Live Review: Killswitch Engage, Fallujah, Cursed Earth

Led by Jazmine Luders' caustic vocals, Perth mob Cursed Earth injected a nasty, darker hardcore edge to proceedings. A healthy early gathering were receptive to their chugging riffs and high-energy demeanour, while a smattering of pit ninjas and mosh enthusiasts warmed up.

Conversely, Fallujah's progressive and atmospheric flavours added another dimension. Making their Sydney live debut, the punishing tech-death metallers were tighter than a miser's wallet throughout Cerebral Hybridization and Scar Queen. Greeted with roars of approval from the already converted, the Americans' inclusive banter made a fair crack of getting the uninitiated involved despite not exactly being party material (a la the main event). Hearty circle-pits ensued and seeds were planted for a future headlining trek.

Arriving in 2002, Killswitch Engage's second LP Alive Or Just Breathing had a stirring, indelible impact within heavy music and, 15 years later, bands airing albums in their entirety has become an often tired marketing exercise designed to coax even the most jaded fan to put their hand into their pocket. There are exceptions to the rule, though, and the aforementioned record being recited start to finish underlined its considerable cache among the metalcore faithful, whether they were there at the time or have embraced the material since. The packed room sang along with gusto, countless beers were spilled as punters made a beeline for the pit, and one particularly adventurous/reckless attendee dove off the side of the stage next to the PA.

The Masshole crew appeared perennially in positive spirits; guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz's unique wise-cracking the ideal foil for vocalist Jesse Leach's more measured-but-passionate presence and tireless bassist Mike D'Antonio. After the Alive Or Just Breathing set proved a success, a clutch of other fan favourites, including arms-around-your-mates anthems My Curse, The End Of Heartache and Rose Of Sharyn sent all home sporting grins you'd have required a sandblaster to remove.