Underage fans have been turned away at the door during Sunday night’s Opeth’s Brisbane All Ages show after Liquor Licensing Division revoked the Arena’s all ages license just days before the concert was scheduled. Many under-18 fans were unaware of the recent license revocation, arriving at the venue to either find out while standing in the queue, or when they were turned away by security guards at the door.

The Arena usually separates the venue into 18+ and all ages sections for an all ages event, but a recorded statement on The Arena’s main contact number announced the licensing change meant under 18s would not be able to attend.

“Due to licensing constraints, (the) Opeth function has been changed to 18+, Under 18s are no longer allowed to attend this event.” the recorded statement said.

The concert was advertised months in advance as Opeth’s only all ages show, and online ticket vendor Ticketek was still showing under 18 tickets on sale, at the same time as Under 18 ticket holders were being turned away at the door.

Online tickets were also on sale at oztix.com.au, but a notice there showed the gig had been changed to 18+ only, and advised ticket holders to “return to point of purchase for a full refund”.

The Liquor Licensing Division could not be contacted for comment.

Source: The Courier Mail

When I read the press release and saw that “In Flames mastermind” Jesper Strömblad and Soilwork’s Naidel Antonsson were on this album it really lowered my expectations. To put it bluntly, the more recent material from both of those bands puts me to sleep. Well, I was pleasantly surprised when the opening moments of “He Who Shall Not Bleed” got my head moving. Dimension Zero have the aggression and power that those two other bands are now missing.

This album is essentially Gothenburg-inspired melodic death metal, with a slight air of thrash. It’s a tad more aggressive than many bands of the genre which is good, but unfortunately it still suffers from one of the key problems with this genre – a lack of variety. Most of the tracks here are very enjoyable individually, but trying to tell the songs apart is a different situation. Luckily this album isn’t too long, clocking in at just over the half hour mark. The tracks are generally short too with the longest track barely scraping the 4 minute mark, although this doesn’t really make any difference because you could blend half of the songs together and they’d still sound like single tracks anyway.

“He Who Shall Not Bleed” kicks it into full throttle right from the start with some of the heaviest stuff here but with surprisingly a surprisingly catchy chorus. There are a few of these hidden throughout the album, you don’t notice them at first but they get you eventually. The band then power through a couple more tracks that are very similar to the opener, just not quite as powerful. “Hell Is Within” begins with an uncanny resemblance to older  material before going back to sounding like the rest of the album. Really, the only track that offers something greatly different is the closer “Way to Shine”. It’s slower and much more melodic than the rest of the album and even drops down to just clean guitars and almost-whispering vocals at times which sounds great. It’s quite easily the most interesting track and the only one that really stood out as being well written rather than sticking to genre stereotypes.

One thing in particular that bugged me through the whole album was the drums. Now I’ve already said that the album features little variety, and metal drums can often be a bit uninteresting, but the drums throughout this album were so bland and so damn repetitive that it bugged the hell out of me. I couldn’t help but pay attention to how standard they were and it almost ruined the songs for me.

Look, this album offers nothing new, it’s Gothenburg-inspired melodic death metal with a bit more intensity than normal. It’s nothing special, but not bad. If you’re a big fan of the genre then there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy this, but if not then look elsewhere. 5.5/10

For fans of: In Flames, At The Gates, Soilwork, Arch Enemy.

Band: Dimension Zero
Album: He Who Shall Not Bleed
Year: 2008
Genre: Melodic Death Metal
Label: Vic Records
Origin: Sweden
www.myspace.com/dimensionzerometal

Track listing:
1. He Who Shall Not Bleed
2. Unto Others
3. A Paler Shade of White (A Darker Side of Black)
4. Hell Is Within
5. Red Dead Heat
6. I Can Hear the Dark
7. Going Deep
8. Is
9. Deny
10. The Was
11. Way to Shine <- Reviewers choice

Reviewed by Mean Machine

INTERVIEW WITH DOUBLE DRAGON (SA) – September 2008.

With their debut release blending the sounds of the Gothenburg Death and New Wave of American Death Metal, from my perception here in Melbourne, Double Dragon could easily be considered one of the leaders of the Adelaide scene, and even of the Australian scene. I recently caught up with vocalist Lee Gardiner to talk about the new album, recent lineup changes and the band’s appearance at the upcoming Against The Grain Festival in Adelaide.

MO: Can you please introduce Metal Obsession.net readers to yourself and the band?
Double Dragon: Hey, my name is Lee Gardiner and I am the vocalist for Adelaide band, Double Dragon. Cheers for the kind words!

MO: Tell us about how the band came into being? And a question I know a lot of bands don’t really like answering, but I’ll as it nonetheless! Using 3 different band names, how would you describe Double Dragon?
Double Dragon: I hate this question, but seeing my boss Is away today I will tell you the entire story.

