Words – @ladylane____
Photos – @photo.amai
GHOSTSEEKER set the tone for the evening with a performance that immediately demanded attention. As the first band to take the stage, they embraced the opportunity with confidence, delivering a set packed with energy, precision, and enough intensity to ensure early arrivals were fully invested from the outset.
One of the band’s defining strengths was the balance between melodic passages and uncompromising heaviness. The contrast between soaring clean vocals and powerful screams created a dynamic performance that never felt predictable, adding emotional depth without sacrificing impact.
Musically, GHOSTSEEKER were locked in from start to finish. The guitars delivered crushing riffs with impressive clarity, the rhythm section drove each song forward with relentless force, and every transition felt seamless. Their tight execution reflected a band that has clearly developed strong chemistry through consistent live performances. Their spine-tingling tracks ‘Beta War’ and ‘Glow In Decay’ felt like a punch to the chest.
Every member performed with conviction, feeding off the audience’s growing enthusiasm and creating an atmosphere that became more intense with each song. By the end of their set, the crowd had transformed from curious onlookers into an engaged audience, responding enthusiastically to the band’s infectious energy.
GHOSTSEEKER also demonstrated an ability to connect with listeners beyond their existing fanbase. Their blend of memorable melodies, crushing breakdowns, and polished musicianship made for a set that was both accessible and undeniably heavy, leaving a lasting impression on those discovering the band for the first time.
IRONSTONE took to the stage with confidence and quickly proved why they have become one of Australia’s most exciting rising forces in modern heavy music. From the opening moments, Ironstone displayed a level of musicianship that stood out. The guitars were razor-sharp, the rhythm section was locked in throughout, and every song was executed with remarkable consistency. Their ability to move seamlessly between punishing riffs, atmospheric passages, and intricate arrangements gave the set a dynamic quality that held the audience’s attention from beginning to end.
Vocally, the performance was relentless. Powerful, harsh vocals cut effortlessly through the mix, adding intensity without compromising clarity, while the band’s layered songwriting allowed every member to contribute to the overall impact. The result was a sound that felt massive yet controlled, showcasing both aggression and refinement. “Forge Me Anew” and “Commence The Culling” were by far the standout tracks.
IRONSTONE’s presence matched the quality of their musicianship. The band performed with confidence and purpose, maintaining a strong connection with the crowd while allowing the music to remain the focal point. Their energy was infectious, and as the set progressed, the audience responded with increasing enthusiasm, creating one of the most engaging moments of the evening before the headliner took the stage.
What made IRONESTONE particularly memorable was their ability to deliver technical performances without sacrificing emotion or raw intensity. Every song carried weight, balancing precision with genuine passion and reinforcing why the band continues to gain momentum.
As the lights faded and the first haunting sounds of ‘LBRNTH’ echoed through the venue, GAEREA transformed Max Watt’s into something far more immersive than a typical metal show. Their performance wasn’t built around spectacle or crowd interaction- it was an experience driven by atmosphere, emotion, and an overwhelming sense of intensity that never relented.
Flowing seamlessly into ‘Nomad’ and ‘Phoenix’, the Portuguese black metal outfit established complete control of the room. Cloaked in darkness and their iconic garb and moving with deliberate purpose, the anonymous collective allowed the music to speak louder than words. Every movement felt calculated, reinforcing the band’s unsettling aesthetic while drawing the audience deeper into their world.
The set struck a compelling balance between relentless aggression and moments of haunting restraint. ‘World Ablaze’ and ‘Submerged’ showcased GAEREA’s ability to shift effortlessly between blistering blast beats, melancholic melodies, and crushing walls of sound. Rather than relying on constant speed, the band carefully built tension, allowing each crescendo to hit with devastating force.
Mid-set highlights ‘Hope Shatters’, ‘Unknown’, and ‘Salve’ demonstrated just how emotionally layered GAEREA’s song writing has become. Beneath the ferocity lay melodies filled with anguish and reflection, creating an atmosphere that was as hypnotic as it was punishing. The musicianship remained impeccable throughout, with every transition executed flawlessly despite the sheer complexity of the material.
As the performance neared its conclusion, ‘Wilted Flower’ brought an almost cinematic sense of scale before ‘Stardust’ closed the evening in spectacular fashion. The final moments were equal parts crushing and beautiful, leaving the audience captivated long after the last notes faded into silence.
GAEREA delivered a headline performance that was both technically exceptional and emotionally absorbing. Rather than simply playing songs, they crafted an immersive journey through despair, beauty, and controlled chaos.
A massive thanks goes out to GHOSTSEEKER, IRONSTONE, GAEREA, The Max Watts crew, Soundworks Touring Australia and Cult Etiquette PR for having us!
