Osmium @ The Royal, Palmerston North 07/02/13

Robin a two piece self described post rock band opened up the evening with an inspiring set. An instrumental band predominantly it was swirling guitar sounds with almost tribal rhythms. The band Mad Season came to mind with the guitar sounding very similar in style to some of Mike McCready’s (Pearl Jam and Mad Season) work. This was quite a mesmerising set which was a great way to kick things off.

Intergracia have a melodic progressive metal sound with plenty of speed and frills to keep you captivated. The guys in this band have been long stayers in the Wellington metal scene with Tim Mekalick (vocals and guitars) been in many bands from there including Magnum Opus and Darklight Corporation and Kieran Gallagher also coming from Magnum Opus and Fallen Order. Experience shows and these guys definitely do give you that. It was a massive set from these guys.

Osmium are awesome. If you love Alice In Chains then you will love Osmium and I am unashamedly a huge Alice In Chains fan. Although there is huge Alice In Chains comparisons they are still very original and but have a sound very close to the Layne Staley era Alice In Chains. They have the sound of clean, tight, stomping, chugging riffs that thump into your head and trigger it to bang. Dual vocals that create great vocal harmonies that churn inside your mind leading to the primal scream with wailing guitar as the background. I’m sure the ghost of Layne R.I.P. was above them and backing them up. My only complaint was that their set was far too short. With two albums out they have plenty of material so was a little gutted for such a short set but man it was awesome anyway and I can only hope the guys read this and we get longer set next tour.

Hailing all the way from Wanganui Kavort thrashed out with a solid sound and energy that gets the crowd amped. I have seen these guys a few times now and they never fail to entertain. Jason Waters on vocals is a real find and he is a great front man and the rest of the band stand behind him to make them a force to be reckoned with. They now have a second guitarist which always gives a better layered sound and the crowd just lap it up. They are very active on stage which helps get the crowd going.

Another fantastic night at The Royal was had by all in attendance. Such a great venue, Great bands and a few quite ones do make a brilliant night out.