Live Review: Thy Art Is Murder; Graves; I, Valiance; Blind Oracle

A show featuring four bands mining similar musical territory could seem a wearisome prospect to all but the most devoted. In this instance it was a host of deathcore outfits and, while not carbon copies of one another, perhaps a smidgen more variety amid the thunderous bass drops would've helped cross-pollinate with other sub-genres to establish a more sustainable extreme metal scene.

Newcastle tech mob Blind Oracle's songwriting outlook felt a tad nondescript, but their execution was taut and they acquitted themselves to the task with enthusiasm. I, Valiance's Korn-imbued fare and demeanour proved a hit with the burgeoning attendance, the Melburnians' energy infectious. Hometown crew Graves had thankfully eschewed some of the cliched stage manoeuvres and tough-guy posturing that once plagued them. Musically a distinguishable personality continued to elude somewhat, but more breakdowns than a cheap car enamoured them to the gathering.

With former vocalist CJ McMahon - whose departure last year was widely publicised and analysed - among the crowd, Thy Art Is Murder were several cuts above the remainder of the bill. Although McMahon's assessment of proceedings remains unknown, punters embraced touring frontman Lochlan Watt and cohorts. Less guttural in delivery than his predecessor yet potent, an under-the-weather Watt was still visibly ecstatic to be there. Drummer Lee Stanton, whose hard-hitting approach belied his tiny frame, laid the foundation. Having recently returned from extensive trekking overseas (this reviewer witnessed them levelling a Belgian festival audience), the death metallers were road-hardened, tearing through material from each release. Fan favourites The Purest Strain Of Hate, Doomed From Birth, Coffin Dragger and the ill-advised misogyny of early cut Whore To A Chainsaw resonated with head-bangers and circle-pit aficionados alike. "That's the best I've seen Thy Art play," one fan remarked upon exiting the venue. There's an endorsement.