It was a cold dark day in Melbourne, a stark difference to the searing hot temperatures we usually get in Perth for Soundwave. After finally getting in, getting drink vouchers, and smashing a few cans of Beam and Cola, I made my way down to see The Sword. I’m a big fan of their first album, not as much their later stuff, but they played a great set, including Winter’s Wolves so I was happy. Their sound wasn't as "doomy" as I hoped though.
After that it was a rush to the main stage for Monster Magnet. A band I’ve loved for a long time, I was extremely happy to see they were playing. They didn’t pull a huge crowd but they delivered a good set, all the classics, nice and crunchy guitar sound. The singer is looking a bit pudgy these days, but his voice is still great.
Then it was time for more drinks. After that it was back to the metal stage for Dimmu Borgir. It started to rain and they were a good 30mins late to come out. When they did, they were excellent. They ripped through Mourning Palace at the end, but 3 or 4 songs was quite a disappointment. They did promise to return for a headlining tour, but not until next year. After them was High on Fire on the stage next door, another of my favourite bands. They were great. No frills, just loud and fast and Matt Pike's voice in great form.
Back to the bar for more drinks and then getting ready for Slayer.
I worked my way through the crowd toward the front in anticipation of Slayer, while Ill Nino played on the stage next door. A massive wall of Marshall amps is what awaited us on the empty stage. Ill Nino were going over their allotted time and the Slayer crowd was getting restless. They started booing Ill Nino, which pissed the singer off. He gave the Slayer crowd the middle finger and kept playing.
When they finally finished, and Slayer appeared on stage, there was a massive crush which shunted me right toward the front of the stage and a mad pit ensued. 5 minutes into War Ensemble and I had lost my shoe and saw it thrown on stage. Another 5 minutes and a crowd surfer kicked me in the head and I watched my sunglasses go flying too. This was a violent pit, I was loving it.
Slayer were awesome! Mandatory Suicide, Reign in Blood, Black Magic! And they finished with Angel of Death which was absolutely bonecrushing. I was bruised, battered, and walked away with a huge grin on my face!
And finally, it was time for the headliners, Iron Maiden. I love these guys. They're the nicest band you will ever see, and they always deliver and give their best for every show. They played a few new songs which I have to confess I wasn't familiar with, I've neglected their last couple of releases but the songs were instantly catchy and I'll be definitely checking out their new stuff very soon. As for the classics, every single one was perfect and a dream come true to see live. 2 Minutes to Midnight, The Evil That Men Do, Fear of the Dark, Number of the Beast, The Trooper, so so good. Of course with only a 2hr set they missed a few classics like Aces High but it was such an incredible show and what a way to end an awesome Soundwave. Can't wait for next year!
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