Fans from all generations stepped into the electrifying world of Knotfest, where heavy metal reigned supreme and the energy pulsated through every riff and roar.
Eager fans arrived early at Brisbane Showgrounds (24 March), forming lines at merchandise stands and congregating near the main stage, eager for a coveted view of their favourite artists from their chosen vantage points.The weather may have been grey and cloudy, but there was no doubt nothing could put a dampen on the day that was about to unfold. Leading the charge was none other than King Parrot, drawing their legion of fans to Stage 2 adorned in vibrant pink merchandise.
Amidst playful banter and the debut of new tracks, frontman Matt Young became an unmissable spectacle, even pausing mid-set to jest: "Check out this guy in a poncho, because who doesn't love a good poncho?"
King Parrot - image © Clea-marie Thorne
Brand Of Sacrifice seized a rare moment at Brisbane's Knotfest, delivering an unforgettable performance despite their lead singer's illness preventing his presence. Undeterred, they performed a captivating instrumental set inspiring fans to sing-along without skipping a beat.
In the face of adversity, Brand Of Sacrifice showcased their exceptional musical prowess, turning a challenging circumstance into a testament to their talent.
Windwaker stormed onto the stage like a whirlwind of energy, infusing the atmosphere with their infectious vibe. From playful remarks about the weather – "Beautiful sunny Brisbane, am I right?" – to their undeniable camaraderie as a band, it was evident this performance marked just the dawn of what promises to be an exhilarating journey for these Melbourne-based musicians.
Windwaker - image © Clea-marie Thorne
Speed then took control of the crowd with their hardcore tunes, acknowledging the intensity of Brisbane's hardcore scene and expressing deep gratitude for their fans.
With raw sincerity, they declared, "In my heart, in all our f...ing hearts, we are f...ing grateful to be here." Adding extra dancers to the stage, their infectious energy was striking, leaving no doubt about their commanding presence.
Skindred consistently astounds every individual in the audience with their unparalleled stage charisma, and Knotfest was no exception to this rule.
Encouraging the crowd to shed their inhibitions and spin their shirts "like helicopters," alongside their signature blend of reggae and metal, Skindred delivered a set that stood out as truly distinctive amidst the line-up at Knotfest.
Skindred - image © Clea-marie Thorne
Escape The Fate's performance was a testament to their enduring appeal and musical talent. From the moment they hit the stage, they captivated the audience with their electrifying energy and undeniable stage presence.
With a seamless blend of hard-hitting riffs, anthemic choruses, and emotionally charged lyrics, they delivered a set that resonated deeply with fans old and new.
Thy Art Is Murder unleashed a relentless barrage of sonic brutality at Knotfest, showcasing why they stand at the forefront of modern deathcore.
From the moment they took the stage, their ferocious energy was unmistakeable, igniting a frenzy among the crowd. Thy Art Is Murder delivered a performance that was as intense as it was uncompromising.
Thy Art Is Murder - image © Clea-marie Thorne
Wage War ignited a maelstrom of energy, leaving no doubts about their prowess in the realm of metalcore. Amidst thundering breakdowns and anthemic choruses, they commanded the stage with an unwavering intensity.
Addressing the crowd, they exclaimed: "We are three songs in and you're already going hard. We love it, Brisbane," which elicited a roar from the crowd.
Asking Alexandria unleashed a whirlwind of emotion and intensity that swept through the crowd. With their trademark blend of metalcore and melodic hooks, they captivated the audience from the first note.
Frontman Danny Worsnop's powerful vocals soared above the thunderous instrumentation, commanding attention with every word sung. Amidst the sea of head-banging fans, the band's chemistry was evident, each member pouring their heart and soul into the performance.
Asking Alexandria - image © Clea-marie Thorne
The HU transported the audience to the majestic landscapes of Mongolia with their unique blend of traditional throat singing and contemporary rock elements. As they took the stage, adorned in traditional attire, they commanded attention with their haunting melodies and powerful instrumentation.
The fusion of ancient Mongolian instruments such as the Morin Khuur (horsehead fiddle), Tovshuur (Mongolian guitar), Tumur Khuur (jaw harp), guttural throat singing and modern electric guitars created a spellbinding atmosphere that enraptured the crowd.
With each resonant chant and thunderous drumbeat, The HU bridged the gap between past and present, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of their homeland while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of musical innovation.
The HU - image © Clea-marie Thorne
Halestorm brought their signature blend of powerhouse vocals and infectious energy to Knotfest, solidifying their status as rock royalty. As they graced the stage, frontwoman Lzzy Hale's captivating presence entranced the audience, her soaring vocals resonating through the venue.
With each riff and thunderous drumbeat, the band ignited a fire within the crowd, who eagerly sang along to every anthem. In a moment of unity, Lzzy addressed the audience, declaring: "All of you, we are family here tonight."
Halestorm - image © Clea-marie Thorne
Lamb Of God's performance was an unyielding onslaught of precision and power. From the first note, the band delivered bone-crushing riffs and thunderous drumming, led by frontman Randy Blythe's intense stage presence.
With relentless ferocity, they proved their status as modern metal titans leaving an indelible mark on the audience with their ferocious energy and mastery of their craft.
Lamb Of God - image © Clea-marie Thorne
Disturbed's much anticipated performance at Knotfest was a dynamic display of their heavy presence and ability to connect with their audience.
With their rendition of Genesis' 'Land Of Confusion', the band breathed new life into the classic track igniting a sense of unity among fans as they silently raised their fists in solidarity.
As if to emphasise the bond between artist and fan, they welcomed Lzzy from Halestorm onstage for a stirring rendition of 'Don't Tell Me'. Later, they brought Skindred's Benji Webbe up for a fiery collaboration of 'In The Fire', further showcasing their willingness to bridge genres and collaborate with fellow artists.
Disturbed's performance was not only a testament to their musical prowess, but also a true celebration of the enduring connection between performers and their dedicated fanbase.
Disturbed - image © Clea-marie Thorne
One of the most memorable moments of the entire day occurred when Disturbed invited fan Tanya onto the stage to share her courageous battle with cancer and the transformative power of music in her journey to recovery. As Tanya bravely recounted her story, the entire crowd raised their fists and echoed chants of support in a powerful display of solidarity and shared strength.
Pantera's performance began with a moment of technical difficulties, a mere hiccup in the face of their legendary status. Undeterred, they launched into their second song after a brief intermission, paying homage to the fallen members they had lost over the years.
With a poignant tribute, the stage was flooded with videos commemorating the lives of these bandmates lost too soon. The emotional weight hung heavy in the air as the audience joined in remembrance.
There was no doubt their seminal albums like 'Cowboys From Hell' and 'Vulgar Display Of Power' are revered as classics, while anthems like 'Walk' and 'Cemetery Gates' continue to inspire generations of metalheads.
Pantera - image © Clea-marie Thorne
The Brisbane leg of Knotfest 2024 presented an exhilarating line-up of performances, bringing together metal enthusiasts to celebrate diverse talent and unwavering passion for the genre, fostering a palpable sense of unity and belonging throughout the event.
More photos from the festival.
