LIVE: Knotfest 2025

2 March 2025 – RNA Showgrounds, Brisbane – words by Cecilia Pattison-Levi – pictures by Tam Schilling

KnotFest 2025 at the Brisbane Showgrounds was a one-of-a-kind experience: bringing heavy back! There were walls of death, circle-pits, extreme moshing, crowd surfing both extreme and ordinary varieties, wafting smoke of various substances, ear-blasting acoustic trauma or catharsis (pick your poison!), a sweat-drenched crowd and heat affected musicians (this is Brisbane!), and it took place over a nine-and-a-half-hour marathon of band watching, headbanging, singing along and related activities – even Jesus was there and he was the first crowd surfer over the barrier. Did I make through? Just!

At the core of KnotFest is the American Iowa based metal band Slipknot who created the festival in 2012. Their live performances are legend and they still reign supreme as a pertinent and important band in the heavy metal rock world and culture after 25 years of delivering musical mayhem and catharsis. For KnotFest 2025, they have gathered 13 like-minded bands to deliver a day of pure musical chaos and a complete and magical experience for the fans and true believers of heavy rock and metal culture. The day ignited from the first band of the day and the fans couldn’t have been happier.

The action kicked off with promptly at 11:30 am and Sunami were ready to light the fuse of Brisbane KnotFest 2025. There bassline wall of sound hit like a punch and the day was off and running for the early risers at Stage 1. There was a good crowd of people for the bands who had the hardest job to open KnotFest 2025.

The Santa Fe based Sunami is an American hardcore heavy rock band. The band comprises of Josef Alfonso (vocals), Mike ‘Durt’ Durrett (guitar), Theo Dominguez (bass) and Benny Eissmann (drums) and they put on a “real bad shit” tongue in cheek opening set. Theo Dominguez bass playing was awesome the way he generated that huge driving sound. The music had lots of down-tuned riffs, riot-ready breakdowns and furious lyrics that packed a punch. Their great start had the crowd moshing and a circle pit opened by the second track.

Sunami have released three EPs and their debut self-titled album in 2023. And their music plays in the familiar low end guitar tone and big vocals that one would expect, but their beat variations and sense of humour were genuinely engaging to watch.  Sunami’s songs ‘No Heart’, ‘Think About It’, ‘Gate Crasher’, ‘Step Up’ and ‘Mind Your Business’ were great taster tracks for fans checking out the band for the first time and made long-time fans ecstatic. Sunamiplayed a great set and it was obvious that they have gained many fans today due to their authentic live shows. 

L-R Sunami – Vended – Knotfest Brisbane – photos by Tam Schilling

Vended

Then, it was a quick change of direction over to Stage 2, where Vended christened the stage with their first ever Brisbane gig on their first ever tour of Australia. Vended readied themselves – painted in blue warpaint like Pict warriors – they slammed into their first song ‘Nihilism’ with the most amazing headbanging choreography and the crowd joined them. Vended really served it up to the crowd. It was loud, it was hardcore, it was headbanging and in the heat the band started to melt. Fans were worried about the bands eyes as blue paint bled down faces and arms. But, Vended, led by Griffin Taylor (vocals) and Josh replacing Simon Crahan (drums), Jeremiah Pugh (bass), Cole Espeland (guitar) and Connor Grodzicki (guitar) just kept up the energy – to the point where Griffin Taylor was vomiting on stage and during a song – they just continued to pump out their nu-metal tunes with plenty of synchronised head-banging and hair-flicking. The band delivered their best track ‘Nihilism’ as the lead song and followed with ‘The Far Side’, ‘Am I the Only One’, ‘Where The Honesty Lies’ and ‘Asylum’.

Before reaching for the who’s who book shouting ‘nepo’: Yes. Griffin Taylor is Corey Taylor’s son and Simon Crahan is the son of Shawn “Clown” Crahan (but due to a family matter did not play in Brisbane). It is important to realise that Vended, as a band, have been performing for over 7 years together and they have released many singles, as well as an EP and a self-titled album Vended released late in 2024. Their bold, honest, passionate take on heavy rock music is the signal that a new generation like Sunami has arrived. Revolver heralded Vended “as one of 10 Bands Leading the New Wave of Nü-Metal” in 2024 and from their commitment to performance even when unwell earn that. Vended were impressive and their loyal fans loved them – and the bassist who did a ‘shoey’ became a legend. It was the only ‘shoey’ of the day.