Around five years ago ( I think ) I was playing in another band called ‘The Undamynd’,  we had planned to break up and organised our last ever show, anyways we had our last show booked and because The Undamynd guys were all based in Brisbane it was a last minute scramble to find a rehearsal room and get some practice in before the show. After trying just about every rehearsal studio in Adelaide we finally got in this real dump of a joint, called Boogie Joints, in downtown industrial Winfield ( South Australia ).

We started jamming for our last show, when after about two songs we realised we didn’t have any weed so we decided to go and ask the weird looking band next door called Double Dragon, to see if we could buy a bud off them as we smelt hooch outside. Because The Undaymnd dudes were complete pussies, they gave me the money and the task of approaching ‘the weird wigger looking dudes’ for some green. I did - only to be told by Roady (DD guitars) “Nah man, we don’t have any” (he had a fucken bong in his hand). Rather pissed off, I replied, “alright then- no worries” when Double D’s former Roady/Merch guy/Driver Sime was like, “Here man I got some weed” so I took it, still pissed off at these smarmy motherfuckers was like no worries, we will play you some Pantera to listen too during your break.. So my old band The Undamynd played Pantera’s “A New Level”, fast as fuck and nasty as hell to try and intimidate Double Dragon.

Little did I know was Double Dragon were actually next door auditioning vocalists,  and after hearing a few songs they got in contact with me and asked me to try out, which I politely declined as I was still sore that they wouldn’t sell us any green. After about The Undamynds last show I was about to leave when I saw all the Double Dragon guys, who came to the show and was like “That was your first Audition”. At the time I was like, whatever fellas , but after a few weeks of talking and getting to know Dan (drums) and Jase (bass) and developing a friendship with them I thought why not I will check out this band with the stupid fucken name.

I remember driving to the first jam, back at Boogie Joints getting bitten by three inch mosquitoes, meeting everyone and being told to just watch for this jam and maybe work some shit out for next time. Within about 1 minute of hearing Moif and Roads play together, I picked up the mic and just went for it, and since that day we became Double Dragon, wrote some songs and began our journey.

MO: With 2 EP releases and a full length (Devastator released earlier in 2008) under the band’s belt, how has the reaction to your music been from both fans and critics?
Double Dragon: So far it’s been really good, we have only had one review so far (from Metal Obsession - click here to read) and we are happy with that. As for our fans, they all seem to be getting into it; we have had a lot of love on Triple J’s Full Metal Racket which is always a positive sign. Because of some of the Adelaide shows we have had to play just to pay the bills from recording we haven’t really had the chance to tour nationally yet, but we are in talks at the moment our booking agent Soundworks and a national tour will definitely be happening sometime this year, which will bring more reviews etc so after then I would be able to answer that question properly.

The music we play always seems to incite bullshit talk about are we ‘metalcore” or ‘hardcore’ which is funny too us as we are probably the biggest metal head bogan stoners walking the streets, but these days if your not playing blast beats your going to get that, so be it.

MO: You have recently parted way with a founding member – guitarist Ben ‘Moif’ Murphey – how did the band go about finding the replacement guitarist James Cunningham?
Double Dragon: Well James just kind of stumbled across us, Ben had announced he was leaving the band, but he was still playing on the album, so we were in weird place where in the studio we were still Double Dragon, firing on all cylinders but outside of their we had no guitarist and a possible Soilwork Tour there for the taking if we could find someone in time. We really didn’t have time to audition and all that shit when a lot of us were still recording our tracks for the album, James had gear, time the right attitude so we gave him a show.

MO: And just in the past few days, word out of the Double Dragon camp is that James is no longer with the band. any word on yet another new guitarist?
Double Dragon: Unfortunately, after Moif ripped up the solos on the album like a motherfucker, we couldn’t afford to spend the time getting James up to speed, and the pressure on him to perform from us, and what he was putting on himself was causing all kinds of negative energy within the band, on stage, and on our sound. After our last Adelaide show with James we knew it wasn’t working out like we had planned and then our new guitarist popped out of no where, told us that he had been getting private lessons from Ben and if he could nail our set would he get the gig… He nailed the fuck out of it and we are very excited to be playing our next show, Against The Grain Festival with him.. I can’t ruin the surprise but our friends and fans are going to love the newest addition to Double Dragon!

MO: The band is signed to Adelaide based label Truth Inc Records, also home to Truth Corroded, Black Like Vengeance + a few more – how has the support been from them?
Double Dragon: Yeah always good. I actually do a lot of work for the label so in a way we its good because we have a lot of control in all the shit we do, and what we want to do, and Jason and Greg ( founders ) are always supportive of anything we put too them. In many ways Truth Corroded and Double Dragon are the old hacks now of Truth Inc records, with the bands being very close friends, and it is through this friendship I believe that has spawned things like Truth Inc Records and Against the Grain Festival.

