To celebrate their newly released EP Fever Dream, Newcastle’s Vilify are out on the road across the country. Heading to Adelaide last Thursday night, bringing Canberra’s St. Sinner with them, the band showed why the are probably Australia’s most underrated metalcore act. While the crowd at the beloved venue The Crown & Anchor (known affectionately as The Cranka) may have been a little thin, there is no doubt it was one to remember.

Kicking off proceedings for the night was local Adelaide boys KIN. Starting with acknowledgement to country, the band tore into their set. Displaying some of the freshest, tightest production you may find in a smaller, local act- they had the pit moving early. Gutsy, dynamic and overall just heavy as hell, they got the job done to warm up the crowd. Despite a couple of technical difficulties, their set was polished. Beefy gutturals from frontman Louie were impressive and was only further enhanced by the sheer talent this band possesses. The bass is thick, the drums are brutal and riffs- well go check them out for yourself because this band is going places.

Taking things in a heavy but different direction, local punk/hardcore mainstays Stabbitha And The Knifey Wifeys hit the stage with their trademark ferocity. Pointing out they were the most manual band on the lineup, ie. no effects or samples, they embody that true organic hardcore/punk spirit. Drummer Alex is absolute sunshine, directly juxtaposing the fast and furious playing style. Vocalist Sass is tenacious, possessing a true unhinged spirit that comes through with every shriek. A little banter littered the set and from start to finish it was one epic display of just groovy, heavy and furious hardcore-punk.

Now it was time for the interstate guests St. Sinner to introduce themselves to this pretty relaxed Adelaide crowd. As somebody unfamiliar with the band, when I gazed upon their attire I was not sure what to expect. A guitarist in a checkerboard overalls, a drummer very casually dressed and a singer in a blazer and ski mask-  it really could have gone anyway. Straight away the band challenged the crowd to move. While they may not have got the response they were wanting, the audience did seem to have an appreciation for what the trio was throwing down. It was hard not to. Their music is intense, littered with a range of influences from the current sound of nu-metalcore, hard rock and emo. Singer Rory Maclean has some serious pipes and with the range of influences/styles they can channel, they truly fit into the landscape of modern emo and metalcore. Also, covering Lady Gaga? Such a great move for a band who may not be as known to an out of town crowd.

One thing for certain about this line-up is that while the bands were all a little different sonically, they represented all the different elements that make up the band of the hour- Vilify. With experienced musicians throughout the band, once the headliners took the stage there was a bit of a shift in the air. An elevation of skill and tightness was evident and it is easy to back up the claim I made at the start- this band is criminally underrated. Vocalist Amy Mcintosh is a force to be reckoned with. Snarling, aggressive vocally and energetic in presence, there is a sense of authenticity that is undeniable. Powering through the tracks on their Fever Dream EP, as well as some previously releases like ‘Take The Pill‘, their set was pure finesse. Finishing off strong with the banger ‘Dread Addict‘- it truly was an exceptional set for their first time playing in Adelaide.

Let’s hope we get to see them again soon.

For New South Wales fans, there are still two dates left of the tour.
Secure tickets here.
To find out more about Vilify, head here.