[GIG REVIEW] ATREYU + MEMPHIS MAY FIRE w/ FUTURE STATIC @ Northcote Theatre 12.07.25.

Author: Mal Keecher

Presented by: thephoenix.au

Venue: Northcote Theatre, Melbourne, Australia

Photography: Mal Keecher’s Samsung S24

Tonight, it’s a cool winter's evening and a sold-out Saturday at Melbourne's Northcote Theatre, now synonymous with hosting high calibre bands. Take for example tonight's affair, a night celebrating Atreyu's 20th Anniversary of their album 'The Curse' (2004). It's a co-headliner with Texan Metalcore giants Memphis May Fire, (who were last in Australia a decade ago with Parkway Drive), along with local Melbourne metal favourites Future Static. I last witnessed Future Static in November at Adelaide's Froth & Fury Festival, and you can read that epic festival review here.

Initially, I had planted myself at the far left up the stairs overlooking the grandiosity of the venue with its towering ceilings and purple and blue lighting which provided an atmosphere that thrilled the senses. 

Future Static as a quintet, are fronted by the always alluring Amariah Cook, clad in a black leather outfit with a voice that seamlessly switches between a delicately clean and crisp tone to one that can also frazzle and frighten. Once again, and seven months apart, we were treated to their amazing metallicized rendition of Gasolina thanks to this band's incredible musical abilities coupled with Amariah's Spanish heritage. 

I decided to leave my comfort zone and embrace a need for adventure as I strolled down the stairs to get a closer vantage point and breathe in the exuberance of Future Static. Overall and as always, they were altogether ferocious and uplifting, a Melbourne-based metal band I implore our readers to catch live and be thoroughly entertained by. 

Judging by the applause alone, Future Static left this Melbourne audience thoroughly elevated before the band exited the stage and a blue light filled the theatre.  

Amariah cook-lead vocals and bassist- Kira Neil of Future Static

Future Static will be joining an impressive line-up of metal aboard the Hellbound cruise 2026 which you can peruse here.

Memphis May Fire turned the heat up with high octane energy from the outset, as lead guitarist Kellen McGregor, bassist Corey Elder and drummer Jake Garland ferociously introduced their set while vocalist Matty Mullins appeared from left of stage shortly after. A fittingly red lighting enveloped the theatre, and Mullins bounded across the stage with a commanding metalcore presence as the band showcased the headbanger Shapeshifter. 

Although the view from 6"1 was altogether fine, and unlike other venues–some room to move around without stepping on toes, I decided to return to the balcony for a more expansive view. 

Memphis May Fire: a perspective from the balcony of the grand arched ceiling of Northcote Theatre. 

Memphis May Fire then proceeded to play through songs such as Overdose, with the video largely speaking for itself: 

Memphis May Fire: Like light shining through cathedral clerestory windows. 

Matty Mullins exclaimed "Melbourne, un-real, thank you so much, give it up for our new friends in Future Static! Are you ready for the almighty Atreyu?" Memphis May Fire then kept the juggernaut going, launching into favourites including the lyrically heartfelt Somebody and the riff-tastic Bleed Me Dry as a pocket of enthused patrons opened at the front. Matty Mullins looked genuinely happy to be there, smiling in between vocals and waving to this satiated Melbourne crowd, going on to play Necessary Evil .

Matty disappeared for a moment while the band took the reins, with a particular focus on drummer Jake Garland.

Memphis May Fire: drummer Jake Garland

Memphis May Fire: lead vocalist Matty Mullins  

The Sinner is a crowd winner, as Matty Mullins encouraged the crowd to sing the chorus:

Matty asked the crowd to "put your flashlights up, and sing this one with me, like you love it"– and that song is the heartfelt Miles Away, a pertinent ballad for a band who have traveled many miles to be present. During this song, another pocket opened at the back, a swelling of fans including the infamous Banana Man, a peculiar sight given the tempo of the song. Matty's vocals are something to behold here: 

An inebriated (both figuratively and somewhat literally for some) crowd sing-along to Make Believe: 

A friendly shove- pit opened at the middle as mostly blokes whipped up their phones to capture the culmination of Memphis May Fire's highly engaging set. The smoke machines erupted long enough for the audience to snap some decent imagery, including yours truly. Matty leaned into the moment, fist raised triumphantly. Mission accomplished.

Capturing the culmination of Memphis May Fire's highly engaging set

A blue light once again fills the room, and an army of Atreyu's loyal followers stood assembled. For this intermission, I traversed the crowd and steps and perched myself back onto the balcony once again for an overview, taking in the atmosphere. 

Blue lights and Brandon Saller of Atreyu

Lead vocalist Brandon Saller's imposing presence swiftly entered from left of stage while the band played and scream vocals kicked off the verbal onslaught from bassist Mark McKnight. Easily recognisable with his gnarly mohawk was guitarist Dan Jacobs, and Travis Miguel bounded across the stage with excitement, while Kyle Rosa filled Brandon's former spot as drummer with resounding ease and capability.  

Atreyu with a red hue

The guitars got swapped out, with Dan retrieving a wicked green Dan Jacobs signature series as Brandon assumed the metalcore stance, putting his best foot forward, beaming and taking in the moment. "Tonight, we celebrate an album that changed our lives, and we hope it changed yours too...'The Curse'...I want you to sing as loud as you fuckin' can! I want you to sweat more than you have in months and whatever you're dealing with in your life, let it out right here tonight, are you with me?" Mark McKnight then cheekily retorted "I know Banana Guy is...can you put him up...erect him, erect that banana!" he shouted as the grin changed to his game face and This Flesh a Tomb was played out. 

Atreyu played through many more songs from 'The Curse' including You Eclipsed by Me in a conventional but entertaining fashion, and thereabouts, something unexpected happened. Brandon stood and gazed into the abyss of swarming and swirling fans, said a few words, then suddenly appeared to my right amongst the thick of it, while performing Crimson. As Brandon walked by, I gave him a pat on the back for a job well done as frontman and for thoroughly enthralling this elated Melbourne crowd. 

By the time all had quietened to a close and I had hopped the steps onto the 86 tram headed for the city, a myriad of images and sounds of the show still rebounded and resounded in my head. Quality metalcore was indeed still alive and well in the hearts and minds of all who witnessed the show.