LIVE REVIEW + AFTERMOVIE - BLEED FROM WITHIN, AFTER THE BURIAL, GREAT AMERICAN GHOST @ Simm City, Vienna, Austria – September 26, 2025

It was my first time at the Simm City venue, despite having attended countless shows across Vienna, and this one turned out to be truly unforgettable. Three powerful acts — GREAT AMERICAN GHOST, AFTER THE BURIAL, and BLEED FROM WITHIN — joined forces for a night that shook the Austrian capital to its core.

GREAT AMERICAN GHOST

The U.S. metal force opened the night with half an hour of pure, ripping energy. It was my second time seeing them, and once again they didn’t disappoint. Mid-set, frontman Ethan Harrison jumped into the crowd to stir things up — and it worked. A mosh pit erupted, lights from phones illuminated the hall, and fans waved along to the chaos. They closed their set in style with a furious circle pit, leaving the stage on a high. A great performance from the American quartet.

AFTER THE BURIAL

Next up was another U.S. powerhouse, the progressive metalcore veterans AFTER THE BURIAL. I’d seen them before as well, and they once again tore through their set with precision and power. They debuted a new song, and the frontman mentioned that after an extensive 2023 tour, the band had taken some time off — but besides smoking a little weed, they’ve been hard at work on a new record. They wrapped up their crushing set with Collapse, proving they’re still among the most technically gifted bands in the genre.

BLEED FROM WITHIN

The Scottish heavyweights BLEED FROM WITHIN were the highlight of the night — a band long on my bucket list, and absolutely worth the wait. Touring in support of their phenomenal album Zenith, the band showed why two decades of dedication are finally paying off. Frontman Scott Kennedy thanked the crowd several times, emphasizing how grateful they are for every moment on stage.

During Hands of Sin, Ethan Harrison of GREAT AMERICAN GHOST joined in for guest vocals, adding even more power to the performance. Drummer Ali Richardson stunned the audience with a solo that showcased his world-class skill, and for the grand finale, In Place of Your Halo filled the room with the sound of mighty bagpipes. As the final notes rang out, Scott Kennedy dove into the crowd, singing the last lines surrounded by fans.

It was another unforgettable night in Vienna — one of the best shows of the year, and maybe one of the best I’ve ever seen.