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VOID OF VISION
+ The Gloom In The Corner
+ Terminal Sleep + Lune
+ The Last Martyr
@ District 14,
Narre Warren, Melbourne,
23rd March 2024
(Live Review)

Review by Tristan Skell

Photos by Drew Hill (@drewhillphotos)

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VOID OF VISION / Photo – @drewhillphotos

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Introducing Melbourne’s powerhouse Metalcore band, Void Of Vision, touring off the back of their set during the festival “Homegrown,” headlining District 14 in the southeast suburb of Narre Warren. Joining forces with a stellar Melbourne lineup including The Last Martyr, Lune, Terminal Sleep, and The Gloom In The Corner. Renowned for its live music, DJ sets, and various showcases, District 14 was the ideal venue for hosting this lineup.

Before delving into the performances, it’s worth mentioning the striking backdrop projected behind each band’s setup, each one crafted to represent and announce the identity of the respective bands, ensuring that even those who were previously unaware could easily recognize and appreciate each act.

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THE LAST MARTYR / Photo – @drewhillphotos

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Kicking off the night was The Last Martyr, led by Monica Strut on vocals, with Ben Rogers (guitar), Ricky Andres (bass), and Vinodh Krishman (drums). They began their set with the single “Comedy/Tragedy.” As attendees streamed in, the crowd steadily filled the venue, gathering around the barricade to catch a glimpse of tonight’s opening act.

Monica’s stage presence was electric, infused with an unmistakable passion that radiated throughout the venue. Her dynamic movements conveyed a profound connection to her music, drawing the audience in effortlessly. At District 14, the audience was privileged to hear a preview of The Last Martyr’s upcoming release, “Antidote,” set to debut the following week. Alongside Strut, Rogers and Andres were a whirlwind of energy, traversing the stage with boundless enthusiasm. Bringing their set to a close, The Last Martyr concluded with their latest release, “Burn It Down,” igniting one last surge from the crowd as they bid farewell to the opening act of the night.

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LUNE / Photo – @drewhillphotos

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Next up on stage was the melodic metalcore band, Lune. As they emerged onto the stage, vocalist Nathaniel Smith wasted no time in rallying the crowd, urging the center pit to form a circle, and sparking instant interaction with the audience. Smith wielded complete command over the crowd; his every directive met with unwavering obedience. Whether prompting for hands to rise or calling for jumps, the audience responded eagerly, attesting to his magnetic presence and influence onstage.

Midway through the set, Nathaniel took a pause to connect with the crowd, reminiscing about his own experiences growing up attending shows and witnessing smaller bands. He emphasized the significance of supporting these artists, highlighting that even the simplest actions like showing up or purchasing merchandise can impact their journey and dedication. Following this heartfelt speech, Lune delved into their final track of their set “Left Behind,” a track from their latest EP, “The Change Around Us & The Change In You.” To add a finishing touch to their set, Mikey Arthur, the vocalist from The Gloom In The Corner, burst onto the stage from the side, grabbing the mic to join in and deliver the final verse of “Left Behind” alongside Lune, ensuring the crowd was with them until the last note rang out.

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TERMINAL SLEEP / Photo – @drewhillphotos

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Terminal Sleep, led by frontwoman Bec Thorwesten, bassist Dustin Santos, drummer Todd Tombleson, rhythm guitarist Dominic Lewis, and lead guitarist Will Robinson, launched into their set with “Tried and True” from their EP “Chapter 2: Elicit Fear.” Despite a technical delay, they wasted no time, igniting the crowd with a two-step rhythm.

Bec’s intense vocals, showcased on tracks like “A Liar’s End” and the unreleased “Spineless,” captivated the audience. Her vocals were nothing short of otherworldly, delivering a ferocious intensity that could make your neck snap with each growl. Technical setbacks forced an early conclusion to their set, however everyone took it with stride, as it was a reminder of the unpredictability of live performances.

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THE GLOOM IN THE CORNER / Photo – @drewhillphotos

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With the crowd’s energy buzzing around the room, next on stage was The Gloom in the Corner. As if a pit of hell itself opened, immediately we were gifted with the opening to “New Order.” The crowd echoed back the opening lyrics, and chaos soon ensued as the first breakdown graced the audience. Gloom’s fans are only comparable to a cult, their pits are always too fluent with their music, always matching the band’s vigor.

Mikey’s vocals range from melodic to screaming, backed by Paul’s thunderous bass and layered vocals. Jesse’s (fill in from Silverfang) electrifying guitar riffs and Josh’s passionate drumming create a joyous, theatrical performance for their fans.

Between songs, Mikey gleefully dubs this set “Back to the ‘Burbs,” following along with the night’s celebration of every local band’s roots. Towards the end of the set, Gloom treats the audience to a deadly track opening for their new song, Jericho Protocol. The song keeps it’s high tempo, erratic instrumentals until the bridge, where Mikey’s vocals soar, until it crashes into a harrowing breakdown. As usual, Gloom did not disappoint, and the room’s energy was palpable as they left the stage.

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VOID OF VISION / Photo – @drewhillphotos

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As the headliner took the stage, the room pulsed with energy. The band’s backdrop, featuring a protagonist adorned in white and black feathers and the band’s logo, set the stage. George, Mitch, James, and Jack joined, launching into their new song “Empty,” a fantastic debut. The setlist, including tracks like “The Lonely People” and “Hell Hell Hell,” kept the crowd energized. Even during the breakdown of “Kill All My Friends,” the sight of security guards headbanging added to the contagious energy. A captivating drum solo followed “St Miserable,” seamlessly leading into the feel-good anthem “Dominatrix.” Despite the hot, packed room, the entire crowd remained enthralled. “Angel of Darkness” ignited rhythmic fist-bumping, while “Altar” sparked a circle pit, demonstrating Bergin’s crowd control. Ending with the fan favorite “Into the Dark,” Void of Vision had the venue alive, with bodies twisting to the melody. Two final stage divers added to the spectacle, much to the security guards’ dismay.

Void of Vision’s show left the audience laughing, sweating, and eagerly anticipating the next gig. They orchestrated an electrifying spectacle, injecting an unparalleled level of energy into the southeastern suburbs. Each band had the opportunity to reveal their behind-the-scenes work, providing Narre Warren with an enticing preview of their musical endeavors. As Void of Vision bid farewell to the stage, attendees gradually departed the venue, some pausing at the merchandise stand after Lune’s heartfelt speech. It was a magnificent conclusion to an unforgettable evening.

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VOID OF VISION / Photo – @drewhillphotos

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Check out Drew Hill (@drewhillphotos) full gallery of this event HERE

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VOID OF VISION / Photo – @drewhillphotos

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Follow VOID OF VISION

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VOID OF VISION / Photo – @drewhillphotos

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AMNPLIFY – DB