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[Review] Slaughter To Prevail @ Liberty Hall, Sydney 5/11/2023

As the dust is still settling from Good Things Festival, there are a handful of bands remaining in Australia for side shows. Tonight, I return to Moore Park, although not the parklands but to Liberty Hall for a headline performance by Slaughter to Prevail. The Russian deathcore act was a notable highlight for many at the festival over the weekend, and we are lucky to see them for a full set, this time out of the sun.

Adjacent to the venue, Mary’s serves as a prelude, spinning tracks from bands like Parkway Drive, Make Them Suffer, Spiritbox, and, of course, tonight’s headliners. With no prior announcement of set times, the crowd gathers early, forming a serpentine line that winds its way around the venue, past the basketball courts, and down the road at Fox Studios. With no support, the main event arrives right on 9pm with New Orders Confusion remix (famously associated with the blood rave scene from the film Blade) fills the packed room making the metal heads dance.

The set kicks off with the relentless Bonebreaker, immediately signalling that Slaughter to Prevail is here to deliver an unapologetically heavy night. The crowd responds with a surge of energy as bodies collide in the mosh pit, embracing the controlled chaos that characterizes the deathcore scene. The intensity only escalates with each subsequent track, including the bone-chilling Agony and Bratva which begins with an enormous wall of death as those from the safety of the balcony above cheer on.

Zavali Ebalo and Viking showcase the band’s versatility, seamlessly blending guttural vocals with intricate guitar work and thunderous percussion as we all again hold our breath to hear vocalist Alex Terrible perform the alligator growl. The band take a moment to introduce themselves, all but one member (British guitarist Jack Simmons) hailing from Russia. After many thank you’s for allowing them to travel the world and play their music, we are treated to Made in Russia, of their 2019 album Kostolom.

As the set progresses, Slaughter to Prevail continues to unleash their hits and frontman Alex Terrible is all smiles despite the demon vocals throughout his songs. Before they kick off, I Killed a Man Terrible says the band have never done this before, while it is semi common in the heavy music scene, he would like Sydney to be his first, requesting the entire venue to sit down on the floor. We all know this is a ‘Jump the F*ck Up’ made famous by Slipknot in live renditions of Spit it Out. As I join the venue crouching down, we are all smiles as we hold onto one another from falling over and laughing about our aching knees, though once the music hits we jump to the skies! A highlight of their set for many is the ominous Baba Yaga, creating an atmosphere that mirrors the dark folklore from which the song takes its name. The venue pulsates with energy as the band unleashes their signature track Demolisher, prompting a collective eruption from the crowd.

For the encore, the band returns to the stage with unwavering intensity, each member wearing the ‘Kid of Darkness’ masks, delivering a final blow with Hell. The crowd, now a sea of sweat and exhilaration, savours every moment, knowing that this night marks a historic chapter in Slaughter to Prevail.

We all pour over to the water station and notice the walls of the venue dripping with condensation. In their Australian debut, Slaughter to Prevail has not only conquered the stage but has left a lasting mark on the hearts of their fans, no doubt gaining a fair few after this week! The performance is a testament to the band’s ability to translate their raw, unbridled energy from the festival grounds to a headline show, solidifying their status as a force to be reckoned with in the world of deathcore. As the final notes fade away, Liberty Hall stands as a battleground, bearing witness to the assault that was Slaughter to Prevail’s inaugural Sydney headline performance.

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The Good Things Festival Sideshows Are Here!

We interrupt your regular viewing to announce that Australia’s biggest alternative travelling music festival, aka Good Things Festival is fast upon us and it’s the biggest one yet! We’re not kiddin’ when we’re saying tickets are almost sold out with less than 500 tickets left for Brisbane, Melbourne is almost at 90% sold out and Sydney at 80%. 

Good Things come to those who wait and we’re thrilled to announce the headline sideshows from some of the artists on the huge Good Things Festival line up. This is the first and only sideshow announcement and there will be no more sideshows announced. Set your alarm clocks as these tickets won’t last. 

