MAKE THEM SUFFER throw the "Doomswitch"!

CONCERT REVIEW :: MAKE THEM SUFFER
Varsity Theater in Minneapolis, MN
Feb 20, 2025
Photos by Brett Zisler
Review by Nick

MAKE THEM SUFFER kicked off their 2025 U.S. Tour in Minneapolis, MN at a sold out Varsity Theater. The crowd was packed in excitement for the return of the Australian metal band who released perhaps their career defining self titled album back in November. An album that has not left constant rotation personally since it’s release almost 5 months ago.

The opening melody of “Epitaph” plays as the band takes the stage. The stage goes black and silent just as the song should pop off, giving the crowd a moment to have their voices heard. The band kicks out a blast of sound as they officially launch in to the track starting a frenzy. Not letting up, the band rolls right in to “Bones”, a stand out track from How to Survive a Funeral. Guitarist Nick McLernon, bassist Jaya Jeffery and drummer Jordan Mather throw down a wall of sound for keyboardist and vocalist Alex Reade to weave in and out while lead vocalist Sean Harmanis powerful screams lead the charge.

“Mana God”, “Ghost of Me”, “Oscillator” and “Weaponized” come one after the other showcasing the new album in style and providing many sing along moments with the crowd during the choruses. While they didn’t play most of the back half of the new album, they made sure to play at least one song from every album previous.

Closing the main set was the 1-2 punch of “Erase Me” into “Doomswitch” which was a pretty perfect way to leave the crowd wanting a little more before going back to the Neverbloom record for the encore of “Widower” complete with Alex wielding a keytar! This was exactly what you would want from the band. A mostly bare stage leaving the band plenty of room to roam with a solid light show to go with the frantic breakdowns and melodies that would crush the hour long set.

Jet lag and illness be damned, the band powered thru and left it all on the stage accomplishing a solid set equally enjoyable for new fans just coming on board and old fans that have been around awhile. MAKE THEM SUFFER left the fans wanting more and hopefully a return visit is in the cards where they can play more of the new album live.

SEE MORE OF BRETT'S PHOTOS OF MAKE THEM SUFFER HERE!