“Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with shades of deeper meaning” – Maya Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.
Exploring Deepers Wells of Meaning, releasing their latest album and magnum opus in November’s dying days, Adelaide’s DYSSIDIA reasserts themselves as one of the most dynamic acts in Australia’s progressive metal scene, hosting a hard launch at legendary venue, Jive.
Opening the evening’s proceedings on behalf of Dyssidia is cinematic post-rock, immersive instrumental quartet, KUIPER. Just a taste of things to come, the wistful half hour Lullaby can be heard clearly from Hindley Street, beckoning attendees to Be Here Now and encouraging a number of on-the-door sales for intrigued passersby to Enter Orbit.
‘Incorporating progressive, symphonic and melodic elements’, Adelaidian powerhouse, WINGS OF THANATOS explode; five Vessels of Flesh united in an effort to reassemble The Fragmented Self and heal Convalescent souls in the strengthening crowd, one heart thumping song at time, the furiously heavy, emotive and atmospheric death metal is fuelled by fierce Ethos and exceptional skill.
Brisbane’s ADRIATIC join the hometown lineup, bringing a pulsating yet syncopated energy to the Jive stage. “The first time in your beautiful city”, vocalist Stoyan infers the band’s Balkan ‘roots’ and references their uniquely interactive hardcore ‘wings’. Moving from Krile I to II, repeatedly leaping into the increasingly animated crowd, we’re encouraged to join Koreni’s screaming chorus ‘against all odds’.
Inviting Dyssidia’s Mitch Brackman to join them in an unrehearsed eviscerating duet rendition of A Lighthouse in the Desert, exchanging roles of seductor and executioner the two frontmen tango; Adriatic burst into 1984 All Over Again. ‘Lords of the new breed’ dropping to their knees and into audience members’ arms for Death’s Funeral, The Last Dawn befittingly ends an electric set steeped in socio-political sentiment.
Traversing multiple genres in just the Hellish Embellishment of the opening track’s introduction, Dyssidia’s Brackman displays his unsurpassed dual talent for soaring arias and demonic snarls. A man born for the stage, it is one of this reviewer’s greatest privileges to witness the unparalleled vocalist Thrive, and witness Dyssidia’s continued musical ascension.
Simultaneously, the insane instrumental technicality of Corey Davis on guitar, precision drumming of Liam Weedall and enigmatic bass work of Neil Palmer, both calmly consistent and palpitating, is on full display in Serum Sickness. The tertiary track and lead single on Deeper Wells of Meaning presents ‘a tightly-coiled, venom-laced single that signals the rebirth of one of Australia’s most distinctive progressive metal voices.’
Floating between octaves one and all, there’s An Absolute Severance between reason and reality to explain Brackman’s ability to careen seamlessly between his Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde personas. Demonstrating concurrently a penchant for theatrics and bodywork, The Gutted Stag is followed by another of Costly Signals’ finest cuts, Bloodrush.
Palmer switching positions with the frontman to betwixt in twin tornado his and Davis’s instruments, “a very special thank you to Noriko Tadano, who couldn’t be with us tonight” prefaces the eerily ethereal Dream Persuasion. The haunting filmclip projected behind the band creates a complimentary interplay between the live act and the Japanese tsugaru shamisen musician, their first collaboration a masterpiece.
This evening showcasing their practice in restraint and precision, every note, shift and movement is designed without Impulsivity; Dyssidia are expertly purposeful, gifted with ambitious intent and, possessing Deeper Wells of Meaning, are destined for greatness.
Live Review By Belinda Quick