Knotfest Sydney – review and photos

Knotfest Sydney kicked off with a bang as King Parrot were first to perform, they delivered a loud, fun, high-energy performance that got the crowd pumped up while setting the tone for the event. Brand of Sacrifice followed with an intense, heavy sound that kept the momentum going. Windwaker brought their unique blend of melody and aggression, captivating the audience with their dynamic performance.

Next up were Sydney’s own Speed and they did not disappoint. Speed’s performance at Knotfest was a hardcore onslaught, delivering relentless energy and fierce passion to the crowd. Their intense sound and stage presence left a lasting impression on the audience. 

Skindred‘s fusion of reggae and metal was a refreshing change of pace, getting everyone grooving to their infectious beats. Frontman Benji is captivating and comical, readily engaging the crowd with his energetic performance and provoking enthusiastic participation from the audience. 

Escape the Fate kept pushed energy levels high with their anthemic tunes, they delivered a great performance, showcasing their blend of post-hardcore and metalcore with precision and passion.

Thy Art is Murder delivered a brutal and intense performance, new frontman Tyler Miller commanded the stage with raw aggression and energy. The crowd erupted into brutal mosh pits and a massive wall of death, amplifying the band’s ferocious presence.

Wage War continued the onslaught with their crushing riffs and powerful vocals, keeping the adrenaline pumping. Their tight instrumentals and intense vocals created a captivating atmosphere, making them a noticeable act of the event.

Asking Alexandria smoothly delivered a stellar high-powered performance, showcasing their versatility with a mix of heavy riffs and melodic hooks. Frontman Danny Worsnop’s vocals seamlessly transitioned between clean, melodic singing and aggressive, throaty screams.

The Hu‘s performance at Knotfest was nothing short of mesmerising, blending traditional Mongolian instruments with heavy metal in a truly unique way. The lead singer’s distinctive voice added an extra layer of intensity to their performance, captivating the audience from start to finish. The crowd was buzzing with excitement, fully immersed in The Hu’s captivating fusion of ancient and modern musical elements.

Halestorm were one of the day’s highlights delivering a powerhouse of rock energy, led by the amazing and alluring frontwoman Lizzy Hale. Her vocals were nothing short of extraordinary, effortlessly hitting high notes and commanding the stage with confidence. The band’s music style, characterized by hard-hitting riffs and catchy melodies, resonated with the audience, especially when they played fan favourites like “I Miss the Misery”, “Love Bites (So Do I)” and “Feak Like Me”.

Lamb of God, seasoned veterans of the metal scene, delivered a masterclass in heavy music at Knotfest. Their performance showcased their immense experience, with tight musicianship and stage presence. Their signature blend of groove metal and thrash was executed flawlessly, with each member demonstrating their exceptional skill on their respective instruments. Vocally, Randy Blythe demonstrated his versatile voice, showing his range from guttural screams, aggressive growls, and melodic singing. The band have a commanding presence on stage and a great rapport with the audience.

From the thunderous drumming to the precise guitar work and powerful vocals, Lamb of God proved why they are regarded as one of the best in the business.

Disturbed, the penultimate band of the evening, took to stage and delivered a formidable performance. 

The band’s vocalist, David Draiman, effortlessly combined his impressive vocal range with a masterful stage presence, captivating the crowd from start to finish. 

Disturbed’s setlist included a mix of their biggest hits and fan favourites, keeping the audience engaged and singing along throughout the performance. From their excellent cover of the emotionally charged ‘The Sound of Silence’ to a spellbinding duet with Halestorms Lizzy Hale on ‘Don’t Tell Me’, the set was an outstanding selection of the bands long and varied catalogue. The highlight of the show was undoubtedly their performance of “Down with the Sickness,” which had the entire crowd jumping and singing along.

The band’s musicianship was top-notch, with each member delivering tight and powerful performances. Overall, Disturbed’s performance at Knotfest was a testament to their status as one of the leading bands in the rock genre, leaving fans eagerly anticipating their next tour.

The main event of the festival was one brimming with excitement, evidently a lot of fans had been waiting a very long time to see Pantera perform live.

Their headline performance was a powerful and emotional experience. At various times throughout the set, using a combination of music and video, the band paid heartfelt tributes to former members Vinnie Paul and Dimebag Darrell, both of whom are sadly no longer with us. 

Phil Anselmo commanded the stage throughout with his imposing presence and excellent vocal performance. Despite the passing years, Anselmo’s vocal prowess remains formidable. The front man delivered each lyric with conviction and precision. His aptitude to convey the passion and aggression of the music resonated with the audience cementing him as one of metals great vocalists.

Rex Brown on Bass delivered a stellar performance, anchoring the band’s sound with authority. His basslines were tight and driving, providing a solid foundation for the band’s heavy riffs and intense rhythm.

Zakk Wylde’s has been touring as stand-in for Dimebag Darrell. Wylde’s guitar work was both a tribute to Dimebag’s legacy and a showcase of his own virtuosity. He perfectly performed Dimebag’s iconic riffs and solos, staying true to the original sound of Pantera while adding his own flair and style to the performance.

Charlie Benante, known for his work with Anthrax, picked up the drumsticks to play in Vinne Pauls stead. His ability to replicate Vinnie Paul’s drum parts with precision was impressive, capturing the essence of Pantera’s sound.

Both Wylde and Benante’s chemistry with the rest of the band was evident, contributing to a cohesive and energetic performance. They really did an outstanding job, honouring the legacy of the original members.

Throughout the performance the audience seemed completely transfixed, roaring along with every lyric and headbanging to every chunky riff. 

Overall, Pantera’s performance was a testament to their enduring impact on the metal scene and a fitting tribute to their fallen bandmates.

Words by Frank Pirrie, photos by Adam Davis-Powell.