With 36 bands over three stages running all day, there was so much to see at Froth and Fury Festival that it would be impossible to see it all. From local punk rock outfits to the raucous antics of Suicidal Tendencies, there had to be a heavy metal band to suit your tastes.
Taking over two neighbouring streets, Pirate Life Brewery was transformed. Food trucks serving burgers, Vietnamese food, fried chicken and more kept the energy levels up during the day. Three bays of tattoo artists had lines of punters wanting an inked souvenir of the day. The merch tent had stalls run by the bands themselves, so there were plenty of good times there.
While jeans and black t-shirts were pretty much the event uniform, plenty of people took the time and energy to express themselves in fantastic and incredible outfits. From leather to lace, it was all there.
It was refreshing to see a good proportion of the bands had female singers fronting. Adelaide’s Stabbitha and the Knifey Wifeys, Melbourne’s Reliqa and Sydney’s Redhook led the way. German symphonic metal band, Beyond the Black, played their debut album Songs of Love and Death. Vocalist Jennifer Haben has a fantastic rapport with the other band members and the audience and an exciting raw voice.
Earlier in the day, New Zealand three-piece “Te Reo” metal band, Alien Weaponry, played songs in both English and the native language “Te Reo Maori.” It was indeed a memorable performance.
Contrasted with the serious metal bands were party rockers Lagerstein, who kept the rollicking vibe going with their pirate outfits. Instrument swapping, two-piece, girl and boy, indie rock/punk band Mannequin Death Squad were a refreshing upbeat interlude. Described as thrash power pop, the duo from Melbourne have been touring with Suicidal Tendencies.
Heading up Suicidal Tendencies is founding vocalist Mike Muir, with Ben Weinman (ex Dillinger Escape Plan), Dean Pleasants, Tye Trujillo (Robert Trujillo’s son) and newest member Greyson Nekrutman on drums. The band’s infectious energy reminds one of the simple times 40 years ago when the band was formed. At only 18 years old, Tye is already a master of the bass, and it is fascinating to watch him perform. Having also played with Metallica he is certain of a promising future.
All in all, a hot, heavy hard day out is like a tonic for the soul
FIVE STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
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