1. Lie Still; 2. Old Old Old; 3. The most popular girl in school; 4. Ducksuite (Count Duckula, Quaq Quo, Darkwing Duck, Ducktales); 5. Whatever makes you feel superior; 6. Whoa!; 7. Lay Down Mara.

Straight up kick arse rock band.  Usually not into this genre of music but these guys have changed my mind.  The drummer was brilliant, the bassist was as well, whom, by the way is probably the best looking bassist I have seen, and the guitarist was amazing.  They played some sick riffs and guitar solo’s which the crowd loved and the vocalist / guitarist was just incredible. He reminded me a lot of Jack Black with his stage presence, attitude and his whole persona which was truly unique. The crowd gave them a very loud applause at the end of their set. If you love straight up crazy rock, then you will love these guys.

Troldhaugen. (Wollongong, NSW, Australia)

Genre: Wacky Folk (?) Metal

Band Members:

Reventüsk.
Meldengar.
Grädenøk.
Svarog.

Set list is:

1. Troll Gristle Promo spiel; 2. Untitled (new song); 3. Slaughterhouse Swing; 4. Trollbrawl; 5. Untitled (new song); 6.The Final Curtain; 7. Beast Wagon; 8. Swampstomper (+ "Wannabe" - Spice Girls); 9. Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Troll After Midnight); 10. The Circus of Misery.

What can I say about Troldhaugen … except to say that they were totally mind blowing.  They had the crowd eating out of their hands. The vocalist is just brilliant with a huge amount of energy.  He is a very charismatic front man. It felt like being part of a carnival instead of a gig.  The bassist, guitarist, drummer and keyboard player were all down and out remarkable. I saw these guys support Korpiklaani in Sydney last year (2013) and they blew everyone away that night as well. I am so glad I had the chance to see Troldhaugen again. If you are a fan of Korpiklaani (Finland) and Trollgasm (Aust) then you will love these guys.

Rise of Avernus.  (Melbourne, Vic, Australia)

Unfortunately ROA bassist’s Daniel Warrington injured his back which has left him immobilized and unable to perform. We at BUSUK WEBZINE wish Daniel all the best a very speedy recovery.

October Rage. (Central Coast, NSW, Australia)
Genre: Rock

Band Members:
Nick Roberts - Vocals, Guitar.

William Roberts – Bass.
Kai Chambers – Drums.
John Mcmullen – Guitars.

Set list is:
1. Wayside; 2. Two-sided Blade; 3. White Walkers; 4. In The Air Tonight (Phil Collins Cover); 5. Valkyrie; 6. Black Knight / Jam (Deep Purple Cover); 7. Silver Line; 8. Reign Of Fire; 9. Set You Free (Encore).

I had never heard or seen these guys before tonight’s show, but by the end of their set, not only was I a new fan, but the people in the crowd were new fans too. October Rage were unbelievable live, with an incredible amount of energy, the stage was definitely not big enough for these guys. You have to see these guys live to see and feel how powerful their stage presence is. The four guys all complete each other in every way, from insane drumming to sick riffs from both guitarist, and the bassist went completely nuts. The band was into the music just as much as the crowd. You can’t help but to bang your head to their music.  They even did a couple of covers which got everyone pumping.  The riffs from both guitarists had to be seen to be believed.  The crowd wanted more so the band came back and played one more song to finish of what was truly an awesome night of Aussie metal. I am going to catch them again at the end of this month, and it is on a bigger stage which I can’t wait for. If you are a fan of heavy rock, stadium rock anthems and majestic ballads, Audioslave (USA) and The Angels (Aust), then get yourself to their next gig to enjoy the show.

By the time October Rage finished it was around 1230am, and no-one wanted to leave because they were all enjoying themselves and having so much fun, but due to the venue closing we had to leave. Over all, it was a great night, with some truly awesome local bands and some really cool people.  I always enjoy seeing new bands and having a listen to new genres and even genres I wouldn’t normally listen to.  Tonight I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of talent coming up through the ranks and look forward to seeing them again and getting my hands on their music.

