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Gig ReviewsReviews
March 12, 2025
Megan Milner

[Review] Knotfest @ Centennial Park – Sydney, 8/03/2025

Knotfest rounded out its week of madness across our country as it made its final stop in Sydney,  at Centennial Parklands. Melbourne and Brisbane started off the festivities, usually with Sydney nestled in between, but this time we had the treat of a week of side shows in between. The festival curated by the Des Moines supernova, known as Slipknot came with a stacked lineup spanning hardcore, metalcore, deathcore, symphonic metal, J metal and more, all topped off by the almighty Slipknot, fans were treated to a day of heavy music in all its glory.
Two stages, no clashes and if you need a break – there was plenty to see with wander through the parklands. Whether it be hopping on a ride, looking through the market stalls, getting a free Slipknot airbrush tatoo from the Maniacs tent, or strolling through the Slipknot museum to nerd out on everything the Knot.

Due to Cyclone Alfreds pending arrival, New Bloom Festival was cancelled in Queensland. This left California hardcore party starters Drain some spare time to join the line up and they wasted no time setting the tone, kicking off the day at 11am. Their punchy riffs and boundless energy made for a really fun start to the day, as frontman Sammy Ciaramitaro threw himself into the chaos and barrier to sing with the ever-growing crowd. Tracks such as Good Good Things and California Cursed had everyone singing along, and wishing their set was much, much longer.

Next up, Sunami stormed the stage with old-school hardcore intensity, and instant business. I am forever impressed at the instant dedication hardcore fans have. From the moment Sunami stepped on stage the pit opened up and there definitely was no karate in the pit. The backdrop displayed Real Bay Shit, and that’s exactly what they delivered, through tracks such as F*ck the Police. Their unapologetic aggression and attitude made their set one of the rawest of the day.

Hailing from Des Moines, Iowa, Vended took to the stage with a youthful energy that was impossible to ignore. Kicking off with Nihilism, they tore through a blistering set including Ded to Me, Where the Honesty Lies, and Asylum. Despite their strong Slipknot ties, they’ve carved out their own identity, proving they’re more than just the next generation of masked metal. Drummer Simon Crahan—son of Slipknot’s Shawn “Clown” Crahan—was absent, as was his father later in the night, both missing the festival due to a family emergency. Vended were added last minute to last nights Hatebreed side show due to the cancellation of their Brisbane show, and I think we will be seeing much more of these fellas in the future.

After turning slightly to my left and right for the last 3 acts I stepped back to take in Metalcore veterans Miss May I who kept the energy levels high with a set packed full of fan-favorites, launching straight into Hey Mister and keeping the energy high with Into Oblivion and Under Fire. Levi Benton’s ferocious vocals and commanding stage presence had the pit surging, while the breakdowns in Deathless and Relentless Chaos saw a sea of bodies colliding on the grass. Closing out with Forgive and Forget and Shadows Inside, they left the crowd with many smiles.

Every festival needs a wild card. As rain drizzled over the festival, industrial outfit HEALTH added an eerie, atmospheric shift to the lineup. Their haunting soundscapes and pulsating beats boomed through the crowd, proving they were one of the festival’s most unique acts. It was at this point that the skies really opened up and I sought shelter under the trees as it was the one year I did not pack a poncho. It gave me a chance to speak with some of the punters about who they were excited to see and most answers are either A Day to Remember, Slaughter to Prevail or of course, the ones we are all here to see – Slipknot.

A wall of death, a guest appearance, and a message for the future—In Hearts Wake brought it all. Jamie from Polaris joined them for Hellbringer, but a microphone mishap muted his contribution. A highlight was as the song really kicked in, Elmo appeared on the LED backdrop in front of fire making us all laugh. 

Few bands deliver a hardcore set with the precision and power of Hatebreed. Frontman Jamey Jasta led the charge through anthems like Proven, I Will Be Heard, and Destroy Everything, each track a battle cry for resilience and unity. Hatebreed are celebrating 30 years as a unit and 20 years of their killer album Perseverance. The set was a mix of nods to the old school and across their discography, keeping every fan happy. 
The only room for improvement was that the volume could definitely been higher during their time.

Injecting a bit of dance-infused chaos, Enter Shikari had the crowd clapping along to the infectious Sorry, You’re Not a Winner. Their blend of electronic beats and post-hardcore madness offered a welcome change of pace amid the brutality. Symphonic metal grandeur took center stage as Within Temptation’s Sharon den Adel soared through Halo. Many fans were convinced they would never see them down under, but today their prayers were answers. The Dutch outfit’s cinematic performance was nothing short of mesmerizing, providing a moment of epic, theatrical beauty amidst the madness.

Absolute carnage ensued when Slaughter to Prevail dropped the hammer with Bonebreaker and Baba Yaga, their breakdowns shaking the festival grounds.
We last saw Slaughter to Prevail on Good Things Festival 2023. Since then, they’ve toured the world over and crushed some of the biggest stages on this metal planet. This has only helped them hone their craft and come out of the gates (literally) swinging.
The set was briefly paused for a medical emergency, but when they resumed, it was straight back to the violence. Frontman Alex Terrible commands the crowd with a stern brow and menacing smile, delivering vocals which I’m not sure I can compare more to a demon or an animal. Their set rounded out with the more cinematic Behelit and the absolute crowd favourite Demolisher.

