Live Review: The Amity Affliction, PVRIS, Beartooth, Make Them Suffer

"Melbourne, get the fuck up," is the first we hear from Perth hardcore outfit Make Them Suffer, who have the duty of getting fans warmed up. They launch into their super heavy, pounding set, and if you weren't awake before, you are now. Yet, unfortunately, some heavy crackling and feedback on final tracks leave the ending a little lacklustre.

You begin to question whether this is an Amity or Beartooth show from the sheer amount of fans that arise out of nowhere as their set begins. There's jumping, moshing and screaming along as far back as the sound desk, with multiple circle pits opening up among different groups. These guys prove their spot in the line-up with so much gusto it could almost knock you right out. Their fans scream along to every word ("It's easy to lose yourself I know / In the in between"), and their performance is full volume and full speed ahead. People have clearly forgotten to save their energy for later, they're that puffed out.

Taking a break from their massive support slot with Muse, US alternative rockers PVRIS hit the stage to a crowd that was probably expecting something heavier.

Nonetheless, the crowd get in the groove throughout their set as frontwoman Lynn Gunn's dominating vocals and soaring energy never fail throughout. The crowd may not have been prepared for them just yet, but from thrashing guitar in Fire to pulsing synths in You And I, PVRIS sure grabbed their attention.

"This is my open letter!" The Amity Affliction crash onto the stage to kick off their set with longtime crowd favourite Open Letter. The crowd definitely haven't forgotten to save their energy; whether it's the break PVRIS gave the harder fans, or the alcohol flowing through their systems, this set has brought everything up to 120%.

Heavy vocalist Joel Birch works the stage and pumps the crowd up by instigating circle pits and a crazy wall of death during Death's Hand. He stands dead centre, radiating purpose and singing along with clean vocalist Ahren Stringer, whose vocals are aided by a new-found growl. There's smoke, confetti, pyrotechnics - the works! Loud bangs from the fire canons give us quite a scare a few times, but they do give the show some incredible vibrancy.

Overall, the set is tight, the breakdowns are heavy, the energy is up; as Birch states, it's their last show for some time, and they give it everything they've got. The Amity Affliction have been doing this for years, and despite the continued softening of their 'hardcore' tunes, their fans remain loyal and as passionate as ever.