MO: And your set to plays leading Australian Metal Festival AGAINST THE GRAIN IV in Adelaide on September 13th, surely you’re looking forward to that. Can the fans expect anything special, and what other bands at the festival are you excited about seeing live?
Double Dragon: Against The Grain for me personally is like Christmas Day. Jason (Truth Corroded) started this Festival four years ago, we both have spent countless hours of planning and all the other bullshit that goes with it, promo, shooting the traditional YouTube Joshy Tv Ad (check it out @ www.myspace.com/atgfest) and on that special day in September when the crème of the crop of metal bands are playing in my backyard, with all my friends and family around, it’s a fucking awesome day to attend, play and be involved in. Having a hand in choosing the line up, I can safely say I am looking forward to seeing all the bands, this years line up really has no weakness, from the first band Asphyxia whose album is going great guns with lots of killer reviews from all around the world, to seeing Truth Corroded destroy like always, or the twin headlines Psycroptic and Bloodduster, its going to fucken SLAYYYYYYYYYY! The only thing that will top this is next years Against the Grain, which we want to make bigger and better again, but I think we will wait to recover from this one before we dive in the next one.

MO: And on that note, the scene here in Australia is coming along stronger by the day, what currently active Aussie bands do you think deserve much more attention from Metal fans worldwide?
Double Dragon: Most definitely. But that in itself is pretty much impossible when the Australian Music Industry does pretty much FUCK ALL for metal. When you consider the pool of talented within the musicians of our genre, the shows we all play, the countless hours of kilometres travelled to play in Australia,.. Metal definitely gets overlooked in terms of airplay and Aria’s. I mean, look at Australian hip hop.. that gets big love from Triple J and now some artists can at least pay for their travel.. Why the fuck can’t they support metal bands? I mean sure they have Full Metal Racket which is great.. By not push some Aussie metal during the day and let the public know that this amazing scene full of amazing musicians actually exists??? It really fucks me off when I think about it but also gives Truth Inc Records a big challenge in trying to bring Australian metal to a different audience.

MO: Any plans in the making for future releases? If so, when can we expect something new from the band?
Double Dragon: Definitely, with all the bullshit with Devastator, losing members all that stuff, we are pumped to get into the new stuff. We are already a few songs into the new album and we really want to have some pre production finished by the end of the year.

MO: And finally, do you have any last words to the Metal Obsession readers?
Double Dragon: Yeah… keep on supporting Metal Obsession it’s a great site, keep on supporting Australian metal and always requests local metal bands EVERYWHERE and we will see you on the road very soon!

MO: Thanks alot for your time!
Double Dragon: No, thankyou!

Given the relative size of each genre in the Australian music market, it could well be said that heavy metal is dominating the charts this week. For the first time ever for both band and label, Slipknot and Roadrunner Records Australia are celebrating the number 1 position with Slipknot’s latest album titled ‘All Hope Is Gone’. This effort eclipsed the band’s previous best on the Australian charts - #2 for their two releases in 2002 and 2004.

Also sneaking into the top 20 this week with their latest album is UK power metallers Dragonforce with their latest album ‘Ultra Beatdown’ also released via Roadrunners Australian branch. Check out a review of this album here on Metal Obsession by clicking here.

And after nearly 3 months in the top 20, Disturbed have only just missed another week there, reaching the 23rd position for sales in the past week. This has been an extraordinary display from the American metallers and their album ‘Indestructible’, which debuted at number 1 before being knocked off by Coldplay’s Viva La Vida which currently holds the #4 ranking. Expect another rise for Disturbed though, with an Australian tour currently taking place expected to drive further sales.

Other notable metal albums in the charts include:

Slipknot - All Hope Is Gone (#1)
Diesel - Days Like These (#17)
Dragonforce - Ultra Beatdown (#19)
Disturbed - Indestructible (#23)
Metallica - The Black Album (#41)
AC/DC - T.N.T (#42)
Disturbed - The Sickness (#47)
Disturbed - Ten Thousand Fists (#49)

Australian Progressive Metal band VANISHING POINT have announced a ‘Farewell Show’ in Melbourne as the band prepares to head across to Europe to join the 19-stop ‘Sonata Arctica European Tour 2008′.

The band’s Melbourne farewell show - scheduled to take place on September 27th at The Corner Hotel in Richmond, will also feature local acts Divine Ascension and Vampora. Doors open at around 8pm and entry is just $15.

The European tour will be in support of the band’s fourth studio album titles ‘The Fourth Season’, released just over a year ago via German label Dockyard 1.

Click here to read a Metal Obsession review of Vanishing Point’s latest album.

Adelaide’s DOUBLE DRAGON has parted ways with guitarist James Cunningham due to “personal issues.” Cunningham replaced original lead guitarist Ben “Moify” Murphy and did not record any tracks with the band.

Drummer Dan Busch states “The whole Jimmy thing not working out has cost us some time, but at least it gives us time to bolster our lineup and practice hard so we can get back to playing kick-ass shows to the standard that DOUBLE DRAGON supporters have come to expect over the last few years. Our subpar perfomances of late has been unacceptable and the new guy we are playing with gives justice to Moif’s ‘Devastator’ legacy.”

