The Arena - Fri Jun 20

Despite a moment of technical failing, Sydney death metallers Synperium announce the new track Stormchaser and manage to convey how adept they are at writing songs that are as malicious as they are technical.

Those gathered on the far left wing upstairs at The Arena enjoy a strategic view of the stage, which is within a quick dash of the bar, and exists as an alternative to being squashed against the barrier. Appropriately bloody lighting diffuses the entrance of drummer Jaska Raatikainen, lead guitarist/vocalist Alexi Laiho, rhythm guitarist Roope Latvala, bassist and backing vocalist Henkka Blacksmith, and keyboardist Janne Warman. This is how Children Of Bodom, the internationally acclaimed Finnish melodic power/death metal act greet the Arena’s hordes of fans. Although renditions of songs from Follow The Reaper, Are You Dead Yet? and Blooddrunk leave an impression, the keyboard and vocals are not amplified to their advantage. This detracts from key moments in songs, blatantly obvious in Warman’s late keyboard ostinato on Banned From Heaven. While sweating it out under the lighting, the Bodom members are as engaging as their reputation implies. However, in comparison to Amon Amarth’s sound at the same venue, I’d say the Swedes had a less grimy run of it.  

ASH JONES

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