May Miss I

Back to Stage 1, and Miss May I, the American heavy rock band from Troy, Ohio in the United States were up next. They have been a staple of the heavy rock and metal music scene since their formation in 2007. Miss May I have a reputation of bringing blistering old-school thrash metal and big headbanging sets to crowds of fans, but what I liked was the melodic undertones to their songs. The bassist Ryan Neff has a fantastic voice and his bass work was superb. The band had the circle pit going from the first song and the fans at the Brisbane Showgrounds were bouncing. 

Miss May I’s musical style mixes melodic heavy rock, with metal combined with riffs from hardcore punk. The band that comprises of Levi Benton (vocals), Jerod Boyd (drums), Ryan Neff (bass) and Elisha Mullins (guitar) and they delivered great tracks like ‘Hey Mister’, ‘Under Fire’, their first single ‘Forgive and Forget’, ‘Bleed Together’ and ‘Shadows Inside’. During the performance in Brisbane Miss May I really had a deep connection with their fans as the delivered their tight set. The band’s albums ‘Apologies for the Weak’, ‘At Heart’, ‘Rise of the Lion’, ‘Deathless,’ and ‘Curse of Existence’ are worth exploring for the way the band pair uncompromising heavy sonic sounds with melodic heft. 

L-R Miss May I – Health – Knotfest Brisbane – photos by Tam Schilling

HEALTH

The Los Angeles based industrial noise rock band HEALTH’s live set was unique on Stage 2. I thought this band were very clever and innovative in how they make heavy rock music. HEALTH, as a three-piece band, comprises of musicians: Benjamin Jared Miller, Jake Duzsik and John Famiglietti. They put on an impressive set of industrial techno pair with heavy rock music songs. The lead singer had the most extraordinary and lovely voice. It contrasted to the driving basslines, drums and synths which made HEALTH’s performance so different.

HEALTH put on a masterclass in heavy industrial music; all set to the haunting vocal tones of Jake Duzsik. HEALTH’s seven song setlist brought the heavy sound with ‘Crack Metal’ setting the tone. Then, HEALTH followed up with ‘Hateful’, ‘New Coke’ and Future Of Hell’. Their pulsing basslines, churning guitars, twisted synths and ponderous drums thundered through their songs and out over the Brisbane Showgrounds. The delivery of ‘Major Crimes’, ‘Feel Nothing’ and ‘DSM-V’ finished off their set. HEALTH delivered a huge sonic punch of sound to the crowd – it was experimental and dystopian – and that feedback off the drums – was really amazing to watch. 

In Hearts Wake

Stage 1 hosted Byron Bay’s In Hearts Wake and this band were very popular with the crowd. They brought plenty of energy early in the day, including some on-stage dancers who were very good. In Heart’s Wake had a tumultuous year in 2024 but now their band line-up has now stabilised to: Jake Taylor (vocals), Eaven Dall (guitar), Ben Nairne (guitar/bass) and Conor Ward (drums). The band’s music was big, heavy and very heavy! Their music was a fusion that combines elements of extreme metal and hardcore punk in style.

In Hearts Wake had the crowd surfers going and one guy did a complete header and the whole of the venue had a bit of a laugh. The band had a great back drop of videos that framed their melodic and hard-hitting sounds. I found In Hearts Wake lyricism and messaging really positive as they covered big themes about social and environmental justice into their music. In Heart’s Wake delivered songs ‘The Flood (ǝɔᴉʇsnɾ)’, ‘Hellbringer’, ‘Earthwalker’, ‘Worldwide Suicide’ and ‘Orphan (lᴉʌǝp ǝɥʇ)’. In Hearts Wake’s delivered a really compelling performance.

