Metal In Oz

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It's been a decent period between gigs, which is upsetting. It is even longer since I've written a review, which is disgraceful.

To somewhat make up for it I wasn't just going to a gig, I was off to a festival. The Metal Masta Rock Festival to be precise. As much as it wasn't Sweden Rock, 2 of my favourite local bands were on the bill and I was convinced that the atmosphere of Melbourne Knights Stadium would be an experience in itself.

The night didn't begin well when the car wouldn't start. Thankfully a taxi arrived quickly and I was on my way. I rocked up to find a mate carrying guitars for Medusa, which made me proud and jealous at the same time.

Medusa were the first band I saw. This was almost the best performance I've seen from them. I mean I've always enjoyed their cut to the chase style of metal. Nowadays though they are bringing more diversity into their music and the results are mind blowing. I wasn't the only one impressed because they were well received by the crowd. Here's hoping that Medusa's new album will be out this year.

Divine Fury were up next. What a let down. Having seen this band far too often, I had low expectations and I was still disappointed. They are nothing special and had absolutely no place coming on after Medusa.

Vanishing Point had everything. Brilliant music, flares and the fear of a fire on a couple of occasions. Song wise there were no real surprises, which was a shame. For mind though they are the benchmark for metal in this country. My only wish is that I never find myself choking at one of their gigs from smoke ever again.

I hung around for a while afterwards and it was a good thing I did. I added to my Medusa collection when Wez their bassist/frontman gave me his beanie. Bizarrely I was also discussing the possibility of me providing backing vocals on their next album. This is why I don't drink because I'm quite capable of talking rubbish without alcohol. Soon after I left to a Sydney cover band butchering The Scorpions.

This was a quality night of metal and with the proceeds supporting Canteen, a worthwhile event. It should happen every year.

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June 8th 2009 @ 05:26

Posted By: Lachlan McLeod - Category: No Category

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Eyefear Live At The Espy

It was a day of record heat, then bushfires broke out threatening some friends homes, I really should have had more to eat and for many reasons I wasn't as organised as I'd like to be. Without doubt the worst preparation for a gig ever, however it didn't stop me from seeing Eyefear. After all they were launching their new effort The Unseen and considering how much I rated their previous album launch for A World Full of Grey I knew it couldn't be missed.

Obviously metalheads were suffering more from withdrawal symptoms than the heat, because the Espy was packed. The usual suspects were there and all were in agreement that it had been too long between gigs.

Somehow I managed to be there for In Malices Wake. This was not planned as I've seen them plenty of times and never been that impressed. Surprisingly I did find myself enjoying their set this time. Maybe their old school thrash is growing on me or maybe I was that desperate to see a gig that anyone would have sounded decent. Whatever it was I thought that their instrumental again went well and Metallica's Metal Militia was a nice inclusion.

Kicking off with Illusions from The Unseen, Eyefear displayed what an amazing band they are. Simply they're progessive/power metal at its finest. Their performance had plenty of highlights. Frontman Danny Cecati's screams during Lost Within alone were worth the price of admission as was the track Searching for Forgiveness. The defining moment though had to be Always Reasons, which saw a violinist join them on stage.

As superb as they were Eyefear did not eclipse previous album launch for A World Full of Grey. This set was nowhere near as comprehensive and there was no Breathe Again. Having said all that I don't believe there's a band out there right now that does this music any better than Eyefear.

This night came and went very quickly. Thankfully the metal was well worth seeing because this gig will forever be associated with the tragedies that occurred. There has been more than enough written about that but I will say that the words "every morning is a victory" now have greater meaning.

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March 14th 2009 @ 15:29

Posted By: Lachlan McLeod - Category: No Category

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Metal Reflections 2008

2008 was one of the best years in metal in the short time I've been involved in following the greatest music in the world. Looking back it's unbelievable to think what bands I saw. At least 7 of the gigs I witnessed were acts that ranked highly on my list of bands I wanted to see. Like everybody else though I'm going to start with my favourite albums of the year.

Top 10 Albums

Soulfly Conquer
Mercenary Architect Of Lies
Testament The Formation Of Damnation
Motorhead Motorizer
Motley Crue Saints Of Los Angeles
ACDC Black Ice
Firewind The Premonition
The Screaming Jets Do Ya
Dominici O3 A Trilogy Part III
Judas Priest Nostradamus

I must confess that I didn't buy nearly enough albums last year although I can't imagine I would have found anything better than Soulfly's Conquer. It was the standout album and I don't even consider myself a fan of theirs. Mercenary and Testament delivered some of their finest work to date and I thought either one would be my top choice earlier in the year. The rest is mostly made up of albums from bands that many felt were over the hill. Motorhead just continue on with the strong releases, Motley Crue surprised me with a stunning return to form, ACDC and The Screaming Jets again showed what true Australian rock is and Judas Priest put out an epic album that even they underrated.

