Summer Slaughter Battle of theBands @ Rosies, Brisbane(20/02/2009)

Mon 9th Mar, 2009 in Gig Reviews

Local lads Cross the Lips of Grace kicked off the nights proceedings with their own unique brand of Death metal/trad. hardcore. Opening to a crowd of liquored up metal heads is never easy though front man Chris did not disappoint and managed to keep it tight and insanely heavy, with the standout song being Servant of Flesh, the first single off their upcoming debut album The Epilogue Of Suffering. Cross the Lips of Grace were convincing enough, and technically good however their set would have been improved if they worked together as more of a unit rather than just 5 dudes playing music on a stage. Having said this they do death metal well, though on this occasion the crowd seemed a little indifferent.

Phalanx (Brisbane) was next up, wowing the audience with hard hitting, heavy snarls and beats balanced perfectly with eerily haunting keyboard arrangements. The band has been going through some pretty hard times of late with numerous line up changes consequently resulting in them not touring as much as they would have like though this does not affect their performance at all as they release their pent up demons and unleash a stunning musical and visual onslaught. The crowd lapped it all up, including the beer thrown at them from the stage and you can bet your bottom dollar they won over more than a few new fans.

Storming the stage next was 5 piece Signal the Firing Squad hailing from the Sunshine Coast. Having played the same venue just the night before, Signal had an obvious air of relaxed, quiet confidence about them as they leisurely set up before they launched into a full metal assault to the senses. Front man Kyson is certainly no stranger to the stage and his experience was obvious as he roared his way through the opening song, his heady low growls mesmerising, though it was the bands second song Origins which got the blood racing and the hardcore Signal fans showed their support by forming a gnarly pit. Guitarists Magilla and Hayden shredded like pros, windmilling like there was no tomorrow, whilst maintaining uber staunch power stances adding to the overall effect. Signal owe themselves a pat on the back for their surprisingly catchy song choices which along with Kyson’s relaxed, off the cuff banter and salutes to the bar staff made them agreeable to all which is a rare thing for an act so obviously influenced by black metal. Their set was short but very sweet, leaving the crowd gagging for more and it is this that ultimately earnt them the well deserved victory and coveted spot on the Summer Slaughter Final bill alonside Necrophagist (Germany), Dying Fetus (USA), Aborted (Belgium), The Faceless (USA) and The Red Shore (AU).
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The last act of the night was Logan city/Gold Coast act Torn Asunder and boy did they have their work cut out for them! Much of the crowd dissipated (presumably to mill around the Signal merch stall) and this did not go unnoticed by the band who stepped it up, winning some (but not all) back with their second song. Lockdog was like a crazed lunatic, throwing himself around and staring maniacally while blasting out arguably the best vocals of the night. Whilst not having quite the same fearsome stage presence as Lockdog, guitarists Brenden and Kyel showcased their talents by rocking out old skool style, lashing out solo after solo with effortless precision. It was obvious the guys know what they’re doing which is no surprise considering the numerous awards they have picked up over the years however at times the set just felt like they were holding back. Having said that, by the time Torn Asunder were through, the crowd was nearly as crazed as Lockdog and in true metal form he launched himself (somewhat unsuccessfully) off the stage and into the unsuspecting crowd bringing the night to a close in the most metal way possible!

The final summer slaughter will be held at The Red Room (QUT) on Saturday March 14, you would be freaking crazy to miss it!