Make Them Suffer, Australian Metalcore band, stopped in Chicago, Illinois on the beginning of their North American Tour. The band and all supporting acts were given a warm welcome, perfect for the cold Midwest weather, by their fans with a sold out show.
Make Them Suffer started their North American tour with Like Moths To Flames, Windwaker, and Aviana on February 20, 2025 in Minneapolis, MN. On February 21, the tour headed down to Chicago for their second stop on this run.
The doors opened at six, with music tentatively set for seven. By 7:15 the room was packed from every corner and crevice anyone could squeeze into for all of the acts. It was clear that it was a sold-out show, already packed by the first act. When the live performances began, the energy from the fans was clear and did not waiver throughout the entire night. The bass from the speakers could be felt through the floorboards, and so could the movement of the crowd.
Although, this Chicago crowd, seemingly, was drawn by Make Them Suffer and Like Moths To Flames predominantly. This Is not to say that the crowd had a lack of interaction with any of the other bands, but more offered a representation of the Midwest scene once Like Moths To Flames, the rising Columbus, Ohio based band started.
With Like Moths To Flames being the only NA band on this lineup, they drew more people naturally. From an observational standpoint, with all of Make Them Suffer’s first tour dates being in the Midwest and selling out many of their first few shows in those areas, Like Moths To Flames (LMTF) being from the surrounding areas definitely came into play at Bottom Lounge.
The Midwest metal / hardcore scenes are something inexplicably unique in the way they support each other at each show. The crowd on February 21 absolutely put that on display. Not only for new faces, they held that energy for both bands who started the night. Make Them Suffer, of course, closed out the night with a bang.
Make Them Suffer’s 2025 North American Tour is sure to bring more traction to not only themselves, but also back to lifting the hardcore scene worldwide.
I'm a Midwest-based photojournalist with a passion for live music photography, which I began at 14. I cover various genres, mainly alternative rock, emo, hardcore, and pop-punk bands. I have an Associate's in Sociology and plan to pursue a B.A. in PR/Communications. After 8 years in education, I’m now pursuing my creative career full-time!
