Music

Live: Deftones hit Oz with Karnivool and Voyager

There’s something so cool, calm and collected about a Deftones show that only a band of their stature could conduct on such a grand scale.

Outside Melbourne’s Festival Hall, stage crew are busy setting the stage for the Grammy-winning California rockers and their support; Karnivool and Voyager. Inside, fans filter steadily towards the front barriers without a single ounce of doubt over the pending Deftones set.

Perth prog metallers Voyager are up first on tonight’s bill, who proceed to throw all their energy at the early punters.

Don’t be fooled by the grimace of guitarist Simone Dow, Voyager are fresh-faced with enthusiasm as they step up to support one of their favourite bands.

Complete with a keytar in the grips of frontman Daniel Estrin, Voyager mesh heavy metal with deep pop melodies in a way that gets all manor of rock fans bouncing across the floor.

Fellow Perth metallers, Karnivool, lean nearer towards the beat of tonight’s headliners.

Ian Kenny’s vocals soar around the Melbourne venue as the five-piece see out their first support slot in 10 years.

They deliver an impressive set that carries weight on its own, complete with a stunning crowd sing-along for final song, New Day.

Deftones are unmatchable as they step into the spotlights, still effortless in their presence and in high spirits tonight.

Chino and co kick things off with fan favourites in Diamond Eyes and Digital Bath, before 2016’s Gore is represented in the album’s fierce title track.

The momentum rolls through Swerve City, Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away) and My Own Summer (Shove It), while the crowd kick up circle pits upon the band’s commands.

Knife Party and Hexagram signal the curtain call on the set, with Chino thanking Aussie fans for always turning out in force.

“We don’t seem to come here all that often, but when we do, you’re always amazing,” he says, with sincerity.

There’s no doubting we’ll be ready and waiting to do it all again until next time.

Deftones, Festival Hall – Melbourne, 11/11/2016