Sunday Sept 24th - Bringing the thunder from down under across the US & Canada on a 17 date tour run, Parkway Drive would bring their fiery "Monsters of Oz" headline tour to the Windy City and perform at Radius Chicago, one of the city's newest additions to the city's expansive live music scene. Tagging along as support on this stacked tour would be a heavy hitting all-Australian cast consisting of The Amity Affliction, Northlane & Make Them Suffer. Radius Chicago is a well-known live music venue in the heart of Chicago, Illinois. Located in the vibrant South Loop neighborhood, its a premier destination for concertgoers looking for top-tier performances in a cutting-edge venue. Radius has a large capacity, making it suitable for a variety of events ranging from intimate performances to larger concerts. This allows for greater flexibility in hosting different types of artists and acts. The venue is well-known for its outstanding acoustics and sound system. This guarantees that concertgoers have a high-quality audio experience, with clear and powerful sound resonating throughout the venue. Radius' stage is designed to provide the audience with maximum visibility, and that it does. Attendees can typically enjoy unobstructed views of the performers whether they are up close or further back. Radius has amenities that enhance the concert experience. This includes bars, lounges, a vast option of seating areas, and concessions facilities. These services contribute to attendees' overall comfort and enjoyment. People with disabilities will find the venue to be easily accessed. This will include wheelchair ramps, designated seating areas, and hearing-impaired accommodations. Radius benefits from a convenient location in Chicago's South Loop. This allows for easy access via public transportation, and it is close to restaurants, hotels, and other attractions. While Radius is best known as a live music venue, it can also host a variety of other events, including special performances, private functions, corporate events, and more. Radius, like any reputable venue, places a strong emphasis on its patrons' safety and security. This entails trained security personnel, surveillance systems, and compliance with local regulations. Radius plays host to a diverse range of artists and genres, catering to a wide audience. Concertgoers can expect diverse lineups that include everything from emerging local acts to internationally acclaimed performers, with the latter being the case tonight.
Courtesy of Radius Chicago
Make Them Suffer is a metalcore band from Australia known for their powerful combination of heavy breakdowns and atmospheric melodies. Since the bands inception in 2008, they have amassed a devoted fan base and established themselves as a prominent figure in the global metal scene. Make Them Suffer was founded in 2008 in Perth, Western Australia. Sean Harmanis (Vocals), Nick McLernon (Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals), Richard West (Rhythm Guitar), Tim Madden (Drums), Heather Menaglio (Keyboard, Vocals) and Chris Arias-Real (Bass) were the original members of the band. Early on, the band's sound was defined by a fusion of deathcore and symphonic elements, resulting in a distinct and dynamic sonic palette. In 2010, Make Them Suffer released their first EP, "Lord of Woe." The EP drew attention because of its blend of brutal heaviness and orchestral arrangements. It was an excellent introduction to the band's distinct sound. Make Them Suffer signed with Roadrunner Records, a major metal music label, in 2012. This was a significant milestone in their career, propelling them to a wider audience. "Neverbloom," their first full-length album, was released in 2012. The album received praise for its technical prowess, orchestral elements, and Harmanis' diverse vocal range. It cemented Make Them Suffer's reputation as a formidable force in the metalcore and deathcore scenes. Subsequent albums such as "Old Souls" (2015) and "Worlds Apart" (2017), the latter being their first release as part of the Rise Records roster, demonstrated the band's progression. While maintaining their heavy roots, they began to incorporate more atmospheric and melodic elements into their sound. Make Them Suffer's willingness to push boundaries and explore new sonic territories was evident in this progression. Make Them Suffer's lineup has changed quite a bit throughout the years, with major additions like Booka Nile (Keyboard, Vocals) in 2017. This change gave the band's sound a new dynamic, emphasizing their ability to blend electronic and symphonic elements with heavy instrumentation. Their album "How to Survive a Funeral," released in 2020, demonstrated their musical versatility and maturity. The album's emotional depth and sophisticated songwriting earned it high marks in the metal community. They would recruit labelmate and metalcore sweetheart Courtney LaPlante of the mighty Spiritbox for the 2021 single "Contraband," to much fanfare. Booka would depart the band in 2022, however they wouldn't miss a beat as they would recruit the vastly talented Alex Reade to take over on keyboard, keytar, piano & clean vocal duties. The band released their first taste of new material with the addition of Alex this year, in the form of their latest flawless single "Ghost of Me," which has racked up over 1M views on YouTube. Make Them Suffer has undoubtedly made their mark on the metalcore scene over the years. They are praised for their ability to blend elements of brutality, melody, and atmospheric textures. Their emotionally charged lyrics and intense live performances have earned them a worldwide following and they show no signs of slowing down.
