Australian metalheads’ annual pilgrimage, Good Things Festival, has returned, this year boasting an ever-diverse lineup that the festival has found its signature within. Regardless of your preference, there is something for everyone —but we also know that sometimes everything is not for you.
If you're into core- whether that be hardcore, metalcore, or a deep study of the Earth’s integral and innermost layer, we have got you covered, mapping out your ideal day at Good Things Festival, and maybe even giving you time for a drink break!
Inertia (12:20pm Stage 4)
Fresh off some massive tours, like opening for violincore pioneers Imminence on their Australian leg, Inertia have propelled themselves into the, at times, oversaturated metalcore scene of Australia. This year has really seen them come into their own, storming stages with passion-infused persuasion and raw, palpable aggression. With a cult following expanding from Sydney and beyond, Inertia are sure to have the pit packed, even as the opening band of the day. There has never been a better opportunity to get into the metaclore spirit just moments after midday!
Windwaker (1:30pm Stage 4)
Windwaker have defined their own signature core style, infusing metal, rap, synth, and the utter chaos of unfiltered sound into their music for most of their discography. These methods have only been enhanced over time, perhaps coming to complete fruition in their most recent release, HYPERVIOLENCE; an unapologetic soundscape laced with a revitalised sense of identity, and a band in search of constantly pushing the parameters of the scene they were once defined by. If you thought the recorded stuff was crazy, wait until you see them live. With sing-along anthems like ‘Lucy’ and ‘SIRENS’, their set is one to be filled to the brim with fun and all-consuming energy.
Refused (2:00pm Stage 2)
Connoisseurs of that feverish hardcore punk sound, there has never been a better time to catch Refused, partially because you’ll never see them on our shores again! It is your last time to relive the timeless classics and nostalgic flair, or if you’re a new time listener, to experience a phenomenon in which many modern-day bands owe their sound and style to. You might be fighting the oldies to the pit, so grace it with caution!
Knocked Loose (3:30pm Stage 2)
If you noticed a larger break between this set, it’s for the best. Eat up a protein-heavy meal and chug down some water (with enough time for it to settle, of course) because next up on your planner are Kentucky heavyweights, Knocked Loose. When this year's lineup dropped, KL was the act I was most excited for. We have not seen this band in Australia since the release of their dazzling 2024 album, You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To, and it is well overdue for the theatrics and hauntingness of their live set to grace our shores. The big light is on for this set, so scrub off your mouthguard and stretch your legs- this will be 45 minutes of pure carnage.
Kublai Khan (5:45pm Stage 4)
As dusk approaches, you can head over to stage four and enjoy the Texas serenades of Kublai Khan. Harnessing their absolute power, Kublai Khan is a live force to be reckoned with, only recently tearing up the likes of the Metro Theatre during their last descent down under. Of course, you have the cheeky anthems of ‘Theory of Mind’ to smackdown the nearest person to, but there are also some powerful sentiments to engage with during songs like ‘Swan Song’ and ‘The Mountain of Corsicana’. Or if you still need more persuasion, tune in for 45 minutes of that signature Matt Honeycutt bark. AH WOOF WOOF!
High Vis (6:40pm Stage 5)
Born from an amalgamation of hardcore frontrunners, High Vis weaves through an exploration of true creativity. Abandoning the original essence of what solidifies a band into the ‘core’ status, High Vis harness their sound through the notions of individualism, passion, determination, and dedication to those who came before them. The emotion will seep from the stage and touch you in ways you truly didn’t think possible at a festival. Full of heart, High Vis will rejuvenate you with enough feeling and energy to get through the rest of the night.
Make Them Suffer (7:30pm Stage 4)
Throughout my many years in the live scene, there have been none quite as electrifying to watch as Make Them Suffer. As the sun is now fully set over the festival grounds, MTS have the theatrics to their advantage- it is set to be full lights and action. I cannot wait for the guttural utterances of Sean Harmanis to bellow through the grounds, like a call to arms for all the core heads within the fields. Make Them Suffer are Australian metalcore royalty, and their stage presence will be indicative of such a title. I’m sure they have something up their sleeve, and I would advise not to miss it. If you hear someone screaming way too loudly to ‘Bones’, you’ve found me in the crowd!
Lorna Shore (8:30pm on Stage 3)
Close off the night with a sense of spectacle. Of course, this comes in the form of New Jersey deathcore patriarchs, Lorna Shore. The last time I saw Lorna Shore, I found myself standing there with my mouth agape, trapped under hypnosis despite getting barged and flung throughout the air. I can only anticipate this to happen tenfold as lead singer, Will Ramos, spews his hellish growls upon the unsuspecting festival grounds. It is promised that Lorna Shore will captivate and mesmerise audiences- and regardless of whether you are a massive fan or not, there is perhaps no more indulgent way to end your night than in a masterclass of vocal power and instrumental prowess. Or, of course, to maybe get your teeth kicked in!
There you have it! A Writer’s Guide to the Core of Good Things Festival. Core lovers, we hope to see you there with us in the pit!
Written by Georgia Haskins @ghaskins2002
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