DOUBLE DRAGON’s new guitarist, whose identity has not yet been revealed, will make his live debut with the group at Australia’s biggest metal festival, Against The Grain IV, followed by a support slot with legendary metal gods CARCASS.

DOUBLE DRAGON’s new album, “Devastator“, was released in July via Truth Inc Records. The CD was recorded in Adelaide, Australia with producer Ian “E-dog” Miller, and is the follow-up to DOUBLE DRAGON’s debut EP, “Scars Of Fire“.

American metallers Slipknot recieved their first ever Australian #1 debut with their fourth studio album titled “All Hope Is Gone“. This was also Roadrunner Records Australia’s first ever chart-topper, so it’s understandable they couldn’t resist a gleeful swipe at the opposition.

They crowed: “‘All Hope Is Gone” didn’t just inch over the line but absolutely decimated the competition, outselling their closest rival in the #2 spot 3 to 1 and 2 to 1 on the digital charts where they have also claimed the #1 spot.”

Slipknot’s attack on the top of the charts is no fluke. They have debuted twice in the #2 position on the ARIA chart in the past: in 2002 with “IOWA” and again in 2004 with “Volume 3: The Subliminal Verses”. The band tours here in October with labelmates Machine Head.

Thanks: www.TheMusic.com.au

Sacrifire – Died Alive (EP – 2008)

A live recording of their debut show, Bendigo’s Sacrifire offers to the gods a raw 4 song thrash/death attack. Firstly it must be said that given it’s their debut live show as a band, they have nailed their sound surprisingly well. The band had by this stage clearly spent many an hour in the band room tightening up their sound, combine this with the live mix of pretty good standard; it bodes well for a good listen.

There are many different influences incorporated on this EP. Some of the guitar melodies are clearly inspired by the Gothenburg scene, where other riffs more directly relate to the American Thrash scene. Then we have double kicks and cymbal work reminiscent of Grindcore.

The vocal performance by front man Simon White on this recording may have suffered from being recorded in a live situation, however at times he sounds like ex-Arch Enemy vocalist Johan Axelsson or At The Gates’ Tomas Lindberg, especially when those melodic riffs are used. Lyrically the band has drawn inspiration from George Orwell’s masterpiece titled ‘Nineteen Eighty Four’.

I guess after reading back on what I’ve just written, it could be said that Sacrifire offer little more than a At The Gates cover album, but I think this would being giving an injustice to the band as the influences they have used aren’t simply ‘At The Gates’. A moment of wailing baby scream guitars really irritated me, but on the whole a band that could easily gain a strong following in the local scene.

For fans of: At the Gates, early-Arch Enemy

Band: Sacrifire
Album: Died - Alive
Year: 2008
Genre: Melodic Death
Label: Self-Released
Origin: Bendigo, Australia
http://www.myspace.com/sacrifire

Track Listing
1. Reset the Tripwire
2. Choke on the Cyanide
3. (A Lovely Dose Of) Murder Fluid <- Reviewer’s Choice
4. Death of a Day

Reviewed by Brendan Amos

Yet another band to add to the busy end of the heavy metal year, with Swedish Thrash band THE HAUNTED scheduling a number of Australian tour date for this coming November.

The tour will be in support of the band’s 6th studio album titled ‘Versus’, due out in mid-September through Century Media Records. Support bands will be announced in the coming weeks.

THE HAUNTED Australian Tour 2008
Nov. 08 - Brisbane @ The Arena
Nov. 09 - Sydney @ Manning Bar
Nov. 11 - Melbourne @ The Hifi
Nov. 13 - Perth @ The Capitol

Dragonforce bring about their forth studio album to the metal masses entitled “Ultra Beatdown”. The album represents everything that is Dragonforce, from uplifting and inspirational vocals, rapid fire drums and the quintessential sounds of Herman Li and Sam Totman’s guitars which have the reminiscent stylizing of a Nintendo entertainment system due to the overwhelming and quirky noises which seem to echo throughout the entire album from their amazing guitar work.

I was quite impressed with their last release “Inhuman Rampage”, and it seems Dragonforce have improved and outdone themselves evermore on this new release with packing in groovier melodies, powerful vocals which uplift the spirit, and of course more insanely and over the top guitar solos from Herman Li and Sam Totman. I got the sense that the album is to uplift the spirit, as almost every song has lyrics which motivate and inspire the soul. It may sound pretty cheesy, but Dragonforce don’t really take themselves to seriously when it comes to the genre in which they have established themselves in.

Most bands in the power metal genre either take themselves to seriously and don’t really leave much to the imagination or just sound so cheesy you want to vomit violently, but I’ve always found Dragonforce to be a breath of fresh air in a genre in which I’ve had a fondness for many years now.

