Battlesnake - gig review

On Friday the 26th of September, we embarked on a journey to Sydney’s Red Rattler for the remarkable, the one and only, like no other, entertaining performance by Battlesnake.

Hot & Heavy members, Ethan and myself arrived early to spend some time with the band and interview a few of the members, guitarist Daniel, keytarist Billy and vocalist Sam.

Not long after wrapping up the interview, it was show time for our openers, Turtle Skull. I had been told countless times by majority of Battlesnake band members that Turtle Skull is really good. we had not listened to them prior to the show, so i had no idea what to expect.

Little did I know I’d be blown away quickly with their sonic mastery. They’re described as “psych-doom-pop” which I can absolutely agree with. Their set is filled with long instrumental solos across the band, ethereal vocal harmonies and psychedelic buzzing riffs & beats. Many of their songs range from 3 to 8 minutes long, perhaps even longer!

However no one seemed to notice as each track is so engaging as it ebbs and flows beautifully, creating a mystic and magical environment.

This was such an enjoyable set, especially in the chosen venue at Red Rattler. The ambient atmosphere amongst the unique and almost intentionally messy/grungy style of the venue adds so much character to a bands performance like this. The room is like a small warehouse, lined with very old gorgeous pink, red and green antique sofas and chairs, cement walls and open ceiling with metal beams, cables, a projector and even a disco ball.

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There was a decent break between the two bands that played tonight, giving them the time to change over & get ready, whilst the crowd prepares for the oncoming 70 minute mind blowing set. but It is now time for our main act, what we’ve all long been awaiting for... Battlesnake.

The stage is donned with medieval red & gold banners featuring a snake wrapped around a sword and a giant L.E.D cross hangs from the stage frame.

We were summoned towards the stage as their walk out song is playing, a snippet from Monty Python and the Holy Grail, then a few of the members take to the stage in position, each dressed in white robes with gold studs. vocalist, Sam presents his holy bible, reading his own scripture “Dawn of the Exultants.”

Kicking off the fierce set, we begin with my personal favourite song “I Am the Vomit.” This was the first song I ever heard by Battlesnake many months ago, it’s such a fun & bizarre song with disgusting lyric content that you simply can’t forget, nor hold back from chanting along once you've learned it.

Between the first half of the set's songs, the band occasionally stops for the intermission of Sam reading his scriptures. one thing we spoke about in the interview was it has been established that Sam holds this leadership style presence whilst in character. Every crowd member listens and hangs off each spoken word, then continues to cheer on our crowned king...

We take a slow turn with “Moto Exordium” where we are commanded to get down low and bow to our lead guitarist Daniel as he plays through the most beautiful guitar solo. Seeing the crowd obey and support my dear friend on stage warmed my heart & soul. I know he deserves this spotlight as one of the best guitarists I’ve ever seen in my life and being a lovely, supportive person right through to the core.

We pick right back up again with the very fun, crowd engaging song “Murder Machine.” This song involves a lot of back and forth between the band and the crowd, definitely a great opportunity to have a boogie and work your own vocal cords.

Towards the end of the set we see some friendly moshing amongst the crowd. People hold up their phones struggling to film as the band is so busy. Sam marches into the crowd and stirs the energy in the room, the guitarists line up and move in sync together with each riff.

Our second last song, “Nightmare King” by far one of the most visually striking of the set as keytarist Billy strips off his gown, down to his bright white Battlesnake speedo’s and vocalist Sam falls backwards into the crowds arms, maliciously laughing during the manic breakdown of the song whilst surfing the crowd.

But the set is not over, as the band performs an excellent cover of AC/DC’s “Let There Be Rock.” Billy scales the scaffolding of the stage before thanking the attendees and the venue for the night.

Sam follows suit and sings from the metal frames, whilst a ladder appears in the centre of the crowd for guitarist Benny & Billy climb to resume playing and dancing. It’s impossible to know where to look, how to keep up and what to expect next!

This was such a fun end to the night.

If you haven’t seen a Battlesnake show yet, you must get to one as soon as possible. They maintain high energy, a fantastic performance and constant surprises, truly a show of a lifetime.

as i said to most of the band members post show, i had no idea how to write this review because it's near impossible to explain the magic and madness this band creates every time they touch the stage. after my 3rd time attending a battlesnake show this year, i can't recommend getting your ass to one sooner.

All photos by Ethan