On a brisk autumn evening, in the wake of their unforgettable headline performance at Good Things Festival 2022, the illustrious British rock ensemble Bring Me The Horizon embarked upon their most grandiose Australian headline tour to date, heralding their triumphant return with resplendent fervour.
Stepping into John Cain Arena (10 April), one couldn't help but feel the palpable shift in temperature, a prelude to the electrifying spectacle about to unfold. With a haunting crimson hue casting an otherworldly glow, the stage was set – quite literally – for a transformative experience.As the ominous graphic of 'post human' flashed upon the jumbotrons, a collective breath was held, daring the audience to 'press play' and immerse themselves in the journey ahead.
Emerging from the shadows like a modern-day prophet, frontman Oli Sykes commanded the stage with an enigmatic allure, draped in the garb of a dark priest, a vision of raw intensity and captivating charisma.
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With the opening chords of 'DArkSide', the atmosphere ignited into a frenzy of energy, each note reverberating through the souls of those present.
However, it wasn't just a concert. For many in the audience, BMTH wasn't just a band – they were a soundtrack to our formative years, a constant companion through the ups and downs of adolescence and beyond.
As the familiar strains of 'Empire (Let Them Sing)' filled the arena, memories flooded back of late nights spent blasting BMTH albums in our bedrooms, of road trips with friends singing along to every lyric.
As the set list unfolded, spanning their illustrious career, it dawned upon us that Bring Me The Horizon had evolved alongside us. From the rebellious anthems of 'Count Your Blessings' to the introspective depths of 'amo' and 'Post Human: Survival Horror', their musical odyssey mirrored our own passage through life's twists and turns.
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With bursts of fire erupting from the stage and the crowd erupting into a symphony of cheers, it was clear this was a transcendent experience. Each song delved deeper into the recesses of emotion, pushing the boundaries of sound and perception with provocative lyrics and innovative melodies.
From the haunting echoes of 'AmEn!' to the frenetic energy of 'Kool-Aid', BMTH proved themselves as versatile maestros of their craft, effortlessly shifting between moments of raw intensity and evocative introspection.
As the stage transformed into an icy church, the audience was transported into a world of wonder and awe, each song a testament to the band's iconoclastic spirit.
Amid the chaos, there were moments of poignant reflection, epitomised by the haunting strains of 'sTraNgeRs'. As Oli Sykes implored the audience to come together in unity, it felt like reconnecting with old friends, bound by shared experiences and a love for their music.
Among the myriad of electrifying moments were 'Shadow Moses', 'Diamonds Aren't Forever', and 'Antivist'. The intense energy of 'Shadow Moses' transported me, while the familiar chords of 'Diamonds...' ignited nostalgia. However, it was the rebellious spirit of 'Antivist' that truly left a lasting impact on the night, cementing these songs as personal highlights of the concert.
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As the night drew to a close, and the echoes of 'Can You Feel My Heart' reverberated through the arena, there was a discernible sense of unity and camaraderie, a shared experience that transcended the confines of space and time.
With each encore, Bring Me The Horizon reminded us why they are not simply a band but a force of nature, leaving a permanent mark on the hearts and minds of all who bear witness to their brilliance.
Truly, it was a night to remember, a testament to the enduring power of music to move and inspire us all.
More photos from the concert.
