Tonight was off to a strange start. Just prior to doors opening we received an email advising us of the following.
An update from Wheel ahead of the show tonight:
“Melbourne, we are beyond disappointed to inform you that we will not be able to perform for you tonight.
James had mild flu symptoms when we were leaving Helsinki and as of this morning, his voice is nearly gone.
We are absolutely gutted to let you guys down and hope you can understand what a difficult choice we had to make – please accept our apologies.
Rest assured we will be back – thank you for your patience and understanding”
The Finnish prog-metallers Wheel were highly anticipated and an equal draw for me alongside Caligula’s Horse. They have a slightly more rock feel to their sound that I was really looking forward to checking out live. Hopefully James has a speedy recovery and I can’t imagine how devastating it must be to travel half way across the globe to fall ill. Obviously, this short notice withdrawal didn’t allow for a replacement to be found in time. Wheel are one of those bands I will have my interest tuned to as they have most certainly become a beacon on my radar.
With a revision to set times Keyan took to the stage. Leader and namesake of the trio Keyan Houshmand delivered a technically charged set of original progressive guitar driven songs. Hailing from Adelaide Keyan was unknown to me until this show. His trio’s mix of djent driven progressive instrumental metal set the stage and like so many of the bands I have discovered in this genre of late, there is a skill and mindscape that has an ability to take you on a journey. The ebbs and flows delivered in passages of aggressive beauty. Through artists like Keyan I have discovered a new found appreciation of instrumental progressive metal. It’s hypnotising and lush while dynamic and in your face. Tonights set was a delight to experience.
Keyan Gallery
There are bands that take you by surprise live and Brisbane’s Caligulas Horse are one of those bands. In fact, in many ways Australia has such an incredible progressive scene that we don’t really embrace as we should. Artists like Plini and Caligula’s Horse are undeniable leaders in their style and genre, both have successfully taken their brands globally to huge success.
It’s been a while since we have seen Caligula’s Horse here in Melbourne, tonight a near full house embraced everything this band did. Every note, every lyric adored by the fans. The band have spent the majority of the last year and a half stamping themselves as a force to be reckoned with on international shores. Their progressive metal style is something to behold. Having only heard the recorded version of the band until tonight I knew there would be a highly polished aspect to their set. The openness of the stage and the placement of lights gave us every indication that this show was going to be an all-encompassing experience, visually, technically and musically.
“Charcoal Grace” the album released early this year is a super solid slab of technical ability. Musically a lush soundscape of songs and lyrics of many textures. Frontman Jim Grey has one of those voices that just mesmerises you, the perfect compliment to the musical wizardry laid beneath his lyrics. Greys voice is clean and angelic at times; always powerful. It is so refreshing to hear such an immaculate vocal delivery. Tonight’s set wasn’t just a celebration of the “Charcoal Grace” album it was an opportunity to revisit the bands back catalogue and treat us to a concise history of Caligula’s Horse.
For the uninitiated you would think that Caligula’s Horse aren’t Australian at all. They have perfected their craft and seasoned themselves to being world class. From an amazing production to a live soundscape that was lush and full, the band also has an energy and presence about them that you can’t resist. In technicality there can be sterility, tonight had an engaging warmth that really did captivate me.
Grey has all of the personality you want from a frontman, a spirit that embraces fun and connection with the fans. A bit of cheeky banter returned after comments and heckles saw Grey own the stage and room tonight. He certainly knows how to work a room and engage with a crowd. Musically the band are as sharp as a scalpel, precise and on point. This band deserves every success that comes its way. I am simply blown away by tonight’s collection of songs and performance. Given the chance to see these guys live I suggest you do it. If you are unsure of the genre, Caligula’s Horse are the perfect introduction, but be warned they will captivate you.
Caligula’s Horse Setlist : The World Breathes With Me, Golem, Bloom/Marigold, Dream The Dead, Hands Are The Hardest, The Tempest, Slow Violence, Oceanrise, The Stormchaser, Mute – Encore : Daughter Of The Mountain
Photos by Shot by Slaidins Photography
With special thanks to bands.management & Sony Music Entertainment Australia for the media access.
Caligula’s Horse Gallery
