Live Review: Psycroptic, Aborted, The Schoenberg, Automaton, New Blood - Corrimal Hotel

Formerly the laughing stock of the Wollongong scene, New Blood have gradually transitioned into a competent death metal outfit. Heading on hiatus due to a couple of members' departure, this opening slot was a fitting farewell. Led by impressively-bearded, stage-stalking vocalist Jake Gerstle, road-hardened The Schoenberg Automaton tore through a set of dense technical death metal, bustling with complex riffs and off-kilter time signature changes. Also boasting a tasteful 'core and ambient edge, the crowd-funding Brisbane outfit worked hard to garner a reasonable response.
Gore-obsessed Belgian bruisers Aborted have a formidable reputation for unleashing some of the most consistently devastating death metal on the planet. True to form, their grind-flecked set was about as subtle as a sledgehammer to the cranium – just as violent too. Aside from their instrumental proficiency and Sven De Caluwe's savage 'vo-kill' gurgle, the band was highly energised. The grunter took selfies with tour-mates and demanded audience interaction, politely nudging punters (this reviewer included) closer to the stage. Sanguine Verses (Of Extirpation) and Coffin Upon Coffin were tightly executed with a vein-popping intensity missed since their previous Australian visit a half-decade earlier.
Although acknowledging they were performing for the smallest turnout of their extensive national run, Psycroptic didn't act like they were doing the modest gathering a favour by their mere presence. Instead, the Tasmanian tech-death maestros revelled in the opportunity, somewhat inebriated yet enthusiastic front-man Jason Peppiatt gleefully conversing with punters and inciting circle-pits. They also opted to give fans a rare treat, enlisting Aborted axeman Danny Tunker to play guest second guitar on selected tracks. Despite battling issues with the PA, Carriers Of The Plague and Ob (Servant) were blistering, while The Colour Of Sleep referenced their early years. A fitting conclusion to a night of brutality – now, bring on that next record.