Words – Shelby
Photos – @photo.amai
From early reports, I was informed that eager folk had been lining up at the NORTHCOTE THEATRE since 1:30pm in anticipation for PALEFACE SWISS’ first ever headlining tour of Australia. Believe me, I have the photographic evidence to back up my claim! Heading in after a quick meal, the sea of people had almost swelled tenfold as I managed to slink into the venue. The NORTHCOTE THEATRE has fast become my second home over the course of the year.
I was in the strange position of not being prior acquainted with the support acts for the evening but, when my partner mentioned he had seen LUNE support SYLOSIS in February, my eyebrows and curiosity were raised.
LUNE are an impenetrable, melodic deathcore outfit hailing from our beautiful home of Melbourne who are notorious for their captivating live shows, dynamic energy and gritty lyricism. Fresh off their seismic tour of Australia with legends NORTHLANE, OCEAN GROVE and MIRRORS, LUNE brought us that same palpable and electrifying energy. Adorned under a sea of green lights, LUNE entranced us with their modern spin on elements of hardcore, beatdown and deathcore.
Gnawing growls, soaring clean vocals and electrifying stage energy reverberated off the walls which fed an indeed, hungry and parched crowd. Brash screams of pain laden desperation pleaded to a sea of raised fists and thrown bodies.
The night may have been young but the masses of people that filtered through couldn’t not be side tracked by the power of LUNE’s magnetism and exceptional brute force. Further limbering us up for the rest of the evening’s proceedings. LUNE were not accepting any excuses and were taking no prisoners in their punishing and uncompromising set.
Following on from LUNE’s awe-inspiring performance, Belgian Beatdown/Hardcore wunderkinds NASTY stormed the stage making their official Australian debut on PALEFACE SWISS’ headlining tour. Since their inception in 2004, NASTY have been an incomparable force, sweeping across Europe with the likes of DEFEATER, CALIBAN, PARKWAY DRIVE, THE GHOST INSIDE, TERROR, EVERGREEN TERRACE and SUICIDAL TENDANCIES.
Hastily described as ‘fucked up music for a fucked-up world’, NASTY almost beseeches you to put aside your preconceived notions of the world and perform a sonic autopsy. Brimming with power violence, teeth-gritting aggression and quashing unforgiveness, NASTY’s threatening presence was felt within your bones.
NASTY’s mosh pit was by fair the most violent, expansive and inclusive one I had ever bare witnessed. Exhausted bodies drenched with streams of sweat were dragged across barriers, out of the mosh pit and out of sight to regain their breath and momentum as NASTY continued to forge through their debut Melbourne set with an astonishing level of intensity.
An intensity we ever so craved and needed
As the beloved prodigal sons PALEFACE SWISS made their much-anticipated way to the stage, the surge of the masses swelled as bodies were pushed towards every vacant corner of the NORTHCOTE THEATRE. PALEFACE SWISS are a powerful blend of stunning brutality, emotional expression and have cemented themselves as a relentless force within the modern Deathcore scene.
From the moment they broached the stage, it was immediately apparent that their take on modern Deathcore was heightened by their raw, experimental edge that pushed the confines of convention. Boundaries are supposed to be pushed and, PALEFACE SWISS did it with it with ease, ownership and pride.
Delving further into their experimental edge, their sonic breadth of sound was expansive and refreshing
They forged through their expansive set list with an enviable virality as each member violently threw themselves around the stages with palpable energy and vigour. Despite a few technical setbacks, they continued to electrify the masses and continually proved themselves to be one of the biggest bands to be reckoned with. The scene changes so much that I feel like I am left behind at the best of times but witnessed PALEFACE SWISS utterly dominate their set and have even kick started my old, curious heart. Not only being struck by their performance but, their declaration of inclusivity, tolerance and love was a message that some need to hear given the intolerance some face each day.
PALEFACE SWISS’ love and adoration for what they do is utterly transfixing and their appreciation for their fans surpassed that.
I would like to express my ardent thanks to LUNE, NASTY, PALEFACE SWISS, The Northcote Theatre and The Phoenix for yet another killer show.
EVERYDAY METAL – SUPPORT LOCAL HEAVY METAL
