The night started off with ‘Future Static’, a wildly impressive Melbourne quintet who just released their debut album ‘Liminality’ which I had playing on repeat in the lead up to last night’s show. After seeing Future Static perform live I can honestly say it is only a matter of when, not if, this band blows up. The band’s performance was electric, seamlessly blending alternative intensity, catchy choruses, and moments of melodic introspection with the finesse you would expect of a band that has been around for decades. Of particular note was the performance of frontwoman Amariah Cook, whose command of both clean and harsh vocals captured the crowd’s attention from the first bar of their set. The band’s tight instrumentation, flowing easily between crushing riffs and intricate melodies with pinpoint accuracy, completed the picture – a perfect balance between aggression and vulnerability that demanded attention. I am very excited to see where this band goes in the near future – watch this space.
Next up were ‘Self Deception’, who brought their unique fusion of high-energy modern rock and metal laced with pop and core elements to an eager Sydney crowd. The Swedish rockers brought their absolute A-game, delivering an exceptional show that showed why this band has achieved the success it has and captivated audiences all across Europe. Frontman Simon Peyron commanded the crowd with his charismatic presence and masterful vocals, shifting effortlessly between hard rock, growls, and pop styles to provide the engaged crowd with a performance that was as much as a masterclass on vocal technique as it was a highly enjoyable experience. Erik Eklund on drums was flawless and formed the beating heart of the band’s performance, driving home the catchy and often complex melodies utilised by the band without missing a beat. The setlist selection was also perfect, weaving together fan favorites such as ‘Fight Fire with Gasoline’ from their 2023 album ‘You Are Only As Sick As Your Secrets’ alongside tracks from their extensive back catalogue, showcasing the band’s evolution over their almost 20 year history. A real privilege to finally get to see these guys live.
As we arrived at the final band of the night the crowd hushed and multiple wigs and 90’s exercise headbands were adjusted in order to suitably prepare for the German metalcore sensations upcoming performance. ‘Electric Callboy’ stormed out of the gate at 110% and didn’t relent for a single second in their extended set, taking the Sydney crowd on an electrifying sonic journey that left no doubt that this was going to night to remember. The band’s fusion of metalcore and electronic elements, alongside the general tongue-in-cheek energy that has cemented their place in the metal scene, was on full display as they took the Sydney crowd through a setlist encompassing both fan-favorites such as ‘Pump It’ and ‘We Got the Moves’ from their latest album ‘TEKKNO’ as well as tracks from their back catalogue, ensuring a diverse and engaging experience for both seasoned fans and newcomers alike. Kevin Ratajczak and Nico Sallah’s tag-team clean and guttural vocals were as engaging as ever, the frontman duo effortlessly passing the crowd’s full attention back and forth throughout the set as they commanded the stage with a charismatic intensity that set the crowd headbanging in unison until the last note of their final song. The instrumentation of the band, typified by the incorporation of catchy electronic samples, blended smoothly into the fantastic guitar and drum performances by the rest of the band to produce an irresistible wall of sound that encompassed the entire crowd and created a euphoric energy that elevated this performance beyond the bounds of a traditional metal show.
Overall, Electric Callboy’s performance last night at Horden Pavilion was a testament to their musical prowess, showmanship, and the extent to which their songs resonate with their devoted fanbase, making it a night that will undoubtedly be etched into the memories of all those fortunate enough to be in attendance. The band’s ability to seamlessly blend genres and play outside the bounds of typical expectations within metal, alongside their commitment to providing a visually stunning performance, affirms their status as a force to be reckoned with in the metalcore scene and I eagerly await their next return to Sydney.
Photos by Marc K/Nell Photography | Review by Cal McGlinchey
Electric Callboy
Self Deception
Future Static
