NE DOWN UNDER: KNOTFEST SHARES SLIPKNOT, BABY METAL AND MANY MORE FOR OFFICIAL ‘SIDESHOW’ GIGS
Alongside the main festival which is only a month away, Knotfest have announced a series of highly anticipated sideshows happening throughout Australia. These exclusive performances will give fans a chance to experience their favourite bands in a more intimate setting, showcasing their incredible talent and energy up close.
SLIPKNOT
The groundbreaking American heavy metal band, known for their aggressive sound and distinctive image characterised by unique masks and jumpsuits, are returning to Australia and New Zealand to headline Knotfest for a second time as well as their headline sideshows. “As always, attendees can expect a performance unlike any other, from a band who only get more thrilling, exciting and cathartic as time goes on… Between enduring fan-revered singles like Duality, Psychosocial and Wait and Bleed, as well as deeper cuts and newer material over the years, Slipknot‘s drive and creativity bleeds through their jaw-dropping live performances.”
A DAY TO REMEMBER
The American rock band return to Australia for the first time since 2019. Their sideshow is on Monday 3rd March at The Fortitude Music Hall in Brisbane. “A Day To Remember have remained one of the most versatile and vigorous acts to emerge from the early 2000s, with the group remaining an active force from the halcyon days of Myspace and physical media through to the modern era of TikTok and streaming.”
BABYMETAL
Known for their unique blend of heavy metal and J-pop, this Japanese band is set to take the stage by storm with their two headline sideshows in Brisbane and Sydney. “Between their exclusive global fanbase, ongoing chart success, including the rare feat as becoming the first Asian act to storm the top of the Billboard Rock Albums chart, avant-garde creative aesthetics and direction, BABYMETAL unleashed their fourth studio album The Other One in 2023 and sold out their first Australian headling tour in 2023.”
SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL
Slaughter To Prevail is a Russian deathcore band known for their heavy sound and made their Australian debut performance at Good Things festival in 2023. They quickly gained recognition for their brutal riffs and powerful lyrics that often explore themes of darkness and struggle. “The band’s relentless pursuit of metal domination has led them to conquer stages across the globe, most recently supporting Five Finger Death Punch on an extensive North American run in 2024 along with performances at Resurrection Fest, Hellfest, Copenhell and Graspop.”
WITHIN TEMPTATION
Within Temptation is a Dutch symphonic metal band that has captivated audiences with their powerful sound and cinematic style for over 20 years. Their performance at Knotfest and headline sideshows in Brisbane and Melbourne will be the bands first time down under. “Famed for their powerful immersive live performances and production, Within Temptation have ticked off massive headline runs, performances at the biggest metal international festivals, and tours alongside Iron Maiden, Evanescence and In Flames. After decades of existence, Within Temptation will finally grace Australian soils for their debut live appearances.”
ENTER SHIKARI
Enter Shikari is a British post-hardcore band known for their innovative fusion of various genres, including rock, electronic, and punk. It is well known that Northern Exposure are huge fans of this band and we are excited to see them perform on the other side of the world. “A band who wield an exhilarating amalgamation of alt rock, and electronica along with drum and bass, dubstep and beyond, Enter Shikari also delve into societal and personal themes, seen most recently on 2023’s A Kiss For the Whole World, which debuted #1 on the UK album charts.”
HATEBREED
Hatebreed is an American hardcore punk and metalcore band formed over three decades ago, renowned for their powerful, motivational lyrics. “From gamering a Grammy Award nomination for Best Metal Performance in 2005 for their track Live For This, through to releasing eight full length albums, Hatebreed’s unwavering devotion for their craft and respect from their fans and critics alike continues to elevate their dedicated exploration of every gamut of the heavy music realms, armed with a stage presence that dazzles in ferocity, empowerment and, ultimately, unity.”
MISS MAY I
Miss May I is an American metalcore band formed in Ohio in 2007, known for their melodic yet aggressive sound that blends heavy riffs with powerful vocals. “With Apologies Are for the Weak catapulting Miss May I into an instant success story, the band went on to perform with Pierce The Veil, We Came as Romans and Parkway Drive, while also continuing to sharpen their wares, add to their ever-growing catalogue, and grow a diehard community of fans across the globe.”
VENDED
Vended is an American nu-metal band formed in Iowa in 2018 who are passionate about reviving the heavy sound characteristic of the genre. “Releasing their debut self-titled studio album in 2024, Vended firmly stamped out their reputation for raw, urgent and engaging craftsmanship, with a defiant yet empowering amalgamation of introspection and reflection of the world at large.” They will be supporting Slipknot at their arena show in Adelaide in March as well as headlining two shows of their own in Brisbane and Melbourne.
SUNAMI
Sunami is a hardcore band, originally intended as short-lived joke band, formed in San Fran in 2019 from the vibrant underground music scene. Their music combines elements of hardcore punk and metal, creating a powerful atmosphere. “From Distorted Magazine declaring ‘the album goes obscenely and extremely hard’ through to critics praising its down-tuned riffs, riot-ready breakdowns and furious lyrics that pack a mean yet tasty punch, Sunami have become leaders in their genre; and their frenzied live shows have become the stuff of legends.”
LUKE SEVEREID
“Luke Severeid is a hill-hiking, metal music-loving, chrome-dome-having stand-up comedian from Seattle, WA. Luke’s comedic style has been described as insightfully idiotic, aggressively absurd, and most accurately, unmedicated ADHD in action. Millions have enjoyed his stand-up videos online so it’s most likely he’ll be able to get a giggle or two out of you”
General tickets for the sideshows are on sale Tuesday 28th January at 10am local time.
Find tickets to Knotfest and the Sideshows here: KNOTFEST
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