The hype was palpable on Friday night ahead of deathcore metal crew Thy Art Is Murder’s Sydney leg of their Death Sentence tour.  Entering the Oxford Art Factory just after 8pm the venue was already starting to reach capacity; you could tell a storm was brewing.

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Deadlights – Photo by Andrew Evans

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Opening with a melodic and powerful performance, Brisbane four piece band Deadlights gave a tight performance in front of an eager crowd.

Deadlights – Photo by Andrew Evans

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Next up all the way from Perth WA, Cursed Earth dominated the room with their groovy breakdowns and insane riffage that sped up the tempo of the pit. Vocalist Jazmine Luders breaking down stereotypes, proving female vocalists have a rightful place on stage in the heavy scene.

Cursed Earth – Photo by Andrew Evans

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Main support, Alpha Wolf gave an emotional, raw and heavy set. Featuring tracks from their newest album Mono, just released in July, these guys owned their stage presence while delivering memorable choruses the whole crowd joined in for.

Alpha Wolf – Photo by Andrew Evans

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Meanwhile masked guitarist, Sabian Lynch, stole the show with incredible guitar skills and a demanding killer energy.

Sabian Lynch – Photo by Andrew Evans

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Finally, the scene was set for Thy Art Is Murder to finish the show, taking control of the room by opening with Holy War and giving the heaviest set of the night.

Thy Art Is Murder – Photo by Andrew Evans

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CJ McMahon took to the stage delivering his signature brutal vocals, driving the crowd wild. It was at this point that a Hell-like element descended upon the Oxford Art Factory. It was dark, hot and sweaty, swarming with human bodies in the pit amongst absolutely demonic mayhem. It was incredible to be a part of.

Thy Art Is Murder – Photo by Andrew Evans

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Even amongst this kind of atmosphere though it was still a safe and friendly environment, with patrons looking after each other in the pit as well as enjoying some crowd surfing and a circle pit as large as the sold out venue could fit.

Thy Art Is Murder – Photo by Andrew Evans

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It’s impossible to say that live music in Sydney is dying after witnessing a sold out show like this on a Friday night featuring some of the heaviest bands in Australia.  All of the bands delivered great performances, each offering a slice of their own style of heavy Australian music.

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