Australia’s Double Dragon are living proof that hard work, self belief, and an uncompromisingly hard hitting live show can make some serious waves, from whichever corner of the globe you hail.
Formed in late 2002 in Wingfield, an industrial suburb of Adelaide, South Australia, Double Dragon have evolved from their humble beginnings as a mere bunch of mates with a passion for making and playing music to one of the country’s most recognised and successful heavy metal acts.
After independently releasing their first EP ‘Have Them Destroyed’ (2005), then it’s nationally distributed Truth Inc Records/MGM follow up ‘Scars of Fire’ (2006), Double Dragon toured relentlessly, and were given the opportunity to open shows for some of the world’s finest metal acts. Amongst them: Slayer, Mastodon, Arch Enemy, Dark Tranquillity, Kataklysm, The Black Dahlia Murder and Cephalic Carnage. Additionally the band embarked on their first full Australian main support tour with Sweden’s
Soilwork. Following these accomplishments the band then re-entered the studio and recorded their debut album, ‘Devastator’ (2008), also released through Truth Inc Records/MGM. More national touring followed including the prestigious opening slot on Slayer and Megadeth’s 2009 Australian tour, tours with The Haunted and Chimaira, as well as support slots with Carcass, Obituary, Unearth, Darkest Hour and more. Add to that appearances at some of the country’s biggest music festivals (Big Day Out, Soundwave, Metalstock), and Double Dragon have proven that they’re not here to mess around.
With all of these conquests under their belts, Double Dragon realise the time to step up has come. For the past year the band has spent its time refining its new material and sound, and in December of 2010 its members entered Adelaide’s Against The Grain Studios to begin work on the follow-up to ‘Devastator’. With a breadth of experience and confidence that could only come from years of touring and dedication to their art, Double Dragon are now poised to send a huge wake up call to the uninitiated, and redefine the attitudes of those previously familiar with the band, with their sophomore album, ‘Sons of Asena’.
While previous releases may have hinted towards popular sounds of the time, ‘Sons of Asena’ sees Double Dragon break free of the shackles of comparisons to other acts and find their own feet, forging an album of material that truly stands alone. From the catchy but schizophrenic changes of album opener ‘Malediction’; the blatant thrash of ‘Slaughter of Virtue’; the guttural dirge of ‘Transfusion’; the droned out yet melodic groove of ‘Cut The Cord’; the total epic-ness of pseudo power ballad ‘The Lone Wolf’, to the closing notes of perhaps Double Dragon’s most experimental track yet, ‘Asena’ (featuring platinum selling and ARIA nominated Sony/BMG singer/songwriter Kate Miller Heidke and her husband/guitarist/songwriting partner Keir Nutall, on guest vocals and guitar respectively), this album is sure to surprise some, and impress many.
Double Dragon have shown they’re a force to be reckoned with. While popular trends come and go, Double Dragon continue to make a name for themselves built solidly on a foundation of musical honesty, a genuine belief and commitment to what they do, some undeniably powerful songs, and an intensely personal live show which needs to be experienced to be understood. Check out Double Dragon’s ‘Sons of Asena’, and witness the realisation of one of Australia’s brightest hopes coming to fruition.