Their brand new song "Ghost of Me," a reflective and atmospheric song that would immediately set the mood for the evening, opened the concert. The audience was immersed in a seductive atmosphere of anticipation thanks to the transcendent melodies. The haunting intro seamlessly gave way to a thunderous onslaught of guitars and drums as "Bones" began. The crowd became lost in the band's world thanks to Sean Harmanis' intense growls and the scorching guitar work. With its steadfast pace and ear-shattering breakdowns, "Hollowed Heart" triggered a surge of energy. The crowd ignited in chaos as they released their suppressed emotions in response. Each member of the band was locked into a synchronized frenzy of musical intensity, and the chemistry between them was visible on stage. With the fog machines pumping throughout the set, "Ether" would come next which demonstrated Make Them Suffer's skill at fusing together passages of eerie beauty and unrelenting aggression. The interaction between Nick McLernon's ferocious guitar playing and Alex Reade's mesmerizing keyboard melodies and angelic chill-inducing voice, produced a hypnotizing combination that resonated with emotion. The opening of "Fake Your Own Death" brought a roar of approval from the audience. The combined voices in attendance resonated throughout the space, fostering an intense sense of community. With its deafening drums and spine-chilling breakdowns, "Soul Decay" continued the unrelenting assault. There was an exhilarating chaos in the air as the venue seemed to vibrate from the music's overwhelming power. Everyone in attendance was left with a lasting impression by Make Them Suffer's performance, which was a visceral experience. A brief moment of reflection was offered by "Contraband" in the midst of the constant assault. Sean Harmanis exposed his soul through his potent vocals, holding the audience spellbound. Make Them Suffer delivered another blow with "Drown With Me." The audience was in a state of exhilarated exhaustion with the song's nonstop barrage of blast beats and piercing riffs. The band's ability to write impacting songs was on display when the crowd came alive for "Erase Me". They would round out their night with "Doomswitch". The song's rousing energy and powerful chorus served as a fitting capstone to an evening of unrestrained intensity.
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Northlane is a progressive metalcore band from Australia known for their unique sound, intricate musicianship, and thought-provoking lyrics. Since its inception in 2009, the band has had a certainly played a role in helping shape the global metal scene. Founded in 2009 in Sydney, Australia, the band used the Architects song "North Lane" as inspiration for their name. Adrian Fitipaldes (Vocals), Jon Deiley (Guitar), Josh Smith (Guitar), Alex Milovic (Bass), and Brendan Derby (Drums) made up the original lineup. They have gone through a variety of lineups with the current one consisting of: Marcus Bridge (Vocals), Jon Deiley (Lead Guitar), Josh Smith (Rhythm Guitar), & Nic Pettersen (Drums). The band's goal from the start was to create a distinct blend of progressive elements and metalcore aggression. In 2010, Northlane released their first EP, "Hollow Existence." The EP received positive feedback and served as a solid foundation for their future endeavors. It demonstrated their technical ability as well as their willingness to experiment with complex song structures. "Discoveries," the band's debut full-length album, was released in 2011 as they signed with UNFD record label. The album was a enormous moment in Northlane's career, garnering widespread praise for its fusion of progressive metal elements with the ferocity of metalcore. Adrian Fitipaldes' distinct, versatile vocals added a new dimension to the band's sound. Marcus Bridge took over as the new vocalist after Adrian Fitipaldes left in 2014. This transition signaled the beginning of a new era for Northlane. Bridge's powerful and melodic vocals added a new dimension to the band's sound. Northlane's third album, "Node" (2015), showcased their musical evolution and growth. While maintaining their signature heavy sound, the album included more clean vocals and melodic elements. "Node" received critical acclaim and helped further establish Northlane as a major force in metalcore. Subsequent albums, such as "Mesmer" (2017) and "Alien" (2019), demonstrated Northlane's willingness to experiment. "Alien" in particular delves into deeply personal and emotional themes, dealing with vocalist Marcus Bridge's trauma and mental health struggles. The album was praised widely for its emotional depth and mature songwriting. They would go on to release their latest body of work "Obsidian" in 2022. It would be self produced by the band and released on their independent label Worldeater Records. They have been praised over the years for their ability to combine technical prowess with emotionally powerful lyrics. The band's live performances are known for their intensity and dynamic stage presence, which has helped earn them a dedicated and passionate fanbase around the world.
