By Wal Reid

Artist: The Amity Affliction, A Day To Remember, Antagonist AD,Motionless In White

Date / Venue: Thursday December 10th, 2015 - Logan Campbell Centre, Auckland

The Amity Affliction were on song tonight, the burgeoning crowd here to mosh and the boys from the Gold Coast didn't disappoint. Opening with one of my favourite tunes Open Letter off their 2012 album Chasing Ghosts, its pensive words and pre chorus shout of ‘Fuck you' inciting the youthful crowd set the tone for the night, the heat sweltering near the front of the stage.

Coercing the crowd to get into the music was easy, the band always in touch with the audience as Joel mentioned it was only the second time he'd been here, a fitting headline act kicking off the debut night of theBig Ass Tour. The mosh pit was in full effect as Birch and bassist Arhren Stringer traded vocals, Birch with his ear piercing screams offset by Stringer's melodic smooth they dealt to tracks Lost & Fading, Chasing Ghosts& Never Alone off their latest album Let The Ocean Take Me.

The band tonight were imposing, their sound world class translating well from CD to live stage, the metal core assault continued with Weigh Down & Shine On. The latter dedicated to Birch's dad sitting up the back of the venue, a touching sentiment, while the infectious Pittsburgh & Don't Lean On Me had fans getting in their last minute Instagram mementos while security hosed down the sweaty masses with water spray bottles.

If the measure of a good gig was how hot & sweaty a crowd got then Amity Affliction over delivered, impressive live, the band satisfied many a punter who came to see one of their favourite bands, the level of fan loyalty unparalleled by any visiting artist, especially when singing along with the group was cracking. Let's hope their return will be more sooner than later.