with special guests AWOL and Guilt Trip (UK) and Forewarned

Walking into 170 Russell on a chilly August night, I knew I was going to be a part of a stand-out show. The crowd was already buzzing with anticipation, decked out in band tees and a lot of black, ready for a night of hardcore that would leave our ears ringing for days.

First up to bat were Forewarned, a local straight-edge band with a growing reputation. They wasted no time in getting the crowd warmed up, launching into blistering riffs and relentless energy. Their sound perfectly blended aggression and hardcore urgency, setting the tone for what was to come. If you're not familiar with Forewarned, you will be soon—they're on a trajectory to become one of Australia's must-see acts in the hardcore scene.

With a last-minute scheduling mix-up, Los Angeles hardcore titans Terror couldn’t make the first leg of their tour—although those of you seeing other shows will be graced with what will be an outrageous set. Instead, punters were treated with the just as exciting AWOL. Releasing their debut album ‘Tear ‘Em to Bits’ back in April this year, they played plenty of their new and impressive tracks. There’s a hypnotic aura to AWOL, a genuine and firm sense of unity that drives their music. ‘As one we win, and as one we fight’ charges the chorus of their self-titled track, giving this set the key ingredient for a passionate pit.

Next up were the UK shredders Guilt Trip, and let me tell you, they did not disappoint. The band brought a mix of 80s thrash, 90s metal, and brutal beatdown hardcore that had the crowd moving from the first note. Their set was a ruthless assault of heavy riffs, crushing breakdowns, and raw intensity. Songs from their 2023 album ‘Severance’ hit like a ton of bricks, with the crowd screaming along to every word. Kicking it off with ‘Fallen at My Feet’ and tying off with ‘Thin Ice’ made an unforgettable experience. Kudos to vocalist Jay Valentine for having the most energy of anyone on the night. This was Guilt Trip's first time in Australia, and they left an impression—they are the real deal.

When Kublai Khan TX finally took the stage, the atmosphere was electric. This was the moment the crowd had been waiting for—the reason why so many people called in sick first thing Monday morning and woke up with stiff necks and sore backs. From the opening lyrics of ‘Theory of Mind’ the crowd erupted into a frenzy. I found out very quickly how the few words ‘monkey see, monkey do—so, who the fuck made you?’ sends masses of people into an intense, passionate fury. The band's brutal, no-nonsense approach to hardcore was on full display, with vocalist Matt Honeycutt commanding the stage and crowd like a man possessed. Tracks like ‘The Hammer’ and ‘Self-Destruct’ were met with a sea of fists and bodies flying. The force in the room fed off every bone-crushing breakdown and guttural scream.

Kublai Khan TX has spent years building a die-hard following, and it’s easy to see why. Their live show is an absolute powerhouse—a raw, unfiltered display of hardcore at its finest. As the final notes of their set echoed through the venue, the crowd was left in a state of sweat and adrenaline from one of the most intense gigs 170 Russell has seen.

The band's first-ever Australian headline tour and it was clear they were here to make a statement. Here's hoping they make their way back soon because this is a band that needs to be experienced live, over and over again.

KEEP YOUR EYES ON US FOR MADI’S FULL GALLERY FROM THEIR BRISBANE SHOW, SOON!