Hometown heroes Polaris delivered one of the most emotional and energetic sets of the day, proving why they are at the forefront of Australian metalcore. Opening with Nightmare, black streamers exploded over the crowd, announcing their arrival in a huge way. From the anthemic Landmine to the soaring Masochist, each lyric screamed back by a crowd that felt every word.

Midway through the set, Hypermania took things to another level as ex Void of Vision singer Jack Bergin joined them on stage, sending the pit into overdrive. The Remedy and Dissipate further cemented their status as festival standouts before closing with the brutal Inhumane. Polaris left everything on that stage—each member with red cheeks, taking a deep breath as they take in the sea of fans who adored every moment of their huge set.

Just when the festival needed a burst of theatrical, genre-bending energy, BABYMETAL took the stage kicking off with the ominous BABYMETAL DEATH, the trio commanded attention with their signature mix of J-pop melodies backlit by one of the tightest bands of the day. The crowd jumped and sung along through PA PA YA!! and BxMxC.
One of the highlights of their set came with RATATATA, their energetic collaboration with Electric Callboy, which turned the entire park into a dance-metal frenzy as we all attempted to mimic their choreography.

Few bands bridge the gap between metalcore and pop-punk as seamlessly as A Day to Remember, and their Knotfest set proved exactly why they were one of the day’s most anticipated acts. From the very first note of The Downfall of Us All, an absolute power move, the entire crowd erupted, screaming every word as if their lives depended on it. 

The energy didn’t let up as they tore through All I Want, 2nd Sucks, and pit-ready I’m Made of Wax, Larry, What Are You Made Of? From their 2009 fan favourite album, Homesick. Demonstrating their versatility, they included a surprise segment with Rescue Me, their Marshmello collaboration, before diving into the emotive Have Faith in Me.

Closing with a powerful one-two punch of  If It Means a Lot to You and All Signs Point to Lauderdale, ADTR turned Centennial Parklands into one massive singalong. A career-spanning set packed with nostalgia, aggression, and anthemic hooks—exactly what the fans had been waiting for.

As the eerie industrial hum of 742617000027 filled the air, the anticipation hit a boiling point. The music may have begun at 11:00am and it was now after 8pm, but this was the moment we had been waiting months to arrive! Then, in an explosion Slipknot stormed the stage with (sic)—and all hell broke loose. For the next 90 minutes, Sydney was theirs.

Going straight for the throat with People = Shit and the rare Gematria (The Killing Name), Slipknot delivered a setlist that felt like a gift to us longtime maggots. Classic anthems Wait and Bleed and No Life hit the nostalgia bell, while The Devil in I and Unsainted had us singing along without sacrificing an ounce of heaviness. Corey’s latest mask adorned with long dread locks that give a nod to the past, make us all giddy. 

Midway through, they pulled out a sinister remix of Tattered & Torn, followed by The Heretic Anthem and the ever-destructive Psychosocial, which had the entire park screaming in unison. Even with the absence of Clown, newer recruit Tortilla man caused chaos on stage. Between Pfaff and Sid, the hilarity will always be on a Slipknot stage. The climax came with the ultimate fan favorite—Duality—before the encore took things to a whole new level.

For the very first time that I have seen Slipknot, they did not order the crowd to sit down during Spit It Out, showing it was zero bullshit. Just when it seemed the night had peaked, our national anthem Surfacing, before delivering the haunting Scissors, a track not played in 25 years in Sydney,  a deep cut from their debut album that left die-hard fans in awe. The stage dim, Taylors vocals raw as ever Scissors ebbed and flowed. This was easily the darkest end to a show I’d ever witnessed.

This wasn’t just a set. It was a statement. Slipknot reminded Sydney, and the entire metal world, why they remain the most dangerous and dominant force in heavy music.
For their third installment of Knotfest Australia, it is now a date on the calendar of every heavy music fan we look forward to.

Here’s hoping Knotfest is a mainstay on our festival circuit. I’m already eager to know what next years installment has in store.

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Gig ReviewsReviews
February 12, 2025
Megan Milner

[Review] HED PE @ Crowbar Sydney, 8/02/2025

Two years since their last visit, nu-metal fans across the country were well and truly ready for the return of HED PE. Joining them as main support on all Australian dates are Adelaide’s Heartline with local legends The Weight of Silence making a return tonight. Longtime driving force in the rock and metal scene, HED PE. is known for its unique fusion of rock, punk, reggae, gangsta rap, and soul—often called “G-Punk.” Tonight’s show takes place in the same venue they visited in February of 2023 and we are ready for whatever they throw at us.

