LAGERFEST – Brisbane, Australia 15th November 2023
On a vibrant Wednesday night in Brisbane, The Triffid set the stage for a spectacular lineup of bands at this year’s Lagerfest. Despite minor schedule delays, the palpable anticipation was embraced within the venue’s lively beer garden. As the doors readied to unveil the night’s festivities, patrons eagerly anticipated a diverse showcase of global musical talent right in the heart of Brisbane.
Veratie kicked off the show, with vocalist Sarah Benwell sporting green pigtails and a mesmerizing voice. The initially sparse room gradually filled, as the Sunshine Coast quartet, showcased a magnetic performance, leaving an indelible impression. Veratie presented an enthralling stage show, solidifying their position as a remarkable opener.
Following suit, New Zealand’s Devilskin injected a surge of energy into the venue, elevating the performance to new heights. Vocalist Jennie Skulander’s harmonious yet forceful singing, combined with the dynamic stage presence of bassist Paul and guitarist Nail, set a standard that seamlessly oscillated between raw power and melodic finesse. The song “Elvis Presley Circle Pit” showcased Skulander’s remarkable vocal range, from belting powerful notes to transitioning into deep growls.
As the heavy syncopated drums by Nic Martin reverberated through the venue, Devilskin’s captivating showmanship left the enthralled crowd deeply resonating with the powerful harmonies and aggressive energy. Skulander’s impressive vocal prowess, including powerful growls and high notes that many singers would envy, further solidified Devilskin’s performance as a standout, leaving an indelible mark on the captivated audience.
The international contingent continued with Germany’s Beyond The Black, ushering in a distinctive energy shift to the stage. Jennifer Haben’s sweet vocals are intricately intertwined with the deep gutturals of guitarist Chris Hermsdorfer, creating a captivating sonic contrast. Their set reached its pinnacle with the climactic performance of “Shine and Shade,” where the entire band, led by bassist Tobias Lodes, engaged in a synchronized showcase of musical prowess, leaving the audience thoroughly invigorated.
Beyond The Black brought a unique energy and accelerated tempo to the stage, accentuating Jennifer Haben’s compelling singing and dynamic stage presence. The song “Reincarnation” highlighted the delightful interplay between her sweet vocals and Hermsdorfer’s intense gutturals, adding depth to their performance. Concluding their set with the powerful “Hallelujah,” Haben delivers a powerful air punch with her fists, while Lodes, accompanied by the guitarists, positions themselves in a straight line. Together, they riff out the final “Hallelujah” before executing a graceful exit from the stage.
Brisbane’s pirates of the stage, Lagerstein, made a raucous entrance clad in pirate garb, with Captain Greggargh clutching a microphone in one hand and a beer bong in the other. Orchestrating a lively sea shanty party, the infectious tunes, including “Drink The Rum” and “Dig Bury Drink,” had the crowd rowing on the floor. Their enthusiasm was mirrored by the band’s infectious energy, turning The Triffid into a chaotic, joyous pirate haven.
The nautical revelry reached its peak during the performance of “Down Under,” where the beer bong made its lively appearance. Distributed among the audience, the iconic vessel contributed to a communal celebration as fans, well-acquainted with every word, joined the aussie metal pirates in a lively jig, creating an atmosphere of pure revelry that echoed through The Triffid. The energy lingered even after Lagerstein’s departure, leaving the venue with the echoes of a memorable and spirited pirate spectacle.
Closing the night on a powerful note, Swedish melodeathers The Halo Effect unleashed their ferocious sound, reminiscent of At The Gates and In Flames. Vocalist Mikael Stanne projected a calm aggression, his in-your-face delivery echoing the heaviness of their Swedish counterparts.
Guitarist Niclas Engelin’s commanding presence, perched on a fold-back speaker, added to the band’s powerful performance. While a new band that only formed in 2021, these musicians showcased their experience and heavy sound, aiming to rival with our Australian metallers. They made it look easy on stage, capturing the audience with a seasoned expertise that belied their recent formation.
Lagerfest proved to be a truly exceptional festival, weaving together a rich tapestry of musical genres, from melodic death metal to infectious pirate sea shanties. Each band contributed its unique essence, creating a diverse sonic landscape that resonated within the walls of The Triffid. Their collective performances brought the metaphorical roof down, seamlessly transitioning from impressive vocal ranges to powerful melodic death metal riffs.
This culmination of the night resulted in a shared experience, as the audience sailed away on the euphoria of this musical voyage. The festival showcased a remarkable talent lineup, standing as a testament to the diversity and dynamism exhibited throughout the evening. Concertgoers were left invigorated and immersed in the afterglow of an unforgettable musical event.
Review: Nikki Christina
Photos: Davey Rintala @fastlanephoto
