New Zealand Prog-Metal Molten-Core Rockers Hit the Valley

The mysterious sounds of "molten-core" rockers, Kerretta.

​One of the best, and worst, things about living in Phoenix is that we're a pitstop on the way to and from loads of other more exciting places.

Yes, we're strategically located six hours from LA, four hours from Coachella, and a long day's drive to Austin's South By Southwest. While it does mean that we may not be a destination for cool bands, we are a really nice stopping point along the road.

New Zealand rockers Kerretta are making their American debut at SXSW, and will be swinging through Mesa's recently re-opened Underground on Monday night for a warm-up.

Truly, you've never seen a band like this.

The instrumental three piece plays a heavier brand of rock, and has been classified as prog-metal, and even "molten-core," though I'm not entirely sure what that means. (I think it might have something to do with World of Warcraft.)

With often ambient intros and outros, the music takes distinct shapes, and is interesting because of its composite sound, rather than the individual parts. Their American tour coincides with the American release of their 2009 album Vilayer.

In addition to being a fun night, how often do you get the opportunity to listen to Kiwi molten-core?

Kerretta is scheduled to perform Monday, March 22 at The Underground with Hellas Mounds, Drone Throne, Sunjane, and Sihr.