In Hearts Wake, Vices ForVirtues, Pergamum @ Snitch(Rosie's), Brisbane (16/07/08)

Tue 22nd Jul, 2008 in Gig Reviews

If you have ever wondered what exactly it is about the metal genre that inspires long hair, then tonight’s show at Snitch is where you should have been. Rocking up at Rosies tonight, I was immediately struck by the first band, Pergamum ’s rather impressive display of hairstyles. These boys must have some rather well developed neck muscles with the amount of head banging, flicking and general hyperactivity that goes with Pergamum show.

Hailing from the Central Coast, the Pergamum set was energetic, intense and surprisingly catchy. The mostly male crowd quickly gathered round the stage with a mini pit forming, and some rather amusing dance moves on display including the ever trusty “shimmy” and even a drunken attempt at a cartwheel. The crowd’s reaction mirrored Pergamum’s enthusiasm and energy on stage. All in all a thoroughly enjoyable, fast display of metal.

Next up was Gold Coast metal/hardcore band, Vice For Virtues, who managed to triple the energy in the room as soon as they hit the stage. With a dynamic live show, catchy melodies and captivating emotion from front man, Zaca, it was not surprising that the crowd was hooked pretty quickly. The best part of a Vices for Virtues set? These boys genuinely seem to enjoy themselves on the stage without acting like they own it and their love of music is so contagious it is hard not to have fun at one of their shows.

Headlining the night was Bryon Bay’s In Hearts Wake. Starting off, these boys didn’t have quite the same number of adoring fans as the previous two bands, however, shortly into their first song, the room was packed. In Hearts Wake deliver fast paced, melodic metal with vocals that effortlessly switch from guttural to freakishly high pitched emotion-fulled screams. The softer break downs provided a welcome break from the assaulting beats. Definitely the hardest act of the line up, In Hearts Wake had an amazing stage presence and interacted well with the crowd. Their combination of musical talent and crowd savvy attitude resulted in a galvanizing show, enjoy by all, including some hardcore skeptics.