Heavy music fans in Annerley are in for a rare treat when two of America’s loudest underground metal bands, Ulthar and Jarhead Fertilizer, bring their raw, intense sound to The Back Room on Ipswich Road.
The show is set for 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 8 at the intimate local venue, as part of the bands’ joint headline tour through Australia this winter. The run includes stops in Ballarat, Frankston, Melbourne, Wollongong, Sydney and wraps up in Brisbane’s southern suburb of Annerley.
Two Bands, One Relentless Night
California’s Ulthar, formed in 2014, are known for their complex mix of black and death metal. Reviewers described their 2023 double album Anthronomicon and Helionomicon as a dark, mind-bending ride that pushes metal’s limits with sharp riffs and strange, layered sounds. Members Steve Peacock, Shelby Lermo and Justin Ennis have each played in other respected extreme acts like Pale Chalice, Vastum and Mutilation Rites. Critics say Ulthar’s live shows deliver intense drumming, crushing guitars and vocals that feel like they’re pulled from a nightmare.
Jarhead Fertilizer comes from Maryland’s underground scene, sharing members with the well-known grindcore outfit Full of Hell. Led by drummer Dave Bland, the band mixes grind, crust and death metal into short, fierce songs that often speak about crime and harsh realities. Their latest album, Carceral Warfare, was recorded under challenging circumstances, according to Bland’s interviews, and brings an even grittier sound to their live shows. Fans and reviewers alike describe their sets as brutally loud and fast, turning small venues into sweat-soaked pits of energy.
Community and Chaos Collide
While extreme metal may not be for everyone, shows like this bring together people from diverse backgrounds who share a love for music that pushes the limits. The Back Room, popular for its close connection to the local live music scene, will allow fans to stand just metres from the bands. For Annerley, this means a night where local metal fans can connect, hear rare international acts up close, and see how a small corner of Brisbane can echo with noise heard around the world.
How to Get There
The Back Room sits along Ipswich Road, making it easy to reach by bus or car. Doors open before 7:30 p.m., and tickets are available through Oztix and Bandsintown. For residents nearby, the event will be hard to miss — both for the music and the loyal crowd it draws.
Published 4-July-2025
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