Pix by Nate Rose thanks to EVERBLACK MEDIA
Brisbane was still nursing their bang-overs from Knotfest but that didn’t stop a sea of fans showing up for round two of Hatebreed. It was an amazing turnout for a school night. Brisbane is currently on cyclone watch and so I’m super grateful that this gig went ahead as many were cancelled, starting the very next day.
After I finished work, I managed to get what little supplies left on the shelves at my local shops and got my shit together I finally made it to The Triffid. A tad later than I wanted to be. This was somehow my first time at this venue, and I was super keen on the beer garden of course… although slightly sad when I went into where the stage was and could barely see anything. Which is odd me as a tall lass.
The opening bands of the night were two locals. Death Row and Cold Blood, who both got the crowd moving and ready for the night. A huge opportunity for both bands who didn’t miss the chance to rip up the stage.
The clock hit 9:30pm and on true time, Hatebreed walked out to Rock ‘n’ Roll Outlaw by Rose Tattoo fucking cranking and it was ON. I was honestly like a kid in the candy store, eagerly waiting for them to unleash.
Starting out with To The Threshold, immediately the tone was set. “Two hands up where I can see ‘em” commanded Jasta and everyone follows his instructions. Up next was I Will Be Heard and instantly the room was animated to another level. Jasta briefly mentioned how good it was to be back in Australia after such a long time, (fuck you Covid), and thankful he was that everyone showed up. As if we wouldn’t for hardcore royalty though, right?
Hatebreed then dedicated You’re Never Alone to “Their brothers in Slaughter to Prevail”. During which I was looking at the circle pit thinking to myself, “it’s not quite at a terrifying level yet, but it will be”.
Now, Jasta is a huge entertainer, the smile beaming across his face is absolutely infectious, and you can’t help but fucking lose yourself with him. Anyone who can effortlessly twirl and two-step at the same time have my respect.
We were promised a different set list from Knotfest being mindful of how close the shows together, so we were lucky to hear some a different mix of songs including Honor Never Dies, Driven By Suffering and Hollow Ground to name a few. As soon as Perseverance starting playing I couldn’t help but think about all the time I’ve raged cleaned my house to this song (and album) and now here they are right in front fucking ripping it up like a minute hasn’t passed. All you could see is everyone going feral, legs in the air being passed over the front barrier and people with HUGE smiles on, appreciating this amazing performance.
“Tonight we stand together and it’s fucking beautiful man. Maybe next time we won’t wait a decade”.
The spotlight was put on all the band members, most of who have been there for the majority of Hatebreed’s lifespan… and maybe a new face. But that’s not what tonight was all about. We were asked for a hands up of who’s first Hatebreed show was tonight and there was a few show of hands. They were quickly welcomed in the family and made aware of the club rules, then playing As Diehard As They Come for their induction.
“One – Everyone leaves with a smile on their face
Two – No one has a voice tomorrow”
They then seamlessly ripped into Destroy Everything. This took the room up to another level and the circle pit was as healthy as they come. I was happy to be 5 people deep and well away from the carnage…
I personally love this band, their music and what they have done for hardcore music. It blows my mind that they are still kicking ass that hard and I truly hope it could go on forever.
Shoutout to our mate Joe who had the meet and greet and got all their signatures on a shirt for us. You are the real MVP!
You still have the chance to catch them while they are in Australia.. what the fuck are you waiting for!!!