The Weight of Silence supported HED PE on their last visit, and I have been a fan ever since. Their energy was just what you want from a local band in order to warm up the night. You are already excited for the headliners, but adding a killer local just heightens the night, and I’m so stoked to be able to see them again. Live and loud since 2016, Sydney nu-metal three-piece, The Weight Of Silence (TWOS) has been bringing their own brand of brutal metalcore, trap, and hip-hop to the country that defies genre constraint, bringing together trap metal with EDM. They treated us to some Unreleased material that is going to crush. Unfortunately, the crowd weren’t quite as energetic as what was given from the stage, but that didn’t dim any of their efforts as the crowd grew in size during each song. The front man, J Figure, is a hell of a character, great at what he does.
He’s so good that the last time I saw them, he was up on stage with Bring Me the Horizon at the Sydney show! Surely you would be able to find material very easily of this night (head to @twos.catalog on Instagram and see the pinned post).
See You On The Other Side, really stood out as J rapped then transitioned into heavy Attila style screaming seamlessly, this song seemed natural to the band and a sound that works so well for them. TWOS wrapped things up with Gucci & Gold with some of the most Aussie lyrics you’ve ever heard, “I got all these f*cks to give but I ain’t got one for you. Yeah. Nah!” I really look forward to where they will go; hopefully, their craft just gets tighter, and the music keeps coming.

Heartline supported on the whole run and had a pretty healthy sized crowd when they hit the stage. The Adelaide metalcore unit launched out of the gate with an insane amount of energy. The natural crowd-pleaser that is front man Luke Taylor donning a sheer shirt looking like Lestat from Queen of the Damned, swaggers around the stage with ease, some people are just born for the stage. Heartline have been touring tirelessly including supporting reggae legends 311 when they were here on Good Things, and so the union with HED PE felt pretty seamless. Heartline make me pretty excited about the future of lives bands, hats off October Presents! You did very well.

The curtain was strewn to hide the headliners arrival, as beats slow ascended through the speakers. HED PE kicked off the set with two newer tracks No Way Out and Rat Race. I’ve seen them start shows in many different styles, but this is killer, high energy from the get go. It didn’t stop going into absolute old school classics such as Peer Pressure, Killing Time and Black Out. We all danced together during Let’s Ride as Jahred beamed ear to ear with the raucous crowd screaming the lyrics back so loud he had to put his microphone down, taking a moment to catch his breath and swig a beer, because it was Saturday night in Sydney after all. Before Dedicating the next song to his neighbour who is always telling him to keep it down, Raise Hell.

A highlight of any HED PE set is their massive hit Bartender. Kurt Blankenship brought the groove with a bass only rendition of the aforementioned track as Jahred danced beside him. Nathan Javier launched into a Guitar solo before unleashing the pit igniter CBC. The Meadow is always a big singalong for HED in Australia, I haven’t seen it in past sets perhaps they were just having such a good time they decided to add it in! A fella beside me starting yelling “Suffa!” and I swung my head around so quickly I thoight I heard a crack. That is my favourite HED PE song, so I too joined in heckling them to play it. We think our prayers are answered as they begin the intro, but it’s sadly its quickly squashed.
Renegade wrapped up yet another incredible set by the masters of nu metal groove and energy.

They didn’t let up on us once during the night and we all sweatily pour out of the venue. The band announce they will be at the merch booth after the show and so with cups of water in hand the masses return to Crowbars band room to shake the hands of the fellas who gave us an unforgettable evening. Jahred announced on stage ‘see you next year’, I’m not sure what they’re cooking up but I wouldn’t miss a HED PE show come hell or high water.

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Gig ReviewsReviews
January 26, 2025
Terri Nas

[Review] Leon Bridges @ Sidney Myer Music Bowl, 23/01/2025

Do you ever hear a song for the first time and in that moment, you know that this artist is something special and has that extra magic that many don’t? Leon Bridges first appeared on my music radar about 9 years ago and when I heard him sing his hit ‘River’, my body had a complete visceral reaction to the beauty of this tremendous song.

Hailing from Fort Worth, Texas, Leon Bridges is one of their best exports and is currently touring to promote his fourth studio album simply titled, ‘Leon’. This album is a nostalgic journey back to his roots, celebrating the people and places that raised him and the experiences that have shaped him. Bridges brought his neo soul sound to Australian shores captivating audiences all the way down our east coast, with the final night of the tour wrapping up in Melbourne at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. It was an extremely eclectic crowd strolling through the Botanical Gardens in the direction of Melbourne’s iconic outdoor music venue, but all seemed eager to get inside and find their positions to settle in for the night. Los Bitchos and Glass Beams were the two support acts to get the night started, and both groups did just that. Both offering up an entirely instrumental set with a different flavour from each, the crowd were really digging what they had on offer. Darkness now descended on the bowl as we took our seats to await the soulful sounds of Leon Bridges.

With warming stage lights and a roar from the crowd, a 7-piece band hit the stage and found their positions with Leon not far behind. Kitted out in white flairs and a tan suede tassle jacket, Leon kicked the show off with tracks from his latest album, ‘When A Man Cries’ and ‘Panther City’. Two songs in and I thought an all-in brawl was about to erupt in the groups around us, due to the fact that majority of the crowd felt the need to stand from their seats, completely blocking the view of those behind them. Brawling definitely didn’t fit the vibe check, so once heated words were exchanged everyone eventually cooled their jets and decided just to enjoy what they could see of the show. ‘Flowers’ with it’s upbeat swing feel had the crowd dancing and clapping along, whilst ‘Coming Home’ from the 2015 album of the same name, had us ladies absolutely swooning even more than we already were. ‘Laredo’ was giving off that iconic funky sexy feel that his music seems to continuously emanate, and I have to say ‘That’s What I Love’ about Mr. Bridges. Everyone was getting down to ‘Never Satisfied’, but I can tell you that’s definitely not how the crowd were feeling as they were getting lost in his sultry, hypnotic melodies.