L-R In Hearts Wake – Hatebreed – Knotfest Brisbane – photos by Tam Schilling

Hatebreed

Connecticut’s Hatebreed live shows have a bit of a reputation for getting pretty rowdy – they definitely bring out a lot of the hardcore types and from looking around the crowd at Stage 2 – that was pretty right. It was also right that the circle pit and frenetic moshing started immediately. Hatebreed whipped the huge crowd into a frenzy of headbanging – if they were moshing already. Hatebreed had a huge fan base. They have just celebrated their 30th anniversary together as a band. 

Hatebreed’s band line-up has changed over the years, with their eight albums, as members have come and gone. The current members are: Jamey Jasta, Matt Byrne, Frank Novinec and Wayne Lozinak. They played a 11 song setlist that included in the first half of their performance: ‘Proven’, ‘Perseverance’, ‘As Diehard as They Come’, ‘Before Dishonor’ and ‘Destroy Everything’. Then, after the “ball of death” bounced its way around the crowd, the band delivered the second part of the set of songs: ‘Empty Promises’, ‘I Will Be Heard’, ‘A Call for Blood’, ‘Tear It Down’, ‘Looking Down the Barrel of Today’ and ‘Last Breath’. It was a wild set! It ended with a Mexican wave which the guy next to said: that was pretty cool!”.

Enter Shikari

Rock legends Enter Shikari are a British band formed in St Albans in 1999 and they rocked Stage 1. They delivered an eleven-set song list of: ‘Bloodshot’, ‘The Dreamer’s Hotel’, ‘Arguing With Thermometers’, ‘Destabilise’, their huge hit ‘Sorry, You’re Not A Winner’ from their 2007 debut album Take To The Skies, ‘The Last Garrison’, ‘Goldfĭsh’, ‘The Jester’, ‘Mothership’ and ‘A Kiss for the Whole World’. Their live set was energetic and they put on a visually stunning performance through their use of video clips and the movement and dancing of the band members on stage. Enter Shikari are known for their unique sound, which blends techno, dub, pop, and trance with metal and punk rock. Their music was also very tuneful and distinctly English.

Enter Shikari’s melodic heavy rock got the crowd bouncing along even though it took a few songs before the crowd were really into the set, but when they did the whole place was bouncing along. Enter Shikari have essentially created their own “electronicore” genre and they are the pioneers of this type of music. And, when the band said “We are going back in time to 1999” and the crowd followed. There was one odd moment when the lead vocalist did lie down off stage as he was suffering from the heat. But he and the band didn’t stop and finished delivering a unique set. I really enjoyed watching the skill and difference in the musicality of Enter Shikari especially when the introduced trumpet to their sound palate. The crowd loved it! The band’s lyricism has a strong political and social commentary style that I liked as well.

L-R Enter Shikari – Within Temptation – Knotfest Brisbane – photos by Tam Schilling

Within Temptation

Up on Stage 2 next was the internationally renowned Dutch band, Within Temptation, that I was so excited to see them live. Within Temptation are a six-piece band is comprised of: Sharon den Adel (vocals), Jeroen van Veen(bass), Ruud Jolie (lead guitarist), Mike Coolen (drums), Stefan Helleblad (guitar/vocals) and Robert Westerholt(guitar) but he does not tour with the band at live gigs.

How good were Within Temptation? So good! It was the band’s first visit and tour to Australia and they delivered a high-class fusion of heavy classy rock. Within Temptation delivered their massive symphonic atmospheric and melodic soundscapes with an eight song setlist. They played a range of songs from their broad back catalogue of eight studio albums. The songs were: ‘We Go to War’, ‘Bleed Out’, ‘Wireless’, ‘Paradise (What About Us?)’, ‘Faster’, ‘The Reckoning’, ‘Supernova’ and ‘Mother Earth’.

Within Temptation’s set was amazing, especially at the start, when Jeroen Van Veen’s bass rumbled as Sharon den Adel emerged in a mask and delivered ‘We Go To War’. It was such an impactful message and statement about what is going on in parts of Europe. I was really touched by the beautiful way they handled the sensitivity of the issues around the downing of MH17 and the deaths of all the Dutch and Australian citizens. 

