Review and photography: Nate Rose
Last night The Brightside reverberated with the raw energy and heaviness of Southern California’s Spite.
A long awaited first Australian Headline show with a supporting cast of Crave Death, Diesect, and Zuko who all in their own rights would crush your skull.
From the moment Zuko took the stage, the crowd was electrified. Their blend of high-octane riffs, breakdowns and compelling stage presence set a high bar for the night. Frontman Jesse Bruce constantly engaging the crowd to keep up the pit action and the crowd was happy to oblige. Setting it off with the recently released ‘Broken Neck’ and Suprise last song, a cover of Rage Against the Machine ‘Bulls on Parade’ got the crowd warmed right up for what was to follow.
Next, Diesect delivered a brutal set that turned the venue into a mosh pit of chaos. Their heavy, aggressive sound, paired with relentless drumming was impressive, showcasing why they’re rapidly gaining traction in the metal scene. The energy on stage was palpable as was the energy in the crowd. New song ‘Second Death’ was a highlight of the set. Keep an eye out for these guys in the future.
Hometown favourites Crave Death followed with an intense, sonic assault. Opening with ‘The Forgotten’ off their latest EP ‘Die Slow’.
With Frontwoman Candice Bankovacki’s commanding presence and intense vocal performance along with Dylan Moore and Tom Belcher’s aggressive guitar work and the relentless rhythm of Lachlan Currie and super fill in Ross Pointon they created a dark, immersive atmosphere.
Smashing crowds faces with tracks like ‘Decay’ off their Demo and with Tom’s Mullet flowing in the wind they finished with the crushing ‘Unchecked Fury’.
The crowd was completely engaged, headbanging and moshing throughout the whole set. Crave Death, absolutely ruthless from start to finish.
Finally, the time has come, the long-awaited headline set from California’s Spite. Only 1 of 2 Headlining shows for the band while they head around the country supporting Make Them Suffer. They wasted no time Blasting straight into opener ‘IED’ Frontman Darius Tehrani prowls the stage projecting one of the sickest voices I’ve ever heard live.
‘Listen to me I know it’s a small floor but I want you open this fucking place up’ then kicking into fan favourite ‘Caved In’. The crowd was a constant sea of bodies flowing back and forth. Their set was a powerful culmination of the evening, with explosive breakdowns, precision drumming and commanding vocals. Their 11 song set was relentless featuring likes of ‘Psychopath’, ‘Free for All’ and set closer ‘Death Sentence’.
Spite‘s performance was a masterclass in intensity, showmanship and complete Brutality leaving not only myself but also the crowd in a state of exhilaration. Do yourself a favour and don’t miss them while they’re here.
– GALLERY –
