Live Review: The Amity Affliction, In Hearts Wake, Confession

The amount of punters packed into Metros Freo transformed the sizeable venue into an oven as we searched for a vacant spot to watch the sold out show.

Confession channelled an immense amount of adrenaline as they powered through their setlist with enough double kick to make your heart stop while vocalist Michael Crafter’s powerful growls urged people to raise their fists and jump like maniacs. Described by one of the members as one of their hottest shows on this tour thus far, Perth has won over the respect of the five-piece once more.

In Hearts Wake opened with drummer Caleb Burton building up the atmosphere and then the rest of the members following suit. Their choreographed movements and performance were very slick and credible – they’re fine entertainers in their scene. The dynamic dichotomy between Djent influenced breakdowns and rhythmic stabs versus the post-hardcore elements including vocalist Kyle Erich’s bright melodic singing really adds that unique presence. Erich’s vocal also contrasts harshly with lead vocalist Jake Taylor’s brutally pleasant growl. They closed on a high with two epics, Divine and Survival; chanting the lines “we will survive” got the crowd pumped.

The chanting for Queensland’s The Amity Affliction began as soon as the pungent moshers sensed the lights dimming. Without fail, the crowd was fixated on the four-piece as they went into their opening song.

They are some of the most cruisy entertainers this scribe’s seen in the post-hardcore scene. Lead vocalist Joel Birch casually emoted his lyrics and gestured with his hands while he produced his signature scream. Their instrumental breakdowns presented the audience with intense droning low-end and an escalating atmosphere brewed a perfect climate for insane mosh-pit brutality. The crowd showcased their devotion to the band by singing every lyric the band ever wrote as well as indulging in passionate crowd surfing and fist pumping throughout. The group left the stage in a cliche event only to be cheered on by the very satisfied crowd who seemed to only want “one more song”, which won them over for two more songs, as they returned to the stage with their hit Open Letter. Ahren Stinger’s vocal cuts through the mix with high-end melodic chorus lines. A line-up of three incredibly talented metal acts, what more could you want from a night of chaos?