Words – Shelby
Photos – @photo.amai
Nothing better than spending a Thursday night at the FORUM in a state of curious wonder. I am finding myself becoming less nervous but rather excited to see acts that I am not familiar with. Yeah, I know what you are thinking – how have you not seen THE GHOST INSIDE? I guess there is no better time to find out.
Kicking off this auspicious evening is the all-mighty DAY OF CONTEMPT. Upon my first glance, as each member flooded to the stage, I saw four men each donning a BLEANFLIPPER, NAILS and TESTAMENT shirt which immediately caused me to think ‘Yeah, they ARE 100% friends with Dan’. DAY OF CONTEMPT are not just a band; they are a piece of Australian heavy music history. Starting out in Adelaide in the late 1990s, they helped shape the sound of hardcore in this country before anyone was really calling it that. Their early release Where Shadows Lie was raw, fast, and full of conviction, the kind of record that punched through the underground and left a mark that never really faded.
Now, after years away, they have come back swinging. The reissue of Where Shadows Lie through Melbourne’s Kingpin Records has reignited that old spark, and the live shows prove they have still got it. They sit right in that sweet spot between hardcore and metal, all crushing riffs and gut-punch breakdowns that never lose control. It is fierce, heartfelt, and hits exactly where it should.
They didn’t just play songs; they threw themselves into every measure, connecting with fans who’ve followed them for years and pulling in those newer to the scene. DAY OF CONTEMPT are not chasing the past. They built the foundation for this scene, and when they play live, it is clear they still own every bit of it.
Our Glaswegian friends from BLEED FROM WITHIN have finally made their way to our shores and the stage at the FORUM. The Scottish metalcore band displayed their growth from early deathcore beginnings to a sound rich in melody and groove, grabbing the audience with a mix of raw energy and musical precision.
Their setlist combined tracks from their latest album, Zenith, with fan favourites from earlier releases. Songs like “Into Nothing” and “In Place of Your Halo” showcased their evolution, blending crushing riffs with melodic touches. Bleed From Within’s Melbourne performance proved their strength and maturity within the metalcore scene. Even as a support act, they commanded the stage with confidence, hinting at their readiness for headlining shows. As a band that has continued with such ferocity for 21 years, we would be exceptionally happy to welcome back our Glaswegian pals.
THE GHOST INSIDE completely owned the FORUM from the moment they stepped on stage, the energy was electric, and the crowd was immediately swept up in the intensity and passion of their performance. It felt like being part of something larger, a shared moment of awe and adrenaline that only live music can create. The atmosphere was alive with anticipation, and every note, every beat, seemed to ripple through the room.
Their setlist was a masterclass in balancing sheer heaviness with sweeping melody, featuring Going Under, The Great Unknown, Earn It, Death Grip, Pressure Point, Out of Control, Wash It Away, Dear Youth (Day 52), Mercy, Aftermath, Avalanche, and Engine 45. Each song hit with precision and heart. The pit erupted, fans sang along to every chorus, and moments like Aftermath and Avalanche created waves of excitement and wonder that carried through the entire venue.
Seeing THE GHOST INSIDE live is a reminder of what makes them so extraordinary. After surviving the devastating bus crash in 2015 and taking the time to recover, their return to the stage is nothing short of inspiring. Drummer Andrew Tkaczyk’s beats were thunderous, while Jonathan Vigil, Zach Johnson, Chris Davis, and Jim Riley moved through each song with a chemistry that made the performance feel both monumental and intimate. It was impossible not to be captivated by the sheer commitment and emotion they poured into every note.
The band has a rare ability to combine aggression with heart. The heavy riffs struck like a force of nature, while the melodic passages lifted the crowd, creating moments that felt almost magical. By the end of the night, it was clear that everyone in the Forum had shared something unforgettable. THE GHOST INSIDE did not simply play a show—they created an experience that lingered long after the final song. It was a night that reminded everyone why they continue to define modern metalcore and why witnessing them live is nothing short of remarkable.
Thank you so much to DAY OF CONTEMPT, BLEED FROM WITHIN, THE GHOST INSIDE, DESTROY ALL LINES and Dallas Does PR for having us!
EVERYDAY METAL – SUPPORT LOCAL HEAVY METAL
