On the way to the gig I had a sense of expectation. Two bands who normally fill a room by themselves and I was treated to both, SEPTICFLESH and FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE. Walking down Hindley Street I knew it would be a fantastic night out. I saw a guy with a DEATH ANGEL hoodie on, we didn't know each other but that nod of the head as we walked by knowing that we share a bond of a brotherhood only Metalheads know. You know what I mean.

There was a big crowd in Fowlers and it was befitting of what was in store for everyone. Opening the proceedings were local Adelaide band OBSIDIAN ASPECT. I had never seen them before but I could tell that they were playing the gig of a lifetime. Why wouldn't they, they had scored themselves one hell of an opening slot. Their brand of Death Metal was just merciless. It was extremely loud almost to the point where there was a bit of distorted sound filtering about but not enough to detract from enjoyment. It was a scintillating start to the event.
 

The room in front of the stage was being pushed to capacity and why not. The Italian maestros hailing from the romantic city of Rome were preparing to lay waste to all. House lights fade down and out walked FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE. The roar of the crowd showed just why we had waited for them to come to grace our shores. Stepping out in matching stage outfits and white faces FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE the goods in typical symphonic mastery. The grandeur in which FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE performed was absolutely memorable. The blend of keyboards and operatic singing dispersed with blinding riffs and blast beats from the drums showed why they have reached the heights of success they have achieved and deserve. Playing a full set with songs from latest opus "Labrinyth" and from their back catalogue I'm sure I can speak for everyone here tonight the wait for FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE was worth it.
 

Setlist:
1. Temptation
2. The Hypocrisy
3. Minotaur (The Wrath of Poseidon)
4. The Deceit
5. Requiem In Si Minore
6. Pathfinder
7. The Violation
8. The Egoism
9. Elegy
10. In Honour of Reason
11. The Forsaking
 

After a quick change of stage it was time for another first for Australia, Greek symphonic metal gods SEPTICFLESH. The crowd was hot and sweaty and the smell of spilt beer was permeating the room but no one left. I was ready at the front of the stage. I didn't have to wait long for the final leg of "The Great Mass" tour to erupt. You know you are close to the stage when you get hit in the face with dreadlocks from head banging guitarist Christos, did I mind? Hell no. The power from the four piece was unbelievable. Their set list for tonight was devoid of new material from upcoming album Titan but no one minded. Instead we were treated to tracks from "The Great Mass" along with "Communion" and "Sumerian Daemons". The haunting sounds from their orchestral intros along with boys choirs were indicators of the underlying barbarity and poise we were being treated to. The skills on display were exceptional, proving why they are the pinnacle of Symphonic Metal alongside their co headliners. Highlight of the set for me personally were the sing along songs of "Unbeliever", "Persepolis" and "Anubis".
 

Setlist:
1. The Vampire from Nazareth
2. Communion
3. A Great Mass of Death
4. Unbeliever
5. Pyramid God
6. Lovecraft's Death
7. Oceans of Grey
8. We The Gods
9. Persepolis
10. Anubis
11. Five-Pointed Star

The compositions of SEPTICFLESH's songs are testament to the skills of their song writing team, eerily beautiful in symphonic savagery. I'm so glad I was at Fowlers Live to bear witness to a show of epic proportions. I felt very privileged. I hope SEPTICFLESH and FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE return back down under again sooner rather than later...

*Contributed by our partners in Australia - Metal-Roos