Pierce The Veil & Beartooth – Gig Review & Photo Gallery 27th July @ Hordern Pavilion, Syd NSW

Posted on July 31, 2023 by renaeegan

Pierce The Veil & Beartooth
Hordern Pavilion, Sydney NSW
July 27, 2023
Support: Dayseeker

The sheer weight of a co-headliner tour is one that clearly stops the nation; the anticipation, the fandom, and of course, the theatrics, all doubled to create a night big enough to foster the talent of, on this occasion, some of metalcore’s most pivotal and foundationary acts. On the 27th of July, Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion hosted a tour almost seven years in the making; a dreamy lineup of the serenading sounds of Dayseeker, the always energetic Beartooth, and of course, household staples, Pierce The Veil. The only thing greater than the bubbling crowds occupying Moore Park for hours ahead of doors was the multitude of surprises that would be in store for patrons beyond the old concrete slabs. The dedication of fans and mass of excitement was something not merely reciprocated but became the tour’s motif- a tour for fans, celebrating fans. From sharing heartful fan photos on socials to sharing the stage, it became clear that this three-act lineup was far bigger than itself, but honed a spotlight on those who have stuck around and shifted with these bands’ ever-changing identities. Through heartfelt performances and insane energy, Dayseeker, Beartooth, and Pierce The Veil left fans with more than just show-stopping performances laced with professionalism and years in the industry, but a palpable sense of catharsis and fulfilment.

First on the bill were American sweethearts, Dayseeker. When emotionally straining but beautifully presented music is needed, this band is always the first to come to mind. First seeing them a few years ago, fully unaware of their creative power, I was left in awe (and in tears) upon hearing them for the first time, particularly in a live setting. Now, in a larger space, this power was amplified. However, much of the eager fans’ pain arose from the Hordern’s dishevelled lines and overflowing entryways, forcing many to miss more than half of their set. However, Dayseeker’s captivating abilities transcend this madness, allowing even a glimpse of one song to feel like a million stories have been shared. For those in the venue at the time, it was clear that the boys were not merely openers, but cherished guests on this very special lineup. As the gang introduced ‘Crooked Soul’, it became evident that their Sydney fan base was not here to mess around. Swallowed in deep blue lighting, the boys performed a carefully selected assortment of tunes from Sleeptalk and Dark Sun, both of which are equally soul-crushing but warmth-radiating albums. Translating perfectly to their live performances, the vulnerability of Rory Rodriguez’s vocals, aided by the guiding hands of the band create a bubble of raw and tangible energy- a kick to the guts in the best way possible. No matter how big or small, any room with Dayseeker feels just like you and the band, a comfortably isolating experience that allows you to connect and feel. And this was certainly a notion carried through the night. Closing with ‘Neon Grave’, Dayseeker’s final moments with Sydney fans would be one that left many of us wanting more (and a very warm hug).

Next to take the stage in Sydney’s lineup was Beartooth, an order that seemed to change between shows and keep fans on their toes! As the lighting dramatically shifted, instead, draping fans in a deep, blood red, there was absolutely no time to waste with introductions. Running onto the stage with an agenda, not only to perform but to capture, Beartooth roared with fury (both instrumentally and vocally). As ‘Devastation’ filled the venue, the crowd also rustled, beginning its first movements of the night – action that ceased to stop for the next two acts. Sold out and packed like sardines, surging in and out, it was impeccable to see Beartooth’s infectious energy conduct the crowd and reflect into a feeling and sensation beyond the stage. Perhaps the most inescapable observation of the night is Caleb Shomo’s status as a frontman. From grim tunes from Below, to new releases like ‘Might Love Myself’, the crowd never looked away from his eclectic and bouncy performance. Running side to side, occupying every inch of space, the stage was no longer the venue’s, but his. Moreso, the set was embedded in the necessity of crowd interaction- simple calls and responses to chanting lyrics. It was clear to see with every microphone aimed at the crowd, the band held a large confidence in the fans there for them, their symbiotic relationship fully on display, even from the seats at the back. Within their twelve-song stint, Beartooth did all they could to represent a portion of their large discography, shifting in and out of different styles and musical identities, much as they present on paper. It is always interesting to see such a varying band mirror these changes on stage, and becomes more engrossing as their set transpires.

