House of Thumbs EP Launch @The Arthouse, Melbourne(15/02/2008)

Mon 18th Feb, 2008 in Gig Reviews

Adverse Reaction kicked things off in emphatic style with a combination of catchy guitar riffs and machine gun drumming (on an electronic kit no less!). In a band populated by familiar faces from the Melbourne metal scene, the collaborators in this outfit have put together a sound that pulls no punches. A particularly notable track was ‘Severance’ which had the crowd jumping. The singer ( Tom; the drummer from House of Thumbs ) displayed a great vocal style that was well complemented by Ed and Rob’s exciting guitar playing, Alex’s bass licks and Luke’s drumming.

Fresh from a recent re-recording of vocals on their CD sampler with new singer Max Bones, the mighty Anarchsphere were next up and blasted their way through a set that was oozing with precision and brutality. While throwing in a few new tracks for good measure, they covered their usual set list of catchy death grooves that are truly something to behold for any discerning metal fan. If you are a drummer’s drummer, you need to see this band!

The band that most of the crowd had come to see (as indicted by the number of band T-shirts being worn in the crowd), House of Thumbs, took the stage to tumultuous applause. In a set that seemed surprisingly short for an EP launch, they kicked things off with – œKill Bot’ and things didn’t calm down until their exit. The stop / start quality of their tunes was most appealing and definitely gave the crowd what they had come to see. Supported by very solid drumming (Tom again) and strong vocal work, the jumping riffing was great to hear. All tracks in the set were very listen-able and indicative of an emerging talent in the Melbourne metal scene. The EP ( Strangle Fiction ) will be available at their upcoming shows.

Following a small exodus of House of Thumbs fans, Earth proceeded to assault the senses with a standard staple of Gothenberg-esque tunes and bone crunching screams that the Melbourne punters have come to expect from this journeyman outfit. The live rendition of – œHuman Carnage’ truly has to be one of the grooviest and brutal keyboard orientated tunes to ever be played by a Melbourne metal band.

A great night for the Melbourne metal scene at a venue that never grows old.