There are very few bands that have had such an illustrious career as Within Temptation. The band was founded in 1996 Sharon den Adel and Robert Westerholt. They band have been performing and recording for 26 years and on the performance given at KnotFest 2025, there are no signs of them slowing down. Thanks to their focus and determination, the Dutch band have always been able to avoid the pitfalls of a profoundly changing music industry. With the release of their eighth studio album ‘Bleed Out’ in late 2024, it is clear that they are not afraid of taking new musical paths. Just awesome!

Slaughter To Prevail

Okay. So, this performance by Slaughter To Prevail was difficult for me and for others in the crowd and there was a fair bit chat and debate about the wisdom of this line up. I must admit I was a bit conflicted about the band being here due to the war in Ukraine, it is hard to separate music and politics especially culture as that is what KnotFest is all about. But let’s keep things factual. 

Next on to Stage 1 was the Russian band originally from Yekaterinburg, now based in Orlando, Florida, Slaughter To Prevail. They proved to be huge crowd favourites. There were a few technical difficulties at the start to their set which caused a few issues but they were soon sorted. When they did start, the band unleashed with a brutal set of tracks.  

The band delivered their popular songs ‘Bonebreaker’, ‘Baba Yaga’, ‘Conflict’, ‘Koschi’, ‘Viking’, ‘Bratva’, ‘Grizzly’, ‘Behelit’, ‘Kid Of Darkness’ and ‘Demolisher’ . Slaughter To Prevail do not mess about with niceties. Their brutal metalcore style of music took no prisoners with the ensuing circle pit going off. The crowd loved it. Slaughter To Prevail have a powerful stage presence dressed in their silver masks and the intense energy of their fans is amazing to witness. 

L-R Slaughter to Prevail – Polaris – Knotfest Brisbane – photos by Tam Schilling

Polaris

From the moment Polaris stepped on Stage 2, everyone knew the Sydney based band were about to shake up the day with their high energy set and genuine crowd engagement. Polaris are heavy rock or metalcore band that comprises of Jamie Hails, Daniel Furnari, Rick Schneider and Jake Steinhauser. They wasted no time with their set as a massive burst of black streamers exploded over the crowd during the opening track ‘Nightmare’ and they followed it up with the one-two punch of ‘Dissipate’ and huge singalong track ‘The Remedy’.

Polaris delivered a commanding set in the late afternoon with tracks like ‘All Of This Is Fleeting’, ‘Masochist’ and ‘Landmine’ from their 2020 release The Death Of Me. ‘Inhumane’ and ‘Overflow’ were performed and are tracks from their album ‘Fatalism’ and that they also played ‘Lucid’ from their 2017 debut album The Mortal Coil. This gave older and newer fans a broad range of songs from their growing back catalogue.

Polaris set was exciting to watch with the wall of death being done for the first time in the day. There were multiple circle pits going off. Jesus was back again and crowd surfing to the front and into the arms of the security guards. Flame cannons were going off and the crowd was in heavy rock heaven.

BABYMETAL

Then, it was over to Stage 1 for BABYMETAL where J-pop meets metal and choreography ensues. BABYMETAL is like all things Japanese in my house – revered! The band is a Japanese kawaii metal band consisting of Suzuka Nakamoto (Su-metal), Moa Kikuchi (Moametal) and Momoko Okazaki (Momometal). I can’t remember who first played ‘Give Me Chocolate’ all those years ago: was it me? My kids? Or our Japanese exchange students (now my other kids)? I am sure I had it on in the car first to the delight of my adopted Japanese children as they thought Australians would all be old and not with it – but BABYMETAL ended that stereotype! 

It was a real treat that I got to see BABYMETAL play live. It was like an anime fever dream about galaxies far, far away and foxes with metal heroes and souls. When, the music started, the band delivered a ten-song setlist that commenced with their unique arrival on stage to ‘BABYMETAL DEATH’ before they launched into ‘Distortion’. From the outset of their staged performance, the energy that BABYMETAL possesses is amazing to witness. They move elegantly and gracefully across the stage commanding every single part of it with ease and power.

