Twelve Foot NinjaBrisbane-based metal-groovers Humality open proceedings with an intensity and determination that would be the envy of many a band – there's no mucking around here, just straight-up, hard-hitting tunes designed to knock your socks off. The group presumably have a notoriety within Brisbane, as a substantial crowd has gathered to bear witness to the intoxicating blend of metal and groove these guys are laying down. While it's a short performance, there's no denying Humality have well and truly left their mark on the evening.
Quintet Caligula's Horse are up next, bringing a purer form of metal to the stage. In addition to the fantastic head-banging opportunities, there are theatrics a-plenty with these guys, predominantly in the form of pelvic thrusts, bold lighting and demonic facial expressions (at the right times). Commendation must also be given to bass player Dave Couper's glorious golden mane, which is just as captivating as the delicious riffs he's knocking out from his six-stringed bass – it can be seen to catch the light as it blows in the wind, while also adding drama to the aforementioned head-banging moments. The whole set is engaging, yet it seems the group have saved their energies for their last song of the night, with every band member clearly relishing the moment.
One of the more respectable factors to Twelve Foot Ninja as a group is their ability to draw an incredibly eclectic crowd, which is perhaps a reflection of their sound; the perfect blend of metal, funk, groove, reggae and dance. The group are here tonight celebrating the huge success earned from the crowdfunding campaign they launched earlier this year in order to raise funds for their next music video. Frontman Kin Etik tells us that a common request from the campaign's donors was for the band to perform acoustic renditions of their songs at their shows, a request they oblige, by performing Rogue as an acoustic tonight. The crowd can't get enough of it, demonstrated by the fact that about 90 per cent of patrons are loyally singing along with every word. Another crowd favourite is of course Mother Sky, which earns a riotous response from patrons, before the set ends with this tour's namesake, Shuriken. The group try to meet the insatiability of the crowd by coming back for an encore, however the fact that they only stay for one song, War, is an indicator that the Ninjas need to expand their catalogue. Having said this, not having enough tracks is probably the best problem you can have as a group – keep them wanting more! The songs they do have are performed with character, style, skill and humility – another top performance courtesy of Twelve Foot Ninja.
