Live Review: Chainsaw Hookers, Claim The Throne, The Bob Gordons

Walking into Amplifier Bar for the first time in 15 years, this reviewer was feeling nostalgic for that euphoric feeling we got as youngsters going to see a horde of awesome bands and Chainsaw Hookers didn’t disappoint with the diverse assortment they had listed on the bill for the launch of their album, We Want Your Blood. Starting off the night, Perth metal hardcore band Bounty Hunter had the early arrivals getting right into the swing of things with their thrash-hardcore style and skin-shredding solos. They lay down a solid set with vocalist D-Cold delivering an unparalleled intensity in his vocals. Next up were the Emu Xperts, with frontman Blake Hate showing his customary outrageous style; they were the epitome of garage punk-rock: wild, powerful and commanding.

Perth punk rockers The Bob Gordons stormed the stage and really drew in the outside stragglers with their high-intensity, high-energy set of relatable and charismatic songs encompassing mind-altering riffs and surprisingly charming harmonies. Influenced by greats like Rancid and Frenzal Rhomb, The Bob Gordons delivered a fresh and modern twist in their homage of old-school punk rock culture, which they unequivocally embody, and stood out as a band to keep on the radar. Perth ‘melodic death folk metal’ band Claim The Throne went to a whole other level with their set comprising of a bizarre fusion of darkness and melancholy with a melodic catchiness that had the crowd amping up… no pun intended. Forming in 2005, over the last decade they’ve not only created a reputation for putting on an outrageous show, but they’ve made huge strides in cementing their unique style and sound, which has been pushing the boundaries of their already obscure genre.

Rounding out the night were headliners, Perth’s Chainsaw Hookers, and, armed with their new album, We Want Your Blood, they brought with them their theatrical, macabre horror-esque style and unspeakable stage presence, combining their murderous lyrics with upbeat, fast-paced tracks backed by the thunderous drumming of Nathan Sproule. Through their dedication to the Perth music scene, Chainsaw Hookers have a built up a healthy following and their new album was extremely well received. We look forward to seeing what else is on the cards for these bands in the future; these are the kind of line-ups that give hope to the fate of Perth music when one gig can pull such a high calibre of musicians.