Machine Head, Chimaira, Shadows Fall @ The Palace, Melbourne (28/02/2012)
Machine Head sealed their reputation as one of metals strongest bands when they headlined one of the most explosive sidewaves of the 2012 Soundwave festival.
Critically praised by fans and peers alike, their latest album, 'Unto The Locust' was one of 2011's revered albums, reinventing their sound while still retaining the intricacy of their past works works, many of which would make appearances in tonights set list.
Shadows Fall are a band I was completely unfamiliar with, but am now left with nothing but praise and newfound admiration. Led by immensely dreadlocked vocalist Brian Fair, Shadows Fall's brand of contemporary thrash/death metal slotted in perfectly with the nights proceedings, warming up the audience and igniting more than a few circle pits. While it seems that each support act was chosen to specifically compliment and create build up for the headline act, the huge turn out for Shadows Fall suggests that they have enough of a fan base here in Melbourne to lure their own headline shows. Watch this space!
Chimaira on the other hand, are truly something else. No strangers to our shores, Chimaira's legion of followers made up more than a third of tonights audience, with the faithful cramming down the front end of the stage. Their sound is a potent one, intoxicating the audience with vicious riffs and seemingly hardcore bass lines. I'm still trying to piece together the many layers which define Chimaira. They're are an eclectic band that can't decided whether they want to be thrash, metal or hardcore. Surprisingly, this works incredibly well in their favour, keeping the set diverse and the audience constantly interested.
Anticipation was building every second for the wrath of Machine Head to be unleashed, as the lights dropped and the words MACHINE HEAD appear in dripping, bloody red by projection. Kicking into I Am Hell (Sonata in C#) the floor of the Palace Theatre ignites like a hornets nest, whipping into a frenzy. Rob Flynn commands the stage, his professionalism a testament of the blood and sweat he has shed for this band.
It was clear that everybody here tonight was a long time fan. From old tour tee's to Machine Head patches on jackets, tonight was going to be a rare opportunity to catch the masters of modern era metal in the intimate setting of the Palace. Like an old reunion, the fans were more like family, and as much a part of the night as Machine Head were.
While material was predominately featured from Unto The Locust, the set wasn't without the old classics, with Aesthetics of Hate and Beautiful Mourning making appearances. Lead single Locust drew a huge response from the floor, culminating in a vicious circle pit that engulfed any who stood before it. As the band launched into Bulldozer, we moved to the top of the Palace's third level, we were able to witness the ferocity from above, where they soon demolished the stage with Ten Ton Hammer, a huge highlight of the night.
The energy Machine Head brings to the live venue is second to none. I've seen a hell of a lot of bands over the past few years, many who have given performances of greatness. But I can safely say that none have come as close in terms of intricacy, energy and power as Machine Head. You could literally feel the monstrous power fill the room with each earth-shattering chord, and as the band delve into Halo, and a final chapter of Davidian, it's clear that the reason Machine Head continue to reign over modern day metal is simple; they're a flawless, perfect live band.
Luke Sutton
Check out our photos from the night here!
Critically praised by fans and peers alike, their latest album, 'Unto The Locust' was one of 2011's revered albums, reinventing their sound while still retaining the intricacy of their past works works, many of which would make appearances in tonights set list.
Shadows Fall are a band I was completely unfamiliar with, but am now left with nothing but praise and newfound admiration. Led by immensely dreadlocked vocalist Brian Fair, Shadows Fall's brand of contemporary thrash/death metal slotted in perfectly with the nights proceedings, warming up the audience and igniting more than a few circle pits. While it seems that each support act was chosen to specifically compliment and create build up for the headline act, the huge turn out for Shadows Fall suggests that they have enough of a fan base here in Melbourne to lure their own headline shows. Watch this space!
Chimaira on the other hand, are truly something else. No strangers to our shores, Chimaira's legion of followers made up more than a third of tonights audience, with the faithful cramming down the front end of the stage. Their sound is a potent one, intoxicating the audience with vicious riffs and seemingly hardcore bass lines. I'm still trying to piece together the many layers which define Chimaira. They're are an eclectic band that can't decided whether they want to be thrash, metal or hardcore. Surprisingly, this works incredibly well in their favour, keeping the set diverse and the audience constantly interested.
Anticipation was building every second for the wrath of Machine Head to be unleashed, as the lights dropped and the words MACHINE HEAD appear in dripping, bloody red by projection. Kicking into I Am Hell (Sonata in C#) the floor of the Palace Theatre ignites like a hornets nest, whipping into a frenzy. Rob Flynn commands the stage, his professionalism a testament of the blood and sweat he has shed for this band.
It was clear that everybody here tonight was a long time fan. From old tour tee's to Machine Head patches on jackets, tonight was going to be a rare opportunity to catch the masters of modern era metal in the intimate setting of the Palace. Like an old reunion, the fans were more like family, and as much a part of the night as Machine Head were.
While material was predominately featured from Unto The Locust, the set wasn't without the old classics, with Aesthetics of Hate and Beautiful Mourning making appearances. Lead single Locust drew a huge response from the floor, culminating in a vicious circle pit that engulfed any who stood before it. As the band launched into Bulldozer, we moved to the top of the Palace's third level, we were able to witness the ferocity from above, where they soon demolished the stage with Ten Ton Hammer, a huge highlight of the night.
The energy Machine Head brings to the live venue is second to none. I've seen a hell of a lot of bands over the past few years, many who have given performances of greatness. But I can safely say that none have come as close in terms of intricacy, energy and power as Machine Head. You could literally feel the monstrous power fill the room with each earth-shattering chord, and as the band delve into Halo, and a final chapter of Davidian, it's clear that the reason Machine Head continue to reign over modern day metal is simple; they're a flawless, perfect live band.
Luke Sutton
Check out our photos from the night here!