This glorious last day of Summer stared out before gates opened with an invitation to view and visit the Slipknot Museum. The Museum itself is nothing new to the festival. Last year I was also invited to view pieces of the band history up close and personal. It really is a unique experience. The ability to see the evolution of the band in this way is so special. Having visited the Museum last year I was excited to see what had been added and what I hadn’t seen before. While the iconic masks made their return, as well as a selection of album awards and how could they not. There were sets of jumpsuits from years gone by that you could see and feel. Drumkits we hadn’t seen before, original stage fans and props and a road case full of special moments over the years, magazine covers, guitars, road cases and speaker cabinets. There was so much to look at and the simple ability to just revisit the history of the iconic mask evolution was amazing. The longer you looked the more you discovered. The guitar stations returned where you could play your favourite riffs using the iconic Slipknot tones and sound. The Museum I definitely recommend regardless of the level of knowledge of the band, seeing these pieces really does connect you. I will be back for 2026’s museum to revisit the centre pieces and see what new surprises they have in store for us.
Just as we exited the museum the guys from Sunami were doing their line checks as they were the first band for the day. Hailing from San Jose, California this hardcore quartet set the tone for today with their brash style of hardcore mixed with a hint of metal ore wasted no time in whipping the strong early crowd encouraging a circle pit to start just two songs in. I wasn’t aware of these guys at all. I occasionally and quite intentionally leave bands to surprise me when I’m going to see them live.
The bands frontman showed an intensity that you would come to expect from a hardcore band however the rest of the band seemed a little intimidated by the big stage. However, their music spoke to the masses and hit the spot. It was evident from the start that today was not going to be gentle on the ears of the crowd who were ready to go hard and embraced the spirit of things early.
Sunami Gallery
Next up was Vended, now this band has quite the stir and story behind them. Two thirds of this band are Slipknot members children. Frontman Griffin Taylor (Corey Taylor’s Son) holds so many of his father’s traits when it comes to performing. The stance, the attitude and spirit is exactly the same and god damn can this kid sing. I had so much fun watching this guy do his thing. The other Slipknot offspring Drummer Simon Crahan (Son of Clown) unfortunately wasn’t able to make the trip down under due to a family emergency, but his replacement did a stellar job. Guitarist Cole Espeland is just so much fun to watch and listen to his performance and attitude are just perfect for the project and last but not least how could I forget Bassist Jeremiah Pugh.
Pugh in a half mask ala Hannibal Lecter let his playful kind of twisted personality shine through and was amazing to watch. Second guitarist Connor Grodzicki really fleshed out the band’s sound with some really tight rhythm playing. Their style of music is Nu-Metal it’s loud, brash and in your face. This band will be sure to blow up in the next twelve months or so, I can sense something really big to come from these guys. They set the bar high early as they simply blew me away and the building crowd certainly loved them. Even at two bands in I can tell Vended are going to be one of the highlights of today.
Vended Gallery
Miss May I were today’s first taste of that super heavy down tuned melodic metalcore that seemed to have a bit of a spotlight put on it at Knotfest 2025. Frontman and unclean vocalist Levi Benton owned that stage today. He prowled and growled his way across the stage delivering some really great guttural vocal parts. The clean vocal parts came from Bassist Ryan Neff who gave all the right light to the shade of Benton. Musically this band was on fire and certainly got a couple of circle pits happening again firing up the still building crowd. While I’m typically not a massive fan of metal core Miss May I were on point and offered something very special in their set today.
Miss May I Gallery
The first change in style came from Health a band until today I was completely unaware of. This LA based American trio instantly reminded me of a cross between Nine Inch Nails and Placebo, both bands that tick so many boxes for me. Health I wouldn’t call industrial but would certainly place them in the realms of experimental, electronic based rock that played with industrial ideals. Frontman and guitarist Jake Duzsik simply captivated me with his voice and vocal delivery. Tied to his microphone for the majority of the set the performance visually felt a little flat with bassist/keyboard player John Famiglietti attempting to add a visual element to the show with head windmills and an almost compensatory stage presence.
