New York City Hardcore/Punk crew MAGRUDERGRIND thought they'd never make it to South Africa (according to vocalist Avi). Yet here they were, on their first South African tour, with eight tour dates in seven different cities. Metal Temple had the pleasure of catching them on their penultimate show in Cape Town on 10 June 2016, showcasing their 2016 album "II", released through Relapse Records. This opportunity to see MAGRUDERGRIND live was not to be missed with fans packed into the narrow Club Med, which had a great vibe despite the cramped conditions.
 

Most of us had come to simply enjoy some great bands, but for OVERHEX the night would be a test – it was their first-ever live show. As openers for an international band, the heat was really on. Nevertheless, the band played an entertaining brand of Hardcore, and gave a tight performance for a début gig. The vocalist's style was a bit awkward, but will probably improve with practice. Nonetheless he had good stage presence and performed like he was 100% amped to be there. The guitarist sprinkled some interesting riffs throughout the set, and the slower interludes were nice touches. Overall, all the members looked like they had a great time, and I'm interested enough to watch this band again and see how they grow.

WILDERNESSKING (an interesting mix of Black Metal and Post-Metal) is a band I've seen many times, but they never get boring. They often add new material to their setlist, especially following the unveiling of "Mystical Future", their sophomore full-length album
this year. Perhaps it was the fact that I was wearing earplugs, but I found the sound a bit muffled, not only for WILDERNESSKING but for all the other bands as well. Due to knowing their music well, I could "fill in the blanks" while listening. Vocalist Keenan sounded like a mournful wind, which I think suits the band's music very well. It's always interesting to hear how live versions of a song differ from the studio version – one of the variations I picked up was an interesting drum fill added by Jason Jardim on "I Will Go to Your Tomb". As well as never being boring (to me at least), WILDERNESSKING's music never fails to move me. I found myself listening with my eyes closed at one point. It was clear that these guys thoroughly enjoy what they do, which added to my enjoyment of the set. At the end of the set, Keenan announced that this performance would be the last one for a while.

Next up was PEASANT, with a different line-up. New vocalist Alain had a Black Metal-like rasp to his vocals. These guys are a hard-hitting mix of Hardcore, Grindcore and Doom Metal. Since Doom Metal is very rarely heard live in South Africa, I'm always happy to hear PEASANT's Doomy interludes. They opened with the distinctive bubbling guitar and slow bass drum beat of PEASANT. A bunch of audience members joined in the chant of "What will save your ass? - What? - What?" at the end of the song. Later on, they brought out their crowd-pleasing homage to BLACK SABBATH's "Black Sabbath". The crowd was enjoying themselves, egged on by Alain's "encouragement" to break tables. After things got rather rowdy, Alain added that he was joking – "Don't break tables, motherfuckers!" Drummer Graham was equally adept at fast and slower beats, as usual, and the guitarists played some addictive riffs. A circle (more like an ellipsoid) pit happened, despite the small space!
 

The place appeared even more packed by the time MAGRUDERGRIND took the stage. I wondered if Club Med would survive the onslaught of their Hardcore/Grindcore/Powerviolence sound. The band has only three members – vocalist Avi, guitarist R.J., and drummer Casey – but this doesn't hinder them in their mission to create a huge, engulfing sound. Avi has a commanding bark of a voice which sounds like a hellhound, although I found his staccato delivery a little monotonous at times. He made up for that with an energetic stage presence, including some impressively high leaps, infecting the crowd with his enthusiasm. From my standing position on a banquette, I had a good view of the band and the carnage in front of the stage. More ellipsoid pits ensued, as well as "table diving" and crowd surfing. R.J. played heavy, yet interesting riffs. Casey was a like a machine, and looked like he had a great time. I wouldn't call myself the biggest fan of Grindcore or Hardcore, but MAGRUDERGRIND has a varied, entertaining sound which I couldn't help but headbang along to. Avi had compliments for South Africa, and got some cheers for throwing in a South African swear word – tour mates PEASANT had taught them well, it seems.
 

Despite the sound not being the best, the show was a great one for me, and undoubtedly for many others. Here's hoping that MAGRUDERGRIND come back for round two someday!

Photo credits: JJ Van Rooyen