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WE CAME AS ROMANS
+ Invent Animate + ATLVS
@ Croxton Bandroom, Melbourne,
1st September 2023
(Live Review)

Review and photos by Michael Gow (@alchemi_glow_music_phot)

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We Came As Romans / Photo – Michael Gow @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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The Croxton Bandroom was buzzing with anticipation as the GA ticket holders lined up outside, eager to immerse themselves in a night of moshing and musical ecstasy. But before the night’s festivities kicked into high gear, the VIP ticket holders were granted a rare opportunity – a chance to meet the band and secure coveted signed posters. As the doors swung open, the GA ticket holders flooded into the venue, joining the VIPs at the barrier, all eagerly awaiting the arrival of the night’s stars: ATLVS (Aus), Invent Animate (USA), and the headliners, We Came as Romans (USA).

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ATLVS / Photo – Michael Gow @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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The evening commenced with a thunderous performance by the local band ATLVS, hailing from Gippsland and formed in 2017. Their music struck a powerful balance between brutal intensity and melodic finesse. Comprising a charismatic singer, two skilled guitarists, and a relentless drummer, ATLVS wasted no time captivating the crowd with their high-octane energy and stage presence. The guitarists spun and swirled, claiming every inch of the stage as their own, while the singer occasionally ventured to the barrier, forging a deeper connection with the audience. His live growls were nothing short of astonishing. Although their set was relatively brief, clocking in at around 25 minutes, it was enough to whip the crowd into a frenzy, igniting an early circle pit that foreshadowed the metalcore madness yet to come.

Following ATLVS, the stage was graced by the Texas-based metalcore maestros, Invent Animate, founded in 2011. From the moment they took the stage, it was clear that the crowd was fully invested, not only to witness the headliners, We Came As Romans but also to revel in the sonic assault delivered by this talented band. During their set, Marcus Vik addressed the crowd, proudly proclaiming, “Melbourne, as of today, you are the city that has streamed our music the most on Spotify!” The audience was treated to some of Invent Animate’s finest tracks, including “Shade Astray,” “False Meridian,” and their Spotify chart-topper, “Without a Whisper.” In a surprise twist, Lochie Keogh of Alpha Wolf joined them onstage to lend his guest vocals to “Without a Whisper.” As their set reached its zenith with “Immolation of Night,” Marcus implored the crowd to form the most colossal circle pit the venue could contain, a request eagerly fulfilled by their dedicated fans.

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INVENT ANIMATE / Photo – Michael Gow @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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Finally, it was time for the headliners, We Came as Romans, to claim their rightful place in the spotlight. Formed in 2005, the band’s imminent arrival added a layer of suspense to the atmosphere, heightened by the drawn curtain shrouding the stage. As the curtains parted, the band emerged with explosive energy, instantly igniting a frenzy of movement among the crowd. The fans eagerly joined in, creating swirling circle pits and waving their hands in unison. Crowd-surfing enthusiasts wasted no time, further cementing the crowd’s full engagement and readiness for an unforgettable night.

During a brief pause between songs, a fan hurled a shoe onto the stage, a gesture intended to initiate a “shoey.” The band, however, was well-prepared and unveiled a setup, concealing five single shoes, ready to be filled with drinks. Each band member proceeded to drink from a shoe, ensuring that no fan request went unfulfilled. During the night Dave Stephens who was addressing the crowd, declared, “Let’s savor this moment together” before launching into the heartfelt “Lost in the Moment.” Their setlist spanned their impressive catalog, featuring songs like “Darkbloom,” “Wasted Age,” “Learning to Survive,” and “Golden.” The crowd’s enthusiasm reached such heights that they spontaneously formed heart symbols with their hands.

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We Came As Romans / Photo – Michael Gow @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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In a surprising twist, Andy Glass appeared atop the bar, playing his bass, and was handed a glass of beer, which he gleefully consumed before returning to the stage. During the encore performance of “Black Hole,” Dave Stephens ventured out to the barrier, singing and relishing the moment among the ecstatic crowd. It was a night that played out to a sold-out audience, where every moment held as much joy for the band as it did for the fans.

As the night drew to a close, the crowd yearned for more, but the band had given their all. It will be a cherished memory for both the musicians and their devoted fans, from the opening act of ATLVS to the electrifying performance by the American band Invent Animate, and finally, the headline performance by Michigan-based We Came as Romans.

If you’re a Metalcore enthusiast and haven’t yet explored the music of these bands, I wholeheartedly recommend giving them a listen on your preferred streaming platform or checking out their social media for upcoming tour dates. You won’t want to miss their incredible live performances!

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We Came As Romans / Photo – Michael Gow @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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Full setlist from WE CAME AS ROMANS set

Darkbloom
Doublespeak
Wasted Age
Cold Like War
Plagued
The Anchor
Lost in the moment
Learning to survive
Tracing back roots
Golden
Hope
Daggers

Encore

Black Hole

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We Came As Romans / Photo – Michael Gow @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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Check out Michael Gow’s (@alchemi_glow_music_phot) full gallery of this event HERE

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Follow WE CAME AS ROMANS:
Website – Facebook – Twitter – Instagram

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We Came As Romans / Photo – Michael Gow @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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AMNPLIFY – DB