Live Review: In Hearts Wake, Young Lions, Belle Haven

It's no shock to fans that In Hearts Wake are big environmentalists. 

The band have expressed their concern about the state of our environment in many songs, particularly throughout albums Skydancer and Earthwalker. The Bryon Bay band spent a full day cleaning up Prince of Wales Bay with Sea Shepherd before their Hobart show, showing Hobartians a thing or two about looking after our environment. Their gig the next night at Waratah hotel showcased their support for Sea Shepherd, their love for music and Hobart's love for them.

Melbourne locals Belle Haven took to the stage first, in their first-ever Hobart appearance. The band were humbled by the crowd turnout. Well done, Hobart, on supporting the opening bands! Belle Haven's blend of rock and metal music was the perfect opening to this show. The band was surprised by Hobart's love and knowledge of their band, with the full crowd projecting every line of every song back at them. It was wonderful to watch.

Young Lions showcased their talent next. The Brisbane band knew how to interact with a crowd and created a great atmosphere. This band possessed an incredible energy and you could feel their heavy-rock sound surging through the crowd.

When it seemed like no more people could fill the Waratah Hotel bandroom, the arrival of In Hearts Wake at least tripled the audience population. The energy of the room was contagious. The band opened with intro track Ark, which led into Passage, the lead single release from their latest album. These were perfect choices that seemed to get the band pumped and ready for the rest of their set. Knowing what their crowds wanted, the band showcased their most popular songs from across all four of their LPs.

It was a heavy set that could have gained impact with the inclusion of some of their slower, clean tracks where vocalist Kyle Erich takes the lead such as Wildflower and Arrow. However, there were no complaints from the crowd, their heavy breakdowns influencing movement across the room.

Lead vocalist Jake Taylor stared out into the crowd with intensity while delivering his heavy vocals, yet couldn't help but smile at fans as they banged their heads and screamed along. Although the metal scene is often considered violent and rowdy, Taylor made a point of describing the room as a safe place where you could enjoy yourself while not imposing on others. There were circle-pits and heavy moshing, but the crowd was respectful and mindful of one another.

This gig was a beautiful showcase of metalcore. The perfect blend of melodic and heavy. Each band complemented the others and added to the gig as a whole. If you can catch In Hearts Wake on one of the shows they have left on their tour, do it.