Pop Rocks & Core Sounds!!: hardcore

Showing posts with label hardcore. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 1, 2017

[LIVE REVIEW] MENTAL CAVITY + SUMMONUS + LORD SWORD + BURDEN MAN

at Frankie’s Pizza By The Slice, Sydney, Sunday, 15^th October 2017

Review by Derek J. Huckel
Photos by Rod Hunt Photography, and Restricted Photography

Frankie’s is a great live venue though unusual but maybe that gives it that certain something, its ‘jena se quois’ - appealing quality. You have the serious gig goers – there to see the music, then the blow in tourists staying nearby at a hotel, or in the city for the day. The mix of people makes it fun but odd. And ya’ gotta love velvet curtain that is opened and closed at the start and end of each band on the small stage.

Burden Man describe themselves as ‘existential doom folk’ and that nails them quite well. I unfortunately missed some of their set but what I saw was quite riveting.The three-piece played ‘Shadows of the Dying’, ‘Trenches’, and ‘Burden Man’. Their tunes are like a dream state, very thoughtful slow doom, each note seems well thought out and precise. Vocalist and guitarist Justin has a voice that is quite sonorous with a most striking timbre. The bands imploded into wall of feedback, just as guitar strings were breaking, so it ended on a pretty good note (no pun intended).

Lord Sword are heavy duty riffage! If you’d like your face grinded and smoked, then these are your band! It’s a heady mix of heavy stoner rock that grooves a cool sludgy jam.

Lord Sword - www.rodhunt.com.au

Jimmy Fatal wields the monster guitar, Mr Stooks stool was taken tonight by Andres (from Sumeru) on drums, and Luke is their master on bass, and vocalist Cory has a throat that growls somewhere between Ian Astbury, Danzig, and Chris Cornell to loosely coin a few popular bods for an idea of his sound. Their set comprised of ‘Wings of the Devil’ ‘Earth OD’, ‘Destroy Mankind’, ‘Tombstones’ and ‘Blood Moon Tide’. ‘Blood Moon Tide’ is a slower number but most atmospheric while still heavy as! ‘Dopethrower’ was the penultimate tune but ‘Rats’ closed the show, epic in its span of stoner groove within this tune.

One heckler (tourist? It’s that kinda place) yells ‘play some Sabbath’ and was flatly told with a wry smile by Cory ‘no covers’ before diving into their last tune. They play no covers – and took no prisoners.

Lord Sword - Restricted Photography

Mental Cavity were to headline tonight but due to a drive back to hometown Canberra for some band members, they got Summonus to headline. It didn’t matter, they still did what was needed, blow the punters minds, and left. ‘Suffer’ off the new album was the opener and is a mad serve of thrash metal in yer’ face with a double serve of vocals it was! (thankfully very unlike post hardcore vocals). Three of the four Cavity members were from I Exist.

Mental Cavity - www.rodhunt.com.au

Their mix of sludge and doom sounds stirred with some crust and hardcore is quite unreal, monstrous! This reviewer is a big fan of I Exist and this new morphed band of theirs didn’t disappoint!!

The set was a mix of material from their self-titled album (‘Subservient’, ‘Frailty Incarnate’, ‘Deconstruct Fools’, and ‘Abuse’), released in January this year, and others from the new album Aneurysm out later this month, such as ‘Closing In’, and ‘I Am Death’.

‘Bleak Outlook’ was particularly a mammoth sounding tune that was totally crushing! Like someone said in a promo – Mental Cavity are as heavy as fuck!

Mental Cavity - www.rodhunt.com.au

Summonus were up next and a great end to the night that’s been on show. Once the curtain was rolled back they dived into 'Burning Times'. The fuzzed-out tone and riff was unmistakable. Tonight, both tunes from their album Zeichen Der Hexe, and some new ones being road tested were on show. Mostly were the latter, newbies, and they didn’t disappoint! They carried their stoner sludge signature sound but sounded fresh simultaneously. The gratuitous throaty growls of Rod’s lyrics over the bands thick pummeling sound that envelopes one in soundscapes.

Summonus - by Restricted Photography

The new tracks included ‘The Game’, ‘Deep Red’, and ‘Before The Fall’. The large audience were lapping them up. The title tune from ‘Zechen Der Hexe’ closed the intense set, and a great night!

Summonus - by Restricted Photography

Bands Music and Websites:
MENTAL CAVITY - music & merch at their bandcamp site, and here for gigs'n'stuff

Mental Cavity 'Bleak Outlook'

SUMMONUS - music & merch at their bandcamp site, and here for gigs'n'stuff

LORD SWORD - music & merch at their bandcamp site, and here for gigs'n'stuff

BURDEN MAN - music at their Soundcloud and here for gigs'n'stuff

Burden Man 'Shadows of the Dying'

Thanks to:

Both Rod Hunt of www.rodhunt.com.au & Mel Meek of Restricted Photography for use of their great photos.
The bands for their music, and setlists!

