Tour update: Blacken Open Air, Combichrist, The Superjesus, Thrashville and more

By BRIAN GIFFIN

BUCKLE in for another update on tours and festivals as they cross our wide brown land. This week’s list features a couple of staunch festivals, some rock, grind and industrial and a tribute.

Firstly, the mighty and unique Blacken Open Air returns this year for what could be the final time. The first full line-up announcement comes after the surprise (and welcome) earlier news of an Australian-exclusive reunion by the legendary Blood Duster at the show. Joining them will be international visitors and a raft of heavy-hitting Australian acts, headed up by San Diego psych-rockers Earthless on their only Down Under date. Czech party grinders Gutalax, stoner gods the Brant Bjork Trio, black metal enigma Uada and Maori punks DAHTM lead the overseas brigade. The local contingent includes Blacken veterans South East Desert Metal along with Battlesnake, Hidden Intent, Witchskull, Nicolas Cage Fighter and more.

Blacken Open Air runs from September 19 to 22 at Ross River Resort, Hale NT. Get tickets here.

BLACKEN OPEN AIR: September 19 to 22 – Ross River Resort, NT

The other great festival for this update is the Hunter Valley’s Thrashville which also boasts a stacked line-up for the June 28. Eighteen acts will line up for the event including Private Function, King Parrot, Dr Colossus, Volatile Waysm, Frankenbok, Hammers, Mountain Wizard Death Cult, T-Rex Autopsy, Rick Dangerous and the Silkie Bantams and more. Full details and tickets are here.

THRASHVILLE: JUNE 28, Dashville NSW

US/Norwegian aggrotech terrorists Combichrist have announced a return to Australia in September for their Down and Under Again Tour in support of latest album CMBCRST.

Tix and info are at Headline Media.

SEPTEMBER 18: Crowbar, Brisbane
SEPTEMBER 19: Crowbar, Sydney
SEPTEMBER 20: Max Watts, Melbourne

The masters of experimental noise terror, Pig Destroyer are also headed our way in September, and they’re bringing Singapore’s most intense music experience, Wormrot, with them to make things even more extreme. Be prepared for a vicious assault of self-hatred and loathing as Pig Destroyer return after 17 years, with Wormrot back to their original line-up following their previous jaunt here with Napalm Death.

SEPTEMBER 2: Amplifier Bar, Perth
SEPTEMBER 4: Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide
SEPTEMBER 5: Max Watts, Melbourne
SEPTEMBER 6: Factory Theatre, Sydney
SEPTEMBER 7: The Baso, Canberra
SEPTEMBER 9: The Triffid, Brisbane

Swiss extremists Pale Face Swiss will be in Australia once again, less than a year after a barnstorming run through the country with In Hearts Wake. This time they’re bringing German deathcore unit Nasty will them for six shows kicking off in Perth on September 2. Find tickets here.

SEPTEMBER 2: Magnet House, Perth
SEPTEMBER 3: Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide
SEPTEMBER 5: Northcote Theatre, Melbourne
SEPTEMBER 7: Manning Bar, Sydney
SEPTEMBER 9: King Street, Newcastle
SEPTEMBER 10: Princess Theatre, Brisbane

For something less extreme and local – and not in September! – The Superjesus will be touring their new self-titled album in June. Kicking off in Sydney, the Adelaide rock legends will be doing nine shows playing their newie in full as well their classics. Tickets are here.

JUNE 6: Crowbar, Sydney
JUNE 7: Avalon RSL, Avalon
JUNE 13: Corner Hotel, Melbourne
JUNE 14: Barwon Heads Hotel, Barwon Heads
JUNE 20: Crowbar, Brisbane
JUNE 21: Norton Music Factory, Sunshine Coast
JULY 3: Carine Glades Tavern, Duncraig
JULY 4: Rosemount Hotel, Perth
JULY 5: The Bridgeway, Adelaide

Forty-three years after the tragic passing of the great Randy Rhoads, Quiet Riot founding member Kelli Garni and Rhoads’ guitar teacher Scott Shelley are presenting a tribute to the fallen virtuoso in December. Backed with members of Van Hagar and Snake Bite Whisky, A Tribute to Randy Rhoads will celebrate his legacy at three special performances. The shows will incorporate Randy’s music from both Quiet Riot and Ozzy Osbourne, as well as Q&A sessions. Tickets can be found here.

DECEMBER 6: Crowbar, Brisbane
DECEMBER 7: Sydney Harbour, Sydney
DECEMBER 9: Max Watts, Melbourne