KNOTFEST- A Celebration of Metal’s Diversity
Knotfest Sydney 2025 transformed Centennial Park into a haven for metal enthusiasts, offering a rich tapestry of sounds that showcased the genre’s vast diversity. Between the circle pits, walls of death, and the sheer volume of the spectacle, Knotfest was a masterclass in why heavy music thrives. It was brutal. It was cathartic. It was unforgettable.
DRAIN A great surprise to all metalheads who got in early was an impromptu set from Drain, whose hardcore punk energy set an electrifying tone. Despite the early hour and a modest crowd, their performance ignited circle pits, embodying the festival’s spirit of unbridled enthusiasm. Drain having hit our shores from Santa Cruz, USA were an incredibly welcome addition to the day and without a doubt were a sign that an unforgettable Knotfest Sydney 2025 was underway.
SUNAMI Sunami expectedly delivered an electrifying performance proving festivals are not always about headliners, captivating fans with their raw energy and intense sound. With vocals that oscillate between haunting melodies and aggressive shouts, front man Josef Alfosno drove ritualistic participation from the crowd. The Sydney crowd was absolutely unstoppable, and the band left the stage with a deafening roar of applause.
VENDED Making huge waves in the metal scene notably due to the lineage of its members – vocalist Griffin Talyor and drummer Simon Crahan are sons of Slipnot’s Corey Taylor and Shawn ‘Clown’ Crahan respectively. Vended are certainly carving out their own identity delivering a sound of raw intensity, channelling their unique brand of aggressive metal
MISS MAY I Ohio’s metalcore stalwarts, Miss May I, sustained the momentum of the day that was buiding. Their nearly two-decade tenure in the scene was evident as they commanded Stage One, with the audience fervently engaging in the pit.
IN HEARTS WAKE From Australia’s magnificent coastal town Byron Bay, In Hearts Wake’s epic performance was little short of a triumphant display of metalcore brilliance. Their dynamic set featured fan favourites and fresh tracks, seamlessly blending heavy riffs with melodic interludes. Kicking off with ‘The flood’ and a contortionist defying dancer on stage, the band’s environmental message resonated powerfully, engaging the crowd both sonically and thematically. It was a standout moment of the festival.
HATEBREED As the home of Knotfest Sydney, Centennial Park was getting close to capacity, Hatebreed slammed the stage with a set that was an explosive celebration of hardcore energy. Opening with “Perseverance,” the band ignited the crowd, who responded with fervor to anthems like “I Will Be Heard” and “Destroy Everything.” Jamey Jasta‘s commanding presence and relentless intensity kept the mosh pits swirling, marking Hatebreed’s performance as a festival highlight that fans won’t soon forget.
ENTER SHIKARI didn’t waste a second on stage delivering an electrifying spectacle, blending genre-defying sound with dynamic crowd interaction. Opening with “Bloodshot,” the band immediately had the audience in a frenzy. Rou Reynolds‘ charisma and energy were infectious, with highlights including impromptu sing-alongs and a massive circle pit during “Sorry You’re Not a Winner,” making for an unforgettable set and unforgettable sights of Sydney moshers in their glory.
WITHIN TEMPTATION / BABYMETAL Within Temptation’s symphonic metal performance was both visually and sonically captivating. Vocalist Sharon den Adel’s ethereal presence, combined with the band’s technical prowess, delivered a set that was both powerful and enchanting. Keeping with a solid presence of the girls up front, Baby Metal from Japan provided an exhilarating and yet unconventional metal performance amidst a predominantly heavy line up. Babymetal brought their signature fusion of J-pop and heavy metal, igniting the crowd with irresistible choreography and anthems. Each performance brought distinct flair, making for a thrilling festival experience.
SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL Intense death core from Slaughter to Prevail with Alex Terrible’s deep guttural vocals blended Russian and English lyrics delivered a ferocity that resonates with fans worldwide. Terrible’s presence on stage with powerful band are a sight to behold in a live performance. The energy was palpable as the crowd surged, creating a chaotic, unforgettable atmosphere that epitomized the raw spirit of live metal and united fans in a moment of brutal, cathartic release. Slaughter to Prevail’s performance at Knotfest Sydney was a display of modern metal fury. Terrible’s commanding presence on the stage is one Sydney fans may continue to see with their eyes closed for sometime.
POLARIS Doing Australia proud at Knotfest , Polaris has widely risen in prominence within the heavy music scene earning acclaim for their dynamic sound and emotive lyricism. It was a tough challenge to keep your eyes up with frontman Jamie Hails’s hometown performance as he carved his way all over the stage proving why they’re one of Australia’s premier metalcore acts. Their emotionally charged melodies, crushing breakdowns, and tight musicianship ignited the crowd. The energy was electric, with passionate singalongs and an intense mosh pit, making their set a standout moment of the festival and a true celebration of Aussie heavy music.
A DAY TO REMEMBER
Blending pop-punk melodies with hardcore energy A Day to Remember delivered a dynamic performance amongst the best creative light production of the festival. The band rocked the stage with hits like “The Downfall of Us All” and “If It Means a Lot to You,” energizing the crowd with explosive breakdowns and catchy choruses. Their engaging stage presence and impeccable musicianship turned each song into an unforgettable live experience, leaving fans buzzing and undeniably craving more. A Day to Remember certainly were a fitting prelude to the headline and of the night inducing a chaotic frenzy into an eagerly awaiting crowd that had slowly built to fill the Sydney home of Knotfest 2025.
SLIPKNOT The festival’s climax was, unsurprisingly, Slipknot’s performance. The masked nine-piece band unleashed a relentless barrage of sound and energy, with frontman Corey Taylor leading the crowd through anthems like “Psychosocial” and “Wait and Bleed.” The pyrotechnics and the infamous “jump the fuck up” moment during “Spit It Out” encapsulated the chaotic euphoria that Knotfest embodies.
Knotfest Sydney 2025 was more than a festival; it was a congregation of a community bound by a shared love for heavy music. From the moment attendees entered the gates, there was a palpable sense of unity and acceptance, allowing everyone to revel in the unfiltered energy that defines metal culture. In essence, Knotfest Sydney 2025 was a triumphant celebration of metal’s rich diversity, leaving attendees with memories of a day where music, community, and raw energy converged in perfect harmony.
Thank you to Janine Morcos at Dallas Does PR for this opportunity, all the organisers, security, volunteers and bands AND especially to those music fans that attended and made it a festival…. See you next year
