Deafheaven, SPY, Peace Ritual @ The Gov, Adelaide 8/7/2026
American Blackgaze outfit made a barnstorming return to Adelaide following on from last year’s cracking new album release Lonely People With Power. It was a huge turnout out at The Gov which fittingly the perfect choice for these Blackgaze. Trailblazers. The term Blackgaze is an intriguing one marrying two genres black metal with shoegaze together with Deafheaven creating their own unique styling within that blensing black metal, shoegaze and post-rock. Destroy All Lines have delivered again with a line up that included SPY and Peace Ritual who both offered a subtle contrast keeping the show all the more interesting.
Peace Ritual are one of those bands who I’m one hundred percent certain of that we will be hearing a lot more about in 2026 going in to 2027. There is a real sense of optimism in the music of Peace Ritual and even front man Joel Martarana said “bring it in, I promise we are a gentle band”. They really did seize the moment having got the call up to replace Nothing who were able to make it. They do wear the influences on their sleeve, and there’s nothing wrong with that either making the most of their slot. Opening with Near Life and Lucky Star there was a preview of what’s to come from their new album with Shine. There were a couple of gems tucked in their set with Seconds and Cold Shoulder that were moments of gold before ending on Sigh.
Cue the chaos! I don’t think anyone was expecting the firestorm that was SPY. This Bay Area hardcore punk outfit are a formidable force. Right from casually entering the stage, setting up their gear it was… POW! Go for the jugular right from first drop! Labor Dispute whipped the crowd up in to a chaotic frenzy with arms and legs flying everywhere making quite the contrast from the opening act. There was no messing with the ringleader and vocalist Peter Pawlak either with his repertoire of fly kicks, death stars and bone-rattling howls. Right now, these ear plugs were useless but what the heck, these guys were incredible. Hard to believe that this is only the second time they have been to Adelaide and when Pawlak mention “The Cranka – rest in peace!” the affinity with Adelaide fans became even more real. It was also a game move calling for moshers with no barrier at the front. Scarily brilliant, check ‘em out on streaming with notable set highlights included Afraid Of Everything, Bootlicker, Exceptional American and Quit The Act.
Deafheaven were next level with this going down as one of the all time classics at The Gov. Us Adelaidians witnessed a band at the height of their powers. Emerging from the dark haze the band took the stage and it was a moment of triumph when front man George Clarke fist punched the air before demanding “Adelaide, get up!” Ripping apart Incidental I the fans were mesmerized, transfixed and captivated with what was unfolding. Doberman was one of those post-rock moments of brilliance. There was no dialling it back or half delivering, it was full throttle or not at all as the sweat continually teemed down the face of Clarke who was relentless and commanded attention. The intensity of Magnolia could not be questioned and this state of delirium pushed further in to Brought to the Water.
The first of the sound problems started during Sunbather when Shiv Mehra’s guitar pedalboard started sparking creating a few problems for crew to sort quickly. Even Clarke by his own admission admitted he wasn’t good with the small talk turning it in to an impromptu meet and greet for a few fans up front. After a brief pause the band stepped it right up again ploughing through The Garden Route and set closer Amethyst. As the band left the stage the feeling was quite surreal setting the scene for Incidental II which was epic in its own right with audience members singing in to the microphone adding a unique flavour to this one. Revelator and Dream House were wonderfully brilliant landing the knock out blows with Incidental III and Winona bringing this elite blackgaze masterpiece to an end. In the blink of an eye, it was over, that was the mastery of Deafheaven.
Live Review By Rob Lyon