The album may seem to some as nothing more then just a rapid fire assault on the brain with the over the top guitar wank fest, but it still offers some slow melodic numbers which mix things up quite well. “The Last Journey Home” is a great slow number and infuses some great keyboard and guitar solos, but does however pick up in some places as Dragonforce can never seem to take a steady pace.

I was abit confused with the selection of artwork however, it doesn’t really seem like something you’d find on a typical power metal album. Its more like something you’d find in a 1980’s science fiction book. You know the ones? Where they try and show pictures of what the 23rd century would look like, from a 1980’s point of view. Still, the album artwork of Ultra Beatdown is by no means going to change the quality of the music, as it seems to improve with every release these lads put out.

If your one of many who likes your music insanely fast and just all out crazy, this new release from Dragonforce is surely for you. You may however want to step away if your looking for something with a bit of complexity as this is a typical Dragonforce album, and doesn’t really offer much to someone wanting an in depth and multilayer album.

I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that “Ultra Beatdown” is actually a major improvement on “Inhuman Rampage” Everything on the new album is just faster, more dynamic and solid. What an amazing album. 8/10

Band: Dragonforce
Album: Ultra Beatdown
Year: 2008
Genre: Power Metal
Label: Roadrunner Records
Origin: Great Britian
Myspace: www.myspace/dragonforce

Track listing:
1. Heroes of Our Time
2. The Fire Still Burns
3. Reasons To Live
4. Heartbreak Armageddon
5. The Last Journey Home
6. A Flame Of Freedom
7. Inside the Winter Storm
8. The Warrior’s Side

Reviewed by black_tooth_grin

I recently had the pleasure to speak with one of the world’s most influential people in metal today, Rob Halford of Judas Priest.

We discussed what was planned for the upcoming Judas Priest Australian tour, with the original line-up of course. The new album “Nostradamus”, and all things Priest.

Please click the link below to listen to the interview.

Metal Obsession interview with Rob Halford

JUDAS PRIEST 2008 AUSTRALIAN TOUR:

Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Wed 10 Sep, 2008
Brisbane

Acer Arena,
Fri 12 Sep, 2008
Sydney

Hisense Arena (Formerly Vodafone Arena)
Sat 13 Sep, 2008
Melbourne

Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Sun 14 Sep, 2008
Adelaide

Challenge Stadium (Venue change, was originally Burswood Dome)
Tue 16 Sep, 2008
Perth

Due to a massive line-up change Cavalera Conspiracy will not be playing on this tour, however they have been replaced with Melbourne rock newcomers, Electric Mary.

Tickets are selling fast. Get yours for this once in a lifetime event.

www.ticketek.com.au

www.judaspriest.com

www.myspace.com/judaspriest

www.robhalford.com

Anarchsphere have established themselves quite well within the Melbourne metal community of late, with a 3 track EP, various successful gigs around Melbourne and recently scoring a national tour with US thrash metal legends, Testament. I recently had the pleasure to speak with Brett and Lach of Anarchsphere to discuss all things metal.

Metal Obsession: G’day Brett and Lach. Thank you for taking the time to speak with us at Metal
Obsession, would you like to give us a quick introduction of yourself and
the band?

Brett: Hello fellow metal obsession readers, My names Brett
( aka Bruton) I create and play the beats in the band Anarchsphere which are based in Melbourne Australia. Other members in the band that try to match my excellence are Isaac (guitar), Chris (guitar), Max (vocals) and Lach (bass).

Lach: Anarchsphere is a bunch of down to earth, hard working Aussie dudes trying to create a strong and unique sound in an increasingly scene orientated genre… with bad bowel habits.

Metal Obsession: Could you explain to the Metal Obsession readers how the band first
started?

Brett: Isaac Petrie and I started Anarchsphere back around June 2005 when we were toying around with what style and sounds we wanted to put out through the band, this was soon added to by Chris Coupe and Dave Leonard, who added another edge to the band’s blade. By the end of 2006 our bass player Steve left the band and we recruited a recent mate (and Sphere fan) Lach Weir, who moved down from Sydney to join. Thennn Dave left the band around July 07 and shortly after Maxwell Bones filled in as front man. So after a few up and downs with line-up changes we seem to have come round to land on a solid sounding band!

Metal Obsession: What is the bands major influence at the moment, musically speaking?

Lach: I think one of the key factors to the Anarchsphere sound is that both individually and as a band we draw influences from a huge range of groups. To name some of the main ones; Meshuggah, Hate Eternal, Chimaira, Decapitated, Tampora “ Excuse me “ Pantera and Devolved.

Metal Obsession: You guys have had relatively good success with the release of a 3 track
EP back in 2006, produced by none other then D.W. Norton of Superheist
fame. The album showcases amazing production value and has the quality to
rival the most well known metal acts in the world. How was it working with
Norton, and did he teach you any tricks of the trade?

Brett: The outcome of what we did with D.W definitely helped the band stand out at the time, giving the songs a powerful and strong edge. The way it has been received is a relief and reward for us and makes the rocky road we had to travel to get to that final product more worth while.

