Inertia's The Second Shadow tour wound up in Melbourne on Sunday night at Bergy Bandroom.
Joining Sydney's dark-pop band to create one of the best east-coast line-ups were NTH RD, Synge and Headwreck. With flashing lights, circle pits and smoke machines triggering covered up alarms, Melbourne concert goers were given a taste of just who Inertia are (27 April).Kicking off the night was Melbourne's very own NTH RD. Being mates with Inertia for a few years, it's no surprise this post-hardcore band was chosen to get the crowd excited for just what was to come.
You better believe this quartet are on the way to possibly being Melbourne's next big act in the scene. You can see the energy and love put into their performance with lead singer Dan Charlton encouraging the crowd to get dancing and bassist Lucas Banim locking in with his own moves, shredding away on stage right.
Performing songs such as their most streamed single 'River' as well as showcasing new music that is to come just next week (so get excited), the front row was head-banging in no time. NTH RD are a must-listen to for fans of Amity Affliction, Thornhill and Holding Absence. If you have not yet caught these guys live, then we highly suggest that you do.
NTH RD - image © Maxine Thomas
Now it was time to get rowdy, with metalcore Sydney band Synge taking the stage. For those who were hearing Synge for the first time, on first glance, you wouldn't expect the type of explosive vocals Ethan Davis brings to his performance.
With their newest song 'Noble' released earlier in April, the US and UK heavy music-inspired band were finally able to premiere the song live on this tour, including teasing fans for their next release, 'Fayer'.
Proving to be the heaviest band of the night, including having the bass shake the entire room and immersing fans with live voice effects, the openers so far were a nice blend to accommodate for all types of metal fans.
Synge - image © Maxine Thomas
Now, when you hear the words 'Filet-O-Fish' most people think of McDonalds. However, when you say those words in front of the Bandroom crowd, you get people thinking of Brisbane's melodic-hardcore quartet Headwreck.
These four guys are Australia's next biggest thing in the metal scene. Having just toured with Melbourne locals Windwaker and opening in their hometown for ERRA, it has been non-stop for this band as they jumped straight onto the opportunity of the Second Shadow tour.
Headwreck has been on a roll with single releases lately, with even break-up song 'Buzzsaw' taking the spot for their most-streamed song to date. Fans can finally stop losing their minds about when 'Filet-O-Fish' is getting released as the band dropped the single on 18 April, along with a music video created by drummer Colby Horton and partner-in-crime Andrew Vaughan.
As always, Headwreck had the whole room going ballistic. Everyone was singing the lyrics to songs old and new. Horton hyped up the crowd as the band came onstage, James (Jamo) Benadie kept everyone hooked with his powerful harmonies and choruses, bassist Dayne Paix coming in with raw screamo vocals, helping out lead singer Connor Hickman with verses as he parades around the stage.
It's always great fun seeing how all four bounce off each other during their performances, especially when you can see Hickman hyping up both Benadie and Paix during their solo moments. For those in Queensland, you can catch Headwreck on the Queensland leg of Northlane's upcoming All Over Australia tour in July.
Headwreck - image © Maxine Thomas
The band everyone had all been waiting for, with a full play-through of their newest album 'Second Shadow', Inertia took to the stage for an hour-long set full of circle pits, one solo crowd surfer (god dammit Colby), and smoke alarms blaring onstage.
To say it was a night of chaos would be a perfect way to describe it and also a perfect way to round out a sold-out Australian tour. Julian Latouche stated how shocked he and the rest of the band were about the tour being sold out: "Selling out rooms of this (Bergy Bandroom) size was an accomplishment in itself."
Latouche also stated in a brief chat with him after the show how they couldn't think of a better way to celebrate the release of 'Second Shadow' other than a complete play-through of the album, front to back. He also mentioned how everyone involved in the tour (opening bands, Synge and Headwreck) brought something special to the plate.
Music aside, the funny highlight of the evening had to be when the covering on the stage's smoke alarm failed, leaving Latouche confused as he tried to sing over the blaring beeping noise, sending drummer Sebastian Schaber into hysterics as he stuck up his middle fingers at the alarm above him.
Being a band for ten years, the Sydney dark-pop sensations all mutually agreed this show in Melbourne was one of their best they've ever played. One thing is for sure, Inertia's headline tour is by far one of the best in 2025 so far.
Inertia - image © Maxine Thomas
A show full of bands showcasing new and upcoming music. NTH RD, Synge, Headwreck and Inertia came together to bring a night of fun, chaos and all-around great music for fans to enjoy. Rounding out a successfully sold-out tour, Inertia celebrated the release of their newest album 'Second Shadow'.
Now the four Sydney lads go on a much-deserved break before they explore what is next for the dark-pop band.
More photos from the concert.
