Words – @ostara.d.photography
Photos – @djseddick
Photos – @lime.spice
Photos – @ostara.d.photography
Flippin’ The Bird 2025 – honestly, where do I even start? For those who don’t know, Singing Bird Studios is the go-to spot for heavy music, a vibrant community, and culture located right in the heart of the Southeast. With band rooms, a recording studio, and an event space that hosts both local and international acts, it’s become a hub for the local and underground scene. It is undeniable that ‘The Bird’ has become one of my favourite venues in Melbourne. Whether you are a metalhead, hardcore fan, punk lover or overall music enthusiast, then ‘the bird’ should be on your radar.
Now, onto the day. Walking in, you were immediately greeted by food trucks, an incredible team of staff, a first aid station, a tattoo station, and enough merch to fill you to your heart’s content. With three stages and a talent-packed lineup, not to mention a sold-out venue, it was, without a doubt, the place to be. The atmosphere was electric—the energy from the crowd was undeniable as everyone eagerly awaited for the bands to hit the stage.
First to play were southside locals Trepacide, who some might recognise from the ‘Good Things 2024’ battle of the bands. With their infectious energy on stage, audience participation paired with frontman Thom West’s intense vocals, the pit of early birds and fellow locals went awry. Playing “Cranial Immolation” from their recently released self-titled EP, it wasn’t a performance to miss. Trepacide continued to dish out riff after riff and ‘ouugh’ worthy breakdowns that the crowd was eating it up whole with headbangers of all ages getting lost in the rhythm. Their raw performance truly set the tone for all the artists and bands to follow.
Next up on the metal stage was Gosika, a death metal band hailing all the way from Sydney and one of my all-time favorite bands in the Australian scene. I’ve had the privilege of seeing them a handful of times whenever they make the trek down to Melbourne, and they never disappoint. Every time they hit the stage, they bring an intensity and presence that is hard to match, and this time was no different. Gosika’s performance was nothing short of addictive, leaving the crowd in a frenzy from start to finish. Not a single person could keep still as the mosh pit raged at full force, especially when vocalist Liam Hedges called for a wall of death. The energy in the venue reached a whole new level as bodies collided and chaos reigned.
The talent Liam, Connor, Matt, and Darby exuded was evident in every single riff they played. Each member brought their own unique flavor to the table, from the moment the boys got on stage till the end of their set the room was filled with electricity, there truly is no other way to describe their performance other than addictive. Gosika’s next trip down south can’t come soon enough, and I know I’ll be right there in the pit, ready to dive headfirst into the madness once again.
Now for NembutoliK, the southeast’s reigning golden boys, playing all the crowd favorites, including ‘Comedown Eternal’ from their recent EP of the same name. From Pat’s insane vocals to Jake’s impressive and intense fills on the drums, it’s easy to see why these boys have made such a huge name for themselves in the Australian scene. Their energy is unmatched, and the way they command the stage is nothing short of magnetic. The crowd went insane when the lads pulled out a cover of Sepultura, ending in countless bruises and a bleeding nose in the pit. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to catch the end of NembutoliK’s set. One of my mates took a pretty big hit to the face during the madness, and we had to rush him to first aid. It’s a shame to miss out on the grand finale, but I knew the lads would finish strong. If there’s anything I know for sure, it’s that you can always trust NembutoliK to create absolute chaos in the crowd.
When it comes to the ‘outlaw grind’ band CHOOF, their stage presence is unmatched. Between the music and watching these lads jump around on stage, you will never be disappointed. Being true performers in every sense with bassist Jackson jumping into the pit and crowd surfing with bass in hand throughout their set followed by vocalist Jake Seymour making sure to get amongst it from jumping into the pit, to climbing the speakers and inviting those brave enough to grab a mic (or bass) or jump off the stage. Now to the bromance on the stage floor mid-set, all I will say is to make sure you are wearing closed shoes around Jake unless you want some wet toes. I had so much fun shooting this show; the adrenaline flowing through the crowd and the excitement from never knowing where to look was enthralling, running to each side of the stage trying to get a shot of the boys and their antics. The crowd went insane with limbs flying in all directions. There is truly never a dull moment when CHOOF takes the stage.
Now for a change of scene, we head to the dungeon to catch Naarm/Melbourne-based ‘punkheads’ The Antics. Coming to the stage with their signature energy, the pit erupted into chaos from the very first note. With Freya’s raw and unapologetic vocals cutting through the noise like a whip and the band’s tight control over rhythm, the crowd was completely swept away. The moshers, fueled by adrenaline, were having an absolute blast, trying to keep up with the relentless pace and intensity. Each riff pushed them further into the frenzy as the raw energy of the band intertwined with the joy and chaos of the crowd.
