Destruction – Gig Review & Photo Gallery 20th April @ Amplifier, Perth WA
Destruction
Amplifier Bar, Perth WA
April 20th, 2018
Supports: Remission and Cold Fate
One quarter of the Teutonic Big 4 launched their assault on Australia using sleepy little Perth as the front line. Destruction had come a long way to show West Australia how absolutely fucking brutal German thrash is. But before we encounter the sonic war machine it's only fair the punters get warmed up first. A bit like having a good stretch and some light sparring before jumping into the Octagon with Conor McGregor.
The problem was there is no warm up. Locals Remission exploded with the force of an atomic bomb. I’m not actually sure the early punters knew what hit them. Brutal vocals punctuated by equally as brutal bass, guitars and drums launched a sonic one-two assault on those of us lucky enough to turn up early.
Where Remission were a sledgehammer, fellow thrashers Cold Fate attacked the Amplifier Bar with speed and finesse. This was old school thrash at its best, the five-piece played as tight as a drum. Any thoughts of hanging out at the front bar were soon forgotten as punters streamed in to see what the boys had to offer. Offer up they did, Paul Di Scemi’s high pitched screams mixed with off kilter timing changes was an all-out assault of the senses and had punters headbanging with no regard for their own safety. It never ceases to amaze me the depth of talent in the Perth metal scene, Cold Fate are no exception, guitarists Cam Nicolas and Zach Corkery traded solos in an almost virtuoso performance.
But the night belonged to Destruction. The three Germans landed the knockout blow launching a brutal assault on Perth. No pyro, no theatrics, no bullshit, just a sonic wall of, well… destruction. Front-man Schmier didn't so much play his bass as attack it. The instrument emitted a furious rumble sounding as if it came from the depths of hell. After tearing through 3 songs in quick succession Schmier took time out to thank the punters for coming out and also complain about the beer prices - sorry mate, welcome to Perth. Old mate should be thankful he wasn't drinking scotch and soda, the price of that would have made his eyes water. All was soon forgotten as the band launched into the classic 'Nailed To The Cross', an obvious crowd favourite as punters joined in screaming “nailed to the fucking cross!” Who doesn't love a good thrashy sweary singalong…
The Teutonic trio weren't pulling any punches as the Amplifier Bar descended into thrash heaven, or hell depending on which side of the fence you sit.
The Amps stage isn't big by any stretch of the imagination, but Destruction played it like they were on the main stage at Wacken. The band's attitude is, it doesn't matter if they play to 100 or 100,000 punters, they put 100% into every show. The Friday night crowd in Perth witnessed just that, 100% pure old school thrash metal.
How do you close out a night of pure thrash? By throwing a punk classic into the encore, the Dead Kennedys' got a Markgraflerland makeover with the trio ripping through a version of 'Holiday In Cambodia' that would have made Jello Biafra proud.
It may have taken Destruction 36 years to get to Perth, but from what I saw it was well worth the wait.
Gig Review by Gareth Williams
Revisit our interview with Destruction frontman Schmier right here
Photo Gallery by the legendary Emanuel Rudnicki. Facebook: Carving A Giant.
Please credit Wall of Sound and Emanuel Rudnicki if you use published photos.
Remission
Cold Fate
Destruction
Destruction – Down Under Attack Australian Tour
Tuesday 24th April – MELBOURNE, Max Watts (Anzac Day Eve)
Thursday 26th April – CANBERRA, The Basement
Friday 27th April – SYDNEY, Manning Bar
Saturday 28th April – BRISBANE, Crowbar
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