Australian heavy music fans are currently blessed – and nearly inundated – with a huge volume of exceptional artists, both locally and internationally.
So it's no surprise that once again, ERRA are treating their Aussie fans to further renditions of their catchy, vibrant, and lush sounds. This time around, the US metalcore rising stars have brought out fellow countrymen Silent Planet for their first visit in a few years, and France's up and coming export Resolve.The Californian metalcore outfit are taking to the stage in support of their most recent release, 2022's 'Superbloom' record, and to continue to build hype and excite crowds for upcoming 2025 split release titled 'Bloom In Heaven'; a collaborative effort with Invent Animate.
With support from Brisbane's own nu-metalcore outfit Headwreck, the stage was set and the crowd was warmed for the first international act of the evening. Resolve's clean and tight melodic metalcore style is beautifully complemented by the shifting vocal delivery – from powerful, clean notes to heavy and gravelly roars.
As the band mentions – and reiterated several times throughout the evening from the other acts – this is Resolve's first time on Australian soil and in the words of frontman Anthony Diliberto, the band is not only incredibly grateful for the opportunity, but overwhelmed by the positive support from fans.
Resolve - image © Clea-marie Thorne
With technical metalcore riffs and crushing chugs of breakdowns with tightly syncopated rhythm, the quartet stand and deliver a fantastic performance, solidifying themselves as a soon-to-be mover and shaker within the scene.
This reviewer entered the evening without much of an expectation or enthusiasm for the act, however after witnessing a fantastic opening set, they will remain on my radar for years to come.
Fans of Silent Planet are all too familiar with the band's focus on thought-provoking lyrics and subject matter – ranging from war, psychology, religion, and of course, politics.
While very much a 'core-inspired act, Silent Planet are known for their progressive and intricate melding of traditional core elements and post-rock textures. Throughout their short, ten-song set, Silent Planet brought the heavy and crushing tones fans have come to expect.
Silent Planet - image © Clea-marie Thorne
Through tight syncopation of guitars and rhythm sections, driving down beats flourished with flavour and swagger. While complex rhythms and patterns were executed flawlessly, alongside a cursing, raw, and authentic delivery from frontman Garrett Russell.
With tracks such as 'Offworlder', 'Euphoria' and 'Panic Room', I was blown away by the energy maintained from the very first moment they took to the stage – it truly was unrelenting, only allowing space for reprieve when it suited the tense and explosive set.
Silent Planet live is undeniably exciting, truly being exemplified through key and personal favourite moments within both 'Antimatter' and the final track of their set, 'Trilogy'. As Russell introduces the track, citing its conception was a result of his time in a metal health facility after an attempt on his own life, he climbs into the crowd and onto the shoulders of punters and fans alike, delivering a gut-wrenching rendition of the track.
After seeing Silent Planet several times, there is a level of consistency you come to be expect. With this in mind, I will be sure to see them next time we're graced with their presence, as I would suggest you do, too.
ERRA, who have been around for some 15 years, are quite young in comparison to some of the leaders within this genre. However, this shorter elapsed lifespan is by no means indicative of any lack of quality, professionalism or talent.
ERRA - image © Clea-marie Thorne
These young men stun and awe audiences with their progressive metalcore melodies and soaring soundscapes, created and curated exceptionally to paint a picture and emotionally charge the following minutes.
A track for each year, the band perform 15 songs over the course of the evening, with nearly half of these coming from their most recent release, 2024's 'Cure'. 'Pale Iris' and 'Blue Reverie' standout as highlights, alongside 'Skyline' that closed out the evening as the final encore song.
Considering the significant back catalogue of ERRA, to only perform tracks from four of their total releases seemed a little strange. However, when considering the somewhat extensive line-up changes that have occurred over the career of this band, it makes sense there may be an effort to limit some of the older releases in a modern set list, although this is solely speculative.
There's an element of accessibility to ERRA's music, likely contributing to their success. Through razor-sharp musicianship and technicality, the dual vocal-delivery of J.T. Cavey (unclean vocals) and Jesse Cash (guitar and clean vocals), and the vivid and well-formed soundscapes, picking the single-pointed, special-sauce is incredibly difficult. Neither Cavey nor Cash miss a beat with zealous and energised performances; sharing the weight of the role flawlessly, and building off of each others contributions.
When acts like this form, with so many positive elements across the entire array of their ensemble and songs, overanalysing achieves nothing more than a greater understanding of the often-introspective lyrics and song subject matter. Sometimes you just have to ride the wave, and never has there been a more appropriate artist where this is relevant.
ERRA - image © Clea-marie Thorne
To the outfit's credit, being swept up in the energy and hype they exude is not difficult. Through choppy, chaotic, and an incredibly tight rhythm section led by Alex Ballew (drums) adjacent to tweaky lead riffs, flourished with guitar taps, sweeps, and shreds, the act delivers a sonic stonewall of catchy, hook-laden, and atmospheric metalcore.
It's understandable how these vibrant performers have gained the traction they have over the last several years. While continuing to push themselves to grow and evolve further and further, the metalcore kids look to incorporate more elements of progressive metal, djent and even post-rock.
These talented individuals refuse to remain satisfied with the status quo and 'good-enough' mentality, and for this ongoing act with a future brighter than the sun, this recipe for success seems to be true to form in helping them achieve their goals of world domination through riffs, breakdowns, and melody.
More photos from the concert.
