Mudvayne/Coal Chamber
Hordern Pavilion played host for the second stop on the Mudvayne and Coal Chamber Australian tour, 16th February to a near sell-out event. Fans of all ages billowed into the iconic Moore Park venue in Sydney, ready for a night of dirty guitars and angst filled lyrics. It was clearly evident by the vast audience demographic that Mudvayne and Coal Chamber had such a significant impact in those years gone by that continues to transcend generations with time.
Coal Chamber carved their own way in the 1990’s as pioneers of a unique alternative nu metal soundscape. The last time Sydney was privy to the Cali based metal band was Soundwave 2012, delivering a hype filled set to a heaving mosh pit entourage. The Hordern seemed a more subdued atmosphere than the previous festival counterpart as Coal Chamber delivered a flawless back catalogue, traversing songs from album to album.
Opening with Loco, from their Eponymous 1997 LP, patrons moved in nostalgic consensus with the dirty down tuned guitars and grudge filled vocals. Dez Fafara charged the stage, delivering a back catalogue onto eager awaiting fans. Admittedly, ‘not one for talking on the mic’, Fafara was right to the point belting out Fiend, the opening track from the third studio album Dark Days. The drums rolled into the raucous sound of Another Nail In The Coffin from the 2015 album Rivals. With its catchy riffs and vocals, heads banged along in agreeance to the tempo set by drummer Mike Cox and bassist Nadja Peulen.
The recognizable opening riffs to Big Truck were met by excitement in the growing crowd, causing ‘Moving Motion’ with fans chanting lyrics straight back to the stage. Arguably one of my most anticipated tracks on the tour, tapping cymbals were joined with dirty guitar riffs as Oddity bled from the speakers.
The Hordern was lit up as Sway blasted from the stage, the enthusiasm was met with capacity audience participation, ‘The Roof, The Roof The Roof is on Fire.’ Sydney melted through the flames and gave roaring applause as Coal Chambers set came to a close.
It’s been a long 18 years since Mudvayne toured our shores. Known for their horror style makeup, masks and experimental sound, Mudvayne have made a successful career spanning nearly three decades as quintessential nu metal icons.
Despite apparent sound issues in Sydney, Mudvayne powered on with a packed set list. The heavy intro and midsection melodies of Not Falling from the second studio album, The End Of All Things To Come moved the venue. The rawness of Severed took us on a journey of inflection with eclectic vocals as the band proceeded with a progressive set inclusive of World So Cold, A New Game, Fish Out Of Water and Dull Boy.
“We have to embrace these fucking moments people. These are the moments that matter. These are the moments that count.”
The ballad of Nothing to Gein, a track written about notorious serial killer Edward Gein had fans singing the dark lyrics in harmony. Grey addressed the audience ‘I have one question for you Sydney- Are you Happy?’ Mudvayne dispatched Happy onto the awaiting masses.
Mudvayne’s Sydney set was a hauntingly progressive amalgamation of complex heavy sounds and cross rhythms. Teamwrk Touring and The Phoenix AU promised and delivered a beautiful pairing of Nu Metal pioneers in an event reminiscent of a different time, still finding a relevance in the now.
Ticket Information here
Brisbane Fortitude Valley February 14th
Sydney Hordern Pavilion February 16th
Melbourne Festival Hall February 17th
Adelaide Hindley Street Music Hall February 19th
Perth Metro City February 21st
Review by Pieta Clarke
