Sydonia @ Ding Dong Lounge,Melbourne (06/05/2011)

Wed 11th May, 2011 in Gig Reviews

“They’re kinda like if Sepultura and Radiohead fucked and had a kid,” I overhear one punter remark. She’s not far off the mark. Although the comparison has become somewhat of a cliché in regards to Sydonia, it persists because they might just be the bastard offspring of the two.

Audio problems, in the nature of a crackle through the speakers, began in the set of opening act Witchgrinder and persisted through Sydonia’s hour on the stage. Technicians scrounged about through the Witchgrinder set trying to locate the problem (to some avail).

Taking to the stage just after 11, Sydonia’s offered up a diverse set list that highlighted the band’s achievements over one LP and four EP’s. The band also gave the audience a hint of what’s to come from their second LP. The hint? It sounds pretty fucking terrific.

“It’s Friday night, the work week is over- except for hospitality” declared guitarist Sam Haycroft at the beginning of the band’s set, celebrating their mate Kingy’s birthday. Who is Kingy? “When we’re in South Australia, he makes his home our home,” explained Haycroft to a modestly sized but enthusiastic sized. Coming from one of Australia’s leading metal groups, this wasn’t a bad birthday present for Kingy.

The set began strongly with Adornment, the opening track off the band’s first record Given to Destroyers. It was the first of many to utilise the percussive skills of Haycroft and bassist Adam Murray before moving into “newish” territory with their latest single Ocean of Storms.

Shame, a new song from the fore mentioned second album, followed. It has featured prominently in the band’s set over the last year or so and might be the among the best they’ve written. It’s the perfect combination of elements fans expect of Sydonia, and something more. True to form it has the large riffs and refrains and one hell of a catchy chorus.

As per usual, Haycroft indulged the audience in some friendly and entertaining banter. Front-man Dana Roskvist has always seemed less inclined to engage with the punters, often appearing uncomfortable with crowds between songs and keeping his presence low key whilst the other members interact with the audience and one-another. Yet there is no denying that he is in his element during the songs where it seems like something inhabits him, allowing an avenue for expression without a hint of trepidation.

The enthused crowd appeared engrossed by Roskvist’s melody as he pushed through Crash, _No Woman’s Land) and Taste More; the sight of a predominantly metal-crowd singing in unison with girlfriends belying their tattered, ‘metal’ exterior.

Sydonia more than delivered with 3 Tongues, which stands alongside Incoming and Rubber Bullet as one of the heaviest songs the band has penned. Driven by the relentless drumming of Sean Bailey and some heavy-as-fuck riffs, the song was the best received of the night and came at the audience like a (double) kick to the head.

Kingy, the birthday boy, took to the stage to thank the bands that were involved in the celebration, as well as those who came out. He proudly declared Sydonia to be one of the best metal bands in Australia, singling out Bailey as “one of the best drummers in Australia” (the audience was hardly in a position to argue with any of Kingy’s claims after the performance of 3 Tongues).

The gig closed with Rubber Bullet, a crowd favourite that left the audience wanting more songs, another album, and an invite to Kingy’s next birthday party.