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The Southern Cross: Every Man For Himself

This is possibly one of the most intense records I have heard, which
is saying something given the amount of extreme music I have listened
to over many years! It’s a concept album of sorts – and it’ll take
more than a few sittings to take it all in. It also incorporates
(equally) parts of punk, metal and hardcore – and yeah, math metal
(ie. intricately technical). It’s dense, offering no quick fix,
although the Suicidal Tendencies’ touches add a few seconds of light
relief here and there. You have to hear it to understand it – and it’s
well worth the effort. The concept is (from the liner notes on the
album) “… based on a model of health and wellbeing by Dr Mason Dune,
also titled ‘Te Pae Mahutonga’. It identifies six dimensions of modern
life which impact on our wellbeing, and is depicted through the six
stars of the iconic Southern Cross which sits in the night skies.
Although the model is based in the customs and beliefs of NZ Maori, it
is our goal to offer it as a tool for listeners to measure and reflect
on their own lives and experiences regardless of ethnicity. Even in
the mud we are haunted by the stars.” This five-piece band from
Auckland are Shaun Cross (bass), Aaron Naea (vocals, and managing to
sound like two different singers), Andy Nicholson (drums) and Adam
Ward and Brento West on guitars. This is a fearless outing, offering
plenty more than just something to mosh to. Well considered,
intelligent and delivered exceptionally. Released on the Deadboy
label, these guys stand out in more ways than one, and who they’ve
supported matters much less than how they sound themselves – seriously
hardcore. Very highly recommended – and raising the bar for NZ metal
and hardcore another notch.

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