Words by Mizzie Maxx
Pix by Sarah Gilpin Photography
Opening act Nth Rd immediately won the room over with humour and honesty, frontman Dan Charlton asking the crowd, “Does anyone here know who we are?” A few hands went up. “Yep… not many,” he quipped. “You know why? Because we’re shit!”
Hilarious — but completely underestimated.
If you’re looking for a new up-and-coming band to get into, this is the one you’ve been searching for. Their blend of alternative rock felt like a collision between Bring Me the Horizon and The Amity Affliction and Dan is quick-witted, self-aware, and unapologetically Aussie.
Their music carries anthemic choruses with emotionally charged lyrics that clutch your heartstrings and rip them right out, which made Nth Rd the perfect fit for this tour and absolutely deserving of their place on stage. A band well worth catching live if you get the chance. Be sure to check out their song Endlessly (my personal favourite of the set).
Next up was The Rasmus and they didn’t just play The Triffid. They owned it!
As the intro music rolled, the crowd anxiously waited for a band they’ve loved for decades to finally walk onto an Australian stage for the first time in their 30 year history. Rest in Peace kicked in and the band launched straight into the night, sending the crowd wild.
The venue was a sea of black, drenched in nostalgic emo-goth vibes, with fans aged everywhere from 18 to 80 all gathered for the same reason. Finland flags waved proudly through the crowd, a beautiful tribute to the band’s roots and the Finnish community living here in Australia.
Once The Rasmus hit their stride, the chemistry was electric. Tracks like Guilty, No Fear, and Time to Burn struck hard, but the dynamic between frontman Lauri Ylönen and guitarist Emppu Suhonen stole the show. Emppu is lively, beautiful, and blisteringly talented, bringing a whole new energy that elevated every hook. Mid-set, Lauri grabbed her guitar by the neck and together they swung around the stage, never missing a note or key – pure, controlled chaos.
Newer songs like Break These Chains, Creatures of Chaos, and the emotive Not Like the Other Girls (dedicated to their friend Nina who sadly passed) sat perfectly beside the classics, ensuring the set felt both forward-looking and deeply rooted. Moments like the intimate duet between Lauri and Emppu on October & April – with bassist Eero Heinonen offstage and synth-violin textures filling the air – added emotional depth beyond the bangers.
The night’s encore brought a reflective pause, with Lauri returning to the stage solo with a shoe. Yes, Lauri did the classic Aussie tradition now demanded of every touring band, the Shoey! Somehow managing to retain his passion, he put down the shoe and grabbed a guitar, performing a solo rendition of Sail Away. Written while looking out to sea from his window, it was a poetic and emotional moment before the band returned for the explosive pop-rock finale, Bitch. Total banger!
Tight, professional, and very much alive, The Rasmus have proven they know exactly how to stay relevant after 30 years. Make sure you check out their new album Weirdo which carries the forever-loved nostalgic sound of the past while still embracing the alternative rock edge of today.
Sydney and Melbourne you’re next. Don’t miss it. Tix thephoenix.au
