Metal Central Black Majesty and Anarion
I will go on to anyone who'll listen about Anarion. They are clearly the most underrated band in Australia. As much as their recent album Beneath It All has its charm their 2006 release Unbroken remains their standout moment. It will always be one of the greatest CDs recorded by an Australian band.
For whatever reason they don't have the following they deserve. News from them is always scarce and gigs are incredibly rare. So you can imagine how pleased I was when I found out Anarion were playing Metal Central. With Black Majesty on the bill too, expectations were high.
Being at least a couple of months between gigs it was pleasant to rock up and see plenty of regulars. The Central Club was actually as packed as I've ever seen it.
Surprisingly many people were there to see Anarion. When they started playing I couldn't get as close as I would have liked, which was kind of refreshing. Being eager to see them I was concerned they would not meet my hype. These fears were unwarranted as Anarion played a wonderful set spanning their career thus far. This was the first show with their new guitarist who was a welcome inclusion and not just because he brought his own entourage. He actually rivaled the frontman's enthusiasm on stage, which was a bonus because in the past I've thought the singer was the only one trying. Song wise New Eyes, Old Lies and Blind Mortality were metal perfection. I'd have to go with Persistance Of Hate as my favourite song of their set. It was also awesome to hear stuff from The Journey Begins an album I need to hunt down. Towards the end of their set Anarion's frontman hinted they would be playing more. Given how impressive they were this better be true, as I don't want to be waiting a year or so to see them again.
Before Black Majesty a door prize was awarded. Metal Central organisers Gary and Peter again delivered a short comedy routine, which could have gone on for hours, even if Gary did the unforgivable by criticising Megadeth. Sadly I didn't win anything, which I was absolutely filthy about.
I was in a much better position for Black Majesty, thank God. While the crowd seemed smaller, the atmosphere was incredible. The song Silent Company was stunning with the crowd going beserk. Another highlight was their singer John's scream as Forever Damned came to a close. As an added bonus Silvio Massaro of Vanishing Point came on stage for Colliding Worlds. If that wasn't enough Eyefear's Danny Cecati appeared for the closing song Guardian. Considering there have been fears surrounding Cecati's voice recently this was a special moment for the Melbourne metal scene.
Having missed the last couple of Metal Central's it was a relief to be back, particularly as this was the best one so far. While Black Majesty were brilliant, this night belonged to Anarion who gave me enough ammunition for me to continue to talk them up, not that I need any encouragement.
