Words – CeeCee
Photos – Ben Gunzburg


The night was set, with the venue buzzing with old-school metal-heads, all eagerly gearing up for the evening ahead. Among the crowd, one particular moment caught my eye—a guy snapping a few photos with a stuffed monkey before the show began. It was an unexpectedly sweet and endearing scene amidst the gritty anticipation. 

The first band to hit the stage was Black Jesus, a death metal band from Melbourne, Australia. This four-piece unleashed their heavy riffs and thunderous vocals, kicking things into high gear. They gave us a preview of their title track from their upcoming album, “Onwards to Slaughter”. They also took the crowd back in time with an older track “Black Jesus Saves”. Adding a touch of humour to the intensity, the lead singer cracked jokes at the lead guitarist while he swapped guitars towards the end of their set—a fun, lighthearted moment in an otherwise relentless performance. 

Black Jesus 19-1-2025 009
Black Jesus 19-1-2025 002
Black Jesus 19-1-2025 005
Black Jesus 19-1-2025 010
Black Jesus 19-1-2025 011

@black_jesus_death_metal


Another Melbourne-based band took the stage, Algor Mortis and I was absolutely blown away. Cecilia’s vocals were nothing short of extraordinary—so captivating they had me sitting on the edge of my seat. They performed “Ensoulment”, one of two tracks from their new release, and the crowd was fully immersed, banging their heads in rhythm.

The bass was a standout, resonating throughout the set and perfectly complementing the drums, which provided a well-balanced backbone to their sound. The drummer’s performance was so flawless it appeared effortless—though I know I’d fail miserably if I ever tried to take on that kit!

Adding to the energy, one of the guitarists chimed in with some vocals and even riled up the crowd with a cheeky, “Make some movement, cunts!”—a call to action that worked like a charm. The set list also included older tracks like “Mourning Star” and “Taste the Wound”, before closing with “Spoiled”, the second track from their new release.

This band is an absolute force to be reckoned with. Their musical talent is undeniable—many members are multi-instrumentalists—and their synchronised headbanging added an extra layer of charisma to the performance. They’re a band I’ll definitely be keeping on my radar, and I highly recommend them to anyone who’s into heavier music.

Algor Mortis 19-1-2025 002
Algor Mortis 19-1-2025 004
Algor Mortis 19-1-2025 006
Algor Mortis 19-1-2025 010
Algor Mortis 19-1-2025 012
Algor Mortis 19-1-2025 014
Algor Mortis 19-1-2025 023

@algormortisdm


Just before Cavalera was about to start, a small medical emergency unfolded in the crowd. What happened next was a heartwarming display of unity within the metal community. The crowd quickly banded together, creating space and signalling to the stage managers and venue staff to pause the show. Everyone waited patiently as they helped the man out of the crowd and ensured he got to safety to recover. And people say metalheads are scary—this moment proved otherwise, showcasing the compassion and camaraderie that defines the metal scene. 

As the intro began for Cavalera Conspiracy’s walkout, the stage lit up with the presence of three Cavalera family members: Max (vocals, rhythm guitar), Iggor (drums, percussion), and Igor (bass). Joining them was Travis Stone on lead guitar, with Max rocking an iconic large studded wristband that instantly caught the eye.

Kicking off “Necromancer”, Max hyped up the crowd with chants of “oii’s,” raising his hand in the iconic metal grip, while Travis’s mirrored guitar shimmered brilliantly under the stage lights. The energy ramped up during “Mayhem” as Max shouted, “Melbourne circle pit!” The response was electric, with the crowd unleashing chaos as promised. During “Crucifixion”, Max added to the intensity by spitting water into the crowd.

A particularly striking moment came when Max asked the lighting technician to turn off all the lights, plunging the venue into complete darkness. He then asked the crowd to shine their phone lights and lighters onto the stage, transforming the room into a glowing sea of hundreds of tiny lights. This unforgettable scene led into the hauntingly powerful “Funeral Rites”.

Cavalera 19-1-2025 037
Cavalera 19-1-2025 045
Cavalera 19-1-2025 041
Cavalera 19-1-2025 050
Cavalera 19-1-2025 048
Cavalera 19-1-2025 044
Cavalera 19-1-2025 018
Cavalera 19-1-2025 027
Cavalera 19-1-2025 014
Cavalera 19-1-2025 020


Throughout the set, the mosh pit dominated the venue, stretching nearly the entire width of the floor, with crowd-surfers riding the waves of metal energy. During “Inquisition Symphony / Escape to the Void”, Max and Iggor shared a playful moment as Max stood on the drum riser, holding the cymbal between Iggor’s strikes, exchanging laughs in the process.

The crowd reached a fever pitch during “Territory”. Max paused his vocals to let the audience take over, their voices booming through the venue. Showcasing his masterful showmanship, Max had everyone crouch down as he yelled, “Melbourne, get the fuck down!” before the crowd erupted, jumping and moshing until the song’s explosive finish.

Cavalera 19-1-2025 056
Cavalera 19-1-2025 058
Cavalera 19-1-2025 060
Cavalera 19-1-2025 059


Toward the end of the set, Max embraced the local spirit with a rousing “Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi, Oi, Oi!” chant that brought smiles all around.

It was truly an incredible night, filled with raw energy, fun, laughter, and moments of genuine camaraderie. Huge thanks to Destroy All Lines and Northcote Theatre for making this unforgettable experience possible!

EVERYDAY METAL – SUPPORT LOCAL HEAVY METAL