Monday, April 3, 2017

[LIVE REVIEW] DARK HORSE album launch of 'Bomb Thrower' + HOSTILE OBJECTS + MICHAEL CRAFTER + BLACK RHENO

at BLACKWIRE RECORDS, SYDNEY, 31 March 2017

Review by Derek J. Huckel
Photos by ZK Photo, and Restricted Photography.

Live Dark Horse, and Hostile Objects footage by Jayradikal Productions

Black Rheno kick off the album launch for Dark Horse with their second album ‘Bomb Thrower’, and they really kick it out! There's no messing with Black Rheno! They bring it from the start with their groove metal that has a sludgy stoner blend. The singer is prowling the floor (no stage here – the band is mixing with us plebs) like some sick tiger. This band is nuts for a three piece, I mean their power is intensity personified. They’ve more grunt in them than some five pieces could even dream of! Dirt, Lock the Gate were some tunes played, and two newies were road tested. They ended their set with the single No Time for Numb Nuts. A great start to one of the final nights of Blackwire.

Black Rheno bringin' the stoner groove!

Blackwire Records, 31/3/2017 - ZK Photo

It's a shame Blackwire Records is closing. I've seen only top notch shows here - I can't think of a bad one of perhaps the ten plus times I’ve been here. Bands I've seen here have included I Exist, Clowns and Chinese Burns Unit, Hostile Objects, Hygiene, Nunchukka Superfly, Damage Zone, Vigilante, and Shackles. Overseas acts too, like American Sharks, Lecherous Gaze have graced this venue, I wish I'd seen Canada's Burning Hearts here, sadly missed D.R.I here recently, and even people like John Dyer Baizley of Baroness have performed and shown his art at Blackwire. Council laws in NSW, and persistent complaining new neighbour/s – not a good mix sadly. In other states this law has been changed apparently, in favour of the long-term businesses, like pubs, instead of the new disgruntled neighbours. Bittersweet is a word to pin point this, and pissed off might be another…

Michael Crafter were up next. They seemed to be faves of many of the near capacity crowd here. The singer, who started the set dressed in his best TLC t-shirt, joked a lot and the crowd bounced off him. The rapport seemed well rehearsed, good fans I’d say. Not having seen them before this reviewer enjoyed them a lot. Michael Crafter are like, you might say, Napalm Death but with more silly themed tunes, but some poignant ones too. Quick short, crusty and thrashy grind blasts. One song, it was announced, was about puppies, which got roars of laughter. Other ditties tonight were called Crew Poo, Bong Breaker, Vegan Bake Sale, and a more serious tune Fear and Doubt.

Micheal Crafter - not like TLC

Blackwire Records, 31/3/2017 - ZK Photo

The Meanies were a great interim sonic entertainment prior to Hostile Objects hitting the 'stage'.

Hostile Objects began with Weed, hit Money (aka. Eat Your Money) and went straight to Turkish Knives, Sounds like a recipe for a great night eh. Well the Hostiles easily helped that happen with their brand of thrash. If you don’t know them, think Poison Idea and The Accused mixed with a dose of Black Flag. Waiting to Drown ratcheted up, and up by singer Hunt and his troupe, then sprung loose in a fury. Hoax went off! Young Gods was mammoth, and brought punters in the first few rows to a crazy mosh. Their last song Wrong ended in a wall of feedback - which was a perfect close for their last set here at this fine establishment. The songs' irony wasn’t lost on many here tonight, the fury conveyed in this tune was also a great metaphor for the anger of the loss.

Rod Hunt gives it back! Hostile Objects,

Blackwire Records, 31/03/2017 - Restricted Photography

Jimmy Fatal feedsback, Hostile Objects

Blackwire 31/03/17 - Restricted Photography

Dark Horse feed the frenzy

Blackwire Records, 31/03/17 - ZK Photo

Dark Horse opened their set by bass-player Kieran paying respects to the traditional owners of the land first, thanking the guys running the shop here for all they’d done having bands here in their time, supporting them and the scene, as well as to the other bands who played. Pulling Teeth was the choice cut to kick off their set showcasing the bone crunching new album 'Bomb Thrower' here tonight. It sent the place right off! The band, like a savage mix of Discharge, Exploited, and Bolt Thrower, have such an intensity and are on fire with the occasion of the launch, they kicked total ass and took no prisoners!! One guy was hoisted up and crowd surfed to the front of shop then nearly perfectly back to his position at the front. The present scene in front of me brings a tear and huge smile to this reviewer’s face. Sad that it's the third last night here at Blackwire Records before it closes, and that people here are loving what’s been presented to them here tonight, and three quarters of the joint just rocking the fuck out in near 'perfect harmony'.

