While Australia is traditionally thought of as the home of pub rock and, increasingly, talented young bedroom producers, some Aussie music lovers may be surprised to learn that our sunburnt home is actually a hotbed of progressive metal outfits.
It’s true. Even a cursory search through the flyer-littered cork board at your local laundromat will yield dozens of upcoming gigs from talented prog metal bands located right in your area, but it does pose the problem of finding just the best ones.
In order to help us sort through the bustling Aussie prog metal scene, we recruited one of the scene’s most respected outfits, Brisbane’s Caligula’s Horse, to guide us through some of the best bands in the movement.
With a strong contingent of fans throughout the country and several highly acclaimed tours under their belt, Caligula’s Horse recently celebrated signing to The Agency Group for all their North American bookings and Wild Thing Presents for management.
Bands Everyone Should Listen To
A Lonely Crowd
Because it sounds like Björk shirtfronting spiderbait. That’s a good thing.
Orsome Welles
Old English chic and pounding heavy grooves. Dat flatcap.
Sleepmakeswaves
Probably the most exciting and colourful instrumental post-rock I’ve ever heard. Do not miss out.
Helm
Crushingly heavy riffs played by three guitarists, on strats, through vintage amps. Killer mate.
Interim
Genuine modern melodic rock with an exciting (and let’s face it, handsome) live show. Because dayum.
Albums Everyone Should Own
Osaka Punch – Voodoo Love Machine
The perfect name for a close-to-perfect album. Throw away your serious face and dance to this, you silly bastard.
Voyager – V
As well produced as it is flawlessly constructed, Voyager are the best of a rare breed: a metal band who put the song above all else.
Twelve Foot Ninja – Silent Machine
Real talk: Why haven’t you heard this album yet? You know what? I’m sick of your excuses. Grab your mosh pants and your biggest chorus voice. We’re doing this RIGHT NOW.
Ne Obliviscaris – Citadel
The most intricately crafted, dense, and melodic progressive death metal our humble country has to offer. It doesn’t get better than this.
Breaking Orbit – The Time Traveller
Vast and expansive, great grooves, killer riffs, amazing atmosphere.
Best Live Acts
Voyager
The most fun live act I’ve ever come across – but don’t let that fool you, these guys are incredibly tight and a bunch of awesome musos.
Statues
As intense as any live show you’ll see in this country. Perth’s Statues are our answer to The Dillinger Escape Plan.
Twelve Foot Ninja
As above, under “Silent Machine”: if you haven’t seen TFN live yet, get to it! Tight to the point of disbelief, fun, and absolutely unique.
Toehider
Mike. Mills. You will not hear another voice like this in Australia, I guarantee it. Mike. Goddamn. Mills.
LeSuits
Full horn section, costumes, jams, heavy, hooky, fun party music. Don’t miss them if they come your way!
Favourite Upcoming Acts
Rise Overrun
Fresh-faced punchy Aussie rock with a poignant message and beautiful melodies. Give their debut “Earthbound” a spin.
Flynn Effect
Female fronted dark alternative rock with an original visual aesthetic live. “Skin” is an awesome debut album.
Opus of a Machine
Their debut album “Simulacra” has been met with great reviews and their live show is tight, punchy, and exciting. Really cool groovy melodic prog metal.
Without Parachutes
For fans of early Muse and any other melodic hard rock, this awesome 3-piece have got it going on.
Tour Dates
Brisbane, The Zoo – Friday January 16
Supported by Interim, Orsome Welles (VIC), Rise Overrun
Sydney, The Factory Floor – Friday January 23
Supported by Breaking Orbit, Orsome Welles (VIC), Red Bee
Canberra, The Basement – Saturday January 24
Supported by Breaking Orbit (NSW), Orsome Welles (VIC), Renegade Peacock
Melbourne, The Evelyn Hotel – Sunday January 25 (Australia Day Eve)
Supported by AlithiA, Orsome Welles, Kettlespider
Perth, Rosemount Hotel – Friday January 30
Supported by AlithiA (VIC), This Other Eden, Carthasy
Adelaide, Enigma Bar – Saturday January 31
Supported by AlithiA (VIC), Dyssidia, For Millennia
Tickets on sale now via wildthingpresents.com, Oztix, and the venues.
