Head Like A Hole Monsta-X Tour @ The Royal, Palmerston North 17/08/13

As first experiences go, this was pretty epic. I’d never seen HLAH before live, and honestly had no idea what to expect. I’d heard stories – come on, we all have – but nothing prepared me for the sheer brutal force they unleashed. It was truly astounding and a damned fine gig that will go down as one of my all-time favourites.

Rocking up to the Royal on Rangitikei around 8:30pm to a room full of brothers and sisters I had yet to meet, and after playing the obligatory game of t-shirt tag with a couple of my newest siblings … y’know – “wow, look a Doors shirt, or mate! A Vai shirt!” Husk took the stage a little after 9 and played a blistering set.

Husk were amazing, playing a very clean set of solid heavy rock. These guys should definitely be on your radar, dear reader. I was reminded of the best bits of several bands; the best parts were their rapid drops and hooks – always powerful and enthralling. I was left wanting more, as were the eager crowd who had packed an enthusiastic and vocal mosh pit.

The congregation had really started to pack out by the time Husk finished, and the bar staff were going hard – kudos for looking after sober drivers and, oooh ‘These Four Walls’ shirt – wicked.

HLAH busted onto the stage and man from the moment they got on that stage they had the crowd. The busted out a set of tracks off their new album, Blood Will Out, mixed up with a fantastic slice of their back-catalogue. I was stoked they played Wet Rubber; I’ve always rated it ever since I heard it on Gonna Kiss It Or Shoot It. Final track of the night was Glory Glory – a fantastic way to end a set.

Other songs of note, some already favourites and some and new favourites: Monsta-X, I’m on Fire, Swagger of Thieves, Hootenanny oh my god did that go off! …, Comfortably Shagged, See You on the Other Side, Valhalla – now that’s a song meant to be heard live!

HLAH’s music has always been at the very least original – and it’s so much more gritty, filthy, heavy, brutal and just all up in your face seeing them live. They sound so … large … I guess. Despite being in a small venue in dirty old Palmy, it felt like we were front of stage in some massive arena – there was that much positive energy and sheer brutality both on and off the stage. Truly an evening I will not forget anytime soon.

As Booga said: like corn, I’ll see you on the other side.
CEOMong