Amity Affliction-LaVista-5.3.26

Amity Affliction at The Astron in LaVista, Nebraska on May 3rd, 2026.

Photos and Review by The Pit Magazine Contributor, Bob DeHart Photography

The Amity Affliction got the privilege end the night as the last of four bands to play at The Astro on the Spring Horizons Tour. Did they save the best for last? That would be up to the crowd to decide, but I can tell you this, there was no slowing down. The crowd was just as intense with these guys as they were the openers. If they were tired, they didn’t show it. As this was my first time covering the Australian metalcore band live, I came in with curiosity and left with a much deeper appreciation for both their musicianship and the connection they have with their audience.

From the first note to the last encore, the crowd was right there with them. Mosh pits, crowd surfing, and head banging right along with each song. Vocalist Joel Birch commanded the stage with a balance of aggression and vulnerability, seamlessly shifting between harsh screams and heartfelt moments of crowd interaction. Which is pretty impressive, you don’t those heartfelt moments with every metalcore band. His authenticity felt authentic and it clearly resonated with longtime fans.

Musically, the band sounded tight and polished. Their rhythm section was thunderous, while the guitars carried the melodic yet crushing sound the band is known for. Songs like “Pittsburgh” and “Soak Me in Bleach” generated some of the biggest reactions of the evening, with nearly every fan singing along word for word. The setlist effectively blended older fan favorites with newer material, keeping the energy consistent throughout the show.

The Astro is a great venue for shows like this. It’s big enough that you can have the crowd surfing and mosh pits, but still small enough that you don’t feel like the band is a mile away. It still feels like an intimate show. I love watching huge fans of the artist soak it all in. They’ve waited for this night for a long time and now that it’s final here, they let it all out. It’s fun to watch and I’m sure the band loves the adoration they receive.

For a first experience covering The Amity Affliction, this concert was memorable for all the right reasons. The band offered more than just a heavy show—they created an event that allowed the fans to connect with them. They got as much energy from the fans as they gave. I think it’s safe to say that both the band and the fans were exhausted at the end of the night. Which, in my opinion, is the way it should be. If you love metalcore, this is the tour for you!