Greg Puciato, one of the maestros behind the chaotic Dillinger Escape Plan and powerhouse supergroups The Black Queen, Killer Be Killed and Better Lovers, is not just a name; he's a force.
One that resonates with the likes of the dedicated bunch flocking to The Brightside in Brisbane, eager to experience the magic of his solo performance (17 January).It has been hard to contain my excitement all day and I have reminisced about the last time I saw Puciato live. It was on this very same date, five years prior at a small venue nearby when he was touring with The Black Queen.
Being a long time between drinks, I am ready to quench my thirst by drinking in another of his live performances. Before that we are set to get warmed up by three support acts. Bonus!
She Cries Wolf kick off the night with hardcore ferocity. There is no priming or primping as the five piece grab us by ears and smash us with a barrage of heavy delight.
She Cries Wolf - image © Clea-marie Thorne
Their set, albeit fleeting, is leaving a lasting impression on the gathering crowd. By the time they played two back-to-back bangers from their album 'Liars', more punters have joined in the fun on the floor, some even singing along with great fury to 'Cultist'.
Anyone arriving after their performance will regret missing She Cries Wolf's metalcore mayhem – you need to check them out.
Trace Amount (Brandon Gallagher) is a large presence and carries on the visual intensity with a harsh avant-garde industrial performance that glitches and grates in your ears and mind.
The sonic vibrations are shaking the whole venue and reverberating through our bodies. We are engrossed in the rhythmic force that is raw and punishing, all achieved by one person, through vocals, drumming and programming/ synth.
Trace Amount is a solo sonic wrecking ball set to destroy us through music. This is the first time I am hearing this artful music and is the first time the artist has toured Australia. I encourage you to experience it for yourself; I'm already craving seconds.
Trace Amount - image © Clea-marie Thorne
After a short break, electronic distortion fills the air above our heads. Heads and eyes turn to the stage as King Yosef (Tayves Yosef Pelletier), takes the stage with a stormy presence.
Opening with 'Frame', Yosef leads us into a 'Cascade Of Doubt' – you could take the title literally at this point. I am certainly rethinking cathartic compositions and wish I had this music playing on my recent session in a rage room.
'The Dull Blade', '110817' and 'Cut The Cord' come before what is a clear fan favourite 'Power', going by the reaction from the crowd. Yosef hammers us with another four songs before concluding with 'Adrienne'.
Yosef and his band have worked the crowd as a divisible force, unleashing a massive hardcore sound and industrial trap metal assault of the heaviest kind.
King Yosef - image © Clea-marie Thorne
We grow expectant as it has gone 10pm. There is relief as the lights dim and four silhouetted bodies emerge on the stage.
Vibrations from the amp stack in front of me is emitting a thick bass distortion until Puciato joins Jeff Geisser (bass), Noah Taylor (drums), Nick Sadler (guitar) and James Hammontree (guitar), and fans lose their minds from the first song of the set that is sending us into a spin – it is of course, 'Reality Spiral' (from 2022's 'Mirrorcell').
Euphoria keeps us in her grip during 'Do You Need Me to Remind You?', 'Absence As A Presence', 'Fire For Water' and 'Don't Wanna Deal'.
With each song, Puciato is getting up close and personal with his fans with more frequency. It's this demonstration of connection with fans in such an intimate way that gifts them truly personal moments to cherish as bonus to the live show experience.
Greg Puciato - image © Clea-marie Thorne
Geisser and Taylor keep the rhythm tight, while Sadler and Hammontree add layers to the immersive experience. Puciato's banter with Geisser adds a playful element to the set. Puciato sure has put together a collection of great experience behind him and an element of camaraderie glows from the stage.
The myriad of side projects and collaboration projects such as Spylacopa and his work with Jerry Cantrell must only feed his creativity. As I look around the crowded room there is evidence the evolving Puciato continues to grow his fan base, just as much through his musical prowess as a solo artist.
'No More Lives To Go' and 'Deep Set' evoke nostalgic Alice In Chains (AIC) vibes and I interpret it as a reverentially woven homage, given his close relationship with Cantrell and their recent collaborations.
Hearing these songs live, loud and raw, is nothing you are going to get on a pressed or digitally recorded rendition (although they are bloody good). I pity anyone unable to make one of the tour shows, if only to experience the set that has been played so far – cos it's been a magic ride and I think we are only halfway through.
Greg Puciato - image © Clea-marie Thorne
Now the mood is shifting. The AIC vibe becoming fractals within the darkwave mood and groove of 'Never Wanted That'. Puciato's vocals are reaching out to us like tentacles delivering up the earnest lyrics directly to our core.
We may just be the luckiest crowd in Brisbane tonight, or even this tour! What's happening now, does not happen at every Puciato show – yes! To the fans that guessed it, Puciato is introducing and calling Reba Meyers (Code Orange guitarist) from the back of the venue to join him onstage.
Answering the call, Meyers with her long mane brushes past me on her way down the stairs to join Puciato onstage. Of course, it is for the alt-rock song 'Lowered', which they collaborated on for the 'Mirrorcell' album – it has a catchy hook and ambience that hits me with such deep feels.
Puciato pauses on occasion during the song to take in Meyer's awesome vocal performance. Their faces show great admiration and deep respect and connection during this precious performance.
Greg Puciato - image © Clea-marie Thorne
Just when I think my heart will burst, I hear the start of 'A Pair Of Questions' as it sends us into a rapture. This is followed by 'I, Eclipse' and 'All Waves To Nothing', and while the punters are all in for these songs, they are getting bonkers for 'Creator Of God'.
With a bit of fun banter, Puciato tells us how the encore is to go down. He makes sure we know to remain while they quickly go off stage, reassuring us they'll come back on to play one more song, and maybe if we're lucky two more songs.
As promised we get a personal favourite, 'Evacuation' with a strong sonic flavour of NIN that further seals the deal as a classic banger with Puciato's amazing pipes. He croons a silky, moody ballad in one instant then with a brutal screaming force, rips the skin from your face, in the next. I love this track!
In contrast 'September City' draws a melancholic state, that is until Puciato escalates the vocals into a rage of the most delicious kind.
If you could tell, I was stoked with the guest appearance of Meyers tonight – you'd better believe I am now believing that all my Christmases have come at once! Why? Puciato is giving a shoutout to Cantrell that leads into an AIC cover of 'Them Bones'!
Greg Puciato - image © Clea-marie Thorne
Not only are we getting this amazing cover, but he's also disclosed tonight that he'll be back soon. . . with Cantrell! Straight from the mouth of Puciato. More Puciato AND Cantrell? Take my money now!
Everyone in the room knows the words to the cover and are singing it with heartfelt enthusiasm and very loudly, although the packed venue does not even come close to drowning out the powerhouse pipes of Puciato – nor would we want to if we could. I reckon if Layne Staley were watching from the great jam beyond, he'd be super stoked at this performance. Totally lit.
Tonight, fans have immersed themselves in the products of Puciato's diverse instrumental and lyric writing skills. Puciato showcasing to us the textured tapestries weaved from his creative mind and the multiple influences he has drawn from.
The set list gave a great representation of Puciato's solo albums and his exceptional broad stylistic vocal abilities traversed the extremes of emotion from passion to despair. The show was a wild and ear-splitting ride delivered with a conviction that was felt as well as heard.
More photos from the show.
