8 Foot Sativa @ Powerstation, Auckland 22/09/12

I can’t tell you how excited I was when just after New Year’s this year 8 Foot Sativa announced that they would be back with a greatest hits album, a DVD and a new album. To add to all that was the fact that Jackhammer and Gary Smith were back in the fray and ready to step up once again.

Their first show back was opening for Fear Factory at the Powerstation in Auckland. The line-up bringing back the key members of the band Axe slinger Gary smith and the mighty Jackhammer on throat. New additions were Rigel Walshe on Bass and Nick Davies as a second Guitar player.

Emotions were high for both fans and I’m sure the band but the second they stepped onto the stage the crowd lit up and roared their approval. The undisputed kings of NZ Metal are back and in supreme form. 8 Foot was back to rule again. With horns high and the mosh pit going crazy the band hurled at breakneck pace through hit tracks like Destined To Be Dead, Believer, Chelsea Smile, Hate Made Me, 8 Foot Sativa and Seasons for Assault. This is a band back stronger than ever and ready to take on the world which with the strength of their first two albums and some new material too come could make its mark once again. Jack Hammer interacted with the crowd to huge response and showed old and new fans how it’s done. Gary looked awesome with his long hair and head banging riffs. They ended their comeback show with the song Fuel Set and the pit going absolutely nuts. The crowd roared for more but sadly they were the support band on the bill so no encore but left us panting for more and anticipating the tour about to unfold.

They were tight sounding and also looked like a strong and energised unit which will hopefully keep it together for the long haul. Kiwi metal needs a fresh injection from 8 Foot Sativa. Bring it on 8 Foot I plan to get to as many of the upcoming shows as I can and I strongly suggest you do too, you wont regret it.