One of the questions I asked all 10 bands at Metal United Down Under in Port Pirie was, “Give me your thoughts on the concept of MUDU.”
The overwhelming response was a positive one, with every band having their own take on the day. But I had my own thoughts, my own ideas on what a day like Saturday really means for metalheads and bands alike.
You have to understand, most metalheads are fans of metal too. Not all, but certainly a good percentage of them. The overall feeling I get from days like Saturday is one of brotherhood, mateship or even perhaps, extended family.
Having spent almost all of my time either with, or around the bands, I got to have a peek behind the curtain. A privilege I don’t take lightly and one that I have to pinch myself sometimes to make sure I was really doing the things I’ve been up to the last year or so.
So, here’s my take on the day.
Fucking awesome day.
From start to finish, from the first band, Day Late Dollar Short, to the headlining band, Nembutolik, every single band gave a performance worthy of high praise.
Just about every band was a rural band, not a city band. Putting on a show like MUDU in the Iron Triangle is important to the country metal community. And bands came from far and wide too. Ceduna, Albury, Bendigo, Whyalla, Port Augusta and of course Port Pirie, just to name a few.
Metal is in their blood, and they want to play as many shows as they can get, which can be difficult coming from remote areas. So, when an opportunity like MUDU comes up, of course you’re going to play, and every band killed it. Fucking smashed their sets out of the proverbial park.
But it’s not only about the bands.
The fans turned up in force before the first band came on, swarming into Phoenix Park early to make sure they could take in an entire day of the most diverse metal in the country. This day meant as much to them as it did to the bands, and that kindred energy fed a night of utter chaos, in the best way possible.
The line-up was incredible.
Day Late Dollar Short started the day with a bang, bringing the energy early, followed by Alterdrive, who, after being called up last minute to fill in, kicked it up a notch, rocking like a band possessed.
Knaw brought their own sick style to the stage before Greedy Bunch of Parasites took things to the next fucking level. Discompose were simply riotous before Suffer The Evenue made their local stage their own with their unique sound, style and stage show.
These guys are an absolute blast every time I’ve seen them. Suffer The Evenue are a must for anyone who gets the opportunity to catch them at their upcoming shows. And check out my interview with them, I promise you, you will piss your pants laughing!
Arkangel are a force to be reckoned with. Fierce, devastating and heavy as fuck, Arkangel are going to be huge in the very near future. Check them out at their very own festival, Arkfest, in Albury in just a few days, on May 30th.
Shameless plug for you, boys!
Whyalla’s heaviest metal slayers, Seek Misery, fucking killed it. FUCKING KILLED IT! Stomping the stage into oblivion, they played a set that would get high praise from all corners of the world.
Just brilliant, fellas!
Bringing the night to a brilliant end was the lively Life Pilot and the deathly howls of Nembutolik. Life Pilot were as dynamic as any band I’ve seen this year. Catchy riffs and vivacity to boot. A treat for the senses.
And finally, topping off the night, was a band that played a train station in North Adelaide the night before. The nefarious necromancy of Nembutolik. Menacingly heavy and ready to shred the rest of the night away.
To be honest, it was a pity MUDU had to end. I don’t think anybody wanted to leave. It was one of those nights, but all good things must come to an end. It’s unfortunate, but true.
MUDU wasn’t just a festival up north, it’s a mainstay of metal in the Iron Triangle.
Each year it has grown and showcased some of the best metal Australia has to offer, and it’s only going to get bigger and bigger because the local and rural metal scenes are bursting at the seams with talent.
Thanks to False Flag Promotions and Dan Pearse in particular, the Port Pirie leg of MUDU is here to stay, and only promises to grow in the next few years.
To sum it all up, great night, brilliant bands and fun times with our metal family and friends.
What more could you want?!
