Words and Images: Mert Tyson Media
Well, right from the start, this was going to be an amazing show. We knew Motionless in White were more than capable of delivering the headline set, and we’ve watched them grow into such a powerhouse over the last 22 years or so. Alongside Make Them Suffer and Currents, this was such an epic show, and Brisbane, you made it shine. Not to be outdone by Melbourne and Sydney, you brought the love but we bought the full moon, the crisp winter’s night, and 8,000 screamers to raise you at Riverstage.
Currents, the American metalcore band, started the night early. Half of the crowd were still trying to get into the venue, which was a little disappointing for those guys, so it could have been a little better organised, but I’m unsure how you organise such a large event. Nevertheless, Currents were incredible a crisp, hard sound, heavier than what I anticipated, and wow, were they good. Being a Currents virgin, this was a treat, so I’m glad I made it in on time to capture this. The set was fully focused, and it made it difficult to remember sometimes that I was there to do a job and take photos. The band were tight and mesmerizing, and they were clearly having a ball with the Brisbane faithful. There was an emotion to this band that sometimes gets missed in the mix, but the magic was truly hypnotic watching them perform, and you have a new fan. What a great start to what was one hell of an incredible evening.
Make Them Suffer, the Perth machine, rolled onstage with attitude and pure class, killer growls and smooth, clean melody. There’s always been something a bit different about how they carry themselves live, and it hit straight away in Brisbane. Make Them Suffer are their own beast. Having only been a part of their magic when they played Stage 4 at Good Things last year, I knew we were going to have some fun, and this band is insane! Sean Harmanis was on fire. His vocals were top notch, and he had the crowd in the palm of his hand. That beautiful mix of Alex’s clean vocals just cuts through in a way that doesn’t get lost, even in a stacked lineup like this. Tracks like “Ghost of Me” and “Doomswitch” landed hard, but it wasn’t just about weight — there’s a polish to their set now that shows how much they’ve grown over the years. Tight, confident, no wasted moments. One thing about this band is they fit into so many genres of music for me, highlighting old-school metal with new-school, making it truly mesmerizing, and proving this band has something to say from Perth locals to dominating the world.
We waited, and we were promised one hell of a show with a 20-song setlist. Motionless in White were making up for lost time. The last time for me was 2017 in Melbs at 170 Russell, and that was a killer gig. Fast forward to now, and its recognition for a band that has been persistent and at the forefront of creating their own style of metal. This is where we end up with 8,000 Brisbane faithful packing out Riverstage.
Chris even said this would have to be top five for him, maybe top three, biggest show in the world. He was going to get back to us on that! Well, what did we have? Pyro, Cherry Bombs, Fire, Sparks, Cannons, Roses, Candy, and more, all in a night’s work. What a spectacle for the senses. The show and production were top notch. The sound and visuals, engineers, crew, set designers, and promoter, you deserve credit and a massive pat on the back for this beautiful display of awesomeness and sound and I will thank you again at the end!
From the start, this was going to be epic. Chatting to the front row beautiful people, some of whom had travelled an eternity to be here in full-moon Brissy tonight, and others doing all the shows, you could not wipe the smile from their faces. This is what it’s all about, and what music does: brings us all together. Looking through my images from last night and seeing the pure joy that happens when you unite in one beautiful moment is just really breathtaking.
I did speak with a lady today who showed me a video of her crowdsurfing, and how other ladies made sure her dress was put down when she was lifted. This is what it’s all about what a community. You make me so proud, Brisbane. Anyway, I digress.
Motionless hit the stage after the cat thing, OIIA OIIA (Spinning Cat), which was awesome, by the way. Whose cat is it? Can anyone tell me? The first three songs gave us fire, grinders, sparks, and a cannon loaded to the hilt with streamers. What more could you want? “Meltdown”, “Sign of Life”, and “America”.
“Thoughts & Prayers” had the water pistols happening, with Cherry Bombs having a blast. “Afraid of the Dark” and “Werewolf” I love both of those songs. The ladies hit up the werewolf groove on stage, with Chris having so much fun against a great backdrop. This song sounds even better live. The backing tracks, or sounds, should I say, were present throughout the night, but the music was dead set real. They were there for a beautiful mix and ambience, enhancing the entire show and mixed to absolute perfection, in my opinion.
“Hollow Points” and “Necessary Evil” followed by “Slaughterhouse”, with Sean from Make Them Suffer joining the band, and Chris thanking him for a great tour and hopefully their paths will meet again somewhere soon. Chris Motionless was at the top of his game. It was aggressive, clean, sweet and salty at the same time, that vibe you get when things are just bloody awesome. The engagement between band and crowd was something else, and the humility of Chris towards the Brisbane and Australian faithful was just so genuine.
“Rats”, “Disguise”, and “Nothing Ever After” brought more spark and fun from the Cherry Bombs, igniting the stage with a visual display of pure bliss. “Playing God” Chris hinted it was one of the last heavy ones, and with this being a single from the upcoming Decades release on July 17, what a cracker, and the crowd loved it.
“City Lights” was a nice little break. Chris nailed the smooth, beautiful vocals on this, alongside Justin Morrow on bass his vocals were superb throughout the entire evening, laying down some incredible backups and sensational bass playing to make up a heavy and powerful backline, with the sensational and not forgotten Vinny Mauro, who just tore it apart. His drum sound echoed through the cold, crisp air at Riverstage, and he was just a fucking powerhouse all night. He did not stop!
Guitars? Ryan Sitkowski: Heavy, heavy riffs and technical precision. He was superb all night, and mate, what a legendary shoe-y you just smashed. No fucks given, legendary effort! Ricky “Horror” Olson on rhythm and providing amazing backups throughout the show. What a band, what a show. Did I mention this?
“Not My Type” brought some sweeties out, with the ladies throwing candies into the arena. Hats off to the Cherry Bombs what a show, keeping the visuals stunning with werewolves, grinders, lingerie, candy, and roses. Thanks, ladies, for an amazing performance.
“Soft” brought more flames, more fire, more awesomeness, and “Another Life” kept the emotion flowing. For the finale of the evening, Chris gave his farewell and thanked everyone with “Eternally Yours” what else, right? This was the final end to a show that was an absolute killer, complete with roses.
Thanks for the shoot, everyone who matters…Dallas Does PR, Hear 2 Zen, Destroy All Lines, crew, roadies, visuals, sound, staff, security, first aid, and the rest of you people that fucking rock. And above all else, the bands Currents, Make Them Suffer, and Motionless in White you absolute legends, you made the effort we heard the call.
I’m me. It’s a review. Perfect? No. Real? Yes. I loved it.
Mert.
