14/08/98
Alchemist, Namin, Impala
Woden Youth Centre
BMA Issue 73 October 1998
Gavin Dennett

Imapala are fairly new on the scene and for a bunch of young guys they are doing justice to themselves. Their sound is loosely based around that 90’s groove metal sound ala Korn, which is great as long as they can do it well. On this occasionally they managed to do that, showing potential that may see them become an all ages favourite. Namin are a fantastic local band that always deliver live. Having not seen them in a while. It was good to get reacquainted with their sound, which is a perfect combination of hard edge metal and brooding dynamics. They also have an amazing vocalist with a large range covering both deep bellows and shrieks. Despite one or two minor sound glitches, Namin were on the money once again, providing a set that was thoroughly worthwhile. The Youth Centre was foreign turf to Alchemist who were playing to a younger Audience than normal and despite some first timers hearing the band, there was little scepticism as the band were really well received. What can you say? As if the reaction would be any different. Alchemist are always superb because they have the strength of their material plus a well honed live show. All the classics sounded great courtesy of faultless playing and a friendly sound, whilst their rendition of The Eve of the war from War of the worlds was novel and pretty darn impressive. Enough said.
Gavin Dennett