I was personally excited that he did a couple of songs from his collab albums with Khruangbin which included ‘Mariella’ and my all time favourite, ‘Texas Sun’. The latter is one of those songs that can instantly transport you to a time and place and every time I hear it, I swear to God I’m rolling down that highway, with the wind blowing through my hair with that hot Texan sun beating down on my skin. His lyrics truly are something else and provide a completely immersive experience as they seep into your veins when combined with his soothing instrumentals. I got the feeling that despite his vulnerable lyrics and confidence on stage, he seemed quite introverted given his very limited interactions with the audience. He was a man focused on his task for the night which was to entertain us, and that’s exactly what he delivered.

Asked if there were any dancers in the house, the crowd responded with their best moves during ‘You Don’t Know’, as it delivered its funk-flavoured bass line. I loved that instead of the usual stage formation, the band were seated on stage in a semi-circle with Leon at the forefront, which made it feel like we were just hanging out in a friend’s lounge room having an intimate jam session. Floating through his enchanting set, the audience were slurping up every bit of musical goodness exuding from this talented being. Soon enough, it was time to take me back to where my Leon Bridges discovery began with the spine tingling, gospel-like track, ‘River’. Bridges played the first half of the song alone with his acoustic guitar, whilst his bass player swapped out his bass for a cello to give the song a deep resonance that consumes you entirely.

‘Peaceful Place’ and ‘Smooth Sailing’ not only took us on another journey but also rounded out the end of his set. This crowd were salivating and weren’t going to let him get off that easily so luckily, he reappeared to give us a couple more treats that we so desperately craved. Bridges once again hit the stage on his own with only his guitar for company as he sang ‘Lisa Sawyer’, before the band joined him again for the final song, ‘Beyond’. As one of his earlier hits from his ‘Good Thing’ album, the crowd were ecstatic as the band led into this track and the song had never sounded so good with 10,000+ additional back-up singers. It was now time for a real goodbye as Leon departed the stage and left everyone to slowly come out of their hypnotic trance he’d put them in right from the first song.

The perfect recipe of soul, with some funk and gospel influences and the right amount of sexy, Leon Bridges is an incredible talent that puts him up there with some of the greats. His voice is pure magic that gives you all the flutters, and his tone is as smooth as a hot knife gliding through a block of butter. In addition to his musical talent is his stunning lyrical prowess, and debriefing with my friend after the show we both agreed that the way he writes about his muses (whoever they may be…) with such adoration is what girls can only dream of. Oh, to have a man worship and write that way about you. This is one show that will stay with me, and I will continue to have his records on high rotation for my regular Leon fix. If you haven’t heard of Leon Bridges or his music, then it’s high time you add him to your streaming playlist and experience the tingles and flutters for yourself.

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Gig ReviewsReviews
September 23, 2024
Megan Milner

[Review] Parkway Drive @ Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney 21/09/2024

Parkway Drive transformed Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena into a melting pot of heavy music and explosive spectacle for their 20-year anniversary tour this past Saturday evening. It was a day of immense activity in Sydney’s Olympic Park, with not only Parkway Drive drawing 21,000 fans to a sold-out show but also the Bledisloe Cup at Accor Stadium and Comic Con in full swing nearby. Despite the logistical chaos outside, the moment fans entered the arena, their focus shifted entirely to the stage, as the band and their fans made it clear that this night belonged to them.

What began as a four-band lineup quickly shifted to a two-band bill, as Void of Vision and The Ghost Inside both had to cancel their sets due to unforeseen production issues. The disappointment was palpable, especially for fans eager to see Void of Vision celebrate their latest release, What I’ll Leave Behind, and those looking forward to The Ghost Inside’s long-awaited return to Australian soil after almost a decade.

However, the night was far from lost. Hailing from Detroit, I Prevail broke in the stage with tracks like There’s Fear in Letting Go and Body Bag quickly getting the crowd warmed up. Their reluctant but well-received cover of Taylor Swift’s Blank Space had the crowd screaming along, while songs like Choke inspired insane mosh pits. Their set was a rollercoaster of emotions, particularly during Hurricane, where frontman Brian Burkheiser touched on mental health struggles. By the time they closed with Gasoline, the arena was crackling with anticipation for what was to come.

Then came Parkway Drive.

The atmosphere shifted to a new level as the big screens flickered to life, showing nostalgic footage from their early days. The moment felt personal, almost intimate, as if the band was letting everyone in on the journey that brought them to this massive stage. The band emerged from the back of the arena, vocalist Winston McCall led the charge, draped in a white hoodie, resembling a boxer making his walk to the ring, flanked by two flag bearers.

