When I got to the show Cryptic Abyss were already on the stage. While the room was still pretty empty at this stage it didn’t stop them from tearing it up. Playing a groove infused death metal they seemed like the love child of Pantera and Cannibal Corpse. They also played a new song from their upcoming release which I’m really looking forward to after seeing them live
Alkira were the 2nd act as as the reigning thrash kings of South Australia it didn’t take them long to whip the crowd into a frenzy. Playing tracks of their latest album Juggernaut including the title track and “Submission” along with a little S.O.D. riffage thrown in the crowd ate it up. They really helped set the stage for what was to come and warm the crowd up. There’s a reason these guys are one of my favourite bands around today. They are always tight on stage and always seem to be having a great time being there. In the crowd you really feel that these guys are destined for big things.
Co-headliner Envenomed were next and I was very excited to see them live as their album “Evil Unseen” was one of my favourite local releases of last year. As they took the stage frontman Anthony Mavrikis wished us all a Happy Easter and threw chocolate bunnies into the crowd. The band then proceeded to kick into gear with their patented brand of traditional heavy metal with just that pinch of thrash thrown in. The crowd then charged up to the front of the stage to soak it in. Being the first show of the Envenomed/Decimatus national tour the band were out to really make and impression and it worked. They very quickly tore through their set and it was quite a long set list too, yet it felt like it was over in the blink of an eye. They were tight on stage showing that perfect combination of technical prowess and heavy riffing. By the time they left the stage I was incredibly impressed that they had not only lived up to their album live but had far exceeded it.
Lastly Decimatus came out and took the stage and completely owned the stage. From the moment they took the stage it was theirs. Completely blowing away all the acts that had played previous. Even though its a co-headlining tour it was obvious why Decimatus were on last. Front man Tommy Jennings stomped around the stage like a man possessed, howling and screaming with that familiar Phil Anselmo bark with a small part of Burton C Bell-esque soul thrown in for good measure. The band completely destroyed the crowd with the moshing and headbanging turned up to 11 for their amazing blend of brutally heavy groove metal. Drummer Josh Rech is a literal beast behind the kit and if you don’t believe me head over to their facebook page and check out the drum cam footage of the gig. As the band blistered their way through their set list giving us tracks of their brand new album “Catalyst For Rage” such as my personal highlight “Burning Bridges”. After the band was done I was completely exhausted. I have felt that drained after a show in a long time and it was because with Decimatus on stage I couldn’t resist giving it everything I had in the bit and I’m confident that if you were to see them live you’d feel that way to. Great night from all bands but Decimatus were the true stand out stars
