Shihad, Trial Kennedy, BlackDevil Yard Boss @ ANU Bar,Canberra (4/11/10)

Wed 10th Nov, 2010 in Gig Reviews

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New Zealand’s alt-metal exports Shihad came to town to deliver their easily accessible hard rock to a warm and welcoming audience at ANU Bar last Thursday night. A good turn out and relaxed atmosphere made for a good evening, with a bill sporting three bands that readily complement each other, making for a syncretic and unified experience.

Black Devil Yard Boss got the ball rolling with a smooth blend of blues fused psychedelia, complete with a feedback laden walls of sound that lay the foundation for pensive vocals that trod lightly atop the instrumentation. The opening act proved to be a successful one, installing an up-beat and lively atmosphere.

Trial Kennedy picked up where their fellow Melbournians left off, keeping the flow of good times coming with their synergistic blend of post-rock that playfully dipped into an array of various creative inspirations. Playing a blend of styles that effortlessly transcend any particular genre, Trial Kennedy treated those before them with a set that was deliciously ambiguous and indescribable, a veritable pallet of emotions and concepts stemming and flowing from their instruments. The band maintained the good vibes of the night, affirming by the end of their set how well they fit in on the bill.

Touring on the back of their latest effort, Ignite, another unique and individual instalment into their now multiple decade spanning existence, Shihad took a commanding and assertive position on stage, playing a vigorous and tight set. An appreciative crowd got behind the band as they belted out slab after slab of finely machined and engineered alt-metal, aptly demonstrating their prowess and expertise. The pit began to get a little exciting as Shihad seemingly effortlessly combusted track after track in a set that ended all too soon.

The night was ultimately a successful one, with a band that some may call a bit past-it removing any misconceptions about their validity in today’s music climate.

CHECK OUT THE GALLERY HERE!