HUMAN @ The Dux De Lux, Christchurch, 15 May 2003

Yes, that crazy, close-knit crew of gratuitous, gore obsessed metal heads are back after a well deserved break of two years, and, I am glad to say, in fine form.

Human have been stomping around since 1992, gaining a reputation as the bastions of old-school Christchurch metal. Even though they are remembered for “off the wall” performances, Human, through time and line up changes, have significantly altered their attitude towards music production and performance, as seen in releases such as the 30 minute metal massacre The Sound Of Yellow and the infamous video Paytoilet Of Despair. Heavy, horrific and humorous without being stupid or slapstick, they show how Human is pure metal that doesn’t deviate into any other sound or style.

With many long-time-no-show metal heads riding the old guard, packing the room with leathers, scraggly locks and Sabbath horns (not the bloody “gnarly dude” Robbie Williams shit), the bar staff at the Dux were treated to the not so socially appeasing side of ChCh music. With a storming set of classics and newbies, Tim, Vaughn, Scott and Paul reminded me of how much fun a metal gig could be. Happily assaulted by grinding, garroting, grating, clanging, banging guitars and drums, as well as humorous interludes and song titles (only devised by a group of certified nuts with too many George A,. Romero movies and Carcass albums infecting their mutant minds).

It was wicked to experience a freaking funny, high energy gig that made the audience grunt and screech like they never really cared in the first place. The boys are back and things may (hopefully) never be the same again.