Back on the metal stage, we had the powerhouse that is Threat, the hardcore punk band hailing from Frankston. These guys have firmly cemented their place in the scene, earning respect with their intense, fast-paced sound that channels a raw, old-school hardcore vibe. The energy in the room was electric—crowd surfers were flying off the stage, and the audience was shouting, singing, and screaming every word right along with the band. It was clear from the first riff that these boys knew exactly how to command a crowd and put on a show. Their tight, relentless performance only amplified their reputation, and it was impossible not to get caught up in the sheer intensity of it all.
If you know me, then you’ve probably heard me mention False Dichotomy at least a hundred times. They’re a five-piece death metal/hardcore crossover band from Frankston, and trust me, once you see them live, you’ll be hooked. I first discovered these guys two years ago when I reconnected with a childhood friend (shoutout to Leo). I asked him for recommendations on local metal bands since I was still new to the city and eager to check out more gigs. Fast forward to today, and they’ve become one of my favorite bands, featured in almost every playlist I have. Two weeks ago, I had the chance to catch a sneak peek of their new lineup, meet the latest members, and watch them rehearse their set. But enough yapping from me, It’s time to talk about what you are all here for.
As False Dichotomy hit the stage, the room was packed, with everyone wanting to see the local favourites. They started the set with their hit single Shotgun Lobotomy, From the moment the first chord was struck, the room turned into a blur, with everyone getting lost in the intensity of the music. The band’s chemistry was undeniable. The addition of Zac Halpin on drums and Alex Butten on fretless bass brought a whole new level of intensity to the band’s already explosive sound. Zac’s drumming was relentless—his fast-paced, intricate rhythms served as the perfect backbone to the band’s chaotic, aggressive style, driving the energy of each song to dizzying heights. Meanwhile, Alex’s fretless bass added a deep, fluid layer to the music, with its unique tonal quality creating a seamless blend of melodies and distortions.
Mindsnare had the biggest crowd of the day when they hit the stage, igniting the audience into a frenzy as everyone pushed to the front, eager to get a closer view. From the moment they launched into their set, it was clear that this was going to be no ordinary show. On stage, they brought a raw, aggressive presence, delivering a powerful mix of fast, heavy riffs and chaotic breakdowns that left no room for hesitation. The relentless pace of their music kept the crowd on edge, with each song escalating in intensity. Their stage presence reflected their unapologetic style, with Matt Maunder’s vocals cutting through the air like a razor, matching the fierce energy of the rest of the band. The mosh pit became a swirling mass of bodies, each person feeding off the band’s raw emotion and sound, creating an atmosphere that was as much about aggression as it was about unity. Mindsnare didn’t just perform—they commanded the stage, making the crowd feel every note and every beat. It was an experience that felt both cathartic and liberating, as the band seamlessly combined chaos and cohesion, making their performance a visceral moment that would be remembered long after the last chord rang out.
Terminal Sleep recently returned from touring with both Harms Way and Kublai Khan TX, and it was clear that the time on the road had honed their already formidable stage presence. Their performance was heavy, tight, and relentless, a perfect blend of raw power and precision that left the crowd buzzing. The synergy between the band members was undeniable, as they seamlessly fed off each other’s energy, creating an atmosphere of pure, unfiltered chaos that only a live show like this could deliver.
There was a brief pause a few songs in when the bass player’s strap snapped mid-song, forcing a quick fix. It was a small interruption in what was otherwise a flawless performance, and the band handled it like seasoned pros, getting back on track without missing a beat. Watching them in their element on stage was a reminder of why they’re such captivating performers. Every move they made, from their intense stage presence to the way they interacted with the crowd, showed that they’re not just musicians—they’re true performers who live and breathe their craft. It was clear that this band thrives on connecting with the audience, and you could feel their passion in every song.
Unfortunately, I had to take an early exit to first aid midway through the set after a stage diver landed squarely on my head (note to self: I probably should have been less focused on the camera). As I nursed my injuries, I had to miss the rest of their set, but from what I did experience, Terminal Sleep’s live show is one that you won’t soon forget. Whether it’s the intensity of their sound or the raw, electric energy they bring to the stage, they truly know how to deliver an unforgettable live performance.
As the last notes echoed through the venue and the crowd began to disperse, it was clear Flippin’ The Bird 2025 was an unforgettable experience. The energy, the diversity of talent, and the sense of community created a perfect storm of excitement that left everyone wanting more. In the end, it’s the music, the memories, and the people that make these events truly special. Until next year, the buzz of this weekend will undoubtedly linger, and we can only look forward to what’s next for this festival as it continues to grow and evolve.
A huge shoutout to Stu and the crew at Singing Bird for having us and putting together such a solid day. As well as a special shoutout to Jonk for liaising, sorting access and ensuring we didn’t get burned by pyro. We would like to extend a sincere apology to Goat Shaman and particularly Max who worked his arse off all day running sound for the metal stage unfortunately all 3 of us took pit hits, and none of us were in a fit state to shoot you as we were outside licking our wounds and listening to the awesomeness from a safe space – Dan says she’ll make it up to you 🙂
EVERYDAY METAL – SUPPORT LOCAL HEAVY METAL
