Review: Joshua Hobbins
Photography: Nate Rose

Last night The Triffid was treated to a night of classic hardcore, as, fresh from dominating Knotfest on Sunday, Hatebreed tore through a set filled with banger after banger, flanked by two of the most promising names in Australian hardcore—Gold Coast favourites Cold Blood and Deathrow.

Deathrow opened the show with their signature Southport beatdown style, laying down the law with a blistering set. Badmotherfucker and Gutknife immediately set the tone—brutal, unrelenting, and chug-heavy. Front man Aiden Duke commanded the crowd’s attention, towering over the stage with an intensity that matches the ferocity of their sound.

Drummer Matt Bird’s precision was on full display, shifting seamlessly from sludgy death metal grooves to the thunderous hardcore beats that fuelled the band’s tight rhythms. New track By Any Means was a standout, giving fans a glimpse of Deathrow’s evolution. Their final track, Shifting Weight, was the perfect conclusion, leaving the crowd craving more.

Next up, Cold Blood delivered a punishing set that proved why they’re one of the most exciting bands in Oz hardcore. Kicking off with Deadcheck, the band immediately set a pace that wouldn’t let up. Tyrants and Compulsion had the crowd moving in unison, with the pit opening up and bodies flying everywhere.

Cold Blood’s delivery is always tight, dense and precise, and tonight November Pain and Source of Power were nothing short of ferocious. The Rat and Alters of Madness rounded out Cold Blood’s set, and got the crowd suitably sweaty and pumped in preparation for tonight’s main event. Can’t wait to hear more new shit from these guys.

Hatebreed’s performance was an absolute masterclass in hardcore power and raw intensity. The band’s ability to command the stage with their sheer presence is unmatched, and every song felt like an anthem. Opening with To the Threshold, the band wasted no time in reminding everyone why they’re legends. I Will Be Heard had the crowd screaming every word, while A Call for Blood delivered an unrelenting blast of aggression that had every head banging and fists pumping.

What makes a Hatebreed show truly special is the connection they share with their fans. Jamey Jasta’s unwavering dedication to his audience, combined with the band’s flawlessly executed set, made each track feel like a collective celebration of strength and determination. Tracks like Perseverance, Destroy Everything, and Everyone Bleeds Now intensified the atmosphere, with the crowd singing every word in unison, creating a powerful sense of unity.

The band’s message of resilience, honour, and survival echoed through every song, making it clear why Hatebreed has remained a cornerstone of hardcore for the last 30 years. As the night came to an end with Looking Down the Barrel of Today, it was clear that Hatebreed had once again delivered a performance that reaffirmed their place in the hardcore pantheon.

From the crushing rap-tinged beatdowns of Deathrow to the relentless aggression of Cold Blood, and culminating in a legendary Hatebreed set, this show was a reminder of the raw, unfiltered energy that hardcore is all about.