Early bird pre-sale tickets on sale: Wednesday 18 October @ 9am local time

Register for Limp Bizkit here -> https://goodthingsfest.com/limpbizkit

Register for Devo here -> https://goodthingsfest.com/devo

Register for all other shows here -> https://goodthingsfest.com/gt23sideshows

General tickets are on sale: Friday 20 October @ 9am local time 
www.goodthingsfestival.com 

Without further adieu, we present to you the Good Things Festival 2023 sideshows…

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The Good Things Festival 2023 Huge Line-Up Is Here!!!!!!!

We interrupt your regular viewing to announce that Good Things season is upon us – and if you thought 2022 was huge, that’s not all folks! Australia’s largest and favourite travelling music festival, Good Things Festival, returns this December with a bumper line-up set to descend on the east coast, bringing a horde of new and iconic faves from Australia and around the globe together for nothing but a good time. 

Leading the pack for Good Things Festival 2023 will be none other than American rock idols FALL OUT BOY. From dominating your Myspace era to becoming one of rock’s biggest-selling bands, FALL OUT BOY have proven time and time again that their sweltering legacy is definitely not a phase, with their latest 2023 album So Much (For) Stardust marking the band’s seventh consecutive top-ten charting album. Armed with a career to date that spans Billboard #1 debuts, gracing the cover of Rolling Stone, sold out stadium runs playing to over 1 million fans and multiple Grammy Award nominations, a FALL OUT BOY live experience is guaranteed to be explosive, enigmatic and packed full sentimental delights as well as fresh cuts.

Whether you’re a Dad Vibes stan or have been rollin’ since day one, Good Things Festival are also bringing in Florida heavies LIMP BIZKIT to keep the party rockin’ this December. One of the most influential acts of the nu metal era, LIMP BIZKIT have garnered three Grammy Award nominations alongside their timeless angst and genre-straddling prowess that brought rap metal to the masses; a fact that continues colourfully to this day. And from breaking stuff to whipping it, American new wave legends DEVO will also take the Good Things Festival stages later this year for their last-ever Australian appearances as part of The Farewell Tour Celebrating 50 Years. The ultimate meeting point for rock and electronic fusion, DEVO’s impact on the alternative music landscape is as revered as their tongue-in-cheek charm, and you absolutely won’t want to miss the final bucket list chance to catch the group live in action on our shores this December. 

Also locked and loaded to return to down under, post-hardcore Grammy-nominated heroes I PREVAIL will be bringing the arena vibes, continuing their meteoric rise that has spanned their decade-long career. Hailed as being one of rock’s biggest breakthrough bands, I PREVAIL’s might has only intensified of late with the release of their 2022 album True Power. And speaking of might, Welsh metal outfit BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE have got you covered, with their explosive and infectious blend of heavy metal, metalcore and beyond set to collide into beautiful chaos across the east coast of Australia, while Slipknot frontman COREY TAYLOR gears up to keep the party firing on all cylinders, bringing his solo adventures to Australia alongside his brand-new album CMF2.

Flying the flag for all things raucous, Golden State staples PENNYWISE will flex their fiery flair, with the iconic California punk rockers heading our way yet again after a monstrous headline run in 2022. And also repping the punk at Good Things Festival this year will be none other than the ARIA Award-winning stylings of thrash pop mainstays SPIDERBAIT; three friends from a small country town who took the industry by storm decades ago, and have snagged nearly every accolade in existence on the Australian music scene.

Speaking of Aussies, beloved indie rockers SLOWLY SLOWLY will be ready to delight this December with their anthemic melodics and colourful pop and armed with their buoyant 2022 album Daisy Chain which snagged triple j’s feature album upon release. Meanwhile, British electronic rockers ENTER SHIKARI will be packing their dynamic wares to wow the crowds wielding their seventh full-length album, the #1 charting A Kiss for the Whole World.

The relentless fury of Poland metallers BEHEMOTH will be primed to blow the festivities into a whole new stratosphere when the group make their eagerly anticipated return down under. A band whose creative innovation is as revered as their jagged dynamics, BEHEMOTH’s live show is renowned for its power, as is the sweltering live reputation of influential groove merchants SEPULTURA who will return to Australia this December all the way from Brazil.

