Devilskin
30th October 2020
Powerstation, Auckland, New Zealand.
Review by Mark Derricutt. Photography by Chris Zwaagdyk.
Welcome to the Hell Hole that is New Zealand – home of concentration camps and torture. At least that’s what Fox News would have the world believe, the reality however is far from the truth.
And that leads me to the Hell Hole that was Auckland’s Powerstation last night – home of the devils kin and the shepherds that reign over all.
Long ago – in a world pre-COVID I had the pleasure of catching Shepherds Reign at Smash Fest – New Zealand’s long running indie metal festival. Looking back it seems somewhat fitting to mark a return to normality by continuing where I somewhat left off – only now we’re on tour with Devilskin, with a packed venue of hungry souls.
Arriving in time to catch the tail end of an intimate, casual acoustic Devilskin set for VIP attendees – any thoughts of “The New Normal” soon replaced themselves with the simplicity of just being – normal.
A hungry crowd of nearly forgotten faces weave in and out of shadows, there’s a social connection of our metal brethren – fans, bands, photographers and crew – the family I know, the family I’ve missed the most.
As tribal beats summon our attention, Shepherds Reign are here – with front man Filivaa Burdon James a sight to behold.
Massive sound – and permeating underneath everything – tribal beats and vocals resonating against every fibre of being – I’m reminded of my recent discussion with Paul McLaney about fellowship and congregation, the harmony of the soul. Gramsci may be a far cry from Shepherds Reign, but underlying everything – the music bonds and holds us all together.
Social media seems to have had a lot of (largely justified) negative press recently, but on the notion of community and congregation; without gigs, amongst lockdowns – the metal community has to me, once again shown strength in having a large online community that largely care about each other – keeping people connected, and grounded.
Anyway, back to Shepherds Reign. When I last (and first) saw them, Smash Fest 2020 saw them deliver a strong set in brutal afternoon sunlight – but to see them now in the iconic Powerstation: a massive PA, a killer light show, and a wild crowd – this is a band in their prime and it’s only going to grow from here.
The guest appearance of local Hip Hop artist Swizl Jager for two songs brought an interesting spin to the set, featuring some killer slap bass during these tunes.
As the set closes with Le Manu – I could happily end the night here, a power house anthem and a song that just stops you in your tracks the moment you hear it – but the night is still young, and the time for Devilskin approaches.
As change over occurs, Van Halen plays over the PA providing an unspoken tribute to a legend.
RED – Album number four for Devilskin – released during the first lockdown it didn’t get as much of my attention as it should have. After three solid studio albums and a live cut, along with multiple national and international tours – RED showcases a band now well versed in who they are, who they’re not, and yet – being comfortable knowing where they can explore.
I confess to having a love/not-hate relationship with the Hamilton based heavy rock/metal act, being firmly lodged in the radio friendly commercial side of heavy metal – Devilskin cater to a demographic wanting something more substantial than Six60 but not quite ready for the underground treats of New Zealand’s extensive extreme metal offerings – and there’s no denying their ability to bridge those two worlds.
There’s something strange about not having had gigs for half the year, it’s not just the music. It’s the lack of a rush of capturing images and recording memories – the stress, the rush – god how I miss that rush – but sitting here, just soaking into the surrounding atmosphere – the music, the people – it’s a refreshing change to “enjoy the show” and people watch. Suddenly I snap out of that reverie as Jennie belts out the need for a pill as she alternates between sitting front of stage – almost cabaret like, to laying draped over the floor, and stomping around the stage like a high energy mad woman – the performance is enthralling.
Crowd chants – eyes forward in stock formation – guitar solos – the nine circles pits of hell – this is the real detainment camp. A test of metal, the triumph of steel (hail Manowar) – a nation free to worship – a nation free to raise their fists in defiance against the government – a nation free to rock.
Whilst the sound mix felt a little muddy around Jennies cleans vocals, and Nic Martin’s drums dominating over everything, growls and guitars reached down beneath it all to kick one in the gut – but did I care that the sound wasn’t perfect? I’m not sure I did – and by the frenzied crowd below and around me, neither did the packed out Powerstation.
Were you there at Powerstation for this great Kiwi rock gig? Or have you seen Devilskin perform live somewhere else before? Tell us about it in the comments below!
Devilskin Setlist:
- Do You See The Birds
- All Fall Down
- Little Pills
- Pray
- Corrode
- Grave
- Eyes Red Heavy
- Until You Bleed
- Same Life
- Sweet Release
- The Victor
- Blood And Bone
- Endo
- Elvis Presley Circle Pit
- Drum Solo
- Bright Lights
- Start A Revolution
- Be Like The River
- Vessel
- Voices [Encore]
- Never See The Light [Encore]
- Everybody’s High But Steve [Encore]
- Covet [Encore]
Shepherds Reign Setlist:
- Pacific Intro
- Reign
- End of the trial
- Concrete walls
- Aiga (Family)
- Legend
- Two Worlds Collide ft Swizl Jager
- Swing cover ft Swizl Jager
- The world bleeds
- Le Manu
Note: Trigger Marketing & Publicity provided passes to Ambient Light to review and photograph this concert. As always, this has not influenced the review in any way and the opinions expressed are those of Ambient Light’s only. This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase a product using an affiliate link, Ambient Light will automatically receive a small commission.
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