We now have 33 new Australian anthem candidates
Ten years ago the Australian metal scene was but a pup. Local gigs were small and under promoted, venues were scarce for this kind of radical music and local bands were barely heard of. The US was unleashing a new wave of metal that would overshadow the rest of the world, and it looked bleak for the Australian fans who would have to wait years just to see their favourite bands, for more money than many could afford. But let’s not forget that a lot of bands also avoided our dusty shores. Dream Theater only jut made their long awaited debut tour around Oz, despite the mighty, strong fan base that we proved existed here. And Iron Maiden only just made the rounds again after over 15 years of absence. Even Dubai came before Australia. But that has all changed. With bands such as Daysend and Alchemist touring internationally with bands as famous as Slipknot, the true ‘Southern Metal’ is finally being given the recognition it deserves. And to showcase this to the world and to those of us still left in the dark ages, a double-disc compilation, entitled A Blaze In The Southern Skies has risen from the ashes. Showcasing the best of what Australian and New Zealand metal has to offer, this is the ultimate insight into the beast that lives in our very own neighbourhood.
The compilation covers a broad range of genres, but the bands are dominantly death and grind influenced, making the album very extreme. With featured bands including black metallers Pathogen, extreme prog metallers Vespers Descent, the thrash influenced Daysend and the Satanic wailers Psychonaut, this really is a true best of for Australian metal, giving the world a chance to see what we’re getting all excited about. Unfortunately there were some really great bands left off the CD who could have easily taken the place of some of the featured bands, but it’s not the individual bands that make this compilation so special, but it is the group as a whole.
With 33 bands offering the best of their metal archives, this compilation is a rare beauty that should be cherished as a time capsule. This is our chance to bring the NWOAHM (new wave of Australian heavy metal) to the world, as we prove that we don’t do things in halves, we don’t go through nu-metal trends and we don’t tone down our music for anyone. So instead of waving a flag next Australia Day parade you go to, why not show your patriotism by waving a copy of A Blaze In The Southern Skies, and encouraging your council to instead play one of the home-grown anthems from one of the two discs.
(Prime Cuts Music/MGM)