Best Live Performances

Saxon
Iron Maiden
Vanishing Point
Rage Against The Machine
Amon Amarth
Helloween
Mortal Sin
Judas Priest
The Angels
Crimsonfire
Ozzy Osbourne
Def Leppard
WASP
Cheap Trick
Divine Ascension
Contrive

I was conflicted about not having Iron Maiden in top spot seeing as how they're my favourite band and they were phenomenal on both nights I saw them. Honestly though Saxon could not be topped and I'm sure the few of us who got to see them would agree. They played the most comprehensive set with stacks of memorable moments. Vanishing Point were outstanding all 4 times I saw them with their final show in Australia for the year being an absolute classic. For insanity Rage Against The Machine were the winners without doubt. They were amazing and well and truly lived up to the hype. Lastly I'll talk about the fathers of power metal Helloween. I loved them and I'll always remember them because I seemed to enjoy their performance more than my mate who was the one that got me into them.

Best All Round Gigs

Screaming Symphony Benefit Show
Vanishing Point/Divine Ascension/Vampora
Helloween/Vanishing Point/Black Majesty
Iron Maiden Night 2
Mortal Sin/Contrive
WASP Night 2
Saxon/Black Majesty/Lord
Iron Maiden Night 1
WASP Night 1
Def Leppard/Cheap Trick

I again stress the importance of recognising what a perfect night of metal is. It has to be the full experience. Killer bill, surrounded by mates new and old where you end up with memories that will last a lifetime. This was the Screaming Symphony Benefit Show. I'm pleased to have a local gig in top spot even if it was an easy selection. Check out my reviews if you want more information as to why these were the gigs of the year.

Worst Live Performances

Faster Pussycat
Sevendust
Lauren Harris

Going in I knew little about Faster Pussycat and I didn't see anything that made me want to check them out further. A very average band that I thought would have impressed me. I've always loathed Sevendust while Lauren Harris is just not that interesting.

Most Disappointing Live Act

Dream Theater

I will never get over Dream Theater's performance. I am a big fan of the band and was anxious to see them. I don't feel that way now. Allegedly they played for 3 hours and yet they didn't play anywhere near enough of there well known songs. This would be ridiculous at the best of times, with it being their first trip to Australia it was practically unforgivable. Their ending of a medley that amounted to nothing when they could have played Pull Me Under or Metropolis will haunt me for years.

Top Discoveries

Divine Ascension
Damnation's Day
Nothing
Journey
Cheap Trick
Dokken/Lynch Mob
Leverage

Every year bands grab my attention for the right reasons and this year there were plenty of new discoveries. Divine Ascension were the real find and this wasn't all due to their frontwoman. They are an awesome band who I can't wait to see again. As usual a couple of bands presented themselves who I should have known more about. This year it was Journey and Cheap Trick who are both tremendous hard rock bands.

If 2009 is half as good we are set for another excellent year of metal, bring it on.

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February 3rd 2009 @ 05:37

Posted By: Lachlan McLeod - Category: No Category

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The Screaming Jets - Do Ya

It's been a time for albums to come out that many thought would never see the light of day. ACDC's Black Ice was released to rave reviews and has topped the charts worldwide ending a long period of inactivity from the hard rock legends. What has gone unnoticed is that another Australian band is back on the scene

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January 2nd 2009 @ 08:05

Posted By: Lachlan McLeod - Category: No Category

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Def Leppard Live At Rod Laver Arena

I love Def Leppard, I can admit it. In fact I argue with those who criticise the band for their pop tendencies. I believe Pyromania belongs in every CD collection, and when you throw in High N Dry and Hysteria you see that Def Leppard have a strong legacy of rock. So obviously I was delighted to be going to their concert, which had been well overdue

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December 8th 2008 @ 06:49

Posted By: Lachlan McLeod - Category: No Category

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Mortification - Live Humanitarian

I would not want to trade my metal collection with anyone. Still it has many weaknesses. For example I only have one Mortification album, which is something I need to change. I know that will take me some time so it was nice to be sent their new Live Humanitarian DVD to tie me over

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November 22nd 2008 @ 13:30

Posted By: Lachlan McLeod - Category: No Category

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Vanishing Point Live At The Corner Hotel

As Geelong will tell you going back to back is difficult to do. I know I try to avoid it. Still despite struggling after Testament, I found myself out again the very next night. That's because Vanishing Point were playing and there's no way I could miss that.

This was the fourth time I'd be seeing them this year and yet I anticipated something special. On the other occasions I've seen Vanishing Point in 2008 they've played in bigger venues when supporting other bands. On this night they were back at the Corner, which is where I prefer them to play

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November 3rd 2008 @ 01:44

Posted By: Lachlan McLeod - Category: No Category

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Tatts Far From Beaten

You would think that at this stage of their career Rose Tattoo would be slowing down. If they are, you wouldn't know it given their recent activity

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October 18th 2008 @ 18:22

Posted By: Lachlan McLeod - Category: No Category

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Testament Live At The Hi-Fi Bar

Testament was my favourite gig last year. The night had a quality bill and contained several memories that I'll carry for the rest of my life. They must have enjoyed themselves too because I recently saw them again

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October 18th 2008 @ 16:52

Posted By: Lachlan McLeod - Category: No Category

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Judas Priest Live At Hisense Arena

It had been around 2 months since I attended a gig and I was definitely suffering withdrawal symptoms. As much as the hiatus seemed like torture, I knew my next metal adventure would make me forget all about it

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October 7th 2008 @ 02:41

Posted By: Lachlan McLeod - Category: No Category

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June 2009

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March 2009

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February 2009