» Health at Crowbar, Sydney – review and photos Something You Said

Health at Crowbar, Sydney – review and photos

June 23, 2023

Off the back of their enigmatic Dark Mofo appearance, Health – the LA-based industrial rock band – made their highly-anticipated return to Sydney, their first visit back to the country since 2016. Known for their experimental music and increasingly dark trajectory, the band’s headline shows in Brisbane and Sydney featured some special guests.

First up was Z-Cluster from Sydney, comprised of INfest8 & Sai Jaiden Lillith. Based in Sydney, their undeniable creative chemistry and mutual love of gloomy rock, industrial and esoterica have found an outlet in their blended industrial stage shows. If you are a fan of NIN then this music will be for you.

Second up was Striborg, a self-described Autistic Blackwave / DSBM Artist who’s lyrics reveal a fascination with forests, darkness, night, misanthropy and death, which he explores through dark ambient synth-pop and black metal. With an impressive 30 album back catalogue, just close your eyes, let yourself sink in deeper, and it will all make sense.

Finally – at 10pm, the crowd was heated and ready for the main event. We revelled in a 20 track set list, with songs from spanning albums and lighting that elevated their dark and atmospheric themes, showcasing their ability to create intense and cathartic experiences that transcend a live gig experience. Rooted in LA’s underground noise and experimental scene, Health have garnered attention for their unpredictable and aggressive performances.

Initially embraced by the hipster indie press, their dark sound and aesthetic set them apart from their peers. Health’s recent album series, ‘Disco4,’ released in 2020 and 2022, showcases their ability to collaborate with a diverse range of artists spanning heavy, hip-hop, and electronic music genres. Their contributions to the Cyberpunk 2077 soundtrack and their engaging online presence have further propelled their popularity. Collaborating with notable bands like Deftones, vocalists like Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails), Randy Blythe (Lamb of God) & Ho99o9 to name a few, has resulted their music has found true resonance with the metal community.

Their journey from scrappy underground recordings to scoring a major video game and embracing elements of dubstep and EDM has led them to develop a truly unique “neo-industrial” sound. While their evolution has on occasion clashed wildly with critics, Health remains dedicated to making heavy music that connects with fans on a much deeper, spiritual level. And as the gig drew on, the room literally pulsated with a palpable energy, a testament to the connection between Health and their devoted followers.

As the final notes echoed through the venue, the band took their bows, sweat-soaked and exhilarated. They had once again proven that their evolution as artists was not only daring but undeniably authentic. Leaving the venue, we carried with us an unforgettable experience, forever imprinted by the visceral power of Health’s performance. As we stepped out into the night, hearts still pounding, it’s clear that Health’s return to Australia had been nothing short of a triumph.