Ahead of this year’s FROTH & FURY Fest, Abramelin frontman Simon Dower caught up with The Rockpit to chat about their long-awaited WA return, preparing for vocal destruction, and why “Human Abattoir” still slays every single time.
The Rockpit: Froth & Fury has become one of the most anticipated heavy festivals in Australia – how does it feel to be part of the 2026 lineup?
Simon: We are super pumped for this, our first show of 2026! We have a bunch of fans in WA but rarely get the chance to get over there. It’s also Abramelin’s first foray into the Froth, and that’s something that we’ve been really looking forward to! Win / Win!!!
The Rockpit: For fans who haven’t seen you live before – what kind of energy or chaos should they expect from your set?
Simon: We’ve been at it since 1988, so we certainly know what we’re doing. Abramelin has always been about the live experience and that’s where we really shine. Old school death metal at its finest, prepare for a brutal assault of epic proportions!
The Rockpit:Do you approach festival sets differently from club shows or headline tours? Or is it full throttle no matter what?
Simon: Option B for sure. We’re all about giving the fans 100%, regardless of where we are doing it. With the best line-up the band has ever had, fans and newcomers alike, are in for a real treat!
The Rockpit: Who else on this year’s lineup are you personally excited to see or share the stage with?
Simon: To be honest, no one in particular, I’m happy just to cruise around, have chats ‘n beers in the crowd and check out whoever is playing at the time. I find random adventures are fun like that.
The Rockpit: What’s your pre-show ritual – anything that gets you in the zone before walking onstage?
Simon: I need to do a few grunts and growls to get my throat in order (maybe even a cheeky tequila shot or two), but it’s good to let it know it’s about to be ripped apart! The boys will be rapidly noodle away on their strings in preparation, Dave will ferociously tap his sticks (as he does) and Rob will be out on streets sniffing out every vegan option available in a 10km radius! ;p
The Rockpit: What does a festival like Froth & Fury mean to you as an artist in the heavy scene – especially in an Australian context?
Simon: It’s a pretty big deal, actually! We have been blessed to do quite a few Aussie fests over the years but as mentioned earlier, have never done this one. I know a bunch of peeps who have been to the Adelaide FATF and had a really good time, so I’m stoked that we got asked for this one.
The Rockpit: What’s one track in your setlist that always hits the hardest live – either for the crowd or for you personally?
Simon: HA! Well, that’s easy: “Human Abattoir”! This is the oldest track in our repertoire that we perform (from our Transgression From Acheron EP 1994), and has been a consistent finisher for us for years!
The Rockpit: Festivals can be chaotic behind the scenes – any memorable (or ridiculous) stories from previous festival experiences you’re willing to share?
Simon: I’d have to go with some of those classic Metal for the Brain festivals in Canberra back in the 90’s! Not really targeting one in particular, but having the cream of the crop of Aussie metal back at that time was something really special. The crowds were heaving and everyone was there to support a good cause! Metalheads at their finest! Makes me feel all warm n fuzzy! ;p
The Rockpit: What’s coming up next for you after Froth & Fury – touring, new music, or time in the studio?
Simon: A bit of both. We have a new album in the works which will be out sometime in 2026 all going well, and Death-Fest in March for our hometown Melbourne fans. Not sure after that but something will pop up; it always does.
The Rockpit: Sum up your Froth & Fury 2026 appearance in one word ….
Simon: Carnage!!!!
The Rockpit: You can invite 3 musicians dead or alive to join you for dinner. Who would you invite?
Simon: Ohhh, nice one. Hmmmm:
Steve Harris (Iron Maiden)
King Diamond
Quarthorn (Bathory)
The Rockpit: If you could be credited with writing any song ever written, what song would you choose?
Simon: Tough one. The first classic that popped into my head was Bohemian Rhapsody, so let’s go with that!
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