Last night at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Slipknot took the arena stage for a landmark performance that both honoured their nu-metal roots and showcased their evolution into seasoned metal icons.
This solo Australian sideshow (4 March) to their Knotfest festival roadshow also celebrated the 25th anniversary of their debut self-titled album. Being their first concert in South Australia since 2015, after a canceled show in 2019, the anticipation for Iowa's nine-piece of chaos-incarnate was sky-high from the first note of '(sic)'.The crowd erupted as the band unleashed their fury, delivering a scream-filled rager of a Tuesday night. The show truly hit its stride with 'No Life', marking the beginning of a deeper, cut-heavy set. This track revealed the raw power of the band's performance, particularly from Corey Taylor, whose vocals were furious and cutting.
His voice, sharp and visceral, tore through the crowd with rapid-fire delivery that evoked the band's early sound while demonstrating their growth. The track ended abruptly, with a chilling audio cue from DJ Sid Wilson and his unknown sample accomplice, amplifying the moment as the band left the stage in eerie silence.
As the night progressed, Taylor's connection with the audience remained unshakable. His performance on 'Yen' was especially striking, perched on the stairs leading to powerhouse drummer Eloy Casagrande's riser, surveying the crowd.
Slipknot at Knotfest Brisbane 2025 - image © Clea-marie Thorne
There, he exuded a controlled rage, emphasising the impassioned lyrics of the song. Though the anger was still present, his performance showed maturity, a reflection of his years at the forefront of metal's elite.
One noticeable absence on the night was Shawn 'Clown' Crahan, who was unable to perform with Slipknot due to serious family matters back in the USA. His absence left a hole in the band's dynamic, as Crahan's chaotic energy and presence have always been a defining feature of Slipknot's live shows.
However, this did not diminish the intensity of the performance, especially given the opportunity to witness the sheer drumming talent of Casagrande, who proved to be nothing short of monumental. His precision, power, and dexterity behind the kit were on full display, with his ability to maintain the band's brutal rhythm and drive elevating the performance to new heights.
Casagrande's drumming not only showcased his exceptional technical skill, but also captured the raw energy and aggression that Slipknot's music demands. 'The Devil In I' followed, demonstrating the band's immense stage presence. The thunderous drums built to a spine-chilling outro, where Taylor maniacally laughed into the mic, blending madness with defiance.
Slipknot at Knotfest Brisbane 2025 - image © Clea-marie Thorne
Guitarist Mick Thomson added an unexpected visual flair, swapping his usual axe for a glittering ESP guitar, a sleek addition to the madness unfolding onstage.
'Psychosocial' stood out as one of the most powerful moments of the night. The heavy breakdowns and shifts in tempo ignited the crowd, sparking what was likely the biggest sing-along of the evening. The entire venue screamed in unison, feeding off the band's raw energy and contagious intensity.
'Unsainted' followed, offering a showcase of Taylor's vocal range. From the soaring clean choruses to guttural screams, it highlighted the band's evolved sound and versatility, all while maintaining their signature brutal style. The crowd was captivated by the seamless shifts in emotion and power.
The night reached its peak with 'Duality', which had the crowd screaming their hearts out, demanding more even after exhausting their vocal cords. As the song came to a close, there was an agonising wait before the band returned for the encore.
Slipknot at Knotfest Brisbane 2025 - image © Clea-marie Thorne
The delay only heightened the anticipation, and when the encore came, it hit hard, starting with 'Spit It Out' and leading into 'Surfacing', before closing with 'Scissors', which left the crowd with an unrelenting energy that lingered long after the last note.
Slipknot's 2025 Australian tour has proven once again why they're one of the most influential and electrifying metal bands of all time. Their Knotfest appearance will wrap up this Saturday in Sydney.
This night in Adelaide was a stark reminder of the band's unparalleled impact on heavy music.