Published by Collin Brophy 

CONCERT REVIEW: HEAVYFEST SYDNEY / Featuring Rotting Christ, The Amenta, Terra Australis, Bane Of Isildur, Rise Of Avernus (Venue: The HI.FI Bar Sydney, Friday 17/01/2014) by Collin Brophy

It was Rotting Christ first headline tour of Australia, and Australia’s very own, The Amenta’s last ever Sydney live appearance, due to calling it quits, which is a shame, as they are one of Australia’s best live acts going around at this point of time.  They will be missed by the metal community.

What a brilliant line up it is tonight, with Rise Of Avernus (Sydney, Melbourne), Bane Of Isildur (Sydney), Terra Australis (Melbourne), The Amenta (Sydney), and Rotting Christ (Greece).

When I arrived at the HI.FI Bar, there didn’t seem to be many people around, even the Irish pub next door was quiet, which is not the norm as it’s usually pumped full of excited metal heads having a few cold ones before the doors open. After I had a couple of cold ones, I headed off to the main entry.  There weren’t many people around the door or inside by the looks of it. Once inside there were around 100 people getting ready for the start of tonight entertainment.

First up on tonight’s bill was Rise Of Avernus.  Having seen these guys a few times now, I knew what to expect, but every show that I attended, they just seem to excel more then the previous show, playing their own mix of progressive doom / death metal, which the crowd reacts really well to. With Ben Vanvollenhoven (Vocal & Guitar), Daniel Warrington (Bass & Vocals)) haunting and deathly vocals mix harmonising with Cats Guirguis (Vocals & Keyboard)  angel like vocals, coupled with Andrew Craig (Drums & Percussion) and Matthew Bell (Guitar & Orchestral arrangements)  gave the set an eerie feeling for what was going to be one of the best gigs of the year.  2014 is going to be a massive year for the guys in Rise of Avernus, and I wish them all the best. Tonight’s set list was…1. A Triptych Journey, 2. The Mire, 3. Disenchanted, 4. An Somnium. 

Second band up was Bane of Isildur.  I haven’t seen these guys before, but from what I have been told about their shows, I was really looking forward to seeing them. With Aaron Worboys (Vocals & Guitar), walking on stage in a big black fur coat and looking very intimidating, Ray McGill (Bass & Vocals), Matthew Bell (Guitar) also backing up from Rise Of Avernus, and Ryan Bresler (Drums) all dressed and ready for a Viking battle.  The crowd and I were also ready to go into battle with them.  I was blown away by their intense and energy on stage. These guys play a brutal genre of Triumphant War Metal, which until tonight I have never heard of.  After watching these guys smash their way through their set, I am now a convert to their genre of music and the band itself. Tonight’s set list was…1. The War of Gods and Men, 2. Born to Scorch the Earth, 3. …And the Earth Becomes Aflame, 4. Furious Hunt, 5. Chosen Path.

Third band up was Terra Australis.  I was told by another metal head that, these guys are brilliant live, and that I was in for a set full of evil music. The band members Thorgrim Hammerheart (Vocals), Invisus (Guitar), Warlock Necrofiend (Guitar), Desecrator (4 String Bass) and The Raven (Drums) all dressed in leathers, spikes, chains and even a dog collar with faces painted, all entered the stage and had their back to the crowd for the intro.  


Once they started it was an intense, fast and straight out fury of black metal. These guys remind me of Hellhammer and Bathory and with a “take no prisoner’s attitude”, which was evident by the time they finished their set, as everyone was stuffed. Thorgrim’s stage presence was menacing, with his long hair, and his evil vocals made this one hell of an awesome set.  Well worth seeing if you get a chance. 

