Club Phoenix - Saturday Mar 3

Rishathra and their logo-emblazoned crew are first to fill the Edward Street club in sound and spirit; the number of supporters had me wishing I had arrived in time for their set. However, I am in time for developing thrash-metallers Apex Null whose set struggles to switch into fourth. Some promising speedier riffing redeems late in the set with track From Inside, but I’m left craving a challenge.

As if on cue, Lynchmada emerge to unleash their furious stylings on a willing audience. Intimidatingly tight and full of energy, they’re more than worthy of recently received kudos. Closing track Reprise:Revenge is a fitting climax.

It’s about here everything goes awry. Five Star Prison Cell’s militant precision reacts violently with their unpredictable song structure. In launching their new album Slaves of Virgo the Melbournian experi-metal four-piece leave many in the audience dumbfounded by their torturously tight, frighteningly flippant, down-tuned grind. Obtuse: The Essence Of Indifference is a highlight from the new album, although they finish with a crowd fave Vexed (For Reasons Torn).

The aurally assaulting intro by Dead Letter Opener is a sign they’re no ordinary band; a point hammered home in their generically diverse set of avant-rock delicacies. With tracks ranging from rocking psychedelia to European black metal, I’m impressed by their mastery of each sound they touch on. A lack of momentum due to tech-trouble is my only gripe in an otherwise inspiring set.

JAMES STAFFORD

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