Soilwork & Killrazer, mason @ Manning Bar

GalleryReview

Nov 5

Review and photos by James Gough

What is it about three band bills lately? Is it my ageing knees & back prefer the shorter format? Or has someone cracked the code for the perfect kind of show?

Either way we expect nothing less from the legend’s at Hardline Media. Bringing out Soilwork again on the back of their flawless new record “Övergivenheten” and again at one of Sydney’s best venues, The Manning Bar. If i had to write a list of all the favourite shows i’ve been to over the years The Manning Bar would crowd the top end of the list.

A later kick off for a school night with 8pm doors. There was still no shortage of punters creating with a line that snaked around the entrance with everyone piling in to see Melbourne’s Mason. While these rippers could fit any slot of any bill tonight they opened the show. Breakneck speed and riffs on riffs on riffs on riffs is the mission statement and god damn do they deliver. Guitarists Jimmy & Danny’s chops are something to behold and it never let’s up. It’s over in a flash and I’m reminded how much I fucking love thrash!!!

A short break with enough time to smash a beer & say g’day to a few people and we’re off again! Killrazer kick off where Mason finished with the biggest slab of tasty riffs, blasts & thrash. If you were looking to slow things down for minute this was not the place. Any physiotherapists in the room are rubbing their hands together with how sore everyone’s necks are already and we’re not done yet!

It’s been a few years since Soilwork were on these shores, 2019 to be exact, or in other words… Way to long! In that time we have been through the dark days of no shows during and the era of ol spicy cough. While it seem’d the world had shut down Soilwork, among all the other projects the members have, shout out to The Nightflight Orchestra & At The Movies someone please bring both of them out on tour!!! Soilwork in this time released 2020’s “A Whisp of the Atlantic” & the new record “Övergivenheten”. Tonights setlist consisted of a heavy chunk of material from this with ‘Is It In Your Darkness’ ‘Electric Again’ & the title track ‘Övergivenheten’. Along with staples from the bands 25 year career including crowd favourites ‘Nerve’ Momentary Bliss’ & ‘Bastard Chain’ from 2001’s iconic “A Predators Portrait”. Every single person here tonight, including myself sung every word at full volume leaving singer Björn "Speed" Strid speechless at one point! I don’t think this is a show most of us will forget for years to come. Check the photos below!