BABYMETAL’s set was a high-tempo barrage, even without the singing or playing of instruments, their dancing was captivating. The choreography and timing were delivered with military precision. Even if this is not your thing, the quality of BABYMETAL’s set was a real showcase for the fans. It was really good when they played: ‘Megitsune’, ‘Karate’, ‘RATATATA’ that they recorded with Electric Callboy, ‘PA PA YA!!’, ‘Give Me Chocolate!!’ and the set ending finale of ‘Road of Resistance’ where they put up the band name in the Australian flag. So interesting that I am off to The Fort to see them again. Fu Fu Fu!

L-R Babymetal – A Day to Remember – Knotfest Brisbane – photos by Tam Schilling

A Day To Remember

It was a dash to the stands, as Stage 2 was completely full of people, packed in to see A Day To Remember (ADTR). What a fantastic set ADTR put on! It was classy and authentic. The crowd was a full singing voice volume right from the first note. Their performance included a 16 song setlist, with three confetti cannon showers, a cover of Marshmello’s ‘Rescue Me’ and their second-last track was the acoustic-driven ballad ‘If It Means A Lot To You’ that front man Jeremy McKinnon declared was likely to be “the softest song to ever be played before a Slipknot show” and had women in the crowd crying. That was true!

ADTR delivered their big hits such as: ‘The Downfall Of Us All’, ‘All I Want’, ‘2nd Sucks’ and ‘I’m Made of Wax, Larry, What Are You Made Of?’ and of course ‘Paranoia’. The crowd at the Brisbane Showgrounds were bouncing. I am sure seismic activity was probably recorded! It really was a “let’s get ready to rumble” concert. There were Angus Young dance moves on stage, multiple circle pits that looked insane. Also, the crowd surfing surfer challenge which was difficult and so funny to watch – only one pair made it to security. Well done to them! There were death pit balls flying around and fans were urge to put someone on their shoulders which led to flashing – but the best flashers was that young guy. Too funny!

ADTR are fantastic musicians and performers and they play with varying sounds and tones. They can switch from loud and heavy, to smooth and slow, within a song. The delivery of the ballad ‘If It Means A Lot To You’ was a highlight. It was impressive and wonderful to hear. Towards the end of ADTR’s set, I knew things were about to go off. And, sure enough, when the fans heard the line: “I hate this town, it’s so washed up” – The Brisbane Showground crowd erupted as the song ‘All Signs Point To Lauderdale’ wailed across the venue, with streamers being thrown across the crowd and the crowd were yelling back the lyrics to ADTR. Then, confetti cannons went off, more streamers fell from the sky and the incredibly tight set was over.

Slipknot

Arriving on stage to ‘Dream Weaver’, a green lit stage 1 and electric bleeps: brought a giggle out of me and a flash back thought to Wayne’s World. And, I think it was an intentional nod to Slipknot’s longevity as a band and to the age of their fans both heading into middle age. The Iowa masked metal performers closed KnotFest 2025 with a high-powered assault on the senses with a nightmare theatre and industrial level headbanging. They proved why they remain one of heavy metal’s most iconic live acts and showed everyone else how it should be done. 

Slipknot – Knotfest Brisbane – photos by Tam Schilling

Slipknot delivered to their loyal fan base and performed ‘Sic’, ‘People = Shit’, before treating the crowd to ‘Gematria (The Killing Name)’ from the band’s platinum-certified 2008 album ‘All Hope Is Gone’. Their 16 song setlist delivered a career-spanning collection of hits that included: ‘Wait And Bleed’, ‘The Devil In I’, ‘Yen’, ‘Unsainted’, ‘Psychosocial’ and the fabulous ‘Duality’ ending out the regular set. 

Slipknot’s encore was spectacular for fans with ‘Spit It Out’, ‘Surfacing’ and the evening ending ‘Scissors’ all played with skill and energy. Fans may have noticed the absence of percussionist M. Shawn “Clown” Crahan, who missed this performance due to a family emergency, but Slipknot are bigger than one person and the band carried on to deliver a truly memorable performance. It was noise and fury – delivered with skill.

KnotFest 2025 was a huge day with 13 very different bands showing the diversity and a range of heavy rock musical styles. There was something for everyone and that’s what made the day so special. To those fans that went the extra mile to involve themselves with the music and bands performing – you made the day so worth it!