Metal Obsession: Is there a chance Anarchsphere will be releasing a full length album in
the near future. If so, can we expect the same style of music thats on the
3 track EP, or have you guys been experimenting with new things?

Lach: We’ve actually written the big juicy bulk of the material for the album and are now crunching down on going through the songs with a fine-fucking-tooth comb. There’s definitely a lot of what could be called the classic ‘Sphere’ sound to the new material but at the same time there’s more of a musical finesse to it. More integration of melodic technicality as well as rhythmical aspects used, and just overall improving our song composing.

Metal Obsession: Would you consider working with D.W. Norton again in the future for an
upcoming full length album, or are you wanting to head into a new
direction with production and sound?

Brett: While overall we’re happy with the way the previous recording turned out, it’s definitely not something we’d want to repeat for our debut album. Bands increasingly these days rely on that incredibly modern, over-produced sound to make up for mediocre song writing and that’s something we would like to try and steer away from. We are still contemplating on who and where to record with, as we’re after a raw yet huge sound.

Metal Obsession: In the midst of the 3 track EP and various successful gigs around
Melbourne, you guys have landed your first national tour with none other
then US thrash metal legends, Testament. How were you guys selected for
such an event, and did Testament contact Anarchsphere personally for the
tour?

Lach: We’re stoked enough as it is without a personal call from Chuck! The Testament tour is the kind of opportunity we’ve been itching to get for awhile now, with a few possibilities like it coming up and then dieing in the arse along the way, it just makes it even more rewarding to get the spot.

Metal Obsession: Have Testament had the chance to listen to any Anarchsphere material,
what were their thoughts?

Brett: Rumours have floated around about if the guys have heard our stuff but to be honest we don’t know, I guess they’ll be able to hear us three nights in a row!

Metal Obsession: For someone who has not had the pleasure of seeing you guys live or
listening to your studio material, what can they expect?

Lach: They can expect a high energy show with head-bang-inspiring brutality, comedic relief and a sound fatter than San Diago… that is of course, “a whale’s vagina”.

Metal Obsession: Will Anarchsphere be showcasing any new material on this upcoming
national tour with Testatment?

Brett: Yeah we’re trying to mix up the set with golden oldies and some new babies. We’ll be opening our set with the intro and first track off the album! The song currently has the sophisticated working title of “funtits”, which is turning out to be one of the more prominent Sphere tracks, which can be tough to play and gives the guns a good run!

Metal Obsession: The Australian metal scene is quite well known around the world for
producing amazing talent to lead on to do great things and represent our
metal community well. Do you follow the Aussie metal scene at all, if so
do you have any bands or musicians that have brought the band and you
personally, inspiration?

Lach: Most definitely, if it weren’t for some of Australia’s exemplary metal bands, the metal scene without a doubt would not be where it is today. Two stand outs to us would have to be Psycroptic and Devolved, these bands are masters of their craft that have started on something that was different and made their own unique fingerprint on the international metal scene. That’s the biggest inspiration for some bums like us!

Metal Obsession: This next question was actually sent in by an Anarchsphere fan. “You
fall sick before your biggest show ever. Who drums?
John Sankey (Devolved, Limb from Limb) or Joey Jordison (Slipknot,
Murderdolls)?

Brett: Ahh, fuck that I’d get someone really shit to play so it would magnify my talents. If one of those guys replaced me for the gig, they’d show me up big time!

Metal Obsession: Where can metal fans pick up Anarchsphere’s music or merchandise?

Lach: Come to a gig! Best way to try before you buy! Hopefully in the near future we will be setting up an online store to buy merch, as soon as we figure out this internet thing…

Metal Obsession: Finally, do you have any last words to the readers of Metal Obsession
and the Aussie metal community?

Lach: Don’t get too absorbed in the latest American trend bands and go support fuckin Aussie metal!

Metal Obsession: Cheers Brett and Lach, best of luck on the national tour with Testament. I look
forward to seeing you guys live again.

Brett: Thanks Anwar and Metal Obsession for the interview and running such a top shelf website! Awesome to see people properly supporting and promoting Aussie bands, see you at the show!

Upcoming Anarchsphere gigs:

19th Sept 2008
Ocularis Infernum @ The Coolstore, Moorooduc
w/ Anarchsphere, Moredhel and Eye of the Enemy
Tickets available at the door 8pm, $12.

