Photos By Jacob Snipe
Imminence
This week, Imminence unleashed their epic Violincore sound on Australian shores for the first time, kicking off with a sold-out show at Crowbar, Sydney—and let me tell you, it was absolutely worth the wait!
The evening began with an electrifying warm-up from Future Static, whose high-energy set perfectly primed the crowd for the spectacle ahead. Their performance set the tone for what would be a night of unforgettable music and raw emotion.
Before the band even set foot on stage, the atmosphere was electric. The room was engulfed in an eerie and dramatic instrumental prelude that built the suspense to a fever pitch. With an abrupt stop, the lights dimmed, and the crowd stood frozen, hearts racing, waiting for what was to come next.
A wave of excitement rippled through the venue as the band members slowly made their way onto the dimly lit stage. Frontman and violinist Eddie Berg greeted Sydney with a warm introduction, setting the stage for a performance that would begin with an explosive bang. The opening track, Ghost, from their 2021 album Heaven in Hiding, immediately sent the crowd into a frenzy.
As a massive fan of metalcore, I’ve seen violins and strings used in the genre before, but nothing compares to witnessing Eddie masterfully play the violin while effortlessly transitioning between melancholic singing and brutal screams! The sheer range of his vocal ability is a spectacle in itself—smooth and emotional one moment, ferocious and intense the next.
The band’s emotional depth really shone through in songs like Erase, where Eddie’s raw, heartfelt vocals perfectly complemented the violin and the band’s powerful instrumentation, creating an intimate atmosphere. Add in the close setting of Crowbar, and you could feel every note, every word, on such a personal level. It was as though Eddie was speaking directly to each individual in the crowd, sharing his vulnerability and passion in an unforgettable way.
The night took an intense turn when the band delved into more of their new material from The Black, and the energy in the room skyrocketed. Tracks like Heaven Shall Burn and Desolation showcased the band’s musical evolution and the next-level heaviness they’ve perfected. Guitarist and backing vocalist Harald Barrett elevated the brutal power of the band’s sound, his growls adding an aggressive layer of depth that perfectly complemented Eddie’s screams. Together, they formed a dynamic and hard-hitting pair that had the crowd headbanging with intensity.
Despite the sweltering heat and humidity of the Aussie summer, the energy in the room never dipped. The crowd’s enthusiasm was unwavering, singing and shouting along throughout the entire show, maintaining an electric atmosphere from start to finish.
As the show neared its end, it came to a breathtaking, emotional conclusion with the title track of The Black. Bringing the song and the show to its finale – the lights faded to darkness, the band members paused, and Eddie stood front and centre in the spotlight, playing a heart-wrenching violin solo that left the room in awe. It was the perfect, intimate moment to close the night—both powerful and moving.
The band returned to the stage, visibly grateful for the huge reception they’d received in their first show in Australia. They took a moment to pose for photos, bowing and thanking the crowd for their incredible support. The Sydney crowd showed their love, cheering and applauding the band for an unforgettable performance.
Imminence’s Sydney and Melbourne headline shows both sold out early, but don’t worry—you can still grab tickets to Good Things Festival, and trust me, you won’t want to miss it! Imminence is bound to be one of the standout acts of the festival, bringing their electrifying energy to the stage and setting the tone for an epic day filled with amazing performances and a stellar lineup.
Review By James Locke
Future Static
