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SUNK LOTO
+ Ocean Sleeper + Red Bee
@ Max Watts, Melbourne,
17th November 2023
(Live Review)

Review and photos by Michael Gow (@alchemi_glow_music_phot)

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SUNK LOTO – Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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Before the night had even commenced, there was an air of anticipation outside the iconic Max Watts. Fans of the Aussie heavy metal legend, Sunk Loto, gathered in the queue, exchanging excited chatter about the sense of nostalgia surrounding Sunk Loto and other legacy Australian bands. This year, a wave of reunions and tours from these iconic bands had swept through, allowing long-time fans to relive their youth. As the shadows of COVID lockdowns faded into the past, these bands emerged to rock with us once again.

When Sunk Loto announced their Between Birth & Death 20th Anniversary tour, many of us were unsure of what to expect, even after the 2022 reunion tour. A change in the lineup, with original guitarist out and guitar virtuoso Rohan Stevenson of I Built the Sky joining, added an element of uncertainty. Fans pondered, “Will there be new music, or is the change in lineup geared towards touring?” To our delightful surprise, they released a new song, ‘The Gallows Wait.’

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RED BEE – Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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Before the first band took the stage, the crowd was eager to experience this new track live. Red Bee, a heavy rock trio from NSW, opened the night, setting an electrifying tone. Unfamiliar to some, they quickly captivated the audience with their heavy riffs and catchy tunes. Despite the venue not yet being at full capacity, those present reveled in the full-frontal assault of Red Bee’s performance.

As Red Bee’s set ended, the crowd was now thoroughly energized for what lay ahead. Ocean Sleeper, a Gippsland band, took the stage, wasting no time delivering powerful, guitar-driven songs. Despite the absence of a bass player, Ocean Sleeper showcased that bass could be achieved in other ways, seamlessly blending clean and screaming vocals. The audience, though recent acquaintances with the band, found themselves swept away by the glorious riffs, headbanging and swaying in unison.

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OCEAN SLEEPER – Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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Then came the inevitable moment—the masters of metal, Sunk Loto, graced the stage to fill our ears with the pure bliss of their album ‘Between Birth & Death.’ Playing the album in its entirety, the crowd, filled with long-time fans, easily recognized each song’s beginning. Jason Brown’s powerful vocals soared over us, and with the addition of Rohan Stevenson on guitar, the band seamlessly continued their musical journey. Unique moments, such as an extended version of ‘Help,’ showcased the newfound energy with Rohan in the lineup.

The lighting and smoke-filled stage enhanced the eerie yet powerful ambiance of the performance. It seemed that since their last appearance, Sunk Loto had stepped up their live game. Jason gave a heartfelt shoutout to the preceding bands, Red Bee, and Ocean Sleeper, acknowledging their perfect fit for the tour.

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SUNK LOTO – Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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As the set neared its end, Jason expressed gratitude for the tour and the special connection with Melbourne. The crowd, fully engaged and energized, eagerly cheered for more. The set concluded with ‘Between Birth & Death,’ but the night was far from over. The anticipated moment arrived—the live Melbourne debut of their new song, ‘The Gallows Wait.’ Fans erupted in screams and cheers, singing along with diehard enthusiasm. As the song concluded, the announcement of more new music left the crowd cheering and applauding, anticipating a potential new album or EP.

The encore commenced, featuring timeless classics like ‘Vinegar Stroke,’ written when they were mere teenagers, followed by ‘Sunken Eyes’ and ‘Lift.’ As the final notes echoed, fans were left in awe, knowing they had witnessed something extraordinary. The night’s memories would linger, creating an everlasting imprint.

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SUNK LOTO – Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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For those who missed this tour, securing tickets for any future announcement is a must. Sunk Loto is undeniably back, and the anticipation for upcoming tours will likely result in swift sold-out shows. As the echoes of a spectacular night lingered, fans were left eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the Sunk Loto saga.

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SUNK LOTO – Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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Check out Michael Gow’s (@alchemi_glow_music_phot) full gallery of this event HERE

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SUNK LOTO – Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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Follow SUNK LOTO

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SUNK LOTO – Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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Press Release 7th March 2023 (below) HERE

SUNK LOTO
release brand new single
THE GALLOWS WAIT

First new music in 20 years

+ Introduce new guitarist
ROHAN STEVENSON

+ Touring this
October + November
for
BETWEEN BIRTH AND DEATH
20th Anniversary

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AMNPLIFY – DB