Reviewed on Wednesday January 11
It was a hot and heavy atmosphere at the Factory Theatre on Wednesday, and the rising temperatures had nothing to do with the insane summer weather. Instead, thunderous clouds of rock formed over the venue as two equally sensational bands, fronted by two equally phenomenal vocalists, took to the stage for a night of inspirational female-driven rock. Kiwi’s Devilskin came skulking into town with their contralto metal, and Halestorm were heavy on their heels, both bands captivating on that clammy night before a sweaty and swooning crowd.
For their antepenultimate show on a massive 20-show tour, Devilskin delivered a driving performance that appeased loyal fans and garnered many new ones. Frontwoman Jennie Skulander maintained an exceptionally ambitious set of vocal melodies – despite her accelerating exhaustion in the heat of the night, you had to admire her dedication to some incredibly detailed songs from past releases and their current album. Theatrically crouched on the stage through ‘Voices’, Skulander looked ever the goddess, an aggrieved angel with a voice to match.
The band’s very own Tweedledum and Tweedledee, twins Nail and Paul Martin, filled the pregnant pauses between songs with humorous anecdotes. Numbers like ‘In Black’ and ‘Mountains’ saw the twosome demonstrate some cool skills on guitar and bass respectively.
If Devilskin were the quake on the ocean floor, then Halestorm were the resultant tsunami, crashing out a weighted set of bluesy rock numbers from a titanic catalogue, and leaving their audience in a deliciously hot mess. Hits like ‘Amen’, ‘Freak Like Me’ and ‘I Am The Fire’ had bodies pumping and hearts thumping, before many of the crowd were left wondering why there was no encore.
Never has this humble reviewer left a show so elated and inspired by the musical contents of one evening. The rich syrup of Lzzy Hale’s voice coupled with some positively devastating riffs had every person in the venue bumping, grinding and rocking as Halestorm crooned the night away. They’re an immense rock collective, and you shouldn’t pass through this life without having seen them at least once. Every moment spent listening to this band drains every ounce of happy energy you have, but ye gods is it worth it.
