While She Sleeps - Gig Review & Photo Gallery 5th October @ The Forum, Melb VIC

While She Sleeps
The Forum, Melbourne, VIC
October 5th, 2024
Supports: Stick To Your Guns, Ocean Sleeper and Boundaries

Not even twelve months on from their most recent voyage down under for 2023's edition of Good Things Festival, British metalcore masters While She Sleeps have returned to satisfy the itch that last year's festival appearance may not have satisfied for Australia's never-ending thirst for the quintet's hard-hitting breakdowns and soaring melodies. Spanning multiple sub-genres from the metal realm, the diverse lineup offered something for all alternative music fans to enjoy.

Upon arriving at the prominent Melbourne venue, I wasn't surprised to be welcomed by a long queue of alternative music fans that wrapped around the building. As I made my way inside to catch the opening act, Boundaries kick off, fans were still trickling through the doors, meaning that the floor space was still, for the most part, empty, which invited a few moshers to begin stretching. As the Connecticut-based act began performing in Melbourne for the very first time in their careers, within seconds of the first note being played, it was abundantly clear that the other acts may have a difficult time following such an incredibly strong opener. As an ample, open space in the middle of the floor area saw flying fists and spin kicks make their way from left to right, then back again, the five-piece performed tracks from their flawless 2024 album Death Is Little More, as well as various older tracks in impeccable fashion.

I constantly found my attention being drawn in by drummer Tim Sullivan, who hits his drums with blistering passion while fulfilling his role as clean vocalist, which, in my opinion, sets him up as one of the most exciting drummers to watch perform in modern deathcore. With each thumping breakdown deserving its own call-out, including an encouraging "This is our first time playing here in Melbourne, and right now, it's up to you to show us whether it's worthwhile for us to come back. Show us what you've got!" from guitarist Cory Emond, which piqued crowd participation for the set. Having already metaphorically picked up my jaw off the floor throughout earlier periods of this set, I found myself having to do so yet again as the group unexpectedly performed the breakdown from Parkway Drive's 'Romance Is Dead', which sealed the growing love that Australian crowds have for the US group.

Flying the flag for Australia amongst the international display of talent is the rural Victorian quartet, Ocean Sleeper. As the four musicians walked onto The Forum stage for the very first time in their careers, vocalist Karl Spiessl was seen wielding a pair of crutches - as his left leg was in a cast, due to a broken bone. Despite causing Spiessl to remain stationary for the entirety of his performance, he didn't lack enthusiasm, nor did he miss the mark with his vocal capabilities. Melbournians have had the pleasure of witnessing Ocean Sleeper's rise in popularity throughout the years, as they slowly and consistently grew from playing to a handful of people as the opening act in local bars and other small venues to positioning themselves at the forefront of the next wave of Australian export talent. The love that this group has garnered throughout the years became overwhelmingly evident as concertgoers quickly established a circle pit throughout the opening track, 'You Kill The Good In Me'.

As the eight-track set continued, the group performed a blend of both their heavier and more melodic songs from their back-catalogue, including 'Forever Sinking', 'Heaven', 'Light In My Dark', which was inclusive of a guest feature from Outloved's Jaydon Colvin, and the yet to be released 'Maybe Death Is All I Need', which drew elements from both the group's heavier and melodic styles. If you were unfortunate enough to miss this moment, don't fret too much, as Spiessl announced a studio version will be released in the near future. As the group wrapped up their set with 'Never The One', Spiessl took a moment to share "Thank you for supporting four guys from the middle of nowhere. To have the opportunity to perform at this venue is wild and doesn't happen to people like us from rural Australia", which was a well-spoken sentiment that everyone in attendance could celebrate.

After touring Australia earlier this year, Californian hardcore punk band Stick To Your Guns is back to indulge in yet another taste of what Australian crowds can offer. Grabbing the punter's attention with the stage entrance song 'Tequila' by The Champs, it was clearly known by all in attendance that a chaotic frenzy was about to take place in the mosh. As the first note of 'Nobody' struck, the mosh enthusiasts took every chance to exert energy. As someone who isn't mainly a big hardcore fan, with my original love for music residing in the metalcore and deathcore sub-genres, I often find it hard to feel the same love towards hardcore-styled music, but this set was an exception. The individual flair of each musician equated to the unifying, collaborative effort that saw STYG working together like a well-oiled machine. With an abundance of crowd surfers making their way to the stage, it was slightly disappointing to see that the group ended their set ten minutes early, while seemingly everyone in the venue was smiling from ear to ear with enjoyment.

Finally, it was time for the UK metalcore kings While She Sleeps to cap off the night with their fourteen-track-long set. As the five Englishmen walked on stage and began performing 'RAINBOWS', an unexpected burst of pyrotechnics caught the fans off-guard. With palpable exhilaration in the air, While She Sleeps managed to up the energy from the previous sets, which resulted in a wall of death throughout the very first track. Vocalist Lawrence 'Loz' Taylor made it impossible to direct your attention in any direction but his own with his lively and animated demeanoUr. As he stalks the stage from left to right, then back again, then to be seen standing on the barrier, leaning over fans who were waving their arms at the chance to touch the forty-year-old vocalist. With energy continuing to rise throughout the duration of the show - as the band went on to play hits such as 'Sleep Society', 'Anti-Social', 'Self Hell' and more - wall of deaths continuously made appearances amongst the mosh-thirsty crowd. Pausing for a moment to show appreciation to the packed venue, Loz stated "We've been a band for 18 years and to come to the other side of the world and play a packed venue and hearing our lyrics sung back to us is not something that we ever tire of. Thank you all for coming out." Which resonated with the crowd by responded with deafening cheers.

As the band continued on, they dug deeper in their back catalogue with tracks such as 'Four Walls', 'You Are We', and the incredibly popular 'Silence Speaks', which is when the attending concertgoers put the brakes on their engagement and, for the most part, stood still to enjoy the visually impressive spectacle. That is, until the last song, 'SYSTEMATIC', was played, where the crowd was encouraged to crouch down before jumping up in a lively spirit.

While She Sleeps has won Australia's hearts with their effervescent and formidable performances as well as splendid back-catalogue of music. With their recent short, sharp break between Australian tours, let's hope they keep to that trend and come back in 2025, because seeing too much of While She Sleeps is never a bad thing.

Gig Review by Adam Rice

Setlist

RAINBOWS
SLEEP SOCIETY
YOU ARE ALL YOU NEED
ANTI-SOCIAL
THE GUILTY PARTY
SELF HELL
Four Walls
You Are We
FAKERS PLAGUE
ENLIGHTENMENT(?)
Silence Speaks
TO THE FLOWERS
SYSTEMATIC

Photo Gallery by Adam Portelli. Insta: @adam.ellia
Please credit Wall of Sound and Adam Portelli if you repost.

Boundaries

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Ocean Sleeper

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Stick To Your Guns

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While She Sleeps

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