Words – @redonthemic
Photo – @photo.amai
When it comes to metal gigs, you always hope for a lineup that not only delivers high-octane energy but also showcases the diversity and evolution of the genre. This very show featuring Currents, Chelsea Grin, Bloom, and Heavensgate was set to exceed every expectation. From metalcore’s melodic chaos to deathcore’s pure sonic punishment, this a night to remind everyone why heavy music continues to thrive.
As I walked down the stairs into 170 Russel in Melbourne, there’s an unmistakable feeling in the air reminiscent of the calm before a sonic storm. Tonight isn’t just another gig, it’s a gathering of the heavy music fans in Melbourne wether they’re new listeners or MySpace era legends, a ‘core’ communion where breakdowns and top tier vocals reigns supreme and the mosh pit is both battlefield and brotherhood. With the lights low and the amps stacked high, the venue felt like a pressure cooker ready to explode with anticipation. If you weren’t ready for chaos, you came to the wrong place.
Heavensgate were set the task of opening the night and turning it up to 100 with no time to waste. having never seen this Melbourne quintet live before I was excited to see how they performed , guitarist David headed out followed by bassist Aki and drummer kofi, soon followed by vocalist Nazareth , they ripped straight into their set and called for war from our keen patrons.
Opening with the explosive “OBLIVION,” the band wasted no time setting the tone. The track’s crushing breakdowns and swirling dissonance grabbed the audience by the throat, and they never let go. Frontman nazareth tharratt commanded the stage his presence amplified by the atmospheric lighting and strobe-heavy production.
The set continued with “VIOLENT JOY” and “COMFORT IN THE SLOW DEATH,” two standouts from their AND ALL I LOVED, I LOVED ALONE EP. The crowd, a mix of die-hard fans and newcomers, moved as one — a sea of swinging limbs, screaming along to every word. The transitions between tracks were sharp, with the band demonstrating a mastery of both technical execution and emotional delivery.
“GINSICK” and “CHEMICAL HEAVEN” brought the energy to a fever pitch. The contrast between shimmering leads and bone-rattling chugs created an almost cinematic experience — moments of vulnerability quickly drowned in sonic violence. The band’s chemistry was undeniable, tight and cohesive without ever feeling sterile.
They closed the set with “RATKING,” a feral anthem that had the pit at its most chaotic. It was a perfect finale — equal parts cathartic and destructive, leaving the venue ringing with feedback and the crowd roaring for more.
In a genre often criticized for being saturated and repetitive, Heavensgate stands out with their fearless experimentation and deep emotional core. Their Melbourne performance wasn’t just a gig — it was a visceral, communal release. With this kind of momentum, Heavensgate is no longer just one to watch — they’re already here, and they’re carving out something truly special.
On a night loaded with genre heavyweights, it was Bloom—second on the bill—who delivered one of the most emotionally resonant performances of the evening. Playing to a packed venue, the Sydney melodic hardcore outfit proved why they’ve become one of Australia’s most talked-about rising acts.
Following a fierce opening, Bloom took the stage with quiet confidence and quickly shifted the atmosphere from aggression to introspection without sacrificing intensity. Opening with “The Service,” the band established their signature contrast between ambient melodies and visceral breakdowns, immediately drawing the audience into their emotionally charged world.
Frontman Jono Hawkey’s presence was magnetic. Whether screaming from the gut or delivering haunting cleans, he performed like every word hurt to say—and meant it. “Bound to Your Whispers” and “Siren Song” followed, and you could feel the crowd growing more invested with each song. The pit softened into swaying bodies and raised hands, with fans singing along to every anguished lyric. It was a stark shift from the chaos of Heavensgate, but no less powerful.
Musically, the band was razor sharp. Guitarists Jared Staal and Oliver Sweeney wove bright, sorrowful leads into crushing riffs, while drummer Jarrod Ritchie added dynamics that guided the emotional arcs of each song. In a live setting, Bloom doesn’t just play music—they create space for reflection and release. Their ability to channel melancholy into something cathartic is where they shine brightest.
Mid-set highlights like “In Passing” and “Daylight” had the crowd entranced. These weren’t just slow songs to catch your breath—they were moments of shared vulnerability. You could see people with eyes closed, mouthing the lyrics as if they were their own. By the time Bloom launched into “You & I” and “Cold,” they had won over even the fans who’d come purely for the heavier headliners.
They closed with “Maybe in Another Life” and “The Works of You,” two emotionally devastating tracks that left the crowd in a stunned, reverent silence before erupting into applause. It was a performance that didn’t rely on spectacle or stage tricks—just pure, honest music performed with heart.
In a lineup stacked with brutality and technical prowess, Bloom offered something different: a deeply human connection. Their set felt like a reminder that heaviness isn’t just about sound—it’s about weight, and Bloom carries it masterfully.
