Live Reviews : Atreyu + supports @ Corner Hotel, Melbourne 23/10/2016
Words: Bailey Graham
Photos: Luke Doddrell
(Click here to view the full gallery)
A decade has passed since Californian hardcore legends Atreyu had given Australian fans a headline show, and lucky Melbourne would be given the honour of hosting such an event. Currently supporting Bullet for My Valentine throughout their Australian dates, Atreyu’s one-off headline show was to commemorate the ten-year anniversary of their release A Death-Grip on Yesterday, and along for the ride were fellow Bullet for My Valentine support act Cane Hill and local legends Belle Haven, Jack the Stripper & Dregg.
Dregg’s unique hip-hop/hardcore crossover sound gave the slowly growing crowd a show that was truly something to behold. Despite their rather short twenty-minute set, Dregg owned the stage and gave the crowd a well-performed selection of groove-inspired hardcore tracks that left their mark on the audience. Fans were also treated to a killer cover of System of a Down’s ‘Sugar’, to add a final note to their impactful twenty minutes.
Melbourne’s math-metal veteran Jack the Stripper made their presence known within the first minute of their set. It was tonight where we see front man Luke Frizon make his final bout with his bandmates, as it was set to be his last. Frizon’s enthusiasm and general psychotic behaviour made for an incredible spectacle, with his desire to bust his head open with the microphone and throw his blood-covered body into the mosh pit being one of the most intense things I’ve ever seen at a live show. The crowd were enthralled by the band’s tight proficiency and general unpredictability, and so was I.
The final local band to hit the stage, Belle Haven amassed a gathering of loyal, dedicated fans towards the front of the stage for what was to be twenty-five minutes of pure enthusiasm. Despite several occasions where the vocals of David Vernon struggled to be overheard over the other instruments, the level of passion within Belle Haven’s personnel and their loyal fans showed me that this band is one with immense promise and potential.
As the curtains of the main stage open, there stands New Orleans’ own nu-metal heroes Cane Hill. Their unhinged, raw assault of the senses ensured that no one was left standing still. Vocalist Elijah Witts orchestrated the venue into completely carnage with an ever-growing pit of moshers forming before the band’s eyes, it was apparently they were doing something right. For Cane Hill, this may have been their first tour of Australia, but from the reception they received on the night, I can almost guarantee you that they’ll be back, and you can bet I’ll be there.
The promise had been kept, and fans could not have been happier. As Atreyu made their way onto the stage, ‘Creature’ opened the night for what was to be forty-five minutes of A Death-Grip on Yesterday in full. From the raw power of ‘Shameful’ to the long awaited ‘Ex’s and Oh’s’, Atreyu had the audience in the palms of their hands, as their near flawless sound laid waste to the hundreds of devout followers in the pit below. What could not be ignored was the level of vocal proficiency of front man Alex Varkatzas and drummer Brandon Saller, who seemed to be pitch perfect the entire night. The high-octane energy levels of the entire band only sought to drive the crowd into a bigger frenzy than what was already happening, and being on the front barrier the entire night, I could literally feel the passion from every single person that night.
After their performance of the album in full, Atreyu turned their attention to some of the more well-known tracks, and even some rarities. Fan favourites ‘Becoming the Bull’ and ‘Blow’ were obvious highlights of many people in the venue, whilst die-hards frothed over ‘Two Become One’ and their always-entertaining cover of Bon Jovi’s ‘You Give Love a Bad Name’. Closing their set with ‘Lip Gloss and Black’, Atreyu had left a mark on Melbourne that is sure to remain for many years to come.
It’s not often that the support act for a major touring band has such a following on their own to garner their own headline sideshow, but for a band like Atreyu to give fans the headline show they’ve been craving, is nothing short of incredible and noble. Local legends Dregg, Jack the Stripper & Belle Haven may have walked away with a legion of new fans thanks to their sublime performances. For Cane Hill, first impressions are everything, and what an impression they made, it goes without saying that Melbourne will be counting down the days for the Louisiana boys to return. As for Atreyu, I would only be repeating what has been said when I say that they Melbourne an arse-kicking that we will all struggle to recover from in the morning. There was much expectation in the way of knowing how the night’s proceedings were going to unfold for Atreyu, seeing as it was their first Australian headline show in ten years, but every hint of doubt was extinguished and replaced with a sublime performance that could only be described as europhic by those who enveloped themselves in the music.
About Bailey Graham
Latest News
-
Pioneering Aussie metal drummer Matt ‘Skitz’ announces 2021 national tour.
One of Australia’s pioneering metal drummers, Matt ‘Skitz’ Sanders (Damaged,...
- November 14, 2020
- 0
-
Be’lakor tease new album studio updates.
Melbourne’s Progressive Death Metal masters, Be’lakor has recently dropped new...
- November 14, 2020
- 0
-
Psycroptic release details of upcoming EP “The Watcher Of All”.
Tasmanian death metal masters, Psycroptic have unveiled their latest single...
- November 7, 2020
- 0
-
Chaos Divine releases their brand new album ‘Legacies’.
Perth progressive metal masters, Choas Divine has released their long-awaited...
- October 21, 2020
- 0
-
Tyr and Arkona reschedule Australian tour dates for 2021.
Overdrive Touring, the crew behind the upcoming Týr and Arkona...
- October 21, 2020
- 0
-
Heavy metal comedian, Steve Hughes releases debut solo album.
Australian comedian and heavy metal drummer, Steve Hughes has recently...
- October 21, 2020
- 0
-
In Malice’s Wake unleash ‘The Blindness of Faith’ music video.
Melbourne thrash icons, In Malice’s Wake, have unleashed their latest...
- September 25, 2020
- 0
-
Victorian premier, Dan Andrews announces $9 million live music venue grant.
Daniel Andrews, premier of Victoria has recently announced a $9...
- September 25, 2020
- 0
-
King Parrot release new single “Nor Is Yours” featuring Phil Anselmo.
King Parrot have released ‘Not Is Yours’, their latest single...
- September 22, 2020
- 0
-
Orpheus Omega release fan favourite playthrough videos.
Melbourne metallers Operhus Omega has been busy on social media...
- September 21, 2020
- 0
Like us on Facebook
Album Reviews
-
El Colosso – Forgotten Ancestors
Another heavily underrated local act, this Melbourne band has...
- Posted 4 years ago
-
Markus Saastamoinen – Puzzle Pieces
A little background on Markus Saastomoinen: he is a...
- Posted 4 years ago
-
Plini – Impulse Voices
The new album from Sydney instrumental guitar prodigy Plini...
- Posted 4 years ago
-
HJELVIK – Welcome to Hel
Ex-Kevelertak frontman Erlend Hjelvik is about to open the...
- Posted 4 years ago