The future of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Touring and Promotion has launched! Before I had even set eyes upon this much needed event/music promotion, I too had often pondered the hope that something new and exciting in Music Promotion would come in the near future. Specifically and coincidentally, something for the Rock and Metal fans that has now become a reality with October’s Labour weekend’s official launch for Metalliance.

Metalliance Touring is the brain child of Frog Management Group/Black Frog Management (Sarah Sampson and co) Suresh De Silva (Vocalist from Sri Lanka’s very own Metal kings and headlining band for Metalliance Touring launch, Stigmata) Arcane Productions (Sri Lanka) and Nan Nordin from Bunyi Productions in Malaysia. Banding together to create an unstoppable brand new touring circuit around Australasia and on Sunday night it was a see it to believe it launch that has some serious potential.

Kicking off early afternoon at the Kings Arm’s, it was technically us Aucklanders (yes I proudly call myself an Aucklander now too, sorry Welly!) that had to take a backseat second to the official launch of Metalliance at Valhalla Bar and Venue the previous night. But alas, the sun was shining, the King’s arms providing a perfect space for a bit of Metal and Rock for the next eight hours onwards! Over the course of the next few hours, we all enjoyed cold beverages with the rare luxury of being able to watch the first few bands while basking in the warm late afternoon sun in the doorways. The King’s arms has the perfect indoor/outdoor flow that allows you to do just that.

A slightly smaller stage space was set up at the opposite end for alternate bands which I thought was a good use of space, despite some microphone difficulties not long into their set with first band up, Auckland Metallers, Subsistence. All was sorted in time for the four piece to kick the night off with their temperamental blend of Metalcore with Melodic Death metal overtones. A solid effort and no easy feat being the first band on the bill. No pressure, but they delivered well with the small but welcoming crowd.

Second up were the incredibly powerful, Evangel (from Hamilton and Waiheke Island respectively) With the abundance of bands on the bill, it’s the best part hearing new music live and Evangel blew my mind and half the crowd away with their blistering set of solid Metal with Progressive overtones. For me, they were a stand out and their cover of Dio’s Holy Diver just sealed the deal even more.

With so many bands on the bill (not to mention a last minute addition) the overall vibe on Sunday night was definitely a positive one. The King’s arm’s may not have been filled to capacity but there was certainly a valiant effort from Auckland’s Metal and Rock communities out in full force all for the same reason. To drink beer and see some damn great music.

Throughout the night the line up was varied and we saw some equally incredible acts from the slightly softer spectrum, Cheshire Grimm. And everything inbetween from the Devil’s Blues Titans, His Masters Voice, Metal shredders, Riccardo Ball’s band Just One Fix, Brute Earth, D.I.C, Forsaken Age and the headliners themselves, Sri Lanka’s own Metal infusion, Stigmata , and of course Chris Yong’s awesomely Steel Panther inspired band, Unleash The Kracken, debuting their first ever set.

Cheshire Grimm, a girl/guy Hamilton/Melbourne trio (who I had the pleasure of reviewing previously for their self titled EP) were a real treat to finally see live. Their infectious harmonies from both vocalists (Kat and Lora) and funky presence between all three were a lot of fun to watch and I got quite excited at the reaction they received from the gathering crowd. Their set showed great musicianship especially when they pulled off a cover of Incubus’ The Warmth with such swag.

So many bands it’s a lot of writing to give them all the write up individually they all deserved, but let me tell you the rest of the night was memorable and from the crowd’s reaction it seems every one took a little something away on Sunday. The real thanks however has to go to Sarah Sampson and Co for all of the hard work and passion for making Metalliance a reality. 2016 will be an exciting and bright year for everyone involved in Metalliance. Here’s to the future of Rock and Metal!

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