Gallery: Poison The Well's Melbourne Show Was Pure Catharsis

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Published June 12, 2026 by Alexander Hallag

Last night 170 Russell in Melbourne became ground zero for an unforgettable night of hardcore and metal, as Poison The Well brought their long awaited Australian return to a packed room eager to witness one of the genre’s most influential bands back in action.

It was clear this wasn’t just another tour stop, every band on the bill contributed to an atmosphere that felt equal parts celebration and release, and for a band returning with new music after 16 years between records, Poison The Well looked anything but nostalgic.

Poison The Well gallery, Melbourne – June 11th, 2026

Ends In Tragedy gallery, Melbourne – June 11th, 2026

Opening the night were Melbourne’s own Ends In Tragedy, who wasted no time igniting the crowd, circle pits quickly formed in the centre of the venue, growing larger with every song as the room found its energy early.

Iron Mind gallery, Melbourne – June 11th, 2026

Iron Mind followed and picked up exactly where the opener left off, the local hardcore veterans hit with enormous force, drawing heavily from the classic New York hardcore sound while delivering it with the confidence and aggression that has made them one of Australia’s most respected heavy acts.

Haywire gallery, Melbourne – June 11th, 2026

Boston hardcore outfit Haywire then tore into their set with relentless intensity, midway through the performance, vocalist Austin Sparkman paused to share a personal reflection about reaching one year sober from alcohol and cocaine.

Rather than preaching, he spoke candidly about connection, encouraging the audience to take a moment and embrace the people around them before launching back into the chaos, it was a genuine moment of humanity amid the violence of the pit and one that resonated throughout the room.

Poison The Well

When Poison The Well finally took the stage, the anticipation was immediately rewarded.

The Florida pioneers balanced brutality and beauty with remarkable ease, seamlessly moving between crushing heaviness and emotionally charged passages, their performance highlighted why albums like The Opposite of December… A Season of Separation helped shape modern metalcore, while newer material from Peace In Place felt equally powerful live.

Speaking with Blunt earlier this year, guitarist Ryan Primack described Peace In Place as a record about acceptance and understanding where you’re meant to be, watching those songs come alive in Melbourne, that sentiment felt tangible.

The night reached another memorable moment during “Nerdy,” when Haywire’s Austin Sparkman joined the band on stage, creating one final eruption from the crowd.