Metal Central Black Majesty and Cell
It took until February for me to get to my first gig of 2011. I almost went 2 months without seeing a band, which is disgraceful. The saving grace though was that the first gig of the year would be Metal Central, Melbourne's latest monthly event. With 2010 having very few local gigs this was the perfect way to start the metal year.
Only in Melbourne could we suffer through the hottest week of the summer and then face heavy rain when it was time to leave. Actually heavy was putting it mildly as many areas were flooding. I arrive at the Central Club to find it had flooded earlier in the evening. Thankfully this would not prevent the night from going on.
Once settled inside it was like a family reunion as I caught up with people I hadn't seen for months.
Cell took to the stage first. This band have been talked up like you wouldn't believe so I was keen to see them for the first time. To say they lived up to the hype would not do them justice. Given they have only played a handful of gigs made their performance remarkable. Struggling to think of who Cell sounded like it was suggested they were reminiscent of Dominci (thanks Shane) and I certainly agree. Drummer Glenn Roche was without doubt the star of the show with his rotating drum kit and a solo that left most of the crowd speechless. He is clearly enjoying the freedom he has in Cell.
Headlining the night was Black Majesty. They get better every time I see them. Their set covered their career quite well and I'm sure no one was disappointed. Favourite songs on the night were Further Than Insane, Tomorrowland and Forever Damned. For moments you couldn't beat vocalist John Cavaliere's scream as Fall of the Reich came to an end.
After some brief words from organisers Gary and Peter Black Majesty returned with the Iron Maiden classic Flight of Icarus. This was a popular choice as the place went crazy as soon as it began.
Metal Central got off to a tremendous start. After the first one the first Friday of the month is already the most important date on the calendar.
