Review: Manny Bath
Photos @killer.solo.music
The night that I had waited for was finally here. After riding the emotional roller-coaster led by anxiety but fueled by excitement; it was time to let it all go and prepare as best I could for the carnage that only a band like Exhumed could bring.
After bracing for the wild, stormy weather; the drive to the venue was as smooth as a severed limb sliding off of a windshield. Everything seemed to fall into place as “Killer” and I found a park almost instantly. This meant that the hard part was over and we could enjoy what was to come.
Our early arrival gave me the chance to survey our surroundings and really soak in the atmosphere. As this was my first gig in quite some time; the aforementioned roller-coaster was in full swing.
We met with some of the other writers from Crannk magazine which led to something quite surprising; ascending the “Staff Only” staircase to catch a glimpse of an interview with none other than the headliners themselves; Exhumed. Killer snapped some candid shots and as we descended; the reality was setting in.
I could feel the tension within me while lining up. All the sights and sounds of the Ed Castle only added to the experience. There were some communication issues in regards to tickets which had me feeling like it was going to be all over before it began. As quickly as the dread had set in; it was gone! Everything was all sweet and we found our spots, Killer prone like a sniper ready to snap shots while I was in the perfect position for someone who wanted to be near enough to the action but not IN the action of the pit. I have learned the important lesson of pacing myself.
Thankfully, I had achieved a state of zen just in time for the opening act; Tzun Tzu. I instantly noticed the drummer wearing a “Dimmu Borgir” shirt which was a good sign that the double kicks were about to be delivered at an ungodly pace!
In the words of “JR” Jim Ross, “BAH GAWD!” was the only thought I could muster as soon as that first snare hit. The rollercoaster had shut down, I was covered in goosebumps and flooded with the familiar warm embrace that only live music could give.
Living up to their namesake; Tzun Tzu were masters of doing the unexpected and devised a sound that was a sheer wall of brutality which was only broken by seemingly tranquil moments of melody provided by samples of traditional Japanese instruments. The dual vocals added a layer of unique storytelling and contributed to the unexpected element as I wasn’t able to tell where and when the next vocal assault would come from.
After their set, I was left with the impression that their music would be what the ancient Samurai warriors would listen to before going into battle as it was a balanced mix of brutality and intricate traditional melody; much like how I imagine the psyche of a Samurai would be.
From Ancient Japan back to somewhere a little closer to home; the Spectral Doom metal band, Ashen, hailing from Perth were next. An eerie sample reminiscent of Darth Vader’s march set the tone for what was to come. However, it was cut short due to an abrupt, piercing scream delivered from the vocalist that instantly commanded respect and grabbed my attention immediately.
These guys stood out in their own way by combining elements of black metal inspiration with both slam-like and catchy riffs, some of which reminded me of Suicide Silence and Lamb Of God respectively, as well as drumbeats soaked in groove. Another notable example of the said drumbeats was during their 3rd song, which was a samba-style beat that caught me and others completely off guard.
Both of these bands put on incredible shows and I believed that, if the size of the venue permitted, circle pits would have been breaking out everywhere. They gained a new fan in me and hyped everyone up for the headliners even more than they already were.
Another quick intermission and it was time for the main attraction, the Gore Metal juggernauts themselves; Exhumed.
Where do I even begin?! I had briefly been introduced to these guys by a friend back in high school, which was a whole different lifetime ago. It felt like I was rediscovering this band all over again with fresh ears. What an absolute privilege and honor it was to be able to have that feeling!
The vibe was light-hearted at first as the band were having fun during their initial set up with the guitarists trading licks from other songs in other genres that were so far out from their sound, that it seemed comical in nature.
Once everything was dialed in, the tomfoolery gave way to an extreme onslaught of old school death metal. It was truly a thing of beauty. There were elements of thrash metal and guitar harmonies that would make Iron Maiden proud. This on top of all the guitarists doing vocal duties cemented the impression that the comradery within the band was high. Matt’s vocal endurance showcased an ability to hold screams and growls for lengths that would’ve made deathcore vocalists envious.
Another noteworthy ability that all the band members shared was their banter in-between songs and crowd work. From the introductions and segues into songs to the call and response to the crowd; it was a masterclass to say the least!
The band continued to tear through their set, blending an intricate mix of old and new. One particular song, “Enucleation” came with a nostalgic nod to concerts of a bygone era in the form of an inflatable eyeball being bounced in the chaotic push pit and back out through the crowd. It landed at my feet more than once and the struggle not to take it home was real. However, that would’ve been a real buzzkill and I volleyed it back without any further hesitation.
Inevitably as all good things must; the night was nearing it’s end. There was one last opportunity for the band to have some more fun and interact with the crowd. The bassist tried to amp us all up which led to some Napalm Death-like hijinks, with the band starting and stopping the last song rapidly twice.
Once we had reached our peak level of readiness to party, the band played their last song. I had been wanting to get involved in the push pit and the universe had intervened just at the right moment. Another crowd member pushed me into the action and I was glad to have not missed the opportunity for some movement.
As soon as it had began, it was all over. The band made their way through the crowd and back to the green room. I saw my chance to bow my head in praise, Wayne’s World style, to Matt. He returned my gesture with a clasped handshake and small hug. This small interaction had sealed the night and it felt like I was once again home.
A massive thank you to Killer for taking a chance on me.
Another huge thank you to all the bands for reminding me what I’ve been missing for so long and for putting on a show that won’t be forgotten any time soon.
