CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL BEASTWARS GALLERY BY MEGAN MOSS HERE

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL WITCHSKULL GALLERY BY MEGAN MOSS

By: Jason Moss

Artist: Beastwars

Date: Saturday 29th June 2019

Venue: Galatos, Auckland, New Zealand

Having last seen Beastwars live back at 2014’s Big Day Out and with the enforced hiatus of the band, I was keenly anticipating this gig…..and it’s an album release party to boot--whoop!

Aucklanders Slumbug (guitar and vocals, Jessica Paton; bass and vocals, Lucy Katt; drums, Carla Tinsley) started the crowd warm-up process with their own brand of down-tuned chunk. Lotsa riffs were laid down upon an appreciative whooping audience--me included. Write a mental note to go see these local ladies folks!

Next up was Aussie brothers in doom, Witchskull (vocalist/guitarist Marcus De Pasquale, bassist Tony McMahon & drummer Joel Green). Having never heard these guys till tonight, but after a pummelling set full of very fat, heavy, and very groove laden riffs, I was an immediate fan and bought the album. Witchskull are one of those gems you see at a gig and ask yourself how you’ve never heard of them before--and are almost embarrassed to not have? The crowd also digging it as much as I am; packing in tighter, closer, by the song. All I could see was a whole lotta smiles and bobbing heads everywhere, just digging the psycho/stoner wall of sound which was fantastic; the band genuinely expressing their appreciation of being able to play for us in New Zealand. We’re hoping Witchskull come back and treat us again real soon.

On to the main course.

After a brief wait for setup, the audience was moving in as close as they could get to the stage as sound was checked. Beloved Beastwars took to the stage to a huge, heartfelt, and extended applause. Most of the audience being fans of all ages and variations, and are aware of the hard road Matt and the band have travelled over the past few years and showed their appreciation by rocking hard till the very last note. And to the band I say, we all were so glad to see you back on that stage again, and for a kick-arse new album release at that…..bought that album too!

All in all, Beastwars gave us exactly what we were there for and they dished it out immediately and in tenfold! Matt and crew had the crowd in the palm of their hands, delivering us a killer set of stoner/doom/sludge….--whatever label you want to give this music!--If you’ve never seen Beastwars live; I cannot convey what loud, live music like their variety does to you……’tis a fine feeling indeed.

The new songs, the old songs…all had the crowd moshing along, the sound was glorious. The band truly looking in their element and grateful, Matt with his arms held high or leaning right out over the stage singing directly into their fans faces.

With appropriately doomy lighting (spare a thought for the poor photographers who do such wonders), the weird and wonderful audience, the staff at Galatos--always amazing--It was truly a most excellent night.

Beastwars, it’s rad to have you back.

P.s. BUY THE NEW ALBUM. BEASTWARS IV.

Reviews

Beastwars IV Album Release Party Concert Review - Auckland - 29 June 2019