Also letting the good vibes roll this December, prolific indie rockers TAKING BACK SUNDAY will hit our shores armed with hooks, odes to heartbreak and their notorious live potency, alongside the enigmatic electropop stylings of the chameleonic PVRIS guaranteed to bring all of the captivating feels to a Good Things Festival stage near you.

But just when you thought that was as good as it gets, in keeping with Good Things Festival 2023’s nod to some of our most beloved icons, the gamut of Australian alternative rock will also be celebrated in brilliant fashion by some of the most formative names in the game, including the chart-topping, multi-time ARIA Award-winning rockers ESKIMO JOE, as well as the band who nearly broke the airwaves with their irresistible rockin’ earworms in the 90s: JEBEDIAH.

Continuing the Aussie flavour at Good Things Festival this year, you’ll never have so much fun as you do copping punk rock rapscallions FRENZAL RHOMB live in action, with the Sydney group lined up alongside quintessential Central Coast pop punks SHORT STACK and charismatic Melbourne mainstays BOOM CRASH OPERA to lather you in all the fun and punk-tastic earworms you can handle. And continuing a huge year of touring and releasing new music, Tassie rockers LUCA BRASI are ready to dazzle with their emphatic rock wares, as are symphonic metal dynamos MAKE THEM SUFFER, Sydney melodic hardcore outfit BLOOM and Melbourne post hardcore powerhouses TAPESTRY.

For lovers of metalcore and its surrounds, clear your schedule and get pumped for the J-pop-soaked riffs and breakdowns from Japan’s HANABIE, as well as the cathartic yet towering potency of Ohio quartet THE PLOT IN YOU, the lush brutality of British melodic heavy-hitters WHILE SHE SLEEPS, and the pummeling force of Australia’s very own OCEAN SLEEPER. And from riff city to delicious brutality, Russian deathcore titans SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL are ready, willing, and gleefully able to lure you into the mosh.
 
And that’s still not all! Whether you need a hit of buoyant punk, glossy alt pop or both; good news, you don’t have to choose because Florida rockers MAGNOLIA PARK and solo sensation ROYAL & THE SERPENT will both be in your Good Things Festival future in 2023, with Sydney pop punks STAND ATLANTIC also locked in to stupefy later this year with a heap of new tunes in tow.

Good Things Festival Line Up

Fall Out Boy
Limp Bizkit
Devo (The Farewell Tour Celebrating 50 Years)
I Prevail | Bullet For My Valentine | Corey Taylor
Pennywise | Spiderbait | Slowly Slowly | Enter Shikari
Behemoth | Sepultura | Taking Back Sunday | PVRIS

 
In Alphabetical Order:
 
Bloom | Boom Crash Opera | Eskimo Joe | Frenzal Rhomb | Hanabie | Jebediah | Luca Brasi
Magnolia Park | Make Them Suffer | Ocean Sleeper | Royal & The Serpent | Short Stack
Slaughter To Prevail | Stand Atlantic | Tapestry | The Plot In You | While She Sleeps
 

DATES AND VENUES:

Friday 1 December – Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne (LIC AA 15+)
Saturday 2 December – Centennial Park, Sydney (18+)
Sunday 3 December – Brisbane Showgrounds, Brisbane (LIC AA 15+)

Early Bird pre-sale tickets on sale Tuesday 22 August @ 10am AEST Time
Sign up now for early bird pre-sale tickets at www.goodthingsfestival.com.au
 
General Public tickets on sale Thursday 24 August @ 10am AEST Time
http://goodthings.oztix.com.au/

GOOD THINGS FESTIVAL | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK

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[Review] Soulfly @ Manning Bar, Sydney 6/12/2022

The 6th of December marks the end of sideshows for this year’s Good Things Festival, and I’m spending it at the Manning Bar in Sydney seeing the mighty Soufly. They must be looking forwards to one last throwdown to cap off the Australian performances after appearing at 3 festivals in 3 days across 3 different states. 

