Alternative music duo They Might be Giants might well have started out as quirky, American college favoured surrealist musicians. However, by the end of the eighties, and shortly before the grunge scene exploded internationally, they had already found a global following, touring with a backing band, and found success in early 1990, with their third studio album, Flood, that had them on a major label, being promoted on alternate radio and associated video clip shows of the day.

English extreme metal band, Cradle of Filth, the core band for founding member and frontman, Dani Filth, often intentionally courted controversy in their early days. Whether via confrontational t-shirts, occult curious literature, forays into horror film acting or just unsettling artwork based on disturbing themes, Filth and cohorts appeared to be pushing boundaries between decadence and nihilism.

Sweden's melodic metal band Amaranthe's international profile has deservedly been steadily rising in popularity. Now, with their February released seventh album, The Catalyst adding even more musical excellent genre crossover material to their current setlist, together with a slew of classic tracks, the band are finally in Australia, for their first ever tour which see them venturing across the country.

Canadian three-piece Rush defined the power trio in progressive rock circles. For many musicians, there is no greater pinnacle of musicianship as found in the vast discography of Rush’s works. Sadly, their 2015 R40 Live Tour, which commemorated the 40th anniversary of celebrated drummer, the late Neil Peart, aka ‘The Professor’, joining the band, proved to be their last tour for what is known as the definitive line-up.

Thrash metal crossover band, Municipal Waste, last graced our wide brown land with their presence in 2013. So finally, they’re back to wreak havoc, and pummel eardrums, now with a couple more albums under their bullet belts to add to their sonic artillery. Those uninitiated with the Municipal Waste live experience are in for a steep learning curve.

New band Crownshift is comprised of experienced metal musicians from various other established Finnish bands. Their debut album, titled Crownshift, is ferocious and melodic, combining a variety of styles to create a modern and powerful album that is highly impressive.