It’ll all come out in the wash

EMBRACE the darkness and join the Pagan cult this weekend, when the rising Melbourne band bring their late-night death disco to Hobart.

Self-described “real-life/pretend vampires playing real-life/ pretend rock ’n’ roll”, Pagan — Nikki Brumen (vocals), Xavier Santilli (guitar), Dan Bonnici (bass) and Matt Marasco (drums) — have been winning plenty of fans with their massive riffs and saucy attitude since forming in 2015.

But they have really made a name for themselves over the past 18 months, thanks to appearances at events including the UNIFY Festival, Yours & Owls and BIGSOUND, and tours with the likes of Rise Against, King Parrot and Clowns.

Last month Pagan unleashed their highly anticipated debut album, Black Wash, which blends elements of punk, emo, black metal and dance music.

Black Wash features 11 “spells”, including fan favourites Imitate Me and Wine and Lace, and the lead single Death Before Disco.

A tale of destructive relationships and emotional manipulation, Death Before Disco has been played on Triple J and BBC Radio 1, and received praise from the likes of Kerrang!,

Kill Your Stereo and Pilerats, who called the song a “riff-riddled stomper of the heaviest order”.

To launch Black Wash, Pagan have embarked on their first ever headline tour, taking their electrifying live show to Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and Hobart — where they’ll play at the Brisbane Hotel from 8pm on Saturday, joined by Launceston band Cardinels and local supports Break Through. Tickets are $14.30, go to www.oztix.com.au for bookings.