Hostel - Gig Review 9th July @ The Shaking Hand, Canberra ACT

Hostel
The Shaking Hand, Canberra ACT
July 9, 2023
Supports: Complexant and Artifact

As incredible as it is to have some insane tours in Australia featuring national and international bands, it's essential to check out the ever-brewing local scene. With this in mind, I visited a cosy venue in Canberra called The Shaking Hand and checked out a Deathcore Sermon. This gig was headlined by local deathcore act Hostel and supported by Sydney visitors Complexant and Wagga Wagga metalcore band Artifact.

Artifact played through their entire catalogue with familiarity and consistency. The efficient dual vocalist efforts between Bec Horseman and Michael Veneris are always captivating on stage, even if instrumentals drowned them out. However, this didn't take away from the audience's enjoyment of set highlights 'Mass Psychosis' and 'Nadir' from their latest EP, Insurrection.

Complexant upped the ante and truly began the Deathcore Sermon. Low tunings and deep gutturals started a sheer power that reverberated through The Shaking Hand as the crowd headbanged while guided by the drummer's proficient blast beats. Based on this set, their upcoming album is one to watch.

Hostel blew away the audience by demonstrating technical prowess and a wide vocal range. They were able to channel multiple influences into their live sound and pumped the crowd up throughout. The room sound had been perfected, which resulted in an incredibly tight performance where the instrumentals could be appreciated alongside the range of vocals.

The Deathcore Sermon at the Shaking Hand showcased some of the talent in Australia's scene. Mixed bill metallers in Artifact had an energy that fits right in with the fast-paced and heavy-as-hell deathcore bands Complexant and Hostel.

Written by Tyler Lubke.