Review by Kayla Hamilton (@kaylazomboid)

GOOD THINGS FESTIVAL
Brisbane Showgrounds, Queensland, Australia
December 8th 2024

Many of those from overseas will constantly remark on the fears that the Australian wildlife impose when the contemplate visiting this country. This reviewer would like to suggest that there is one threat to your safety here in Australia that far outweighs any risk that any flora or fauna could pose.

That my friends, is the Australian sun.

In an absolute scorcher of a day, punters rolled in almost 30,000 strong to Brisbane Showgrounds, determined to not let that unrelenting fireball in the sky ruin what was set to be a brilliant day of good music and well…good things. As I rolled in, skin was already burning, sweat was already pouring but I had a plan and that plan involved heading to the main stage to see fast rising British act Loathe kick off proceedings. And kick it off they did!

Vocalist Kadeem France knew exactly how to get the party started. After launching a water bottle further than I’ve ever seen any musician throw anything off the stage, he demanded instantly that the crowd part. His request was granted enthusiastically and he did not need to explain further. Once that beat kicked in, the parted seas came together in what was possibly the earliest wall of death in Australian festival history (don’t quote me on that). The energy only rose from there on in. A mosh pit formed, people were clapping and singing along. France was charming as a frontman. His rhythmic dancing around the stage encouraged punters to move along with him, as the band delivered a set laden with infectious grooves. Melodic, heavy and hypnotic- it made it ridiculously hard to follow the plan and leave half way through to catch a clashing act.

Luckily that act was Imminence.

In what briefly felt like a reprieve with the stages three and four being undercover, I soon realised that even though we had escaped the searing clutches of the suns rays- it felt just as stuffy and hot under the pavilion. Imminence made it worthwhile though. Again, it was an absolute delight to witness another innovative band that was taking metal and metalcore in a refreshing direction. The Swedish pioneers of violioncore had drawn an early crowd. Despite missing the first half of the set, I was immediately drawn in to the energy. All of the members graced the stage with such vigour, but guitarist Harald Barrett immediately drew my eye. Undeniable skill and vibe, it took singer Eddie Berg to pull out the violin to break my gaze. This unique contribution to metalcore is more than just a gimmick. Berg commands control with it, using the violins mic to experiment with his own vocals, shredding the instrument like any lead guitarist would. It was a sight to behold and a blessing on the ears. As their set drew to a close, I cursed under my breath the powers that be that made both Loathe and Imminence have to play at the same time.

On the stage next door was From Ashes To New. I was not very familiar with the band before, but the hype around them intrigued me. Getting the set under way after experiencing a few technical difficulties, they more than made up for the delay. Exhibiting some influences that reminded me mid 00’s post-hardcore/metalcore, infused with a little nu-metal and wrapped up in a easy to digest hard rock package- they were an enjoyable band to check out. I don’t know if they will become part of my regular rotation but their vibe was undeniable. From getting close to the front to ending up near the back of the pit, the crowd really embraced the band. A massive circle pit tied it altogether and with the way the vocalists Matt Brandyberry and Danny Case addressed the audience, you could tell they were so thankful to be there. Which is something that is always so heartwarming to witness.

After much anticipation it was time for one of the bands I was most excited to see. Australia’s own. The almighty Alpha Wolf. They did not disappoint. Rather, once again they EXCEEDED expectations. The pit was a warzone. It is not often I retreat from the danger zone, but in moments of their set kicking in- plus what had become unbearable heat- I knew that I needed to move. In a clear sign that this bands following just keeps getting bigger and bigger, the bodies surged forward. Possessed by the furious and aggressive energy that makes their music so alluring, nobody could stay still. Frontman Lochie Keough reiterated though that Alpha Wolf shows are for everybody and inclusive, which is always refreshing when a band states. Powering through the setlist of highlights from their recent album ‘Half Living Things‘, as well as some classic tracks like ‘Creep’– the Aussie punters knew exactly how to put it on for countrymen. Towards the end of the set Keough had to disappear, as the heat was also getting to him but everybody pushed on- fuelled by the music of this beloved band. Finishing off the set with ‘Akudama’, the bodies well and truly dropped- probably well after their set had finished. Stumbling out of the pit in a pool of dirt and sweat, it was easily in my top 3 sets of the day.

I quickly rushed back to the main stage area as it was not long before the iconic Northlane would be playing- but as I dragged myself out into the heat, the sun would prove a formidable foe. Playing it smart, I did find myself a shady spot but it was quite far away from the stage. That did not stop me soaking in the music of the Sydney metalcore legends. As Marcus Bridge walked out in a long, but stylish, jacket- I cursed him under my breath, but it was not long till he had taken it off. Kicking off with ‘Carbonized’ and ‘4D’, I was ready to just relax and let their absolute bangers just wash over me as I took refuge. Despite the distance away I was from the main pit- the energy of Northlane is effervescent and permeating, as long as you could hear the music, you were swept up into their world.

Now- here is where I time skip and gloss over the sets I just stopped to enjoy, rather than take notes on, but also where I spent a few hours managing my heat stroke symptoms. As the sun went down though, even though the humidity lingered, I immediately gained some more energy and made sure I was in position to catch Reliqa. Starting off the set with ‘Killstar (The Cold World)’, the growth that this band has had over the past year or so was evident. The amount of talent this band has as individual musicians is on another level. Guitarist Brandon Lloyd is a shred master, delivering licks, riffs and squeals that had me frothing at the mouth. The rhythmn section was fullbodied, with Miles Knox delivering almost criminal amounts of groove on the bass and the drumming by Benjamin Knox was the most deliberate display of wild skill and calculated songwriting. Of course, Monique Pym ties it altogether with her memorising vocals and Goddess-like presence. I was enamoured the entire set. I had to remember to move, because I was just standing open mouthed in awe of their show. Even though I am only a new fan, I felt myself getting emotional as Pym mentioned how it was their dream to be on that stage. A level of pride for this Aussie act filled my heart and without doubt, this band is going to take on the world.

Now, every man and his dog is talking about two main bands, and while I endeavoured to focus more energy on the emerging talents- I cannot ignore just how phenomenal the last two acts on the main stage. By this time, it felt like 20,000 people were trying to cram into the main stage area, so I found a spot in one of the stands. As much as I wanted to be in the pit for Electric Callboy, it was mind blowing in a different way to bare witness from afar the impact of their set. With an endless sea of people taking part in the festivities and joining in with the antics, I will simply say this: this band deserves to be headlining festivals. Their energy, their live show and their unique style of music combined with their humbleness and commitment to having a good time- it is a recipe for an unforgettable performance. From seeing them play a sold-out show at Max Watts in Melbourne two years ago, to this? This band is unstoppable.

To finish off the night, it was time for the gods of nu-metal, the legends: KORN. In the safety of the stands, I’m happy to report I was not impacted by the rowdiness of the crowd but despite being so far away from the action, their music permeated every cell in my body. They sounded incredible. Not missing a beat. A storm had been threatening to ruin the night, but it held off. In fact, the lightning in the sky a distance away only added to the atmosphere. It was everything you want from a band who are still playing after 30 years. The perfect way to cap off a day of masterful sets.

Following the masses out into the muggy Brisbane air, despite the soul-crushing heat and unfortunate fallout of issues that would need to be discussed separately from this report, it was an impressive display of live music. Sign us up for next year.