Gig Review: Devilskin, Christchurch Town Hall, 24/07/26

Hamilton’s Devilskin have been at the forefront of New Zealand’s Hard Rock/Heavy Metal scene since the release of their award-winning debut album We Rise in 2014. Since then, they have released another three studio albums, a live album, an EP, and several singles. 2026 sees them touring in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the release of their second studio album, Be Like The River.

The tour began in Christchurch, with support on the entire tour from The Boondocks, and additionally at the Christchurch show, Powder Chutes. Exploding out of Wanaka, Powder Chutes have enjoyed a rapid upward trajectory from the moment they hit the ground running. They played a short but punchy set to an adoring crowd, tight and slick, with a shirtless and kilt-wearing Otis Murphy (bass) prowling and leaping around the stage, doing his best to steal the show… and succeeding. The Boondocks hail from the Awhitu Peninsula, and are a drums/bass & vocals duo. Their set was also lovingly received by the audience; however, their sound was somewhat let down by the mix. The drums and vocals were clear and cut through well, but alas, the split-signal tones of the bass were muddied and difficult to discern. The view from the gallery seating clearly showed that the crowd in front of the stage were lapping up every moment regardless, whilst Scott (bass/vox) and Branden (drums) performed their hearts out.

Photo credit: Layton Evans – The Boondocks, Union Hall Dunedin 25/07/2026.

Then it was time for the big guns (said tongue in cheek: it was revealed at the VIP Q&A session that they’d nearly been named “Devilgun”, an idea quickly quashed by Nail and Jennie). Straight out of the gate, it’s balls to the wall: a juggernaut riff delivered with stop‑on‑a‑dime accuracy. What follows is 90-odd minutes of masterclass, it’s such a pleasure to watch people so clearly in love with what they do, and so in tune with one another. Nail’s tone is full of snarl and bite, his guitar sounded huge all night. Such a tasty player, utterly capable whether it’s aggressive chugging riffs, blistering lead solos, or pensive and soulful moments of soft strumming and deft arpeggios. Paul’s bass tone is nothing short of sepulchral, more ‘experienced’ than merely heard. Nic’s drumming is a huge part of what makes Devilskin uniquely who they are, a formidable combination of raw power, natural feel, and breathtaking precision. But it’s vocalist Jennie who’s the star of the show, stalking the stage in supreme confidence, completely at ease whilst in total command of the stage. She alluded to a throat issue, and the fatigue in her voice was clear when she spoke. It seemed to completely disappear when she was ‘in the zone’, though, everything crystal clear, with the force of a tsunami. Jennie is one of the most formidable vocalists this country has produced, her performances seem effortless in creating such a massive sound.

Photo credit: Layton Evans – Devilskin, Union Hall Dunedin 25/07/2026

The set exhibited moods of contrasting dynamics, the audience crushed beneath the weight of tracks like Grave, Pray, and Swelter, uplifted by Believe In Me and Start A Revolution, moved by Closer, and thrown into a frenzy with their high-octane cover of Barracuda. Despite the tour celebrating Be Like The River, there were songs spanning their entire 17-year career. The audience was enthralled from the second Devilskin set foot on the stage, until they disappeared once more into the wings. The band were bordering on gushing in the way they expressed their heartfelt gratitude to their fans, describing Christchurch as by far their favourite city to perform in. Devilskin have always truly been a band “of the people”, going out of their way to show appreciation with grace and humility. Tonight’s show amply demonstrated why they’re not only still dominating the scene after 17 years, but are continuing to go from strength to strength. Bravo.