Words + Photography: Louie Mosscrop
Knotfest Australia kicked it off in Melbourne, this wasn’t just a concert; it was a pilgrimage, a day where the city’s metal faithful gathered under the blazing Australian sun to partake in a sonic ritual. From the early afternoon’s first crushing chords to the final, echoing roar from Slipknot, the day unfolded as a meticulously crafted tapestry of metal, each thread contributing to the festival’s overwhelming power. The anticipation was palpable, a collective hum of excitement that vibrated through the crowd, a testament to the enduring and evolving power of metal in the Australian music scene.
The lineup was a masterclass in metal diversity, a carefully curated selection that showcased the metal’s breadth and depth.
Vended, with their raw, youthful energy, brought a fresh and ferocious sound, proving that the next generation of metal is ready to take the stage. Their performance was a jolt of adrenaline, a reminder of metal’s ever-evolving spirit.
Slaughter To Prevail, emerging with a visceral intensity, owned the stage with unrelenting heaviness. Alex Terrible’s guttural vocals and their crushing breakdowns resonated with a primal force, leaving the crowd stunned and invigorated, unfortunately having to stop mid set to get medics to assist with what we hope is a now fully healed festival goer. Despite their brutal nature Alex and the band made sure they were out of further harms way before continuing their set.
Knotfest’s atmosphere was a living, breathing entity, a testament to the power of shared passion. The mosh pits, far from being mere displays of aggression, were expressions of communal release, a physical manifestation of the music’s emotional intensity. The crowd, a diverse tapestry of metalheads, was united by a shared sense of belonging, a feeling of being part of something larger than themselves. The festival grounds buzzed with a sense of camaraderie, with fans exchanging stories, sharing their favorite bands, and celebrating the unifying power of heavy music. Beyond the music, the festival offered a vibrant marketplace, with merchandise stalls, food vendors, and interactive displays, creating a holistic festival experience. The sense of community was palpable, making Knotfest more than just a concert, but a genuine cultural event, even under the intense Australian sun.
Polaris, delivered a performance that was both technically precise and emotionally charged. Their blend of metalcore and progressive elements was met with thunderous applause, solidifying their position as a leading force in the Australian metal scene.
Within Temptation, bringing a touch of symphonic grandeur, offered a captivating contrast. Their soaring vocals and intricate arrangements created a mesmerizing atmosphere, proving that metal can be both heavy and beautiful. This being their first visit down under, lets hope not the last.
BABYMETAL, the enigmatic Japanese trio, injected a dose of theatricality and infectious energy into the festival. Their fusion of kawaii aesthetics and heavy metal riffs was a captivating spectacle, a testament to the genre’s capacity for innovation and cross-cultural appeal.
The intense heat of the Australian summer day, coupled with the physical demands of the mosh pits, underscored the importance of hydration and sun protection. Despite these minor considerations, the overall festival experience remained overwhelmingly positive. The festival’s meticulous organisation, and well-maintained facilities contributed to a smooth and enjoyable experience for attendees, some more shade wouldn’t have gone unnoticed however.
Hatebreed, with their signature brand of hardcore intensity, delivered a set that was pure, unadulterated aggression. Their relentless energy and empowering lyrics ignited the crowd, creating a swirling vortex of moshing bodies.
A Day To Remember, with their sing-along anthems and infectious stage presence, provided a welcome moment of collective catharsis. Their blend of pop-punk sensibilities and metalcore aggression created a singalong atmosphere, uniting the crowd in a shared moment of passionate release.
Finally, Slipknot, the architects of modern metal mayhem, delivered a performance that was nothing short of a sonic and visual assault. Their iconic masks, frenetic stage presence, and timeless anthems ignited the crowd, transforming the festival grounds into a swirling vortex of energy. Delivering an all new show it was a spectacle to witness and a show no one will forget any time soon.
Knotfest Melbourne was a resounding success, a testament to the enduring power of heavy music and the passionate community that surrounds it. The festival’s meticulously curated lineup, electric atmosphere, and dedicated fanbase combined to create an unforgettable experience. It was a day of sonic immersion, a tribal gathering where metalheads from all walks of life came together to celebrate their shared passion under the Southern Cross. Knotfest’s Melbourne has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the city’s music scene, forging a legacy of metal mayhem and communal celebration. For those who were there, the memories of Knotfest Melbourne will resonate long after the final notes have faded, a testament to the power of live music to unite and inspire, even under the harsh Australian sun.
…So when does the 2026 line up drop?
