Photos Below by Drew Fulton

Last night, Swedish heavy metal legends HammerFall brought the thunder to the Manning Bar in Sydney, supported by Perth’s Silent Knight and Brisbane’s Valhalore.

Silent Knight kicked things off with blazing riffs and soaring vocals, setting the bar high for the night. They reminded the crowd why Perth punches well above its weight when it comes to producing world-class heavy metal.

Valhalore took the stage next, opening with their fan-favorite “Legacy” and delivering a performance that was truly one for the books. With their seamless blend of symphonic folk metal, Celtic melodies, and melodic death metal, it’s no wonder they’ve supported the likes of Alestorm and Arch Enemy. Watching these Brissie legends grow over the years has been like watching a beloved footy team finally take home the premiership—a proud moment for all involved. With their new album Beyond The Stars set for release on April 11th, Valhalore are clearly destined for even bigger things.

Then, it was time for HammerFall to bring the heavy metal heat. And did they ever. From the first note of “Avenge the Fallen,” they had the crowd roaring, and it didn’t stop there. The band’s musicianship was flawless, with guitar solos that sliced through the air and a rhythm section that drove the energy sky-high. It wasn’t just a performance—it was a celebration of everything that makes heavy metal great.

Highlights for us at Metal on Tap included the thunderous “Any Means Necessary,” which got the crowd headbanging from start to finish, and “Last Man Standing,” which was nothing short of a sing-along anthem. The moment “Hearts on Fire” hit, the place erupted in a sea of raised fists and voices belting out every word. HammerFall didn’t just play to the audience; they became the audience, feeding off the crowd’s energy and giving it right back with interest.

It wasn’t just a show; it was an experience. HammerFall’s Sydney debut was a celebration of heavy metal in its purest form—epic, loud, and impossible to forget. If last night’s performance was any indication, it’s clear that the band’s legacy is as solid as ever and their Australian fans are ready for more.

HammerFall

Valhalore

Silent Knight

Read more about Gig Reviews, Hammerfall, Silent Knight and Valhalore here.

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