High Tension Call Out 'Intolerable Pit Behaviour' At Melbourne Show

Melburnian hardcore heavyweights High Tension have slammed the harassment that occurred at the band's Friday night show, calling the "personal violation" experienced by a punter intolerable and appalling.

The band's lead singer Karina Utomo writes, "A member of the audience was groped by another member of the audience during High Tension's set. We are appalled that this gross behaviour still continues at shows. This behaviour will never, ever be tolerated.

"This gross behaviour oppresses not only the persons being violated but also oppresses other metal fans. How are we meant to feel safe and respected when attending shows when we are constantly fearful of putting ourselves at risk of being violated? By continuing oppression of others you are stunting the growth of the metal community, you are breeding fear and affirming the bad experiences of other metal fans that are more vulnerable."

The band's show was held at the Corner Hotel and was headlined by Vivid Sydney act Deafheaven and supported by Hope Drone and High Tension.

Utomo writes that the offending punter was promptly kicked out of the venue — "This person truly had no idea of how to be respectful of others and did not deserve to participate anymore. I can only hope that this person is reflecting on the negative impact they caused, that they will change their behaviour" — and commends the "brave" fan who spoke out about the incident.

"My upmost respect and solidarity to the metal fan who addressed the personal violation that happened to them during our set. You took control and you spoke out. You may not know this yet, but your action last night gave every person who have had a similar experience, every person who have ever been fearful, reluctant to enter the ''pit"... your action gave them a voice."

This is not the first time Utomo and High Tension have made a stand against harassment; last year the band revealed the tough as shit Bully video about "conquering fear relating to the feminine struggle".

"Traditionally the hardcore/metal scene is very much a 'boys club' without meaning to be," Utomo said about the video.

The band have also stated they will be organising a "proper discussion" of the issue, where "fans of metal/aggressive music" can share their experiences and ideas on how to make a metal gig a safer place. 

Read High Tension's full post below.