
30 January 2025 – The Princess Theatre, Brisbane – words and pictures by Luke Petty
It’s always a thrill to see Australian bands take the stage for their own headline shows. Tonight, Windwaker launched their highly anticipated Hyperviolence tour in Brisbane, a well-deserved moment after the release of their incredible new album. Joining them on this exciting run are Californian heavyweights Thousand Below, along with Aussie favorites Diamond Construct and local stars Headwreck. Windwaker’s meteoric rise in the scene has everyone buzzing, and we’re all ready to witness their explosive live performance.
Brisbane’s Headwreck kicked off the night, and I can confidently say this was their best performance yet. This is my third time seeing these guys live and i swear they just keep getting better and better. Their newfound confidence was evident in their delivery, particularly with the scorching new track ‘Plan Z’, released just last week. Connor Hickman’s raw vocals were electrifying, and his dynamic stage presence alongside Jamo Benadie truly ignited the crowd. A mix of old favorites and fresh material kept the energy high throughout their set.



Following Headwreck, the stage was set ablaze by NSW Metalcore legends, Diamond Construct. A perfect fit for this tour, Diamond Construct delivered an epic performance. Singer Kynan Groundwater, dressed in his signature sparkling jumpsuit and gloves, unleashed a ferocious vocal assault that captivated the entire crowd. Diamond Construct deliver a great performance everytime with their mix of rhymes and metal savageness.



A wave of applause and gleeful cheers erupted as California’s Thousand Below took the stage, immediately captivating the crowd with their latest single, ‘Shake’. The setlist showcased a diverse selection from their discography, including fan favorites like ‘Face To Face’ and ‘Wrong Again’. Deberg’s vocal prowess was on full display, effortlessly transitioning from soaring cleans to guttural growls, perfectly conveying the raw emotion embedded in the lyrics. The strobing lights mixing with the incredible tunes set the punters into a frenzy. Closing out the amazing set with ‘Sabotage’ had the crowd going crazy. This is Thousand Below’s third time in Australia and i think this one will be one for not only us to remember but for the band as well.



The anticipation was high as the lights dimmed, casting long shadows across the eager faces of the crowd. Then, Windwaker erupted onto the stage, a torrent of sound and fury unleashed upon the packed venue. The opening chords of ‘Infinity’ from their latest album ignited a frenzy, sending a jolt of adrenaline through the crowd as frontman Liam Guinane launched himself into the fray.
The band tore through a blistering setlist, seamlessly weaving together fan favorites like ‘Superstitious Fantasy’ and ‘Beautiful’ from 2022’s ‘Love Language’ with the raw power of ‘Tabula Rasa’, ‘Venom’, ‘The Wall’ and ‘Break The Rules’ from their acclaimed Hyperviolence album. Guinane, a whirlwind of energy, commanded the stage with effortless charisma, his voice soaring and crashing like the waves themselves.



“Do you wanna hear a new song?” Guinane roared, a mischievous glint in his eye. The crowd erupted in a deafening cheer as the band launched into ‘Apathy’, a high-octane track that saw Guinane unleashing a flurry of dynamic stage moves. His vocal performance was nothing short of spectacular, showcasing a remarkable range and effortless control. The pit erupted into a chaotic frenzy during ‘Villain’ and ‘Venom’ a sea of bodies surging and colliding. Adding to the spectacle, Windwaker treated the crowd to an exclusive preview of ‘Arcane’, a new track from the upcoming Hyperviolence expansion pack slated for release on Valentine’s Day.
Justin Keurntjes’ guitar, a beacon of vibrant orange under the stage lights, beautifully glowing and matching his charasmatic performance. Drummer Chris Lalic and synthist Connor Robins, a picture of focused intensity, held down the rhythm section with relentless precision. Despite a minor setback – a leg brace adorning Robins’ leg – his performance was nothing short of exceptional. Indey Salvestro provided powerful backing vocals and thunderous bass lines, further solidifying the band’s dedication.


Liam announced, “This brings us to that part of the night, our last song,” prompting a collective groan from the disappointed crowd. However, Windwaker graciously obliged with an encore, treating the audience to a double with ‘The Wall’ and the epic ‘Sirens’, sending the crowd into a final wave of euphoria.
As the final notes reverberated through the venue and the lights came up, the energy lingered. This was no ordinary concert; it was an experience. Brisbane had witnessed a performance of raw power, infectious energy, and undeniable talent. With the rest of the tour now underway, it’s safe to say that the rest of Australia is in for a treat.