Forth was The Amenta. This is their last ever live Sydney show, which is very depressing, as they are one of Australia’s best live metal bands around. With the members all walking out onto the stage like they own it, and they did tonight, followed the very intimidating Cain Cressall (Vocals), with chains strapped to all parts of his body and also taped to his wrist.  Cain has never look so menacing.

The Amenta have never sounded more brutal then they did tonight. It was a massive shame that all members (Cain Cressall (Vocals), Erik Miehs (Guitar), Dan Quinlan (Bass), David Haley (Drums) and Timothy Pope (Samples/Programming)) couldn’t all be playing together for their very last ever Sydney gig.

The Amenta played their hearts out tonight.  They have never played so fast and fierce, it was like a tornado going through the HI.FI. The drumming was like a machine.  The guitarist and bass players smashed it, with lots of head banging, and with Cain’s ear piercing vocals, made this my best ever The Amenta show. It is a real shame for those who had never seen them play live before because they will never get that chance. The set list was …1. V01D, 2. Flesh Is Heir, 3. Ego Ergo Sum, 4. Vermin, 5. Teeth, 6. Erebus.

Last but by no means least, “The Greek Gods” themselves, Rotting Christ, finally graced the stage, and by this time the HI.FI was nearly full and you could feel the vibe in the air. Each band member came out on the stage one by one, with massive cheers from the crowd for each member.

It was Rotting Christ’s first headline tour of Australia, and I have been waiting for a long time for this. The guys opened with 666, with much applause from the crowd. There was plenty of head banging, not just from the fans, but also the band themselves.  They were into it just as much as the crowd was, with lots of chanting and singing form the fans. The set list continued without much talking in-between songs.  

Band members Sakis Tolis Vocals (Guitar), Themis Tolis (Drums), George Emmanouel (Guitar) and Vaggelis Karzis(Bass), all smashed out each song like it was their last.

Rotting Christ obviously  love what they do and it showed in the performance tonight. The demonstrated why they are one of the best live bands going around the metal world today. Half way through, I though my head was going to fall off.  

In all the years I have been going to metal gigs, I have never head banged as much as tonight.  My neck was killing me but I couldn’t resist the urge not to stop as I was in a trance. I was right at the front of the stage and watching guitarist George Emmanoule playing and head banging, when he walk over and pointed the horns at me and gave me his guitar pick.  To say I was in awe and speechless is an understatement. I wished that this gig didn’t have to end, but all good things must come to an end.  

This was truly one of the best gigs I have ever been to. The guys left the stage and not one person in the crowd left.  Everyone stayed where they were and started chanting “Rotting Christ” for a few minutes before they came back out and thanked the Sydney crowd and then finished off with Archon.  No one wanted to leave at the end, but that was it for tonight ... until next time.  Set list was: 1.  666, 2.  Dub-sag-ta-ke, 3.  Kata ton Demona Eautou, 4.  Athanati Este, 5.  The Sign of Evil Existence, 6.  Transform All Suffering Into Plagues, 7.  Societas Satanas (Thou Art Lord cover), 8.  King of a Stellar War, 9.  Chaos Geneto (The Sign of Prime Creation), 10.  In Yumen-Xibalba, 11.  Grandis Spiritus Diavolos, 12.  Non Serviam,  13.  Noctis Era, 14.  Archon (Encore).

It’s always a pleasure to support and encourage our local Australian bands but it’s always an experience to have the privilege to see great international bands visit our shores. 

Published by Collin Brophy 

BAND INTERVIEW: Rise Of Avernus (3/01/2014), By Collin Brophy

Q. ROA has come a long way from that very first show at the Valve Bar, why do you think that is?

Well, all the members of RoA were active with other bands prior to commencing the project so we had previous experience behind us which definitely helped us to hit the ground running, plus we had a very clear vision about what we wanted to achieve musically and professionally

Q. ROA has played with some amazing international bands, Apocalyptica and Enslaved just to mention a couple. What was it like to support and hang out with the guys from Enslaved?

