Perth has always been a hit and miss affair as far as metal gigs are concerned, the pulling power determined by a number of factors. But when something like Slayfest comes along along with the right bands, the right people involved together with a sense of camaraderie, it clicks together like a puzzle piece. 2019 saw Slayfest return with a huge lineup that was headlined by Phil Anselmo & The Illegals plus King Parrot, Pathogen and more, our metal reporter Steve checks in on the highlights for the night.
Tonight saw the Perth metal community come together as one for what was surely one of the highlights of the year – SLAYFEST. 15 bands, 3 stages, spread over 2 venues, tonight’s show ended up being a sell out. Now at this point my writing usually comments on the size of the early bird crowd and the general vibe however not tonight as there was already a considerable crowd assembled line of punters decked out in the stock standard band shirts.
First band of the night to kick off proceedings was Blackwitch hailing from Bunbury. This Doom / Rock out fit are one to watch out for with an almost impenetrable wall that is both foreboding and intriguing at the same time, taking tracks from the excellent 2017 album “Sealed In Blood”. Well done guys, can’t wait to see another set. Next up on the list, Battle Sword Steel Master. These guys were so much fun, pardon the pun, but this was somewhere between “Battle Metal” and just a bloody good time keeping the crowd laughing with Viking horned helmets to boot. I also must make mention of Sydney psychedelic Doom Crew Potion, these guys blew me away with a guitar and bass combination as thick as pea soup, taking inspiration from the godfathers and originators Black Sabbath but then also putting their own spin on an exhilerating performance. I’d go as far as to say highly underrated and we’ll worth your time.
Now many people have been ask me how was Pathogen, well in two words – Fucking amazing! Not terrible by a long shot considering they have been around since 1995, some of the punters in attendance tonight weren’t even born when these guys began. Let’s sincerely hope this isn’t the last we see or hear from them, flawless set in my humble opinion. I also checked out Perth based crew Loose Unit, if I’m brutally honest not one of the best sets I’ve seen. The X factor was just missing tonight which is a real shame.
For me came the clash of the “Party” bands in the form of King Parrot and Black Rheno. KP need no introduction what so ever, with an energizer bunny attitude from front man Matt Young and co they never fail to disappoint. They clean ripped the lungs out of the venue with such force it was breath taking! The crowd were going nuts and what a sight it was, crowd surfing, you name it. The track “Shit On The Liver” went down a treat as always. Black Rheno were running Orange cabinets and they were a force to behold running around the stage like a bunch of escaped lunatics play my personal favourite from the 2016 EP “No time for numb nuts”. They seriously make you appreciate great heavy music and richly deserve any attention that they gain, well done boys!
Now for the main event – Philip H. Anselmo and the Illegals. Now the man himself needs no introduction as he and his bands in various forms have been the soundtrack to 99 percent of the people here tonight. Through our great days, sad and bad days, Phil has been a constant source of inspiration and strength. Tonight the Illegals were the equivalent of putting a gun to your head and pulling the trigger! I tell no lies, stand out track for me was “Bedridden” screaming the line “I choke on my existence!”.
It would also be a major oversight if I didn’t mention the band paid tribute to the much missed Dimebag and Vinnie Paul in the way of a few Pantera track like “Mouth For War”, “New Level” and a monstrous rendition of “Walk”. The crowd lost their collective minds and rightly so, this for me was definitely a bucket list moment and can’t wait for next time.
I must also say thank you to all the other bands who I’m sure destroyed and had fun. I did hear from my fellow punters, friends and the like who managed to catch the acts I wasn’t able to see that Freakyvibe, Bayview Suspect and Palm were massive hits with the crowd but props to all the bands who helped make this a great night including Psychonaut, Rat King, Beer Fridge and Dethlahem.
In closing I’d like to say well done to the punters, security staff and everyone else in between to make tonight so special. If tonight was an indication of what can be achieved if we all come together then I’d feel safe to assume we are in very healthy territory. Bring on SLAYFEST 2020 And long live METAL!!!
PHOTO GALLERY
Photos by Shadow World Photography
King Parrot, Phil Anselmo & the Illegals
Pathogen, Black Rheno, Ratking
Battle Sword Steel Master, Freakyvibe, Bayview Suspect
Hornography Karaoke
SOUNDWORKS DIRECT presents THRASH BLAST GRIND TOUR
PHIL H. ANSELMO & THE ILLEGALS
KING PARROT
Palm, Potion
March 25th – Enigma Bar, Adelaide w/ Voros*
March 28th -The Back Room, Brisbane
March 29th – The Back Room, Brisbane
March 30th – The Factory, Sydney
March 31st – The Cambridge, Newcastle
April 1st – Frankie’s Pizza, Sydney w/Black Rheno – Free show!*
April 4th – Corner Hotel, Melbourne w/Black Rheno
April 5th – Brisbane Hotel, Hobart w/Black Rheno
*No Palm & Potion
ALL SHOWS – http://soundworksdirect.eventbrite.com