The set would begin with "Plenty," a powerful and atmospheric track that demonstrated Northlane's ability to create a mesmerizing landscape right away, when mixed with the blue/green strobes dancing across the stage. The eerie melodies and Marcus Bridge's emotive vocals create an introspective atmosphere that draws the audience into the band's world. As the song's pulsating rhythms and intricate guitar work of Jon Deiley engulfed the venue, the transition into "Echo Chamber" was seamless. The crowd erupted, moving in time with the ebb and flow of the music. Marcus Bridge's vocals soar, adding a layer of intensity that the audience picks up on. With its relentless pace and bone-rattling breakdowns, "4D" provided a burst of energy. The audience erupted with energy, engaging in a frenetic embrace of controlled chaos, as the band sent what felt like shockwaves throughout then venue with their pummeling drops. The precision and tightness of Northlane as a live unit were on full display, leaving no doubt about their mastery of their craft. Within the chaos, "Carbonized" provided a moment of reflection. The melodic interludes and emotionally charged lyrics of the song created a sense of vulnerability. Marcus Bridge gave a remarkable vocal performance, as the audience watched in admiration, hanging on his every word. breaking out a fan favorite "Clockwork" brought a roar of approval from the audience. The infectious energy of the song brought a passionate response from the audience, who sang along in devotion. With "Bloodline," Northlane further amplified the performance. The song's relentless assault sent the audience into overdrive. The band would close out their night with "Talking Heads". The fast pace relentless energy of the song provided a fitting end to a set full of unbridled intensity, leaving the stage to a roar of applause from everyone in attendance.
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The Amity Affliction is a metalcore band from Australia known for their emotional lyrics, powerful melodies, and intense live performances. The band, which was formed in 2003, has become a prominent figure in the global metalcore scene. The Amity Affliction was founded in 2003 in Gympie, Queensland, Australia. Ahren Stringer (Bass, Lead Vocals), Troy Brady (Lead Guitar), Garth Buchanan (Bass, Backing Vocals), and Lachlan Faulkner (Drums) were among the original members, being joined by their missing link, Joel Birch (Lead Vocalist), later on in 2004. The band was named after a close friend who died in a car accident when he was 17 years old. 'Amity' denoted friendship, while 'Affliction' denoted the struggle that dealing with the death caused the band members. The band's early sound was a blend of metalcore and post-hardcore elements. The Amity Affliction released their debut self-titled EP in 2004, which earned them some local buzz. Stringer and Birch remained the band's core members despite several lineup changes over the years, with todays current lineup comprised of: Joel Birch (Lead Vocals), Ahren Stringer (Bass, Backing Vocals), Dan Brown (Rhythm Guitar), Joe Longobardi (Drums). "Severed Ties," their first full-length album, was released in 2008. Their melodic sensibilities were combined with aggressive breakdowns on the album, which received positive reviews from both critics and fans. The release of their second album, "Youngbloods" (2010), was a turning point for the band. The album debuted at number six on the ARIA Charts (Australian Record Industry Association) and helped them establish themselves in the Australian metalcore scene. The Amity Affliction's breakthrough album, "Chasing Ghosts," was released in 2012. The album received critical acclaim and debuted at number one on the ARIA Charts, an incredible feat for a band of their genre. The album's emotionally raw lyrics and powerful instrumentals struck a nerve with a wide range of listeners. Subsequent albums, such as "Let The Ocean Take Me" (2014) and "This Could Be Heartbreak" (2016), cemented The Amity Affliction's place in the international metalcore scene. These albums demonstrated the band's ability to combine raw, confessional lyrics with anthemic choruses and heavy instrumentation. The band would go on to sign with Pure Noise Records in 2021, in which they would release their 7th studio album "Everyone Loves You... Once You Leave Them". Most recently in 2023 the band are back with their 8th studio album "Not Without My Ghosts". The band's continued success has resulted in a devoted fan base and numerous opportunities to tour extensively around the world. They've shared stages with an abundance of notable acts from the metalcore and rock scenes, which has helped them grow their fan base. They are praised for their ability to create music that touches people on an emotional level, addressing issues such as mental health, personal struggles, and resilience. Their high-energy live shows have earned them a reputation as a must-see live act.