The initial support, Melbourne’s Primitive pull-out of the show last-minute moving Sydney’s deathcore superstars To The Grave to the main and only support. To The Grave have been busy! Not only did they also appear at Good Things Festival (in Melbourne and Brisbane only), they supported Soulfly on their Melbourne sideshow and we’re lucky to have them here tonight.  

They open with Red Dot Sight as lead singer Dane Evans storms the stage in a balaclava under his hoodie. They may be a different brand of metal in comparison to tonight’s headliner, but the crowd bounce and headbang along as the Sydney squad play their hearts out. If you haven’t seen To The Grave perform before, I highly recommend it. Evans has a stage presence beyond his years and a voice that can compete with the likes of Phil Bozeman and Brooke Reeves. I can’t wait to see his evolution; I feel he will only get better!
Simon’s drum kit is positioned in front of Soulfly’s, leaving little room for movement up there, he nonetheless near destroys each drum with strength and accuracy. Just that morning, the film clip to Axe of Kindness was released, and we get to hear the heavy, gritty assault live!
The single is out now and will be on their new album Directors Cuts coming February 24th
Closing the set with Wastage, they call for a wall of death. Metalheads pour down to the floor from the outskirts as Evans counts down to carnage.  

The venue’s capacity fills very quickly as the time draws near for metal legends Soulfly to take the stage. I make a very silly decision to buy merch as I hear the intro to Back To the Primitive stream out of the speakers behind me. I tap my card, grab my shirt and sprint to the front. The venue claps along as the band appears one by one.
It may be a Tuesday but that does not stop the pit from going ballistic! The album Primitive, in which Back to the Primitive is from, was released in 2000 and looking around, everyone sure knows the words. Max and co take no prisoners ripping through tracks such as Prophecy, Downstroy and Filth Upon Filth from their latest album Totem. 

As most know, Dino Cazares, guitarist from Fear Factory is along for the ride. The two guitar legends share a moment on stage, axes facing each other – shredding like it’s child’s play, the crowd lap it up. Ritual is one of the strongest songs of the night, a loud chanting chorus that everyone can join in and a chugging slower outro to bang our heads.
Soulfly was born in 1998, but they were made when they arrived in Australia in 1999, according to metal god himself Max Cavalera. Tonight, the admiration is mutual!
Multiple sound problems at Good Things made me glad I went to tonight’s event because the sound is excellent! One punter rips his top off and twirls it around his head, giving Bleed one of the finest receptions of the night. 

Max asks us if we want some Chaos AD, to roars of excitement! Max’s son Zyon (who it’s playing drums for Soulfly) counts down to the Sepultura classic, Refuse Resist and the venue lose their minds. Brazilian football chants work very well in a metal setting, with a few lyrical alteration we are singing “ole ole ole ole Soulflyyyy Soulfyyyy’.
As an enormous Fear Factory fan, I am beyond excited to hear the intro to Body Hammer, it’s cut short to make way for the huge single, Replica. The intro to Demanufacture also teased as Soulfly gets back to business.  

Tonight’s fantastic show is rounded up with Eye For An Eye and the ever-amazing Jumpdafuckup. As metalheads we are used to artists asking us to sit down, only to jump to the sky as the beat kicks in. I could not wipe the smile off my face watching the entire venue takes part, not just the moshpit! The energy is electric as we yell the chorus knowing the show is coming to an end.  

Soulfly was a highlight of the Good Things line up and I was so fortunate to see them perform twice. With his contagious grooves, persistent worldwide touring, and love for metal, Max Cavalera has established himself as a true symbol of our scene. The current Soulfly line up, Dino Cazares, Mike Leon and Zyon Cavalera is outrageously talented, I hope it stays this way for some time.
The world is opening back up, and the shows keep on coming. I can’t wait to see what 2023 has instore for music lovers across Australia.  