They navigated their way through the crowd, building anticipation with every step handing out hugs and hi5’s. As they reached the center, the band assembled on a boxing-ring-sized stage in the middle of the arena, launching straight into their opener, and crowd favourite, Carrion. The small stage gave an intense, close-quarters feel, the band playing almost face-to-face with the audience. The energy was relentless as they followed up with Prey and Glitch, the floor of Qudos Arena heaving with at least 90% of the crowd jumping in unison. Mid-set, the band transitioned to the main stage via a walkway.

And that’s when the pyro kicked in. The sheer scale of the fire and explosions made it clear—the pyro budget for this tour must have been astronomical.

Highlights of the night included Vice Grip, during which a girl in a wheelchair was crowd-surfed from the back to the front, as if one ride wasn’t enough she would return 2 more times throughout the night. It was a pure, unfiltered moment of unity and celebration. The band tore through Boneyards featuring special guest Michael Crafter from Carpathian and I Killed The Prom Queen. A nod to the old school Australian hardcore fans in attendance. Winston’s thorn-adorned mic stand added a touch of symbolism to the visceral emotion in Wishing Wells, I sure hope that becomes a mainstay!

For long-time fans, the true peak came with a medley of tracks from their 2005 album, Killing With A Smile. Dubbed “Killing With A Medley,” the band shredded through Gimme a D, Anasasis (Xenophontis), Mutiny, Romance Is Dead, and Smoke ‘Em If Ya Got ‘Em, delivering an old-school breakdown mashup that left long-time fans grinning from ear to ear. The crushing weight of those early songs still reverberated in us all, even in a massive stadium, taking fans back to sweaty gigs at community centres and Seniors Halls. The old-school breakdowns hit just as hard, proving they’ve lost none of their intensity over the years. Next year will be the 20th Anniversary of Killing With a Smile, excuse me while I manifest a tour to hear that album in its entirety once again!

Midway through Idols and Anchors, Winston plunged into the crowd once more, orchestrating a massive circle pit before crowd-surfing back to the stage. Ben Gordon‘s drum solo tonight was mind blowing. It began with a soft, syncopated beat, perfectly in sync with the dancers’ sharp movements. As the tension built, mock Molotov cocktails flew, igniting the stage. With his rotating drum kit, Ben unleashed a powerful, aggressive solo that left us all in awe, showcasing just how far this band has come. The set flowed seamlessly into Chronos, a breathtaking number that featured a stirring strings intro and a guitar-cello duel, before the lights dimmed for Darker Still. The flaming Parkway Drive logo lit up behind him, casting an almost mythical glow over the stage.

The band brought the night to a momentus close with Wild Eyes, as the crowd united in chanting the “woah ohh ohh ohh” that echoed throughout the arena, cementing the night in memory. Winston reminded the audience that this was their biggest headline show to date, and it felt every bit as monumental.

Parkway Drive’s 20-year anniversary tour was more than a concert—it was a visceral, communal experience that left no fan untouched. The band’s sound remains as heavy and vital as ever, bolstered by production that was nothing short of mind-blowing. From nostalgic nods to their beginnings to the blistering energy of their latest material, Parkway Drive proved why they are still at the forefront of modern heavy music.

Flames, fury, and unforgettable moments—it was a night that will be talked about for years to come.

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Gig ReviewsReviews
September 6, 2024
Megan Milner

[Review] Make Them Suffer @ UNSW Roundhouse, Sydney 1/09/2024

Make Them Suffer’s Suffer Forever Australian tour hit the UNSW Roundhouse in Sydney on Sunday night, marking their biggest headline tour to date. With Bloom, and two international supports in Spite, and Bury Tomorrow on the bill, this tour has been the talk of the town for some time, and we couldn’t wait a day longer!

After catching Make Them Suffer earlier this year as they supported Bring Me The Horizon and Sleep Token, I was very excited to see them continue the momentum and take the stage for their own headline tour. Sydney’s own Bloom kicked off the night, delivering a stack of tracks that set the tone perfectly. Tracks like Bound To Your Whispers and An Exit got the crowd moving, warming up the muscles for a big night in the pit. The band’s recent regional tour with Polaris has clearly sharpened their live show, and their performance was a brilliant opener, leaving the crowd energized and ready for what was to come.

Spite was up next, and their set was the one I was most excited about, especially after catching them on their last visit to Australia supporting Thy Art Is Murder. The Southern California deathcore band did not disappoint, delivering a ferocious performance. Frontman Darius took command of the stage with an intimidating presence that had the crowd in the palm of his hand from the moment he stepped on stage. Dressed in coveralls with hair obscuring his face, he unleashed a relentless energy that drove the crowd into a frenzy. Tracks like IED, Caved In, and Free for All kept the mosh pit alive and moving, with Spite proving once again why they’re one of the most intense acts in the scene. While it’s been great to see them twice in the same venue, I really hope there is a headline tour for Spite in the near future.

