Blackgaze legends Deafheaven performed at the Forum Theatre in Melbourne this past Thursday as part of their Australian and New Zealand tour. With support from Spy and local dream-pop outfit Peace Ritual, who stepped in after Nothing unfortunately had to withdraw from the bill. The lineup offered a diverse mix of sounds, beginning with dreamy, synth-driven melodies before gradually building into an explosive display of punk, hardcore, and screamo. Peace Ritual opened the night, and in fitting fashion brought a calm and atmospheric presence that stood in complete contrast to the bands that followed. Despite originally being conceived as a passion project with “no expectations” they managed to draw in an impressive audience. Their dreamy sound and relaxed stage energy felt deeply connected with the crowd, bringing a sense of ease and tranquility to the room. San Jose hardcore group, Spy, were up next, completely transforming the mood inside the venue with a grittier and far more aggressive performance. Vocalist Peter Pawlak commanded the stage with relentless intensity, sprinting from one side to the other, snarling into the crowd, and headbanging without pause. Their set was the perfect lead-in for Deafheaven, as the audience erupted into mosh pits and two-stepping, filling the room with controlled chaos. Spy made sure to leave Australian fans with a show they won’t be soon forgetting. 
Finally, the much-anticipated Deafheaven took the stage and after last touring Australia in 2023, fans had eagerly awaited their return. The band wasted no time delivering as they opened up with Doberman and Magnolia. Vocalist George Clark’s stage presence is unlike anyone else’s, constantly throwing himself across the stage, engaging directly with the crowd, and performing with an intensity that never dies down. As strobe lights flashed through thick fog, the packed venue came alive with fans headbanging, screaming every word, and matching the band’s vibe from start to finish. Across an 11-song set, Deafheaven maintained an incredible level of intensity and turbulence, demanding everything from the audience and receiving it in return. Closing the night with Winona, a track many fans regard as one of the band’s finest, Deafheaven brought the evening to a powerful conclusion as the crowd gave everything they had left, highlighting just how important the band remains to the metal community. The Australian and New Zealand tour has now wrapped up, finishing in Brisbane on July 12th. If you missed any of the shows or just want to relive the experience, we’ve captured some of the best moments from the night on July 9th with our exclusive photo gallery just below. Lastly, to ensure you stay up to date with Deafheaven and everything they do, follow the band on social media @DeafheavenBand for more content and updates!
Article & Photos By Claudia K (@ThinkTwicePhoto)
