Kublai Khan | Prince Bandroom
@destroyalllines
On a buzzing Saturday night in St Kilda, The Prince Bandroom was jam-packed with die-hard hardcore fans eager for a night of relentless heavy music. Headlining the show was Kublai Khan TX, with strong support from hardcore legends Terror, UK’s Guilt Trip, and local openers Splinter. The intimate setting of the venue created the perfect backdrop for a night of intense, in-your-face performances, and it more than lived up to the anticipation.
Splinter kicked things off with a raw, aggressive set that instantly grabbed the crowd's attention. While the stage diving hadn’t started yet, their tight breakdowns and guttural vocals quickly established the evening’s tone. Their energy was infectious, setting the perfect stage for what was to follow.
As Guilt Trip took over, the energy in the room ramped up significantly. The UK-based band brought their unique style to the stage, combining hard-hitting riffs and punchy grooves that sparked the night’s first stage dives and crowd surfing. Vocalist Jay Valentine dominated the stage, while guitarist Harry Rule dished out powerful riffs that had the crowd moving relentlessly. Guilt Trip’s set transformed the vibe of the venue, and their performance ignited the chaos that hardcore fans thrive on.
Then came Terror, a band synonymous with hardcore. Frontman Scott Vogel’s presence was commanding, as he worked the crowd with ease, embodying the spirit of hardcore unity. Fans chanted along with every word as Terror blasted through fan favourites like Keepers of the Faith and Overcome, with Martin Stewart on guitar and Chris Linkovich on bass delivering crushing rhythms. Before tearing into a heavy breakdown, Vogel took a moment to remind the audience about the importance of looking out for each other—an inspiring moment of solidarity amidst the chaos.
By the time Kublai Khan TX hit the stage, the venue was a steamy mix of adrenaline and excitement. Matt Honeycutt’s intense vocals led the charge as the band stormed through a blistering set that included tracks like The Hammer and Theory of Mind. Guitarist Nolan Ashley and bassist Eric English delivered a punishing wall of sound, while Isaac Lamb’s drumming kept the energy at full throttle throughout the set.
One of the night’s highlights was the band’s direct connection with the audience. With no barrier separating the fans from the band, there was constant interaction. Honeycutt regularly handed the mic to fans, encouraging them to join in the screams, while Ashley and English threw out picks at the end of the show. The room, now drenched in sweat, felt like a pressure cooker, yet the sense of community and passion for the music made the heat bearable and the night unforgettable.
Although the sound throughout the night was top-notch, the lighting remained fairly static, with each band playing under the same dim setup. A more dynamic light show might have heightened the experience, but in the end, it was the music and energy that truly stole the show.
The Prince Bandroom’s close-knit vibe was ideal for a night of heavy, intimate performances. From the moment Guilt Trip kicked off the crowd surfing, to Terror’s call for unity, and Kublai Khan TX’s relentless set, it was a night that highlighted everything great about the hardcore scene. When the final note rang out, there was no need for an encore—Kublai Khan had made their mark, and the audience, drained yet exhilarated, knew they had witnessed something special.
For those passionate about heavy music, this show was a powerful reminder of the sheer intensity and community that hardcore embodies.