Touring with Enslaved was a great experience, they put on a superb show night after night and we were very fortunate to be a part of it, they are all very genuine and down to earth people which made for a really enjoyable tour.

Q. ROA are lined up to support the mighty Rotting Christ, how did you manage to get the supporting spot and how excited are you guys for this show?

We are thrilled to be part of HEAVYFEST as relatively new band on the scene we do get asked a lot about the ‘how’.
To be honest there were a couple of contributing factors, sometimes it’s just a case of submitting an application, you never really know what the promoter is looking for, and because our sound spans over such a broad spectrum of sub-genres its does help us greatly in that regard. Considering we are a very active band and the new album also features quite a lot of orchestration.

Q. All members in ROA have different musical influences. How does this reflect in the style of music you play?

We listen to a wide variety of music. Ben is a massive Pink Floyd fan, and influenced by bands such as Alice in Chains, Gojira, Isis and Opeth. Dan is heavily influenced by jazz and funk, Bands like Bohren & Der Club Of Gore, Morphine, Red Snapper. Matthew is a huge fan of Die Antwoord, The Shining (NOR). Cat is influenced by and takes a classical music approach to her piano riffs.
We write with duelling layered male vocals with the call and response of the female vocals. The 3 vocalists are more of an element within the music, they are there to tell a story and enhance the atmosphere of the music rather than have vocals as a fronted focal point. The next album will focus on this element even more so…

Q. What kinds of things inspire musically and lyrically? Are there any types of themes that you like to write and incorporate in to you music? Are there any messages in your music that you are trying to get out there in your music?

There is usually a theme and a storyline in the lyrical content of our songs, these may come from personal experiences, dreams, literature or film. I wouldn’t say there is a specific message or anything directive in our lyrics though. We aren’t trying to tell you anything.... We would you rather tell yourself, paint your own picture. The lyrics are there, interpret them how you will.

Q. How is your album being received by the fans? Any feedback from the fans on the on the album?

The album has been getting great online reviews since the Australian release, our fans have given us a lot of positive feedback and support. With our international release only a couple of weeks away, it will be interesting how it will be received globally. Whoever listens to it seems to enjoy it.

Q. ROA are doing an Australian tour to support the new album, what is it like playing with so many talented Australian metal bands?

It’s great. There are so many passionate and talented musicians, some great people involved in supporting the scene here in Australia. The opportunities we have had to the share the stage with both international and local/interstate bands has been awesome.

Q. Who and how did you come up with the album name, and the album cover? Who was the artist that did the cover?

When we were discussing ideas for an album title, Matthew approached Ben and suggested it, Straight away is felt very fitting and we all agreed that it would be perfect title for our debut album. The underlying theme for the album is that of confronting internal struggles, facing mortality, The beginning and end of life.
We asked Seth Anton from SepticFlesh to design our album cover, The band are huge fans of his music and artwork.
It is a pleasure working with a professional and talented artist.

Q. Do all of the band members have a say in the writing process of the music and lyrics?

Ben will usually compose the songs at his home (December Void studio). After the demos are completed, it is then introduced to everyone else, dissected, refined, sometimes rewritten… each song has its own unique process to complete

Q. So what does the future hold for ROA?

We have recently have signed to AuralMusic/Code666 for our European release and we are currently half way through writing our second album. Which is going to be more experimental, yet very RoA sounding also.
As for the future?
Write Record, Release, and Tour and perform

Thank you for your time and thank you for this opportunity to interview you.

Interview conducted by Collin Brophy

CONCERT REVIEW: Rise of Avernus (Venue: The Bald Face Stag, Saturday 7/12/2013) by Collin Brophy

I had only arrived at the Rise of Avernus gig about 10 minutes prior to ROA starting.  They were still setting up their gear, lucky me. It was good to see that I wasn’t the only "Metal Enthusiast" who had done a runner from one gig at The Manning Bar to The Stag to see this gig.

