Soulfly, Caliban
Fowler's Live
Wed 25 October

Not realising how early this all-ages show would start, I was dismayed to find German openers Caliban already well into their set when I rocked up. A large crowd had gathered to watch them; as I eased my way through this, I discovered that a great oasis of space had been created in its midst, simply so that a handful of particularly excitable audience members had all the room they needed to play at being kung fu masters. Unfuckingbelievable!

Unfamiliar with the support act, I discovered they were a metalcore group: one that, judging from the reaction they got, probably gained a whole new legion of fans that night. Of those punters not treating people to a display of the Flailing Fists and Feet Of Fury, a considerable number were moshing near the stage instead; as a result, things got pretty vigorous all round. Bodies collided, the occasional temper frayed and a fight nearly broke out between two girls. More fun than a Third World street demonstration!

By the time Soulfly took the stage, bathed in green light, people had grown considerably more subdued, mainly because the room had become so packed that there was no longer much room for anyone to move. Not surprisingly, the night belonged to Max Cavalera, who went through a phenomenal number of t-shirt changes during the course of it, periodically played on a guitar adorned with the flag of his native Brazil and showed, in all things, a finely-honed ability to work a crowd (he even went so far as to lead the occasional chant of "Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!").

Also distinguishing himself was guitarist Marc Rizzo, who threw himself into his own performance with admirable gusto and kept the audience in thrall at one point with a flamenco solo, performed on a double-necked guitar.

Given that the show was part of the band's 'Dark Ages' tour, assorted tracks from that album got a play, though by no means dominated the set list. Many older songs were also performed, as was the occasional Sepultura piece. In addition, the drum kit was temporarily disassembled and its various components moved around the stage so that the band members could engage in a display of tribal drumming: a particular highlight of this successful and enjoyable show.

James Brazel

Pics: Rodney Magazinovic