Dark Horse deliver! Blackwire Records, 31/03/17 - ZK Photo

The ominous intro of Bomb Thrower and its ratcheting d-beat thrash was a sight to see the band play, and hear of course. The singer had the crowd in his palm, all the stance commanded the music, and it him. The band all poured their guts into this show, sweating, slamming – it was a sight to behold.

It was a great group of bands to give a send off in their own styles to a fine establishment. Thanks guys, you've done us proud. And no thanks to it perpetrators.

DARKHORSE website - get 'Bomb Thrower'

DARK HORSE - Live at Blackwire Records
‘Bomb Thrower’

DARK HORSE 'Bomb Thrower' off their new album

Hostile Objects website and Bandcamp

Hostile Objects - Live at Blackwire Records

'The Hoax'

Hostile Objects - Live at Blackwire Records

'Young God' and 'Ruins'

Hostile Objects - Live at Blackwire Records
'Wrong'

Michael Crafter band website

Michael Crafter - 'Bong Water', 'My Name Is', 'Mosh Dawg'

Black Rheno website

Black Rheno - 'No Time For Numb Nuts'

***Thanks to Blackwire Record - Salute! - the bands, ZK Photo, Restricted Photography, Jayradikal Productions and Rod Hunt for helping pull this review together. for it to be a part reminder of this night, last of a few at this memorable and essential venue Blackwire Records***

Tasty feediack, - Jimmy Fatal Hostile Objects

Blackwire 31/03/17 - Restricted Photography

Jimmy Fatal Hostile Objects
Blackwire 31/03/17 - Restricted Photography

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Review: Hostile Objects "Negative Space"

Hostile Objects
Negative Space
Arrest Records
Release Date: 6 June 2016
Review by Derek J. Huckel

After three super tight EP’s under their belts and a split single with fellow Sydney siders The F*ck Outs (RIP), Hostile Objects have submitted a scorching opus by the name of Negative Space. The intensity and urgency of their live show has been accurately captured on this album. Vocalist, Rod Hunt’s raspy,Accused-like splatter vocals leave you battered and broken … but smiling.

Gloom, has a doomy Sabbath-type opening riff that soon halts and suddenly ratchets up several notches. It proceeds to wring you out like a roller coaster ride, piling you incessantly through highs and lows and has some cool driving breakdowns to top it off. The title track, Negative Space, pulls it back a gear, but loses none of the feverish pace. Hunt sings of the sad hostility that permeates society, your workplace, and the street, questioning why does it even exist?

This album is the culmination of the band pulling together their experience through past and existing bands, EP recordings and the multitude of live shows they’ve played. It nicely blends their influences of Poison Idea, Circle Jerks and beyond into their own aural nightmare.

Saturday, June 7, 2014

Review: Shackles + Vigilante + Hostile Objects + Hygiene

Shackles + Vigilante + Hostile Objects + Hygiene

Blackwire Records, Sydney

Thursday 17^th April, 2014

Review by Derek J. Huckel

*This wasn't published on a place I have several reviews so placing it here for your interest

The Blackwire Records store in Petersham, Sydney, is an intimate venue which intensifies any band you are there to see, more than most venues I know – other than maybe a gig on a boat - especially if it’s already music of intensity! And these bands tonight on the Thursday of Mysteries are four very prime examples for our pleasure

Up first were the Canberrans called HYGIENE who shredded in their genre they call fastcore. I saw them whip and grind their last few numbers and the crowd into frenzy. The night was running late which was to my benefit as I was late but meant some bands had to shorten their set. The four bands were supposed to be all played out in three hours, over by 9pm, due to noise restrictions in this area. It makes for an early night or a great start to a good night out. The power violence tunes of these clean guys soon disappeared in to the night ether. I'd seen these guys once before and was most happy to witness them again.

Next up were the shredding machine that is the HOSTILE OBJECTS! Sadly having to cut short their set but not lacking any grit or power of their thrash hardcore goodness, akin to THE ACCUSED and POISON IDEA. They dished out several off their EP such as title track 'Young God' and a few new numbers, like 'Fly in the Ointment' which went down well with the crowd. If you’ve not seen these guys... you are missing out.

VIGILANTE set up next and were soon lapped up by avid followers and new fans alike. Many were played off their recent opus 'Quality of Life', including 'One Warning', 'Fear of Change', and the cool title track, 'Quality of Life'. This five piece seasoned bunch really know how to deliver their '80s style of New York hardcore - like WARZONE and GORRILLA BISCUITS - in a way that gets this room jumping. Anyone up the front had to be quick to avoid the occasional mad skanker.