From that standpoint I found the band to feel a little stale visually after a few songs. Having said that Health were an incredible listen, their songs just drew you in and took you to another place. Musically and sonically, they were sensational and one of the best take aways from the day for me. I have become a fan since the show devouring their back catalogue. If nothing else, you need to check this band out. Health solidified the importance of festivals like Knotfest because you never know what you will find
Health Gallery
The first Australian act of the day In Hearts Wake simply ramped up things again. This Byron Bay quartet lifted the lid on something very special today. Metalcore by genre definition but In Hearts Wake offer so much more, they sit in a realm of almost touching on Nu-metal at times. Powerful, pit frenzy inciting fun is the best way I can describe this band, they are simply a powerhouse wall of sonic energy and didn’t the crowd just make the most out of every breakdown and opportunity to wreak havoc in the pit.
In Hearts Wake were truly the first band to really stir up some great circle pit work resulting many surfing their way to the front. It was exhausting watching both the crowd and the band. A special appearance by Polaris frontman Jamie Hails on ‘Hellbringer’ sent the crowd wild as did Ryan Neff, Miss May I’s bass player on ‘Earthwalker’. Set closer ‘Orphan’ was incredible.
In Hearts Wake Gallery
There were a couple of bucket list bands on today’s line up for me, one of those was Hatebreed. To think this band only last year celebrated their thirtieth anniversary is hard to grasp, where the hell did the time go?
How were they you ask? Simply incredible, they were everything I had expected them to be and then some. Hatebreed’s set was a punch in the face and a kick to the guts that made you feel alive; you felt this set of songs which was heavily built from the band’s first two albums. Heavy, aggressive and just an absolute great time and boy oh boy did Melbourne embrace this set.
Defying the normal Hatebreed instead of the Wall Of Death had the Ball Of Death an at least 10 foot tall ball beach ball was unleashed on the crowd as it was punched and passed over the crowd for the final couple of songs. Such a fun thing to do. Hatebreed’s set clocked in at forty-five minutes of sheer power aggression and pure fun. I hope they make their way back to Australia soon. In all honesty I think that Hatebreed’s set was too early in the day, maybe that was a clever ploy to get ticket holders to leave work and get here early. None the less we were treated to an amazing set and the crowd just loved it.
Hatebreed Gallery
What can I say about Enter Shikari other than what a band, what a vibe and what an energy. Their super unique combination of hardcore, alternative rock and electronic music give them such an incredible sound. Having a frontman Rou Reynolds is just so much fun to watch as he never stops working the stage. As a matter of fact the whole band just gave their everything on the stage today.
The bands ten song set was condensed greatest hits set making room for three songs from their 2023 album “A Kiss For The Whole World”. Enter Shikari had me basking in the glory of their set and quickly became another highlight of the day.
Enter Shikari Gallery
For the first time in twenty years Within Temptation took to the stage in Australia. Within Temptation were another of those bucket list bands on the Knotfest line up for many including myself. From the bands start as a gothic and symphonic metal roots the band has evolved into one of the world’s finest modern metal bands. Their sound and styles today really know no boundaries they aren’t afraid to venture into qualities of other metal sub genres while remaining themselves. Let’s face it this band know how to write some incredible songs and today was a showcase of that.
Vocalist Sharon Den Adel graced the stage in a flowing black skirt, gold corset and a magnificent two-piece steampunk and stud inspired head wear. Visually captivating, energetic and fun, the technical ability of this band is off the charts and Den Adel’s voice, oh my god was sublime. Within Temptation should be household names, musically they have that broad appeal and live are one of the best bands I have witnessed. They loved being here too with all members having the time of their lives on stage.
