(29 March 2025, Hilo Town Market) I was getting a breath of fresh air during June Machine’s set last night when I heard the most amazing sound. It was the roar of the crowd, a wave of raw energy and excitement spilling out into the parking lot of the Hilo Town Market. At that very moment promoters, artists and fans knew something very special was happening.
Kauz-of-Affliction opened the show, on the heels of the newest album release “Life Tips on Dumpster Diving.” KOA set the tone for the rest of the evening, with their high energy punk sound. The first mosh pits of the evening took off during a 45 minute set filled with fan favorites ‘Gas Station Burrito” ‘Dizzy’ and ‘Baba Yaga’ to name a few.
Kaktis was up next. The anticipation in the room was up to 11 for this one as Dean, Nile and Tom took the stage. The Hilo Town Market was really filling up. With each passing show these guys are gathering new fans. The set list is always a bit unpredictable,a 30 minute set filled with a range of songs that make you wonder what they’re going to do next – Tool and Weezer, check, Scott Pilgrim Saves the World Soundtrack! And brutal sounds of Rot!l Do not miss them!
Rattlebonez hit the stage next, it’s been a minute since we heard from the boys. They arrived with a new drummer in the line-up, Quint Cohen. Mixing their set with fan favorites and some new songs including an unexpected opening of Rush’s “The Temples of Syrinx.” Their set included a Metallica mash-up of “Am I Evil?/Phantom Lord,Iron Maiden, Motorhead and more. They rocked the house as always, kept the crowd headbanging and the bodies moshing.
Prior to June Machine taking the stage, Graham from Mosh Play Live announced the formation of a new non-profit, the ‘Horns Up Foundation’. He introduced the Members of the Board to the public for the first time, including prominent members of Hilo’s Heavy Metal Community: Andrew Zaragoza (Goza), Nimr Tamimi (Rattlebonez), Graham and Veronica (Mosh Play live) Antonio Del Rosario Salvador (Jerk) and Damien Boynton (Big Island Metal Bash). Their vision is to enhance musical tourism to Hilo and provide opportunities for aspiring musicians to play with and learn from seasoned performers from around the world.
The evening’s headliner, June Machine headlined the evening and whipped into a frenzy with “Steamroller,” “Love My Violent Wife” and “Stay Away.” From the moment Cleo, Tiger, Zoe, Lily and Mano walked onstage until the final moments of the show, they had the crowd in the palm of their hands. June Machine and their fans have really come together over the past year creating and growing their own style and identity in the Big Island’s music scene.
The evening didn’t end when the music stopped. After the show the merch stands were filled with fans who were excited and exhausted from the show and reveling in the epic show they had witnessed. Speaking of the fans, the energy you brought last night was off the charts! Everyone of you showed what we are all about. I’d also like to thank members representing the Puna area and beyond who came out to see what we are all about, The Warren Weston, Dramma and @twothemoonmusic, we’ll be hearing more from these guys very soon.
Mosh Play Live, Big Dog Bro Dave Productions, and Band Haven thank everyone of you who attended last night. We look forward to bringing you more shows. So, stay tuned, get out and support live and local music and we’ll see you in the pit!
Peace, Love & Mosh Pits,
Grom
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