26th Sept 2008
Testament @ HiFi Bar, Melbourne
w/ Picture The End and Anarchsphere
Tickets from thehifi.com

PERTH: CAPITOL THEATRE
MONDAY 8TH DECEMBER
+ special guests
Tix: On line @ Just Say Rock:  www.justsayrock.com.au BOCS tickets;    Moshtix: www.moshtix.com.au

ADELAIDE: FOWLERS LIVE (ALL AGES)
TUESDAY 9TH DECEMBER
+ special guests
Tix: On line @ Just Say Rock: www.justsayrock.com.au Venue Tix: www.venuetix.com.au Moshtix: www.moshtix.com.au

MELBOURNE: HI FI BAR
WEDNESDAY 10TH DECEMBER
+ Synperium and other guests
Tix: On line @ Just Say Rock: www.justsayrock.com.au Metal Mayhem: (03) 9621-1666; The Hi Fi Bar: www.thehifi.com.au

SYDNEY: THE METRO THEATRE (ALL AGES)
THURSDAY 11TH DECEMBER
+ Synperium and other guests
Tix: On line @ Just Say Rock: www.justsayrock.com.au The Metro Theatre: www.themetrotheatre.com.au

BRISBANE: THE ARENA
FRIDAY 12TH DECEMBER
+ Synperium and other guests
Tix: On line @ Just Say Rock: www.justsayrock.com.au Oztix: www.oztix.com The Arena Box Office

Here is a review of ‘The Euphony Fusion‘ - a free Australian Metal Compilation created by Welkin Entertainment. A limited number of copies are available at the conclusion of all OPETH AUSTRALIAN TOUR events.

Distribution gigs:
Tuesday, September 2: OPETH @ Metro City, Perth
Thursday, September 4: OPETH @ The Barton Theatre, Adelaide
Friday, September 5: OPETH @ The Palace Theatre, Melbourne
Saturday, September 6: OPETH @ The Big Top, Sydney
Sunday, September 7: OPETH @ The Arena, Brisbane

Vespers Descent (WA) - Deciever
To begin this Compilation CD courtesy of Welkin Entertainment, an interesting drum beat and distorted guitars – and most importantly a much improved sound for Vespers Descent. This track of their 2008 EP ‘Reality Dysfunction’ brings together clear influence from Gothenburg which rivals co-melodeath leaders from Perth Pathogen and Chaos Divine as the leader of said local scene.

While nothing really new to the table for the genre, the production is excellent and this teaser makes me want to fly to Perth just to see them. Keep an eye out for their next release!

For fans of: At The Gates, In Flames, Dark Tranquillity

Ne Obliviscaris (VIC) – Forget Not
What new can possibly be said of Melbourne’s Ne Obliviscaris? The bands debut demo ‘The Aurora Veil’ received acclaim far and beyond anyone’s wildest dreams, and this track shows beautifully why!

With a nice acoustic intro to the song, we set off on a journey. As each instrument added to the song, the pressure gradually builds up until the double kick of Dan Presland takes you into progressive black metal splendour! Duelling harsh/clean vocals complements each other very well, and the inclusion of the violin as a ‘second guitar’ takes Ne Obliviscaris to a new level.

For fans of: Opeth, Ikuinen Kaamos, Virgin Black

Be’lakor (VIC) – Tre’aste
Taking inspiration from the grandeur in nature, Be’lakor out of Melbourne play an atmospheric brand of Melodic Death Metal. Recently signed to Dutch Label ‘Descent Productions’, the highly addictive guitar melodies of Tre’aste work hand in hand with the downcast Piano’s used in a completely ‘un-cheesy’ manner.

Vocals delivered by front man George Kosmas are definitely some of the most powerful and direct death growls I’ve heard in Australia and one of a handful of newer Aussie metal bands that I can see really going places.

For fans of: Amon Amarth, Dark Tranquillity, Opeth.

Separatist (TAS) – Anaclasis
Lately, anyone who knows me will probably be sick of hearing me rave on about Separatist. The Tasmanian 5 piece and their powerful ‘Black Dahlia Murder’ inspired Death Metal has impressed many in the local scene with their debut record titled ‘The Motionless Apocalypse’.

The scene, albeit small, is very strong down in Tasmania – and Separatist should convince you of this!

For fans of: Black Dahlia Murder, Psycroptic, Skinless

Nevetherym (NSW) – Hourglass
Think a mix of doomy goth and folk metal, and that’s what you will receive in the 6 minute package called Hourglass, delivered by Nevetherym. With quite a heavy guitar foundation, the harmonising folky violin melodies work delightfully together in a song that in the majority is instrumental.

When the vocals do appear, the sometimes growling, sometimes clean vocal attack leaves me interested and impressed by the death growls, however I’m left a little wanting with his clean vocal work which needs refining before their next release.

For fans of: Moonsorrow, Opeth, Ne Obliviscaris, Ikuinen Kaamos.

Fearscape (NSW) – Abaddon Destroyer
The image I held of NSW’s Fearscape was that they would be a prog/power band. So imagine my delight when out comes a (newer) Enslaved-esque sound. Mighty impressed indeed I’ll say!

My main reason in drawing an Enslaved comparison lies with the vocals. Black/Death metal styled screams and growls balance out with the progressive black metal music on offer. Looking forward to hearing more from this band.