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IT’S A WRAP!!! GOOD THINGS FESTIVAL Review & Gallery @ Melbourne 02/12/2022

Review Contributed by Josh Mak and Kynan Arden

Photos Contributed by Shane Henderson

Two long years have passed since the last Good Things Festival blessed the Flemington Showgrounds. Melbourne, you have waited, you have endured and now rejoice for live music is back and festival season is upon us.

I arrived around 11 am and the weather was forecast to be a sunny high of 22 and low of 15. Warm sun and a cool breeze, what more could you ask for? This wasn’t just my first time covering a festival, it was actually the first festival I have ever been to. With five stages and a total of 32 bands, I was going to need a game plan on how to tackle this behemoth. We (Josh and Kynan) drew up a strategy on which bands we would individually cover, this way we could efficiently move from set to set without the need to traverse the Showgrounds and jostle with the crowds as much. 

So, whether you’re a veteran or a virgin of the festival scene, sit back, relax, spark up and join me as I take you through the experience that was Good Things 2022.

The first band of the day was the winner of Good Things Festival’s Battle of the bands, 

Among The Restless. Rhett James (Vocals), Lachie Dunn (Guitar), Seamus Glenn (Guitar), Josh Marra (Bass), and Jaidyn Hale (Drums). These boys had fought hard to be here and were eager to prove why they had earned and deserved this coveted opening slot.

There were some technical issues at the beginning of their set, as a sample that was supposed to introduce the band didn’t play. Frontman, Rhett James made a split-second decision and said “Fuck it, let’s play.” This is highly commendable and showed their professionalism and ability to adapt to challenges. Ripping through a blistering set of six, including their new single Torn, no corner of the stage was left unexplored by Rhett James as he danced and engaged the audience. The band’s brilliant musicianship and energy paid off and the crowd grew with each song that they performed. It’s never easy being the opening band with such giants of the industry on the bill, but Among The Restless certainly impressed me with their ability to draw in and win the crowd. Keep your eyes on these boys because they are definitely going places.

Those Who Dream were another band that kicked off the day, and despite the technical difficulties which continued throughout the day, the young duo worked with what they had and still delivered a killer performance, with Josh’s charismatic engagement with the audience, and Hazel’s contagious enthusiasm that could make even transphobic troglodytes’ grin. The sudden drum battle between the two got the crowd pumped and wanting more

Check Out the Gallery from Stage 5

Stage 2 was adorned in blue and yellow, the colours of the Ukrainian flag. This was going to be an emotionally charged set and those emotions were rage and determination. Jinjer burst onto the stage with all the subtlety of an explosion. The band played with surgical precision and vocalist, Tatiana “Tati” Shmalyuk’s vocals were on point. From deep guttural growls to haunting and melodious lines, she awed us with her range and execution. It was truly powerful and inspiring to see a band from Ukraine perform on the main stage given the current events in their home country. Mid-set, Tati took the time to thank the audience and Australia for their support of Ukraine, and the crowd roared in solidarity. You could feel the magic in the air and I’m sure that I wasn’t the only one with goosebumps from this. Then with the authority of an army general, Tati said “If fucking Putin is listening then let’s tell him with the next song that we want our country back!” War is a terrible thing but music has a power stronger than any weapon. Jinjer showed us how true this statement is.

Swedish punk rockers Millencolin were up next on Stage 1. They had a really fun vibe and got the crowd into party mode. Although their music was punk-based it did have a lot of strong rock and roll elements to it. Millencolin proved that no matter what genre of music the Scandinavians play, whether it's power metal or punk rock, they always do so with a high level of musicianship.

Thornhill, after a year of European and American tours, delivered as always on their home soil with a packed crowd, with a mix of their hits alongside tracks from their recent album Heroine, and the natural performing chops of the individual members themselves, especially the guitarist Ethan whose poses remain unmatched.

The Swedish invasion continued with the mighty Sabaton. I had been very keen to watch their set but the reaction of the crowd caught me completely off guard. People started pouring in and moving closer to the stage just before they were due to appear. Then as if cued by some unseen mystical force they all began chanting “Sabaton, Sabaton!