All were definitely here to see SHACKLES deliver the live version of their new LP, entitled 'Forced to Regress', and they didn't disappoint. All packed into this relatively tiny venue, from the cold street and garden furniture out back, to witness this much talked about band. In the stylings of NAPALM DEATH, INFEST and DISCHARGE these guys delivered their bastard mix of grind/ hardcore/ power violence tunes like Vikings, slashing and burning with their relentless tunes blitzing all before them. They took no prisoners with the sharp, and often short, bursting music and growling vocals... inspiring many fans immediately in front of the band, whether they be metal heads or tracksuit terrorists, to writhe frantically whilst grinning madly, sometimes it seemed involuntarily. While VIGILANTE are about positivity, and HOSTILE's are views on society, SHACKLES lyrical themes are an outlet for negativity pent up inside like pessimism and nihilism and I'm sure they poured out all these off their new 23 minute release tonight, like 'Issues' 'Cringe', 'Always a Slave' and 'Demented Resolve' as well as a few off some earlier releases. SHACKLES, like they say in the 'classics, came, saw, and ripped this venue a new one!!

SHACKLES website

http://shackles-noise.blogspot.com.au/

SHACKLES 'Blood and Bone'

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stPryLejjDo

VIGILANTE website

http://www.vigilante-sydney.com/

HOSTILE OBJECTS website

www.hostileobjects.bandcamp.com/

HYGIENE website

hygiene-cbr.bandcamp .com/

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

HOSTILE OBJECTS "YOUNG GOD" SYDNEY 7" LAUNCH - Friday 29th November 2013

Hostile Objects + Throwdown + Deadly Visions + The Fuck Outs
The Gladstone Feeling, Sydney
29 November 2013
Review by Derek J. Huckel
Photos by Derek J. Huckel and Alec Smart

What a great little venue it even has a cool beer garden. This is one venue to ruck with the band if you so wished, being about 2 metres between stage and band – no stage. Or if you're THE FUCK OUTS, their singer Trouble is gonna ruck with you! If and when he feels like it… which is about every song tonight so watch out. As their blurb says THE FUCK OUTS play ‘bad ass hardcore punk rock and fucking roll!!!!’ That’s what we wanted and its what they delivered in spades with tunes like 'No Test - No Disease' and Çrystal Meth Master Chef'.

Ripping it up!! - HOSTILE OBJECTS

pic by Derek J. Huckel

Some cool breakdowns that DEADLY VISIONS dished out in their brand of hardcore got the council digger dancers out on some songs, flailing arms wildly, knocking anyone foolish enough to be in there way. The singer joked the Shire had come to Redfern tonight, obviously many local fans having trekked up to see their local lads play. His other banter was querying a local scatty folklore… Their brand of aggressive hardcore is rooted in the punk but the metal influences are evident, especially in some SLAYER-like guitar riffs well used tonight.

THROWDOWN, also from the southern Sydney 'burbs, have a workman like attitude to their music - not much moving about just down to business, pummelling you with there driving beat and riffs. The songs they played included 'Can't See Anything Wrong', 'Keep Standing Tall'. 'Can't Taste The Words' they shared will be on a compilation next year compiled by Scotty Mac of TOE TO TOE. They wound up with a pretty darn good cover of The MOTORHEAD classic 'Ace of Spades' which three of the four piece band sang on. They anticipated that it was going to fail but it came off ok.

Minutes of feedback preceded HOSTILE OBJECTS first tunes, heightening the crowds eagerness for them, tonight's main act. The packed dance floor erupted when HOSTILE unleashed 'Weed' (working title, explained singer Rod Hunt). A few tunes in and singer Hunt says the next few would be the EP tunes in order off the vinyl seven inch release (yes, they still make that round flat black stuff) which they were launching tonight. These were the shredding 'Turkish Knives', the relentless 'Blackened Room', and 'Eat Your Money', the titular 'Young God', followed by 'Send In The Clowns', and a killer cover of POISON IDEAs 'Çop An Attitude'. All present lapped up their '80s thrash slant on hardcore. Song themes on topics such as corruption, injustice, angst, plastic people and even lost love (sic). They played the cover of FEARs’ ‘I Don't Care About You’ 'dueting with random eager punters.

The final number ‘Cave In’ bought tonight a pit like I hadn't seen before at their shows! People going off in reaction to the slow heavy grinding rhythm. While singer Rod Hunt sang as though chanting fire and brimstone to someone above, the disciples like crowd were banging their heads in a trance like state, dancing in near tribal unison to the ryhthym and beat delivered by Hunts henchmen Jimmy Fatal (guitar), Luke Death (bass), and Grant Rizzo (drums). The dancefloor was a sight to behold. All too soon it was all over... and we were wanting it all again... Ahhh well, til next time.

Here's the HOSTILE OBJECTS website...

And check out their music here - HOSTILE OBJECTS on bandcamp website

Check out THROWDOWN SCHC <here

Find some music here for DEADLY VISIONS... and

Find here The FUCK OUTS