THE ETERNAL

w/ Darker Half, A State of Flux & Divine Ascension

The Arthouse – Melbourne, 6th March, 2009.

***Click here for more photos***

My night’s proceedings were opened with an instrumental track from local band A State of Flux, starting the night on a high with an entertaining song that immediately showcased the musical prowess within the band. Joining in for the remainder of their set was vocalist Roni Shewan, with her jazz like female vocals voice that also range towards the higher operatic scale. These vocals contradicted the music in quite a large fashion, however given a few songs to properly adjust and appreciate them, the whole band actually worked very well together. However it was clear to me that the major highlight in the band was the drummer, who performed with outstanding rythmic brilliance.

Heading into this gig, one band who was of particular interest to me was the progressive thrash metal of NSW band Darker Half, who joined the gig as part of their East Coast Australian tour. Given the tag ‘progressive thrash’, I think I was expecting something ranging between Opeth’s cleaner sections and some classic Slayer… if that matchup is even logistically possible! What was presented however was a more power orientated metal attack, with plenty of guitar solos and the occasional heavier change up.

Playing their second or third gig in Melbourne since the release of their third full length, was local band The Eternal. Released late in 2008, the new album showcased middle eastern influences in the band’s trademark gothic/doom sound. (read review here http://metalobsession.net/the-eternal-kartika). Tonight the band played a longer set than previous gigs, and like usual it was thoroughly enjoyable. Highlights of the set were as always the new songs Blood, Means for an Ending and Silence, along with older songs such as Down, The Eternal and Hollow Inside, the latter of which was played for the first time ever to their Melbourne audience.

Review by Brendan Amos.
Photos by Jess Day and Anwar Rizk.