You could easily mistake my trembling limbs to simply being cold but, I can confirm with you that it was actually excitement. Okay, so I was a bit cold but seeing BIG NOTER and KARNIVOOL was an exciting thought that had been rolling around my frozen synapses.
After two confidence drinks I headed out to PICA despite the arctic chill that numbed my face. PICA is in fact one of the very few venues I haven’t haunted in Melbourne. Playing host to MONOLITH festival, Boiler Room raves, GOOD THINGS side shows and even a Reggaeton Festival, my curiosity levels about such a venue were left at a tantalizing buzz. As I stepped through the gates and joined my Everyday Metal family, we began our descent into the vast, cavernous warehouse for an evening I certainly did not expect to have.
The sound of anticipation was steadily building as the countdown to BIG NOTER’s long-awaited entrance drew closer. If you aren’t familiar with BIG NOTER then, I suggest paying attention because class was now in session. Fronted by the Yorta-Yorta, rapper, comedian, unofficial government legislator, actor, author and, icon Senator Briggs. BIG NOTER are a fresh force in modern hardcore punk, delivering unapologetic lyrics powered by the aggressive edge of their heavy metal roots. As Briggs has remarked on his Bad Apples Music website “People might be surprised, but this is where I’m most at home, this is the sound I was raised on.” With unrelenting ruthlessness, drummer Steve Smith, guitarist Leigh Davies, and bassist Craig Smith join BRIGGS to unleash a blistering sonic backdrop.
An electrified wave of cheers and applause engulfed PICA as each member of BIG NOTER takes to the stage for their hotly anticipated set supporting KARNIVOOL. The gnawing bass riff instantly consumes the room, slamming into your organs like a bolt of thunder, sending pulses through every capillary—relentlessly driven home by the pounding kick drum. With only two songs available on streaming platforms, BIG NOTER’s set was something to be marveled at. Boasting with rich rhythm, venom-like, politically charged lyrical delivery that felt like an unholy communion.
BIG NOTER’s set was unrelentingly transfixing which was further bolstered by an audible interlude from the legendary Chuck D from Public Enemy. Too many legends in one exceedingly large space! Despite their infancy you should be taking big notes about BIG NOTER. I found myself yelling ‘The most dangerous thing you can is your mother fucking self’ – let’s be honest, who doesn’t relate to that? I found myself silently pensive as BIG NOTER said their humble thanks despite the crowd evidently needing and wanting more. Other than more BIG NOTER I needed to start the pilgrimage for more heat (I can confirm I was not successful in my quest)
The time between sets, I immediately noticed that the crowd started to swell and multiply. More bodies donned in KARNIVOOL garb became greater as I resumed my spot out the back of PICA. My usual tactic of finding a good viewing point wasn’t a reality as there were no levels to perch myself on and, I rudely still haven’t had the growth spurt I crave.
KARNIVOOL are a monolithic Australian band that requires no introduction. In saying that, I’m going to attempt something different about this review. I am going to ‘attempt’ to keep this short and sweet because KARNIVOOL aren’t just a band you can casually speak of in passing, they are a behemoth to be reckoned with. They are band that you need to drink in and take in all their majesty in a live setting.
Kicking off their set was their debut track ‘Drone’ from their fourth upcoming studio album the crowd surged forward in a rush towards the stage, eagerly anticipating KARNIVOOL’s long-awaited return to Melbourne. After COVID caused a temporary halt in touring, we had been stewing in anticipation for their comeback—and it was every bit worth the wait. Sweeping tendrils of blue light engulfed PICA, while choral voices echoed alongside the lyrics of Goliath, hands raised high, holding half-drunk beer cans (pink gin and tonic, if you’re like me).
KARNIVOOL teased us with a taste of some new tracks, and they were nothing short of breathtaking. I truly believe we’re on the brink of a new era in KARNIVOOL’s music—a return to their roots, but with a more polished sound, a fresh perspective, and added depth. The set progressed on with old gems, fan favourites and more new songs to add to the mystique and intrigue for the forthcoming and eagerly awaited album. Jumping bodies, weaved in between dancing lights as KARNVIOOL further enchanted us with Mauseum, C.O.T,E and Simple Boy. Hushed whispers of ‘Oh, you know what I think they’ll play next?’ and ‘Man, that was so good!’ became recurring phrases as I believe that not even KARNIVOOL’s most devoted followers could not have predicted the set list.
At this point, I had to continually keep moving as I ran the risk of getting hypothermia as typical Melbourne’s winter weather was rudely out in full force. I am also at the age where I am beginning to think that I am going to have to start limbering up because my silly back was seizing up (yay). But thus, she persisted. The harmonious, crowd sing-a-long was growing in volume and passion as we began our decent with Deadman and We Are.
I started to feel that KARNIVOOL’s sign off was in sight even though I felt like both the punters and KARNIVOOL were just getting warmed up.
As the first notes of Themata reverberated off the walls of PICA, the crowd and KARNIVOOL initiated the usual, impassioned transference of adoration. Ian’s showmanship, stage presence and eagerness was an infectious spectacle that further invigorated an amped crowd. At this point, I was feeling that niggling pang of regret for not buying ear plugs because the moment the chorus kicked, the decibels were off the charts, and everyone bellowed out ‘It’s so good to see this world is alive’ at a borderline deafening volume. With gleeful grins, half drunken cheers and raised fists, KARNIVOOL’s set was sadly drawing to a close.
Or so we thought?
Rounding out their powerhouse set with a fiery encore of All It Takes, Roquefort and New Day – KARNIVOOL have once again shown us that they are a true staple in the Australian metal and alternative rock community. They never needed to seek our re-approval but, I guess we needed a friendly reminder.
I would like to extend my most sincerest thanks and appreciation to PICA, BIG NOTER, KARNIVOOL and of course DEATHPROOF PR.
EVERYDAY METAL – SUPPORT LOCAL HEAVY METAL
