DevilDriver, Ill Niño, AllThat Remains, Nonpoint @Forum, Sydney (02/03/11)

Sat 5th Mar, 2011 in Gig Reviews

It’s rare to experience four of the most influential and long lasting metal bands of today on a Wednesday evening and the punters had begun queuing as early as two and a half hours before the show.

Dead on 8:30pm Nonpoint started their set, immediately bursting out with an incredible amount of energy which had everyone on the main floor was either banging their heads, jumping or moshing. With the exception of guitarist Zack Broderick, the hard-rock/metal band from Fort Lauderdale has been touring for over a decade but has never visited Australia before but the audience reaction to the extremely tight set proved that they have a strong fan base down here.


Bringing impressive harmonies and solos with their progressive and metal-core elements All That Remains were next in the line-up. The aggressive screams from frontman Philip Labonte that seemed to reach every corner of the venue as if you were standing right next to him. After a brief technical issue, the harmonies between the two guitarists were absolutely breathtaking and the vocals were absolutely immaculate. Bassist, Jeanne Sagan is also a backup vocalist and the screams coming from such a small girl were absolutely massive, really adding to the dynamic of the show.


Labonte was in charge of the crowd, he knew how to get them going. Putting his hands up with the typical metal sign, he then put up six fingers up to signal the start of their most well known song, Six. 
As soon as the song started, the mosh-pit opened up and there were hands and legs everywhere. The crowd interaction from All That Remains was amazing as they brought the whole crowd, even those standing on the top level, into
the show.

Next up were Ill Niño, this Latin metal band offers not only an insane live performance but are also one of the most groovy metal bands around. The whole venue erupted as they started their set. Vocalist Cristian Machado was in complete control of the crowd; whatever he wanted he got. Rhythm guitarist Diego Verduzco had an amazing stage presence interacting not only with those in the mosh pit and front rows but also with those around the bar area and up on the top floor. When the breakdowns started he was always spinning his long dreadlocks getting the crowd excited and bringing the intensity up to a new level.
Both of the percussionists were absolutely immaculate, keeping the rhythm perfectly in time. It’s not everyday you will see a metal band as unique, talented and experienced as Ill Niño.


When DevilDriver finally hit the stage the crowd were going insane and as soon as the first riff started everyone on the main floor was moving. The intense, fast riffs the guitarists were playing along with the harsh vocals and ridiculously fast blast beats got everyone ecstatic and the main floor just seemed to be one massive brawl for everyone to let out their anger.
**Dez Fafara** gave everything he could and the crowd responded while guitarists Jeff Kendrick and Mike Spreitzer played with note to note precision. The bass player, Jon Miller, was running around the stage and was very entertaining to watch. 
Half way through their set, one of the foldback speakers set alight and after the roadies had rushed to drag it off stage the next song in their set was the well known Clouds Over California. At this point it was obvious that a majority of the crowd were exhausted after four hours of abusing their bodies but that didn’t stop them allowing all of their frustration to be unleashed into the mosh pit.


This was easily one of the best line-ups and best sounding live shows of the year. Four of the most experienced metal bands playing one after another is not a sight anyone should miss.