Within Temptation Gallery
Slaughter To Prevail for me sit at the pinnacle of the deathcore genre. This is the second time I have seen them and within moments the intensity they deliver is formidable. All initially wearing their Kid of Darkness masks frontman Alex Terribles mask different bone coloured with bloody teeth versus the rest of the bands silver masks give the band a visual presence that is undeniable. From the moment they started playing the crowd frenzied, Slaughter To Prevail are clearly one of todays biggest draw cards. Within moments fans were being passed over the barrier into the photo pit as they were passed forward. The crowd from where I was seemed relentless and full of action. Let’s face it they had a soundtrack that just inspires intensity and the urge to release in the way only a metal community can.
The bands paused mid set as there was a medical situation in the audience and respectfully the band left the stage for medics to do their thing and ensure the fan go the right care. This cut the bands set short by about 10mins and resulted in dropping a couple of songs. Upon the bands return to the stage the free for all continued in the crowd with circle pits growing in size and intensity. I’m not a massive fan of the deathcore genre but do enjoy the odd blast every now and again. As I mentioned earlier Slaughter To Prevail are at the top of this genre. Live they give their all with so much energy and intensity. Being in the crowd during a Slaughter To Prevail set isn’t for the faint of heart, the raw and organic energy this band incites is incredible. A Slaughter To Prevail show is a must experience set, fan of the genre or not they will suck you in and spit you out, but what a great time it is.
Slaughter To Prevail Gallery
It’s always great to see homegrown talent take a prime spot on an international festival bill. Polaris have worked their asses off to become one of this countries most revered bands, their growth and domination of the metalcore scene here in Australia is so well deserved. While it has been a little over 5 years since I last saw the band they looked so at home on the big stage as opposed to the much more intimate venue I first saw them in. Today they delivered the same energy and the same intensity as I remember.
Vocalist and Frontman Jamie Hails is so damn engaging. How Hails is able to be understated, fun and intense all at the same time is something to behold. It’s been quite a ride following this band through its evolution and todays set showcased no less than five songs from the bands 2023 album ‘Fatalism’. Polaris judging by the crowd were a huge draw to the Knotfest lineup and their presence on the bill was certainly appreciated. Polaris brought the heat in more than one way too. Fireballs coming from the stage were intense and simply added to the heat the band brought musically. This was a set that will remain etched in my memory for quite some time and I can’t wait to catch them again and have this memory updated.
Polaris Gallery
Now here is probably the most controversial part of my review; BABYMETAL. How and why is this band so huge? What am I missing? I have unfortunately never connected with the band and what they do.
Seeing them live today I had hoped that this would change my perception and answer the above questions. Maybe today the penny would finally drop for me and they would make sense and win me over. My first impression of their masked band was damn these guys can play and musically I connected, this was a huge positive for me. The three girls that are BABYMETAL took to the stage and from here the show simply lost me, I was left scratching my head again. The vocals and choreographed performance enhanced nothing for me, if anything it made me study the three voices of this band, were they live? Was it a taped illusion where the show was intended to distract us all from that? I still can’t figure it out. Sonically as voices they grate against me, much like listening to Yoko Ono at her most eclectic, nails on a chalkboard. But what do I know?
As cute as it might be it just doesn’t hold any weight or impact with me. It’s a bad Eurovision/Disney collaboration at its best. The band were the saving grace and the only thing that made this set remotely interesting. Sorry but BABYMETAL isn’t for this guy, however thousands of others in attendance would argue this. Today I saw something of a phenomenon in the crowd’s reaction to BABYMETAL yet I am still left scratching my head about it all. Hopefully BABYMETAL will become Teenmetal soon and with that deliver something with a little more edge, attitude, substance and angst.
BABYMETAL Gallery
If there ever was a band that could lift my spirits again it would have to be A Day To Remember. From the streamers and confetti of the opening song to the continuous and intense balls of flame that rose from the stage we were given a seventy-minute set of punk-pop anthems that deliver a harder punch.
