Live Review: Dark Tranquility, Orpheus Omega, Earth Rot

Perth's newest metal supergroup Earth Rot blasted open the doors to Capitol on Tuesday night with their intense brand of sludgy, polluted death metal. The septic track, The Power In Blood received mills of approval from the earlybirds before the dark crushing riffage of Wyrms kicked the night into a groove. Frenetic blastbeats, thrashy bass and all-out guitar warfare have become this band's signature coup de grace. Melbourne-based Orpheus Omega secured the national support for the Australian tour and demonstrated their battle-worn prowess with a power-packed performance. Dual-guitar harmonies, melodic riffs and heavy vocals were woven together over heavy double-kicks and one shiny red keytar. Their stunning latest album, 2013's ResIllusion featured heavily in the setlist with gems such as Sans Memoria, Unscathed and the title track itself, blazing into the hearts of the crowd. The truly excellent album translated well to the live scenario, which can often be hit or miss in melodic death. Altogether a truly excellent performance from this upcoming Aussie superstar.

It's been eight long years since melodic death pioneers Dark Tranquillity visited our shores and the landscape has markedly changed. As one of the greats to emerge from the fabled Gothenburg scene, the band had remained one of the stalwarts that hadn't deviated into mediocrity for even a time. Not that there was a lack of diversity; more that they made sensible choices in new directions. It was a little disappointing to discover then that the new album, Construct, perhaps marked a low on their otherwise stellar career. On the Character tour Capitol was sold out and the more disorganised fans were turned away at the door. This was a different feel; with a three-quarter crowd and no moshpit really to speak of, the lacklustre mood of the night represented the change in sentiments of the audience rather than any fault of Dark Tranquillity themselves. Though a Tuesday night in FIFOland may result equally in a misfire, it was a feeling that this was a little something else. Iconic Mikael Stanne was at his best, the wiry frame misrepresenting the sheer power and unbridled enthusiasm bound within. While Construct was well-represented the basic structure of the tracks didn't set the crowd alight as much as the old favourites. Thankfully the latter were well represented with Monochromatic Stains, Final Resistance and Wonders At Your Feet.