A flash of sparks and flame accompanied by a deafening roar and there they were. Dressed in matching camo print cargo pants and frontman Joakim Brodén with his signature armored vest and sunglasses. The mood had changed and it seemed like every person here was a hardcore Sabaton fan.

I was immediately pulled into the pit as the crowd went into a frenzy. The fans had decided on my behalf that I was staying for this entire set whether I wanted to or not. Not that I wanted to leave, because Sabaton played an absolutely mind-blowing set! Tales of war throughout the ages were told by Joakim in a commanding voice that was equal parts glorious and gritty. Guitarists, Tommy Johansson and Chris Rörland dazzled us with technically precise shredding paired with melodic phrasing that power metal is so well known for. 

We were a brotherhood born in flames, smoke, and war cries. In these moments the crowd became an army of warriors united under the flag of Sabaton.

Check Out the Gallery from Stage 4

I now had a little time before I was due for the next set so my stomach decided for me that it was time to explore the food and other attractions on offer at the festival. I really must commend the organisers of Good Things Festival as there was a plethora of food trucks to choose from. Argentinian steak sandwiches, German bratwurst, Nachos, Burgers, dumplings and the list went on. I could probably write an entire review on the food trucks alone but maybe we’ll save that for next year. The majority of the food was reasonably priced and there were sufficient stalls that made it possible to grab a bite without waiting in line endlessly. Water stations, sunscreen, and even a phone charging station were placed throughout the venue and there was no lack of toilets.

A huge marquee was erected in the middle of the Showgrounds where people could have their lunch or just get out of the sun for a bit and in the marquee, there was a cover band playing the fan favourites.

There were also a few small theme park rides, tattooists, and barbers. Not really my kind of thing at a music festival but judging from the lines, the punters seemed to enjoy it.

I eventually settled on some nachos and now that I was fed it was time to get back to the music.

Nova Twins. What on earth can I say? If these girls don’t reach every corner of the world with their charisma and dominance that could match Cleopatra herself, I will accept that intelligence no longer exists. Even after the lengthy delay due to sound issues, the twins did not hold bad, delivering the baddest, most fiery performance imaginable with their urban punk/grime sound, encouraging the combination of twerking matched with moshing within the crowd

Check Out the Gallery from Stage 3

Queensland’s darlings of the metal core scene, The Amity Affliction were up next. They definitely drew the largest crowd I had seen so far. Moshing and crowd surfing were aplenty despite large banners saying they were forbidden. I guess the fans took it as more of a suggestion than a rule to adhere to. Having said this, it would be remiss of me if I didn’t mention that the overall atmosphere at the festival was very positive. Everyone I saw and interacted with was very respectful and was here to enjoy the music and not cause a nuisance. 

All in all The Amity Affliction was certainly a crowd favourite.

Having had their style described as progressive technical death metal, Gojira certainly did not disappoint. Brutally crushing dropped-tuned goodness was conveyed via insanely fast and violent rhythms. Vocalist and guitarist Joe Duplantier, together with drummer Mario Duplantir played at inhuman speeds. Showing a level of virtuosity I had never seen live. Many people have a stereotypical image of romance, art and croissants when they think of France. Gojira decisively destroys that stereotype and invokes more gritty imagery like a harsher version of Luc Besson’s Banlieue 13.

Sleeping with Sirens had just finished their set at stage 3 and as Soulfly was about to take the stage you could see a noticeable shift in the fan demographics. Gothic attire and brightly coloured hair gave way to leather and denim vests adorned with patches. Soulfly’s performance can be summed up as pure distilled tribal brutality. An intoxicating blend of crushing riffs and strong grooves from the drum and bass. 

A most welcomed surprise for me was seeing Dino Cazares of Fear Factory filling the role of the lead guitarist as a special guest for this tour. His playing was breathtaking. Syncopated rhythms and dissonant lead lines made all the fans hope that this wouldn’t be the last we see of him performing with Soulfly

Max Cavalera one of the actual legends of the metal scene was amazing and everything I imagined him to be live. His experience from decades of touring came through in his playing and showmanship and my God did he have a ferocious roar. The sounds coming out of Max Cavalera’s mouth made you think that he came from a place much further south than Brazil. Zyon Cavalera, Max’s son was a master on the drums, beating the skins with ferocity and feeling. It was heartwarming to see two members of the Cavalera family share the stage once again.