In the words of vocalist Jeremy McKinnon, ‘We have been hired to warm you all up for the mighty Slipknot, how are we doing?’ The near capacity crowd roared back. A Day To Remember were Knotfest’s biggest party. I love how these Australian festival bills know how to place some great bands who truly do know how to get a crowd revved up. In saying that the band delivered a set that united the crowd.
How can you not have fun at a ADTR show. It’s simply impossible. Just when you think the budget had to be blown given the volume of of confetti used there was more, then there were the rolls of toilet paper launched from the stage that were also directed back at the stage only to be thrown out again. This set had quickly become my favourite performance of the day.
Eight hours into Knotfest I found a fresh reserve of energy A Day To Remember remedied a tiring, sunburnt body and turned it into one that just embraced the great time that today was.
A Day To Remember Gallery
The anticipation for Slipknot was insane, this is my first time seeing them live and for me they were the main drawcard upon first hearing of the line up. While for all purposes this should have been a twenty fifth anniversary tour set, we were treated to the first show of a new set. But first how do you cram a twenty-five-year career into just under two hours? The setlist selection must have been agonising for the band. In honour of the debut album and its anniversary, the set was stacked with six songs from the debut, which in many ways gave us the best of both worlds the last tour with a fresh approach. What I loved about tonight’s set is that it not only delivered the hits and well know songs, but it also dove really deep in giving us the live debut of “Gematria” and the show closing deep cut of “Scissors”.
Unfortunately, on this run of shows Shawn “Clown” Crahan was absent due to a family emergency as frontman Corey Taylor asked us all to send positive thoughts to Clown and his family.
Hearing the crowd sing back every word was chilling, seeing the energy and intensity of the pit was insane, the feeling at Flemington Racecourse was very united. There was something in the air tonight that I hadn’t felt at a festival before. There was such a broad sense of community here tonight.
The biggest take away from Slipknots set was that the deliver one hell of a show. They don’t need pyro, confetti or elaborate stage effects, they are able to deliver a dynamic performance that is so engaging within itself. Musically and visually; the sheer energy and organised chaos of their live performance is everything you could ever need. Team that up with some incredible musicianship and a frontman that has become a favourite of mine whether it be solo or in Slipknot and you have something that is a spectacle.
I have to say I loved the flow of today. The team at Destroy All Lines delivered a near perfect festival experience. From the precision execution of the stage schedules to the visual and audio production being consistently great throughout the day the new positioning of the stages worked really well. Two stages work so well and obviously eliminates clashes and took away the FOMO element of the day.
With the rapid fire deliver of sets, I did feel for those who lined up for merch in lines that seemed to grow and go forever and must have taken more time waiting in line than a bands set to make a purchase. Man, they must have sold a ton of merch which is great for all involved. For me today was all about the music and the performances, I couldn’t chance missing out on soaking up the atmosphere of what was happening on the stages, as a result I didn’t visit the merch stands for a closer look at all that was on offer.
The food vendors were great with an amazing selection on offer. They layout was well thought this year. My only complaint for the day was that there needed to be more shelter on site, a scattering of picnic bench seats with umbrellas isn’t enough and the VIP and accessible viewing platforms were open with no shelter. That can certainly be improved upon for next year.
When it comes to summing up the day’s performance, Knotfest was a metal festival at its core, it was true, focused and drew together a very obvious metal community. Regardless of what your flavour of metal is, it was here today. If you were like me, you came away with much more than you bargained for. I honestly can’t say it enough, but when you have these kinds of line ups make sure you get there early and check out as many bands as you can, you never know when you might just find your new favourite band. I walked away as a new fan of Vended and Health, both bands will be on heavy rotation for some time I think.
Today exceeded expectations, thank you Knotfest and all the moving parts that made it work. Bring on Knotfest 2026.
With many thanks to Destroy All lines & Dallas does PR for Media Accreditation
Dont forget theres still time to catch Knotfest in Sydney! Grab your tickets HERE
All Images Gallery
