Bands to see at Soundwave 2016

With the full line-ups unveiled for Soundwave 2016 in Australia, Scene Point Blank has put together a quick primer to help prepare.

Without further adeiu, SPB's Bands to See at Soundwave 2016:

Refused

Saw them the first time in the early 1990s, when they were another youth crew SxE band from Umeå. Fast forward to 1998, following the release of the homage Ornette Coleman, "The shape of punk to come,", they split up after serenading local policeforce with "Rather be dead." Fast forward, add an irresistible offer and they are back to play Coachella and selected shows. It was good to see them again. Hiatus. Now they are back for good. "Freedom" is an enjoyable album. While the leftist mantra can be a tad yawn inducing for the converted, well executed melange of James Brown dance moves and Ian Svenonius stage antics never get old. Go see Refused at Soundwave 2016!

(Photo by Megan Lahman)

Hatebreed

1997. "Satisfaction is the death of desire." Wow. Fell in love after the first spin. Frank "3Gun" Novinec. Integrity. Ringworm. Terror. Hatebreed. Go check it out. Hatebreed will only play a few selected shows in 2016 as they are working on a new album. Go check Jamey Jasta's podcast show, where he shows an array of facets. Go see Hatebreed at Soundwave 2016!

(Photo by Calm Bomb)

Frenzal Rhomb

Australia's quintessential medodic punk / hardcore band. Yes, NOFX plays as well. Go for the locals. They got their own Belgian pale ale, a collaboration with Newtown brewery Young Henrys, who also made the fantastic "Brew am I" pale ale. Go see Frenzal Rhomb at Soundwave 2016!

(Photo courtesy of Fat Wreck Chords)

Editor's note: Soundwave 2016 has been cancelled. That's still no reason not to check out the bands though.