Live Review: DevilDriver, Whitechapel, Aversions Crown

A lengthy line outside meant many missed Aversions Crown, fresh signings to high-profile label Nuclear Blast.

The Brisbane sextet’s technically-proficient deathcore, spurred on by a three-guitar attack, was heavier than a bag of spanners on Jupiter, and likely garnered new converts. A few more distinctive songs amid telegraphed beatdowns would be beneficial, though.

Tennessee hit squad Whitechapel were seemingly on a mission to compensate for any disappointment associated with their Soundwave cancellation earlier this year, launching into a 45-minute set with Jack the Ripper-like gusto.

Early technical difficulties aside, their thunderous breakdown-laden, chugging death metal regularly had punters emerging from the pit sporting bloodied noses and bruised limbs. Phil Bozeman’s guttural delivery throughout party-starter Possession and This Is Exile was akin to gargling shards of glass. One point of contention though – and this reviewer will ask the same of the headliners – surely the wall of death is somewhat hackneyed by now, lads?

Speaking of DevilDriver, the self-proclaimed “California groove machine” incited plenty of violence too; notably mosh fodder Gutted and customary mass circle pit for closer, Meet The Wretched.

Such activity is a primary reason for the metal mob’s enduring popularity. Another is charismatic growler Dez Fafara. Although his live vocals could be inconsistent, the heavily-inked leader’s mere presence inspired considerable loyalty amongst the packed floor.

Flanked by taut players, their brisk (perhaps too brief) hour on stage was minus excessive banter and littered with fan favourites a la Not All Who Wander Are Lost, I Could Care Less and visceral highlight, Clouds Over California. Covering electro-rockers AWOLNATION’s Sail afforded a welcome mid-set breather. With Fafara’s pre-DevilDriver outfit Coal Chamber kicking into gear again it could be a reasonable wait before the quintet’s next visit.

Hardly life-changing or offering anything unexpected, but these fans certainly made the most of the experience.