‘Auckland’s premier speed-metal outfit’ as Ultimate were known in 1991...at what was really the dawn of modern metal. “All of the sub-genres of metal were only just being born when we first got together in 1989.” says guitarist Kyle Ashley. “The whole Florida death-metal scene, The Bay-Area thrash scene, these were all new things back then.” Indeed, what was extreme in the nineties morphed into the mainstream over the following decade, but one thing hasn’t changed: People’s love for heavy metal and hard rock with catchy, melodic vocals.
The whole anniversary tour idea was prompted by bass player Mike Brennan (7 Dials, Phonoss, Fountains of Sin,Tracy G) and his recent return from Croatia where he has been living for the past few years. After dealing with the less than stellar rock scene in Croatia, he was keen to play in his home country: One of the few that actually has regular live music at the moment. He even still had the original Ultimate backdrop in storage at his mum’s place!
``We've all been very active creatively over the past 30 years” says Luke. “Sean has been making bespoke furniture, Kyle spent many years working for Weta Digital as an animator and Mike and I have been playing music together since high school.’ (The pair were recently the rhythm section for an NZ tour with Tracy G, former guitarist for DIO.) The only person not joining them for this anniversary is guitarist Stuart Hodkinson. ‘Stu is an absolute weapon on guitar, and he is also a tropical fish expert” says Luke. Stuart is busy looking after the amazing fish installations at Auckland Airport and playing in groovy rockers ‘The Barnshakes.’ He is ably replaced for this run of dates by the supremely gifted guitarist Bryce Patten, from Auckland metal band ‘Downfall of Humanity’
“ I am massively amped for these shows” says Sean, “ and I can’t wait to hear Sean’s hilarious stage banter again. “ Says Luke. “Metal is way too serious these days.
Ultimate will perform with guests PRIMACY in Auckland and KINDRED in ROTORUA. Hamilton support TBC
