This music is for the true adventurer. It is extreme music. It is not Industrial. It is not Death Metal. It is not Black Metal. It is The Amenta. So state the band on their own website and it’s true. Definitely not for the faint hearted and not even for the majority of the metal hordes. This is specialized, head-fucking, sonic battery.

For the past eleven years, the institution known as The Amenta has steadfastly refused to do anything by the book. With a strong desire for experimentation and the avant-garde, and a sadistic pre-occupation with all things ugly, decayed and rotten, the band have consistently released challenging and ground breaking material beginning with Occasus, through to nOn, the multimedia landmark that was Vo1D and the digital EP Chokehold finally arriving with this years, Flesh Is Heir. Flesh, isn’t merely a record, it’s an experience. Huge sculptures of sound built up from decayed choir loops, percussion and the dissonant rearrangement of traditional rock instruments (drums, bass, guitars) lead to an overall more organic but also terrifying journey into a realm of consciousness that is a ‘constant war in the human psyche between the faction that desires obliteration and the faction that struggles in the mud.’

At once, ugly and beautiful, organic yet electronic, lightening fast but also crushingly slow, and always dark as pitch.

The Amenta will perform four visually intense and aurally damaging shows at the venues below this July. To sample just what that will be like, take a deep breath then check out the album, video and photo links below and prepare yourself for what will follow…

Words by Peter Zischke and images by Simon Milburn.

It’s been more than 20 years since rock icons Aerosmith last toured Australia, and like a growing list of legendary acts, they have decided that 2013 was the time to head back down under.

Rockstar Productions & Metal Obsession present

Circle Tour 2013

Amorphis tour Australia for the very first time in their illustrious career. Never before has this iconic and distinguished act graced Australian shores; now in October 2013, this is all set to change. Amorphis has been at the forefront of the scene for well over two decades. Encompassing a large and loyal fan base they have been able, and continue, to win over fans of all genres.

They will be here performing tracks off their latest release ‘Circle’ but will also perform classic and fan favourite Amorphis tracks across their comprehensive discography. Amorphis are seasoned professionals, they are a class act, they are the complete package, and they are at the top of their genre. Their upcoming performances will be something to behold and their shows are a musical spectacle. This tour will be something special for fans of all musical genres.

Performing shows in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth, fans will be treated to history in the making. Amorphis leaves nothing on the stage as is typical of their energy, power, and 100% raw and honest commitment on each and every one of their live performances.

Words and images by Simon Milburn

It’s hard to imagine that it’s been almost four decades since the founders of heavy metal, Black Sabbath, graced our fine shores. Whilst Sabbath reunions themselves are somewhat of an event in themselves, the fact that they’ve finally made it down under this time around is nothing short of a miracle. And the faithful followers showed their appreciation for this auspicious event by turning out in droves – old, young, middle age, Dads with the kids. This was one of the most diverse crowds I’ve ever seen at a metal gig. This was universal appeal at its best with many accepting they will probably never get this opportunity again.

Words by Mark Snedden

Obituary is synonymous with Death Metal. Obituary are one of the pioneers, not only of the scene in Florida and the Morrisound legacy, but Death Metal worldwide. I remember the release of Slowly We Rot in 1989 and it being the most extreme thing that I had ever heard to that point. It had the visually confronting cover with one of the most unique logos, even to this day, and the only image of the band was silhouettes on the back cover with flames rising in the background. This album is classic, and a compelling piece of art that ignited a movement. From this point they have gone from strength to strength and the power and intensity doubled with Cause of Death and then The End Complete; and of course beyond. So to have Obituary tour on the back of these three albums, the latest being eleven years old, the intensity and anticipation of these gigs is huge. I caught up with John Tardy, vocalist of Obituary, to revisit these iconic pieces and the Rotting Across the Pacific Tour that hits Australia in May.