Beartooth’s live show fosters such a vitality and vibrancy that can only be pinned down to their unwavering enthusiasm for their musical journey, and eagerness to share it with fans around the world. Their spirit was found in every corner of the venue as the lyrics shot from the speakers, but it certainly also travelled in the final song of the set, ‘The Last Riff’. As the lights dimmed for only a moment, a pathway opened with phone torches and frenzy, and Caleb Shomo was suddenly found teleported to the sound desk. Standing on top of the mechanics with a guitar in tow, he thrashed his head and tormented the instrument before him. Heads turning between the stage and sound desk, the final song became a moment of chaos and overwhelming energy- perfectly encapsulating the set that just was. With a lot to prove and their co-headliner spot to assert, Beartooth claimed not just the stage, but the venue, with undying vigor.

As the pre-show playlist faded into an exotic instrumental, it was time for the second headliners to take the stage. Of course, these aren’t just any headliners, but Pierce The Veil, returning for the first time in seven years, and celebrating a plethora of new releases to their name. This longing was mutual and evident from the very first riff of ‘Death Of An Executioner’, one of the key tracks from their latest album The Jaws Of Life. Down in the mosh, squished and hoping proximity would enhance the experience, there was a connection beyond this physical one, but one that flew through the air with every lyric shouted. With the energy already intense, it was going to be a difficult feat to raise it, yet it only took until song two for this energy to be amplified by one hundred. As the ‘Bulls In The Bronx’ riff rammed through the venue, it became evident just how instrumental this act is within the metalcore scene and overarching music community. The volume exceeded that of any Hordern show I had witnessed and for good reason. It was in these moments that the weight of the night became something tangible; an audible intrusion that represented their years of triumphs, tribulations, and drastic changes throughout the band’s prolonged history. In only ten songs, PTV attempted to represent their best stages and celebrate the songs that deserved to shine in the more present moment, but much like Beartooth, a discography as stellar as theirs is always going to be difficult to represent- so of course, it was hard to feel completely satisfied. Despite this, the songs they did select proved why on every occasion. From ‘Pass The Nirvana’ to ‘Caraphernalia’, each era concluded in a mass roar from fans, movement from the very pits on the venue, and satisfaction from a band looking endearingly at their many fans. PTV also introduced one of the most heartfelt moments of the night during ‘Hold On Til May’. For each show, this glimmering track would be dedicated to fans, selecting one of their most devout to join them on stage. Despite it only being one person, this moment became a representation of something much bigger- their overwhelming connection with fans that is personified through the connection their music brings on both a physical and mental level. It was truly a heartwarming moment for all who witnessed it.

The pinnacle of the night came at the conclusion of PTV’s set and the performance of ‘King For A Day’. For someone like me, this was like witnessing a historical event and finally being a part of a song that has formulated the backbone of a music culture for so long. Surrounded by diehards, the moment itself was a blur of pure joy, energy, and excitement. Between the flashing lights and closing your eyes to scream even louder, the song became a fever dream moment. It was truly all I had imagined and more. Closing on one of the most powerful songs you ever could, the group left the stage and the room remained rocked for just a moment.

Three bands, hours of anticipation, and a sold-out crowd eventuated into a night that exceeded expectations. Despite external issues, musically and performance-wise, all three acts left their mark on Australian soils and left the holes that gaped from their previous tours not only filled, but overflowing with an exceeding amount of passion and professionalism. Melancholic and cathartic, but also fun and wild, the night was a whirlwind of emotion that consumed every ounce of your being. This co-headliner truly felt like a pivotal tour for our little Australian shores!

Gig Review by Georgia Haskins @ghaskins2002

Photo Gallery by Renae Egan. Follow Renae on Facebook and Instagram.
Please credit Wall of Sound and Renae Egan if you repost.

Dayseeker