It was a very special night as ROA played their debut album L’Appel Du Vide from start to finish and I for one was really looking forward to seeing this.

When you consider that there were a few big name head lining bands playing on the same night and were within a 20 minute drive from each venue, the turn out for tonight’s gig was around 30 people.

From the opening title, A Triptych Journey, right trough to As Soleness Recedes, it was 45 minutes of amazing Doom metal. The vocals were amazing live, from the soft calming vocals from Cat, to the frightening and haunting vocals from both, Ben and Daniel.

The arrangements of the keyboard, drum, bass, guitar and saxophone, yes saxophone, were just brilliant live. To hear the live version of Embrace The Mayhem was truly a wonderful experience.  The saxophonist did a tremendous job.  Never in my life would have I ever though of using a saxophone in metal, but to produce this live, just left me speechless.

ROA would have to be one of the best, if not THE best Doom metal bands in Australia. This is easily one of their best gigs that I have seen, and I have been to a few. Their performance live is electric.  Well done to all members of ROA. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for ROA in 2014.

Band members:

Matthew Bell - Guitar & Orchestral arrangements

Andrew Craig - Drums & Percussion

Cat Guirguis - Vocals & Keyboard

Ben Vanvollenhoven - Vocals & Guitar

Daniel Warrington - Bass & Vocals

Published by Collin Brophy

CD REVIEW: Rise Of Avernus Debut Album L’Appel Du Vide by Collin Brophy

Hailing from Sydney and Melbourne, Australia, RISE OF AVERNUS is quickly becoming a well known entity throughout the Australian metal scene.

Within the short time frame since the release of their debut EP in 2012, RISE OF AVERNUS have relentlessly toured around the country sharing the stage with bands such as APOCOLYPTICA, MNEMIC and recently supported ENSLAVED on their first ever national tour of Australia.

Performing a unique style of music stemming for many different genres, the band can best be described as "Orchestral, Progressive Doom Metal”.

2013 brought about the bands debut album, “L’Appel Du Vide”, which includes the songs, A Triptych Journey, The Mire, Disenchanted, L'appel Du Vide, Ethereal Blindness, Embrace The Mayhem, An Somnium and As Soleness Recedes.

  

I came across ROA quite a few years ago.  They had brought out their debut EP in 2012 which was a very good EP.   2013 brought about the release of L’Appel Du Vide.  This is a huge leap from their 2012 EP. The sound quality and production on the album is amazing.  ROA have made a masterpiece of Doom Metal.

The vocals on this album are brilliant, from soothing to haunting, taking you on a journey through out the whole album. It’s really hard to pick a favorite among all these great songs, but if I had to choose, it would be “Embrace The Mayhem”.  The genius idea of mixing in the saxophone within the mix is just amazing. This is what a Doom Metal album should sound like, one minute your up, the next down, this is some of the best vocals I have heard on a Doom Metal album in a very long time.

I new what ROA were capable of, but even this has shocked me at how amazing this album is. ROA are going places, and I for one am very happy for them as they have worked really hard over the last few years to be where they are today, lots of travelling and local gigs, as well as supports for some of the best international bands going around and next year for Rotting Christ. I am hoping that they get the chance to travel overseas to show the rest of the world just how amazing they really are.

Band members, Ben Vanvollenhoven - Vocals & Guitar, Cat Guirguis - Vocals & Keyboard, Andrew Craig - Drums & Percussion, Matthew Bell - Guitar & Orchestral arrangements and Daniel Warrington - Bass & Vocals.  All members should be very proud of making, in my opinion, one of the best albums I have heard this year, not only from Australian band, but from an international level.

If you are a fan of Katatonia, Paradise Lost or My Dying Bride, then ROA are right up with these guys. ROA is one of Australia’s best Doom Metal bands going around. I would recommend checking ROA out … you won’t be disappointed!

Published by Collin Brophy (21/12/2013)