Killswitch Engage, Kill Devil Hill @ The Palace Theatre, Melbourne (13/04/2014)
Killswitch Engage, along with Hatebreed, are staples of what I like to call encouragement metal or "bro-core" for short. And after spending all day trying to recover from the deeply troubling Outkast stream from Coachella, I needed some encouragement in terms of live music. So, to the soon to be lost Palace Theatre I went to catch Killswitch and Kill Devil Hill hopefully restore some of my faith in live music. And based on the heavy crowd for a Sunday night, I wasn't the only one.
Despite doors being at 7:30, it wasn't until almost two hours later that the first act, Kill Devil Hill, came to the stage. The supergroup, made up of members from Pantera, Black Sabbath, and Dio, is an odd coupling with Killswitch for two reasons. Firstly, their sound is pure classic heavy metal. And while there's nothing wrong with shredding guitar solos and growled vocals, it's a really odd mix with the contemporary melodic metal thing Killswitch have going on. Secondly, based on the speech vocalist Dewey’s gave halfway through, he really doesn't care for that sound at all. Still, the guys worked the stage pretty well and bassist Rex Brown’s solo was a definite highlight of the night.
Unfortunately though, the energy just didn't seem to reflect through the crowd, especially when compared to what Killswitch themselves mustered up. "Do you guys like metal, squealies, and beer?" lead guitarist Joel, clad in a weird cross between a jester's cap and a kamikaze bandana, asks to a massive cheer. "I think we should be best friends" he informs the screaming crowd.
It's this that sets the surprisingly light mood of the set, filled with aerial acrobatics provided by everyone who isn't using and instrument heavier than they are themselves. There's a lot to miss about the Palace, and Melbournites won't be the only ones mourning its passing. As Killswitch take a break to ironically fix a broken amp, Adam decides to get a bit personal about his fondness for the venue. "So, this place isn't going to be here in a month. what the fuck is up with that?" he asks the room, which is answered with the most deafening booing the walls would have met. "We've played here twice, and I've seen some great bands here. The floors are sticky from all the spilt beer. This place is one of the last fucking rock and roll clubs." Taking a swig of beer he finishes his thought "you guys have to protest that shit." It's particularly stirring to the crowd, who don't stop cheering until the next song starts.
Despite a plethora of technical problems, the band is still as tight as they were when they were first over. In fact, the only way these problems could be observed would be when one of the members would joke about it three songs later to an adoring audience. Speaking of which, the audience were in need of some Killswitch love, and by the end of their set, nearly every fist was held high in the air. Killswitch Engage were definitely worthy of sending off one of our most iconic venues.
Ben Spencer
Despite doors being at 7:30, it wasn't until almost two hours later that the first act, Kill Devil Hill, came to the stage. The supergroup, made up of members from Pantera, Black Sabbath, and Dio, is an odd coupling with Killswitch for two reasons. Firstly, their sound is pure classic heavy metal. And while there's nothing wrong with shredding guitar solos and growled vocals, it's a really odd mix with the contemporary melodic metal thing Killswitch have going on. Secondly, based on the speech vocalist Dewey’s gave halfway through, he really doesn't care for that sound at all. Still, the guys worked the stage pretty well and bassist Rex Brown’s solo was a definite highlight of the night.
Unfortunately though, the energy just didn't seem to reflect through the crowd, especially when compared to what Killswitch themselves mustered up. "Do you guys like metal, squealies, and beer?" lead guitarist Joel, clad in a weird cross between a jester's cap and a kamikaze bandana, asks to a massive cheer. "I think we should be best friends" he informs the screaming crowd.
It's this that sets the surprisingly light mood of the set, filled with aerial acrobatics provided by everyone who isn't using and instrument heavier than they are themselves. There's a lot to miss about the Palace, and Melbournites won't be the only ones mourning its passing. As Killswitch take a break to ironically fix a broken amp, Adam decides to get a bit personal about his fondness for the venue. "So, this place isn't going to be here in a month. what the fuck is up with that?" he asks the room, which is answered with the most deafening booing the walls would have met. "We've played here twice, and I've seen some great bands here. The floors are sticky from all the spilt beer. This place is one of the last fucking rock and roll clubs." Taking a swig of beer he finishes his thought "you guys have to protest that shit." It's particularly stirring to the crowd, who don't stop cheering until the next song starts.
Despite a plethora of technical problems, the band is still as tight as they were when they were first over. In fact, the only way these problems could be observed would be when one of the members would joke about it three songs later to an adoring audience. Speaking of which, the audience were in need of some Killswitch love, and by the end of their set, nearly every fist was held high in the air. Killswitch Engage were definitely worthy of sending off one of our most iconic venues.
Ben Spencer