Elm Street Lights Up The Aussie Metal Scene With ‘The Great Tribulation’

By Justin Smulison

We’re closing in on the end of 2023, and one of the best metal releases of the year recently dropped from Down Under: The Great Tribulation is the third full-length album by Elm Street, a metal quartet from Australia. Released by Massacre Records, this collection of eight songs warns of the horrors of war and cataclysm, which resonates all too well these days. It clocks in at over 50 minutes and each stands tall individually, but works even better as a collective unit.

This was my introduction to the band and I was incredibly impressed by their ability to play (largely) long-form thrash and metal without venturing too much into progressive territory; between the guttural vocals of Ben Batres and the melodic intricacy of the songs, the best comparison would lie somewhere between Testament and Symphony X.

Bassist Nick Ivkovic spoke with me about what it was like to produce The Great Tribulation, the response being received from new and old fans and the excitement of upcoming shows with Metal Church, Blind Guardian and Harlott.

Song clips: “Take The Night,” “If Provoked, Will Strike”

ELM STREET is:
Ben Batres – Vocals, Rhythm Guitar
Aaron Adie – Lead Guitar
Nick Ivkovic – Bass Guitar
Tomislav Perkovic – Drums

For More Info Visit:
https://www.facebook.com/metalelmstreet 
https://www.instagram.com/metalelmstreet 
https://www.youtube.com/@metalelmstreet
https://lnk.to/thegreattribulation 
 

Upcoming Shows:

Dec. 9 – ThrashFest – The Bendigo Hotel – Melbourne, AUS

Dec. 15 – Supporting Metal Church – The Zoo – Brisbane, AUS
Feb 8. – Supporting Blind Guardian – Northcote Theatre – Melbourne, AUS

Feb. 17 – Churches of Steel – Unibar ADL – Adelaide, AUS