Yarr-Fest Featuring; LORD, Dreadnaught, Voyager, Hemina and Se Bon Ki Ra

Pirates and wenches from near and far congregated for the first ever Yarr-Fest at Sydney’s Gaelic Theatre on the 29th October. If getting your sword out in public wasn’t good enough reason to venture through the cafe-ridden streets of Surry Hills, then the phenomenal line up certainly was.

Boasting an extravaganza of progressive and metal bands from all over Australia, this was definitely an event I would not considering missing regardless of how much a schooner of cider would pillage from my already emaciated wallet.

SE BON KI RA initiated proceedings with a attention grabbing track called “One Thousand Ways To Be”, identified by thundering pace of percussion as the double-kick work of drummer Sven Hentschel sent trembles throughout the previously quiet theatre. Bursting at the seams with an in-your-face sound and energy that swiftly had fists raised skyward and heads nodding in unison, it’s a style I interpret as testosterone driven metal, which is not a bad thing as long as you’re a safe distance from the hordes of sweat drenched blokes unleashing hell on one another. It was at this point that I will mention the sword did actually prove useful in deterring the reckless few.

I was quite surprised by lead vocalist Chad Cosgrove, equipped with a stage presence that commands full attention he effortlessly weaves between spoken narratives and growl work. I must applaud him for making great use of the different tones in his pipes instead of attacking the mic from start to finish. By the time the final song "Chasing the Vulnerable" pierced through the speakers, the audience was glowing with excitement and anticipation of the night to follow.
 
Newcomers to the scene Hemina brought a very different vibe to the stage with their eclectic blend of progressive metal. The room fell silent as a capella harmonies cut through the humid air, a track known as "Lonesome Angel" had the crowd slightly bemused as they waited patiently for the scream of electric guitars.

Hemina, not ones to disappoint, delivered that in spades - unleashing an uncanny level of musicianship beyond their band’s short history. Not only did the vocal harmonies blend so well but the synchronicity of lead guitar work between Doug Skene and Mitch Coull is truly something to behold - you would think this duo had been playing together for decades.

After witnessing the over-dramatized facial expressions of Coull one would conclude he is in fact having intercourse with his guitar instead of playing it, but judging by the beautiful solo work he was generating at the time, I’d have to assume the guitar didn’t mind at all. Along with entertaining drum stylings of Andrew Craig, it is hard not to be drawn into the theatrics and pure joy that radiates from these larger-than-life personalities. 

I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds for this band, they proved themselves worthy of sharing the stage with some of Australia’s most experienced metal acts after catapulting onto the live circuit only a few months ago.

This was my first time seeing Voyager, there always seems to be so much hype surrounding this band, and tonight I got to find out for myself what the fuss was all about. As I panned through the audience it was clear that many were also just as eager to hear the heavy melodic quintet in action.

As soon as “Land Of The Lies” took hold, I knew these musicians do indeed have that ‘X’ factor. The richness in sounds bombarded the senses and I was instantly captured within their world. Lead by the powerful vocals of Danni Estrin, the masses were hanging off every note with a plethora of rich melodies and harmonies and Estrin showing a dynamic ability that infallibly compliments the progressive elements that are intertwined within the band’s immense soundscape.

Matched by the impressive guitar work of Simone Dow and Chris Hanssen, the band transcends beyond stratospheric boundaries with the greatest of ease. The ranks further demonstrated their abilities with a brazen 7-song medley that included covers of Metallica, Van Halen and even Michael Jackson - much to the delight of closet MJ fans who sang along without reservation.

Saving the best for last, the prog-stars from Perth finished with “I Am The ReVolution’’, a sturdy reminder of the great things to come as they prepare for yet another overseas venture.

This was my second time witnessing the pure unrelenting force that is Dreadnaught, and I knew exactly what to expect after seeing them support Testament earlier this year. These boys deliver a ruthless belligerence to audiences over and over again, tonight would certainly be no different.

At the helm of this powerhouse is front man Greg Trull, wielding his dreadlocks like a deadly weapon as "10 Tonnes Of Pain" rang through the theatre. Sydney fans were also treated to old-school track “The Gobbler” from their 1998 Idiosyncrasy EP. This captivating piece showcases the more delicate side to Trull’s voice, and as the crowd exhales we are smacked in the face by a ferocity of screams accompanied by stand-out guitar work of Richie Poate and Damon Alcock.

At this stage, many began to tire but as soon as the classic thrash intro of "Buried Till The Day I Die” resounded, the masses were brought back to life.

Dreadnaught has to be one of the hardest working bands in Australia right now, their onstage personas give a honest insight into the stop-at-nothing attitude that has kept them pummeling the live scene for the last 15 years.

An eerie pirate tale filters over the P.A, last but not least LORD step onto the stage. Opening with the title track from their brand new EP Return Of The Tyrant the crowd begins to cheer wildly.

Fresh from their tour of Japan, the boys were in fine form, working the natives into party mode. Front man Lord Tim showed his performance experience as he provoked the minions to a sing-along, especially during old Dungeon favourite “I Am Death”. The playful antics of bassist Andy Dowling adding amusement to the night by gyrating on top of the drum rise in a pirate hat, while guitarist Mark Furtner blew kisses into the crowd.

LORD successfully kept the old-school fans happy with the inclusion of "Tarranno Del Mar", finishing the night on a high note (literally). I always enjoy seeing LORD perform live even though I’m personally not a big fan of the AOR sound; their music definitely translates best in an environment where the infectious nature of the melodies can feed off a live audience. If you like a lot of fun mixed with your rock and metal, I would suggest you get yourself to a LORD gig, or several.

After a killer night the kind gents from LORD gave away prizes for best dressed, not that most of us needed further incentive to whip out ye olde pirate costume (Nor did the wenches mind the sight of numerous Johnny Depp look-alikes floating around the venue). I only hope my outfit isn't left to collect too much dust as I'd like to see another Yarr-Fest reign tyranny upon Sydney again next year.