Kobus! pulled into town last night, to launch their new album Swaar Metaal at the Bohemian. Launch their album they did, in true style, laying down the challenge for the rest of South Africa’s rock acts, a brutal reminder that Kobus! will eat them alive. But I am getting ahead of myself.
First up was the Diesel Whores, who had a number of new songs for the crowd. The Whores as ever were tight as hell and really ripped through their set. Jaxon Rice was on top form, accusing Kobus! of sabotaging their equipment throughout their show, with Francois Blom later responding with his own counter allegations.
Sometime after eleven Kobus! emerged, opening with the savage Doodstraf (Death Penalty) from their new album. I recently interviewed Francois and he had some interesting views to share about this song. Look out for the interview, which will be up soon.
The new Kobus! album is their hardest yet! They have forsaken the weird psychedelic/ genre defying music from their last album 100% SkuldGevoelVry for a mesh of metal, hardcore punk and industrial.
Francois was absolutely riveting on stage, the consummate front man, a wild raging lunatic one-minute and a hilariously funny lead singer the next. Fokken Main! While Crous took the opportunity to show why he is regarded as one of the best guitarists in the business, with one bone-crunching riff after the other.
Honger (Hunger), Witman (White Man), Tienerangs (Teenage Angst), Huigelaar (Charlatan) and the title track Swaar Metaal (Heavy Metal) from the new album all featured, while there was also time for a few older classics like Kultuurfeestent (Culture festival tent). About one in the morning Francois and co brought the show to a grinding halt with a spirited rendition of Hoenderman (Chicken Man).
As we staggered out of the Bohemian in the early hours of the morning, I was convinced we had just witnessed a landmark moment in South African music. Kobus! had just stormed the castle and proclaimed themselves King.