Words by CeeCee
Photos – djsedick
Melbourne’s own Gravemind drew an early and dedicated crowd, showcasing the strength of their local fan base. The band immediately grabbed the audience’s attention before transitioning into their signature heavy sound. Their synchronized head banging was a sight to behold, perfectly in sync with the pulse of the music, setting the tone for the night.
As the band rolled into their second song, “Deathtouch” the energy in the room only intensified. Gravemind, a tight-knit four-piece, showcased their musicianship with precision and passion. By the fourth song, they introduced a newly released track from just a month ago, signalling a shift toward a more melodic direction in their evolving sound.
Tracks from their freshly released album Introsphere, such as “Aloy,” and “F.E.A.R.,” were highlights of the night and ending the night on a high note with “Volgin,” a beloved track from their previous year’s release. Gravemind’s performance was a perfect blend of nostalgia and progression, proving once again why they’ve earned such a loyal following in the local scene.
After nine long years, the American band King 810 made their highly anticipated return to Australia, delivering an unforgettable performance. They opened their set with eerie, demonic sounds as drummer Andrew Workman and guitarist Andrew Bale took the stage, masked and setting a haunting tone for the show. Mysteriously, you could hear vocalist David Gunn’s voice, though he remained out of sight
As the bass player Eugene Gill joined the stage, Gunn finally appeared, and his presence was nothing short of commanding. His movements and theatrical flair filled every corner of the stage, making full use of the space to captivate the audience.
Although it was my first time seeing them live, I was thoroughly impressed. The intensity of the drummer was palpable, with the double kick pounding like a force field. During their fourth song, he even broke a drumstick, which went flying toward the front of the stage (thankfully, no one was hurt!). The crowd was electrified, with many surfing over the audience in excitement.
A special highlight was a guest appearance by Zelli, the vocalist from Paleface Swiss, who joined them for a powerful rendition of “Fat Around the Heart.”
Paleface Swiss made a thunderous first impression on Australian soil with their debut performance, leaving the crowd buzzing with energy. Known for their ferocious style, the band delivered an unrelenting set, powered by intense double kicks that shook the venue. Every note seemed to envelop the audience, drawing them deeper into the chaotic yet captivating atmosphere the band created.
The standout track of the night, “Best Before: Death,” was a particular highlight, showcasing the band’s raw power and tight musicianship. Despite the intensity of the performance, Paleface Swiss brought a humorous side to the stage, joking about how much coffee and food they had consumed while in Australia.
Hailing from Switzerland, the band’s blend of brutal riffs and stage presence proved they are a force to be reckoned with. For their Australian fans, this debut was unforgettable, and its clear Paleface Swiss is suppressing nothing when it comes to delivering a hard-hitting live experience.
The night reached its emotional peak with In Hearts Wake taking the stage. Having followed this band throughout their career, it’s always a heart-warming experience to see them live, and tonight was particularly bittersweet. This tour marked the farewell of Kyle Erich, their clean vocalist and bassist for over a decade. The band and fans alike were sad to see him go, making this performance feel even more significant.
Opening with “Spitting Nails,” In Hearts Wake wasted no time in igniting the crowd. The energy soared when they proudly announced that the show had sold out, making their return to Melbourne after 15 months all the more special. The band dedicated the night to their new album Incarnation, marking the beginning of their journey as a four-piece with Eaven stepping in on bass. “The past is present with us right now,” they declared, as they celebrated this new chapter.
A touching moment came when the band pulled out a projector, using tarot card screens as a backdrop. They played a five-minute video created in iMovie, featuring funny home videos Kyle had filmed over the last 12 years. The band affectionately called Kyle the “joker” of the group, admitting these clips would never have seen the light of day otherwise.
In a fitting end, the last song they played with Kyle was “Farewell.” It was a poignant and emotional choice, perfectly capturing the moment as the band and fans bid Kyle goodbye.
In Hearts Wake’s performance was a heartfelt blend of nostalgia, celebration, and forward momentum, honouring both their past and future as they embraced the next chapter of their journey.
Thanks to the Forum Crew for having us and to Dallas Does PR for arranging media access.
EVERYDAY METAL – SUPPORT LOCAL HEAVY METAL