The excitement only grew as Bury Tomorrow took the stage. Having recently visited Australia just last year for their sold-out headline tour, it was great to see them back so soon. The British metalcore giants delivered a powerful set in support of their seventh album, The Seventh Sun, blending heavy vocals with soaring melodies from Tom Prendergast. Tracks like Villain Arc and Boltcutter kept the energy high, and frontman Dani Winter-Bates’ message of positivity touched the audience, as he swapped between praising the crowd for their support and ordering a pit to open up. Choke was a highlight of their set before closing out their onslaught with DEATH (Ever Colder). The band’s stage presence and musicianship were top-notch, making it clear why they have such a dedicated following. 

With the three awesome supports all wrapped up, anticipation for Make Them Suffer was at its peak. The band kicked off their set with Epitaph, and the room erupted. Despite a brief technical glitch that saw Bury Tomorrow’s visuals accidentally displayed on the screen, Make Them Suffer didn’t miss a beat. Their performance was a tirade of power and refined artistry, with the video wall adding a visual dimension that lifted the atmosphere to the next level. Displaying lyrics on screen was a particularly nice touch, allowing fans to sing along, even with newer tracks.

The setlist was a mix of fan favorites and new material, keeping the energy high throughout. After the powerful opener, Bones had the crowd headbanging in unison, followed by the intense Uncharted and the chaotic Vortex (Interdimensional Spiral Hindering Inexplicable Euphoria). The band continued to showcase their versatility with tracks like Ether and the live debut of Oscillator, both of which demonstrated their ability to blend melody with brutality. Oscillator was released recently on August 9, but that did not stop the crowd from knowing every word.

Ghost of Me and Soul Decay brought the emotion to the set, with Sean Harmanis and Alex Reade’s vocal interplay shining through. The Attendant, another live debut, highlighted Make Them Suffers evolving sound and created a haunting atmosphere, if this is what the new album has in store for us, it’s shaping up to be a great one! The crowd was kept on their toes with the heaviness of Hollowed Heart and the dark, brooding Blood Moon. Each band member on the stage are full of beans, each with their own personal style whether it be the shirtless running man moves, twirls or windmills, tonight had it all! 

A special moment came when Bury Tomorrow’s Dani Winter-Bates joined Make Them Suffer on stage for Contraband, adding even more excitement to an already raucous crowd. The setlist was rounded out with Erase Me, a fan favourite that had the crowd screaming along, and the ever favourite Doomswitch, which left everyone in the room buzzing with energy.

Make Them Suffer’s Suffer Forever tour has proven to be an incredibly important moment in the bands career, showcasing a band that has worked tirelessly to improve their craft, their visuals, stage presence and song writing. With a new album on the horizon, releasing November 8, and a tour that’s left fans across the country buzzing, it’s clear that Make Them Suffer’s legacy is only just beginning.

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Gig ReviewsReviews
September 3, 2024
Terri Nas

[Review] Trophy Eyes @ Forum Theatre, Mebourne, 31/08/2024

Trophy Eyes are no strangers to the punk-rock scene in Australia, and their latest tour proves that the Newcastle-based band aren’t going anywhere in a hurry. After wrapping up their Australian Tour in Melbourne over the weekend, they are about to venture to Europe to continue the party. Melbourne’s exquisite Forum Theatre hosted the final show of the tour, and I swear that with every visit to this historic beauty I fall more in love with it and its intricate features. As I waltzed in, the room was already relatively full, and it was obvious that the punters were keen to make the most of their Saturday night out on the town.

Kicking off proceedings were Adelaide duo, Towns, and their upbeat set provided a good foundation for the night ahead. The pair rocked out and seemed genuinely thrilled to be playing in such an iconic venue in front of a big crowd. Boston Manor were next up and they certainly made sure they were going to leave their mark on our country before heading back to their home in the UK. The 5-piece outfit opened their show with the guitar-heavy tune, Container. These guys had an awesome sound and even better energy, and the crowd were feeding off it for their entire set. The eerily haunting guitar riff of Floodlights On The Square got the crowd excited, as did Sliding Doors and Halo. Boston Manor’s set was super tight, and my body couldn’t help but move along to their killer sound.

The theatre was now wall to wall with black-clad bodies who were keen to see Trophy Eyes come alive on stage, and what an entrance they made! Luciano Pavarotti’s arrangement of the breathtaking aria, Nessun Dorma, filled our ears with pleasure and my skin was alive and crawling with goosebumps as the song built into a crescendo in which the band made their appearance once the song hit its peak. This operatic masterpiece certainly made my nerdy little music heart very happy. It was straight into the one-minute wonder, Sydney, which flowed right into Life In Motion with the ecstatic crowd showing their appreciation. Heaven Sent had lead singer, John Floreani, demanding that everyone get off their asses (I assume their metaphorical asses considering it was standing room only), and the song floated around beautifully with fans singing along passionately.

Popular tracks like My Inheritance, Figure Eight and Friday Forever kept the crowd’s appetite well-fed, and the energy coming from the stage was absolute fire. At one point during the night, we were all told to pull our phones out and open up our music streaming apps so we could follow the 2 talented support acts, and Floreani reminded us how important it is to support art because there is no life without art, and art is expressing life. He couldn’t be more accurate, and it seemed everyone in the room was in complete agreeance with his sentiments. The thrumming bass and drum intro of Kill was reverberating throughout my body, and the crescendo into the heavy chorus made this song one of the standouts for me. The band proved they are all for the fans and explained how much they enjoy seeing the same faces in the crowd of those who’ve been supporting them for decades, and then went on to dedicate one of their older tracks, Choke, to those fans who’ve always supported and believed in them.

