Melbourne’s Forum Theatre played host to a special night of hardcore as Touché Amoré returned to Australia for a one-off show celebrating the tenth anniversary of their landmark album Stage Four. For fans of the Los Angeles band, it was a rare opportunity to revisit one of the most emotionally charged records in modern post-hardcore.
Released in 2016, Stage Four marked a defining moment in Touché Amoré’s career. The album confronted grief, guilt and loss with remarkable honesty. Ten years later, its themes remained as confronting and relevant as ever.
Since forming in 2007, Touché Amoré have established themselves as one of the most influential bands in contemporary hardcore, combining the genre’s ferocity with deeply personal songwriting. Bolm’s raw vocal delivery and the band’s collision of abrasive guitars and melodic passages have helped them carve out a distinctive place in a scene that has continued to evolve around them.
Pennsylvania’s Tigers Jaw joined the bill, offering a different perspective on emotionally driven alternative music. Their blend of emo, indie rock and punk provided a compelling contrast to Touché Amoré’s more confrontational sound, while reinforcing the musical connections between the two bands.
With Stage Four reaching its tenth anniversary, the Melbourne performance was a reminder of why the album continues to resonate. Touché Amoré have never shied away from difficult subjects, and their ability to channel intensely personal experiences into uncompromising music remains central to their appeal.
For Australian fans, this exclusive appearance at the Forum was a chance to celebrate an album that helped redefine what modern hardcore could express.
Images Brad Kendell.
