The Amity Affliction

The Amity Affliction is an Australian emocore and post-hardcore group from Gympie, Queensland, active since 2003. The band’s core line-up includes Joel Birch, Ryan Burt, Imran Siddiqi, Dan Brown, Joe Longobardi, Jonny Reeves and Ahren Stringer.

Early releases and emergence

The band begins releasing music with a demo in 2003 and a self-titled EP in 2004, followed by Early Demos and other early recordings. Its 2007 EP High Hopes marks a clearer breakthrough, leading into extensive touring and growing recognition in Australia’s hardcore scene. The group’s sound combines metallic guitar work, rock-influenced swagger and a mix of sung and screamed vocals.

Albums and chart success

Severed Ties is recorded across Adelaide, Melbourne and Brisbane with production by Darren Thompson and guest vocals from JJ Peters, Michael Crafter, Matthew Wright and Helmet. The 11-track album appears in 2008 and reaches No. 26 on the Australian charts. It is named by Triple J’s Short Fast Loud as the second-best album of 2008, while KillYourStereo.com places it at No. 1.

Youngbloods follows in 2010 and debuts at No. 6 on the ARIA chart. It becomes widely recognised and helps the band expand through sold-out touring in Australia, the UK, the US and Europe, as well as appearances at Soundwave. The band also undertakes the Destroy Music Tour and the “Fuck the Reaper” tour with Asking Alexandria and Skyway!.

Chasing Ghosts is recorded in Orlando, Florida with producer Michael Baskette and appears in 2012 on Roadrunner Records. Imran Siddiqi leaves the band around this period, and Dan Brown joins on guitar in 2013. The band tours with acts including The Ghost Inside, Architects and Buried In Verona after the album’s release.

Let the Ocean Take Me appears in 2014 and includes the singles “Pittsburgh” and “Don’t Lean On Me”. It reaches No. 1 on the Australian ARIA albums chart, giving the band a second consecutive chart-topper. Troy Brady leaves later that year, leaving Ahren Stringer as the only original member at that point.

Later releases and changes in membership

The band issues the documentary Seems Like Forever in 2015 as a DVD and deluxe two-disc version linked to Let the Ocean Take Me, with unreleased tracks including “Skeletons” and “Farewell”. This Could Be Heartbreak follows in 2016, led by “I Bring the Weather with Me” and the title track, and is joined by “All Fucked Up”.

In 2017 the band appears on Punk Goes Pop Vol. 7 with a cover of The Weeknd’s “Can’t Feel My Face”. Misery appears in 2018, introduced by “Ivy (Doomsday)” and followed by “Feels Like I’m Dying”. The album becomes the band’s fourth consecutive No. 1 on the ARIA Albums Chart. Joe Longobardi plays drums on Everyone Loves You... Once You Leave Them, released in 2020. The band later releases Somewhere Beyond The Blue in 2021 and Not Without My Ghosts in 2023.

Ryan Burt departs in 2018 because of mental health concerns. Ahren Stringer leaves the band in 2025. The group’s membership also includes past players such as Troy Brady, Clint Owen Ellis, Trad Nathan and Troels Thomasen.

Scene presence

The Amity Affliction is closely connected to Australian hardcore culture, with members involved in punk rock clubs, music magazines, graffiti magazines, graphic design companies and online blogs. The band develops a reputation for intense live shows and strong audience participation, and becomes one of the better-known heavy bands in Australia.