DETHKLOK AWAKEN AUSTRALIA-9/4/2025 FINAL GIG OF THE TOUR. WORDS BY MARK JENKINS. KILLER PHOTOS BY DAN MCKAY.

April 30, 2025

DETHKLOK AWAKEN AUSTRALIA-9/4/2025 FINAL GIG OF THE TOUR. WORDS BY MARK JENKINS. KILLER PHOTOS BY DAN MCKAY.

DETHKLOK AWAKEN AUSTRALIA-9/4/2025 FINAL GIG OF THE TOUR. WORDS BY MARK JENKINS.

KILLER PHOTOS BY DAN MCKAY.

Some people have no fun, they fucking whinge about the weather, the economy or pretty much anything blah blah blah. Same as this gig, which some metal purists refused to acknowledge. Ok, maybe you didn't love the animated series that spawned this great band, or some claim that the music is bland. Go and cry me a sour river and have some fun. This was enjoyable, technically awesome and entertaining as hell. So if you missed out, bad luck dickhead.

FREEDOM OF FEAR

Talk about a band that keeps soaring; this is easily one of the most talented Australian bands I have ever seen, and they are humble and lovely people to top it off. I have reviewed their previous releases and dug them heavily, but never seen the live translation until now.

And to state the obvious, my jaw hit the ground. Stunning musicianship, with super technical playing that is deep in dual guitar wizard paradise. Add a sublime and proficient drummer, so laser accurate yet proving a supreme heavy masterclass in godlike aggression. And the absolute cherry on the top of this sublime, multi-layered cake is the adroit vocals of Jade. Conquering, symphonic, overwhelming, and the perfect balance of window-shattering heavy and atmospheric.

Freedom of Fear walks a solid line between pummelling Death Metal and Swedish melodic tech Death Metal. And with an abundance of black metal influence within those clever layers. The fact that this band has toured heavily, home and abroad, shows in the high level of performance rarely seen by Australian bands, tbh. Each band member is completely in sync with each other, the playing is ridiculously tight and yet far from robotic. And this was a performance without a bass player, like WTF.

Indeed the band clearly enjoys the moment and creates a solid show as the deep and genuine commitment to the music shines through with every track. The performance is equally dynamic and moody. Jade really controls the audience with her astonishing vocal skills, and solid stage presence.It is very fair to say the days of this astounding band playing pub shows is well over.

Carpathia, the band's breathtaking second album dominates the set and even though this was released close to 3 years ago, it sounds so gripping and enthralling in a performance space.

Freedom of Fear is a truly talented, entertaining, and luminous band, both on record and in performance. See them and support them at every opportunity. Easily one of the best current Australian bands.

DETHKLOK

As I so subtly suggested earlier, you must be an utter goose to miss this high production and entertainment extravaganza. You get the band led by co-producer, co-writer, composer and awesome muso Brendon Small and oh yes Gene Hoglan, the fucking Atomic Clock on drums.

So everything is tight, super accurate, and professional, as expected. (Apologies, I have no idea who played bass and second guitar, but both were excellent and utterly skilled and seemed to be enjoying themselves massively.)Vocals are crushing and you feel like Nathan Explosion is there brutalizing your ears and soul. But combine that with the brilliant animation matching each song, a massive light show, and a crowd chomping at the bit, and you have one hell of an epic show.

As a complete show, it just worked so perfectly. You have videos that are gory, piss-funny and wildly immature...it ticks every box.Plus you have Facebones giving essential tips on hygiene, general behaviour and drug/alcohol use/abuse.