Soulfly’s fans were almost rabid and you could taste the tension in the air as Max called for a wall of death. Passion, excitement and just a tiny tinge of danger thrown in for good measure made Soulfly’s performance my favourite of the festival.

Check Out the Gallery from Stage 2

TISM. Oh TISM. Even after 19 years of silence, you drew one of the largest crowds filled with both aged and younger fans, who could scream all day about being a wanker, sexual envy, drugs that killed River Pheonix, and yelling at the cu*t Greg for continuously missing the bloody stop sign. The trash bag suits, plastic masks, and the gimp outfits brought a new but exciting feel to Good Things Festival.

NOFX began their set in the most spectacular fashion by declaring themselves the best band at the festival. Then quickly noting that they were also the oldest band and drew attention to their hairlines. In the best possible way, they treated their headlining festival set like it was a backyard pool party with friends as Fat Mike and El Hefe traded banter with each other and the crowd. The cheekiness and mischief were dialed to 11 and at one point El Hefe who is a trumpet player, mimicked a trumpet line from a song with noises from his mouth while miming the action with his hands. 

The majority of the things that came out of Fat Mike’s mouth are probably too non-PC to put to print in this day and age but here are a couple of highlights. 

“A lot of the bands here today are angry. We’re not angry we’re grumpy.”

“We’re about to play more songs nobody cares about so get ready for more disappointment.”

“My nipples can play a mean didgeridoo.”

There are many bands that claim to be punk but few bands embody the philosophy of punk like NOFX does. Some bands are virtuosos musically but NOFX are the true masters in the art of not giving a fuck.

The time had finally come, Deftones were about to take the stage. Having learned from my earlier experience during the Sabaton set, I opted to not stand too close to the stage in order to avoid getting caught in the pit. However, as soon as the band walked out on stage my plans went right out the window. I had begun standing on the edge looking into the pit and in the blink of an eye, I was in the middle of a new and much larger pit that stretched back further than I could see. The crowd had packed in and there was no room to move at all. The Deftones played a phenomenal set of many of the fan favourites and it was awesome to see that this band from my childhood still had such a big impact on the festival attendees.

Check Out the Gallery from Stage 1

The headliners of Good Things Festival 2022 were the British Kings of the Metalcore scene and it was obvious that the vast majority of the attendees had come to worship at the altar of Bring Me The Horizon. The show began with dazzling visuals on the big screen and the stage had been transformed with different raised levels. A beautiful white electronic drum kit and keyboard perfectly complimented the modern cyberpunk aesthetic. Frontman Oliver Sykes emerged to rapturous applause as a big cloud of confetti blasted into the air. This was an opulent stage show befitting the headline act. Lyrics and neon-colored graphics flashed across different screens as the band performed. The crowd needed no prompting as they sang at the top of their lungs to every single song. Like an orchestral conductor, Oliver Sykes directed the crowd and they were more than eager to please their idol. 

Bring Me The Horizon somehow managed to fuse the party element of an EDM concert together with the aggression of metalcore. This fusion brought forth spectacular visuals against a backdrop of an awesome rock band. At a festival the further you are from the stage the harder it is to connect with a band. It takes something truly special to reach every corner of the crowd and Bring Me The Horizon has that something special in spades. 

As I write this, I am nursing a sun-scorched back as I reflect on all I have experienced in the last 24hrs. A festival is not a casual event, it requires a certain amount of stamina to get through from start to finish. What distracts you from the fatigue are the amazing bands that you get to see live one after another. So, if a sunburnt back and some sore feet are the prices I have to pay then I shall proudly wear my battle scars as medals of honour. For I have now lost my festival virginity and God damn, Good Things Festival was a great place for it to happen. 

Bring on the next one!

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