Beastwars @ Meow Nui, Wellington
Beastwars get the crowd purring at Meow Nui, with Soft Bait and Pull Down The Sun.
Wellington's elderly statesmen doom merchants Beastwars are a favourite live act. Mostly because they're the reigning kings of local metal, also because I chatted to the singer once at a gig, and he was super nice - so I feel a connection that way too.
And I must admit, I do like a band that have an average age older than my own.
So when Beastwars tickets go on sale, I'm usually in, Meow Nui is a lovely venue, and this fine evening my friends Dave and Clive came along too. Tally ho!
First band were Pull Down The Sun, from Whanganui. I saw them alone, my dates hadn't shown up yet, and the played to a slowly filling room - a real shame as this three piece laid down a great set of really tight, Maori infused metal. Pays to do your research, and I was very happy to have checked Pull Down The Sun out beforehand, and knew coming in early to see them would be worth the effort. They did not disappoint and I would go see them again no question.
Second act was Soft Bait. They were looser, and far less metal, but had the advantage of a much fuller room so got more back from the crowd. They were good, but unremarkable, a bit 'by the numbers' noise rock and nothing really landed.
Then it was time for the riff. Beastwars bestrode the stage like a colossus.
I had not realised they had replaced the original guitarist with a new guy - Christian Pearce - from the band End Boss. He lowers the average age a fair bit, but on the upside, also brings some movement and vitality to the stage - he even smiles regularly.
This adds a higher energy, more positive feel to Beastwars live presence - the rest of which - massive drums via Nathan Hickey, mountainous bass from James Woods, and the transfixed vocal performances of Matt Hyde - crushed the eardrums of all that cowered beneath it.
I love me some Beastwars, and one of the things I like most is that you pretty much always get the exact same show - just with different songs. And sure enough, the singer started raising his hand to the heavens like he is calling the wrath of the almighty down upon us. Over and over again. Take a step, stare at the audience, and raise a fist to the roof imploringly, while your band lay out another track of epic sludge. Then - do it again.
Overall it was another great Beastwars show and the new guitarist seems a welcome addition.
Photos from the gig