We were treated to some killer tracks from their most recent album, Suicide and Sunshine, which included OMW, What Hurts Most, Burden, and Epilogue, and you could be forgiven for thinking that these songs were decades-old anthems, given that the crowd seemed to know every single word and were singing along with all their might. The night was slowly drawing to a close and just when I thought the crowd had been behaved and respectful, I saw three security guards make a mad dash down towards the front of the stage. I love a bit of people watching drama if it doesn’t include me, so I got out my popcorn as I watched a guy being dragged out kicking and screaming for doing who knows what, with his 2 very sheepish friends following behind. See ya, mate! The entire theatre turned into a choir as the crowd screamed “Some of my friends sell drugs, But I just sell sad songs,” and took over the vocals on You Can Count On Me. I’d say this was a sick way to start winding down the show, but these guys were still winding up and their power wasn’t dropping off anytime soon, especially with their popular hit Chlorine being just as energetic and finishing off this epic show.

Trophy Eyes certainly gave the fans their money’s worth and then some, and I can only imagine the excitement they’ll spread once they hit Europe on this tour showing the world their formidable talent. An awesome live show from a brilliant Aussie band!

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Gig ReviewsReviews
August 22, 2024
Midnite Mitch

[Review] Triumph Of Death @ The Croxton Bandroom, Melbourne 17/08/2024

Someone I never thought I would get to see live is Tom G Warrior, one of the pioneers of Black Metal. He started Hellhammer, went on to make Celtic Frost and Triptykon. These bands have influenced so many musicians that I listen to today and are always unlikely to come to Australia, but tonight that all changes!

Heading out to the Croxton Bandroom, all I see is patch vests, the walking advertisements for bands worldwide. People love to show off who they have seen over the years, and I always have a look to note down some bands I’ve never heard before and going to an old school black metal gig, there are a few new names that I need to investigate!

Opening tonight is Melbourne’s Mammon’s Throne. A name I have heard over the years, but never had the chance to see them, after hearing so much about them, they did not disappoint. Straight from the opening note to the closing ring out, these guys had the room headbanging and moving. Mammon’s Throne has a killer stage sound and exceptionally written music, I was an instant fan and once their set finished, I went straight to the merch desk to grab a cd, unfortunately they did not have cd’s, but they do have vinyl, unfortunately, I do not own a record player, readers don’t hate! It’s on the Christmas list, I just haven’t purchased one. Either way, I did not get a CD, but I will be trying to get to another show. For anyone, like me, who hadn’t seen or heard these guys before, they would have walked away a fan being shown an incredibly tight and well played set. Definitely a local band to catch.

Speaking of local bands to catch, In Malice’s Wake, Melbourne born thrash metal, are always incredible to watch, make sure you get out and watch their set whenever you can. These guys make playing thrash metal look easy, all of them are top tier musicians, I don’t see many bassists playing fingers and flying all over a fretboard and their drummer is incredible, sticks everywhere and not a beat missed, even throwing in a killer drum roll for a seamless transition in between songs. In Malice’s Wake comes out with high energy that instantly gets the room moving and coming in closer to the stage. Between In Malice’s Wake and Mammon’s Throne, Melbourne bands have a great representation tonight, showing that there are some incredible talents in the music scene to check out locally.

I never thought I would get the chance to hear or see the set that I saw tonight, ever. These songs are from the 80’s, Hellhammer haven’t been a band since 1984 and yet here I am, not seeing an original line up but one of the original frontmen in the flesh, play songs that he wrote when he was a teenager and still just as passionate now. This is incredibly inspiring for a musician and a general music fan. Tom G Warrior comes out with his band, Triumph of Death and instantly he is met with cheers from the crowd and his signature “oooohhhhh”. They run through most of the classics, like Maniac, Decapitator and Chainsaw. Tom G Warrior gives a little bit of back story to some of the tracks as well, like Blood Insanity, where he states that it was originally written by his old band mate, Steve Warrior and that his lead guitarist will be doing the honour of his vocals tonight. There was another story for Visions of Mortality being the last Hellhammer and first Celtic Frost track. Watching them play these songs that are held dearly by the underground is unbelievable, they still have an old school vibe and sound to them, definitely not as harsh as the original demo’s but they are still rough and raw.

The crowd can see that Tom G Warrior is having a blast on stage playing these tracks and seeing the crowd, but he is also trying really hard not to show it. He can’t help but grin and laugh at the crowd when he is standing in between songs and hears the crowd yell “oooooohhhhh” at him, to which he replies “Ive been writing lyrics for songs for 43 f#$king years and yet the only one you remember is f#$king Ooooooohhhh!!! Well, Ooooohhhh!!!” and he just laughs. Triumph of Death deal well with a short stage issue of Tom G Warrior blowing a cab and the sound techs come and quickly take care of it, he thanks them and says that he wouldn’t be anywhere with out his sound guys, which is something I think every band should recognise! They close the set with the track Triumph of Death and walk of stage with massive grins. No one here leaves unsatisfied, band or crowd.

