Make Them Suffer | District 14
Perth’s Make Them Suffer really know how to bring the heat on a cold, dreary Thursday night in Narre Warren, absolutely packing District 14 for yet another sold-out show under their belt. Supporting such a notable band is not for the weak, but luckily, our other bands of the night really stepped up to the plate. The 3rd of July showcased the ever-excelling talents of Melbourne-born bands Run and The Gloom in the Corner, as well as Sydney-based band Justice for the Damned.
Photo Credit: Tristan Skell
The night started off strong as Run took the stage — the blackened post-metalcore band from Melbourne out to further their name across the country. Formed in 2020 by vocalist Lochlan Watt, the band now includes bassist Benn Gaylor, drummer Adrian Horsman, and guitarists Arron Parker Richards and Lewis Noke-Edwards, who all came aboard in 2023. Their set kicked off with the hit song named after their EP True Heaviness Is Time, which was released a year ago to the day. They continued with other tracks from the EP, such as Spring and Summer. The band also released two new singles in the weeks leading up to this performance — Ash and Soil. They played Ash mid-set, both new songs comprising deep, heavy vocals and a solid kick to the rhythm. They're definitely a band with more up their sleeve, so keep a close eye on future projects from Run.
Next, we were graced with the presence of a personal favourite of mine — the ever-talented The Gloom in the Corner. The band is made up of vocalist Mikey Arthur, guitarist Jesse Abdurazak, drummer Josh Clinch, and while they had another bassist fill in for the night, the band usually includes bassist Paul Musolino. We didn’t miss out on anything, though, with fill-in bassist Nicholas Davies — he was sure to bring the noise, joining Mikey on vocals for countless songs.
Formed right here in Melbourne back in 2016, this show was a hometown gig for the band — with Nic living only 10 minutes away from the venue. Although there were some technical difficulties with the band and vocals losing connection to the mics, the issue was sorted quickly. There was certainly no problem hearing Mikey across the room, even without the mic. The band played crowd favourites like Behemoth from their most recent album Trinity (2022), and finished with the self-titled love song The Jericho’s Protocol, released mid-last year. And, of course, no show is complete without an unreleased track — this time, a brand-new song titled Assassination Run. Let’s just say everyone at the show is now itching for a release date on this one.
Photo Credit: Tristan Skell
The stage lights dimmed, and just as the energy shifted, Justice for the Damned stepped on stage. The Australian metalcore band is known for their crushing sound and emotionally charged lyrics. Emerging from Sydney, the band formed in 2011 and gained recognition for blending heavy riffs with themes of despair — their 2017 debut album Dragged Through the Dirt showcases this rawness while maintaining an aggressive tone.
The current lineup includes vocalist Bobak Rafiee, guitarist/vocalist Nick Adams, drummer Chas Levi, and bassist Ben Mirfin. Their 2020 album Pain Is Power elevated the band's sound and displayed profound lyrical depth. They played tracks from that record, including The House You Built Is Burning, which the band dedicated to victims of domestic violence — touching on turmoil and deeper emotional themes. We were lucky enough to hear Stay Relentless, the title track from their new album coming in late August, as well as an unreleased track also set to feature on the album. Safe to say, keep your eyes and ears open for what's to come from Justice for the Damned.
Finally, the band the crowd had been eagerly awaiting graced the stage. Make Them Suffer launched into the intro and straight into Epitaph, featured on their most recent self-titled album Make Them Suffer, released in early November last year. The band is comprised of lead vocalist Sean Harmanis, vocalist/keyboardist Alex Reade (known for her insane keytar), guitarist Nick McLernon, drummer Jordan Mather, and bassist Jaya Amurao.
Photo Credit: Tristan Skell
Since their 2012 debut Neverbloom, the band has developed an ever-evolving sound and progressive songwriting style while maintaining their intense atmosphere. Alongside their newer tunes, they performed songs from the 2020 album How to Survive a Funeral, including fan favourites Bones and Erase Me. Sean reminisced about their journey — playing the exact same venue seven years ago and reflecting on how much the band has grown since then.
As I stood to the side of the stage, fully immersed in the performance, someone caught my eye — none other than Jack Bergin from Melbourne’s own Void of Vision. Off to the side, he was there supporting his friends and fellow musicians in the metal scene. I was lucky enough to chat with Jack when I reviewed Void of Vision for their final tour back in February, so it was lovely to catch up again before heading to their final show ever on the 5th of July.
Now, back to Make Them Suffer, because that’s what the night was truly about. This is a band to follow — they blend evolving musical concepts and deliver everything to such a high standard. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled.
All in all, the night was a testament to the progressive writing and powerful blend of beauty and heaviness that each of these incredible bands brings. The venue might not have been massive, but District 14 was absolutely packed. The energy and excitement from fans could have lifted the roof. Be sure to stay up to date with Run, The Gloom in the Corner, Justice for the Damned, and of course, the one and only Make Them Suffer. There’s so much more to come from these unbelievable bands.
Photo Credit: Tristan Skell