As the night continued with Currents and Chelsea Grin, Bloom’s set lingered in the air like a bruise you don’t mind pressing. Their upward momentum is undeniable, and if this performance is any sign, Bloom is more than ready to take the next step—from support act to headliner.
Chelsea Grin’s return to Melbourne was nothing short of carnage. Packed shoulder-to-shoulder inside 170 Russell, the energy in the room was electric before the band even hit the stage—and the second they did, all hell broke loose.
From the opening notes of “hostage,” it was clear the crowd was ravenous. The pit erupted instantly, but what stood out wasn’t just the volume or the chaos—it was the interaction. Fans weren’t just watching Chelsea Grin perform; they were part of it. Mic grabs came fast and furious, with Tom Barber regularly holding the mic out as if daring someone to match his ferocity. Dozens obliged, screaming lyrics with vein-popping passion.
Barber’s performance was masterful. He makes what’s objectively some of the most brutal vocal work in metal look effortless. From deep, cavernous lows to shrill, razor-sharp highs, he delivered each scream with surgical precision. No strain, no misstep—just pure, unrelenting control. Tracks like “playing with fire” and “Recreant” showcased his full range, jumping between fry screams, false cord growls, and tunnel-throat lows with an ease that left jaws on the floor. Even as bodies flew over the barricade and stage dives became routine, he never lost focus or presence.
The band behind him was just as locked in—guitar tones were razor-sharp, the drums thunderous, the pacing relentless. But it was Barber’s voice that commanded the night, cutting through the mix with terrifying clarity.
At one point during “orc march ,” a wave of fans rushed the front, jumping up for mic grabs and crowd-surfing toward the stage in a non-stop loop of chaos. Security could barely keep up, and it was clear: Melbourne showed up to throw down. But it wasn’t reckless, There was a sense of control in the chaos, a collective purge of energy and emotion, and Chelsea Grin were the perfect catalyst.
By the time they closed, the crowd was soaked, breathless, and still screaming. Tom let the final line hang in the air before nodding in appreciation, a quiet gesture that said it all.
Currents closed out the night in Melbourne with an explosive, high-octane set that showcased why they’re at the top of their game. As the headliner for the Hell & High Watertour, they took the stage at 170 Russell with intensity and precision, delivering an unforgettable performance that was as emotionally charged as it was sonically punishing.
Opening with “Never There”, Currents immediately set the tone for the evening. The song’s blend of melodic hooks and aggressive riffs hit hard right from the start, drawing the crowd in with its power and energy. Vocalist Brian Wille wasted no time in commanding the room, his guttural lows and soaring cleans cutting through the heavy instrumentation with ease. His dynamic vocal performance immediately stood out, shifting between brutal screams and impassioned, melodic highs without missing a beat.
As they moved through their set, the band’s musicianship was on full display. Guitarists Chris O’Toole and Ryan Castaldi traded blistering riffs and harmonized melodies, creating a wall of sound that felt both intense and cathartic. Their ability to seamlessly blend technicality with emotion was key to keeping the crowd engaged throughout, as they moved effortlessly from thunderous breakdowns to soaring, melodic passages. Tracks like “The Death We Seek” and “So Alone” were highlights of the set, the crowd singing every word back to Wille, who fed off the energy and gave it right back, his powerful stage presence making it clear he’s a frontman who understands the emotional weight his band carries.
The rhythm section, led by drummer Matty Poyner, was a force to be reckoned with. Poyner’s technical precision and ability to shift from rapid blast beats to groove-heavy patterns kept the energy in the pit alive, sparking wave after wave of crowd-surfers and stage-divers. It’s rare to see such control and intensity in a live setting, and Poyner nailed it time and again, pushing the band through each song with relentless drive.
The crowd was electric throughout the entire set, moshing and singing along with every track. There was an undeniable sense of camaraderie in the room, with fans feeding off Currents’ energy and throwing it back tenfold. The pit was a constant swirl of bodies, and at times, it felt like the entire venue was moving as one—highlighting the deep connection between the band and the audience.
As they neared the end of their set, the band dropped “Apnea” as their final track, which brought the show to a thunderous close. The song’s emotionally charged breakdown hit like a sledgehammer, leaving the crowd in a frenzy, headbanging and moshing with abandon. The sheer power and intensity of the performance made it clear: Currents had left everything on the stage. The final, crushing notes of “Apnea” lingered in the air long after the band had walked off, leaving the crowd in awe of what they’d just witnessed.
Currents proved once again why they’re leading the charge in modern metalcore. Their headlining performance in Melbourne was a masterclass in blending aggression with melody, and they delivered a set full of technical prowess, emotional depth, and raw power. With their live presence so tight and their energy so magnetic, it’s clear that Currents are not just making a name for themselves—they’re cementing their place as one of the genre’s most exciting and formidable acts.
A huge thanks to the 170 Russell Crew and BIG MOUTH PR for having us.
EVERYDAY METAL – SUPPORT LOCAL HEAVY METAL