This is one of those gigs where I went in not really knowing what to expect, I was unsure as to how something that was recorded and kept raw on purpose was going to come out live and in a more modern setting. I was also unsure on how that would then be perceived by the crowd, we all know how die-hard fans can get. Triumph of Death played a tight, clear sounding and crowd-pleasing set. I walked away loving black metal all over again.

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Gig ReviewsReviews
August 14, 2024
Megan Milner

[Review] Badflower @ Oxford Art Factory, Sydney 10/08/2024

One of the most anticipated shows of the year finally arrived as Los Angeles-bred and Nashville-based alt rockers Badflower are finally visiting their fans down under for the very first time. After years of envying social media clips, it’s our turn to sing along with the four piece as they pull into Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. 

From the moment our friends at Destroy All Lines announced the tour, the band have been posting and keeping their fans engaged with Australia top of mind. From ‘Aussie Slang’ tests at skate parks, to trying Vegemite at Luna Park, the feeling of excitement appears to go both ways. 

Joining Badflower at Sydney’s Oxford Arts Factory tonight are Azure and Bad Neighbour. Bad Neighbour, who are on the entire Australian leg of the tour, took to the stage in front of a packed crowd on this chilly winter’s evening. Brandishing themselves as ‘Brisbane Sad Rock’, they sure encouraged a lot of smiles as their style hit home for many, having the crowd bopping along from the onset. Their debut album ‘Millions’ drops September 20th, I’m sure we’re about to hear much more about these local legends. 

As I’m still scanning the venue looking for the perfect viewing spot, the lights dim and our headliner has arrived right on time. Pre recorded audio introducing Badflower as they were wrestlers, fills the room the band members burst onto the stage kicking off the 2018 gem Drop Dead. While some bands save their new singles for later in the set, Badflower dives straight in, treating us to the fresh tracks Detroit and Teacher Has a Gun, both released this year. The fans, already familiar with the lyrics, belt them out with great volume, and guitarist Joey Morrow and bassist Alex Espiritu share knowing smiles as the crowd’s energy only intensifies.

Josh takes a moment to speak with the crowd, exclaiming just how much fun they’re having in Australia and telling us that we’re the best city and will be for the rest of the run. We don’t even mind that he may just say that to all them (even Melbourne!) but we’re cheering along! No time is wasted as we’re singing along again to expertly crafted tracks including Don’t Hate Me, Johnny Wants to Fight and White Noise. 

Drummer Anthony Sonetti beams with a smile from his elevated perch above the crowd, clearly enjoying the moment. The Oxford Arts Factory can be tricky for viewing due to its obstructive pillars, thankfully all members are jumping around during Promise Me and the groove infused Girlfriend, before Josh is left alone bathed in a spotlight for the heart wrenching Move Me. 

Even if he mentioned he is struggling with vocal issues this doesn’t stop him from delivering an emotionally charged, passionate performance before he is joined by his band mates for the grand crescendo.

The night already felt like it was filled with hits, but the big ones were still yet to come in the form of Family, Heroin and the fan favourite The Jester. The Jester may just be one of those perfectly crafted songs that transcend its recorded version when performed live. These four guys sure know how to make a catchy track.

Before Badflower took the stage tonight it was announced that the sold out sign was strewn across yet another date here in Sydney, making that four of seven. Not bad for a debut run! Although I am certain that if those who missed out knew how fantastic this show was tonight, it would’ve been a clean sweep.

When Josh announces that the next song will be the last, the crowd responds with loud disapproval. With a playful grin, he asks, “Could you all just pretend you think this is our last song?” as the band begin to introduce the chart topper Ghost. The range of this band is just incredible, and it’s very apparent that the crowd have been waiting far too long to share this moment with the band.

The part-hilarious, part-terrifying Stalker, Badflower’s modern day answer to Eminem’s super-fan ‘Stan’,  brought them back to the stage although Josh didn’t spend much of it on the stage. He jumped down to be with his new Aussie friends, as he thrashed his guitar, screaming the crazy lyrics in the faces of fans who were holding the microphone for him to truly unleash. Speaking of unleashing, the three band members left of stage took advantage of the space as they jumped around, spun their hair and sung with the crowd before Sonetti and Espiritu got a chance to show off on their respective drums and bass.

30, released in 2020 to mark lead singer Josh’s 30th birthday wraps up the show. A frank, unfiltered outpouring of existential angst in the face of ageing…something we can all connect with. 

As the crowd ebbed and flowed throughout the show I found myself right by the merch desk, where I quickly spent my pay cheque as the final notes rang out. 

I’m at a loss for words to fully capture the sheer astonishment of seeing Badflower’s debut Australian tour—though I’m not sure any words could do it justice. I was completely blown away and thrilled beyond measure to experience it. Their setlist was flawlessly curated and each band member left no crumbs. 

It may have taken them 7 years to visit us, but lets hope this is the beginning of a love affair that can’t keep us apart. 

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