IN an age where electronic elements are seen in nearly all genres, something as unique as opening band Three Trapped Tigers is rare. The instrumental trio layered guitar and synthesisers over powerful drumming to excellent effect, their world-music-infused rock winning over many with ease.
This introduction only went so far, before Letlive left jaws agape throughout. Frontman Jason Butler has a reputation for the unpredictable, but within seconds, he had thrown himself into the front row, and he caused chaos throughout the set. With all eyes on Butler, it was easy to be distracted from the band musically, but their elegant, progressive hardcore was well worth attention.
With chants of "Chino" already echoing across the room, the first seconds of Diamond Eyes saw more than a simple show. Instead, their idols' performance bordered on something almost religious, with vocalist Chino Moreno the head of the order.
During the climax of My Own Summer (Shove It), the adoration was almost tangible. Deftones are a band who have captured the hearts and imagination of millions and the Californians revelled in their 100-minute set, material from their 21st-century output featuring strongly.
Rocket Skates and CMND/CTRLwere a devastating pair, while renditions of Feiticeira and Nosebleed were prime examples of their early quality. However, the evening's pivotal moment arrived when the frontman picked up his own guitar for Tempest and Swerve City. The former drew everyone in before the latter saw the floor bounce as one. Bloody Cape ended their main set, before a powerful encore of Engine No. 9 and 7 Words left everyone overawed by what they had just witnessed, a night to live long in the memory for all in attendance.
