Gig review: Napalm Death + Wormrot + Meth Leppard at Lions Art Factory, Adelaide

Live review: Napalm Death, Wormrot and Meth Leppard at Lions Art Factory, Adelaide, Thursday, September 7 2023

By NOODS NEWELL

I HAVE knocked off two bands from my “must see before I die” bucket list so far this year: Megadeth back in March and now the Gods of Grind, Napalm Death.

It was reassuring to see a stack of people wearing battle jackets over the ocean of black t-shirts…I knew this was going to be a good one.

First band up was local two-piece grinders Meth Leppard. It was a very quick set but it was epic. So few people, so much noise.

Next was Wormrot from Singapore, a great three-piece consisting of guitar, drums and vocals. It was hard to take my eyes off drummer Vijesh Ghariwala. I’ve never seen an octopus on speed but I imagine it looks similar to watching this set of drums being attacked. Wormrot: beautiful, beautiful, beautiful … beautiful noise.

After a quick set change it was face melting time…Napalm Death.

They kicked off with “Narcissus” and then I realised that being dead centre up against the barrier may have been a bad idea.

Their latest album Throes Of Joy In The Jaws Of Defeatism from 2020 was well represented with tunes like “Backlash Just Because”, “Contagion” and “Invigorating Clutch”

Barney Greenway was in top form with everything from his vocals, to his high-energy moving around to his highly intelligent banter.

I think I had around 30 people land on my head as security dragged them over the barrier with one of the security guys hurting his shoulder amongst it all.

The closing songs were a cover of Dead Kennedys “Nazi Punks Fuck Off” and “Siege Of Power”.

An epic night topped off by drummer Danny Herrera handing me a set list.