Make Them Suffer headlines Paradise Rock Club in Boston with the help of friends in Like Moths to Flames, Aviana, and Windwaker.
The openers of the night were Windwakers. This Australian metal-core band isn’t as well-known as some of the others on the bill for tonight but that may soon change with their last couple of releases growing in popularity around metal fans. It was most of the crowd’s first time seeing this band live given them being from Australia and on the newer side. There was a mixed reaction of some fans singing along and others being more subdued, perhaps not knowing the songs and hearing for the first time. The band had good energy performing and by the end of their performance had done a good job of warming up the crowd.
Next up was another band that most of the crowd may of not heard of before, and perhaps their first time seeing, Sweden band Aviana. As soon as the band stepped onto the stage they made an impression and caught the crowd’s attention because of their attire. Everyone besides the lead vocalist wearing masks that covered their whole faces, almost giving off the same vibe as Sleep Token’s stage attire. Their sound was heavy and clean, they didn’t miss a beat. There wasn’t much in between song banter but the band demanded the attention of the crowd with their music and stage presence. They had most of the crowd’s attention locked in for their performance which isn’t always easy as an opener.
As the lead vocalist pointed out further into their set, the only American band of the night, Like Moths to Flames was up next. There was a buzz of excitement in the room as the band hit the stage. It was clear that most of the crowd had been looking forward to their set along with the headliner. Like Moths to Flames has been a staple band in the metal-core music scene since their debut in 2010. With hits like “Bury Your Pain” and “Nowhere Left to Sink” they have lyrics and breakdowns that have stuck with fans and surely given newer bands inspiration. From the moment the band hit the stage, it’s clear they are comfortable and in control on stage. They did not miss a single note or moment to engage with the crowd and play their music just how you’d expect it to sound.
Lead vocalist Chris Roetter was not shy about in between song banter and demanding more energy from the crowd, repeating the line ‘When I say jump, what does that mean?’ a few times throughout the performance. From the crowd’s reaction, it was clear that was many fans who were excited to see them from the mix of reactions of singing along, dancing, jumping, moshing, and crowd surfing even in a smaller venue like this one. The band played a mix of newer songs and some of their older hits, giving fans from any stage something to be happy about.
Finally it was time for the headliners and stars of the night, Make Them Suffer. This Australian metal-core band has a unique sound with their two vocalists, of opposite genders and sounds. Lead vocalist Sean Harmanis with his unclean vocals is the main focus of most of the band’s songs, whereas keyboard and clean vocalist Alex Reade compliments the band’s heavier sound with a lighter, smooth singing style that is a pop of contrast that sets them apart from most bands in the genre.
The moment the band stepped on stage, they were met with excited screams from the crowd and they returned the crowd’s high energy and even exceeded expectations. They had not toured in America since their latest release, their self-tilted album. With high energy and heavy technical music, it is not an easy feat to play the songs perfectly but Make Them Suffer did not seem to miss a single beat or note from any of their members, they made the performance look almost effortless while sounding heavy and crisp. They did not need to interact with the crowd as much to get an interaction from them, the music was speaking for itself and the crowd was clearly enjoying the performance throughly. It may be a long trip from home for the band but they had a room full of fans that night for sure and hopefully will be back soon.
MAKE THEM SUFFER
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LIKE MOTHS TO FLAMES
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AVIANA
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