Live Review: Body Count, AB Original, Void Of Vision

5 June 2017 | 11:55 am | Mikaelie Evans

"I rate the shows by one thing, and that's how hard it's banging in the pit', exclaims Ice-T."

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Once through thorough security scans and Men in Blue upon entrance, inside we brew a moshpit for the opening act, Void Of Vision. They unleash their death metal melodies upon the stage, which is soon revamped for AB Original.

Backed by their New Yorker DJ, AB Original bring to light through their tongue-twisting raps some massive political issues within Australia. Briggs begins a chant "No justice/ No peace" which continues into ICU. We attempt to keep up rapping but mostly stutter and slur through faster verses. Trials takes the mic, "When this shit drops, it's gonna get fuckin' stupid!" and it does. We're screaming "Fuck the police!" into their next song, grooving through their thick beats. Performing one of Briggs' solo tracks, Bad Apples, their set is soon brought to a phenomenal close.

We've waited 22 years for Body Count's return down under, and they're equally excited. Ice-T's in uniform: Chucks, Dickies shorts, hoodie and an LA snapback, all black. Body Count are also dressed in black clothing, and Juan Garcia has a skeleton bandana wrapped around his face. "I rate the shows by one thing, and that's how hard it's banging in the pit," exclaims Ice-T. The pit widens, and we don't stop jumping.

Ice-T introduces the band with nicknames; Ill Will, Shauny Shaun the Driver, Vincent Price and Rock'n'Roll Satan. With no need for introduction, Ice-T continues, "I'm Ice-Motherfucking-T, BITCH! And ladies, when I say bitch, I'm talking to the dudes."

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We get a drum solo during There Goes The Neighbourhood, and an extended intro to No Lives Matter. Ice-T's message is clear and reciprocated as he speaks of their latest album Bloodlust, which has a firm focus on racism, classism and police brutality. He's interrupted by a Trump impersonator who's beaten off the stage, and we start throwing down to Black Hoodie.

The show's brought to a close with Drive By, but we're quickly given a 'virtual encore'. As Ice-T explains, "I'm too lazy to walk away, so we'll turn around until you've made enough noise, then we'll give you an encore." After making enough noise, the pit's revived for Disorder.

We get wild during Born Dead, and louder as Ice-T explains "Why we ride," before throwing his drink into the crowd for This Is Why We Ride. With a last finale, their outstanding performance is brought to close with a highly anticipated Cop Killer.