By Mark Derricutt

Artist: Fleshgod Apocalypse

Date / Venue: Tuesday May 30th, 2017 - Kings Arms, Auckland

apocalypse

əˈpɒkəlɪps/Submit

noun

1. the complete final destruction of the world, as described in the biblical book of Revelation. "the bell's ringing is supposed to usher in the Apocalypse"

2. an event involving destruction or damage on a catastrophic scale. "the apocalypse of World War II"

There should be some form of warning or portent to be taken with the notion that the Apocalypse fell in New Zealand on the anniversary of my birth. Am I the reviewer/photographer/metal-head foretold to bring the end of all? To be heralded by angels of cacophony?

Maybe not, but mark these words - last night Italian Symphonic/Progressive Death Metal masters 'Fleshgod Apocalypse' along with vocalist 'Veronica Bordacchini' raised both the bar for performances at Auckland's Kings Arms Tavern, whose own apocalypse looms ever closer.

It was the end of a saga that started early last year with my interview with front-man Tommaso Riccardi, it was a cold and desolate night as the end approached, everything was still and eerie - that was until Christchurch-based Organectomy kicked off the night's events with technical and guttural expertise, I'd not heard these guys before so wasn't sure what to expect - but it wasn't long before they were feeling at home as the King's Arms started to fill.

Up next - representing Gisborne (although now spread around both New Zealand and Australia) was Metal Tower - ever since I first saw these guys back in 2008 opening for Carcass they've continuously upped their game and with the release of last years 'Myopic Dystopia' the band has set their own bar high, and if the new songs played last night were anything to go buy - I think they're well on their way to rising above their own challenge.

Finally - destruction and apocalypse are upon us as Fleshgod take the stage, a hazy smoke fueled mood is set as the band; in costume and corpse-paint take the stage - this is not just a gig or mere concert - this is a PERFORMANCE. It's clear that the visual aspect of the band is just as important as the aural - and it works. With the King's Arms Tavern mid-sized and intimate stage, the 6 forboding bodies still managed to work the stage with ease. I think I can easily say that we were truly blessed to have Veronica Bordacchini along the ride as well - not only for the sheer power of her live vocals but also the interplay with Tomasso - without Veronica's presence - I think the show would have had quite a different feel, from both setlist and vibe.

It's hard for me to put into words anything to serve real justice to the performance, put it down to lack of sleep enjoying birthday frivolity, then editing photos, or just the fact that Fleshgod Apocalypse is a band that you just have to see and breathe for yourself.

Unfortunately for Auckland - the shows now over, the end is here, and we've survived the Apocalypse. My thoughts go to all in Wellington, as tonight the end comes for you.

PREPARE FOR THE APOCALYPSE

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FULL FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE GALLERY BY MARK DERRICUTT