For fans of: Enslaved, Pantokrator, Opeth

Frankenbok (VIC) – This Monster My Son
As a German front man once said in the 1980’s “You’ve got your ball to the wall man”, Melbourne’s Frankenbok have gone some way to achieving a similar feat! Playing some straight out heavy metal, the five-piece throw together soaring guitar solo’s thrash inspired vocals to produce this rocking tune. Not exactly my thing I’ll admit, but certainly worth checking out if you’re a fan of thrashy metal.

For fans of: Pantera, Dreadnaught, Motorhead

Dred (NSW) – Sea to Summit
Joining Separatist on this compilation in the Technical Death genre comes Sydney’s Dred. The first thing that strikes me is the tight as sound they have produced. Following an interesting song design, the band keeps things going with nice technical melodies, crushing riffs and a few guitar solos. The heavy death growls come in short sharp bursts and are well executed.

For fans of: Necrophagist, Meshuggah, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Five Star Prison Cell

Black Asylum (NSW) – 12 Gauge Judas
Creating a Death infused Thrash Metal sound; Black Asylum’s homage to past bands such as Pantera is clearly there for all to see. The somewhat harsher than expected vocals are to my liking, especially when merged with the cleaner version as seen a couple of times in this song. The distorted riffs keep the song ticking along for the 3 and a bit minutes – any longer and to be honest, I think I’d begin getting quite bored.

For fans of: Pantera, Soilwork, Lamb of God

The Furor (WA) – Supreme Righteous Mauling
A powerful black metal sound greets my ears, and pleases them further when an unexpected Slayer-esque lick of a solo appears over the top at stages throughout the track. The vocal production is left a little lacking, be it deliberate black metal styled or accidental, but the lack of sheer power in the vocals is disappointing as the music (a little muted aswell) serves well with its bone crushing severity. Keep an ear out for the impressive drumming!

For fans of: Immortal, Burzum, Slayer

Crimsonfire (VIC) – The Age of Aquarius
After a somewhat boring intro, “The Age of Aquarius” really picks up when the vocals come in with some fantastic catchy vocal melodies. This six minute track is full of great melodic power metal guitars, well written drums that follow along with the music nicely and the occasional hints of prog. To top it off, there is a great section in the middle where the guitars and keys both have a few very solid solo’s happening.

This track is a good example of well written, extremely melodic power metal that doesn’t sound overly cheesy.

For fans of: Freedom Call, Winterborn.

Scar the Surface (VIC) – Suffer the Penalty
Combined screaming and clean vocals stand out in this effort by Melbourne Melodic Metallers Scar the Surface. With a double kick going throughout the majority of the song, the band brings the modern melodic metal sound to the table. I said the vocals stand out, but for different reasons in my ears. Big fan of the cleans which is done very well and controlled, not so of the screams which sound quite generic…an also ran.

Riff wise, the song while not groundbreaking is done very well and I am enjoying it quite some. They seem to have caught a sense of emotion in the way the song builds up until the end of the song where it peters away. It’s done in a similar way as Amon Amarth capture their sound – however I must stress they are of different styles no doubt.

For fans of: Lamb of God, Killswitch Engage, Parkway Drive

Spasticator (VIC) – Drums Of Doom
With almost Anathema style vocals to begin with (given my small exposure to said band); albeit with a bit harsher feel about them, Melbourne Spasticator brings us ‘Drums of Doom.’ Musically, the band combines an ‘early metal’ influence with a chugging Death metal intensity. I wouldn’t say they are anything special, however it’s enjoyable to listen to and I’d say I would gladly rock out in a live scenario.

For fans of: Candlemass, Black Sabbath, Rotting Christ

Cuntscrape (WA) – Cactus Sack
Grindcore meets Death Metal meets comical names à la ‘Fuck…I’m Dead.’ Generally I’m not a fan on a record, however live I find great enjoyment. Cuntscrape is no exception to this.

Nothing new standouts out with music or vocals, with a number of bands before them doing the same, however it is enjoyable enough in an ‘I’ve had too much beer but I want more still’ kind of way!

For fans of: Fuck…I’m Dead,

Ironwood (NSW) – The Raven Song
To end the compilation we have here an interesting band for the Australian metal scene. Bringing clear influence from folk music (not necessarily folk metal though), Haunting vocals capture the ‘winter forest campfire’ feeling, with the acoustic guitar heightening this effect.

With a new album in the works, Ironwood seems to be a unique player in the Australian scene and definitely one to look out for.

For fans of: Falkenbach, Moonsorrow, Manegarm, Tyr

Band: Australian Metal Compilation
Album: The Euphony Fusion
Year: 2008
Genre: Compilation
Label: Welkin Entertainment
Origin: Australia

Reviewed by Brendan Amos with Mitch Booth

Melbourne power metaller’s, Crimsonfire are on the look out for a new bass player. The band have plans to record a new album and want to get back into the local live scene. If you have what it takes, drop them a line at info@crimsonfire.com.au

For more information, please visit

www.crimsonfire.com.au