Review by Alison Setright
Photos by Drew Fulton
The Metro Theatre, Sydney – February 8, 2025
Sydney’s Metro Theatre became a time machine last night, transporting a nearly sold-out crowd straight back to the early 2000s for an evening of pure rock and metal chaos. With a lineup that felt ripped from the pages of a classic Kerrang! magazine, Alien Ant Farm, Drowning Pool, and Aussie metal warriors Frankenbok delivered a show that balanced nostalgia with raw, unrelenting energy. From the opening riff to the final encore, this was a night of moshing, fist-pumping, and screaming every word like it was 2002 all over again.
Frankenbok – Aussie Metal Mayhem
Frankenbok kicked the night off with a sonic gut-punch that proved why they’re still one of Australia’s most formidable metal acts. Their mix of old-school aggression and new material hit like a freight train, each riff heavier than the last. Showcasing several tracks from their latest EP Irrepressible, they delivered a relentless set that had the Metro in a frenzy. From the first song, the venue was a sea of raised horns and circle pits, the crowd feeding off every crushing breakdown. Frankenbok weren’t just an opener—they were a warning that this was going to be a brutal, high-energy night. By the time they wrapped up, the pit was already in full swing, setting the perfect stage for what was to come.
Drowning Pool – Unleashing the Chaos
As soon as Drowning Pool hit the stage, the energy surged. They wasted no time launching into Sinner, immediately pulling the audience into their world of heavy grooves and anthemic choruses. Step Up and One Finger and a Fist had fists pounding the air, while 37 Stitches offered a brief, emotional reprieve before diving back into the madness. Earlier in the set, their rendition of Rebel Yell (Billy Idol) added a fresh twist, but nothing could prepare the crowd for what was coming.
As the set neared its end, Drowning Pool unleashed a surprise cover of Cowboys From Hell (Pantera), sending shockwaves through the crowd and showcasing the band’s love for heavy metal legends. But the night wasn’t over yet. The second that iconic riff from Bodies dropped, the Metro turned into a full-blown battleground, punters throwing down in the pit while the entire venue screamed “Let the bodies hit the floor!” at full volume. It was a set that reminded everyone why Drowning Pool still reign supreme in the world of heavy rock.
Alien Ant Farm – A Nostalgic, High-Energy Triumph
With the crowd already buzzing, Alien Ant Farm took the stage and sent the Metro into an absolute frenzy. Opening with Courage, they immediately proved they weren’t just here to coast on nostalgia—they came to deliver. As the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 sound effects rang out before Wish, you could feel the collective excitement explode in the room.
Fan favorites like Movies and Attitude had everyone singing along at full volume, but These Days was a standout moment—an electrifying singalong that felt like a massive celebration of the band’s legacy. Deep cuts and new tracks kept things fresh, but it was the grand finale that took things to another level.
A newer song like Last dAntz stood out among the hits, proving itself to be an instant classic with its infectious energy and undeniable hooks. It slotted into the setlist so seamlessly that it felt like a song fans had been screaming along to for decades.
When the opening notes of Smooth Criminal kicked in, the Metro absolutely erupted. A wild, bouncing mass of bodies screamed every lyric, with the band slipping in a cheeky lyrical nod to CeCe Peniston’s Finally mid-song. It was the perfect way to close out a set that blended past, present, and future seamlessly.
A Night to Remember
What made this show special wasn’t just the nostalgia—it was the way all three bands proved they still have plenty left in the tank. This wasn’t just a reunion of early 2000s anthems; it was a reminder that great music doesn’t fade—it evolves. Whether you came for the throwbacks or to see what’s next, one thing was clear: Sydney got a night of rock and metal mayhem that will be talked about for yonks to come.
Tour Dates:
📍 Friday, 7th February – Princess Theatre, Brisbane
📍 Saturday, 8th February – Metro Theatre, Sydney
📍 Sunday, 9th February – Northcote Theatre, Melbourne
📍 Tuesday, 11th February – Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide
📍 Wednesday, 12th February – Magnet House, Perth
