LIVE: Alexisonfire with Underoath & Gel – Perth, 6 March 2025

LIVE: Alexisonfire with Underoath & Gel – Perth, 6 March 2025
HPC Arena, Perth, Western Australia
Reviewed by Amber Ashford
Photography by Luke Baker

Alexisonfire and Underoath Give Perth A Night of High Energy Nostalgia

Perth’s HPC Arena was ignited with raw energy and nostalgia as Alexisonfire and Underoath took the stage for an unforgettable night of heavy music. Kicking off the night was Gel, a powerhouse female-fronted band that wasted no time in getting the crowd moving. With high-energy riffs and aggressive vocals, they set the perfect tone for what was to come. As fans streamed into the arena, heads were already banging, proving that Gel was the ideal act to start the show.

Then came the moment everyone was waiting for, Underoath stormed onto the stage, and the energy instantly went through the roof. One of the most iconic emo bands of the scene, Underoath brought their signature intensity, led by the always animated frontman Spencer Chamberlain. His entrance jumping, head-banging, and unleashing his powerful screams, it was nothing short of electrifying. The band delivered a perfect mix of classic hits and new material, with ‘Generation No Surrender’ getting a particularly wild reception from the crowd. Chamberlain’s decision to join the fans in the pit took the energy to another level, creating a moment that fans will never forget.

Aaron Gillespie’s angelic clean vocals echoed through the stadium, especially during tracks from their legendary 2006 album Define The Great Line. The harmonies and sheer power of his voice had the entire arena singing along. Despite flying over 30 hours to play in a completely different time zone, guitarist James Smith brought boundless energy, proving once again why Underoath’s live performances are nothing short of spectacular. By the time their set ended, fans were still singing their songs in the concourse while grabbing drinks at the bar, a testament to the impact of their performance.

And then it was time for the main event. Alexisonfire’s long-awaited return to Perth had fans on edge with anticipation, and the band did not disappoint. Making a dramatic entrance in standout outfits, Wade MacNeil rocking a sick jumpsuit and bassist Chris Steele stomping and dancing his way across the stage, the band delivered an unrelenting performance. George Pettit, ever the showman, took the stage in a balaclava despite the sweltering 38-degree heat, only revealing his face halfway through the set.

As soon as Dallas Green’s unmistakable clean vocals soared through the stadium during ‘Boiled Frogs,’ the crowd was transported back in time. The setlist was a perfect mix of classics and newer material, ensuring that both longtime fans and newer listeners had something to scream and sing along to. But it was their 2004 hit ‘Accidents’ that sent the arena into a frenzy, with a circle pit so intense that the crowd was pushed to the edges of the venue.

The energy never wavered as Alexisonfire powered through their hour and a half set, ending with a three song encore that left fans breathless. George Pettit’s closing act of bending the mic stand with his head before throwing it and storming off stage, was such a rock star move that encapsulated the chaotic, high-energy atmosphere of the night.

From start to finish, this show was an explosion of nostalgia, energy, and sheer brilliance. Whether you were a longtime fan or discovering these bands for the first time, there was no denying that this was one for the books. Perth waited a long time for Alexisonfire to return, and alongside Underoath and Gel, they delivered a night that no one will soon forget.

 

Category: Live Reviews, Photo Galleries