They would waste no time firing up the crowd, as the performance began with "Death's Hand," a popular thunderous track that immediately set the tone for the performance. Ahren Stringer's melodic clean vocals and Joel Birch's guttural growls created a powerful contrast that was felt throughout the audience. The band's relentless energy drew the audience deeper into their world. The transition into "All My Friends Are Dead" was seamless, as the song's mix of vocals and driving rhythm energized the audience. The audience's energy surged through the venue, as they sang along with the band. On stage, the band's chemistry was in top form showcasing the bands live performance prowess. With its catchy chorus and venue shaking riffs, "Drag The Lake" brought a surge of crowd surfers. The band's tightness and precision were evident, delivering an intense and flawlessly executed performance. There was no shortage of strobes as the band had easily the most intense strobe lights I'd ever seen set up at the front off the stage, debatably too intense at times as it was completely blinding. Within the chaos, "Like Love" kept things going showcasing the bands intensity. The audience was captivated by Joel & Ahren's every word as they delivered the emotionally charged lyrics with raw sincerity. The crowd broke out in applause as the opening of "Fade Away" pumped through the speakers. The energy of the song mixed with the emotionally resonant chorus elicited an outpouring of emotion from the audience. With its crushing guitars and thunderous drums, "Show Me Your God" brought a surge of dark intensity. The band's performance was a visceral experience that left an impression on fans in the audience. The crowd erupted in delight as the opening chords of "Pittsburgh" were played. The anthemic chorus and deeply personal lyrics of the song struck a chord with the audience, who sang along with liberating release. The venue seemed to pulsate with the fans' collective emotions. With "Don't Lean On Me," The Amity Affliction unleashed another throwback, much to the crowd's delight. They would pick the pace back up with one of their latest songs "I See Dead People". The song's frantic pace and intense vocals created a symphony of destruction. Closing the set with "It's Hell Down Here" was met with cheers from the audience as the band left it all on stage one last time for the night, or so we thought. They would return for an encore performance of "Soak Me In Bleach" that was met with one last roar from the crowd.
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Parkway Drive is a high-energy Australian metalcore band known for their powerful lyrics and influential presence in the global metal scene. Since its inception in 2003, the band has achieved remarkable success and has established itself as a dominant force in the metalcore genre. Parkway Drive was founded in 2003 in Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia. Winston McCall (Vocals), Luke Kilpatrick (Lead Guitar), Jeff Ling (Rhythm Guitar), Brett Versteeg (Bass), and Ben Gordon (Drums) made up the original lineup. Versteeg would depart shortly after with Shaun Cash taking over the bass duties for a couple years, until Jia O'Connor would become the permanent bass player of the future in 2006. The name of the band was derived from a street named "Parkway Drive," where the members used to practice and was the location of the live venue "The Parkway House". In 2004 after signing with Resist Records, Parkway Drive released their first EP, "Don't Close Your Eyes." The EP drew attention in Australia's underground music scene, highlighting the band's raw energy and technical prowess. "Killing with a Smile," their first full-length album, was released in 2005. The album received widespread acclaim, cementing Parkway Drive's place in the metalcore community. McCall's ferocious vocals, intricate guitar work, and unyielding drumming propelled the band to the forefront of the genre. Parkway Drive's relentless touring and electrifying live performances aided them in gaining a devoted global fanbase. They would sign to popular label Epitaph Records in 2006 for the release of their second album, "Horizons" (2007), which cemented their position as a metalcore powerhouse. The album's aggressive sound and politically charged lyrics struck a chord with fans all over the world. Subsequent albums, such as "Deep Blue" (2010) and "Atlas" (2012), showcased the band's musical evolution. Parkway Drive stand out in the metalcore scene for their ability to seamlessly blend melodic passages with crushing breakdowns and intense vocals. Parkway Drive released "IRE," a significant departure from their previous sound, in 2015. It incorporated elements of alternative metal and demonstrated the band's willingness to try new things with their music. Parkway Drive's ability to evolve while maintaining their signature intensity was demonstrated by the album's positive reviews. Their 2018 album "Reverence" continued to push the band into new sonic territory, incorporating orchestral elements and electronic influences. The album received critical acclaim and cemented Parkway Drive's reputation as a band unafraid to experiment. 2022 would see the band release their 7th album "Darker Still", which was nominated for AIR Awards 2023 Best Independent Heavy Album or EP, as well as Best Group & Best Hard Rock / Heavy Metal Album. Parkway Drive has had a massive influence on the metalcore genre. They are praised for their outstanding musicianship, intense live performances, and McCall's emotionally charged lyrics. The band's commitment to addressing important social and environmental issues through their music has struck a chord with fans all over the world.
