Words by Matt New
Pix by Angie New Photography
There are few things more electrifying than a sold-out crowd at a live show, especially when it’s a celebration of a genre-defining album like The Curse. Atreyu‘s night at Sydney’s Manning Bar was nothing short of unforgettable, marking the delayed 20th anniversary of an album that continues to resonate with metalheads everywhere. With the legendary The Curse taking centre stage, this tour brought together old-school and newer metal fans for an exhilarating night of music and community spirit.
The Manning Bar was the perfect setting for this show and occasion. The intimacy it provided allowed fans to be up close and personal with the bands, a rare treat for those accustomed to larger arenas. Both Atreyu and Memphis May Fire could easily sell out bigger venues in Sydney, but this cozy setup turned out to be a masterstroke, making the night feel even more special. The crowd, a mix of young newcomers and veteran fans, created an infectious buzz that filled the air. The vibe was inviting, with fans showing some of the best behaviour I’ve seen at a gig in recent memory. Yes, there was moshing and circle pits, but the energy felt very genuine, and the fans were there for the right reasons: the music.
The Phoenix team deserves special recognition for consistently curating outstanding shows over the past few years. They have given heavy music fans a chance to reconnect with the excitement of their youth. In a rapidly changing musical landscape, their dedication to showcasing bands that continue to evolve and push forward is both admirable and inspiring.
Opening the night was Future Static, a band that’s slowly carving out their niche in the metal scene. It’s rare to see an opening act garner such a strong response, but Sydney embraced them fully. Led by the fiery Amariah Cook, Future Static’s performance was commanding. Cook‘s vocal range was stunning—powerful yet controlled, with a rawness that gripped the audience. The female-fronted metal scene has never been stronger, with bands like Spiritbox, Jinjer, and Halestorm leading the charge, and Future Static is undoubtedly one of the up-and-coming bands to watch.
The harmonious interplay between Cook and bassist Kira Neil was a standout, creating an unexpected contrast to the band’s hard-hitting rhythm section. Their music, a blend of heavy breakdowns and upbeat, almost pop-punk-inspired choruses, created a unique dynamic. While their set was strong overall, Future Static’s choice to include a cover of Daddy Yankee’s Gasolina was a questionable one. The song seemed to lose the engagement of the crowd momentarily, but that’s a minor critique in what was otherwise a powerful set.
By the time Memphis May Fire took the stage, the energy in Manning Bar was so electric that you forgot it was a cold winter’s night outside. If you’ve never witnessed Memphis May Fire live, you’re missing out, this band brings a level of precision and energy that’s hard to match. Matty Mullins, their charismatic frontman, was nothing short of spectacular, delivering a vocal performance that was near perfection. His command of the stage was impressive, and it’s understandable why he is highly in demand at present, sharing his duties effortlessly between fronting Memphis May Fire and recently being appointed for live vocal duties with Anberlin.
The rhythm section, anchored by founding guitarist Kellen MacGregor, delivered riffs that felt like an earthquake crashing around you—immense, relentless, and powerful. Bassist Cody Elder was a sight to behold, thrashing around the stage with powerful force, while drummer Jake Garland kept everything in sync, modestly showing off his impressive technical abilities.
Memphis May Fire’s set was a high-octane experience that made use of everything from CO2 cannons to brilliant lighting design, all of which heightened the crowd’s response. Misery, Bleed Me Dry, and Miles Away were the standout tracks, with the audience singing every word in unison. With a ten-year gap since their last visit to Australia, Matty Mullins made it clear that the band would return sooner rather than later.
Finally, it was time for the mighty Atreyu, a band that helped define a generation of metal fans. Having cemented themselves as pioneers in the metalcore genre alongside bands like Killswitch Engage, All That Remains, and Trivium, Atreyu’s performance was a masterclass in live energy and nostalgia. Despite founding vocalist Alex Varkatzas’ departure from Atreyu in 2020, Brandon Saller has seamlessly stepped up to front this iconic metal ensemble stunningly. His vocals were powerful, and his presence undeniable. But the true magic of Atreyu lies in the interplay between Saller and bassist Mark “Porter” McKnight, whose dual vocal attack was dynamic and left fans with no choice but to lose themselves in the chaos of the circle pits.
Dan Jacobs on lead guitar was flawless throughout the evening, executing each riff and solo with precision, yet always leaving room to showcase his soulful technique. His dual guitar partnership with Travis Miguel channelled a throwback to classic metal, reminiscent of the twin-guitar harmonies made famous by bands like Iron Maiden and Judas Priest. McKnight’s bass was another highlight, not just providing the heavy backbone but also contributing to the vocals, delivering some of the most intense moments of the night.
A special moment came when Saller took over on the drum kit mid-set, stepping back from the microphone while drummer Kyle Rosa switched over to bass duties. This brief moment of versatility showed just how deep the talent runs within this band, McKnight leading the charge on Corseting, comically attempting to hand Saller his microphone until he realized the endeavour was flawed. Saller was already armed with a microphone, resulting in the two breaking out into uncontrollable laughter. A moment of humility that demonstrates Atreyu’s humble nature and sense of humour. McKnight highlighted that the spontaneity of Atreyu is what allows them to continue to have fun on stage. Trusting themselves by performing unaided by backing tracks and click tracks, while continuing to remain honest with their art.
The entirety of The Curse was performed in full, much to the delight of the fans. Classics like Right Side of the Bed, The Crimson, and Corseting were met with deafening crowd participation, an experience that made it feel less like a concert and more like a community gathering. It was clear that Atreyu wasn’t just playing for themselves; the evening was all about their fans. Atreyu treated the Sydney faithful to an encore which included Becoming The Bull, Ex’s and Oh’s, and Lip Gloss and Black, bringing the night to a close with a massive bang. Every song in this memorable set was a time capsule from an era when Atreyu dominated the metalcore scene, leaving the audience completely enthralled and overcome by a range of emotions after a monumental performance.
It’s rare these days that a show leaves you with such a warm, fuzzy feeling, but that’s exactly what Atreyu, Memphis May Fire, and Future Static delivered. This was more than just a metal show; it was a successful celebration of the metalcore genre and one of its most defining fan-favorite albums. The night was charged by passion and connection, and every last moment over the course of this evening was unforgettable. Atreyu, in particular, proved that after 25 years, they’re still one of the most exciting and relevant bands in the game.
