Words – @ladylane____
Photos – @djsedick
CAR BOMB don’t believe in easing an audience in. Making their long-awaited Australian performance while opening for TESSERACT and KARNIVOOL, the New Yorkers launched straight into a barrage of jagged riffs, impossible rhythms and suffocating heaviness.
Every member was locked in, with Elliot Hoffman’s remarkable drumming underpinning the band’s organised chaos and Michael Dafferner’s vocal attack cutting through the dense arrangements. The frenetic lights at Margaret Court Arena bounced around with violent precision adding to the caustic environment that CAR BOMB declared and owned.
The technical detail never disappeared beneath the volume, allowing every rhythmic twist to land with crushing impact. ‘Blindsides’, Nonagon’ and ‘Dissect Yourself’ landed like a hammer against cloth building the punters up for their gut-punch closing song ‘Secrets Within’.
There was no spectacle, no filler – just relentless precision and controlled chaos. For those who had waited years to finally witness CAR BOMB live, the band more than justified the anticipation, delivering an unforgettable and exhilarating performance.
TESSERACT launched into their mesmerizing set boasting a balanced palate of crushing heaviness with cinematic atmosphere. The British progressive metal pioneers were welcomed back to Melbourne with such a thunderous applause that I am sure Adelaide would have heard.
From the opening moments, Daniel Tompkins commanded the stage with a vocal performance that was both technically flawless and deeply emotive, effortlessly shifting between soaring melodies and visceral intensity. Behind him, Acle Kahney, James Monteith, Amos Williams and Jay Postones performed with remarkable exactitude, navigating the band’s intricate rhythms without ever sacrificing groove or feeling.
The arena’s production elevated the experience. Expansive lighting and immersive visuals complemented the band’s layered soundscapes, while a powerful, crystal-clear mix ensured every syncopated riff, atmospheric passage and thunderous low end hit with maximum impact. Rather than relying on spectacle alone, TESSERACT let their song writing take centre stage. The dynamic pacing of the set moving seamlessly between crushing technical passages and moments of quiet reflection holding the audience throughout, with each crescendo earning an enthusiastic response which served to be both palpable and infectious. ‘Of Mind – Nocturne’, ‘Smile’, ‘Arrow’ and especially ‘Juno’ concreted TESSERACT as the perfect support act for KARNIVOOL – substantial enough to impress, brief enough to leave everyone wanting more.
Confident, refined and emotionally resonant, TESSERACT delivered a performance that reaffirmed their place at the forefront of modern progressive metal and left everyone parched and anticipated for a headlining tour.
There are concerts, and then there are occasions. Bands seldom and do both however KARNIVOOL can and that’s a fact I will not be arguing with anyone. Personally, it was a celebration of one of Australia’s most influential progressive bands, shared with an audience that has stood by them for more than two decades, the Perth five-piece delivered a performance that was equal parts precision, passion and catharsis.
Opening with the atmospheric ‘Ghost’, KARNIVOOL immediately established the night’s tone before moving through a carefully crafted set that balanced fan favourites, deep cuts and newer material. ‘Simple Boy’ and ‘Goliath’ arrived with a ravenous response from the crowd, while songs including ‘Aozora’, ‘Drone’, ‘We are’, ‘Conversations’ and ‘All It Takes’demonstrated that KARNIVOOL’s evolving sound sits comfortably alongside the songs that built their legacy.
Ian Kenny was captivating throughout, his voice soaring effortlessly through the arena while retaining the vulnerability and raw emotion that have always defined KARNIVOOL’s music. Whether delivering intimate, reflective verses or unleashing towering choruses, he remained completely immersed in every lyric, drawing the audience deeper into each song and even beginning to feel their tear ducts swell.
Behind him (physically) but together in stunning unison, Drew Goddard and Mark Hosking once again proved why they remain one of progressive music’s most distinctive guitar partnerships. Their intricate interplay was both technically dazzling and deeply expressive, while Jon Stockman’s unmistakable bass tone provided an authoritative foundation beneath every movement. Steve Judd was immense behind the kit, combining precision and power as he navigated the band’s complex arrangements with effortless control.
KARNIVOOLS’s greatest strength has always been their ability to make complexity feel natural, and that was on full display throughout the night. Their music ebbed and flowed between delicate atmosphere, crushing heaviness and emotional release, with every transition carefully considered and every crescendo delivering maximum impact.
The final stretch of the set was nothing short of euphoric. ‘Themata’ transformed the arena into a sea of voices before the crushing weight of ‘Roquefort’, the emotional power of ‘New Day’ and the cinematic beauty of ‘Opal’ carried the audience toward a breathtaking conclusion. The night became even more special as the band expanded their sonic palette with a series of memorable guest appearances. MICHELLE SMITH joined the band on harp for ‘Animation’, ‘New Day’ and ‘Opal’, adding a beautiful, haunting dimension to songs already rich with emotion. ‘Roquefort’ received an additional burst of energy with the arrival of THE EMPIRE HORNS, whose brass arrangements elevated the song’s richness and added an extra layer of emotion
The emotional closer, ‘Salva’, brought together everything that makes Karnivool special – ambition, atmosphere, musicianship and a willingness to push beyond expectations. The closing moments of the night belonged to ‘Salva’, with Grant Scroggie adding the unmistakable sound of bagpipes to the song’s dramatic finale, creating a truly unforgettable ending. My eyes were certainly not dry by the end of the brilliance of ‘Salva’.
By the final notes, I had this overwhelming sense of immense gratitude. Gratitude for a band that continues to evolve without losing its identity, and for a performance that reminded everyone why KARNIVOOL will remain one of Australia’s most respected and cherished acts.
My profound thanks to Car Bomb, TesseracT, Karnviool, Margaret Court Arena and DEATHPROOF PR.