Parkway Drive took the stage after Queen's iconic "Bohemian Rhapsody" faded out of the house speakers, and opened with "Glitch," an explosive track that immediately set the tone for the evening. Parkway Drive's technical prowess was highlighted by the song's relentless pace and intricate guitar work. The crowd erupted in excitement, fully embracing the band's intensity. Unfortunately, one major component of their production was missing from tonight's performance: the abundance of pyro they are bringing with them on this full production tour. Because of Chicago ordinances, it simply would not be possible tonight, and the fire would be replaced with a heaping helping of fog. "Prey" would come next, with its pounding drums and Winston McCall's commanding vocals. The band's stage presence was commanding, exuding the assurance that comes from years of live performance experience on some of the worlds largest stages. The crowd participation was off the charts, with a sea of fans bouncing along with the band and one overzealous fan tossing his hat on stage, which guitarist Jeff Ling caught and added to his head atop another hat. The familiar strains of "Idols and Anchors" brought further excitement from the audience. They erupted in excitement in response to the song's catchiness and scorching guitar riffs. With its soaring melodies and Winston McCall's impassioned delivery, "Carrion" elicited a surge of emotion. The audience enthusiastically sang along, transforming the venue into a sea of voices. The band's ability to create intense and introspective moments was on full display. With its thunderous drums and blistering guitar work, "The Void" continued the unyielding assault. The precision and tightness of Parkway Drive as a live unit were obvious, leaving no doubt about their mastery of their craft. Among the list of hits, "Dedicated" provided a further opportunity to bang your head. An effective intensity was provided by the song's captivating melodies and groove. Winston McCall delivered the lyrics with power as the crowd yelled back "You Can't Break Me!" before joining in for a deafening roar of "UNBREAKABLE" as the breakdown kicked in. The opening chords of "Vice Grip" drew a roar of delight from the audience. The song's contagious energy and upbeat chorus helped ensure they sang along with elation. With "Sleepwalker," Parkway Drive delivered a trip back in time. The song's relentless assault of blast beats and searing riffs left the audience reminded of how far they have come over the years. "Karma" kept the pace high, demonstrating the band's ability to captivate an audience. The opening chords of "Darker Still" echoed throughout the venue, building anticipation. The dark and brooding atmosphere of the song created an entrancing aura that drew the audience deeper into the band's performance. The foreboding atmosphere Parkway Drive was able to produce was evidence of their proficiency with live performances. With its relentless pace and fierce intensity, "Bottom Feeder" provided another burst of energy. With its intricate guitar work and thunderous rhythm section, "Chronos" continued the onslaught. The audience was completely immersed in the onslaught and stood in awe of the band's technical prowess. The ability of Parkway Drive to maintain a high level of intensity throughout the performance demonstrated their endurance and skill. When drummer Ben Gordon took center stage for a jaw-dropping drum solo on his 360° upside down rotating drumset, there was a moment of awe and surprise. The audience gasped in marvel as Gordon displayed his virtuosic skills. The solo demonstrated the band's individual musicianship as well as their ability to push the boundaries of their craft. With its bone-rattling breakdowns and relentless energy, "Crushed" provided a rush of adrenaline. The crowd erupted in an outpouring of intensity, fully embracing the band's ferocity. The venue seemed to vibrate with the sheer force of the music, creating an exhilarating chaotic atmosphere. The encore performance of "Wild Eyes" was met with applause from the audience. The anthemic chorus and unrelenting energy of the song provided a fitting end to an evening of unbridled intensity. The show ended with a sense of shared release and a strong bond between the band and their devoted fans. Parkway Drive's performance was a modern metal tour de force. Their unwavering intensity, technical skill, and ability to connect with the audience all contributed to an unforgettable concert experience, as well as a testament to why they continue to sit atop the metal scene after 20 years.
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With only 7 stops left on this tour, fans don't have much time to get their tickets. This is a show you won't want to miss, so check out the remaining dates and purchase tickets here. After a busy year that began overseas with a heavy touring schedule and is now wrapping up the US/Canadian leg, the band will close out the year by performing at the Aftershock Festival in Sacramento, California on October 7th. Southeast Asian fans can catch the band next year at the "Pulp Summer Slam XX" on March 23rd, 2024. More information on that one can be found here. The Amity Affliction will return home to Australia on October 18th for an eight-date run on their "Not Without My Ghosts" tour, before taking a short break and returning to the EU/UK in December. Tickets and dates for those can be found here. Northlane will take a break until February 2024, when they will bring "The Dante Tour" back to Australia for a five-date run, with tickets and dates available here. Lastly Make Them Suffer will take a few weeks off before joining Stray From The Path on their 21-date EU/UK tour, which kicks off on October 26th, with dates and tickets available here. With a night of blistering performances (minus the flames), all four of these bands have once again demonstrated that Australian metal is an absolute force to be reckoned with.
Review & Photography By: Nick Buzinski
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