Words – @splinters_and_nails
Photos – @djsedick
I CHOOSE VIOLENCE
It’s always a good time when there’s 5 bands on the line up and an even better time when it’s mostly metal core, tickles my nostalgia big time. Top of the line tonight was I Choose Violence, a Deathcore unit from South Australia playing their second-ever Melbourne show. ICV blend some of the best bits of metal into their own flavour: punchy, in-your-face, riff-heavy hardcore base, to inspire the 2-stepper inside of us all, sprinkled with progy dissonant lead drone and numetal riffage.
ICV quickly captured the low motion Melbourne audience with some chunky riffs, big energy and toe tapping break downs. Their set became more intense, with each song bringing more blast-heavy, screechy fry goodness while always returning to a driven riffy chug, reaching its final form of ultimate nihilism through atonal drone and beats that set the tone perfectly for a night of death AND core.
VIRTUES
Vitures took to the stage with all the force and grandeur that seasoned stage diving, stubby short-wearing Queenslanders would. Their no-bullshit metalcore groove and loudmouthed front man kept the Melbournian-only-move-your-head crowd moving their heads.
It’s always a treat to see Virtues’ big larrikin energy juxtaposed against the melodic, snare-popping, punchy riffs of their musical style. A few tracks in, we were treated to a new track that goes just as hard as any other Virtues track would. Keep it up, lads. If you like Metalcore, you like Virtues, make it happen, Melbourne.
BLOOD ON MY HANDS
Blood On My Hands has been on my watch list for a while. They bring some of the most nostalgic Metalcore vibes that this tired dad has ever seen. Clearly influenced by some of the greats but pushed into a lo-fi space, Blood On My Hands’ first two EPs showcase something to wrap your ears around and fall in love with. Blood On My Hands opened hard, pushing gallops back into Metalcore where they belong. The tempo control and breakdown finesse remained strong through the whole set, not an easy feat.
Blood On My Hands kept the energy high with aggressive chugs and harmonised guitars supported by some tight drums. The tempo changes kept the 2 Steppers busy, and the guitar leads put just enough of an emo vibe for a moment before flooring back to thick breakdowns and hyper-aggressive vocals.
It’s about time we had an OG Parkway Drive replacement, good to see these guys can bring the energy this flavour of Metalcore requires. Next time I want to see too many stage dives, get ready, security. (must be duck season, lots of Camo hats in the crowd)
ALGOR MORTIS
These guys romp. Death metal perfected, can’t get enough. Riffs, blast, shred, growls, dive bombs, all the bits.
The vocalist’s power and depth always hit right, the drummer cruises through fierce blast beast and time changes, holding the chaos together with ease. The speed virtuosity of the guitarists leads break the tension of the palm muted chugs beautifuly.
It’s so great to see these guys supporting some big names in the scene – I bought a t-shirt.
BLEEDING THROUGH
Now for the main event, the reason so many people packed out Stay Gold on a weeknight, Bleeding Through, celebrating the anniversary of their pivotal album, The Truth. This album hit hard and fast, direct, and 20 years is a long time to play music of that intensity, but Bleeding Through opened with the aggression and power thatthey displayed even after all this time, they still have what it takes to own the show, own the crowd and bleed your ears.
Brandon’s stage presence was demanding. It was wild to see him in the pit and thrilling to see such a devoted crowd grabbing the mic when it was offered and chorusing along with some charged lyrics. For the few short moments that the pummeling drums and chaotic guitar stopped, you were left craving more, more energy, more melodic metal goodness.
The band’s energy remained high for the whole set, proving that the power and love that Bleeding Through became famous for is still being pumped into their live shows today.
Thanks heaps to Bleeding Through, I Choose Violence and Ironjaw Bookings for inviting us along and to Stay Gold, Algor Mortis, Blood on My Hands and Virtues for a wild night.
Stay tired, Tired Dad
