Mortal Sin Live At The Espy
If I had a complaint about the metal year so far it would be that I haven't seen enough heavy bands. Recently I had the chance to make amends when I saw Contrive and for the first time Mortal Sin.
With the usual gang either in other parts of the world or just not interested, I was joined by the mighty Chewbacca on my second trip to the Espy. I'm pleased to say it's a much better venue than I remember and I hope it won't be too long before I return.
I get inside to find an ordinary death metal band playing. Chewbacca was even less impressed so it was out to the bar. While there I tried to spread the word to get some more people to the gig without success. I go back to see an equally average death metal band on stage. Mercifully Anthony of Crimsonfire and Wez of Medusa rocked up, blokes I consider Australian metal royalty.
After what seemed an eternity the band finally finish. I talked away with the guys, hearing many amusing stories that helped me continue on the path of sobriety. Eventually I hear a band tuning up but I couldn't see the stage from where I was so I naively ask Wez if Contrive are about to play. He gives me the priceless response of "I'd say so because they're up there now." I did tell him I wasn't that stupid, and pondered how bloke humour could easily be seen as offensive by politically correct people. Luckily those people don't appear to have invaded the metal world.
Honestly when it came to Contrive I wasn't sure whether I was there for the music or to see the Haug boys. I'm relieved to say they're a quality band. I'm actually starting to know their songs reasonably well. As always Prosper was a highlight, but I also got right into By Way of Choice as I attempted (and failed) to scream out the chorus. This time though I liked Agitated most, it definitely left an impression as I found myself singing it for the next few days. With new material not far away I'm hopeful I won't have a long wait to see Contrive again.
For the next 20 minutes or so I became extremely paranoid. The schedule of the night was way behind to the point that I thought I'd need to leave during Mortal Sin's set, something that would have crushed me.
Finally Mortal Sin takes to the stage. Beginning with Blood, Death, Hatred they put on a fine display that I won't be forgetting in a hurry. Thrash is superb live and Mortal Sin executes it as well as anybody. Also the fans go nuts for every song. While common sense made me stay back I wouldn't have minded getting amongst the action. Sadly I was only familiar with the songs from An Absence Of Faith. Still this didn't stop me from getting into I Am Immortal and I will be making it my mission to get their back catalogue. Just when I thought it couldn't get any better a couple of girls started dirty dancing. I'm surrounded by some of my favourite blokes, I've got the Sinners tearing it up on stage and there's 2 hot chicks putting on a show. Certainly a case of sensory overload that is unlikely to be repeated.
I raced off straight after Mortal Sin. I had a brief chat with the Haug brothers but was out of there all too quickly. I dropped Chewbacca at DV8 and headed home. On the way I contemplated how I should have known more about Mortal Sin. Too many bands fly under the radar and I don't know why. I was also irritated that Mortal Sin isn’t supporting Testament in Melbourne when they are in Sydney. What a grave error in judgment that was by the promoters, a metal sacrilege.
