Celebrating 10 years of hard work and the successful release of 30+ albums, Deadboy Records was able to showcase some of the great talent they have on one stage, defusing the same energy they use in their production, to the Kings Arms attendance.

Out Cold A.D. came on stage full steam ahead, opening the festivities of the evening with fat chugging chords and tight rhythm. The venues steadily building audience, affected by the circumstances of Head Like a Hole and 8 Foot Sativa playing the same night just down the road, did not deter the bands raw, aggressive play style. Jimmy's stage presence was fierce, as he stood over the crowd, raw vocals that seem lost in the core scene of today's music. Regrettably, they had to cut their set short to accommodate the rest of the bands on the set list, but without a doubt, they certainly left a resonating impression on the Auckland audience.

One way to describe Too Late, is by the words, power heavy! The unison of the duel guitars riffing with steady palm mutes and tight knit bass drums, locking in with every strum, gave way to a sense of a moving power house coming right at you. Their set had a consistent fast pace, with short songs that don't drop off in intensity or vigor. Auckland did not feel the need to let the essence of the power go unnoticed as the slam dancers came out in force, giving this reviewer a realization that this was not the type of band that calls for a reserved listening audience (knowing little that this was just the warm up for the flaying body parts, preparing for the next bands wall of sound). In true form, their aggressive start ended on the same note on their last song, making way to a familiar presence I recall years ago when I first saw August Burns Red at this very same venue... SAVING GRACE.

When I moved from South Africa a few years ago, I was looking forward to what would be my first NZ gig experience. That gig just so happened to be the evening when Saving Grace opened for August Burns Red. I recollect a young guitarist standing outside Kings Arms, while the sound check was going on and asked him what band he was with, he replied, "Saving Grace". We spoke about what a privilege it is to open for such a great international act and looking in the eyes of that excited youth back then, I found myself looking at the same eyes, but not behind a guitar this time around, but rather comfortably placed behind a bass. HM Magazine, on an interview with these fine lads, stated that they have a classic hardcore style that has not been heard in years and I can confirm that this to be true. Years have passed without their sound being tainted, nor conformed to the "typical" Christian metal recipe. And with true grace, Nicholas ended their set with a message they strongly believe in, a message that might not be shared by the slam dancing crowd, but a message said with so much passion, one has to respect.

As Joshua took the stage and lifted the mic up, a low droning growl filled the room. Depths effortlessly took over the helm from Saving Grace, with the atmosphere morphing from slam dancing bodies to a crowd embracing impending doom.  It was as if the air gained more weight with each growl from Joshua's belly causing a "pressure" in the room that slowed your movement, making the attendance sway in unison to his ominous presence. Having just finished their Mortal Compass tour, the songs sounded flawless, unwavering, full of energy. One thing that cannot be fully described in words, but need to be experienced, is the eight string chugging, locked down tightly with a six string bass not missing a single beat. Chords, further intertwined with dissonant harmonies leaving one waiting for something to bring a feeling of release, a release that you will not get...this is the true feeling of Death Metal that most cannot pull off.

To finish off the night, Prowler took what was left of the Auckland audience seemingly unlimited energy supply and teleported everyone to a time even Henry Rollins would be proud of, a time of catchy punk riffs and drum beats. The vocals had a grittiness to them that echoed a raw punk feel of the 80's with some melodic riffs from the guitars giving it that energetic sound that made you want to find a circle pit and jump right in. Unfortunately it was late and I too must admit I needed to save what was left of my consciousness for the drive home. At points, dare I say it, a Motorhead influence shone through and all I could think about was the lack of cowboy hats on stage...that being said, I did leave the evening with a positive vibe. A vibe that Prowler left with their stage presence and sound. A fantastic way to leave a gig any night of the week.

• 1
  Head Like A Hole
• 2
  Horror Story
• 3
  Fraser Ross
• 4
  Fur Patrol
• 5
  Michelle Rounds
• 6
  L.A.B.
• 7
  Devilskin
• 8
  Coridian
• 9
  The Boondocks
• 10
  Late to Chelsea

• 
  LOST BiRD @ Space Academy, Christchurch - 15/12/2024
• 
  Just Janie @ Space Academy, Christchurch - 15/12/2024
• 
  Dream Chambers @ Meow Nui, Wellington - 14/12/2024
• 
  The Phoenix Foundation @ Meow Nui, Wellington - 14/12/2024

• 1
  APT.
  ROSÉ And Bruno Mars
• 2
  DIE WITH A SMILE
  Lady Gaga And Bruno Mars
• 3
  BIRDS OF A FEATHER
  Billie Eilish
• 4
  TASTE
  Sabrina Carpenter
• 5
  I LOVE YOU, I'M SORRY
  Gracie Abrams
• 6
  ESPRESSO
  Sabrina Carpenter
• 7
  SAILOR SONG
  Gigi Perez
• 8
  LOSE CONTROL
  Teddy Swims
• 9
  A BAR SONG (TIPSY)
  Shaboozey
• 10
  GOOD LUCK, BABE!
  Chappell Roan

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