The night before Homegrown Music Festival rolls into Claudelands Oval, there’s a room in Hamilton that’s already in motion.
Master Frank Fu headline Nivara Lounge on Friday 13 March, with Gideon Voon and Corey Friedlander opening with their instru-metal project, plus guests to be announced.
Master Frank Fu aren’t playing Homegrown, which makes this their only show of the weekend and they treat it like one. Their take on heavy music is fast, technical and physical, built around martial-arts-influenced movement, sharp timing and a sense that the stage is part of the instrument. With players drawn from House of Ousey and Stormforge, they don’t just play songs, they put on something you actually watch.
Voon and Friedlander bring a stripped-back instrumental intensity: no vocals, no frills, just guitar, drums, and intricate arrangements. Their single Ancient Promise is out now and will be part of the set, delivering precise riffing, double-kick patterns, and odd-time grooves.
Friedlander is well known across the Aotearoa metal scene through bands including 8 Foot Sativa, City of Souls, In Dread Response and is now drumming in Shepherds Reign. He joined Sativa at 17 during their most intense touring years, and has since earned a reputation as one of the country’s sharpest and hardest-hitting drummers.
Voon’s work in Shepherds Reign has shaped their sound and live approach, taking the band from South Auckland to international tours, including shows alongside The Hu and Disturbed, as well as award-winning releases such as Ala Mai.
If you’re in Hamilton for Homegrown and plan to spend Saturday at the Rock Stage, Friday night at Nivara Lounge is where the weekend begins.
Master Frank Fu with Gideon Voon & Corey Friedlander (Instru-Metal)
Guests TBA
Early Bird Presales — $10 (end Tuesday 3 March, 9pm)
General Admission — $15
Door — $25
R18
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